Xiu Xiu Members, Gear & Sound

US experimental band

Genre

Alternative rock Indie rock Art rock Experimental rock Avant-garde Post-punk Noise pop Noise rock Dream pop Freak folk Anti-folk Modern rock New rave Art pop Experimental bay area indie escape room experimental pop grave wave

Members

Select a Xiu Xiu band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Jamie Stewart

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Drummer Keyboardist

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Angela Seo

Roles:

Singer Keyboardist

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Caralee McElroy

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist

Groups:

Cold Cave

No gear added

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Ches Smith

Roles:

Drummer Composer

Groups:

Mendoza Hoff Revels Ches Smith & These Arches Michael Formanek Elusion Quartet The Electromagnetic Azoth Trevor Dunn's Trio-Convulsant Suite for Piano Trio Incerto Heaven and Earth Magick MadLove Good for Cows New Electric Masada Darius Jones Quartet Mary Halvorson Trio Mary Halvorson Octet Mary Halvorson Septet Tim Berne’s Snakeoil Bizingas Ishraqiyun The Vinny Golia Large Ensemble Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog Mary Halvorson Quintet

No gear added

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Sam Mickens
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Zac Pennington

Roles:

Singer

No gear added

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Cory McCulloch
No gear added

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Lauren Andrews
No gear added

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Sean McGahan
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Yvonne Chen
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About

Xiu Xiu is an American musical group known for their intense and experimental approach to alternative music. Formed in 2002 in San Jose, California, the group has been primarily driven by the creative vision of Jamie Stewart (vocals, guitar, production), with pivotal contributions from Angela Seo (keyboards, percussion). Their sound encompasses a diverse array of genres, including art rock, experimental rock, noise pop, and avant-garde, often exploring themes of emotional vulnerability and societal critique. The band has earned critical acclaim for its innovative and boundary-pushing albums, securing a dedicated following and establishing themselves as a staple in the experimental music scene.

How to Sound Like Xiu Xiu

Xiu Xiu's music is characterized by its raw, unfiltered sonic palette, blending abrasive textures with haunting melodies. Their sound often shifts between aggressive noise elements and delicate, ethereal passages, creating a dynamic and unpredictable listening experience. The use of a Korg MicroKORG brings an atmospheric layer to their compositions, while EarthQuaker Devices Aqueduct adds a distinct vibrato effect, contributing to their unsettling soundscapes. Jamie Stewart’s choice of an Epiphone Les Paul Standard delivers a blend of rich overtones and gritty distortion, often manipulated with pedals like the Electro-Harmonix Micro POG to generate octave effects that enhance their music's complexity. Through these elements, Xiu Xiu crafts a unique auditory experience that blurs the line between beauty and chaos.

Get the Xiu Xiu Sound

Want to sound like Xiu Xiu? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.