I like the way the internet allows us to peek inside our favourite artists’ inspirations and influences with remarkable simplicity. Sometimes it’s obvious that we’re invited inside through Youtube interviews and lengthy online interviews, but occasionally, the clues we get are more subtle.
It’s not all that surprising that The XX have been inspired by the dubstep movement who pretty much every new artist in the electronic sphere seems to borrow something from. What surprised me was the extend to which they’ve dug into this wave. It’s most likely Jamie, keyboard-controller and electronic aficionado, whose passion for the steppin’ sounds shine through their productions, so when he’s asked to do a mini mix for Annie Mac, you would expect some dubstep in there.
The XX Mini Mix for Annie Mac
Very strong mix, and a tracklist that pulls in Joker, Joy Orbison, Dorian Concept, Burial, and Skream. That’s only one aspect of their dubstep obsession, however. Since their album have received an incredible amount of press in mainstream and indie media alike, it would seem obvious to get in some big remixers to add their flavour to the tracks and expand their audience even further. There are no easy remixes here, though, and remixes from FaltyDL, Matthew Dear, and Nosaj Thing bear witness of a band, that has the courage to challenge us. Do yourself a favour and pick up all the remix you can find, they’re well worth it. To get you started, here’s FaltyDL’s remix of Islands
- The XX – Islands (FaltyDL Remix)
Graphic high five via Hubert Planz
