Toronto’s XL Syndicate Drops New Single “Lights Go Down”: A Fusion of Caribbean Vibes and Revamped House Music
XL Syndicate out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada is a collective whose sound was influenced by multiple genres including Soca, Reggae, and R&B — consistent with the group’s Caribbean upbringing. “Caribbean vibes run deep in our veins,” they write on their Instagram page, which is generating quite a following. Their latest track and music video, “Lights Go Down,” is a fitting ode to the prime days of house music and warehouse parties that continued all night until the sun came up. The collective has retooled that classic sound for our current era.
This is a song that could be played in the rocking clubs of Toronto, Miami, Vegas, and Ibiza. However, XL Syndicate says that the genesis of the song was much more intimate and revolves around the universal theme of seeking refuge in music and dance.
“Move/Till the lights down/Move/Get lost in the crowd/Move/You can’t make a sound,” begins the addictive hook, which includes vocals from RAENE out of London.
XL Syndicate themselves have an intense love of dance and wanted to bring that same spirit to dance floors around the world.
“Recording ‘Lights Go Down’ was a celebration of music’s ability to spark joy and unbridled enthusiasm. We channeled our creative energy into infusing the track with an irresistible groove, utilizing a mix of instruments that amplify the song’s dance-inducing qualities,” XL Syndicate said.
Ultimately, the group put together “Lights Go Down” so that others could experience a similar release. It’s the perfect song to round out a long summer of raging.
Watch the video for “Lights Go Down” below and learn more about XL Syndicate via our mini-interview
Care to introduce yourself?
We are the group known as XL Syndicate hailing from Toronto, Canada. We love collaborating with upcoming talent and mixing different genres of music to bring new elements to our releases.
Tell us about the process of writing and recording “Lights Go Down.”
When it came to writing and recording “Lights Go Down,” we aimed to craft a track that’d make people dance and let loose. We fused the best of house music with modern elements, focusing on energy and impactful yer catchy songwriting.
What’s it like being a musician in Toronto?
Toronto’s music scene is incredible. The city’s diversity is a well of inspiration and collaboration. It’s fantastic to witness Canadian artists achieving global recognition, setting the bar high for the entire community, and opening doors for the next generation.
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
One Canadian artist who initially wowed us was K-os with his unique style and global reach. More Recently, Kaytranada’s work combining EDM and R&B in a modern way has been exceptional.
You’ve been making music for a while now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
For those just starting their musical journey, our advice is to stay true to your sound and continually push boundaries. Never stop experimenting and evolving your craft. It’s a key to staying fresh and relevant in the industry.