Photographer: Tom Harrison / Event: Galapagos Art Space, 2015
Xavier Cardriche is the quintessential American artist – a singer/songwriter who is a self-taught guitar player, educated and skilled in filmmaking, and a natural-born poet and storyteller in his own right. It’s no matter of coincidence that he has come to be known as the “Bard of Brooklyn.” Born and raised in New York to a schoolteacher and truck-driver, Xavier began exploring music through his family, friends, and the all-pervading streaming sounds of the radio. With an attentive affection for lyrics, Xavier often uses narrative detail to establish a foundation for a song.
As a young adult, Xavier began playing acoustic guitar at social-gatherings, and would often adapt short stories into songs. These songs evolved into the tracks which later became the vital material for his first record: Sorta-like-a-demo (2006). After receiving interest following it’s release, Xavier traveled through Europe performing in showcases, writing music, and recorded with numerous artists. Through his international explorations, new songs materialized for his follow-up EP: In Due Time (2011), and also allowed Xavier to cultivate his own unique stage-presence with his band. Enhanced by an array of instrumental accompaniment, his band is typically composed of jazz musicians who bring the musical configuration to 5 interwoven parts.
The coupling of his Alt-Country/Folk sound with visually detailed stories is accomplished with the spirit of early folk artists such as Richie Havens, Bill Withers, and Donovan. Additionally, audiences have stated influences of such greats in his voice as Mark Knopfler, Colin Hay, Van Morrison, and Billy Bragg.
In 2021, Xavier was the recipient of a New York City Artist Corps Grant, which allowed him to produce an interdisciplinary performance with film, theater, dance, and live music. This performance would later be his 4th release, Be My Voice: A Live Album (2023).
From clubs to cafes, he continues to perform, both solo and with his band.