Half Egyptian, quarter Swedish singer-songwriter XSARA (pronounced Ex-sar-ruh) spent her childhood in Mississippi influenced by the Blues. Now her 7 piece band performs her cocktail of Blues, Jazz, Cabaret inspired Pop mixed with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and attitude with a dash of madness and mayhem. Her theatrical stage presence mixed with her gutty soulful voice creates a unique combination that captivates audiences. XSARA has played twice live in session on BBC Introducing, on Q radio, Shoreditch radio, her E.P featured on Cambridge 105's unsigned album of the week, multiple local radio stations and featured and praised by Emerging Icons. Her E.P 'Are You Living In A Paradox? as well as the live version release is available to buy. Her upcoming album titled 'Are There Dragons In Your Heart? is' due for release Summer 2013. "With a distinctive, gutsy voice and fresh twist on the blues
/ jazz genres, XSARA stopped us in our tracks. 100% catchy and one to
watch.’ -BBC Introducing… "Startling looks and a personality the length of the Yellow Brick
Road have been known to divert attention from an average voice - but in
Xsara's case it's the voice that somehow upstages everything else. Her
show at The Dublin Castle was the most colourful
and engaging gig I've been to this year." -Andy Westcott, Evening presenter, Q Radio "Bright, colourful, and effervescent- Xsara is a musician renowned for her dazzling live performance. With a style that incorporates blues, cabaret, jazz and pop; this is a show woman with the full package- a striking look, incredible songs and one helluva voice. Her inspiration from enigmatic performers such as Kate Bush, Tori Amos and Janis Joplin shines through- they are all strong, forthright females who refuse to compromise on their creative identity- and neither does Xsara. Having been tipped for big things by BBC Introducing, Q Magazine and most importantly- us- we highly recommend this show if you need a night with a bit of sparkle." ~Emerging Icons (Quote #1) "XSARA writes unique and inspiring music. Labelling herself as "circus pop" she goes beyond that title, producing truly engaging and innovative songs. I have played her music twice on my unsigned show on Shoreditch Radio." -Zoe Cunningham, Presenter, Shoreditch Radio "Blues-jazz-pop-ette, Xsara...extravagantly dressed with a big voice and personality to match, this lovely lady is ready to take the music industry by storm. " "Lottie & I absolutely loved XSARA's music on Cambridge 105 Breakfast, she has a unique voice and an intriguing style!" -Neil Whiteside, Presenter, Cambridge 105 "When a year begins with a date playing a set for BBC Introducing it’s probably safe to assume that things may very well be on the up. XSARA, and her specialist brand of ‘blues, jazz cabaret inspired pop’ is bound to make an impression on anyone who comes into contact with it... XSARA is a performer with an image as strong as her sound. Gathering together an orchestra of strings, piano, brass and plenty of glitter, her live performance has been described as ‘the most colourful and engaging gig I've been to this year’ by Q Radio. Her latest video for ‘The Scriptwriter’ kind of explains where such a comment may have come from… and we’re looking forward to hearing a lot more from this lady. " -Emerging Icons (Quote #2) "XSARA never failed to engage her audience with her strong stage presence, finely crafted evocative songs and jazz filled voice...'Are You Living In A Paradox?' is new, vibrant and oddly comforting, like a breath of fresh air-just what the London scene needs." "There was glitter, there was glamour, there was razzle, there was dazzle – and it all came gift wrapped in the form of the girl known as XSARA! This was showbiz at its VERY BEST. From the outset, Xsara, had the audience in the palm of her hand with a spellbinding performance – and this girl can’t half sing as well! An effortlessly audacious blend of cabaret, pop and jazz laced with brilliantly executed twists of blues from her harmonica player and band. To say she stole the show would be an understatement… Xsara was the show!" ~Ben James Dep. Manager Oxjam Islington "Xsara strode onto our stage with the majesty and grace of a major visiting dignitary. from start to finish she delivered walloping bluesy numbers ina manner that sometimes evoked the much missed Amy Winehouse. Her personality is as big as her tunes and we'd like to think she'll be playing much larger stages than ours anytime soon. " "This girl is one to watch... Singer songwriter Xsara and her band have the best lyrics..." "Xsara
certainly knows a thing or two about stage presence, quiffed in a
shocking red hairdo and festooning the stage with roses and glitter
before singing a note. It’s better than four ordinary band blokes in tea
towel shirts any day. When she does, on electric piano, also covered in
flowers, she’s backed up by twin brass section and band, and the Xsara
sound is reminiscent of the Dresden Dolls doing a New Orleans jamboree... It’s 21st century cabaret-jazz with a hint of
gothic melodrama but with a nod of respect to Amy Winehouse and her
peers.... Music useful for making out on the coffee table tp than lying on it.” -Joe Atari, Circle, 93 Feet East XSARA.. a fabulous and funky fusion of pop, blues, and cabaret sounds... The Scriptwriter' is a progressive and quirky jazz-riddled pop song that is only fully justified when enjoyed visually as well as audibly. XSARA showcases her great vocal range before brass swells and a soloing-harmonica bring the track to life, atop a grooving rhythm section. It's a real toe-tapper and one I'm sure is just as suited in a dark and dingy jazz-cellar as it would be in a bright, sassy burlesque club." "It makes a change to have a song with a lyrical intensity of poetic proportions... Musically and vocally it brings to mind Bjork... taken to its extreme by Herbie Hancock’s Rocket track...great attitude in its looseness and the intensity of the power that builds within the vocal... quirky for sure but it has character and individuality which is all too rare these days. ." "Now for something very different to almost everything that I’ve ever featured... killer combination of her out-there look and her tongue-in-cheek lyrics. it’s clear that we should definitely be paying attention to this girl...Full of simple, classy pianos, show-stopping vocals and blasts of brass topped off with the scream of the harmonica, this is a flamboyant cabaret act that you’ll find yourself falling in love with again and again." "I was blown away by her voice. At that time there were no videos, none that I could find. The quest not being helped by that ubiquitous car with the same name. But now I've found one and it is too good not to be shared. Enjoy the marvelous voice at the heart of Xsara." "Powerful voice, songwriting with attitude and great stage presence..., one lady to definitely keep an eye on. "Clearly a talented individual with just the right amount of bite" "Xsara was a bit leftfield or odd depends on your take" - Live & Unsigned Chris Grayston Copyright © Xsara Helmi 2010 no copying or distributing without consent, this includes all music, logos, designs, writing and photos. |   Supporting the Musicians Union Campaign Work Not Play for fair pay for musicians  THE BAND
Piano/Vocals & Songwriter- Xsara Helmi Drums- Ed Kontargyris Bass- Simon C Paton Trombone- Timothy Morgan
Harmonica- Greg Miller Trumpet- Anna Rawlings
Guitar- Guest
Backing
Singer Guest
Violin- Guest Cello- Guest
|