XOXOK is the moniker of Durham-based musician Keenan Jenkins. 

Jenkins’ musical career began during his Ph.D. studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he played open mics and local showcases between long days on the third floor of the psychology building. By the time he’d finished his degree, drained and discontent, his musical moonlighting had bloomed in full color. He took the cue and dove headfirst into the rich music scene in North Carolina.

Jenkins now crafts atmospheric soul music that is inspired by both old-school R&B (think What’s Going On-era Marvin Gaye) and more modern artists who have expanded the genre (Maxwell, Moses Sumney, Solange). He delivers a forceful live performance that blends intimacy with finesse. Behind him, TJ Richardson (bass) and Joe MacPhail (drums) pull the audience into a deep groove while Gabriel Reynolds (keyboards) floats a pillowy keyscape. By the time Jenkins enters with a smooth guitar riff and fills the air with “sweet, ringing vocals” (Queen City Nerve) that slide effortlessly from a robust tenor to a tender falsetto, the band has captured you in full embrace. 

XOXOK’s first EP Worthy (“A pristine EP…fully formed” – INDY Week) was released in 2019. The hits continued in 2020, as Jenkins progressed in a more soulful, vulnerable direction with the release of singles “Right On” (“A gut punch of a protest song that sneaks up on you” – Chapelboro), and “I’ll Be Fine” (“Nimble, sweet, yet totally epic" – INDY Week). However, just like you, Jenkins started therapy during the pandemic. Accordingly, the band's newest album, Jesus Piece, is his most personal to date, as Jenkins examines the toll of internalized racism and misogynoir in brilliant, sonorous color.