The xx hates interviews. So much so that there are really not that many materials out there for these guys (save for our latest interview with Jamie Smith, and another one we did with Oliver Sim back in 2010 for their opening show for Florence + The Machine). Before their riveting sold-out concert here last Friday, we managed to snatch a quickie interview (thanks to Now/Live & Hostess Entertainment for the opportunity!) with Jamie Smith (Sim was feeling unwell) who let us in on his approach to life and the band’s next direction.
How are you guys coping with all the fame these days? Are you exhausted by all that?
Not really, we’ve managed to find a good place; I don’t know how. When we’re at home, we don’t get bothered by other people because we don’t feel famous. We don’t feel like pop stars. We love what we’re doing and don’t feel too pressured.
You seem like the sort who contemplates a lot…
Sometimes I feel like I think too much in the future about what’s coming next, since we’re always on tour and there’s always another show to do and another place to go to. Living in the moment is good; I wish I could do it more, actually.
Does that make you a nostalgic person?
Yes. I quite like being nostalgic, especially when it comes to making music. [It] evokes emotions that come from what I think about the past. I think it shapes you as a person and it helps you remember what to do next. The experiences that we’ve had in the last few years have made us into different people and thinking back on them really helps us all.
Is the group looking towards collaborating more with other artists?
As a group, I don’t know about collaborating. I’d like to work on soundtracks at some point because it was really great to work on The Great Gatsby. On my own, I’m currently working on a few collaborations with my peers and other producers. Hopefully some rappers, singers and with Oliver and Romy. Personally as a producer, I work best when someone gives me something to work on or inspiring me rather than just doing something from scratch. Collaborating with anyone that is not Oliver and Romy is a fun experience because I wouldn’t know them as well and it’s quite harder to read. It also allows me to be a little bit more free with what I’m doing.
