These days, MADM is a solo powerhouse. She recently finished touring behind her album, fantasy film & comic book multimedia project, Out of Our Minds, and will be in DC tomorrow night (Yes, tomorrow night!) to speak in National Geographic’s Music on… Photography series. (It’s at 8 p.m. and should be very cool.) MADM was nice enough to take some time off from being the coolest woman on earth to answer TNG’s questions on being straight. Thanks, Melissa!

***

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

Melissa Au Der Maur: Just after Rufus Wainwright realized he was gay. Really!

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

MADM: Hmm….. That women are needy and men are inconsiderate.

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

MADM: I feel equal obligation to all humans, especially those underrepresented, ladies and gays to start with. I will support their need to be heard and recognized as equals any day and every day!

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

MADM: Women are at an advantage cause we are used to the fight to be heard, recognized as equals etc… but it’s the straight man in this modern age that I am concerned about. The old fashioned role as provider, fighter, tough guy, is shifting and a new breed of more sensitive,  but often lost for direction, has been born. It’s tough being a straight white man in 2011, the rest of us have been working to define ourselves forever. He has to learn to redefine himself for the first time…

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

MADM: My cat ISIS.

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

MADM: I’m not going out of my way to set myself apart, but I suppose my unique journey from old school major label 1990′s mainstream alterna-land, to deconstructing,  back to the start. Finding my voice way later in life, while having lots of real life music experience. Merging a visual and conceptual project with psychedelic music and dreams, and self-producing it from digging the viking ditches to releasing it on my own label… ? red head? canadian? singer bass player? [Ed. Note: Oh just go nameless...]

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

MADM: I will headbang my heart out for you. TNG

Sweden’s Acid House Kings make absolutely lovely pop music, on par with fellow sunshine-bringers Ivy or Camera Obscura, that has a way of heightening good moods to near-MDMA levels of euphoria. Check out the track below and imagine half an hour of such happiness.  The only thing that might be lovelier than their sound is singer Julia Lannerheim, who in answering our questions about straight people has turned into the number one woman I wanna have a drink with and talk intelligently about important, yet still amusing things. Thanks, Julia!

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

Julia Lannerheim: I had my first crush in kindergarten and my first serious crush when I was 12. I don’t think there was ever a morning where I woke up and said, “You know what, I am actually straight”.

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

JL: That we like gay porn. I don’t.

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

JL: To recognize the importance of equality in all aspects, such as same sex-marriage and the right to have children, (whether through insemination or adoption) and to support political parties or candidates who promote these rights. Marriage (like it or not) does to some extent provide security that should be accessible to all couples. [Ed. Note: Marry me.]

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

JL: I would say the road to equality between the sexes. Straight people have a tendency to use our rights – for example parental leave – in a way that preserves the unequal sharing of responsibilities and money between the sexes. Make no mistake – there are many bitter straight couples out there!

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

JL: The American actress Maggie Gyllenhaal. She is one hot chick.

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

JL: Acid House Kings is without doubt catchier, livelier and more fun than many other indie artists, but we also have a bitter sweet touch that makes your heart go boom boom boom.

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show next time you’re in DC?

JL: You will float on joy fumes from the crowd’s collective serotonin rush. It will be a hot, sweaty show and one spectacularly unforgettable night.

It’s amazing how mood can effect music, just as much as the other way around. When I first heard the self-titled EP of Aska it seemed perfect for winter. The Japanese-born L.A. resident has a classically ethereal voice that is only augmented, not overwhelmed, by the hints of production beneath it. It made for some great “get me through this fucking January” music. Now that DC is in pre-pre-spring, and the sun is gracing an amazing 50-degree day, songs like “There Are Many of Us” seem actually hopeful.

Though Aska Matsumiya currently has no tour dates planned, she was nice enough to answer some of our questions about being straight. Check ‘em out below.

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

Aska Matsumiya: When I realized how emotional women are.

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

AM: There’s not a lot of differentiation between the straight and the gays in the community I live in so I really don’t know….

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

AM: To make more dance music.

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

AM: To make the gay community as equal as the straight. I don’t understand, after all the knowledge we have of history and prejudice, how there are still divisions throughout humanity…

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

AM: I’m so in love with a man right now I can’t think of any.

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

AM: Maybe that’s for the audience to decide.

TNG:  Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

AM: Because I will give you something special that you haven’t had in a while…

Plus her songs are really fun. Because at the end, thats what matters right? Kandys was nice enough to answer our questions about being straight. Her live dates don’t start for a week or so, , but in the meantime you should check out the video below the interview and bop around a little… and figure out how to be in her new video.

***

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

Kandys: This story is so funny to me. I realized I was straight the first day I learned what gay was. I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was one of the most confusing days in my life. At the time I was in third grade in a Catholic school and my classmates were just being kids, joking around the way kids do. They too had just learned what gay meant so they began to start calling each other gay and picking on certain students in the class to throw the joke around with. All of a sudden there was a rumor going around that “Candice” was gay.

I had no idea what they meant so I went home and asked my mother “Mommy, what does gay mean? Because everyone in my class is saying I’m gay.” At first she just looked at me and said nothing, maybe because she was beginning to feel sad that I was being picked on. I guess she was wondering where I learned the word. She just told me that it meant happy. But my friends told me what it meant the next day, and from that moment on I knew that I was the opposite of that.

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

Kandys: That straight people don’t like gays because they are different. And that straight people discriminate against gay people. But that’s not all true because not all straight people discriminate against them, only some of them.

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

Kandys: To be honest, to make good music for them. The gay community is very important to me in my music career. It’s their demographic that my sound caters to, similar to Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert. Gays are so supportive in pop music.

