Over the years, the internet has changed how artists can produce and share their work with the world. With social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, it takes no longer than the blink of an eye for net-based creators with artistic inclinations to experience virality overnight.
SXNCELLO, a Melbourne-made duo, quickly adjusted to the viral fame they gained from international netizens who felt connected to their unique yet empathetic artistry. Composed of Ashley James (Snape or Ash) and Lily Thornton, the up-and-coming Australian duo balance art, love, and parenthood as they aim to achieve industry success.
The Bright Beginnings of SXNCELLO
Just months after the pair serendipitously met, James took a chance in Thornton’s DMs, and the couple has remained inseparable ever since. The devoted duo’s shared passion for electronic music was the foundation for their musical performances. SXNCELLO, an abbreviation of Sax on Cello, emerged in the sonic space.
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SXNCELLO: A Creative Bond Blending Classical and Electronic Soundscapes
SXNCELLO prioritised high-energy impact productions, creating sets that spanned several genres. Soon enough, the pair began to receive rewarding feedback, with new bookings rolling in from all across Australia. Meshing their classical music expertise with the stand-out sounds of saxophone, cello, and electronica, James and Thornton had unearthed their mutual calling.
As SXNCELLO carved out their place in music, the pair made room for life’s other delights. They welcomed their first child, renovated a home to grow their family, sealed the matrimonial deal, and later brought home baby number two.
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Showcasing their love and dedication to the artistic field, the duo named their son August after David August, the beloved classical producer who inspired James to explore electronic sound. With their at-home atmosphere maturing, SXNCELLO could dedicate more time and energy to the musical path they’d originally chosen.
SXNCELLO’s Artistic Ambition Prompted Viral Success
For many music enthusiasts, the saxophone is typically celebrated for its role in jazz ensembles, where it often blends seamlessly with other wind instruments like the trumpet or trombone. SXNCELLO, however, offer a distinctive melodic pairing, drawing inspiration from the rarely combined sounds of saxophone and cello – two instruments known for their rich, expressive tones but seldom heard together in contemporary music.
This unique blend would soon lead to virality on Instagram and TikTok, drawing over 10 million views worldwide. While the duo juggled their familial life with their newfound online prominence, they continued to acknowledge the complications of working as a married couple with two children to raise.
However, their relationship has only grown stronger as they’ve learned more and more about one another, emphasising the importance of communication.
Aside from the inevitable intricacies of balancing marriage and music, James and Thornton often find their two young children by their sides at work. Life is often a tightrope of backstage toddlers, hotel dinners, and pram-side practices. Nonetheless, SXNCELLO’s commitment to both their family and art remained.
Since then, the driven couple has secured global bookings in Bali, Mexico, Rio de Janeiro, and Tuscany. Most recently, SXNCELLO performed on the Main Stage at the Top End Gin Festival in Darwin, NT (where they shared the stage with Australian indie rock royalty, The Temper Trap, and emerging First Nations artist Sycco).
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The Future of SXNCELLO
The evolution of SXNCELLO is a story of creative collaboration. What began as a concept for short, high-energy feature performances designed for high-end galas has expanded into a powerful full-length act. Now collaborating with DJ Ziggy (Brennan Zygraich), SXNCELLO deliver dynamic, long-format DJ sets that seamlessly blend live instrumentation with electronic energy. This growth has seen the team step onto club and festival stages, capturing the attention of broader audiences and positioning themselves firmly within the live electronic music scene.
Looking ahead, James and Thornton hope to take SXNCELLO to countless festival main stages and tours worldwide. The duo will share a score of inspiring songs before 2025’s end as they work toward their first official release within the next month.
