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{{Short description|American indie rock and electropop music duo}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Xavier and Ophelia
| name = Xavier and Ophelia
| image = File:Xavier_and_Ophelia.png
| image = Xavier_and_Ophelia.png
| image_size =
| image_size =
| landscape = yes
| landscape = yes
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| background = group_or_band
| alias = X&O
| alias = X&O
| origin = [[Nashville, Tennessee]]
| origin = [[Nashville, Tennessee]], U.S.
| genre = [[Synthpop]], [[electronica]], [[pop music|pop]], [[alternative rock]], [[indie rock]]
| genre = [[Synthpop]], [[electronica]], [[pop music|pop]], [[alternative rock]], [[indie rock]]
| years_active = 2009–present
| years_active = Since {{start date|2009}}
| label = Independent, Real Life Music
| label = Independent, Real Life Music
| website = {{URL|xandomusic.com}} {{Deadlink|date=April 2020}}<!--last on Wayback Machine Jan 20-->
| associated_acts = [[F. Reid Shippen]], [[Reeves Gabrels]]
⚫
| current_members = *[[Dave Tough (record producer)|Dave Tough]]
| website = {{URL|xandomusic.com}}
*DeAnna Moore
⚫
| current_members = [[Dave Tough (producer)|Dave Tough]], DeAnna Moore
| past_members =
| past_members =
}}
}}


'''Xavier and Ophelia''' is an American [[indie rock]] and [[electropop]] music duo based in [[Nashville, Tennessee]].<ref name="sgxartists"/> Formed in 2009, members include DeAnna Moore (vocals) and [[Dave Tough (producer)|Dave Tough]] (keyboards, guitar, bass). The band has released two albums including their debut ''[[Xavier & Ophelia (album)|Xavier & Ophelia]]'', which had songs win industry awards. "Falling Down," a track from their 2012 sophomore album ''I Hate Birds,'' won Grand Prize at the 2013 [[John Lennon Songwriting Contest]].<ref name="davetoughclients"/> Their songs have been placed in movies, television and commercials,<ref name="indieinternathome"/> and in 2013 their song "Heartbeat" was featured on ''[[Twisted (TV series)|Twisted]]''.<ref name="davetoughclients"/>
'''Xavier and Ophelia''' is an American [[indie rock]] and [[electropop]] music duo based in [[Nashville, Tennessee]], US.<ref name="sgxartists"/> Formed in 2009, members include DeAnna Moore (vocals) and [[Dave Tough (record producer)|Dave Tough]] (keyboards, guitar, bass). The band has released two albums including their debut ''[[Xavier & Ophelia (album)|Xavier & Ophelia]]'', which had songs win industry awards. "Falling Down," a track from their 2012 sophomore album ''I Hate Birds,'' won Grand Prize at the 2013 John Lennon Songwriting Contest.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> Their songs have been placed in movies, television and commercials,<ref name="indieinternathome"/> and in 2013 their song "Heartbeat" was featured on ''[[Twisted (TV series)|Twisted]]''.<ref name="davetoughclients"/>


According to ''Raw Ramp'', "their sounds combine easy-listening melodies with electronic pop elements...[and] the angelic voice of DeAnna Moore is always centre-stage."<ref name="rawrampme"/> Much of their music utilizes both live instruments and electronic production.<ref name="sgxartists"/> The duo often performs live with a backing band,<ref name="davetoughclients"/> with regular venues including [[The Bluebird Cafe]] in Nashville.<ref name="bluebird"/>
According to ''Raw Ramp'', "their sounds combine easy-listening melodies with electronic pop elements...[and] the angelic voice of DeAnna Moore is always centre-stage."<ref name="rawrampme"/> Much of their music utilizes both live instruments and electronic production.<ref name="sgxartists"/> The duo often performs live with a backing band,<ref name="davetoughclients"/> with regular venues including [[The Bluebird Cafe]] in Nashville.<ref name="bluebird"/>
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Before co-founding the band Xavier and Ophelia with DeAnna Moore, American producer and musician [[Dave Tough (producer)|Dave Tough]] had been writing music for television, film, and other artists for over a decade. Having studied under music engineers such as [[Bruce Swedien]] and [[Neil Citron]], he had also been a voting member of [[The Recording Academy]].<ref name="davetoughbio"/>
Before co-founding the band Xavier and Ophelia with DeAnna Moore, American producer and musician [[Dave Tough (producer)|Dave Tough]] had been writing music for television, film, and other artists for over a decade. Having studied under music engineers such as [[Bruce Swedien]] and [[Neil Citron]], he had also been a voting member of [[The Recording Academy]].<ref name="davetoughbio"/>
[[File:Dave Tough.png|thumb|right|220px|Multi-instrumentalist and band co-founder Dave Tough]]
[[File:Dave Tough.png|thumb|right|220px|Multi-instrumentalist and band co-founder Dave Tough]]
Members Tough and Moore first met in 2009 over [[Myspace]], when Tough was searching for vocalists for a demo. At the time Tough was still working as a producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist,<ref name="sgxartists"/> and just earlier that year had won his first Grand Prize at the [[John Lennon Songwriting Contest]] in the [[country music|country]] category.<ref name="davetoughbio"/> After meeting up in person, they discovered a shared fascination with older jazz standards and artists such as [[Fiona Apple]], [[Goldfrapp]] and [[Edie Brickell]].<ref name="sgxartists"/><ref name="indieinternathome"/><ref name="rawrampme"/> Stated ''Music and Musicians Magazine'', "It was a lucky break when Dave Tough found DeAnna Moore on MySpace...in Moore he found a musical chameleon keen on jazz, [[New wave music|New Wave]] and [[Kings of Leon]]."<ref name="mmusicmagmx"/>
Members Tough and Moore first met in 2009 over [[Myspace]], when Tough was searching for vocalists for a demo. At the time Tough was still working as a producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist,<ref name="sgxartists"/> and just earlier that year had won his first Grand Prize at the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the [[country music|country]] category.<ref name="davetoughbio"/> After meeting up in person, they discovered a shared fascination with older jazz standards and artists such as [[Fiona Apple]], [[Goldfrapp]] and [[Edie Brickell]].<ref name="sgxartists"/><ref name="indieinternathome"/><ref name="rawrampme"/> Stated ''Music and Musicians Magazine'', "It was a lucky break when Dave Tough found DeAnna Moore on MySpace...in Moore he found a musical chameleon keen on jazz, [[New wave music|New Wave]] and [[Kings of Leon]]."<ref name="mmusicmagmx"/>


