Xiu Xiu (pronounced shoe-shoe or show-show) is an experimental indie band originally from and currently based in San Francisco, California, with time often spent in Seattle, Washington. The band is the sonic brainchild of singer-songwriter Jamie Stewart, who has also been its only constant member since its inception. His current bandmates are his cousin, Caralee McElroy and experimental percussionist Ches Smith (7 Year Rabbit Cycle, Good for Cows, Mr. Bungle, Secret Chiefs 3). Xiu Xiu are also, on occasion, joined by Cory McCulloch, who has also produced several of their albums. Past members include Lauren Andrews, Yvonne Chen, Sam Mickens and Jherek Bischoff. Some, including McCulloch, have played in previous bands with Stewart such as Ten in the Swear Jar and IBOPA. The band's name, which means silk silk, is taken from the 1998 Chinese film, Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl.

Xiu Xiu's music draws heavily from several disparate genres including punk, noise rock, ambient noise, modern classical, and folk. The majority of lyrics deal with morose topics such as suicide, AIDS, war, and taboo experiences. Musically, Xiu Xiu will often blend cacophonous percussion with lush hooks and diverging lyrical styles. Xiu Xiu's music is also influenced by bands of the UK post-punk scene such as The Cure and Joy Division.