Xiren

One of the select few to have music featured in a Volkswagen commercial, Xiren — a name derived from Greek mythology and Celtic lore — is both the name of the pop/rock band and its frontman. Hailing from Denver, CO, singer/guitarist Xiren had been a musician for years, playing with Detroit-based bands Painted Glass and Bourbon St. In the early 2000s, Xiren released a handful of recordings that include Xiren (2000), Bullets & Rainbows (2001), and Polite Conversation (2002). The latter found a more organic approach than the previous electronic-aided tracks and features several collaborators. As of mid-2007, the evolving band — which has had up to seven members — was a duo of Xiren and drummer Mike Rice, with computer assistance for touring. Since 2000, Ben Jansen has served as Xiren's frequent co-writer and co-producer.