They soon formed the musical duo Xavier & Ophelia, with the band name originating from a pair of toy dolls.<ref name="sgxartists"/> Also going by the moniker X&O, Moore contributes vocals while Tough handles production and instrumentals. Both members contribute to the songwriting process,<ref name="musicnewsngood"/> and they began writing songs that variously integrated the genres of [[synthpop]], [[electronica]], [[pop music|pop]], [[alternative rock]], and [[indie rock]].<ref name="cyberpr"/> Early on the band was based in Cane Ridge, Tennessee<ref name="cyberpr"/> and [[Antioch, Tennessee]].<ref name="jlscthirteen"/>
They soon formed the musical duo Xavier & Ophelia, with the band name originating from a pair of toy dolls.<ref name="sgxartists"/> Also going by the moniker X&O, Moore contributes vocals while Tough handles production and instrumentals. Both members contribute to the songwriting process,<ref name="musicnewsngood"/> and they began writing songs that variously integrated the genres of [[synthpop]], [[electronica]], [[pop music|pop]], [[alternative rock]], and [[indie rock]].<ref name="cyberpr"/> Early on the band was based in Cane Ridge, Tennessee<ref name="cyberpr"/> and [[Antioch, Tennessee]].<ref name="jlscthirteen"/>


===2011: ''X&O''===
===2011: ''X&O''===
{{Main article|Xavier & Ophelia (album)}}
{{Main|Xavier & Ophelia (album)}}
The duo released their first album, ''[[Xavier & Ophelia (album)|Xavier & Ophelia]]'', on April 1, 2011 on Real Life Music and Blue Pie Distribution.<ref name="indieinternathome"/> For a time the album's track "Six Billion Lonely People" was in rotation on the BBS Radio 24-hour music station,<ref name="bbsradio"/> and in 2011 the band was an SGX Radio featured artist.<ref name="sgxartists"/> At the 2011 International Songwriting Competition the band was a semi-finalist with “Six Billion Lonely People,” <ref name="davetoughclients"/> and the song was a finalist in the 2012 Songdoor Songwriting Competition as well.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> The song had been written with the assistance of John Foster,<ref name="bbsradio"/> also known for playing with the [[Beach Boys]] in the early 2000s. "Last Recorded Summer," a pop song on the album written by Moore, Tough, and Neil Barber, was nominated in the Indie International Songwriting Contest,<ref name="indieinternathome"/> and was also a finalist in the UK Songwriting Competition.<ref name="davetoughclients"/>
The duo released their first album, ''[[Xavier & Ophelia (album)|Xavier & Ophelia]]'', on April 1, 2011, on Real Life Music and Blue Pie Distribution.<ref name="indieinternathome"/> For a time the album's track "Six Billion Lonely People" was in rotation on the BBS Radio 24-hour music station,<ref name="bbsradio"/> and in 2011 the band was an SGX Radio featured artist.<ref name="sgxartists"/> At the 2011 International Songwriting Competition the band was a semi-finalist with "Six Billion Lonely People," <ref name="davetoughclients"/> and the song was a finalist in the 2012 Songdoor Songwriting Competition as well.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> The song had been written with the assistance of John Foster,<ref name="bbsradio"/> also known for playing with the [[Beach Boys]] in the early 2000s. "Last Recorded Summer," a pop song on the album written by Moore, Tough, and Neil Barber, was nominated in the Indie International Songwriting Contest,<ref name="indieinternathome"/> and was also a finalist in the UK Songwriting Competition.<ref name="davetoughclients"/>


