Xiu Xiu Interview

Xiu Xiu, lead by the indeterminable Jamie Stewart, have just released their third record Fabolous Muscles on 5RC. Running the gamut of electro-pop, Fabolous Muscles sizzles as a record. Jamie was kind enough to answer some inane questions from team Exoduster. Unfortunately, he didn't get the bonus correct, but managed to baffle us as to what the hell he meant by his answer.

As your third record, how do you feel it distinguishes itself from the others?

This answer is sort of lame but it is difficult for me to really give a clear answer about that having been so invloved with having made them. Any changes or distinctions took place gradually so I probably, having being one of the people slowly making those changes, did not notice them specifically although i am quite sure they are there.

The record draws on themes from serious issues of life (e.g., war, family, suicide). How much did you feel compelled to write about those things due to personal (generally defined) events?

The idea of xiu xiu as a band is to write about true events in an as personal way as possible. The idea of being open is what we want to do as a band.

Xiu Xiu exists with a strong flavor of collaboration (for instance, with Miya of Asian Man lending some talents), how does the touring version of the band take shape?

The last 2 tours i just did by myself, although the prior 4 tours were with 2 different line ups. This upcoming tour is with yet another line up, which I suppose sort of answers that question.

If you could change one thing about the country what would it be? What about one thing where you live?

U.S. - to use the incomparable power of the united states in a generous as opposed to oppresive way.

Seattle - more original bands

Are there any side projects?

For cory there is his other band tub.

For caralee there is her other band tiger game.

For me there is 7 year rabbit cycle and writing a book.

For everyone else involved, ches smith, john dieterich, miya osaki and devin hoff, xiu xiu is the side project.

On average day, how many people are a waste of your time?

Not too many, i stay inside alot

What new bands do you get down to?

ugh not enough!!!!!!!! But there are a few gems, this song is a mess..., kill me tomorrow (although they are not new but have a new record out) luomo, amps for christ

When you play live is there any one that you try to channel?

This is dorky to make a quote but not a dorky quote, charles mingus said "to play yourself, to play who you are."

In twenty years what should be the modal form of transportation - assuming the vanishing of oil?

Stork.

Is Xiu Xiu something you plan to do indeterminately?

Well we want to do it until we make records that we do not feel we have done our best on. When we feel our best is not good anymore, we will quit.

Bonus: What does George Washington and the square root of three have in common?

DOGS!!!!!!

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