pure xtc is the genre-blurring project of Baltimore-born, Kansas City-based artist Taylor Hughes. Blending emotionally driven alternative / indie pop with electronic undertones and raw, honest lyricism, pure xtc has emerged as a compelling voice in the indie music scene. What began as a solo recording project has evolved into a powerful live duo, known for emotionally resonant performances and immersive stage presence.
Her latest single, Drive, is the final piece in a trilogy that began with Fall Apart and Mood Ring. A project spanning both music and film, it tells a story of unraveling, transformation, and escape. Drive brings the journey full circle, with the trilogy's short films forming a complete, enigmatic narrative.
pure xtc’s music has reached beyond the underground, featured in UK and European retail spaces like Birkenstock and Harvey Nichols. Her track get lost hit AMC Theaters in the award-winning comedy Midwest Skidmark, and she scored the short film Rangoon, which premiered to a sold-out crowd in Kansas City. Her work has been spotlighted by Apple Music’s New in Alternative and Proud Radio, with performances alongside Fletcher, Aly & AJ, Bob the Drag Queen, Jenny Lewis, and Dashboard Confessional cementing her place in the alt-pop world. She’s also appeared on ABC 27 and FOX 21.
