Founded in 2013 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, XOI began as a creative outlet rather than a traditional band, a space where music and raw emotional expression could meet without restraint. Blending Alternative and Industrial Rock with experimental overtones, XOI has consistently embraced a fluid identity, never bound by genre or expectation. Over the years, it evolved from a full-band collective to a more focused artistic project led by multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter Nguyễn Tấn Cường, whose creative vision now defines the project’s direction.

XOI’s music fuses the grit and alternative soundscapes. It’s cathartic, introspective, sometimes chaotic, but above all, always honest. Their lyrics explore themes of inner turmoil, existential fatigue, and personal rebirth, often wrapped in distorted textures, brooding melodies, and atmospheric instrumentation. Whether through delicate ballads or abrasive breakdowns, XOI’s songs serve as an emotional purge and a call for authenticity.

The band’s discography marks its creative evolution, with each release offering a snapshot of the project’s shifting identity. Their debut full-length “Ánh Sáng Ban Ngày” (2022) introduced a rough-edged yet melodic foundation. This was followed by the emotionally charged double album “Bản Ballad Của Tèo” and “The One Who Holds the Flame”, released in 2025, a bit more polished era under Cuong’s singular direction.

XOI has carved out memorable performances in Saigon’s venues such as Yoko Cafe và Mooney’s. These intimate settings allowed the rawness of their music to connect deeply with local audiences.

Since 2015, the band has included a steady lineup featuring Doan Duc Do (bass), Huynh Tu Cuong (guitar), and Tran Trong Khanh Duy (drums). However, recent years have seen a shift toward a more solo-oriented structure, with Cuong now spearheading the project as its creative core. The current lineup functions more as a live ensemble, supporting Cuong’s evolving vision as XOI’s dedication to creating honest, boundary-pushing music.