Today, we're kicking off a special deep dive into the minds of the members of Xhalisse, starting with the incredibly versatile Nick Mondello! Known for his talents on bass, trumpet, and backing vocals, Nick brings a unique blend of rhythm, melody, and atmosphere to the band’s sound. From navigating the intricacies of live performances to fine-tuning tracks in the studio, Nick's contributions help define Xhalisse's distinctive blend of dream pop, grunge, and ethereal soundscapes.
Finding the Balance Between Bass, Vocals and Trumpet ( and sometimes guitar...)
Playing both the bass and trumpet offers a unique dynamic to Xhalisse's sound. How do you decide when to incorporate the trumpet into a track, and what does this dual role entail for you during live performances?
Nick Mondello: “Playing a mix of instruments in the band is both exciting and challenging. Exciting because of the musical opportunities, but challenging because I can’t play them all at once! How do I decide what to play when? Well, it involves listening. Sarah usually plays her solo version of the song, and we listen. We might talk about ideas, or sometimes just jam along, but ultimately, we’re listening for elements that stand out. Often, a bass line will come to mind, but every now and then, it’s a trumpet melody. The hardest part is when I want to play both instruments because I can’t… If that happens, it’s up to the band to decide which one is most important for the song.”
Nick’s versatility has allowed Xhalisse to develop a rich, layered sound, seamlessly blending bass-driven grooves with atmospheric trumpet lines. His ability to switch between instruments brings an additional level of depth and unpredictability to the music, and it’s clear that this balancing act is a testament to both his technical skill and his keen ear for arrangement.
Adding Depth with Backing Vocals
Backing vocals add another layer to a band's sound, especially with the dynamic range that exists within the songs. How do you approach this aspect of your role, and how does it interact with the main vocal lines and overall sound of the band?
Nick Mondello: “I’ve always loved the harmonies in songs for the added depth that one extra voice can give. Trying to find that in our own songs is tough, especially seeing as I’m not a fantastic vocalist, but it’s rewarding when it works out. What makes it easier is the natural contrast between my voice and Sarah’s. Just following Sarah's melody, like in ‘Last Drop of the Moon,’ can often fill out the sound. But I also treat my voice as another instrument that fills in space, like in ‘Ghost Heart.’ I’ve found that when a section feels like it needs to sound more dramatic, adding some loud vocals in the background does the trick.”
Nick’s approach to backing vocals exemplifies how subtle shifts can elevate a track’s emotional intensity. By blending his voice with Sarah’s, he adds a textural layer that deepens the band’s sonic landscape, whether it’s through soft harmonies or dramatic accents.
The Versatile Musician and the Studio Process
Being versatile with both performance and sound production, you bring a diverse skill set to Xhalisse. How does this versatility reflect in your interactions with the band off-stage, and can you provide an example of how your multifaceted approach contributes to the group's chemistry and problem-solving?
Nick Mondello: “Yeah, being able to record and listen back to your own music in detail is such a useful feature for songwriting, especially when many performers are involved. For a few of our songs, we’ve done live recordings, capturing each person individually so we can listen back to each part separately. I know Mel and I have particularly enjoyed fine-tuning our parts by listening to just the guitar, or the bass, or violin, individually and practicing along. You can pick up nuances (and sometimes mistakes) that get missed within the sound of the whole band. It also stops you from getting stuck repeating the same thing you played during that one performance by allowing you to experiment and test if playing something different will actually work or not.”
Nick’s ability to engage in both live performance and studio production has been a valuable asset for Xhalisse. By isolating and revisiting individual parts, he not only helps the band refine their sound but also opens up new creative possibilities, allowing each member to experiment and push the boundaries of their instruments.
About Nick Mondello and Xhalisse
Nick Mondello is the multi-talented bassist, trumpeter, and backing vocalist for Xhalisse, an alternative rock band hailing from Midwestern Australia. Known for his ability to seamlessly switch between instruments, Nick adds depth and complexity to the band’s ethereal and grunge-infused soundscapes. His passion for blending different musical elements has been a driving force behind Xhalisse’s unique sound, both in the studio and during live performances.
Emerging from the enigmatic landscapes of Midwestern Australia, Xhalisse is led by singer-songwriter Sarah O'Malley and features the talents of violinist Mel Carter, drummer Guy, and of course, Nick Mondello. With their eclectic mix of dream pop, grunge, and atmospheric textures, Xhalisse crafts a sound that plays with the balance of light and shade. Known for their mesmerizing live shows and rich, layered compositions, the band continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences with every new release.
Stay tuned for more insights into the talented minds of Xhalisse as we continue our deep dive into the band’s lineup. We’ll be featuring each band member and exploring what they bring to the ethereal, grunge-drenched world of Xhalisse.
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