Jamie xx announces first new album in nine years

English electronic music sensation Jamie xx has revealed that his sophomore solo album, ‘In Waves,’ will arrive on September 20th, 2024.

Nine long years after his Grammy-nominated debut album, “In Color,” Jamie xx (James Smith) has finally confirmed a follow-up. Jamie has taken to Instagram to tell fans that his new album, “In Waves,” will be released on September 20th, 2024. The album cover employs a wavy black-and-white optical illusion behind his trademark diagonal rectangle, a fitting contrast to the rainbow pinwheel of “In Color.” 

Jamie wrote in the post that “a lot has happened” since he last released an album: “ups and downs, growing up, figuring stuff out and then forgetting it all many times over. Life changing events and world changing events.” He continued by noting that “we have all experienced together and alone” the “waves” of life that inspired his forthcoming album, and that he “wanted to make something fun, joyful and introspective all at once” to reflect that. Most importantly, he added the he is “so unbelievably happy” to be sharing the new album with the world.

The long-awaited announcement from Jamie xx has garnered much attention in the dance music world, prompting comments from the likes of Lane 8, CRi, Hermitude, and his former bandmate and collaborator Romy. Jamie has been beloved in dance music and beyond since coming up as a member of the indie pop band The xx and subsequently breaking out as a solo artist with remixes for the likes of Gil Scott-Heron and Florence + The Machine, as well as a smash hit collaboration with Young Thug and Popcaan. 

Though it’s taken nine years for a whole album, that time hasn’t been completely void of Jamie xx releases. He collaborated with Fred Again.. and Headie One in 2020, remixed songs from Oliver Sim and his own band The xx in 2022, and has released a few solo originals here and there as well. He began teasing an album in April 2024 with the release of “Baddy On The Floor” with Honey Dijon, and continued with “Treat Each Other Right” alongside the album announcement.

For fans who have been waiting nearly a decade for a new Jamie xx album, what’s another three and a half months? Help pass the time with the album’s first two singles below!

Featured Image: Facebook / Jamie xx