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

Kandys: Straight people have to face all the other challenges that exist like discrimination due to religion, race, ethnicity, social status, in addition to poverty, hunger, disease, unemployment, etc. So at the end of the day there are challenges out there for all of us, no matter if we are gay or straight.

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

Kandys: It would be my best friend because I trust her more than anyone else. I know she would always look out for me in any situation and treat me right. I feel like she’s my other half and understands me more than anyone else.

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

Kandys: I set myself apart because I don’t sound like any artist that is out and do not try to imitate or replicate who other artists are. Instead I use my influences to create my own craft and tell my own story.

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

Kandys: I believe that I have something new and fresh to bring to the table. I love performing and it’s something I put my heart into so I would want them to experience my excitement and fun as well.

Kandys on Tour:

February 11th: Performance at BGN Paris I Heart Valentines Fashion Show (Long Island)
February 17th, 2011 : Kandys Opening act for The White House Band at The Bowery Ballroom
February 23rd: Kandys Live at The National Underground

Moore was nice enough to answer our questions about being straight, and below that is the video of my favorite Tennis song. If you like those, good. The band has a shit load of tour dates coming up (also below) and it shouldn’t be too hard for you to check ‘em out in a city near you.

***

TNG: When did you first realize you were straight?

Alaina Moore: The first time I saw a penis.

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

AM: That we don’t enjoy cross-dressing.

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

AM: Staying straight.

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

AM: Winona Ryder in Reality Bites.

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

AM: By getting a poor album review on Pitchfork. [Ed. Opinion: Said review was undeserved.]

TNG:  Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

AM: We have hot babes selling merch.

01/31 Media Club – Vancouver, BC !
02/01 The Crocodile – Seattle, WA #!
02/03 Bottom of the Hill – San Francisco, CA #!
02/04 The Echo – Los Angeles, CA #!
02/05 Tin Can Ale House – San Diego, CA #!
02/07 Hotel Congress – Tucson, AZ !
02/08 Rhythm Room – Tempe, AZ !
02/10 Hi Dive – Denver, CO !
02/17 Jackpot – Lawrence, KS @
02/18 Slowdown Jr. – Omaha, NE @
02/19 7th St. Entry – Minneapolis, MN @
02/21 High Noon Saloon – Madison, WI @
02/22 Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL @
02/25 Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ONT @
02/26 Il Motore – Montreal, QC @
02/27 Iron Horse Music Hall – Northampton, MA @
02/28 Great Scott – Allston, MA @
03/02 Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY *@
03/03 Bell House – Brooklyn, NY *@
03/04 Johnny Brenda’s – Philadelphia, PA *@
03/05 Rock ‘n Roll Hotel – Washington, DC *@
03/07 Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC *@
03/08 Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC *@
03/10 The Basement – Nashville, TN *@
03/11 The Earl – Atlanta, GA *
03/12 The Social – Orlando, FL *$
03/13 The Orpheum – Tampa, FL *$
03/15 Parish @ House of Blues – New Orleans, LA *
03/16 – 20 SXSW Austin, TX

@ = w/ Holiday Shores
& = w/ Dirty Mittens
! = w/ Air Waves
# = w/ Lord Huron
* = w/ La Sera
$ = w/ Dum Dum Girls

With the instant pop pedigree of touring with Robyn, and a debut single that sounds like Pink fingering Lady Gaga with a synthesizer, LA’s Natalia Kills might bring scary back. And I’m OK with that. Though her LP Perfectionist doesn’t drop until the spring, it is scientifically proven that when 65 percent of the nation’s gay boys will see her with Robyn, they will be smitten.

Natalia was nice enough to answer our questions about being straight. Check ‘em out, with a video and tour dates, below. Enjoy!

***

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

Natalia Kills: When I was 7 years old a boy gave me a flower and I traded the flower to a better looking boy with a kiss.

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

NK: That we have no fashion sense. It’s not true!

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

NK:  I feel obligated to bring style and identity to everything that I do.

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

NK: Learning how to wax like everyone else.

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

NK: Mila Kunis.

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

NK: My music is more confrontational and aggressive then most mainstream music. I like to write about the things you would scream at your boyfriend in an argument or the secrets you would tell your best friend but would not want to say outloud. My songs “Love is a Suicide” and “If I Was God” say it all

We will try everything, do anything. By any means possible.

TNG:  Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

NK:  When I was little girl, I wanted to be in a bad bitch girl gang. My live show is an extension of that dream.

TOUR DATES w/Robyn

1/28 – Imperial Theatre – Quebec
1/29 – State Theater – Portland, OR
1/31 – Higher Ground – South Burlington, VT
2/01 – Ram’s Head Live – Baltimore,
2/03 – Electric Factory – Philadelphia, PA
2/04 – House of Blues – Boston, MA
2/05 – Radio City Music Hall – NewYork, NY
2/07 – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH
2/08 – The LC Pavilion – Columbus, OH
2/09 – Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, MI
2/11 – Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
2/12 – Rave Ballroom – Milwaukee, WI
2/13 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/15 – Canopy Club, Urbana
2/17 – ACL Live at the Moody Theater – Austin, TX
2/18 – South Side Music Hall – Dallas, TX
2/19 – Warehouse Live – Houston, TX

Though the oft-difficult music of San Francisco’s Deerhoof can defy description, their lives shows are easily categorized. I think ” joyful sonic chaos” might do the trick. The furious guitar work of the band, combined with their touring prop that looks like a child’s pinwheel on acid, can somehow manage to not be the visual focal point.

