Since March marks a year since the anniversary of the pandemic outbreak, the universe was pretty much morally obligated to throw us a bone. Thankfully, Quinn XCII took it upon himself to release another album just in time to set up his listeners for new tunes to lift their spirits.

The young artist’s new album, Change of Scenery II, sets the scene with a 58-second tune called “We Made This Album in Newport,” which leaves us with a feeling of melancholia and nostalgia that creates a clear path to the next song on his track, “Distracted Youth.” During the pandemic, Quinn XCII sequestered himself in Newport, Rhode Island, to reflect on his past and respond to the younger version of himself in his work.

While Quinn XCII does not refrain from playing with and incorporating different types of music into his work, there is something to be said about the uniformity he is able to create with each passing song. The consistency of his voice and vocal style creates a sense of comfort and familiarity for fans, yet the artist is still able to usher listeners across the intersections of the genres he finds himself torn between.

At the start of his career, Quinn XCII was a college student at Michigan State University, finding his voice and working to bring his music to light. Now, as a married man with a thorough discography of successful albums, there is a lot for him to reflect upon. The issues that were once relevant to his former self are now concepts that he is able to turn around and delve into with ease.

Quinn XCII’s earlier album, Change of Scenery, describes a time of identity configuration and name changing, as well as offering scenic vignettes into the fruits of his youth. His new album acts as an ode to the thoughts and feelings of the version of himself that wrote his 2015 album and acknowledges how far he has come.

In a song from his first album called “Wounds,” Quinn XCII talks about how much he craves authentic affection and feels duped by the inconsistency of young love. He sings “love is there if you want it, but I bet you don’t want it like I do.” At this time, he was lost and wishing for an emotionally validating romance. Now, from the bird’s eye view of his most recent album, the 28-year-old has his wife Macy Temowski by his side as he is able to exclaim: “look how far we've come, when you and I were young, this is all we wanted!”

Quinn XCII’s fan base spans from college students to people in their 20s, and there’s something for everyone in his music. Through the emotional turmoil, life lessons, and experiences that the artist touches upon through each album, there are pieces of all the young souls that look to his music for both comfort and guidance.

Quinn XCII found his way into the hearts and minds of his fans through his unique multi-genre mixes and meaningful music. Now, in the midst of a pandemic, listeners are taking the time to explore the character development and emotional growth symbolized by his new album. As he continues to navigate his way through the trials and tribulations of adulthood, the world awaits his next masterpiece.

Quinn XCII Drops Change of Scenery II