Xiu Xiu at Islington Mill, Manchester (wotgodforgot) listings

Xiu Xiu (pronounced “shew shew”) is an experimental band originally from San Jose, California and currently based in Durham, NC and Brooklyn, the band is named after the main character of the 1998 Chinese film Tian yu (a.k.a. Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl).

Xiu Xiu was first formed in 2000 and is the main project of singer-songwriter Jamie Stewart, who records with friends on his home computer. Past members include Cory McCulloch, Lauren Andrews and Yvonne Chen. Stewart’s cousin, Caralee McElroy joined the band in 2003 and was the only other permanent member of until her departure in early 2009. Some, including McCulloch, have played in previous bands with Stewart such as Ten in the Swear Jar and IBOPA.

In 2006 drummer/percussionist Ches Smith joined Stewart and McElroy in touring to support their 2006 album “The Air Force”.

In May 2007 Devin Hoff joined the band on bass.

Xiu Xiu's latest album, 'Dear God - I Hate Myself', was co-produced by Jamie Stewart and Deerhoof's John Dietrich and Greg Saunier. The album has rightly recieved more press attention than any of their previous releases so much so that the opening track, 'Gray Death' has been released as a single.

Tagged as: experimental, indie, electronic, indie rock, post rock, post punk.

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