Interview: Xanadu

This month sees the return of singular Auckland band Xanadu. Originally active in the early 2000’s, the band pioneered a distinctive style of guitar music that was fresh and helped reinvigorate a faltering local scene. They were exciting. And people noticed. But luck was never with Xanadu. Despite great music, a passionate fan base and excellent supports slots with bands like Mercury Rev, The Editors and Trans Am, the band struggled to achieve momentum.A sense of frustration, stoking interpersonal friction, and the inability to capture their sound in the studio caused the rot to set in: the band finally dissolved in 2003.

Leaving little in their wake but their reputation, Xanadu became something of an enigma. But the three original members, Bruce Wurr, Luke Stemson and Tim Lewton have remained friends. And to celebrate the release of Xanadu’s much anticipated long-player 1999-2002, the band will be touring the nation this month. UnderTheRadar managed to corner Xanadu to demand an explanation...

Click here to read Nich Cunningham's interview, and stream '1999-2002' in its entirety below...