Romy, of the beloved indie outfit the xx, makes a glorious flight of her own with her debut solo album, Mid Air.
Stepping out from the shadows of her acclaimed work with the xx, Romy goes it alone on her new album, Mid Air. Well, not exactly alone, she does have some exciting help here. The album's heart pulses through the Fred Again-produced "Loveher," a pivotal track that dually serves as both the album's opener and its origin story. A connection kindled while crafting tunes for others blossomed into a fast friendship that set the spark for Mid Air. The profound "Loveher," a declaration of queer love's intimacy, led to a question from Again, "Who could this be for?" Romy reflects, "I tentatively said... 'maybe me?'." And that’s when the idea for Mid Air was born.
Continuing with Again along with Stuart Price and fellow xx bandmate Jamie xx on the single "Enjoy Your Life," Romy assembles what can only be called an auditory elixir. The album brims with additional tracks that resonate as anthems of emotion set to dance rhythms. "Strong" is another standout that weaves seamlessly into the album's tapestry. It's an encapsulation of Romy's creative essence - a fusion of heartfelt melodies and pulsating rhythms that bridge the realms of emotion and dance. The album unfolds as a coming-out narrative, yet it traverses areas beyond personal revelation. Mid Air takes listeners through a labyrinth of grief and heartache, but ultimately steers them towards the shores of euphoria.
According to Romy, Mid Air is more than an album; it's a celebration, a haven, and a lifeline found on the dance floor. Love, loss, relationships, identity, and sexuality - these are the raw emotions woven into the tapestry of her solo debut. A sonic homage to the sanctuaries of queer clubs that gave her community and connection, it's a poignant exploration of her journey.
With the power to turn emotions into verses and choruses, Romy's songcraft has woven the very fabric of the xx's three acclaimed albums. But her prowess extends further, having co-written Dua Lipa's Grammy-winning banger "Electricity" alongside Mark Ronson and Diplo. In addition, she’s written for King Princess and Halsey, and lent her vocals to tracks by Fred Again and bandmate Jamie xx.