This post was submitted by Zack Rosen

Brooklyn band TV on The Radio beat Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear and several other prominent bands to what is quickly becoming the dominant trend of the past calendar year: Taking a much-loved, but fairly innaccessible, sound and blowing it up into something so fist-pumping that it blurs the lines of what can reasonably be called “Indie.” Last summer’s “Dear Science” removed the distorted production of their previous three albums and shifted the emphasis from the band’s sonic atmosphere to their always-evocative lyrics. As a result it was voted the years best album by pretty much everyone and even more people like them than before. Having invested years in unpacking the mysteries of “Return to Cookie Mountain,” “Young Liars” and the like, I found it initially off putting that the band was suddenly so listenable. But if that’s my biggest complaint about an already-stratospheric act than you know they are doing something right. (And besides, what does my opinion count for?)

TVOTR’s extremely attractive frontman Tunde Adibempe was nice enough to answer some of my questions about being straight. You can check out his answer, and a TVOTR video sampler, below.

TV On The Radio plays the first of two ostensibly sold out shows tonight at the 9:30 club. Non-DC residents should check the band’s tour schedule and get their tickets ASAP.

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

Tunde Adebimpe: In the late eighties while watching the video for Paula Abdul’s song “Cold Hearted Snake“. Pretty sexy, especially to an eighth grader. Half naked dancers writhing up on a scaffold. It changed me. You know, I just You Tubed the video to check the date and I must say, I’m not sure what it was I realized back then. Everyone looks delicious. Mark me “undecided”.

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

TA: That they’re shoddy dressers. It’s true, but why rub it in?

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

TA: For the example of strength in the face of ignorance, I feel an obligation to the gay community. Also, for inventing poetry, punk rock and popular culture. And for producing Abraham Lincoln. Thank you.

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

TA: Hair care. Just generally. That’s about it.

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

TA: Damian Abraham of the band F*cked Up. I just think we’d look good together.

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

TA: By being awesome. And modest. And black. Also, awesomeness.

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

TA: Because it’s going to be GREAT, and the Dirty Projectors are playing and they’re amazing and also it’s only happening once. Or twice, if you count the second night. Also, because we’re better than and will take up less of your precious time than Terminator 3. TNG

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