Alt-pop songwriter Quinn XCII reaches for a mellower folk-pop sound on his seventh album, ‘LOOK! I’m Alive.’ Working with Venice-based producer Adam Friedman in his home studio, the Detroit native opens up about his creative process in exclusive commentary, saying he “felt like a kid again,” trying out new ideas without overanalyzing them. Touching on his personal affinity for songs about the afterlife, Quinn notes that “Olive Tree” is his contribution to the mysterious subject, sharing he’s drawn to “the sheer unknown of it.” Of the track, “Live & Let Go,” a collaboration with Dispatch, he says it’s about a lesson learned to “live your life and trust that things will fall into place the way they were meant to.” Elsewhere on the project, Quinn shares that the stripped-back “Florence” is named for his baby daughter, his first child. “It’s the first of many songs, I’m sure,” he tells SoundCloud. Listen now.

Voice Notes: Quinn XCII on "Olive Tree"

SoundCloud Stories elevates artists’ creative journeys, spotlights vibrant music communities and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the defining sounds of today and tomorrow. Original content includes the Sound Advice interview series, exclusive track-by-track artist commentary on Voice Notes, and the Weekly Download playlist, which highlights essential scenes and groundbreaking artists.