That focal point is Satomi Matsuzaki, the Tokyo-born, former film student whose hands move like independent monkey tails, always forming new shapes and never held still, while their owner belts out melodic non-sequiters. Phrases that might sound like delusional ramblings in the hands of others come from her mouth like beatitudes. She ain’t so hard on the eyes either, and for all those reasons I’m excited Ms. Matsuzaki took the time to answer these questions.

Deerhoof is about to launch a big tour in support of their new release Deerhoof Vs. Evil. Check out the dates and my favorite of their songs below the interview.

***

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

Satomi Matsuzaki: When I was two year old and had a boyfriend who took care of me everyday at preschool. I felt protected. I often had a nose bleed. He brought me a tissue.

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

SM: I don’t notice the difference between gay and straight. We are all humans. I have a friend who is metro-sexual. People have so many layers in their character and I enjoy meeting them.

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

SM: Cheers! [Ed. Note: Cheers to you too, Satomi!]

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

SM: Sorry, I don’t know how to answer this question. I lived in Tokyo and I was surrounded by open minded straights and gays.

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

SM: I don’t mind spending time with any of my best girlfriends for 24 hours. Mentally I love them.

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

SM: Am I apart from them? How? Deerhoof VS “Indies”?

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

Because it’s fun and exciting. We would love to see who’s out there! Let’s hang out! [Ed. Note: Hug me, Satomi!]

Deerhoof on Tour:

jan 27 – Sacramento, CA – Harlow’s (w/ G Green)
jan 28 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall (w/ Ben Butler and Mousepad)
jan 29 – Los Angeles, CA – Echoplex (w/ Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 01 – Austin, TX – Mohawk (w/ Fingaar Bangaar, Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 02 – Dallas, TX – The Loft (w/ S. Carey, Ben Butler and Mousepad, Yann Teirsen)
feb 03 – Memphis, TN – The Hi Tone (w/ Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 04 – Nashville, TN – Mercy Lounge (w/ Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 05 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt (w/ tunabunny, Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 06 – Raleigh, NC – King’s (w/ Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 07 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club (w/ Ben Butler and Mousepad, Chain and the Gang)
feb 08 – Brooklyn, NY – Europa (w/ Buke And Gass, Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 10 – Cambridge, MA – Middle East (w/ Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 11 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts (w/ Prowler, Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 12 – Pittsburgh, PA – Altar (w/ Ennui, Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 14 – Pontiac, MI – The Crofoot Ballroom (w/ Marco Polio, Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 15 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge (w/ Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 16 – Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon (w/ Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 17 – Minneapolis, MN – Triple Rock Social Club (w/ Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 18 – Iowa City, IA – Blue Moose (w/ The Tanks, Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 19 – Omaha, NB – Waiting Room (w/ Conduits, Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 21 – Denver, CO – The Marquis (w/ Lil’ Slugger, Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 25 – Seattle, WA – Neumo’s (w/ Special Explosion, Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 26 – Portland, OR – Holocene (21+ show w/ Ben Butler and Mousepad)
feb 26 – Portland, OR – Holocene (6pm ALL AGES show! w/ Neal Morgan)
mar 14 – New York, NY – JapanNYC Festival at Le Poisson Rouge (w/ Ichi)
apr 19 – Paris, FR – La Maroquinerie
apr 20 – Belfort, FR – Impetus Festival at Le Poudriere
apr 21 – Metz, FR – Les Trinitaires
apr 22 – Lyon, FR – L’Epicerie Moderne
apr 23 – Lausanne, CH – Impetus Festival @ La Romandie
apr 24 – Schorndorf, DE – Manufaktur
apr 26 – Kortrijk, BE – De Kreun
apr 27 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg
apr 28 – Groningen, NL – Vera
apr 30 – Aarhus, DK – Pop Revo Festival at Voxhall
may 01 – Hamburg, DE – Hafenklang
jul 01 – London, UK – Performing Milk Man at Alexandra Palace (w/ The Flaming Lips performing The Soft Bulletin and Dinosaur Jr performing Bug)

If there is a true god and goddess of alternative rock, if there is a sort of Mt. Olympus in the clouds above the Viper Room, then the two biggest thrones are occupied by Evan Dando and Juliana Hatfield. The respective fronts of The Lemonheads and The Juliana Hatfield Three had so much fun last at New York’s Mercury Lounge, and discovered there is still much love for them in the indie-verse, that they are returning this year for a couple more shows. If Winona Ryder can do it in Black Swan with four lines and a death scene, just imagine how much these two can rock with an actual live show!

Ms. Hatfield was nice enough to answer some of our questions about being straight. Check out those and her tour dates, right here.

***

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

Juliana Hatfield: I never thought about it. I just think I always knew.

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

JH: I can’t think of any stereotypes about straight people. What are some of them? That we like to drink beer out of cans? I honestly can’t think of any. I can think of stereotypes about women. That we can’t drive well, that we are needy, that we are nurturers — all of which are untrue of me. And I don’t like to drink beer out of cans.

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

JH: I don’t feel any obligations to the gay community as a whole. I just feel that I should treat individual people with fairness and kindness and not be quick to judge. You know, treat others the way I would like to be treated.

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

JH: Seems like a question for a straight man…

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

JH: Asia Argento.

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

JH: By quitting!

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

JH: People say that Evan and I look good. There is an implied “still” (we still look good). So come and see how well-preserved we are.

***

Juliana Hatfield and Evan Dando on Tour:

Fri 01/21/11 Brooklyn, NY The Bell House

Sat 01/22/11 Arlington, VA IOTA Club & Cafe

Sun 01/23/11 Milford, CT Daniel Street

Mon 01/24/11 Philadelphia, PA World Cafe Live

Sun 01/30/11 Aspen, CO Wheeler Opera House

That aura of mystery extends not just to their music — dark, swirly meditations with single word titles and strong hints of The Legends (but in a K hole) — but Liz’ answers to this interview. I don’t feel like I know that much more about her, but damned if I’m not going to keep listening to Kordan’s album The Longing to find out. (Oh, and check out their track “Mirror” below the interview.)