;Critical reception
;Critical reception
{|class="toccolours" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 85%; background:offwhite; color:black; width:30em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5"
{|class="toccolours" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 85%; background:offwhite; color:black; width:30em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5"
|style="text-align: left;"|"Romance is definitely her style, and Moore’s delicate soprano is feminine-alluring to the hilt. She’s light as air a la [[Olivia Newton-John]] on 'I’m Alright,' and a little less breathy, showing her strength on the catchy dance pop 'Chateau Marmont,' bringing to mind Danish pop band [[The Asteroids Galaxy Tour]]’s [[Mette Lindberg]]. 'Last Recorded Summer' has a retro-‘60s commercial melody that suits her misty voice, and piano ballad 'Heartbeat' has all that edgy synth softened by a warm, honest performance."
|style="text-align: left;"|"Romance is definitely her style, and Moore's delicate soprano is feminine-alluring to the hilt. She's light as air a la [[Olivia Newton-John]] on 'I'm Alright,' and a little less breathy, showing her strength on the catchy dance pop 'Chateau Marmont,' bringing to mind Danish pop band [[The Asteroids Galaxy Tour]]'s [[Mette Lindberg]]. 'Last Recorded Summer' has a retro-'60s commercial melody that suits her misty voice, and piano ballad 'Heartbeat' has all that edgy synth softened by a warm, honest performance."
|-
|-
|style="text-align: left;"|— '' Music News Nashville'' (2011)<ref name="musicnewsngood"/>
|style="text-align: left;"|— '' Music News Nashville'' (2011)<ref name="musicnewsngood"/>
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The album met with a largely positive reception among critics. According to Anna Maria Stjärnell of ''Luna Kafé e-zine'', "Their debut is mellow and mostly very touching pop."<ref name="andomusicpr"/> ''Music News Nashville'' called the album an "unlikely blend of [[electronica]], classic pop melodies and delicate vocal deliveries."<ref name="musicnewsngood"/> It also praised the production, stating "[[techno]] beats, computerized sounds, live instruments and lovely, layered vocals mixed together put a unique stamp on their clean productions."<ref name="musicnewsngood"/>
The album met with a largely positive reception among critics. According to Anna Maria Stjärnell of ''Luna Kafé e-zine'', "Their debut is mellow and mostly very touching pop."<ref name="andomusicpr"/> ''Music News Nashville'' called the album an "unlikely blend of [[electronica]], classic pop melodies and delicate vocal deliveries."<ref name="musicnewsngood"/> It also praised the production, stating "[[techno]] beats, computerized sounds, live instruments and lovely, layered vocals mixed together put a unique stamp on their clean productions."<ref name="musicnewsngood"/>


Seven of the nine songs on the album are original, excluding covers of [[Kings of Leon]]'s song “[[Use Somebody]]” and [[Jackson C. Frank]]’s folk song “Milk & Honey.” About the latter, ''Music News Nashville'' stated "Moore and Tough give a haunting, cinematic feel to their version."<ref name="musicnewsngood"/>
Seven of the nine songs on the album are original, excluding covers of [[Kings of Leon]]'s song "[[Use Somebody]]" and [[Jackson C. Frank]]'s folk song "Milk & Honey." About the latter, ''Music News Nashville'' stated "Moore and Tough give a haunting, cinematic feel to their version."<ref name="musicnewsngood"/>


''Music Think Tank'' described the song "Six Billion Lonely People" as "Electronic pop with acoustic elements and classic melodies reminiscent of [[Imogen Heap]] and [[Goldfrapp]], featuring the breathy and angelic voice of DeAnna Moore."<ref name="musicthinktank"/> According to ''Luna Kafé e-zine'', the song "uses Moore's vocals well, recalling [[Edie Brickell]] at her best." About other tracks, "'Chateau Marmont' is a catchy number that recalls [[Saint-Étienne|Saint Etienne]] in its summery haze. 'Passing Train' is equally lovely, a folksy melody setting the scene for a lullaby in blue."<ref name="andomusicpr"/> Also, "[[Use Somebody]]" is "presented here as a neon-bright dance track."<ref name="mmusicmagmx"/>
''Music Think Tank'' described the song "Six Billion Lonely People" as "Electronic pop with acoustic elements and classic melodies reminiscent of [[Imogen Heap]] and [[Goldfrapp]], featuring the breathy and angelic voice of DeAnna Moore."<ref name="musicthinktank"/> According to ''Luna Kafé e-zine'', the song "uses Moore's vocals well, recalling [[Edie Brickell]] at her best." About other tracks, "'Chateau Marmont' is a catchy number that recalls [[Saint-Étienne|Saint Etienne]] in its summery haze. 'Passing Train' is equally lovely, a folksy melody setting the scene for a lullaby in blue."<ref name="andomusicpr"/> Also, "[[Use Somebody]]" is "presented here as a neon-bright dance track."<ref name="mmusicmagmx"/>
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After touring in support of their first album the band continued to write and produce new music.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> As of July 2012 Tough was finishing the tracking and overdubs on eight songs for their upcoming EP. The album was then mixed by [[Reid Shippen]], Keller Jahner, Drew Adams ([[Dave Pensado]]), Ryan States and Brent Paschke.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> John Foster and Cameron Morgan contributed to the songwriting of certain tracks, and the band has also worked with guitarist [[Reeves Gabrels]].
After touring in support of their first album the band continued to write and produce new music.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> As of July 2012 Tough was finishing the tracking and overdubs on eight songs for their upcoming EP. The album was then mixed by [[Reid Shippen]], Keller Jahner, Drew Adams ([[Dave Pensado]]), Ryan States and Brent Paschke.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> John Foster and Cameron Morgan contributed to the songwriting of certain tracks, and the band has also worked with guitarist [[Reeves Gabrels]].


