Diving Deep with pure xtc: Exploring the Creative Vision Behind the Dark Synth-Pop Sound

Ericka Hughes

Hi pure xtc! Thank you so much for joining us at Pop Palace! To kick things off, what are you currently working on, and how are you feeling about your latest projects?

Thanks for having me! Right now, I’m really excited about the upcoming release of my single Hurt Me Bad. It's set to drop on November 15th, and it’s a track that dives deep into the more intense and somewhat darker side of ambition. I also scored a short film called Rangoon, which is a new challenge I’ve been really enjoying. Overall, I’m in a reflective space creatively—I've been writing a lot and will be focusing on new material until the end of the year. 

I’m really drawn to the atmospheric and introspective vibe of your music. How does your personal style and visual aesthetic play into your creative process when writing or producing?

I think the atmosphere and aesthetic of my music are an extension of my internal world. I’m drawn to moody, darker tones and that definitely finds its way into the production and visuals. I try to create a space where emotions feel almost tangible—whether it's through a haunting vocal line or a huge, distorted bass. Visuals play a huge part too, as I want them to mirror the rawness of the songs. I often visualize the mood before I hear the sound.

Your music feels deeply personal. Can you share a bit about how you approach songwriting—do you draw primarily from personal experiences, or do you find inspiration elsewhere?

Most of my songs are rooted in personal experience, whether it’s about relationships, navigating the music industry, or just trying to figure out who I am at the core. But I also draw inspiration from conversations with friends, movies, random encounters, etc. Anything that sparks emotion is fair game. I always try to be honest and leave room for listeners to interpret the songs through their own lens.

Ericka Hughes

The electronic and synth-driven elements in your music create such a distinct sound. Were there any artists or specific moments that inspired you to explore this direction sonically?

I’ve always been drawn to the emotion that electronic and synth-driven music can evoke. I grew up listening to a lot of Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, and bands like Metric—artists who blend raw emotion with electronic elements. One specific album that pushed me further into that realm was hearing Robyn’s Body Talk for the first time. The way she blends vulnerability with danceable beats was huge for me. 

Balancing creative work with mental well-being is so important. What practices or routines do you follow to stay grounded and energized as both an artist and an individual?

It’s definitely a balance that I’m still learning to maintain. I try to carve out time to unplug and reset, especially when I’m touring or in a busy creative period. I've found that setting small boundaries—like limiting social media or creating non-negotiable downtime—helps me stay leveled and prevents burnout.

Sam Weaver

You’re based in Kansas City, which has its own unique music scene. How has the local environment or community influenced your sound or artistic journey?

Kansas City has been such a supportive place for me as an artist. The community here is tight-knit and incredibly collaborative, which has allowed me to experiment and grow without the pressure of larger, more competitive music hubs. The local scene has this raw, DIY spirit that I love. There’s also something about being in the Midwest—there’s a sense of space and solitude that gives me room to reflect and create more introspective work.

If you could collaborate with any artist—dead or alive—who would it be, and what kind of project would you envision creating together?

Jack Antonoff, without a doubt. He has a way of amplifying an artist’s emotional depth while keeping the sound cinematic and fresh. I’d love to work on something raw and intimate with him—maybe a project that blends vulnerable storytelling with Red Hearse or Reputation styled production. I feel like we could create something that really hits hard, both emotionally and sonically.

Lastly, at Pop Palace, we love asking our guests to curate their own 'Royal Court' of musical influences. Who would be part of your court, and who sits on your creative throne as your biggest inspiration?

My ‘Royal Court’ definitely rotates every few months depending on what’s inspiring me at the moment. Some core artists have stuck with me since my teen years, like Metric and Silversun Pickups—they’ve been constants in shaping my sound. Right now, I’d say Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift, Joji, Billie Eilish, and Lana Del Rey are in the mix. Each of them brings something unique that I connect with, whether it’s through production, lyrics, or vibe.

Sam Weaver