Hong Kong-born producer and singer-songwriter XTIE is set to release her highly anticipated new single, “+852,” on June 18, 2025. Drawing its name from Hong Kong’s international dialing code, “+852” is a deeply personal and emotionally rich exploration of migration, identity, and the bittersweet journey of leaving home behind in pursuit of growth and new beginnings.
Inspired by the recent wave of Hong Kongers relocating to the UK through BNO visas, the track also resonates with Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and anyone navigating life between cultures. The single captures the complex emotions tied to uprooting—nostalgia, fear, hope, and excitement—while celebrating the resilience and courage required to start over in a new place.
“I’ve always wanted to write about the Hong Kong diaspora since 2021. I have a lot of friends who moved away from Hong Kong,” says XTIE. “This song is incredibly personal, yet I believe its message will resonate with so many people from different walks of life.”
The song was created during a songwriting camp in Limoux, France, and co-produced with French producer mammouth and Berlin-based songwriter Joel Miles, lending the track a distinctively international feel. Its production fuses heavy basslines and energetic pop beats with a standout synth solo—creating a dance-floor-ready soundscape layered with emotional weight. Melancholic yet hopeful, the sonic palette draws subtle inspiration from the cinematic world of Wong Kar-wai.
Visually, XTIE has been teasing the song with intimate clips filmed across Hong Kong, offering glimpses of everyday city corners often overlooked. These visuals serve as a touching tribute to her hometown, amplifying the emotional tone of the song.
“+852” stands as more than a song—it’s a heartfelt anthem for those forging new paths and redefining what ‘home’ means. With its universal message and compelling sound, the single is poised to strike a chord with global listeners seeking connection across borders.
Photographs by XTIE