Their sophomore album, ''I Hate Birds'', was self-released on December 18, 2012.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> Several songs from the album went on to win or be nominated for awards. "Falling Down," co-written by Moore, Tough, and John Foster, won the Grand Prize at the [[John Lennon Songwriting Contest]]<ref name="davetoughclients"/> in the electronic category.<ref name="jlscthirteen"/> Two more songs placed in the Indie International Songwriting Contest in spring 2013; "I Hate Birds," co-written with Sarah Majors, won second in the rock category, while "Made of Stars," co-written with A. Krause, came in second in the pop category.<ref name="davetoughclients"/>
Their sophomore album, ''I Hate Birds'', was self-released on December 18, 2012.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> Several songs from the album went on to win or be nominated for awards. "Falling Down," co-written by Moore, Tough, and John Foster, won the Grand Prize at the John Lennon Songwriting Contest<ref name="davetoughclients"/> in the electronic category.<ref name="jlscthirteen"/> Two more songs placed in the Indie International Songwriting Contest in spring 2013; "I Hate Birds," co-written with Sarah Majors, won second in the rock category, while "Made of Stars," co-written with A. Krause, came in second in the pop category.<ref name="davetoughclients"/>


About the track "I Need Money" from ''I Hate Birds,'' ''Raw Ramp'' stated "Along with chippa acoustic strums and plucks, and a chirping rhythm that rattles along briskly, Deanna’s voice – rich in cocoa butter oil – oozes from the cracks to melt into the fabric of the song." About the style, the review further stated, "The tune seems cheerful and full of hope … ironically it’s all about a relationship going sour and the clinging, carping attitude that occurs before an inevitable closure."<ref name="rawrampme"/>
About the track "I Need Money" from ''I Hate Birds,'' ''Raw Ramp'' stated "Along with chippa acoustic strums and plucks, and a chirping rhythm that rattles along briskly, Deanna's voice – rich in cocoa butter oil – oozes from the cracks to melt into the fabric of the song." About the musical style, the review further stated, "The tune seems cheerful and full of hope ... ironically it's all about a relationship going sour and the clinging, carping attitude that occurs before an inevitable closure."<ref name="rawrampme"/>


===2013-14: Recent years===
===2013-14===


{{ external media
{{ external media
| align =right
| float = right
| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS9rYnCDx64&index=10&list=UUs5UMN66fgOzchwop5Fe-7g "Stop the Traffic" Music Video (Nov '12)]
| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS9rYnCDx64&index=10&list=UUs5UMN66fgOzchwop5Fe-7g "Stop the Traffic" Music Video (Nov '12)]
| video2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLb2DzuHGwk&list=UUs5UMN66fgOzchwop5Fe-7g "I Need Money" Music Video (May '13)]
| video2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLb2DzuHGwk&list=UUs5UMN66fgOzchwop5Fe-7g "I Need Money" Music Video (May '13)]
}}
}}
The band's music has been placed in movies, television and commercials.<ref name="indieinternathome"/> "Passing Train" was featured in multiple episodes of ''Alaska Gold Diggers,'' and in late 2013 their song "Heartbeat" was featured on the television show ''[[Twisted (TV series)|Twisted]]''.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> The band has also released several official music videos. A video for their song "Stop The Traffic" was released in spring 2014, and according to a review, "The clip features...stunning imagery in a nighttime setting in a busy metropolitan setting."<ref name="musicboxpetestop"/> The music video for “Six Billion Lonely People," performed by the band, came out in July 2014.<ref name="guitarsform"/>
The band's music has been placed in movies, television and commercials.<ref name="indieinternathome"/> "Passing Train" was featured in multiple episodes of ''Alaska Gold Diggers,'' and in late 2013 their song "Heartbeat" was featured on the television show ''[[Twisted (TV series)|Twisted]]''.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> The band has also released several official music videos. A video for their song "Stop The Traffic" was released in spring 2014, and according to a review, "The clip features...stunning imagery in a busy metropolitan nighttime setting."<ref name="musicboxpetestop"/> The music video for "Six Billion Lonely People," performed by the band, came out in July 2014.<ref name="guitarsform"/>


As of May 2014 the band is based in [[Nashville, Tennessee]],<ref name="rawrampme"/> where they continue to work on new music in their Nashville studio.<ref name="indieinternathome"/> Tough simultaneously is a music industry educator at [[Belmont University]], and continues to produce/write other projects as well.<ref name="davetoughbio"/> For example, in 2012-2013 he wrote and produced nine songs for the television show ''[[Hart of Dixie]]''.<ref name="davetoughbio"/> Xavier and Ophelia band periodically performs live as a duo or with a backing band, with Tough switching between instruments such as guitar and keyboards.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> They regularly perform at [[The Bluebird Cafe]] in Nashville.<ref name="bluebird"/>
As of May 2014 the band was based in [[Nashville, Tennessee]].<ref name="rawrampme"/> Tough was a music industry educator at [[Belmont University]] and continued to produce/write other projects.<ref name="davetoughbio"/> For example, in 2012-2013 he wrote and produced nine songs for the television show ''[[Hart of Dixie]]''.<ref name="davetoughbio"/> Xavier and Ophelia band periodically performed live as a duo or with a backing band, with Tough switching between instruments such as guitar and keyboards.<ref name="davetoughclients"/> They regularly performed at [[The Bluebird Cafe]] in Nashville.<ref name="bluebird"/>

