Xen is the first album by the electronic music producer Arca, released in the first week of November 2014.[13] Originally from Venezuela, Arca (aka Alejandro Ghersi) lives in London where he shares a living space with the graphic artist Jesse Kanda.[14] The two work in tandem on various projects while Ghersi has also been a co-producer for Björk and Kanye West.[15] The album was recorded over a, largely improvised, six month period in 2014.[14]
The title of the album is a reference to Ghersi's ‘feminine spirit’ as portrayed in the album artwork and videos. According to the artist, the designer Jesse Kanda asked "if I had a girl’s name when I was a kid, I told him that I have this image in my head when I listen to a song of mine that I really love or that I feel happy with. I move really slowly in a very effeminate way [and] close my eyes and I see this naked being who exists in front of an audience. Everyone is simultaneously attracted to it and repulsed".[15]
Upon reflection he felt that “Those were all projections of my psyche; of how I viewed my own sexuality and how I engaged with people through the lens of sensuality. Xen is an ‘it’. I lean towards calling Xen ‘her’ in response to the fact that society historically leans towards men having more power. Me calling Xen ‘her’ is an equalisation of that.”[15] This is reflected in the vide for the song "Thievery". Ghersi noted that the song-titles have little meaning except for "Failed" which was written about his boyfriend Daniel Sannwald.[15]
Track Listing
All tracks are written by Alejandro Ghersi, except otherwise noted
[3]
