Alicia Keys
Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)
This song feels like a conversation you're eavesdropping on, like you're hearing something you shouldn't be. Musically it's very atmospheric and it's not overproduced like most R&B. She can throw a bombastic chorus out there sometimes but this is a more thoughtful, close-to-your-ear song.
Chet Baker
You Don't Know What Love Is
I found some old footage of Chet singing this on YouTube and he sings it with this dead expression in his eyes, which is quite haunting. The vocals feel like he's breathing down your neck, describing how you don't know what love is "until you've faced each dawn with sleepless eyes".
Deradoorian
You Carry The Deed
This is by Angel from Dirty Projectors and it's a soulful acoustic song. There's something about the simplicity of just her and her guitar that makes it intimate. I was really blown away when I first heard it – this voice comes out that makes you think of Lauryn Hill, almost.
Fleetwood Mac
Brown Eyes
Brown Eyes is a bit jazzy and rhythmic, it definitely makes me imagine the evening time. It could perhaps be described as "cheesy seductive" but I also think it's quite moody and shows a different side to Fleetwood Mac's music; it's just more subtle.
James Blake
I Am Sold
This is my favourite song on his new album. It has this half-awake, half-asleep feeling. The mood is very nocturnal and when I think about intimacy, I think about emotions late at night when your walls are down.
Mathilde Santing
Too Much
I recently went through a stage of going on YouTube until 5am, just clicking and clicking and finding music I hadn't heard. This is a strange harp song, with lyrics about how it's all gotten too much.
Phantom
Scars
I make playlists of songs that I like to fall asleep to on planes and trains, and this always ends up on them. It's pretty soulful, but its production is very modern – quite delicate with an amazing sub-bass.
Craig Armstrong featuring Elizabeth Fraser
This Love
We worked with Craig on the Great Gatsby soundtrack – it was a big deal to meet him. This song is from the Cruel Intentions soundtrack. It makes me feel like I'm being held. It surrounds you like a warm feeling, but it's also quite haunting.
The xx
Unfold
This song's intimate to me because it marks a change in mine and Ollie's songwriting. Unfold was a song we wrote together in the same room. Normally we write apart and send bits over email. When we finished this, it was quite a moment. I definitely felt closer to him.
• The XX in residence, secret location, 6-18 July, £35, concs £30
