InsaneJournal

I meet Xavier Ansari in a tea shop in London, sitting in a back corner far from the counter - a nice, quiet spot for our conversation. The Quake guitarist has a large mug of chai which he drinks throughout our interview, and his hands seemed steadied by having something to hold. Ansari is not the newest member of famed rock band Quake, but still one of the members of which the public knows the least. He's always come off as quiet and reserved, and his mannerisms during my time with him were the same. Up close it's easy to see why he's a crowd favorite - make no mistake, the boy is gorgeous - despite his penchant for staying in the background. Even wearing casual clothes, it looks like he could be in a photo shoot. As anyone who has heard an interview with Quake before would surely know, Xavier is soft spoken and has an interesting accent and speech mannerism, which made us even more grateful for him granting us this interview as we know normally it's full band or nothing.
Hi. It’s a pleasure to meet you today. How are you?
I'm alright, how are you?
Haha. I’m well, thank you. So the summer season with its festivals has just finished and already we have Halloween, with the New Year’s quickly approaching. Is it a busy season for you and the band?
Um, well it seems a bit slowed down after the summer festivals, but still busy. We always have the same practices no matter what we’re doing so… busy is normal.
Oh, I’m sure that the band is always busy! Obviously all of you live together. That must help with the business. What is it like to share a house with your bandmates?
It's nice. Loud sometimes. We all get along so it's good having them around. There's always someone if you need something.
So you think it makes the band stronger? Are there ever any troubles?
I think it does. If we lived apart I don't think we’d be as close. (Xavier pauses.) I can't think of any troubles.

Must be very rewarding to have such close relationship! How do you manage the band relationship and romantic relationship? Which obviously in your case is rather linked? (editor: Mr Ansari is currently dating bandmate, Aisling Astor)
(Xavier pauses again, taking a sip of his chai.) I think… well, we’ve all been together for years - except Mary-Anne - so we’re used to the balance. Aisling and I always worked well together musically and that hasn't changed, and we are both dedicated to our work so… balance.
And do you feel that being in love with a bandmate complicates that balance? Presuming, of course, you are in love?
No, I don't - (Xavier stops suddenly, studying his tea for a long moment before speaking again - quieter than before.) No, it doesn't complicate it, it makes it less complicated. It makes it better.
How does it help creatively? Quake has been producing some excellent music for a few years now, do you feel that the balance contributes to the music?
Yes, I do. That plus living together - there's always someone around to listen to new song ideas, to help with the process of turning it into what we want it to be. We’re all good at working together, so that helps our music be the best it can be. I’m glad you think that - that it's been excellent. That's always nice to hear.

I can’t be the only one to think so! Not with the way all your shows sell out. Has having so many fans, and a fanbase that is constantly growing, been a good experience?
It is. We’re quite lucky to have the support of our fans, and we appreciate them. We wouldn't be able to do what we do without them.
Quake is such a varied mix between different ages, upbringing and Hogwarts Houses. A fact that makes the band appealing to a much larger crowd. How do you think your own upbringing and Hogwarts House has influenced the music you create with the band?
Oh. (Xavier pauses for a long moment.) I'm not quite sure. I was brought up… I mean, my parents raised me to be conscious of others and considerate and I guess that helps when we’re working together. I'm more likely to listen to everything before saying anything. And I was a Hufflepuff which… I think we tend to get along with all sorts pretty well? I don't know if that answers your question. It wasn't really about how it influences the music but how it influences the process… I think.
It definitely does answer the question! The music is created through the process, so it’s clearly very important. Has Quake got a new album coming out soon, I’m sure we all await eagerly!
We’re always working on new music, it's just a matter of having the right songs to put together. As soon as we have a release date, I’m sure everyone will know.
Really? You can’t give us anymore of a hint than that?
I promise I’m not being rude about it - I genuinely don’t know when it’ll be ready. With so many of us coming up with songs and ideas, it takes a while to sort through and find what goes together best to make a good album. We’ll get it out as soon as we’re able.
Alright, I suppose we can accept that. You know we love you guys here at Witch Weekly, so we’ll just have to wait until it’s time.
Sounds good.

Ready for our rapid fire segment?
(Xavier chuckles.) As I’ll ever be.
Morning person or night owl?
Night owl.
What keeps you awake at night?
Thoughts.
What makes you go to sleep?
Aisling.
What time do you get up in the mornings?
As late as I can.
Favorite word?
Dépayser.
How many languages do you speak?
Three... some better than others.
Dogs or cats?
I don’t have either, myself. I’ll say squirrels.
Favorite Quidditch team?
I don’t play favorites - I like watching them all.
Favorite drink?
A good cup of tea.
Favorite meal?
Raclette.
What’s that?
It’s this great communal meal - you cook in the middle of the table while you’re eating. My Mum let’s us have it on special occasions.
Are you a lover or fighter?
Lover, definitely.
Messy or neat?
Neat.
How many guitars do you own?
Um, at least five - probably more.
Do you like flying?
Not particularly.
Lastly, if you weren't in Quake what would you be doing?
I don't know. (shakes his head) Before, I used to translate for people in the muggle world so... probably that.
How fortunate for us that you found your way to Quake then!
Thanks, I like to think so too.