"I don't know what song we'll write tomorrow. If we like it, we'll release it, even if it's avant-garde glitchcore." - XOXO

On the underground hardcore scene, there are bands trying to fit into trends. And then there's XOXO — a group of musicians driven more by intuition, friendship, and spontaneous energy than by a calculated image.

The story of the band started naturally. Guitarist Dave moved in with drummer Gilles, and after playing together in another project, both of them felt a strong musical chemistry between them. Dave had a seven-string guitar lying around unused, so the idea of starting a new band simply made sense. Gilles knew vocalist Rami from her time in Lifecrusher, while Dave already knew bassist Nicole as a fan of her band Junkyard Jazz. Later on, Cedric joined the group, and what began as a random idea slowly grew into something much bigger.

What makes XOXO stand out today is their complete authenticity. They are not trying to sound like current trends or imitate whatever happens to be popular on the scene. Dave openly admits that in the past he made the same mistake many young musicians make — creating music based on what seemed "cool" at the time. Eventually, he realized that the most important thing is making music that genuinely feels honest.

That's exactly why their sound never feels limited to one direction. The band says they are still discovering their own identity and never really know where new songs will take them. One day they can write an aggressive hardcore track, the next a melancholic experimental song, and the day after maybe even an avant-garde glitchcore piece. The only rule is simple — it has to feel right to them.

One of XOXO's greatest strengths is the relationship between the members. They are not just bandmates — they are best friends. Gilles and Dave have known each other since childhood, playing football together at the age of seven. Years later, when they met again, it felt as if no time had passed at all. They describe Nicole as someone who never creates conflict, while Cedric fit perfectly into the band both musically and personally.

That closeness helps them survive the less glamorous side of being in a touring band. Endless drives, very little sleep, and nights spent sleeping on venue floors are simply part of their everyday reality. Even so, they say the most surprising thing about the underground scene has been how supportive people are toward one another. There was always someone offering a place to stay, food, or help simply because they shared the same passion for music.

One of the most important moments for Dave was rehearsing the song "No Revolution Without Blood" and hearing all the harmonies come together live for the first time. That was the moment the band finally felt complete to him. Another unforgettable experience came when he first heard Rami's deep growls, which completely shocked him with their intensity.

Although the band is currently working on new songs and preparing an album, live shows remain their natural environment. On stage, they want people to see them exactly as they describe themselves — wild, energetic, cute, and violent all at once.

Their ambitions are big as well. Dave dreams of one day playing at Kulturfabrik KOfmehl, the venue where he worked for years while watching many of his favorite bands from the crowd. And of course, one of their biggest goals remains the legendary Hellfest.

XOXO prove that hardcore music still doesn't have to be about image or trying to fit in. Sometimes all it takes is a group of close friends, shared energy, and the courage to create music exactly the way they feel it.