Photo found at xiuxiu.bandcamp.com

Xiu Xiu are an experimental band originally from California. Their sound ranges from off-kilter pop to noisy industrial tracks. Over email, I had the opportunity to ask a few questions to Jamie Stewart, the band’s one consistent member throughout their 20+ years of existence. 

Tiago Woodyard: how do you know Chris Richards from q and not u? He’s on the fabulous muscles thank yous

Jamie Stewart: We haven’t spoken in years but I think we just met through being mutual fans. He was always very sweet to us and a great musician.

How has your creative (songwriting, sound design) process changed throughout the years?

I am the wrongest person to ask. I try not to think about it and just plow ahead. Certainly things have changed but I don’t want to know how. The spell may be broken and what little we do that might be working may turn into a toad. 

How did David Kendrick (the newest drummer) become part of Xiu Xiu?

When I was a teenager I played in a band with him and somehow several very famous and accomplished punk and new wave musicians from LA. He and I reconnected decades later by chance at an art exhibit. We began to hang out socially and then I asked if he would join. He is a great person. 

With david lynch’s passing, i’d like to inquire on your connection to and inspiration from his work.

He opened my mind to the possibility of combining darkness, sexuality, humor, politics, social commentary, the supernatural, bizarreness and sweetness all in single works. Also he took insane risks artistically. we would not exist without him. 

Do both Jamie and Angela only write lyrics for themselves or each other?

Both. 

What are you reading at the moment or do you have any book recommendations?

Lynch on Lynch by David Lynch, and Chris Rodley

How Migration Really Works by Hein de Haas

The Fox Was Ever the Hunter by Herta Müller

I would recommend any of these and very especially the book Animalia by Jean-Baptiste Del Amo

Have you begun working on a new album and if so, what direction is it going in or what form is it taking?

We have but it is such early days I am hesitant to say anything. It will be grim; I can say that confidently.