By Chase Karng | Radio Seoul AM 1650
Published: May 20, 2025
The boundary-breaking star delivers a three-track sonic odyssey that might just be your summer salvation
LOS ANGELES — In a music landscape parched for authenticity, XIN LIU’s new EP Passion arrives like a well-timed cocktail — a bold mix of innovation and dancefloor swagger, perfect for the summer season. Released today via 88rising, it’s not just a follow-up to her previous album O, but a manifesto from an artist breaking through sonic and cultural boundaries.
Three Tracks, One Vibe
The EP’s title track “Passion” is a masterclass in tension and release, channeling the charged intimacy of a packed dance floor, where every beat feels like a shared secret. XIN expertly conjures the kind of synth-driven groove that feels simultaneously nostalgic and forward-looking – think the sensuality of early Prince recordings filtered through a contemporary lens. It’s music for meaningful glances across crowded rooms, for the exact moment possibility hangs in the air.
But it’s the second track, “Balancing,” where XIN truly flexes her production muscles. The song builds up like catching the high of a song just before the drop, euphoric and fleeting – dreamy harmonies cascade over a beat that demands movement, creating what might be the perfect soundtrack for that fleeting summer romance you’re still not over. This is club music that tugs at the heart, not just the feet — a rarity in today’s algorithmic landscape.
For the EP’s closer, “Easy” offers sweet release. XIN’s breathy vocals float weightlessly above a gentle groove accented by polyrhythmic percussion echoing Afrobeat grooves, adding warmth beneath the chill. It’s the musical equivalent of drifting through hazy twilight hours, when the night hasn’t quite ended and promises still linger. The track serves as both the come-down and the invitation to start the journey again.
Together, these three tracks form a remarkably cohesive statement from an artist who refuses to be boxed in. In under 15 minutes of runtime, XIN creates a full-body experience that blends intensity and restraint with effortless precision.
Breaking Boundaries, Making History
XIN’s rapid ascension feels almost predestined in retrospect. After clinching first place on the Chinese reality competition “Youth With You 2,” she quickly established herself as one of China’s most influential musical forces. Her album “Xanadu” didn’t just break records – it shattered records, moving an astounding 54 million copies worldwide and becoming the best-selling Chinese physical album of all time.
But XIN isn’t content with dominating just one arena. As the first female captain in the history of “Street Dance Of China,” she’s proven formidable in the dance world. Fashion has come calling too; as Dior’s newest global ambassador, she’s graced covers from Harper’s Bazaar to Vogue, while fronting campaigns for brands like Crocs, Sisley, and New Era.
What makes XIN’s story particularly compelling is how she’s systematically dismantling barriers for Asian artists in Western markets. Last year, she made history as the first female Chinese solo artist to perform at Coachella. Her single “Take A Sip” cracked the U.S. Pop Radio Top 40 – another first for Chinese female solo acts. With her upcoming performance at 88rising’s Head in the Clouds Festival 2025 in Los Angeles on May 31st, XIN isn’t just entering the global conversation – she’s helping to redefine it.
The Future Is Now
‘Passion’ represents something bigger than just three exceptionally crafted dance tracks. It’s the sound of an artist confidently bridging worlds – East and West, pop and underground, tradition and innovation. In an industry still struggling with representation, XIN’s rising star offers a glimpse of a more inclusive future.
With over 25 million social media followers and a streaming presence that continues to explode, XIN LIU has positioned herself as more than just an artist to watch – she’s an international phenomenon whose journey is just beginning. Based on the strength of ‘Passion,’ that journey promises to be worth following closely. The revolution may not be televised, but if XIN LIU’s leading it, the soundtrack will be unforgettable.
