How a London schoolboy became a global architect of modern dance music

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: James Thomas Smith, known as Jamie xx, evolved from an Elliott School student into a central figure in contemporary electronic music. From his early work with the band the xx to his acclaimed solo albums, his career spans high-profile collaborations, ballet scores, and a commitment to global charitable causes.

Born in London in 1988, James Thomas Smith began his musical journey in 2006 by joining the band the xx. His early development was shaped by the Elliott School, a London institution known for fostering talents like Burial and Four Tet. Smith, who received an MPC for his 18th birthday, quickly became a driving force behind the group’s sound, contributing to their significant commercial success. By 2009, he began releasing solo work under the name Jamie xx, initially through a mixtape for FACT magazine.

His solo trajectory gained momentum in 2011 with the release of We're New Here, a collaborative remix album with Gil Scott-Heron that earned widespread critical acclaim. This period marked a shift toward high-profile production work, including contributions to albums by Drake, Radiohead, and Alicia Keys. His debut solo album, In Colour, released in 2015, solidified his reputation, earning nominations for both a Mercury Prize and a Grammy Award. Beyond traditional studio albums, Smith has explored diverse creative avenues, including composing the score for the ballet Tree of Codes, which featured choreography by Wayne McGregor and set design by Olafur Eliasson.

In recent years, Smith has continued to balance solo projects with collaborative efforts, including his 2024 album In Waves and production work for bandmates Romy and Oliver Sim. Throughout his career, he has maintained a strong focus on philanthropy, performing at numerous benefit concerts. These include events for cancer research, mental health organizations like Mind in Haringey, and disaster relief efforts. Notably, his 2025 performance at Wembley arena for the Together for Palestine concert helped raise over £1.4 million for aid organizations. His work remains deeply rooted in the dance music culture he first encountered through his uncles, who were both DJs, and the diverse musical influences of his parents.

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