Their Web site was offline from April 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://xandomusic.com/|title=This website is offline!|website=xandomusic.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420043329/http://xandomusic.com/ |archive-date=2020-04-20 }}</ref>


==Style==
==Style==
{{ external media
{{ external media
| align =right
| float = right
| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=a5iFYU9mL84 Xavier & Ophelia - Acoustic Performance on Music City Streaming (January 2013)]
| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5iFYU9mL84 Xavier & Ophelia - Acoustic Performance on Music City Streaming (January 2013)]
| video2 =
| video2 =
}}
}}
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==Members==
==Members==
*[[Dave Tough (producer)|Dave Tough]] – [[guitar]]s, [[bass guitar]], [[percussion]], various instruments
*[[Dave Tough (record producer)|Dave Tough]] – [[guitar]]s, [[bass guitar]], [[percussion]], various instruments
*DeAnna Moore – [[lead vocals]]
*DeAnna Moore – [[lead vocals]]


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|rowspan="4"|2011
|rowspan="4"|2011
!scope="row"|"Six Billion Lonely People"
!scope="row"|"Six Billion Lonely People"
|rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| ''[[Xavier & Ophelia (album)|X&O]] || Music video, finalist: Int. Songwriting Competition
|rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| ''[[Xavier & Ophelia (album)|X&O]]'' || Music video, finalist: Int. Songwriting Competition
|-
|-
|-
|-
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|rowspan="4"|2012
|rowspan="4"|2012
!scope="row"|"Made of Stars"
!scope="row"|"Made of Stars"
|rowspan="4"| ''I Hate Birds || 2nd: Indie Int. Songwriting Contest
|rowspan="4"| ''I Hate Birds'' || 2nd: Indie Int. Songwriting Contest
|-
|-
!scope="row"|"I Hate Birds"
!scope="row"|"I Hate Birds"
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|-
|-
!scope="row"|"Falling Down"
!scope="row"|"Falling Down"
| Won: [[John Lennon Songwriting Contest]]
| Won: John Lennon Songwriting Contest
|-
|-
!scope="row"|"Stop the Traffic"
!scope="row"|"Stop the Traffic"
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|rowspan="3"|2011
|rowspan="3"|2011
|rowspan="1"|UK Songwriting Competition
|rowspan="1"|UK Songwriting Competition
|rowspan="2"| "Last Recorded<br>Summer"
|rowspan="2"| "Last Recorded<br />Summer"
|Best Song
|Best Song
|{{Nominated|Finalist}}
|{{Nominated|Finalist}}
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|rowspan="1"|[[2003 International Songwriting Competition|International Songwriting Competition]]
|rowspan="1"|[[2003 International Songwriting Competition|International Songwriting Competition]]
|rowspan="2"| "Six Billion<br>Lonely People"
|rowspan="2"| "Six Billion<br />Lonely People"
|Best Song
|Best Song
|{{Nominated|Semi-finalist}}
|{{Nominated|Semi-finalist}}
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|rowspan="3"|2013
|rowspan="3"|2013
|rowspan="1"|[[The John Lennon Songwriting Contest]]
|rowspan="1"|The John Lennon Songwriting Contest
| "Falling Down"
| "Falling Down"
| Best Electronica Song
| Best Electronica Song
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== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|2| refs =
{{Reflist|2| refs =


<!--
<!--
<ref name="">{{cite news
<ref name="">{{cite news
| title =
| access-date = 2014-07-06
| first =
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| url =
| newspaper =
| publisher =
| date =
| accessdate = 2014-07-06
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{|class="toccolours" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 85%; background:offwhite; color:black; width:20em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5"
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| newspaper = [[The Tennessean]]
| newspaper = [[The Tennessean]]
| date = February 23, 2014
| date = February 23, 2014
| accessdate = 2014-07-06
| access-date = 2014-07-06
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


<ref name="bbsradio">{{cite news
<ref name="bbsradio">{{cite news
|title=Xavier and Ophelia
|title=Xavier and Ophelia
|url=http://www.bbsradio.com/content/xavier-and-ophelia
|url=http://www.bbsradio.com/content/xavier-and-ophelia
|publisher=BBS Radio
|publisher=BBS Radio
|date=
|access-date=2014-07-08
|url-status=dead
|accessdate=2014-07-08
⚫
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714165348/http://www.bbsradio.com/content/xavier-and-ophelia
|deadurl=yes
⚫
|archive-date=July 14, 2014
⚫
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714165348/http://www.bbsradio.com/content/xavier-and-ophelia
⚫
|archivedate=July 14, 2014
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| url = http://xandomusic.com/press/
| url = http://xandomusic.com/press/
| publisher = XandOMusic.com
| publisher = XandOMusic.com
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
| access-date = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| url = http://www.indieinternational.com/profile.php?id=5897
| url = http://www.indieinternational.com/profile.php?id=5897
| publisher = Indie International Songwriting Contest
| publisher = Indie International Songwriting Contest
| date =
| access-date = 2014-07-08
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| url = http://cyberpr.biz/clients/2972
| url = http://cyberpr.biz/clients/2972
| publisher = CyberPR.com
| publisher = CyberPR.com
| date =
| access-date = 2014-07-08
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| url = http://davetough.com/news.php
| url = http://davetough.com/news.php
| publisher = Dave Tough Productions
| publisher = Dave Tough Productions
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
| access-date = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| url = http://davetough.com/bio.php
| url = http://davetough.com/bio.php
| publisher = Dave Tough Productions
| publisher = Dave Tough Productions
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
| access-date = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| publisher = SGX Radio
| publisher = SGX Radio
| date = August 14, 2011
| date = August 14, 2011
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
| access-date = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


