About
Strictly by name, Chin Xaou Ti Won was officially founded in early 2001, as a minimalist offshoot project spearheaded by St-Michel. But unofficially, CXTW was founded by Markus Cone and St-Michel in 1998 under the monicher, The Krell, as an homage to acts like Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze and other synth wizards of the '70s. In 2008, The Krell was reinvented under the name Chin Xaou Ti Won. While much of the initial sound was drafted from their earlier works, this new brand of CXTW pushed the envelope further, drawing heavily on '80s/'90s electronic pop, video game music and contemporary classical.

Markus Cone and St-Michel use a myriad of synthesizers, electronics, processing devices and computer hardware/software to generate their sound while embedding layers of live percussion and found sound, creating a unique, multifaceted atmosphere setting them apart from the typical electonic niche. Bridging the gap between experimental and pop, Chin Xaou Ti Won's thick, layered sound is both unpredictably jarring and melodically comforting. Often quoted as "film music," CXTW's sound is built around the notion of focal melodies creating a solid core from which the song can take shape - from the simplistic, yet catchy, to the lush and contemplative.

Nudging their way into the Houston art scene, Chin Xaou Ti Won has performed at a number of galleries, including the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and Lawndale. They have also worked closely with local gallery, Skydive, as perrenial Musicians-in-Residence. Additionally, CXTW has collaborated with various artists, including Adela Andea and Susan Chen.

Chin Xaou Ti Won has also created the ongoing Texas Noise & Ambience Series, showcasing experimental electronic acts from around Texas. Additionally, CXTW runs a netlable called Tej és Keksz where some of their older or out of print material may be found.

FAQ
Q. What does Chin Xaou Ti Won mean?
A. Well, I wish I could give you some deep and insightful answer, but I can't. It doesn't mean anything. I pulled the name out of thin air about 12 years ago.
Q. How do you pronounce Chin Xaou Ti Won?
A. Hmm, typical pronunciations are "chin chow tee wahn," "chin zhow tee wahn" or "chin tsow tee wahn"
Q. But wait, I thought xxx letters/words are pronounced xxx way in Chinese?
A. That may be true, but obviously you skipped over Question 1 in the FAQ.
Q. Hmm, I'm still having trouble pronouncing yr name. Is there an easier way to say yr name?
A. Of course! You could use the ever convienent acronym: cxtw, or perhaps any of the following spellings other people have produced:
-Chin Wa Ti Do
-Chin Xan Do Wa
-Chin Xao Ti Twon
-Chin Xaou Ti
-Chin Xiaou Tu Won
-Chin Xoau Ti Won
-Chin Xpu Ti Won
-Cxin Haou Ti Won
-Xin Chaou Ti Won
Q. I'm still not convinced. Didn't you say somewhere that Chin Xaou Ti Won is an unknown Chinese composer? Is this true?
A. You are correct. He writes all our music.