It’s now been almost two months since CLE rockers Xanny Stars released ADAPTOR,
a 4-song EP of cacophonous joy.
The world has yet to recover.
Adaptor is Xanny Stars’ first release since early 2023 when they released GETTING THERE,
one of the best CLE rock albums of the last decade. One online fan - OK, it was me - described GETTING
THERE as “a 12-track collection of high-powered melodic guitar waves crashing against introspective lyrics.”
Xanny Stars released ADAPTOR In late June when they played an epic show at Grog Shop in Cleveland
with Ohio rock legends Scrawl. It was a big summer for XS!
We recently checked in with singer/guitarist Allie Mattis to ask about the making of ADAPTOR.
Me : Where and when were the new tracks recorded?
Allie : The new tracks were all recorded at The Checkered Flag with Jerome Westerkamp in Cincinnati
the third weekend of August 2024.
Me : They sound poppier / catchier / more melodic than earlier songs…Was that by design?
Allie : I’ve never felt that I’ve gone too out of my way to write a certain way, it just depends on what I’m
listening to at the time, my life and how I’m feeling. But this batch of songs do reflect Mickey (bass)
and I collaborating more with the songwriting process and the first set of songs written with Sam (drums).
I’m always interested to find out what others hear from our music. They usually hit the nail on the head
but sometimes they surprise me.
Me : How does playing shows affect songwriting? Are you influenced by bands you play with?
Allie : Playing shows is personally my favorite part of being in a band. I get inspired by all sorts of
different things to write but nothing inspires me more than seeing and playing live music.
Me : Plans / timing for next recording?
Allie : We don’t have anything set in stone yet, but we have enough material to record again. Our main
focus right now is to practice these latest songs to prep for studio time. Other than that, I’d love to play
more out of town shows.
Me : Any plans for another gonzo video like the one for Mega Convenient?
Allie : We’ve talked about producing another music video, perhaps for the song Symmetry.
The idea for it would be a lot more serious than the last one. Think 90s grunge visuals. We love music
videos and the idea of creating something as a band beyond just the music.
The next show for Xanny Stars is September 13 at Grog Shop in Cleveland with Hunx & His Punx
and Tchotchke.
