Xavier Toscano: The Layers of a Dance-Pop Influencer
Xavier Toscano is a rising force in the dance-pop scene, blending EDM, rap, rock, reggae, and R&B influences to create a fresh sound that will get listeners in a good mood and have them shakin’ their groove thang. Hailing from the San Francisco Bay area, Toscano’s high-energy music is perfect for the club, the gym, or anywhere music fans need a burst of motivation. Xavier’s music has already found its way into the hearts of many fans with over 80k combined followers across social media cheering him on and a growing list of accomplishments. His 2017 album Feels So Good received recognition with multiple songs featured on popular TV shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians and PBS’s RoadTrip Nation while also praised by major media outlets including The Huffington Post. With a background that includes years of performing and opening for artists like Aaron Carter, CupcakKe, and O-Town, Xavier’s music serves as a warm blanket in a cold, unforgiving world.
“Boom Boom (Goes My Heart)” is a lively earworm from Toscano’s most recent album, X Marks the Spot. Reminiscent of the King of Pop, this upbeat pop hit features a bright electric guitar and an infectious funky beat that makes fans want to get up and dance.
Directed by Justin Guo, the accompanying music video is a vibrant visual journey through the city, featuring Xavier dancing atop skyscrapers, within larger-than-life animated billboards, and in an electrifying club setting. The choreography is dynamic, and the visuals reflect the song’s high energy. Xavier’s bold, spiky black jacket and reflective sunglasses add to the fun-loving, care-free spirit of the clip, which is a celebration of life, love, and the power of music to lift one’s mood. The video captures the song’s essence superbly and succinctly, with Xavier at the center of it all: dancing, living in the moment, and spreading pure joy. It’s the ultimate visual representation of a track made for dancing one’s heart out and a reminder that sometimes, all they need to do is let the sonic vibrations take over.
“The City Said” is a synth-driven electro-pop banger for those who long to be under neon strobe lights with their friends on the dance floor. Once again, Toscano is bringing unapologetic confidence with a flashy wardrobe and high-energy choreography. The song features Xavier dancing on a public art structure and near the water’s edge, creating a stunning contrast between the city and a serene backdrop. The choreography by JB Papas brings the track’s upbeat, electronic-infused sound to life, with Xavier’s performance mirroring the song’s message of lost love and moving on.
“Rain” is a testament to Toscano’s versatility with its unique electronic vocals and emotional depth blend. Whether fans listen to it on a rainy day or use it to power through their workout, “Rain” showcases Xavier’s ability to fuse genres into a song that speaks to both the heart and the feet. It’s a track that’s as much about energy as it is about introspection. The video for the track features a gorgeous introductory scene of Xavier walking along dark, wet streets and through shallow puddles. With a sepia golden hue, Xavier appears as only a silhouette before fully emerging on a colorful stage, singing into a mic in the rain. Throughout the video, we see vibrant lights and the contrast between fire and water, all rich images that perfectly pair with the inspiring lyrics of overcoming obstacles. With jazzy Rhodes, string-like synthesizers, and a groovy beat, “Rain” is perfect for windy drives and slow days at the gym.
Altogether, the “Boom Boom (Goes My Heart),” “The City Said,” and “Rain” videos highlight Xavier Toscano as an artist who knows how to create music that moves fans, both physically and emotionally. With his blend of inspiring pop hooks, dynamic choreography, and visually striking visuals, Xavier Toscano is poised to blow past the pain point and carry the torch of the new “Prince Of Pop!”
Xavier Toscano – Promo Shot
When and how did you begin your music journey?
All three songs, “Boom Boom (Goes My Heart),” “The City Said,” and “Rain,” are a part of a full length project, X Marks The Spot. What does this album mean to you? What is the main message you want to convey to your fans?
This album represents a leveling-up, a more grown-up sound from my last project. While still true to my love of pop, I incorporated a more mature sound while keeping it true to my feel-good style. I think in this album, I went a little deeper to explore my inner self, whether it was to express myself about love, inspiration, a good time, or making love.
What part of this project is most special to you?
Making the music videos is when the songs come to life. It is also the hardest part of the process; so much more is involved. So many pieces and people have to come together to make it happen, but it is so exciting and energizing to be challenged that way. The only thing better than that is actually performing the songs live.
What was your songwriting process like for these songs? How was it similar or different each time?
I use the music to take me where I need to go. It always starts with a musical idea, then a track, then the lyrics. It goes like this 99% of the time.
What was your favorite part of creating these three music videos? Was there one in particular that resonated most with your album’s overall message?
I think my favorite part was creating music videos for very different songs! That was the challenge that I didn’t have an actual formula. It could be bad as far as branding, but I like the idea that you could watch all three videos in a row and not be bored by saying that they look and sound the same. I want to believe that the album is that same way, that it differs in terms of sound, song by song. That it will keep a listener interested without having a stagnant sound.
Who / what inspires your project(s)?
Pop music is my musical love. I like good hooks, snappy music, and elements of surprise, which is why I think pop music is best in terms of why it is so interesting. A good pop song surprises you and moves in directions that you didn’t quite expect. Whether it does that with clever lyrics or an interesting instrumentation and arrangement.
How did creating these music videos aid in your artistic growth?
I believe that in order to truly grow, you must push yourself very hard. Otherwise, you’re doing the same things over and over. I pushed myself to my limit regarding the visuals I wanted, and I took the time to think hard about costuming, scenes, lighting, etc. I tried to be overly detailed, and I believe that every video taught me something different about my craft. Therein lies the growth.
Can you explain some of your video concepts and how they were formed? How have fashion and pop culture impacted the Xavier Toscano videos?
For “Boom Boom…” and “The City Said”, I knew I wanted to highlight San Francisco, so I did that while also focusing on my sense of style. I like to think that I have a vibrant, confident, yet classic look regarding fashion. I like an urban, industrial, and elegant look, and I feel both of those videos reflect that. For “Rain,” I want to impress upon the viewers that you need to get lost in your own world, and that’s what you need to do to reach your goals.
Are there any favorite memories from your pre-production that made your shoot special?
It is so funny that you ask that. Every song concept seems to seep into the atmosphere of the shoot. It really does! For instance, with “The City Said”, we all had this somber, strong attitude, while with “Boom Boom…” we had a blast on set! “Rain” also had a very serious feel to it on set. Since “Boom Boom (Goes My Heart)” was a fun song, I had such a wonderful time with my dancers. I mean, we laughed and played like little kids. That was awesome!
What new relationships did you develop from this process (if any), and if not, perhaps was there a new relationship formed to yourself? Your music?
I think creating music, especially if you write your own lyrics and come up with your video concepts, means that you are giving up great parts of yourself for others to have. It really means that you make yourself vulnerable by presenting your baby to the world, and you’re gonna hear a lot of opinions about it. Internet criticism has only made me stronger. Of course, my relationships with my collaborators get stronger with each project, and the trust deepens. But my relationship with myself has evolved in that I have greater confidence, and I see the next new projects as things I can definitely accomplish. That said, I have to push myself even further on the next ones so I don’t feel bored!
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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