I Am X

I AM X
Chris Corner photographed by live keyboardist Janine Gezang in 2009
Background information
Origin	London, England; Berlin, Germany
Genres	Synthpop, dark cabaret, alternative, Industrial
Years active	2004–present
Labels	Major, 61 Seconds, Fiction/NoCarbon/Genepool, Metropolis, SubSpace Communications
Associated acts	Robots in Disguise Sneaker Pimps Imogen Heap VIOLENTA
Website	iamx.eu

IAMX is the solo musical project of Chris Corner, formerly of the band Sneaker Pimps. Founded in 2004 in London, it is an independent music project which also focuses on and experiments with visual art. Musically, IAMX spans multiple genres from electronic rock and dance music to burlesque-influenced songs and emotional ballads. Corner's striking and wide-ranging voice, and his way of programming sounds and beats, make up the obvious characteristic of the IAMX sound.

From 2006 until 2014 IAMX was based in Berlin, Germany, where Corner found "the spirit to care less about the music industry and take an independent route." Berlin is also mentioned in IAMX's lyrics that concern subjects such as sexual identity, death, love, narcotic intoxication, decadence, critique of religion and politics, alienation, addiction, modern society, and gender bending. The topic of gender bending is further emphasised by Corner's own distinctive and androgynous image.

As of 2014 to 2016, however, IAMX have relocated to Los Angeles from Berlin, citing a much-needed change to a better climate and a break with old ties in Berlin.

Live, IAMX are known for their highly energetic and theatrical performances. Unusual stage outfits and body painting are also core elements of IAMX shows. The stage design consists of art and props constructed by Corner and his live band members.

The visual art element of the project can be seen in the IAMX music videos and in the projections at their live shows. Both contain sometimes strong and controversial visual content, often directed, shot and edited by Corner himself.

To date, IAMX has released six studio albums, one live album and a mini album, all of which have been released independently and produced by Corner (The Unified Field was co-produced by Jim Abbiss).

IAMX was founded by Corner in 2004 in London. The name 'I am X' refers to Becoming X, the title of the Sneaker Pimps' debut album. Corner explained that by founding IAMX, he no longer felt that he was becoming X, but rather that he was X. The meaning of the X, according to the founder, is ever changing like a variable in a mathematical equation.

IAMX's debut album, Kiss + Swallow, was released in 2004 and consisted of melancholic dark 1980s-influenced electro music with lyrical content referring often to the psychology of sexual fantasy, gender bending and role play, the exploration of solitude, aggression, longing, codependency and mortality. It was, as all IAMX albums to follow, written, produced and mixed by Corner himself. Kiss + Swallow was recorded in Corner's home studio in London called The Den.