In a release that bridges years of personal evolution and musical growth, electronic musician Planningtorock has teamed up with Romy, of the acclaimed trio The xx, to present a profound new version of the track ‘The One’. Released on May 13, 2026, via the Human Level label, the rework reimagines a piece of electronic history, transforming a 2011 art-pop staple into a contemporary dancefloor meditation on tenderness and hope.
The collaboration marks a significant moment for both artists, weaving together their shared experiences as queer creators. While the original iteration of ‘The One’ was characterized by its intricate pizzicato strings, this new arrangement trades that experimental texture for a landscape of hypnotising, swirling synths. Underpinning this sonic shift is Romy’s soulful, laid-back vocal performance, which provides a new emotional anchor to a song that has long resonated within the queer community.
For Planningtorock—the moniker of the Bolton-born, Tallinn-based artist Jam Rostron—the song carries deep autobiographical weight. Originally appearing on the 2011 album W, the track was conceived during a period of profound isolation. By revisiting the composition through Romy’s lens, the artist has been able to bridge the gap between the loneliness of their past and the expressive freedom of their present.
A Sonic Evolution: From Experimentalism to the Dancefloor
The transformation of ‘The One’ is more than a mere remix; it is a recontextualization of intent. The original track, which earned critical acclaim for its “art-pop experimentalism,” focused on a specific type of tension. This new version, however, seeks to “let the heart of the song breathe,” as described by Romy, while simultaneously preparing it for a club environment.
The musicality of the rework highlights the stylistic synergy between the two performers. The transition from the sharp, rhythmic strings of the 2011 version to the lush, expansive synthesizers of the 2026 release allows the vocal melodies to take center stage. Romy’s contribution is noted for its ability to honour the underlying emotion of the original while infusing it with a new sense of movement and accessibility.
This release follows a period of significant activity for Romy. Following her solo single ‘Love Who You Love’ released last year—which featured notable remixes from artists such as HAAi and SHERELLE—this collaboration signals a continued exploration of electronic textures and collaborative songwriting.
Shared Experiences and Queer Artistry
At the core of this collaboration is a deep-seated personal connection. Both Planningtorock and Romy have spoken extensively about the “unspoken understanding” that exists between them, rooted in their mutual identities as queer artists. This shared perspective has allowed the rework to transcend simple musical collaboration, becoming a vessel for exploring themes of longing, identity and resilience.
Planningtorock reflected on the origins of the song, noting that it was written in 2009, a time when they were not yet able to live authentically as their trans self. “I was so lonely back then and the possibility of being in love felt very far away,” Planningtorock stated, describing the original’s “queer longing for love.” The artist credited Romy’s rework with elevating that sentiment, stating that she has “managed to take its original queer longing for love to another level of tenderness and hope.”
Romy echoed this sentiment, noting her long-standing admiration for Planningtorock’s work and their close friendship. For Romy, the project was driven by the “emotion sitting just beneath the surface” of the original track—a sense of longing that she felt was both deeply personal and universally relatable. By bringing this emotion to the dancefloor, the rework seeks to turn a private moment of solitude into a collective experience of connection.
Live Performances and the Resurgence of The xx
The release of the rework coincides with a busy period of live performances for Planningtorock. The artist is set to perform a series of significant shows in the United Kingdom, including a highly anticipated tribute to Bronski Beat’s iconic 1984 album, The Age Of Consent. Performing alongside Tom Rasmussen and Bishi, these shows will celebrate a seminal moment in queer musical history.
Scheduled dates for the UK tour include:
- May 17, 2026: Manchester, Aviva Studios
- May 24, 2026: London, Royal Festival Hall
Simultaneously, the broader musical landscape is seeing a revitalised presence from The xx. After a period of relative absence from the stage, the group has begun performing again, marked by a return show in Mexico City on April 3. Their recent appearance at Coachella also signaled a return to major international festival stages, much to the anticipation of their global fanbase.
While details regarding new studio material from The xx remain guarded, the band has been active behind the scenes. Following reports of the group working together in the studio, Romy recently indicated that the band is “keeping it really open” and is “up for trying new things,” while maintaining the signature sound that defined their early career.
Key Takeaways: Planningtorock & Romy Collaboration
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Track | ‘The One’ (Rework) |
| Original Release | 2011 (Album: W) |
| New Release Date | May 13, 2026 |
| Label | Human Level |
| Musical Style | Electronic, Soulful Synths, Dancefloor-oriented |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the original and the rework of ‘The One’?
The original version, released in 2011, featured prominent pizzicato strings and an experimental art-pop arrangement. The 2026 rework by Romy utilizes swirling, hypnotic synthesizers and a more soulful, dancefloor-focused production style.
Who is Planningtorock?
Planningtorock is the musical project of Jam Rostron, a trans and nonbinary electronic musician based in Tallinn, Germany. Their work is frequently noted for its exploration of queer identity and experimental electronic textures.
Where can I see Planningtorock live in the UK?
Planningtorock has scheduled performances at Manchester’s Aviva Studios on May 17 and London’s Royal Festival Hall on May 24, where they will perform Bronski Beat’s The Age Of Consent.
As the music industry continues to see a resurgence of influential electronic acts, the collaboration between Planningtorock and Romy stands as a testament to the power of shared identity in shaping modern soundscapes. We will continue to monitor official updates regarding upcoming tour dates and further musical releases from both artists.
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