The xx’s Romy Reflects on a Decade Removed From Band’s Origins
LONDON – Reflecting on the passage of time, Romy Madley Croft of the band the xx recently acknowledged how distant 2009-the year her group first gained prominence-now feels.The musician, currently forging a solo career alongside continued collaborations with bandmates Jamie xx and Oliver sim, highlighted the evolution of both her personal and artistic journey since the band’s inception.
the sentiment arrives as Romy continues to release new music, including the recent single “Love Who You Love,” described as a “proudly queer love song” and a closing chapter to her 2023 debut album Mid Air. This follows a period of prolific output, encompassing the Mid Air (Transcendence Remixes) EP and collaborations with artists like Sampha and Jessie Ware. The band’s initial success in 2009, marked by a minimalist sound and introspective lyrics, resonated with a generation and established The xx as a defining voice of indie music. now, over a decade later, Romy’s solo work and continued collaborative efforts demonstrate a broadening of creative horizons while maintaining connections to her musical roots.
Last year, Romy rejoined Jamie xx and Oliver Sim on the latter’s single ‘Waited All Night,’ a reunion they also showcased live during Jamie xx’s LIDO Festival headline set. Romy stated that “Love Who You Love” had been “in her care” since 2020, signifying a deliberate and personal approach to its release. Her 2023 album Mid Air received critical acclaim, further solidifying her transition as a compelling solo artist.