<ref name="musicthinktank">{{cite news
<ref name="musicthinktank">{{cite news
| title = Six Billion Lonely People by Xavier & Ophelia
| title = Six Billion Lonely People by Xavier & Ophelia
| url = http://www.musicthinktank.com/mtt-radio/2011/8/19/six-billion-lonely-people-by-xavier-ophelia.html
| url = http://www.musicthinktank.com/mtt-radio/2011/8/19/six-billion-lonely-people-by-xavier-ophelia.html
| date = August 19, 2011
| date = August 19, 2011
| publisher = Music Think Tank
| publisher = Music Think Tank
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
| access-date = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


<ref name="mmusicmagmx">{{cite news
<ref name="mmusicmagmx">{{cite news
| title = Xavier & Ophelia
| title = Xavier & Ophelia
| url = http://mmusicmag.com/m/2011/10/xavier-ophelia/
| url = http://mmusicmag.com/m/2011/10/xavier-ophelia/
| newspaper = Music and Musicians Magazine
| newspaper = Music and Musicians Magazine
| date = October 2011
| date = October 2011
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
| access-date = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| last = Goodman
| last = Goodman
| url = http://www.musicnewsnashville.com/xavier-ophelia-%E2%80%93-x-o/
| url = http://www.musicnewsnashville.com/xavier-ophelia-%E2%80%93-x-o/
| newspaper = Music News Nashville
| newspaper = Music News Nashville
| date = October 24, 2011
| date = October 24, 2011
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
| access-date = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| title = 2013 Winners
| title = 2013 Winners
| url = http://jlsc.com/winners/2013b/lennon_awards.php
| url = http://jlsc.com/winners/2013b/lennon_awards.php
| publisher = [[The John Lennon Songwriting Contest]]
| publisher = The John Lennon Songwriting Contest
| date = 2013
| date = 2013
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
| access-date = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| publisher = MusicBoxPete
| publisher = MusicBoxPete
| date = April 2, 2014
| date = April 2, 2014
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
| access-date = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| newspaper = Raw Ramp
| newspaper = Raw Ramp
| date = May 3, 2014
| date = May 3, 2014
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
| access-date = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| title = MusicMafia presents Xavier and Ophelia
| title = MusicMafia presents Xavier and Ophelia
| url = http://musicmafiauk.blogspot.com/2014/06/musicmafia-presents-xavier-and-ophelia.html
| url = http://musicmafiauk.blogspot.com/2014/06/musicmafia-presents-xavier-and-ophelia.html
| publisher = MusicMafia
| publisher = MusicMafia
| date = June 2014
| date = June 2014
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
| access-date = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


<ref name="guitarsform">{{cite news
<ref name="guitarsform">{{cite news
| title = Six Billion Lonely People – Xavier & Ophelia
| title = Six Billion Lonely People – Xavier & Ophelia
| url = http://guitarsformusicians.com/six-billion-lonely-people-xavier-ophelia/
| url = http://guitarsformusicians.com/six-billion-lonely-people-xavier-ophelia/
| publisher = Guitars For Musicians
| publisher = Guitars For Musicians
| date = July 2, 2014
| date = July 2, 2014
| accessdate = 2014-07-08
| access-date = 2014-07-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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==External links==
==External links==
⚫
{{Commons category|Xavier and Ophelia}}
*[http://www.xandomusic.com/ XandOMusic.com]
*[http://www.xandomusic.com/ XandOMusic.com]


{{Authority control}}

⚫
{{DEFAULTSORT:Xavier and Ophelia}}
[[Category:2009 establishments in Tennessee]]
[[Category:2009 establishments in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Alternative rock groups from Tennessee]]
[[Category:Alternative rock groups from Tennessee]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Nashville, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Nashville, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2009]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2009]]
[[Category:Musical duos from Tennessee]]
[[Category:American electronic music duos]]
[[Category:American rock music duos]]
[[Category:Male–female musical duos]]

Latest revision as of 11:37, 20 January 2024

Xavier and Ophelia
Background information
Also known asX&O
OriginNashville, Tennessee, U.S.
GenresSynthpop, electronica, pop, alternative rock, indie rock
Years activeSince 2009 (2009)
LabelsIndependent, Real Life Music
Members
Websitexandomusic.com [dead link]

Xavier and Ophelia is an American indie rock and electropop music duo based in Nashville, Tennessee, US.[1] Formed in 2009, members include DeAnna Moore (vocals) and Dave Tough (keyboards, guitar, bass). The band has released two albums including their debut Xavier & Ophelia, which had songs win industry awards. "Falling Down," a track from their 2012 sophomore album I Hate Birds, won Grand Prize at the 2013 John Lennon Songwriting Contest.[2] Their songs have been placed in movies, television and commercials,[3] and in 2013 their song "Heartbeat" was featured on Twisted.[2]

