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Photo: Harry Toohey

Rising alternative star jxdn continues to unveil the contours of his highly awaited sophomore album with a remarkable double single release, "STRAY" and "SAD OCTOBER." These two singles, which defy expectations, introduce a fresh sound to jxdn's music, drawing inspiration from his long-time favorite band, Deftones.

"STRAY," the first of the two new tracks, is a brooding, mysterious masterpiece that commences with somber guitar strumming and ethereal, distorted vocal ad-libs. A moment of relative calm ensues as jxdn's distinctive, resonant vocals join in with the line, "Stab me in the back, love, are you okay?" The track then alternates between moments filled with thunderous percussion patterns, pulsating bass rhythms, and jxdn singing solo, delivering some of his most raw and honest lyrics to date. The single's hook is particularly impactful as lush, grandiose sound collages support him as he confesses to feeling like a 'stray' in his relationship, culminating in a climactic and cathartic breakdown that encourages listeners to sing, scream, and spiral alongside him.

jxdn shared in an interview with Allison Hagendorf that the single is about "The idea of being in a relationship with your job, friends, or a girl, or a boy, and you just feel like a stray dog. Yeah, they're taking care of you, but you're just a stray."

The second single, "SAD OCTOBER," sonically juxtaposes its shoegaze-infused counterpart with brighter, summery instrumentals paired with upbeat percussion. jxdn opens up about his complicated relationship with a partner who he admits has ruined his life more than once but prefers to lie to them and keep his feelings hidden. Leaving the listener marinating with the line, "It only gets worse before it gets better / We only get hurt when we think it's forever," the single transitions into warm, hypnotic instrumental breaks.

The two new tracks will appear on jxdn's forthcoming sophomore record WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS, a highly-anticipated 17-track collection set to arrive June 28. To celebrate this milestone release, he will hit the road on the 'WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS TOUR,' which will jxdn returning to stages across the US, Europe, and the UK later this year. The US leg of the 'WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS TOUR,' which will feature special guests LØLØ and GUNNAR, is set to get underway on June 6 at Minneapolis, Minnesota's First Avenue and will make stops in Chicago, Brooklyn, Denver, and other major markets before concluding with a hometown show at The Belasco in Los Angeles, California on July 27.

Watch the "STRAY" and "SAD OCTOBER" videos below: