Xeno Ray JNB Tells His Story & The Creative Process Behind New Project “Mono Modern”
Intro:
South Carolina artist Xeno Ray JNB is featured in today’s interview article, as we ask him about his project album “Mono Modern” & more. Xeno Ray JNB can be described as an experimental music artist, producer, independent filmmaker, and multimedia artist who is passionate about authentic expression through music. He began making music in 2018 under the former name, “Lil Ray Jnb,” before stepping into a more purposeful and serious artistic direction in 2021. His name is significant, as it represents his philosophy and identity: “Xeno” symbolizes being foreign or separate from what the world considers normal, and “Ray” represents a small ray of light. Before reading our brief conversation, make sure you check out this new album below.
Me: What was the creative process like while making this new record? How'd you get inspired?
Xeno: The creative process for Mono Modern was inspired by Radiohead’s OK Computer, and also a lot of other factors inspired it, too. I like to study the world and its current trajectory a lot when trying to get inspired for new projects and I and others noticed a lack of monoculture in pop culture nowadays. it’s crazy how everyone is connected yet divided at the same time but back in the day like in the 80’s or 90’s, people knew big hits like Smells Like Teen Spirit, everyone was talking about Men In Black, everyone was watching Friends and Purple Rain so those are just a few examples of the monoculture that we unfortunately don’t have anymore in the pop culture, there’s a few glances of it from time to time but nothing sticks.
I truly believe the world changed forever after 9/11 and I study 9/11 a lot with how it shaped the culture and around the same time OK Computer was hailed as being a prediction of some sort.. so instead of another experimental project that’s just experimental just for the sake of being experimental, I decided to make the next one (Mono Modern) experimental yet with a conceptual narrative.. the whole term concept albums annoy the hell out of me and I don’t really wanna call it that but this project does have a narrative that I hope listeners will see and realize. I would also like to credit the inspiration to my beautiful and amazing culture, which is Black American Culture. Since learning more about the history, I’ve developed a deep love for my culture and decided to incorporate some themes in the project as well.
Act as if I am a new fan, sitting down with you for the first time to talk about your music. I've never heard of you before. How would you describe your music to me?
I would describe my music as a kid wanting to play with too many toys all at once. The kid can never focus on one thing, lol. The toys represent the genres and styles I wanna do, and I am the kid who wants to play with everything and realize the worth in every genre. I would say my music has evolved over time, though. Back in the Lil Ray Jnb days from 2018-2020 I was making trap, emo rap, and pop rap kinda similar to two of some of my favorite rappers (Lil Uzi Vert and Juice WRLD) but when I got into the Xeno era and name, I decided to shift my music to something with a purpose and an actual focus on what I was trying to put out into the world.
Now fast forward to the Mono Modern era, the project explores ambient glitch, experimental hip-hop, chillwave, industrial, lofi, and experimental rock. But for my main music, I usually stay in the experimental hip-hop, lofi, abstract rap, and experimental electronic side of things. But that can always change, of course, I kinda love keeping people guessing as to what I’ll do next.
What does the title mean to you, and how did you choose it?
The title Mono Modern doesn’t have a combined meaning, but more so, I just look at the world. It was originally going to be called “All The Modern Fishes,” but for reasons I can’t say, I decided not to go with it. The project is inspired by OK Computer’s narrative and theme, except it’s through the lens of artists surviving through the mid 2020’s decade as we face creative burnout, AI trying to take over, Whitewashing of black American culture, alienation, and quick dopamine. I think the title is self explanatory as this point.
What was the most challenging part of creating this new release?
The most challenging part was the technical aspect of things. When my collab album ‘Whirlwind!’ with jazz rap producer Totojira came out in January 2026, the reviews were harsh, especially towards me. Rightfully so, since my vocals and the mixing weren’t that good. I do believe the collab album was a bit overhated, and some people were doing too much. But honestly, I do agree with the technical flaws, and I’m not the type of artist to shut down any criticism. I realize that, as an artist, respectful criticism is how you learn, grow, and try not to make the same mistakes, so with Mono Modern, I tried to do better. I tried my best to actually have a vision this time and to improve on my technical skills of music making because people can notice when something is experimental, yeah, it’s cool that it’s different, but if it’s just noise, then that doesn’t move people. That’s why Mono Modern will be the project that I hope can move people. Mono Modern isn’t perfect, but it’s definitely an improvement, and I believe lots of people will see it as an improvement as well. Overall, this project, It was a challenge to myself and to my legacy as an artist.
From there, describe your life outside of the music that you create. What are some aspects of your life that fans may be surprised by?
Filmmaking is a big thing, yeah, I rotate between the two. Whenever I’m not working on music, I want to and tend to plan out short film ideas, or whenever I’m not working on short films or cinematic shorts, I tend to work on some demos. But, uhm, besides the art aspect of things.. I really want to get into feeding ducks on Saturday mornings. I feel like there would be an unspoken telepathic exchange when trying to feed them, you know? Lol, I might give the ducks some bread or something to be honest.
How did you come to realize that music is your calling?
I would have to say it started when I was really young when I idolized Ice Cube (I don’t idolize him nor any celebrities anymore since it’s stupid to idolize and worship celebrities and mortal people and I’ve outgrown that stage in my life) and what I noticed about him growing up was the fact he did both movies and music and that inspired me to want to do the same thing.. I realized then, and there cinema and sound can coexist and make something influential. If it was a natural progression, then it probably stemmed from the fact that I heard lots of songs on the radio growing up, and I just wanted to hear some sounds that I didn’t hear, so it’s probably both.
Before we wrap, I wanted to ask if you have any other upcoming releases or plans that you're comfortable sharing with the readers?
Lots more, honestly. I’d say I’m always in creative mode. Even if I’m not creating any art that day, I’m always thinking about the next big project or the next avenue of expression I can see myself in. Honestly, I need a muse, but that would probably be too much. Either way, as long as I keep putting my faith in The Most High God and stick to what I’m doing, things will pay off, I hope.
And finally, in your own words, why should a new listener check out this new release today?
I don’t wanna convince anyone, honestly. This project isn’t for everyone, and I don’t want it to be. If you’re anti-black, then this project isn’t for you. If you are the type of person to shame people for following their dreams, then this project isn’t for you. This project is a big F you to the modern system and to anyone who believes Art has died. Art is going through a rebirth, and I believe human creators like myself and many others are here to change things around here.
