Planningtorock and Romy Unite for a New Tender Take on ‘The One’

Planningtorock and Romy’s new version of ‘The One’ deepens the song’s queer longing with warmth and heartfelt emotion.

A Reunion of Souls in Sound

There’s something magical when two unique musical worlds collide, especially when both artists share a deep personal connection. Planningtorock, the creative alias of Jam Rostron, has teamed up with Romy from The xx to breathe new life into the track ‘The One.’ This fresh version is not just a remix or a cover—it's a tender, soulful reimagining that brings emotional depth and intimacy to a beloved song originally released over a decade ago. For fans like me who have followed both artists’ journeys, this collaboration feels like a heartfelt conversation between two kindred spirits.

Planningtorock and Romy share a warm musical connection in their new version of ‘The One’.

Revisiting a Masterpiece of Queer Expression

Originally released in 2011 on Planningtorock’s second album, W, ‘The One’ stood out as a tender exploration of love and identity. Back then, the record was hailed as “a masterpiece of art-pop experimentalism,” with its intricate pizzicato strings painting a delicate soundscape. What makes this song resonate is not just its composition but the deeply personal story behind it. Jam Rostron wrote it in 2009 during a time of loneliness and self-discovery, before living openly as their trans self.

“I wrote ‘The One’ back in 2009 when I was single and not yet able to live as my trans self. I was so lonely back then and the possibility of being in love felt very far away.” — Planningtorock

This background sets the stage for Romy’s involvement, bringing a new layer of tenderness to the song’s original queer longing.

From Pizzicato Strings to Lush Synths: A New Sonic Journey

When I first heard this new version, I was struck by how the original’s pizzicato strings had been replaced by luscious synths that envelop the listener in warmth. Romy’s soulful vocals carry the track with a gentle power, turning the yearning into something hopeful and deeply moving. It’s as if the song has been held close, carefully nurtured, and then offered back with an open hand.

Romy shared her thoughts on this transformation:

“I was struck by the emotion sitting just beneath the surface — that sense of longing that feels both personal and universal. I wanted to honour the emotion in the original, letting the heart of the song breathe whilst taking its hand and bringing it into the dancefloor.”

Listening to this version, you can feel the conversation between two queer artists, connected not only by friendship but also by shared experiences and mutual respect. Their collaboration shines a light on how music can evolve while still holding onto its original spirit.

Watch Planningtorock & Romy – ‘The One’ (Official Visualiser)

Friendship and Artistic Kinship Fuel the Collaboration

This project feels more personal because it was born from a lasting friendship. Romy has long admired Planningtorock, both as a musician and as a person. Over the years, their connection deepened, forming an unspoken understanding rooted in their shared journeys as queer artists.

“Our connection and friendship made this feel extra special to work on.” — Romy

Hearing Romy’s voice on this track adds a beautiful solidarity and warmth — a feeling of two voices gently echoing the same story of longing and hope. It’s rare to hear such genuine emotion in electronic music, and this collaboration nails it with both vulnerability and strength.

Planningtorock’s Upcoming Performances Celebrate Queer Legacy

For those eager to experience more of Planningtorock’s powerful artistry, they’re gearing up for some spectacular shows in the UK. This May, Planningtorock will perform Bronski Beat’s iconic 1984 queer anthem album The Age of Consent at Manchester’s Aviva Studios and London’s Royal Festival Hall. They’ll be joined by Tom Rasmussen and Bishi, promising nights rich in queer history and groundbreaking sound.

Tickets for these events are highly sought after, offering fans an opportunity to witness a celebration of queerness, music, and identity firsthand.

The xx’s Triumphant Return and Romy’s Dual Role

While Romy lends her voice to this tender reimagining, her main band, The xx, has also been making waves. 2024 marked their first live shows since 2018, kicking off with a show in Mexico City in April and later returning to Coachella after a nine-year break. Fans have been overjoyed to see them back — the band has been quietly working on new material, with Jamie xx confirming that they’re “having a good time” in the studio.

Romy shared a bit about the future of The xx in a recent interview, saying they’re “keeping it really open” and are excited to try new things, while still maintaining the signature sound fans love.

Why This Collaboration Matters

What feels so special about this new version of ‘The One’ is its authenticity. Both Planningtorock and Romy aren’t just musicians; they’re storytellers sharing pieces of their lives—stories about identity, vulnerability, and the pursuit of love against the odds.

Revisiting a song written over a decade ago with fresh perspective and collaboration adds layers of meaning and hope. It’s like watching an old photograph come alive, revealing new details and emotions we might have missed before.

FAQ

• How did Planningtorock and Romy come to collaborate on ‘The One’? They share a close friendship and mutual respect as queer artists, which made the collaboration feel natural and deeply personal.
• What changes can listeners expect in the new version compared to the original? The new version swaps the original pizzicato strings for lush synths and features Romy’s warm, soulful vocals, bringing a more tender and hopeful tone.
• When was the original song ‘The One’ released? It was first released in 2011 on Planningtorock’s second album W.
• What themes does ‘The One’ explore? The song delves into queer longing for love, self-identity, loneliness, and hope.
• Are there any upcoming live shows where I can hear Planningtorock perform? Yes, Planningtorock will perform Bronski Beat’s The Age of Consent album in May at Manchester’s Aviva Studios and London’s Royal Festival Hall.

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