Jamie xx

Before the first xx record, I pretty much exclusively listened to electronica. Now, I listen to anything. I think the most inspiring thing is just learning more about more and more different kinds of music and becoming a fan of so many different types and so many different genres.

In the U.K. especially, dance music goes in cycles. It's often kids reappropriating sounds they loved when they were younger, but were too young to be a part of.

I always just experiment with different sounds and styles until I find something that evokes the feeling I'm going for. I'm not trying to think too much about what anyone else is doing.

When I hear something new, mostly in rhythms, I often find it interesting to recreate it in a studio in a completely different way.

I'm not going to play gigs as Jamie xx. I'm just going to DJ. I'm not comfortable performing my songs on a stage. It's not something I think I'm particularly good at.

I can't imagine doing a DJ set and playing all my own stuff; it'd just be awkward.

I think Kendrick Lamar is great. It would be cool to do something with him.

I think Young Thug has such a weird style I love, especially the things he does with his voice. It just sounds different.

I just like the lineage and the heritage and the fact that British dance music is still progressing. I'm from London; I love London, and I wouldn't know how else to show that love in musical terms. There's something about British stuff that's a bit faster, a bit harder-hitting. Just tough.

I get to go to so many different countries and hear so much music and collect totally different records. It's all very inspiring, and I'm trying to embrace that experience because not that many producers get to have that.

I find it quite useful to be alone when I'm making music, but also in general, in life.

For some producers who are technical-minded, making the song sound good is easy, and getting the emotion into the song is harder.