XI is the debut mini-album of Michał Szpak released on 13.12.2011, which is also the prelude to a full-length album planned for 2012.
EP, a popular record release in the West, is still a non-standard concept on the Polish music market. In the case of Michał’s album, this short formula perfectly matches the energetic, hit character of the songs contained on it, and at the same time reflects the unconventional nature of the young artist himself, who always boldly follows his own path. The mini album is a promising foretaste of musical adventure, awakens appetite, and at the same time leaves the listener wanting more.
The enigmatic title of the album refers to the number which, according to numerology, symbolizes Michał’s outstanding personality – a combination of charisma, intuition and sensitivity.
Known for his sensibility and preference for high vocal structures, Szpak proves that he can surprise with musical experiments, putting on a much more unpredictable sound than the classic rock repertoire, which he was associated with during the Whiplash days, as well as on the X Factor. Faithful to his crazy nature and eager to take up challenges, the artist decided once again to break away from the conventions imposed on him, and thus to depart from the frequently referenced by the media comparisons to western icons such as Axl Rose or Prince. As he emphasizes, he does not intend to be anyone’s copy, he wants to create an original style, focus on artistic development and meet his own expectations. Therefore, he focused on the stylistic diversity of the material – the eclectic qualities, for which the common denominator becomes unrestricted creativity and boldness. In the compositions you can find both solid rock (“Muszę biec “) and a note of romantic nostalgia (“Po niebo “) or playing with electronics (“Sensualny “). Synthetic, sometimes even mechanical sound of the songs is a frame requiring greater vocal self-discipline, leaving less space for improvisation and free long vocals. The strong, aggressive and emotional voice of Szpak, so often associated with the golden years of rock’n’roll, gains a fresh, intriguing quality combined with the coolness of modern filters through which it was passed. The prominent character of most songs is the promise of concert madness, taking into account the artist’s predispositions and various live arrangements.
Even though Michał does not compose, he breathed his soul into the pieces becoming a co-author of three texts: “Pretty Baby”, “Rewolucja” and “Muszę Biec”. Avoiding the usual theatricality and pathos, he plays with structure and juggles his identities, but never loses his authenticity. He boldly provokes by youthful nonchalance, only to seduce with an aural of mystery. Each of the songs on the album is like a chapter of his personal diary, full of honest faith in dreams and captivating with unwavering idealism. Despite the often difficult confrontation with cynical reality, social manifestations of aggression and intolerance, Szpak loves life and is not afraid to follow his heart to his inner Truth.
As he recalls in one of the interviews: “A person should never give up, at the end of this path there is always triumph. You have to believe in it and you have to persevere”.
