An original member of the notorious English experimental electronic group The xx, Jamie Smith, under the alias of Jamie xx, produced and mixed the band’s first album xx. After its success, Jamie xx continued to work on his own solo remixes and accumulated mass popularity with his 2010 remix of Gil Scott-Heron’s “NY is Killing Me.” This prompted record label XL to urge Jamie xx to remix Gil Scott-Heron’s album I’m New Here, which he completed and so charmingly titled We’re New Here, also in 2010.
Most recently, he has released his second studio album In Colour at the end of last month, earlier than its scheduled release for the beginning of June. This is Jamie xx’s debut solo album, which, distinctive of his style, features an amalgam of uptempo dance mixes with more subdued and somber ambient undertones, slightly distinguishing itself from the post dubstep, UK garage prevalent in his initial studio production.
Tinged with a mix of progressive house, future garage, and even some auto-tuned hip hop, In Colour pulled out all the stops and its meticulous construction speaks for the three years it took to reach its completion. Jamie xx has not only expanded his sound, but he has done so successfully, elevating his stance within the realm of electronic music to a pedestal beyond the heights he had already managed to reach.
Jamie xx @ Fox Theater 10/9 (Oakland)
Tickets: $25 (w/out service charge at venue on show date & Fridays from 12-7 pm); $35 online
8 PM
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C004EA8F92F739C?brand=anotherplanet&camefrom=CFC_ANOTHERPLANET
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