They say we grow the most during the dark periods, well Jamie Stewart has had many of those and out of one he gave birth to the band Xiu Xiu. That was 12 years ago, now he and his band have over 10,000 (yes you’ve read that right) world tours under their belt. Jamie’s dad once told him the point of music was to touch people and he certainly does that with some of the darkest lyrics you’ve ever heard.

If your life is a song, who would be singing it and who would eventually cover the song?

The song is happy birthday to you, the singer is George Washington and it will be covered by Martha Washington.

What is the best thing you’ve ever stolen?

An asthma inhaler.

We are in  2035, a late afternoon, what do you see from your bedroom window?

It will be a barred window, maybe a patch of polluted sky.

When you start your computer in the morning, which are the first sites you visit?

The Internet annoys me!

What’s the last movie you saw and the worst one you’ve ever seen?

Most recent one is Back to the Future 3 with my nephew, I fell asleep. The worst movie I’ve ever seen is Black Swan.

Did you ever watch Dawson’s Creek?

I have never seen it, but I know a lot of people like it.

What’s playing on your iPod these days?

– Beethoven’s late quartets.

– Roxy Music’s greatest hits.

– Best of Joe Meek.

– Twin Peaks sound track.

– Wilderness of Mirrors, by Lawrence English.

– Tender Prey, by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

– Best of Fad Gadget.

What’s the best videogame ever?

Advance Wars.

Which one’s your favorite Disney character and most hated one?

My favourite is Flower the skunk and least favourite is Tigger, from Winnie the Pooh.

Why did you become a vegetarian?

I came to my senses.

Interview by Damiano D’Innocenzo.
Photography by Dan Bleckley