Xiu Xiu [rank: 283] based on users subscribed

"Xiu Xiu (pronounced 'shoo-shoo') is an experimental indie band originally from San Jose, California, but currently based in the Bay Area, with time often spent in Seattle, Washington. The band is the sonic brainchild of singer / songwriter Jamie Stewart, who has also been its only constant member since its inception. His current bandmates are Ches Smith, Caralee McElroy and Devin Hoff. Past members include Cory McCulloch, Lauren Andrews, Yvonne Chen, Sam Mickens and Jherek Bischoff. Some, including McCulloch, have played in previous bands with Stewart such as Ten in the Swear Jar and IBOPA. The band's name is taken from the 1998 Chinese film, Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl.

Xiu Xiu's music draws heavily from several disparate genres including punk, noise rock, ambient noise, modern classical, and folk. The majority of lyrics deal with morose topics such as suicide, AIDS, war, and taboo experiences. Musically, Xiu Xiu will often blend cacophonous percussion with lush hooks and diverging lyrical styles. Xiu Xiu's music is also influenced by bands of the UK post-punk scene such as The Cure and Joy Division."

[reproduced or excerpted from the Wikipedia article "Xiu Xiu" and its use is thus licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License]

Bandega Interview with Caralee McElroy of Xiu Xiu (February 2008)

Xiu Xiu balances their keyboards with the help of a little Italian rock.

Q: How have your shows changed over the years? Has your perspective on performing live changed?
A: We always like to change the live shows every tour. We frequently change instrumentation and songs, and as of the last couple years, we've added new members as to make for a better live show with more possibilities. I think that the only way to enjoy playing and touring is to keep changing things otherwise you'll get bored and so will the audience. I think that my perspective hasn't really changed over the years. I just always try and do the best job i can and not get too cocky and remember that every single show is as important as the next.

Q: Describe the most memorable live show you've played.
A: In 2004, Jamie and I played in Naples, Italy in the basement of this ancient building. We were literally playing in a Roman aqueduct. The floors were so slanted that my keyboard stand wouldn't stay up, so one of the people told me to use some stones to balance it. When I went to the pile I realized they were all chunks of the building with beautiful mosaics on them. I was like these?!" and they were like "oh yeah that's just trash!". I guess they have so much old culture there that that kind of stuff doesn't faze them.

Q: What venue do you consider to be your "home", where you feel most comfortable, with the crowd and the place itself?
A: I guess that we do the best in big cities, but I think that i always feel really welcome in Chicago. San Francisco has also been a really warm place to play in the last couple of years. I think that we are super fortunate to have people in every city say something nice or make us feel welcome.

Q: Describe the most enjoyable show you've ever experienced as a fan.
A: When I was 14 I saw Radiohead during the OK Computer tour. I just remember being in awe the whole time. It changed the way I thought about and listened to music.

Q: How much have you had the chance to perform songs from your new album (Women As Lovers)?
A: We actually haven't done any of the new songs as a band live yet. Personally, I'm very nervous because all my live parts are incredibly difficult but I know that it will work out. We are not using the drum sequencer so the live show will be much more "rock" and I'm curious to see how the crowd is going to react. I think that it's going to be fun to play that way since we haven't ever done that in the past.

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