Articles & ReviewsArticles & Reviews

XYRA: Through the Dark Glass Shining
Chesapeake Music Guide; May 5, 2006
Michael Macey is perhaps best known as a featured announcer on WRNR FM, in Annapolis Maryland. During his 10 year stint at 'RNR, he did much to enhance the quality of music presented, both from commercial and local music sectors. Often, you would find Michael acting as sound engineer for Damian Einstein's local music show, Damian's Diner, supporting Indie artists such as Xyra.

After 'RNR was sold in 2004, many changes occurred that seemed to negate the home-spun feeling of the radio station Michael so nurtured and loved. Currently, as his decided mode of expression, Michael plays his own music and writes reviews and articles. Xyra keeps in touch, and is grateful for his many contributions to music, including radio, online and print media.
NPR Feature
National Public Radio; Jan 7, 2005
"Before anyone had ever heard of 'Goth,' Xyra was a DJ on Georgetown University's radio station, where she favored the darker, artier, more theatrical side of rock. The northern Virginia resident's tastes may not have shifted since then, Mark Jenkins reports, but these days she makes her own music."

Mark Jenkins also reviews music for Blender and The Washington Post.
Women in Music
Collected Sounds CD Review; Dec 30, 2004
Xyra's voice is very dramatic, deep and theatrical. She's been compared to Marlene Dietrich and I can see why. The music is just as dramatic as her voice. It's got an almost Celtic, Dead Can Dance, Loreena McKennitt feel at times. But also has the wailing guitar prevalent in those rock ballads of old. The production is first class, this sounds like a major label recording.
Spotlight on Xyra
Collected Sounds; Nov 30, 2003
After moving to the US from Germany, Xyra began music and piano lessons at age five, and voice at eight, performing before her teens. At age 14, Xyra’s mother surprised her with an electric guitar. Xyra joined her first band, playing original music, at age 15.

Review Archive
Sundry Reviews; Jan 1, 2002
From New Musical Discoveries

"Over the past 25 years, East Coast progressive rock and alternative music audiences have established a firm commercial footing for artists such as Renaissance, Annie Haslam, October Project, Grey Eye Glances (formerly Sojourn) and Curved Air. In the last year, though, personal promotional appearances and internet coverage, the band have become more widely appreciated.

Characterised by the evocatively warm vocal talents of Xyra and the tremendously rich instrumentation of her classically-trained team of musicians, fans of progressive rock, folk and new age music will be pleased." R. W. Elliot
Added to Official Kennedy Center Roster of Artists
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ; May 15, 2001
Xyra & Verborgen were added to the Official Kennedy Center Roster of Artists for the Millennium Stage
Nightwatch
The Washington Post; Dec 20, 2000
Interview with Xyra
Grammy Nomination
Grammy Awards; Feb 3, 2000
Xyra & Verborgen received a Grammy Nomination for 'Frightening Beauty' and 'Shadows of Light'. It takes 10 nominations, to be officially recognized. However, Xyra and crew feel blessed for receiving the one!
Xyra and Verborgen
New Musical Discoveries; Jan 31, 2000
Russell Elliot and friend, Graham Lubin began reviewing female artists and female-fronted bands, back in 1996. Xyra was fortunate enough to be one of the first, on Graham's Celestial Voices site. Check out Elliot's excellent reviews of all three Xyra & Verborgen releases.
What the Industry and Media Had to Say
Music Industry and Press Quotes; Jan 3, 2000
What the Music Industry and Press had to say about Xyra & Verborgen ~ 1997-2000...
Studio Diary
Washington City Paper; Jul 7, 1999
The 'Frightening Beauty' sessions, with Xyra & Verborgen, captured by Xyra, Eric Ulreich and David Nuttycombe.
Pop Quiz
Washington City Paper; Mar 29, 1999
They call their singular style "Cabaret Rock Nouveau," a fitting description for the dense, unexpected, challenging songs that remain nonetheless toe-tapping when need be. While the band maintains a charmingly retro stance, they also embrace the current technology, being all over the Web.
Xyra and Verborgen - Where Glass Birds Fly
Celestial Voices; Dec 22, 1998
Review of Xyra and Verborgen's 'Where Glass Birds Fly'