/ The X Factor

by Anokhi Admin

The X Factor

May 15, 2013

Toronto hip-hop trio Starchild X is positioned to be among the galaxy of music stars.

They are young, energetic and full of attitude. Meet Starchild X, Toronto’s emerging music group that is all set to charm and sway the audience with their urban pop music. Their hit song “Superstar” is making waves and has earned them a loyal fan base. Starchild X consists of the trio: Sean Hakim (Starchild), Delon Omrow (D’Couture) and Jeni Walls (J-Wallz). The group’s style of music (a mix of hip-hop, new wave, rock and dance pop) has been heavily influenced by American hip-hop group Public Enemy, English electronic band Depeche Mode, rapper Timbaland, and modern producers such as David Guetta.

The history of the group dates back to 2006. After working for a few years in North America as an actor, Sean decided to seriously pursue a career in music. He started writing and producing his own hip-hop style of music under the name “Starchild.” With time, he improvised his style and introduced more “poppy” tunes. Jeni Walls, with whom Sean had worked on motivational speaking sessions, joined him to provide the female voice. Delon Omrow, Sean’s cousin, had heard about Starchild’s work. He was talented and could write and compose songs. So, the three of them teamed up, got the chemistry working and created their own style of music to form Starchild X.

The group tasted its first success in December 2011, when their song “Superstar” was aired five times a day on Toronto’s popular FM station, Virgin 99.9 Radio to a pretty amazing response from the listeners. Ultra Records recognized their talent and within two weeks of their radio debut, Starchild X was signed for a three-album deal.

The group is also gradually making its presence known in Canada. Their song “I Think I’m In Love” was submitted for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Fashion Rocks fashion show that was held in Toronto last summer and was selected among the top six from 500 applicants. The group also recently performed at the benefit show for the Kirabo Foundation.

I was curious to know why the group was called Starchild X. Sean notes that the name was inspired by a 900-year-old skull found in New Mexico. The skull had an elongated forehead that gave the feel of an “Alien Child.” Sean connected with that and considered himself as the child of the stars. He was obsessed to know more about the universe and addressed himself as the “Starchild.” The “X” is for the additional factor that Jeni and Delon add to the group’s music.

In the future, Starchild X wants to etch its name in the music industry. They know that the industry has several one-song wonders and they don’t intend to be another flash in the pan. They have ambitious plans and are working hard on the music for their upcoming albums. Their hit single “Superstar” has been released in May to all the major radio stations in Toronto. A music video for this song is also in the works. With a sparkle in his eye, Sean says that the group wants their music to be loved in Europe and Asia, as well as in North America. He adds “I see a dream where we have sold out stadiums in the next five years. I am certain that if we stay focused and continue to write from our hearts, we can do it.” Interesting! For a group that has the talent, passion and believes in itself, this possibility might just turn into a reality.

BY SMRUTI DAS / PUBLISHED IN THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE, SUMMER 2012