In April Xiu Xiu and Deerhoof will perform Joy Division’s “Unknown Pleasures” at the Donaufestival in Austria. Xiu Xiu’s frontman Jamie Stewart does have a dark, purging, Ian Curtis meets Antony and the Johnsons vibe about him, translated literally in the video for new album title track (and next single) “Dear God, I Hate Myself”, that features bandmate Angela Seo self-inducing a bit of vomit. Xiu Xiu’s awesome record (on Kill Rock Stars, get it now) comes crashing into your life with a slurry of twisted guitars and shattered electronics, led by Stewart’s inimitable broken and beautiful, art pop vocals.

Can you recommend...
... three new bands?
Ugh, I am bad at new bands. How about I make up three new bands? Kit Kat Mangleor. I like them because they are totally silent. Mommy Mommy Mommy. I like them because they haunt one’s already overloaded psyche. Chickadee. I like them because they are a bird and not a new band.

... three old bands?
The cavemen, the Assyrians and the Incas.

 ... a record label?
Constellation, Sublime Frequencies, ECM. I like them because they seem far away and bands and musicians are real.

... a website?
gmail.com. It is making this conversation possible.

... a film?
Treeless Mountain. It is about people that are afraid and hoping against hope.

... a book?
The Pocket Guide to the Arms Trade. Eating meat leads to global warming which leads to a depletion of resources which leads to civil wars which Europe and The United States arm.

... something on YouTube?
The close button so you can look out the window instead.

... something to do on a day off?
Go bird watching. It makes my heart feel good.

... a song everyone should hear?
Scream of the Southern Leopard Frog. Do not miss out on a tiny life losing its mind.

… something to do when you’re shit out of inspiration?
Watch a movie and sneak in grappa. It always makes me over emotional so whatever the movie is, it’s incredible.

What kind of mindset were you in writing this album?
See title.