Chairlift prepares to act out a scene from Caligula

Mac commercials are the ultimate vexer for the wannabe music snob. Though admitting your favorite song comes from a tv spot makes one feel as cool as having a crush on Tony the Tiger, bands like CSS, Franz Ferdinand and Asteroids Galaxy Tour have all been featured prominently in iPod ads with no detriment to their careers. Adding to that pedigree then is Boulder by way of Brooklyn outfit Chairlift, whose infectious single “Bruises” wormed its way into the ears of millions thanks to one Steve Jobs. Their debut album “Does You Inspire You” pleasantly surprised me by featuring a whole bevy of good songs and I, having missed their recent set opening for Peter, Bjorn and John, have been praying ever since they will do a headlining tour and come back to DC.

Regardless, Chairlift multi-instrumentalist Aaron Pfenning was nice enough to answer some of my questions about being straight. You can read his answers below.

The New Gay: When did you first realize you were straight?

Aaron Pfennig: October 31st, 1983. Roughly 8:20 A.M.

TNG:  What is your least favorite stereotype about straight people?

AP: That we only make out with other straight people.

TNG: What obligations, if any, do you feel that you have to the gay community?

AP: Routine hygiene, you know. I just try to look as sharp as I can and I fall somewhere between gay and straight.

TNG: What are the biggest challenges faced by a straight person in today’s culture?

AP: Great question. Luckily, I just finished watching Independence Day starring Will Smith, and apparently aliens with intentions to exterminate all of mankind is sorta a big challenge. That’s something that transcends gay/straight. There will be times when we need to join forces as human beings to kick some ass.

TNG: If you had to “go gay” for one member of the same sex, who would it be?

AP: [MGMT's] Andrew Van Wyngarden. Duh.

TNG: Given the seemingly endless number of “indie” artist in existence today, how do you think you set yourself apart from the crowd?

AP: We’ve never classified ourselves as “indie.” That information has been applied externally from Chairlift.

TNG: Finally, why should Washington, DC come out and see you play tonight?

Shit I’m sorry, we already played DC. I am late with everything! Uh, but next time, you should come because we are setting up a kissing booth/make-out room. TNG