X Amba**adors (also stylised XA) is an American alternative rock band from Ithaca, New York. The band has had hits such as "Unconsolable", "Jungle" and "Renegades". The band's debut full-length album, VHS, was released on June 30, 2015. History[edit] 2009–12: Amba**adors EP and Litost[edit] X Amba**adors began as a band titled simply Amba**adors, touring with artists such as LIGHTS. During this time, they self-released their debut EP, Amba**adors EP, creating a music video for its lead single, "Tropisms". Shortly after, the band self-released its debut LP, Litost, which included the song "Litost", which would later be used on the soundtrack for The Host. The band would sign a music publishing deal in 2012 with SONGS Music Publishing.[1] The band started a Kickstarter account to shoot a video for the lead single, "Unconsolable," which would be re-recorded later.[2] "Unconsolable" by them was on the Love Songs Drug Songs EP. The group was noticed by Imagine Dragons while frontman Dan Reynolds was sick in the hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. Reynolds heard an acoustic version of "Unconsolable" on 96X WROX-FM and asked Interscope to sign the band as soon as possible.[3][4] 2013–14: Love Songs Drug Songs EP and The Reason EP[edit] X Amba**adors released their debut major label EP, Love Songs Drug Songs in 2013. The EP included the track "Stranger" co-written by Dan Reynolds.[5] In promotion of the EP they toured supporting Imagine Dragons, Jimmy Eat World and The Mowglis. In 2014, the band released a second major label EP, The Reason. In promotion of the new EP, X Amba**adors will support Panic! at the Disco and Imagine Dragons on their respective tours. They also featured in The Knocks' single "Comfortable" from their second EP with the same name. 2015–16: VHS and The Knocks collaboration[edit] VHS is X Amba**adors' debut LP. The album was released June 30 via digital download, vinyl record and CD. The album features 20 tracks, including 7 interludes and 3 previously released songs for a total of 10 new songs. The album features Jamie N Commons and Imagine Dragons. X Amba**adors are to appear as a collaboration on The Knocks' debut album, entitled "55", scheduled to be released within the early months of 2016. Influences[edit] In an interview with Caitlin White, X Amba**adors declared themselves distinctly rock with few characteristics commonly a**ociated with indie bands.[3] They referenced Incubus and the Red Hot Chili Peppers as heroes.[3] These bands can be heard as influences on X Amba**adors's sound. Members[edit] X Amba**adors consists of four band members: Sam Harris (lead vocals, guitar, saxophone), Casey Harris (keyboard), Noah Feldshuh (guitar) and Adam Levin (drums). Sam Harris and Casey Harris are brothers, and have been friends with Feldshuh since kindergarten in Ithaca. Sam met Levin while attending the New School in New York City in 2006.[6][7] Casey Harris has been blind since birth.