CxldKid
At just 21 years old, Zander is shaping a dark RnB universe rooted in vulnerability and independence. Originally from a small town in South Carolina, he taught himself how to sing, produce, and mix his own music, guided by instinct rather than formal training. Inspired by dark romance books, movies, and modern relationship dynamics, his latest single “Say You’re Mine” explores the tension between desire, emotional distance, and the fear of commitment. In this interview, Zander opens up about his journey, influences, and artistic vision.
Hi, how are you? What’s your story?
I’m doing very good! Hello I’m Zander, I’m 21 and I’m from a small town in South Carolina called Conway. I started wanting to make music at a young age but never had the tools are instruments to create anything. I did choir through out middle school and a little through high school. I always wanted to record music so right into high school I started using free apps on my phone tryna make music until I got my first job, allowing me to put some money in my pocket to buy some equipment to record better music.
You’re from a small town in Texas. How did that environment shape who you are today, both personally and artistically?
Moving here years ago made a change in people mostly. The people here and crowds were outgoing and about making careers happen. There is a lot more to do here and a lot more opportunities with music including studios and other musicians. Everyone here is always wanting to help.
What did you grow up listening to?
Truly pop and country because it was what was on the radio! I didn’t start listening or building my own favorite genre until about high school.
Could you list a few records or artists that influenced the music you are making today?
Nobu woods, Partynextdoor, Chris Brown, Chase Atlantic and Daniel Di Angelo
You often draw inspiration from books and movies. How important is storytelling in your songwriting?
A lot of dark romance books are overlooked. People struggle with getting over there past with lust over love. Use making love as a way to cope.
Your latest single “Say You’re Mine” was inspired by a dark romance book. What drew you to that story emotionally?
I was at a point in life where I felt I just wanted touch and to never fall in love again.
Could you describe the songwriting process behind “Say You’re Mine”?
Say you’re mine is talking about wanting to fall in love with a girl and hoping she will stay when most positively knowing she won’t. So I know it’ll be better to just make temporary love to her and not get my hopes up.
The song explores desire, control, and the search for real love. Are these themes you consciously want to explore in your music?
I more feel it’s such a big issue in modern society with love that people have past issues and end up feeling to scared to lock in or settle down with people causing a lot of people just wanna make love and move on.
You taught yourself how to sing and produce music without coaches or tutorials. Why was independence important to you as an artist?
I feel learning on my own leaves me with more skills and credibility. When I do something on my own vs when it’s taught to me I feel it’s more embedded into the brain to remember and I built my own strategy for myself!
As an artist, what is the hardest part of the journey so far? And what is the best part?
I feel the hardest part is finding your sound and genre. I spent years not able to build a fan base because every song was a different genre. The easiest part is how fast I learned how to mix and master my music.
“Say You’re Mine” has a dark RnB atmosphere. How would you describe your artistic universe to someone discovering you for the first time?
The atmosphere behind my music is very melodic and soft. I make soft heart live music and use a whisper voice to itch the ear of my audience.
Finally, what do you hope listeners feel or take away after hearing your music?
I want to let the audience know out there who ran away from there past with temporary love don’t feel alone and a lot of people go through it.