The xx

The xx are an English indie trio recognized for their spare, emotionally charged sound and influence within the indie music industry. The band consists of Romy Madley Croft (guitar, vocals), Oliver Sim (bass guitar, vocals), and Jamie Smith, also known as Jamie xx (beats, MPC, record production). The xx are known for their distinctive minimalist approach, blending indie rock, indie electronic, indie pop, dream pop, and electro-rock, as well as the dual-vocalist setup of Madley Croft and Sim.

After posting demos on their Myspace page, the band attracted the attention of the Beggars Group-owned label Young Turks. The xx's debut album, "xx," marked their arrival in the music scene. Working with producer Rodaidh McDonald, the band released "xx," which achieved commercial and critical success, reaching number three on the UK Albums Chart, ranking first for The Guardian and second for NME's best of the year lists, and winning the Mercury Prize. The album became a sleeper hit in the United Kingdom and the United States, eventually selling one million copies. The opening track, "Intro," gained global recognition, widely used in films, commercials, and sports broadcasts, and was featured by BBC in its coverage of the general election. The music from the debut album has been used extensively on television and in other media.

The xx's subsequent albums further established their presence in the indie music landscape. Their second album, "Coexist," received positive reviews, reaching number one in the UK and number five on the Billboard 200. After a four-year gap between releases, including Smith's solo debut "In Colour," the band released their third album, "I See You," which debuted to critical acclaim and reached number one in the UK and number two on the Billboard 200. In support of "I See You," the band set the record for the longest run of sold-out shows in the history of O2 Academy Brixton. During this period, each member also began developing a solo career: Romy Madley Croft released the album "Mid Air," Oliver Sim released "Hideous Bastard," and Jamie xx released "In Waves," featuring his bandmates on the song "Waited All Night."

After nearly a decade away from the stage as a group, The xx returned with a festival set on Coachella's Main Stage. The trio performed a 16-song setlist that included a medley of their solo tracks. Their reunion showcased their atmospheric sound, blending their signature style with elements from their solo projects. The xx's traditional sound, characterized by atmospheric intimacy and pensive, haunting vocals from Madley Croft and Sim, has influenced artists across the music industry, including Billie Eilish. The xx continue to be recognized for their unique contribution to indie music, shaping the genre with their intimate and emotionally resonant sound.