According to Raw Ramp, "their sounds combine easy-listening melodies with electronic pop elements...[and] the angelic voice of DeAnna Moore is always centre-stage."[4] Much of their music utilizes both live instruments and electronic production.[1] The duo often performs live with a backing band,[2] with regular venues including The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.[5]

History

[edit]

2009-10: Founding

[edit]

Before co-founding the band Xavier and Ophelia with DeAnna Moore, American producer and musician Dave Tough had been writing music for television, film, and other artists for over a decade. Having studied under music engineers such as Bruce Swedien and Neil Citron, he had also been a voting member of The Recording Academy.[6]

Multi-instrumentalist and band co-founder Dave Tough

Members Tough and Moore first met in 2009 over Myspace, when Tough was searching for vocalists for a demo. At the time Tough was still working as a producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist,[1] and just earlier that year had won his first Grand Prize at the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the country category.[6] After meeting up in person, they discovered a shared fascination with older jazz standards and artists such as Fiona Apple, Goldfrapp and Edie Brickell.[1][3][4] Stated Music and Musicians Magazine, "It was a lucky break when Dave Tough found DeAnna Moore on MySpace...in Moore he found a musical chameleon keen on jazz, New Wave and Kings of Leon."[7]

They soon formed the musical duo Xavier & Ophelia, with the band name originating from a pair of toy dolls.[1] Also going by the moniker X&O, Moore contributes vocals while Tough handles production and instrumentals. Both members contribute to the songwriting process,[8] and they began writing songs that variously integrated the genres of synthpop, electronica, pop, alternative rock, and indie rock.[9] Early on the band was based in Cane Ridge, Tennessee[9] and Antioch, Tennessee.[10]

2011: X&O

[edit]
Main article: Xavier & Ophelia (album)

The duo released their first album, Xavier & Ophelia, on April 1, 2011, on Real Life Music and Blue Pie Distribution.[3] For a time the album's track "Six Billion Lonely People" was in rotation on the BBS Radio 24-hour music station,[11] and in 2011 the band was an SGX Radio featured artist.[1] At the 2011 International Songwriting Competition the band was a semi-finalist with "Six Billion Lonely People," [2] and the song was a finalist in the 2012 Songdoor Songwriting Competition as well.[2] The song had been written with the assistance of John Foster,[11] also known for playing with the Beach Boys in the early 2000s. "Last Recorded Summer," a pop song on the album written by Moore, Tough, and Neil Barber, was nominated in the Indie International Songwriting Contest,[3] and was also a finalist in the UK Songwriting Competition.[2]

Critical reception
"Romance is definitely her style, and Moore's delicate soprano is feminine-alluring to the hilt. She's light as air a la Olivia Newton-John on 'I'm Alright,' and a little less breathy, showing her strength on the catchy dance pop 'Chateau Marmont,' bringing to mind Danish pop band The Asteroids Galaxy Tour's Mette Lindberg. 'Last Recorded Summer' has a retro-'60s commercial melody that suits her misty voice, and piano ballad 'Heartbeat' has all that edgy synth softened by a warm, honest performance."
— Music News Nashville (2011)[8]

The album met with a largely positive reception among critics. According to Anna Maria Stjärnell of Luna Kafé e-zine, "Their debut is mellow and mostly very touching pop."[12] Music News Nashville called the album an "unlikely blend of electronica, classic pop melodies and delicate vocal deliveries."[8] It also praised the production, stating "techno beats, computerized sounds, live instruments and lovely, layered vocals mixed together put a unique stamp on their clean productions."[8]

Seven of the nine songs on the album are original, excluding covers of Kings of Leon's song "Use Somebody" and Jackson C. Frank's folk song "Milk & Honey." About the latter, Music News Nashville stated "Moore and Tough give a haunting, cinematic feel to their version."[8]

Music Think Tank described the song "Six Billion Lonely People" as "Electronic pop with acoustic elements and classic melodies reminiscent of Imogen Heap and Goldfrapp, featuring the breathy and angelic voice of DeAnna Moore."[13] According to Luna Kafé e-zine, the song "uses Moore's vocals well, recalling Edie Brickell at her best." About other tracks, "'Chateau Marmont' is a catchy number that recalls Saint Etienne in its summery haze. 'Passing Train' is equally lovely, a folksy melody setting the scene for a lullaby in blue."[12] Also, "Use Somebody" is "presented here as a neon-bright dance track."[7]

2012: I Hate Birds

[edit]

After touring in support of their first album the band continued to write and produce new music.[2] As of July 2012 Tough was finishing the tracking and overdubs on eight songs for their upcoming EP. The album was then mixed by Reid Shippen, Keller Jahner, Drew Adams (Dave Pensado), Ryan States and Brent Paschke.[2] John Foster and Cameron Morgan contributed to the songwriting of certain tracks, and the band has also worked with guitarist Reeves Gabrels.

