XNY
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XNY

New York City, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | SELF

New York City, New York, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2012
Band Alternative Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"XNY on MTV"

Up until today, I didn’t think it was possible to full-on rawk out with an acoustic guitar. Sure, I thought you could “politely strum” an acoustic guitar, or play a really intense MTV “Unplugged” show with an acoustic guitar. But to let all vocal hell break loose while headbanging like Slash with an acoustic guitar? No, never.

Well, here’s the part where I’ll admit that I was wrong: Brooklyn experimental rock duo XNY — aka Pam Autuori and Jacob Schrieiber, who originally met after overhearing each other practice through the walls of their apartment building — acoustically throw down with reckless abandon in their new “Jaw” video.

Watch XNY’s “Jaw” video after the jump.

Directed by Raber Umphenour, “Jaw” (taken from XNY’s forthcoming Orange album), features Autuori and Schrieiber rocking the EFF OUT on a freezing cold-looking NYC rooftop. And though “Jaw” would certainly qualify as a pop song, its moody undertones are visually matched with an equally overcast sky, a wild-haired Autuori wailing like a much thicker-skinned Ani DiFranco, and a headbanging Schrieiber on drums.

And how about those camera angles? At one point, we’re watching the band perform through the sound hole of Autouri’s acoustic guitar, something that’s meant to, according to Autouri, “mercilessly push you into the performance while simultaneously keeping you at a distance.”

Oh, and about my “freezing cold” comment? Apparently it WAS that cold when the band filmed “Jaw.” “It was 18 degrees out, on the top of a seven-story building… snowflakes, goosebumps, and all,” said Autouri. OOooof. Well, as someone who will not stand for cold weather, this is officially me giving XNY props. All of the props. Because, unlike certain other rooftop performers, these guys were not wearing coats. - MTV Buzzworthy


"Band of The Week on Vogue"

To the list of musical acts defined by the third to last letter of the alphabet—the xx and XXYYXX and Charli XCX all come to mind—it’s time to add XNY, the Brooklyn-based duo whose debut album, Orange, drops today. Guitarist Pam Autuori says that it’s a play on male and female chromosomes. “But it really does confuse people. Some people think we’re anti–New York or something.”

Far from it. In fact, this evening, 23-year old Autuori and drummer Jacob Schreiber, 22, are hosting their album-release party at Manhattan’s Mercury Lounge. The duo did, however, meet in Boston, where both attended Berklee College of Music before leaving school early to work together full time. “We were living next door to each other on Newbury Street . . . and could hear everything [through the walls],” Autuori explains. “Jacob’s phone would vibrate next door, and I would think someone was calling me.” They also heard each other rehearsing independently. “Eventually, I couldn’t take the drumming, and he couldn’t take the screaming [which is how Autuori self-deprecatingly describes her vocals], so we decided to play together.” These days, the sibling-like pair live in even closer quarters as roommates in a Williamsburg two-bedroom.

Orange’s eleven tracks range from delivering direct, Regina Spektor–like verses that may remind listeners of Alanis Morissette’s decade-defining Jagged Little Pill to full-tilt noise rock that sounds like a much steelier version of that other iconic late–twentieth century-founded act, No Doubt. But Autuori and Schreiber don’t dwell too much on their influences. “We’re both products of the nineties,” Schreiber admits. Adds Autuori: “I think it must have seeped in unconsciously.” XNY gets a lot of flattering comparisons to other male/female duos—the White Stripes and the Kills chief among them—but Autuori maintains that they’re quite different. “It’s just because we’re two people onstage.”

And that’s at the core of XNY’s music. “We built the band around our ability to communicate with each other both while onstage and in rehearsal,” Schreiber explains. “We have this intuition. You get to a point where you can complete each other’s sentences.”

“I was going to say the opposite!” Autuori counters with a laugh. “Eventually you know how to get under the other person’s skin.” - Vogue


"FUSE: Top 10 Artists To Watch"

Brooklyn duo XNY make more noise for two people than The White Stripes could have ever hoped for. The insanely talented pair fit somewhere within the indie rock genre, but they are absolutely carving out their own space within in. Their debut album Orange encompasses the Savages' perfect emotional intensity along with a Cold War Kids-esque intelligence that makes every track a brilliant journey. This band will blow you away live, try to catch a show in 2014. - FUSE


"Top 5 Brooklyn Bands"

It isn’t all hot electric guitars and synths in Brooklyn these days, though, and another Brooklyn-based two piece, XNY, help us realize that. Guitarist/vocalist Pam Autuori lead the folk rock act’s charge, and put together airy, heartfelt songs featuring spot-on vocals and tight drums. Comparisons to The Kills are rampant, and while the indie rockers walk the line between acoustic folk and art punk, Autuori’s natural, uncompromising croon should be compared to the best. In addition to performing in New York’s clubs, they’ve gotten the opportunity to play in some lesser known Brooklyn settings like the DIY studio OTB’s live series. - Metro News


"Serenades played Mercury Lounge w/ Parlovr & Knitting Factory w/ XNY"

Of note was Knitting Factory opener XNY, the Brooklyn-based guitar and drum duo of Pam Autuori and Jacob Schreiber. Not entirely sold on the recorded stuff yet but their live set was assured and enjoyable. - Brooklyn Vegan


"Profiled Artist: XNY"

It truly is refreshing when one witnesses an artist that really can’t be classified. Crooklyn duo XNY is one of those acts. Combining the indie aura of a band like Broken Social Scene with awkward onstage humor and a mean dose of funk, guitarist/vocalist Pam Autuori and drummer Jacob Schreiber have a fun live show, to say the least.
Initially known as Little Liars in their old stomping grounds of Boston, Autuori and Schreiber decided to take up the name XNY. Fusing jazzy acoustic guitars, vocal manipulation, and eccentric drumming, the wall of sound created by XNY deceives you into thinking they are much larger than a two person band.
XNY seems to bring a little bit of everything to the table, which makes them that much more likeable. Their innate ability to appeal to everyone will have you coming back for more of their indie jams and unique style. Currently, XNY is in the process of releasing a new record, having been picked up by Boston-based management company, Theory Management. Keep an eye out for this band; they might be in your radar sooner than you know it! - The Sound Alarm


Discography

XNY - Orange [C 2013]

Photos

Bio

Pam and Jacob met as next-door neighbors. After months of hearing one another practicing their instruments, avoiding eye contact and hearing each others every waking move, Jacob invited Pam over for cheesecake. What, at first, seemed an odd pairing, quickly developed into a partnership that few find in their lifetime. There is no denying their chemistry on stage- Pam's roaring vocals and playful lyrics blend effortlessly with Jacob's detailed and meticulous drumbeats; leading your ears and your mind on a therapeutic journey.

XNY recently released their debut album, Orange, produced by Brian Viglione of The Dresden Dolls, Violent Femmes and Nine Inch Nails. They have garnered attention from major media outlets including Vogue, Fuse and MTV.


Band Members