Enfnts Terribles

How would you introduce Archie X to people?

Tom: I think our strength lies in two things. Namely, on the one hand, the eclectic sound with which we always try to do something different and surprise. On the other hand, the enchanting sound of Charline’s voice.

Charline: Yes, indeed. We do try something new every time!

You got to know each other on The Voice. How did the idea of making music together eventually come about?

Tom: I shouted at her from the orchestra pit on The Voice that if she was out and she was ever looking for someone, I would like to play in her band. A bit funny, but I really meant it. Initially, I suggested to Charline that we jam together sometime, doing songs and production for her. But she suggested we start a band together, and so it happened.

What is the overall message you guys want to share with the world?

Tom: Pizza Hawaii is a bridge too far.

Charline: I love it, though.

You debuted in 2020 with “Loud Boy”. How have you evolved as a duo?

Charline: In the beginning, at the time of “Loud Boy”, Tom mainly took on production. I learned a lot from him through these years, and also studied music production in the meantime. We really are an unseen force together in the studio. It’s great fun working together; we are very well-attuned to each other!

Tom: The songs we made for our album in the meantime are a bit more from life, I think, more personal. Also, although still eclectic, our sound has become more homogeneous. Everything fits together more. And in that whole process, we have become very good friends, through the good times and the bad.

The song is on the album as a bonus track. To what extent does the song fit the concept of the album?

Tom: Not really anymore. That’s why it’s a bonus track because, obviously, we’re still proud of it. But the story of the album starts for us more from the moment we released the song “Fight Me”. That’s the first song that really fits the album as far as we’re concerned.

What is the ultimate goal you want to achieve with Are You Listening??

Tom: Becoming happy to share our music with the world. And preferably, as much as possible, live with our band.

Charline: Hopefully, everyone will find a song that stands out to them. In terms of influences, the album goes in different directions, albeit in a pop jacket, so it would be great if there is something for everyone. Also, with some cutting lyrics, we want to touch on some themes that are important to us. For example, I sing about LGBTQ-related issues, substance use, being unhappy, the gender pay gap, …

How are you preparing your release show?

Tom: By practicing a lot! With the two of us but, of course, also with the band and technicians. And, of course, by preparing a lot technically. We are really looking forward to bringing everything together in the Casino in Sint-Niklaas.

Charline: Tom is a hero at all those things.

What can we expect from you guys in 2023?

Tom: There will be another new single accompanying the release of the album. And a video! And, of course, we will already start thinking about new music. Apart from that, we especially want to be able to play live as much as possible.

Charline: Highly fantast in the next year! Keep it coming!

‘Are You Listening?’ by Archie X will be out on January 13th via Warner Music.