Their sophomore album, I Hate Birds, was self-released on December 18, 2012.[2] Several songs from the album went on to win or be nominated for awards. "Falling Down," co-written by Moore, Tough, and John Foster, won the Grand Prize at the John Lennon Songwriting Contest[2] in the electronic category.[10] Two more songs placed in the Indie International Songwriting Contest in spring 2013; "I Hate Birds," co-written with Sarah Majors, won second in the rock category, while "Made of Stars," co-written with A. Krause, came in second in the pop category.[2]

About the track "I Need Money" from I Hate Birds, Raw Ramp stated "Along with chippa acoustic strums and plucks, and a chirping rhythm that rattles along briskly, Deanna's voice – rich in cocoa butter oil – oozes from the cracks to melt into the fabric of the song." About the musical style, the review further stated, "The tune seems cheerful and full of hope ... ironically it's all about a relationship going sour and the clinging, carping attitude that occurs before an inevitable closure."[4]

2013-14

[edit]
External videos
video icon "Stop the Traffic" Music Video (Nov '12)
video icon "I Need Money" Music Video (May '13)

The band's music has been placed in movies, television and commercials.[3] "Passing Train" was featured in multiple episodes of Alaska Gold Diggers, and in late 2013 their song "Heartbeat" was featured on the television show Twisted.[2] The band has also released several official music videos. A video for their song "Stop The Traffic" was released in spring 2014, and according to a review, "The clip features...stunning imagery in a busy metropolitan nighttime setting."[14] The music video for "Six Billion Lonely People," performed by the band, came out in July 2014.[15]

As of May 2014 the band was based in Nashville, Tennessee.[4] Tough was a music industry educator at Belmont University and continued to produce/write other projects.[6] For example, in 2012-2013 he wrote and produced nine songs for the television show Hart of Dixie.[6] Xavier and Ophelia band periodically performed live as a duo or with a backing band, with Tough switching between instruments such as guitar and keyboards.[2] They regularly performed at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.[5]

Their Web site was offline from April 2020.[16]

Style

[edit]
External videos
video icon Xavier & Ophelia - Acoustic Performance on Music City Streaming (January 2013)

Xavier and Ophelia is often categorized as an indie rock and electropop band,[17] and much of their music mixes live instruments such as acoustic guitar and drums with electronic production.[1] According to Raw Ramp, "their sounds combine easy-listening melodies with electronic pop elements...[and] the angelic voice of DeAnna Moore is always centre-stage."[4] The band has cited artists such as Goldfrapp as musical influences.[7]

Members

[edit]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Albums by Xavier and Ophelia
Year Album title Release details
2011 Xavier & Ophelia
  • Released: Apr 1, 2011
  • Label: Real Life Music, Blue Pie
  • Format: CD, digital
2012 I Hate Birds
  • Released: Dec 18, 2012
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD, digital

Singles

[edit]
Incomplete list of songs by Xavier and Ophelia
Year Title Album Certifications
2011 "Six Billion Lonely People" X&O Music video, finalist: Int. Songwriting Competition
"Last Recorded Summer" Finalist: UK Songwriting Competition
"I'm Alright" Music video
"Passing Train" Music video
2012 "Made of Stars" I Hate Birds 2nd: Indie Int. Songwriting Contest
"I Hate Birds" 2nd: Indie Int. Songwriting Contest
"Falling Down" Won: John Lennon Songwriting Contest
"Stop the Traffic" Music video

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Nominated work Category Result
2011 UK Songwriting Competition "Last Recorded
Summer" 		Best Song Finalist
Indie International Songwriting Contest Best Song Finalist
International Songwriting Competition "Six Billion
Lonely People" 		Best Song Semi-finalist
2012 Songdoor Songwriting Competition Best Song Finalist
2013 The John Lennon Songwriting Contest "Falling Down" Best Electronica Song Won
Indie International Songwriting Contest "I Hate Birds" BestRock Song 2nd
"Made of Stars" Best Pop Song 2nd

Further reading

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g "SGX Artists: Xavier & Ophelia". SGX Radio. August 14, 2011. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "News & Clients". Dave Tough Productions. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Xavier & Ophelia". Indie International Songwriting Contest. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  4. ^ a b c d e Mach, Neil (May 3, 2014). "Xavier and Ophelia Hate Birds". Raw Ramp. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  5. ^ a b "Sunday Spotlight with Xavier & Ophelia". The Tennessean. February 23, 2014. Retrieved 2014-07-06.
  6. ^ a b c d "Bio". Dave Tough Productions. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  7. ^ a b c "Xavier & Ophelia". Music and Musicians Magazine. October 2011. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  8. ^ a b c d e Goodman, Janet (October 24, 2011). "Xavier & Ophelia – X & O". Music News Nashville. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  9. ^ a b "Xavier & Ophelia". CyberPR.com. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  10. ^ a b "2013 Winners". The John Lennon Songwriting Contest. 2013. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  11. ^ a b "Xavier and Ophelia". BBS Radio. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  12. ^ a b "Press and Reviews". XandOMusic.com. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  13. ^ "Six Billion Lonely People by Xavier & Ophelia". Music Think Tank. August 19, 2011. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  14. ^ "Xavier & Ophelia Music Video for "Stop The Traffic"". MusicBoxPete. April 2, 2014. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  15. ^ "Six Billion Lonely People – Xavier & Ophelia". Guitars For Musicians. July 2, 2014. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  16. ^ "This website is offline!". xandomusic.com. Archived from the original on 2020-04-20.
  17. ^ "MusicMafia presents Xavier and Ophelia". MusicMafia. June 2014. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
[edit]
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