Xiu Xiu (,
shoe-shoe) is an experimental indie rock band originally from and currently based in Oakland, California, with time often spent in Seattle, Washington. The band is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Jamie Stewart, who has been its only constant member since its inception. His current bandmates are cousin Caralee McElroy and percussionist Ches Smith. Xiu Xiu are also, on occasion, joined by Cory McCulloch and Sean McGahan, who have also produced several of their albums. Past members include Lauren Andrews, Yvonne Chen, Sam Mickens and Jherek Bischoff. Some, including McCulloch, have played in previous bands with Stewart, notably 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, ambient, techno, asian percussive music, modern classical, and folk. The majority of lyrics centre on abuse, dealing with morose topics such as suicide, AIDS, war, and taboo experiences. Musically, the band will often blend cacophonous percussion and experimental structures with lush hooks and diverging lyrical styles, influenced by bands of the UK post-punk scene such as The Cure and Joy Division.
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