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

Liz: I haven’t realized it yet.

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

L: The masculine -vs- feminine one.

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

L: Voting, we all need our basic human rights.

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

L: Being “straight”, it’s so limiting.

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

L: Natasha Khan from Bat for Lashes. She’s talented and gorgeous.

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

L: Our music tells stories that come from a dark and distant place.

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

L: So they can be a witness to our own little universe.

It begins with a slight tinge of bossa nova and co-founder Karolina Komstedt’s silky vocals, slows down when you think its going to expode and then… explodes. If I listen to it one more time there is a good chance that Ms. Komstedt is going to go to my house with restraining order paperwork.

Club 8 does not, unfortunately, have any upcoming shows but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking out Komstedt’s answers to our questions about being straight. If you make it all the way to the bottom you get a special bonus video as well!

***

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

Karolina Komstedt: I never realised it, it’s just a convention I haven’t broken.

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

KK: The man is supposed to conquer and the woman to be conquered, the
latter by being beautiful and graceful. The more extreme side of this tendency is the man raping and beating up the woman who’ll be the victim.

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

KK: None. I don’t want to treat anyone differently.

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

KK: Being able to ignore conventions and gender roles and raise sons and daughters equally, i.e. not according to gender stereotypes and not carry over ones own complexes to them. [Ed. Note: You will be a great mother, Karolina.]

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

KK: I don’t know anyone specific. But if I was to be with a girl I’m sure she would be Finnish. A lot of the Finnish women I’ve met have had an amazingly strong aura, a particular directness in their approach and a dark, pessimisic humour that I really like. And I love the Finnish
accent! Last time I cut my hair I went to a hairdresser from Finland. She was completely silent the first half an hour. Then, all of a sudden just before I was about to go, she said: “My father hates Swedes.” It was charming.

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

KK: We make good music. [Ed. Note: Sadly, this does set them apart.]

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your shows?

KK: We have an unusual atmosphere. It’s cosy and loving.

Even from the video at the bottom of this post you can tell that Doomtree isn’t your average hip-hop collective. They are co-ed and multiracial, and they eschew BMX bikes for what looks like something I bought off Craigslist to pick up my farm share. Founded in Minneapolis in 2005 by members POS and Cecil Otter, the group is currently on a string of tour dates (their first as a full group!) that takes them through DC today.

Standout writer/MC Dessa Darling was nice enough to answer our questions about being straight, and in doing so has made me love her. Because who wouldn’t love a 29 year-old rapping college professor with awareness of straight privilege? Check ‘em out.

***

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

Dessa Darling: Second grade. LeRoy Snyder. Daredevil with a foul mouth and freckles. (I liked him in spite of that last one.)

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

DD: Irrespective of my favorites, I am sad to report that every stereotype about straight people is absolutely true.

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

DD: I think I have the same obligation to the gay community that I have to every community — to behave with respect and kindness and to expect to be treated with the the same.

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

DD: As a member of a privileged majority, I think it can be a challenge to behave conscientiously without behaving self-righteously. It’s easy to call someone a racist or a homophobe. It’s harder to comment on the offensive behavior in a way that’s compassionate — that might even stand a chance of changing the ideas at the root of the trespass. [Ed. Note: Dessa, will you marry me?]

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

DD: I’d say Natalie Portman, but I think I’d feel like an oaf around her. She’s got a dollish quality that would just make me feel oversized.

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

DD: I don’t pay very much attention to ‘the crowd,” not because I’m aloof but because I’m usually scrambling to keep my own shit together. So I’m not really sure what the crowd is doing, although it seems to involve synthesizers and day-glo. For my part, I focus on writing the very best essays and lyrics that I can, then Doomtree puts them out into the world where other people might see them and like them too.

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

I’m earnest. On a good day, I can sing pretty damn well (if I do say so myself). I’m sassy on whiskey, intense on stage, and grateful to the people who decide to part with $10 to give me a chance.

Doomtree on tour:

Tue 11/23/10 Washington, DC DC9
Wed 11/24/10 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s
Fri 11/26/10 Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory
Sat 11/27/10 Cambridge, MA Middle East Downstairs
Sun 11/28/10 Portland, ME SPACE Gallery
Tue 11/30/10 Montreal, QC Il Motore
Wed 12/01/10 Toronto, ON Sneaky Dee’s
Thu 12/02/10 Pontiac, MI Pike Room
Fri 12/03/10 Chicago, IL The Bottom Lounge
Sat 12/04/10 Grinnell, IA Gardner Lounge
Sun 12/05/10 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon

Ms. Mesirow was nice enough to answer some of our questions about being straight (or not, actually) and I can’t wait to check her out at the Black Cat next Monday.

***

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

Cameron Mesirow: Never. [Ed. Note: If Glasser's "family" I would be ecstatic.]

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

CM: That they are unwilling to understand

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

CM: To help provide them with basic human rights by voting and generally accepting.

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

CM: I think both straight and gay people are challenged to find partners that they are truly compatible with. It’s hard.

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

CM: Do I have to pick only one?

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

CM: By being myself. No one else can do it like I can.

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

[No answer here, but I think the video below is enough of it's own reason.]

