Photo Credit: Travis Shinn
Genre-bending Gen Z artist TheHxliday returns with his wildly catchy new single “Doses.” Revealing a whole new side of the ever-evolving singer/rapper/songwriter, “Doses” arrives as a blissed-out piece of emotionally raw pop.
Produced by Nova Gholar, SR, and SBJR, “Doses” is the latest track to spotlight TheHxliday’s unbridled creativity and refusal to stay in one lane. With its whistled melodies, guitar-driven beat, and sing-along-ready hook, the summery yet soulful song finds the 19-year-old artist laying down a tender vocal performance as he serenades the one who’s captured his heart.
As “Doses” unfolds, TheHxliday once again proves he’s completely unafraid of putting his feelings on the line, slipping into a darker mood at the track’s confessional bridge (sample lyric: “Swear it’s the hurt that I love”).
“Doses” marks the first new music from TheHxliday since his recent EP The Most Beautiful Disaster. Released in May, the two-part project showcases his more vulnerable side on Beautiful (the EP’s first part), while Disaster includes harder-hitting tracks like “Wit Dat (feat. Polo G)” accompanied by a high-octane video. Also featuring standouts like “Salsa” (a dance-ready bop, blending trap and pop with a Latin twist), The Most Beautiful Disaster earned praise from the likes of HotNewHipHop, who dubbed him a “sensational new artist” and noted that the EP “illustrates his impressive versatility.”
What’s your story as an artist? How did you become one?
When I first started I was in music class. This was in middle school. The first song I ever recorded was “Glory” by John Legend. It was an audition for my chorus class. I went home that night and made the song as a cover. After that I learned how to really record and drop music. Ever since then I fell in love with recording in general. My mom was also an artist, so I was really inspired by that in general. I was really inspired by Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, and The Weeknd. I love making music in general and have always wanted to be a part of it.
What inspired “Doses”?
Positivity. I wanted to come back with a whole new image. Something fresh that was the opposite of what I’d previously been talking about. I wanted to talk about accepting love instead of pushing it away.
What are some sources of inspiration for your music?
Definitely my mom. Lil Uzi Vert and Justin Beiber are big ones. Same with The Weeknd and Swae Lee. Those are a lot of people I looked up to at first. My Chemical Romance and Linkin Park as well.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing “Doses”?
I spent more time writing this than usual. I wanted to make sure everything sounded super perfect and put together. I had a ton of fun in the studio making it. We were up pretty late in the studio and got really tired. I knew the song sounded great, so I had to make sure I put everything into it. Me and my boy Bobby shared a lot of laughs while I was making this. He kept me positive throughout this entire song. Usually, I’m talking about my feelings in my music, so a lot of the time I’m feeling what I’m saying. There was straight positivity throughout the session.
Do you have a music video coming for “Doses”?
I do. It’s gonna’ be one of the craziest music videos ever. Get ready to come to “Luvverville High.”
What’s a record from another artist that helped shaped your creativity?
“The Hills” from The Weeknd; that song made me love bass in music. Additionally, Linkin Park’s alternative sound really shaped my creativity. Their songs in the Transformers movies have really stuck with me. Paramore too. Their song “Monster” is so beautiful. Also, a lot of Bruno Mars songs as well. I tried to do choir for church and I sang “When I Was Your Man.”
Any future projects coming down the line?
Yup! “Luvverville” will be an album with positive vibes in which a diverse set of people can soak it up and appreciate it. It’ll be way more reachable to people worldwide due to it being the best quality music I’ve ever made.
Why do you think your music changed directions a bit?
A lot of stuff I have put out is relatable in a darker sense. I know a lot of people go through issues with pain, love, drug usage, etc., but I didn’t want people to get the idea that I’m a walking ball of negativity. I don’t want to be stuck in a sad feeling with my music. I spend a lot of time feeling happy and making jokes and having fun. Teenagers in general can be more bipolar when it comes to their feelings and expressing their feelings. Especially in this age in which we have access to the internet. I wanted to show the side of myself as someone who’s about to turn 20 and experiencing a multitude of different emotions.
What is your view on mixing genres since you mix a lot of them in your music?
I love doing it. It makes it hard to choose songs to put out when it comes down to picking. Other than that, it gives me a ton of options and a wide range of songs to give to the fans. I love testing new genres all the time. I want to tap into rock and reggae a bit more. Once I do, it’ll be super fire. Especially alternative rock. You’ll hear alternative rock vibes for sure. I promise you I’ll be one of the best people to put out a rock album in the new age.
What does music and art mean to you?
Beauty. I love the thought of it, honestly. It’s the mind frame that allows me to be creative. It’s generally my passion. I love being able to make songs everyday. Music in general, it’s like a journal for me. I can write down how I’m feeling everyday. Even now, I just record all the time, even when I’m just at home telling myself I’ll take a break. I really love doing it. It’s my favorite thing in the world.
How would you describe your artistry in one word?
Simply complex. I love being different in all my songs but also keeping it simple for people to remember in which they can vibe along to it.
Anything else you want to say?
I’m working with a lot of fire people on this album. I want Travis Barker on it and am working with “D.A. Got That Dope” for Luvverville to be legendary and even better than people can imagine.
