Bonnaroo Band of the Day: Jamie xx

As we’ve been doing for the past several years now, we’re making it our mission to help you get acquainted with as many bands as we can from Bonnaroo‘s impressive 2015 lineup. We’ll start from the bottom and work our way up, paying special attention to the smaller and lesser known acts on this year’s bill. Keep reading for your Bonnaroo Band of the Day…

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Jamie Smith, better known by his stage name of Jamie xx, is a unique example of an artist who is both a Bonnaroo veteran yet also a brand new act. As the production and electronics wizard for famed English indie pop group The xx, who last played ‘Roo in 2013, and made their debut in 2010, Smith is a seasoned and road worn festival veteran. Even as a solo artist, he’s amassed quite a reputation as a remix artist and DJ, but only recently has Jamie really honed in his own original sound, ahead of his solo full-length debut, In Colour. Because of this, we don’t know exactly what to expect. If this was any other year, a strictly DJ set would be a given, but, with a full slate of originals, and a full festival lineup of friends and peers, there’s no telling who Jamie might wrangle to assist in his ‘Roo debut. In Colour‘s June 1 street date gives us just enough time to get familiar with the eclectic producer’s new sound, at least.

Hailing from London, Smith joined The xx in 2005, quickly adopting the moniker Jamie xx on promo materials, and soon found a whirlwind of critical and commercial success, once the group hit their stride with their incredible 2009 self-titled debut. The xx’s success enabled Jamie to collaborate on high profile remixes for artists like Florence and the Machine and Adele, and he sound found himself serving as a producer for Drake, Alicia Keys, and more. Though he’s been dabbling in original tunes for the past few years, In Colour seems to be his most concentrated effort to date. So far, both of his xx bandmates have been announced as collaborators, as has rapper Young Thug, and ,if hypnotic lead single “Loud Places” is any indication, it’ll be a more electronic, cheerier, and more expansive snapshot of just how far Smith’s artistic sensibilities can reach.

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