Escaping the Digital Tether: Jamie xx's Journey to Rediscover Himself

Jamie Smith, the acclaimed British DJ-producer known as Jamie xx, has been on a personal quest to break free from the constant digital distractions that have consumed his life. After a rejuvenating trip to a remote cabin in Norway, where he was forced to disconnect from the relentless pull of technology, Smith has emerged with a renewed perspective on the role of music, creativity, and human connection in his life.

Unplugging to Reconnect: Jamie xx's Pursuit of Mindfulness and Simplicity

Embracing the Hermit Life

Jamie Smith has always had a love-hate relationship with his smartphone, describing it as a "ravenous predator" that he must constantly evade. During his recent holiday in Norway, he found solace in the absence of Wi-Fi and mobile phone reception, allowing him to fully immerse himself in the natural surroundings and the simple act of catching his own fish for dinner. This digital detox was a revelation for Smith, who admits to having "a lot of hang-ups about the phone" and feeling frustrated by the control it has over him.

The Allure of the Slow Life

Despite his success as a DJ-producer and one-third of the acclaimed band The xx, Smith has long harbored a desire to slow down and live a more mindful, grounded existence. He speaks wistfully of the idea of living in a beach shack, going surfing every day, and being free from the constant demands of technology. Smith's pursuit of a more contemplative lifestyle is evident in his regular yoga practice, surfing, and attempts to read books in the evenings instead of consuming digital content.

Rebalancing Priorities

As Smith's career has taken off, he has found himself increasingly insulated within the touring bubble, struggling to maintain a sense of balance and personal growth. Witnessing his friends settle down and mature, Smith began to question his own trajectory, feeling as if he was treading water as a human being. The 2020 lockdown, which he surprisingly enjoyed, provided him with the opportunity to stop and reflect on his life, realizing that his self-esteem had become too closely tied to his work. This realization set him on a four-year journey to create his latest album, "In Waves," a process that allowed him to rediscover his authentic self and the deeper meaning behind his music.

Embracing Collaboration and Communication

Smith's journey of self-discovery has also impacted his approach to collaboration, particularly within the context of The xx. As the band members have gained more creative control over their individual projects, they have found it increasingly challenging to come together and work cohesively. Smith acknowledges that despite their close friendship, they often revert to their younger selves when reunited, struggling to communicate effectively. This recognition has made him more eager to embrace the collaborative process, even if it requires more effort and patience.

The Allure of the Ocean

One of the most significant discoveries for Smith during his personal journey has been his newfound love for surfing. Describing his first surfing lesson in Hawaii as a "life-changing epiphany," Smith has found a deep connection to the ocean and the "trippy, spiritual vibe" of surf culture. He finds the act of surfing to be profoundly calming and fulfilling, to the point where it can sometimes distract him from his music-making. However, Smith has also found parallels between the flow state he experiences while surfing and the transcendent moments he can achieve in the studio or during a DJ set, where time seems to disappear and he becomes fully immersed in the creative process.

Exploring the Essence of Dance Music

Smith's exploration of his own relationship with music and creativity has also led him to delve deeper into the essence of dance music. He describes his approach as one that seeks to capture the "euphoric melancholy" that he believes is the true emotional core of the genre. Rather than aiming for linear, functional dance tracks, Smith strives to create music that tells a story, incorporating guest vocalists, crate-digging samples, and spoken word elements to convey a sense of depth and emotional resonance.

Embracing the Imperfect and the Uncontrolled

Smith's appreciation for the spontaneous and uncontrolled aspects of music-making has also been shaped by his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was heartened by the emergence of illegal boat parties on the canals near his home, where people came together to celebrate the simple joy of being in a shared space, even if the music itself was not of the highest quality. This sense of community and the willingness to embrace the imperfect has influenced Smith's own creative process, as he seeks to capture the essence of human connection and the "great let go" that can occur on the dancefloor.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

Smith's musical journey has been shaped by his diverse influences, from his parents' love of Stax Records and folk-rock to the formative experiences of discovering the post-dubstep scene in London. While he initially saw himself as a "late bloomer" compared to his more driven bandmates in The xx, Smith has grown to embrace his unique perspective and the way it has informed his creative output. As he continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of music and culture, Smith remains committed to honoring the past while exploring new frontiers, always seeking to connect with the deeper emotional resonance that lies at the heart of his craft.