It's been ten years since the unassuming producer took us on a kaleidoscopic journey through UK dance culture.
The quietly emerging force and shy revolution; Jamie xx's evolution from band member to super producer was never guaranteed. A core part of The xx, he chose to stay in the background while twin vocalists Romy Madley-Croft and Oliver Sim took center stage. Initially, the band’s debut album was to be managed by Diplo, but due to scheduling issues, the American producer—whose style likely didn't mesh well with the London group—stepped aside. Jamie xx then filled the gap, and his subtle style seamlessly merged with the group’s songwriting, creating a blend of deep, late-night electronica.
Even then, his place in club culture was not yet secured. As an outsider from the indie scene, the endorsement from the prominent Glasgow label Numbers for his debut release significantly heightened expectations. His first two solo tracks, ‘Far Nearer’ and ‘Beat For,’ were immediate classics—delicate yet powerful, infused with a sense of fragility and strength, painted in the intricate hues of his solitary world while maintaining an air of mystery.
What followed was a series of releases. If the remarkable Gil Scott-Heron remix album ‘We’re New Here’ felt groundbreaking in 2011, Jamie xx quickly established that this was just the beginning of his creative overflow. Each 12-inch felt like an anthem—utilizing communal experiences to delve into introspective feelings, his debut album ‘In Colour,’ released in 2015, embodies the perspective of an observer. It’s as much about dance music as it is a dance music record, representing a rich collection of club elements, a collage of sound systems, and a depiction of the freedom found in the post-midnight realm.
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Looking back at the album a decade later, it's astonishing how vibrant, fresh, and contemporary the production still appears. ‘Gosh’ and ‘Loud Places,’ featuring Romy, continue to be standout tracks in any Jamie xx set, and while ‘I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)’ may lean a bit heavily on its core sample, the ambition remains essential and the sound design audacious.
As a solo project, ‘In Colour’ is characterized by its collaborative essence. All members of The xx are featured, and Four Tet collaborates with Jamie xx on ‘Seesaw.’ Since then, both have driven a transformative change in UK electronic music; Jamie xx has become a leading global producer, while Four Tet (alongside Fred again.. and Skrillex) can effortlessly sell out Madison Square Garden.
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The abundance of samples gives the album a sense of connection to the lineage of club music. You can discern voices from archived Radio 1 shows, guest appearances from Popcaan and Young Thug, smooth funk samples, and the interpolation of a stunning classic by Idris Muhammed. This reflects the work of a DJ, a record collector, and a passionate music enthusiast—someone who spent more time at raves noting down what the DJ was spinning than indulging, refusing to let ephemeral moments of magic slip away.
This might be why ‘In Colour’ became a gateway for a generation of young clubbers. The album crystallizes many themes prevalent in early 2010s UK club music while elevating them to a new aspirational height. Jamie xx's songwriting contributes, merging his indie sensibilities into a pivotal crossover moment. Ultimately, it’s the record's main purpose and clear identity that made it so impactful—a solitary tribute to system culture and the fleeting instances of solitude found between vibrant spaces.
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To commemorate the tenth anniversary of ‘In Colour’, Jamie xx has unveiled a limited-edition picture disc version of the album. Featuring the iconic artwork directly on the vinyl, the ‘In Colour’ 10th Anniversary Edition is available for pre-order now and will be shipped on November 14th through Young.
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Words: Robin Murray
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The quiet outsider, the timid change-maker; Jamie xx's transition from band member to super producer was never guaranteed. He was always a crucial part of The