"After moving to the US from Germany, Xyra began music and piano lessons at age five, and voice at eight, performing before her teens. At age 14, Xyra’s mother surprised her with an electric guitar. Xyra joined her first band, playing original music, at age 15.
True to her roots, she continued voice with Director of Music Theater, Charles Williams, at The Levine School of Music, in DC, and renowned, Mezzo-soprano, Medea Namoradze.
Never mind comparisons to Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf, Patti Smith, Siouxsie Sue, or Nico of Velvet Underground fame - Xyra’s unique vocal phrasing and melodies, intriguing lyrical content, and poignant delivery make a statement all their own..."
Xyra’s Bands 1996-2002
In 1996, they were 'Verborgen,' an acoustic trio with Xyra on dreadnought, backed by Spanish guitar and grand piano. In 1997, the trio recorded a demo that soon got the attention of a National Public Radio (NPR) announcer, receiving immediate listener response. The announcer became their manager, whereby a developing career took some unexpected turns.
Looking for a fuller, more intense sound, Xyra solicited four additional musicians - a cellist, multi-wind player, and rhythm section, also adding electric guitar to the mix. Later in '97, the 7-piece debuted in the DC area as ‘Xyra & Verborgen’ - soon thereafter, showcasing The Philadelphia Music Conference (PMC).
Between 1998 and 2000, Xyra and company released three CDs on their self-label – Riding the Dragonfly, followed by in-house performances at Tower Records. All three CDs garnered international airplay, and favorable reviews, worldwide – the last two receiving a Grammy nomination. Albeit they had hits in Eastern Europe and pockets of fans around the globe, Xyra’s muse called for yet another approach.
In 2001, a smaller, experimental offshoot of the group soon emerged. Xyra called it THE LINE, after a Nico tune also known as 'Saeta'.
Propelled by the introduction of new players, THE LINE_ integrated the esoteric, nonconformist influences that resonate in the material Xyra writes and performs, to date.
Under the canopy of ‘Goth Art Rock’, (a genre coined in 2002, on Public Radio International (PRI) by music critic, Mark Jenkins) they are now known simply as XYRA."
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