***

Glasser on Tour:

Nov 10 2010 6:00P, Il Motore with Twin Shadow Montreal, Quebec, CANADA
Nov 11 2010 8:00P, The Drake Hotel Toronto, ON, Canada
Nov 12 2010 6:30P, Pike Room with Twin Shadow Pontiac, MI
Nov 12 2010 8:00P, The Crofoot Ballroom w/Twin Shadow Pontiac, MI
Nov 13 2010 6:00P, Lincoln Hall W/ Twin Shadow Chicago, IL
Nov 15 2010 6:00P, The Black Cat w/ Twin Shadow Washington DC, Washington
Nov 16 2010 3:30P, Music Hall of Williamsburg with ARP Brooklyn, NY
Nov 19 2010 4:00P, Arch Street Tavern Hartford, Connecticu
Nov 20 2010 4:00P, Metro Gallery Baltimore, MD

Wanna have fun? Wanna listen to music that won’t depress you, make you question life, pontificate about its challenging production values or obscure influences because you’re too busy dancing to use your brain? Then you really outta check out The Go! Team. Their first two albums Thunder, Lightning, Strike! and Proof of Youth are filled with sample-based bombasts of cheerleader chants and sonic assaults that you want to sing along with but can’t because it happens so fast. So the announcement of their new release,  2011′s Rolling Blackouts, has me way excited for more of the same.

If anyone has seen The Go! Team live, then they know just how unstoppable their MC/frontwoman, Ninja, can be. I embedded a couple videos below the interview just so you can see it for yourself, but in the meantime I’d definitely check out her thoughts on being straight.

***

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

Ninja: In primary school, where I was a footballing fighting PROPER tomboy. I found that in “kiss chase” when it was the girls turn to chase the boys, none of the boys would ever chase me back and it bothered me.

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

N: That we all find the same men attractive e.g., George Clooney (greasy looking), Brad Pitt (pretty boy) . These men just don’t do it for me.

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

N: To keep all the juicy secrets told to me by gay makeup artists and assistants. Hollywood would implode!

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

N: Living up to the high expectations of getting married and divorced with children by the age of forty. I’m currently failing on all 3 counts.

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

N: Kim Kardashian, but I’d check the bedroom for hidden cameras every night and I ain’t NEVER letting my bitch pose for Playboy! P.S. my bottom is better. [Ed. Note: It is!]

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

N: We have more breasts in our band. Six to be precise.

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

N: Because we’re fantastic and you’ll never ever forget us.

Ms. Hitch was nice enough to answer our questions about being straight and was way more earnest about it than I would’ve expected.

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

Neon Hitch: I don’t really believe in labels,i’m a free spirit and if someone attracts me its not because of their gender.

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

NH: that they are all homophobic.

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

NH: I just want my music to make EVERYONE feel good!

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

NH: To always strive for equality among every sexual orientation and to be happy with yourself.

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

TNG:  Angelina Jolie.

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

NH:  I stay true to my self and put my wild experiences into my lyrics,  but mostly its my traveling/circus/gypsy upbringing in a caravan that sets me apart. I’ll never lose touch with my roots.

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

NH: Because I rock out with my cock out!  [And because] my shows are incredibly interactive and everyone who comes is part of the wild tribal dance party madness. Don’t you wanna have fun?

Check out Tu Fawning on 12/11/10 Seattle at Sunset Tavern w/ Black Prairie

I saw Corinna Repp open for Colin Meloy in 2005. She slowed my sense of time in a fast way. I have not, and will not, forget anything about this show- about the fried tofu-in-peanut-sauce appetizer I shared with my friend Liz for her birthday, about how it seemed like Corinna Repp should be a household name, about how I am now so glad that she, Joe Haege, Toussaint Perrault and Liza Rietz have formed a band: Tu Fawning. When I lived in Portland, I stayed away from this band- finding out anything about it- but I am glad I did because World, We are READY. This band. Fast and slow and full of more influences than I will fucking bother to list. Listen to them. Corrina Repp answered the following questions. You can also check her out on 12/11/10 Seattle at Sunset Tavern w/ Black Prairie

The New Gay: When did you first realize you liked straight music (I realized I liked gay music after I knew what gay was, which was when I was about 8- Holla Lion King Soundtrack)?

Corinna Repp: Spending much of my youth in the midwest I don’t think I even thought of things in terms of straight, or gay. I just knew I loved making out with boys. I like all kinds of music. Straight and gay.

TNG: How did you get involved in playing music, and why did you stay involved (I played the hammer dulcimer until I ran out of sheet music, made up two songs, and quit to become a competitive swimmer)?

CR: I loved music from a very young age. My Dad makes guitars and my parents are huge fans of music. It was always around. Not like elevator music or easy listening….things you would expect from your parents, but they listened to stuff like Frank Zappa, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones. They named me after Bob Dylan’s “Corrina, Corrina”. I keep playing music because I can’t stop, and I am a glutton for punishment. Or at least feel like I still have new heights to reach creatively. I hope I always feel that way. I do though daydream about living on a farm and learning how to make cheese…seriously.

TNG: What are you listening to in a gay way that is actually really straight (I don’t know what you should say to this as this is probably a stupid question)?

CR:Hmmm…yes, maybe a silly question, I am stumped.

TNG: What should music accomplish besides peace and harmony, anti-violence and discord (I’m talking concepts here, but know you’ll answer it better)?

CR: I feel like music fulfills in such a rare and individualistic way. At least for me to have any hold on what it should accomplish. Person by person we are all affected by music in some way. Jarring emotions, making us want to dance, or cry, feel hopeful, or feel love. I can only truly speak for myself and how I feel when I listen to music. I can only imagine that others feel things. Feelings they can’t describe. Opening up parts of themselves that only music and other art forms can access.

TNG: Why is being straight equal to being bored?

CR: I don’t think it is, but I certainly have way more fun when I hang out with my gay boyfriends. If only they would quit moving to New York, and San Francisco!!

TNG: Who would you go gay for?

CR: Emily Blunt, I like her mouth.

TNG: What should gay people expect out of your shows (sleaze-wise)?

CR: I think you will want to go home and have hot sex afterwards, or during?

TNG: Why are binaries bad or good?

CR: Because they are boring.

TNG: What should people watch on youtube? (Seriously.)

CR: Dancing Merengue Dog! Beautiful! I am a lover of animals. This one kills me. The first time I watched it I got tears in my eyes. Such a sucker.

TNG: Please provide a link to a splendid recipe. Yes, food. (No, really. I’m sick of what I cook, which is a stir-fried version of Shephard’s Pie, and that’s really seriously actually about it.)

CR: I have actually been roasting a ton of veggies as of late. You can’t go wrong. Feeling like you don’t know what to make for dinner? Just go out to eat. That’s what I do. I am not the best cook, but I try.

Those facts notwithstanding, Olof was nice enough to answer some of our questions about being straight. You can check out the interview, her tour schedule and a video below.

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

Olof Arnalds: During my childhood years in a Catholic school, one teacher who was more nuts than the rest told me I’d fry in hell if I were a lesbian so I thought maybe the best idea was to be straight.

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

OA: The “boys will be boys” idea that makes guys think that they can skip growing up, and girls getting together primarily to complain to each other about their boyfriends

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

OA: Keeping humor and respect in a balanced mix, and making it known that recently they finally allowed gay marriages in churches in Iceland.

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

OA: My children, your children, our children.

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

OA: Joan of Arc

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

OA: Some people say I’m a gender bender. Whether that’s right I leave up for interpretation.

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

OA: If they want to see something spontaneous, yet relatively precise, they’ve come to the right place.

TOUR DATES
Oct 8 – First Unitarian Chapel – Philadelphia, PA
Oct 9 – Joe’s Pub – NY, NY
Oct 11 – IOTA – Washington, DC
Oct 12 – The Southern – Charlottesville, VA
Oct 13 – Club Cafe – Pittsburgh, PA
Oct 14 – Comet Bar – Cincinnati, OH
Oct 15 – Wexner Center – Columbus, OH
Oct 16 – Christ Evangelical United Church – Louisville, KY
Oct 18 – Schubas – Chicago, IL
Nov 14 – House of Blues – San Diego, CA
Nov 15 – Glass House – Pamona, CA
Nov 16 – The Music Box @ Fonda – LA, CA
Nov 19 – Warfield Theater – San Francisco, CA
Nov 20 – Roseland – Portland, OR
Nov 21 – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC
Nov 24 – The Showbox at the Market – Seattle, WA
Nov 26 – The Depot – Salt Lake City, UT
Nov 27 – Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO
Nov 29 – Warehouse Live Studio – Houston, TX
Nov 30 – Granada Theater – Dallas, TX
Dec 1 – La Zona Rosa – Austin, TX

As much as no one likes the term blog rock, some bands do it nonetheless and do it well. For me, the term usually just refers to people who play tight, catchy music and don’t appear to be taking themselves too seriously. And that’s why its no shame to call Missouri outfit Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin blogrock. At this point, I’d rather ten more bands like this then one more Spicoli-haired beach rocker. But that’s just me.

Regardless, SSLBY were nice enough to band together and answer some of our questions about being straight. Check out the interview, tour schedule and video below.

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

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin: You know that imaginary silent film sequence in the movie “Talk To Her” when the guy is running around on the girl’s body? I was having thoughts not unlike that when I was in pre-school.

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

SSLBY: We all think Megan Fox is attractive.

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

SSLBY: I think we should be doing everything we can to make our home state (Missouri) more like Iowa.

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

SSLBY: My biggest challenge is trying to get Pitchfork to like my band. They want everyone to be exactly like them, which is the problem with a lot of things.

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

SSLBY: Bill Pullman in Independence Day or Will Smith in Independence Day.

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

SSLBY: Our band name really helps. I was listening to XMU and I thought most of the bands really sucked. So I think “not sucking” really sets us apart.

TNG:  Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

SSLBY:
1. It’s going to be like a party. Maybe even like a party before people had cell phones.
2.We’re playing with Telekinesis, one of my favorite bands. Exit Clov seems pretty cool, too.
3.We all switch instruments. Everyone likes that.
4. We have really soft t-shirts, silk-screened posters, and temporary tattoos. Who doesn’t want a temporary tattoo of Boris Yeltsin?

SSLYBY’s long-ass tour schedule:

9/30 – Graz, AT – PPC
10/1 – Zagreb, HR- SC Teater & TD
10/2 – Aflenz, AT – Sublime
10/3 – Vienna, AT – Chelsea
10/4 – Munich, DE – Kranhalle
10/5 – Milan, IT – Rocket
10/6 – Lausanne, CH – Bleu Lezard
10/7 – Basel, CH – Sudhaus
10/9 – Oxford, UK – TBA
10/10 – Tunbridge Wells, UK – The Forum
10/11 – London, UK – Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
10/12 – Ghent, BE – Charlatan
10/13 – Dusseldorf, DE- Pretty Vacant
10/14 – Leuven, BE – Stuk
10/16 – Amsterdam, NL – Paradiso
10/17 – Hamburg, DE- Molotow
10/18 – Aarhus, DK – Musikcafeen
10/19 – Oslo, NO – Revolver
10/20 – Stockholm, SE – Debaser
10/21 – Copenhagen, DK – Lades
10/22 – Berlin, DE – Bang Bang Club
10/24 – Stuttgart, DE – Jugendhaus West
11/1 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown Jr.**
11/3 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry**
11/4 – Ames, IA – Maintenance Shop**
11/5 – Lawrence, KS – Jackpot Saloon**
11/6 – Denver, CO – Hi Dive**
11/7 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court**
11/10 – Nampa, ID – Flying M Coffee**
11/12 – Seattle, WA – Neumos**
11/13 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge**
11/15 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill**
11/16 – Los Angeles, CA – Spaceland**
11/19 – La Jolla, CA – UCSD**
11/20 – Phoenix, AZ – The Trunk Space**
11/22 – Austin, TX – The Mohawk**
11/23 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues**
11/24 – Norman, OK – The Opolis**

