This post was submitted by Zack Rosen

Though Great Northern‘s name hearkens back to Twin Peaks, their sound more closely resembles another David Lynch joint: Mullholland Drive. The LA duo sounds a bit like a combination of Coldplay and Evanescence, taking the former’s grandeur and the latters glossy goth and combining it into a gritty artificiality that’s half amnesian starlet, half dreadlocked homeless man by the dumpsters. DC readers can check out Great Northern tonight at The Black Cat, though their tour schedule brings them all over the country for those not currently in line at Ben’s Chili Bowl or Pho 14.

GN’s vocalist/keyboardist Rachel Stolte was nice enough to answer some of my questions about being straight. Read ‘em all below. You can also check out a Great Northern video at the end of the interview.

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

Rachel Stolte: Sex. It’s all in what turns you on. And I think it is not so black and white. Sexuality, just like human emotions, has a broad spectrum. Gay at one end, straight at the other. Most folks fall somewhere in bewteen and maybe you have your first crush and its on somebody of the opposite sex. Then you fall closer to the straight category.

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

RS: Anyone who is closed-minded is really annoying. When anyone believes that their way is the right way then its my least favorite type of person.

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

RS: To look amazing at all times, because they will tell you if you don’t.

Seriously, rather than looking at it as an obligation, human rights are extremely important. The fact ahtt prop passes is a sad comment on human rights. We are all obligated to fight for people to be created equal on this planet.

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

RS: It’s not really about being stragijht and teh challenges tat come with it. I think that everybody faces the same challenges. Making money, making your dream come true, wanting to be accepted, falling in love, losing people. Unfortunately, being gay or straight doesn’t get you out of any of this.

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

RS: Somebody really hot… maybe the female version of Don Draper.

Solon Bixler: [Male member of GN:] Don Draper.

RS: Apparently we are obsessed with Mad Men right now.

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

RS: By playing in the nude.
7. Finally, why should Washington, DC come out and see you play tonight?

RS: Cuz it will be a gay old time. And because we’ll rock the straight right out of them.TNG

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