English pop band The xx gives Pinoy fans a treat

MANILA, Philippines — On their second visit to the country, members of the indie pop band The xx from London want to make sure they do their Filipino fans a solid. Performing in a bigger venue this time, there’s a special tier to their Feb. 7 show at the World Trade Center being sold at a special discounted rate (what producers MyMusicTaste describes as “budget-friendly”) targeted at fans and musicians who may not be so well off.

Guitarist/vocalist Romy Madley Croft tells The STAR, “Sometimes our management make decisions because they know us so well.” Grateful for being able to do what she and her bandmates are passionate about every day, she knows how important it is for fans to be able to take part in what they love. “I know how expensive it is (to go to a show), and what a challenge it could be to experience that if you don’t have enough money.”

She adds, “Music is to be enjoyed” and considers it a privilege “to share the experience with as many people (who like our music) as possible.”

The xx, also composed of Oliver Sim (bass, vocals) and Jamie “Jamie xx” Smith (beats, MPC, producer), have been on an Asian tour in support of the I See You album since January. It already brought them to Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong last Feb. 1. They perform in Taipei on Feb. 5 before they land in Manila. Osaka, Tokyo and Seoul are the other stops this month.

“Luckily, we have FaceTime...that helps us stay in touch,” Romy notes. “Our friends and family do understand that we have to be away. (It is) the biggest challenge for me.”

Still, the love they get from fans all over the world is enough fuel to keep a fire in their souls. Having had the chance to play everything from theaters, stadiums and even open-air festivals to crowds of hundreds to several thousands, The xx members have indeed gotten the best of both worlds — being indie with a big enough following across the globe.

“It just blows my mind that that many people would be there,” Romy says with disbelief in describing their bigger gigs. “You don’t really realize how many people are there — which could be quite scary.” On the flipside, she says she also likes the more intimate shows. “I love to kind of make contact and connect with (the) audience.” She assures fans, “When we’re on stage we really can see a lot of people. And I’m always kind of (looking around) to let them know that.”

The I See You Tour is another way for The xx to let their Filipino fans know how much they mean to them. When asked what they see in their Pinoy fans that make traveling this far worthwhile, Romy recalls just having an incredible time during their first visit.

“The energy of the audience was just unbelievable,” she says happily.

Tickets are available on Ticketnet (911-5555) or log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph.