This is clearly not a recent picture

Though they are a talent in their own right, Scottish twee pioneers The Vaselines are most often lauded for their influence on Nirvana. Kurt Cobain named his daughter Frances Bean after the the subject of this interview and Nirvana’s versions of the bands’ “Molly’s Lips” and “Son of a Gun” are well-known. While the history of Nirvana is a tragically short one, though, The Vaselines recently regrouped after their 1989 breakup to release a two-disc career retrospective, “Enter The Vaselines.” Though a recent spate of US tour dates has recently (and unfortunately) ended, TNG readers lucky enough to live in Osaka or Tokyo can check them out in August!

Ok, that’s probably not much of a comfort. But principle Vaseline Frances McKee was nice enough to answer some of our questions about being straight. You can check out the answers below, and a Vaselines mixtape below that.

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

Frances McKee: I haven’t realised at all, only that there are so many beautiful people around it could go either any way anytime.

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

FM: That they are always straight

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

FM: To enjoy their point of view

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

FM: To be gay

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

FM: Anyone that I found attractive.

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

FM: We have a sense of humour. TNG

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