One of the great unheralded tragedies of the year 2009 was that enigmatic LA party band Fol Chen did not take over the world. Anyone who heard their breakout single/ best song ever, “Cable TV,” has probably not forgotten it. (and if they did it’s embedded below the interview.) They strike some similar chords to other indie bands – electronic tinges, amazingly sticky choruses – but the sense that they are having fun will have you listening to their discs again and again when the luster of the others has faded. This years Part II: The New December (sequel to last year’s John Shade, Your Fortune’s Made) just continues the streak.

Fol Chen is currently on the road with !!! and Apples in Stereo. Dates are below. Singer, and sole female member, Sinosa Loa, was nice enough to answer some of our questions. Check ‘em out, and then get your ass to the show.

***

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

Sinosa Loa: April ’88. Parents’ basement. Watching reruns of the Mount St. Helens eruption on TV.

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

SL: We drive fancy cars but don’t give to charity. Also, we use too much ice in our
drinks, and are somehow all good at math.

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

SL: Too much targeted media, not enough ice cream.

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

SL: The hot one from “Lost.” No, the other one. Yeah. That one.

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

SL:The band works within a set of self-imposed guidelines that help unify a lot of
different strengths and influences. We are an unlikely bunch, but it’s working
out.

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

SL: We are cryptic and joyful and we would like you to dance.

Fol Chen tour dates:

09/28 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig
09/29 Chicago, IL Bottom Lounge $
09/30 Louisville, KY Headliners Music Hall $
10/01 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom $
10/02 Philadelphia, PA The Electric Factory $
10/05 Pawtucket, RI The Met Cafe $
10/22 Denver, CO Bluebird Theater %
10/23 Colorado Springs, CO Armstrong Hall %
10/24 Salt Lake City, UT The State Room %
10/26 Seattle, WA Crocodile Cafe %
10/27 Portland, OR Mississippi Studios %
10/28 Arcata, CA The Depot at Humboldt State %
10/30 San Francisco, CA The Independent %
10/31 San Jose, CA Blank Club %
11/02 San Diego, CA Casbah %
11/03 Tuscon, AZ Plush %
11/07 Houston, TX Walter’s On Washington %
11/08 Dallas, TX Granada Theater %

$ = w/ !!!
% = w/ The Apples in Stereo

Shoegaze forever! Brookyn hypno-rock outfit Asobi Seksu made a splash a couple years ago with their breakthrough single “Thursday”, and last year’s release Hush continued the trend of music that makes you want to lie in a field on your back and daydream clouds into the shape of your crushes. And then make out with the clouds. And then lie in a field some more, and maybe look wistful. It’s good stuff.

The band launches a small tour tomorrow in Cleveland (dates below), and I thought that’s as good a time as any to get their gorgeous frontwoman, Yuki Chikudate’s, thoughts on being straight. Check ‘em out!

The New Gay: When did you first realize you were straight?
Yuki Chikudate: From when I could form thoughts. The way they spilled everything on their shirts, knocked the blocks over, refused to take naps during nap time, and caused general destruction made me swoon.

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

YC: There is no “code”.

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

YC: Not use “gay” as a synonym for bad.

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

YC: I hate when people say, “oh, I didn’t know you were straight.”

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

YC: There are so many beautiful women— The redhead from Mad Men. [Ed. Note: Agreed.]

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

YC: I’m shorter than everyone.

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

YC: To witness the height differential between me and bass player Billy Pavone. It’s quite remarkable.

Asobi Seksu Tour Dates:

8/21 Brooklyn Yard
9/3 The Grog Shop Cleveland
9/4 The Cactus Club Milwaukee
9/5 Bash on Wabash Chicago
9/5 SPACE, Evanston
9/6 Woodchucks, Toledo
9/25 Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia (Philadelphia Film Festival)

Call them post-Peaches? NYC electro-raunch duo Hank & Cupcakes call to mind any number of cheeky new-new wave  bands like New Young Pony Club, all which trace their ancestry from the Filthy—mouthed Corset Queen. A band like this screams “bi vibe” but are actually a married couple from Israel who were at least straight enough to answer these questions. Why does that all make it hotter?

They were nice enough to answer our questions, so you should go check out their tour if you can. Dates in link above. Joy Division cover video below.

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

Cupcakes:I think we always just knew but a guy from Cencus just knocked on our door while answering this and asked me if I was female and if Hank was a male and we just got really confused…

Hank: I’m not straight, I’m a gay man who only has sex with women.

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

C: There are so many..wouldn’t know where to start

H: That they have too much sex with the opposite sex!

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

H&C: We feel obligated to dance your off your feet and make sure you all get laid by the end of our set.

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

H&C: The NYPD

TNG:  If you had to “go gay” for one member of the same sex, who would it be?
C: That would be my best friend in junior high school, we were so close it would have been very natural. Or actually..Sasha Grey. That would be HOT!!!

H: Sasha Baron Cohen

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

H&C: We don’t label our music as indie, you could say our music is pop with a raw edgy twist. We’ve been setting ourselves apart from the crowd mainly by being ourselves and keeping a high level of interest and energy. We’re constantly reinventing ourselves at shows both musically and visually. Our fans know they’re always in for a new experience which is why they always come back for more.

