Jamie Stewart on Xiu Xiu's new album OH NO and his artistic influences

Jamie Stewart, founder and frontman of experimental rock band Xiu Xiu, discusses his upcoming album OH NO, a collection of duets featuring guests like Chelsea Wolfe, Sharon Van Etten, and Liz Harris (Grouper). The album reflects the isolation and discomfort of the pandemic. Stewart also mentions a novel titled Anything That Moves, a new release HEXA, and collaborations with CHEAP in Berlin and New York. He lists favorite visual artworks including works by Kara Walker, Ellsworth Kelly, Agnes Martin, and Kerry James Marshall, and cites Rhinoceros from the album Animals of Africa as his favorite song. Xiu Xiu, formed in San José, California in 2000, draws influence from Einstürzende Neubauten, Nico, Suicide, Scott Walker, and Kraftwerk. The band's name comes from the Chinese film Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl. Stewart's voice has been compared to Robert Smith and Trent Reznor. The interview was conducted by Samantha Stella.