Jamie xx

Biography

Jamie xx, born James Thomas Smith on October 28, 1988, in London, England, is an acclaimed English musician, DJ, record producer, and remixer. He rose to prominence as a founding member of the indie pop band The xx, which he joined in 2006 alongside school friends Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim, and Baria Qureshi from the Elliott School, a London institution known for producing innovative electronic musicians. The xx's debut album, 'xx,' released in 2009, achieved platinum status in the UK and established the group as a defining force in modern indie and electronic music[1][2][3].

Beyond his work with The xx, Jamie xx has built a celebrated solo career distinguished by his innovative approach to electronic music, blending elements of UK garage, house, and experimental pop. His 2015 debut solo album, 'In Colour,' received widespread critical acclaim, earning nominations for the Mercury Prize and the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album[2][3]. Jamie xx is also renowned for his remix work, notably his transformative collaboration with Gil Scott-Heron on the album 'We're New Here' (2011), and for producing tracks for major artists such as Drake, Radiohead, and Alicia Keys. His influence extends into ballet, having composed the score for 'Tree of Codes' in 2015, further showcasing his versatility and impact on contemporary music[2][3].

Jamie xx's legacy is marked by his ability to bridge the worlds of indie, dance, and pop music, both as a solo artist and as a key creative force within The xx. His introspective, bass-driven production style and his reserved public persona have made him a unique figure in the global music scene, inspiring a new generation of musicians to experiment with genre boundaries and emotional depth in electronic music[3][4].

Fun Facts

• Jamie xx composed the score for the ballet 'Tree of Codes', collaborating with choreographer Wayne McGregor and artist Olafur Eliasson in 2015[3].
• He is known for his reserved and introspective personality, often preferring to let his music speak for itself rather than giving lengthy interviews[4].
• Jamie xx’s debut solo album 'In Colour' was previewed with interactive visuals on iTunes that reacted to each track[3].
• He attended the Elliott School in London, which also counts Hot Chip, Burial, and Four Tet among its notable alumni[1][3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Gil Scott-Heron - Major inspiration and collaborator; Jamie xx remixed Scott-Heron's final album, which deeply influenced his approach to production and remixing. (We're New Here (2011)) [2010–2011]

Key Collaborators

• Romy Madley Croft - Bandmate in The xx and frequent collaborator on solo material. (The xx albums, 'Loud Places' (In Colour, 2015)) [2006–present]
• Oliver Sim - Bandmate in The xx. (The xx albums) [2006–present]
• Baria Qureshi - Original member of The xx. (The xx debut album) [2006–2009]
• Drake - Produced title track for Drake's album 'Take Care', featuring Rihanna. (Take Care (2011)) [2011]
• Gil Scott-Heron - Produced entire remix album. (We're New Here (2011)) [2010–2011]
• Alicia Keys - Co-produced track on her album 'Girl on Fire'. (When It's All Over (Girl on Fire, 2012)) [2012]
• Radiohead - Remixed 'Bloom' for their remix album. (TKOL RMX 1234567 (2011)) [2011]
• Tyler, the Creator - Co-producer on track 'RISE!' (Call Me If You Get Lost (2021)) [2021]

Artists Influenced

• Sampha - Cited Jamie xx and The xx as influences on his approach to minimal, emotive electronic production. (Process (2017)) [2010s]
• FKA twigs - Inspired by The xx’s atmospheric sound and Jamie xx’s production style. (LP1 (2014)) [2010s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Loud Places (In Colour)
2. Baddy On The Floor
3. F.U. (In Waves (Deluxe))
4. Life
5. Baddy On The Floor (In Waves)
6. Waited All Night (In Waves)
7. You've Got The Love - Jamie xx Rework
8. Life (In Waves)
9. All You Children (In Waves)
10. On Hold - Jamie xx Remix

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #deep-house, #electronic, #future-garage