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

C: Because it’s music and performance like you’ve never seen before, and Hank is hot.

Tour Dates:

AUGUST 27: SOUTHPAW WITH NAVEGANTE, BROOKLYN NEW YORK

SEPTEMBER 4: UNION POOL WITH RAD PONY, BROOKLYN NEW YORK

SEPTEMBER 6: THE HARRISBURG KIPONA FESTIVAL, HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

SEPTEMBER 17: THE CELTIC HARP FOR THE UTICA MUSIC FESTIVAL, UTICA NEW YORK

SEPTEMBER 18: THE ELECTRIC COMPANY FOR THE UTICA MUSIC FESTIVAL, UTICA NEW YORK

SEPTEMBER 24: 323 WALL STREET, KINGSTON NEW YORK

SEPTEMBER 26: PHILLY MUSIC & FILM FESTIVAL, PHILADELPHIA, NEW YORK

SEPTEMBER 26: TINDERBOX MUSIC FESTIVAL @ SOUTHPAW, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

TNG: When did you first realize you were straight?

Evelyn: We are bent* some mostly Evelyn on the left.

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

E: That they like being the way they are on purpose, and don’t want to be bent, but we knew a man who would secretly bend himself in his trailer but nobody ever found out but us.

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

E: We are always trying to play the best we can for every community, happy or sad. Also we know some nice gay people some are happy and some are sad. A lot of Jason and Amanda’s friends are gay and they are our friends too so we are in the gay community since they are our friends and we think community is who are your friends.

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

E: Being so straight can be hard because everybody is a mostly little bit bent and then when the bent people look at you and think something is wrong with you because you are so straight you might feel ashamed.

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

E: We like Tegan and Sara but they are our friends and so we can’t use them but they are our friends and they are gay so probably if we had to it would be them because they wouldn’t make us do anything we didn’t want to do.

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

E: We try hard not to make people think we are special because everyone is special including people who are bent and straight and small and big and fat and skinny and us and you and everyone you know.

TNG: Finally, why should people come out and see your show?

E: Our show is very good we have been featured in Spin and Pitchfork and The New Yorker and Rolling Stone but only Rolling Stone’s Wikipedia. We play the piano and the drums and the accordion and the guitar and the ukulele also we sing and also answer questions like this except for people into a microphone. People like our show and clap and stand up in a standing ovulation at the ending.

*If you don’t know, bent is British slang for queer

Here is a taste of what you’ll see if you got off your ass and went to see them tonight in DC:

They go live in Los Angeles on Friday, March 26. The Echoplex. Be there and be a straight gay, or be something else and be there, too. Claire L. Evans answered the following questions.

Addendum: They have a website (a very pleasant one) that outlines future engagements: teamyacht.com

When did you/YatSG realize you were “straight”? Have you yet?

Well, we’re Straight Gays. We have political and emotional affiliations to one world, as well as love for it, while biology dictates our operations in the other. We will leave it up to you to surmise which is which. We consider ourselves to be somewhat of a blank slate, and your interpretation of our orientations tell us more about who you are than tell you about who we are. We like learning about you very much.

What is your favorite stereotype about straight people?

That they are unadventurous, can’t dance, have terrible fashion — and that their fear seeps into all of those fields.

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

Boredom.

RuPaul notes: “Honey, you’re born naked. Everything else is drag.” Would you care to add to this?

Like RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants, YACHT strives to excel in the categories of Creativity, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent. These, to us, seem like entirely legitimate parameters. And yes, Ru is right: all life is performance, and, if drag is about illusion (which it is), then it’s a comprehensive metaphor for the veils of clothing, presentation, and identity we spend our lives dancing behind.

Are you The New Gay? If you’re not sure/”no comment”, who is? Bands, stuff people should check out?

We’d love to be the Old Gay. Perhaps the Ancient Gay. Our Gay is Sapphic Gay, rose-fingered dawn of Atthis, sparrows heralding the raging fire of a woman’s dancing hands upon a lyre, Immortal Venus, “Slay me not, Goddess!”

What will music sound like in 10 years? If that’s a bad question, say something else.

I think the more appropriate question might be “What will music look, smell, and taste like in 10 years?” If there is any change to happen, it will be a change in the physicality of music and our ability to unlock the psychedelic depths of our senses in order to experience it more fully. In 2020, we will all voluntarily suffer from synaesthesia.

Finally, why should people come out and see you play and perform?

The decision is yours. All we can promise to provide is visual music, physical contact, two, maybe three computers, actual instruments as well as synthesized ones, bass, conversation, guided meditation, some swears, and a message.

Love,
YACHT

Danish recording duo The Asteroids Galaxy is best known for catchy single “Around the Bend,” which was featured last year in an iPod touch ad, but they have another killer trick up their sleeve: The impossibly high, tinny, baby-on-fire singing voice of their frontwoman Mette Lindberg. Even though they won’t be touring the US anytime this year, their debut album Fruit has finally been released and I figured that was as good a time as any to have her answer some of our questions about being straight.

***

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

Mette Lindberg: I did not know about gay or not gay before the age of twelve, I think. I have always been very much into boys. I remember thinking about holding hands and kissing the boys from back in my kindergarten days.

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

ML: The ones that grow their muscles psycho big with the help from steroids.

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

ML: I don’t feel that there should be any obligations, Straight or Gay, makes no difference to me. But I always fight for homosexual rights. I don’t like homophobes, racists and people with their heads up their own asses!

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

ML: That the food you can buy on the road, when we tour, is so shitty! Please someone, do something!

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

ML: I can’t really think of any one. