Interview with Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu

Stolen from the band's facebook
Photo by Jan Durina

Jamie Stewart has always been making music. After being in bands for a while, he began Xiu Xiu, a band like no other. Joy Division-esque, the music is sweetly sad. It gives me a feeling of belonging when I'm feeling somewhat lonely, and the music itself is just enjoyable to listen to. Overall a great band. I was lucky enough to interview Jamie over e-mail and talk to him a little bit. 

How'd Xiu Xiu start out?
We have been a band for 10 years! look it up. I can't answer this question anymore!!!!!!!!! I love you.


You've had some member changes over the years. How'd you end up with the band as it is now?
Devin hoff and I are old friends and he has played on most of the records. When I was talking to him about needing to sort out another new line up he kindly said he would be into and as he plays with several more people regularly than I do, he recruited Marc and Bettina to join as well. Angela and I have been best friends for several years and she joined mostly through osmosis. She can't tour anymore but still plays on recordings. 
 


 People seem to relate to your lyrics very easily. When you write lyrics, do you try to write relatable lyrics or is it more of a form of self expression that happens to be relatable?
I try to write lyrics that are as honest as possible and leave it at that. 


Based on what I've seen, you like asian culture a lot. Is that true? If so, what draws you to it?
My grandpa was a sailor and traveled all over the pacific rim. His house was filled with asian art and antiques (he was a big homo so antiques of course) so i was around classical asian aesthetics all the time when I was in my formative growings up. So my idea of what was beautiful came from that place. Also i grew up in california where asian culture is, along with latino culture defining of what it is to be from California. 


You're music seems to have a much more melancholy feel to it. Do you feel that way frequently, or is it just easier for you to write music when you're in that state of mind?
Oh that it  weren't so but happiness has never been easy for me, or most people.


What's the songwriting process like for you? Do you generally begin with lyrics, a drum beat, a melody, etc?
It depends on the song. Luckily all of the fundamentals of music is wonderful so beginning from any place can be inspiring.


Digital or analog recording?
Usual thoughts. Digital is more flexible. Analog sounds better.


What's a piece of musical equipment that you'd love to own/try?
Buchla modular synth or ems synths.


You're going to put out a new album soon. Would you mind elaborating on it? (Added later: Who are you recording with? What kind of experiments are happening musically?)
That is vague! Ask something more pointed and i would be very happy to answer. Again i love you.
Later answers: (About who he's recording with) Angela Seo, Greg Saunier, Devin Hoff, John Congleton, John Dieteich and Ches Smith. A talented crew to say the least!
(About musical experiments) 
Lots more vintage analog synths and "vox humana" and choir samples. Maracas for ever. We use a lot of different instruments generally so we are running out.
(What differentiates it from previous albums)
It is more melodic, more aggressive and more concise that anything we have done in a long time.

Do you do any forms of art other than music?
Write haikus. I have my first book coming out in march called a neo tropical companion.


You've been collaborating with a lot of people recently (Former Ghosts, Zola Jesus, Parenthetical Girls). How does that usually start?
We have done lots of collaborations. Always with friends (or former friends as the case can be s time goes on) whose work we respect and like personally.  It is spending time together participating in a mutual love.


Anyone missing from my short little list?
Larsen, Eugenn Robinson, Grouper, Lawrence English (coming up) Jonathan Meiberg of Shearwater, High Places, Sole


You seem to keep very detailed diaries of you touring and like to keep in touch with your fans. Is this to keep your audience enlightened or is it a more personal thing?
Making friends!


According to the internet, you live in Durham, NC at the moment. What's it like there? Is there a good music/art scene?
SUCKS! There is nothing more to say. 


What makes your music so god damn foxy?

We have a song called the fox and the rabbit. It could be that? 


Random Zone 
Please make up the best way the band would've met (be as imaginative as necessary).
As test tube babies in the lab.


When you were a kid, what was the worst/most fucked up thing you ever did?
Raped grover from Sesame Street. 


What's the one thing that the Fonz (Happy Days) has that you want?
Good hair cut.


Please explain your feelings toward Richard Simmons in five words.
He's unlike Simmons drum pads.


Fill in the blanks: I want to stuff a _______ into a __________ only because _______ ________ ________.
I want to stuff a gergogh into a merxorbat only because hertomish corrupts youth.


What's your favorite joke?
It take 10 minutes to tell but the punch line is "FUCK YOU CLOWN!" (I think this is it)


Any secret talents?

Keeping secrets.

Oh Jamie, making me blush with your I love you's. Be sure to listen to Xiu Xiu though. It's fantastic stuff. Ultra foxy.

Website- http://xiuxiu.org/

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/xiuxiuforlife

Bandcamp- http://xiuxiu.bandcamp.com/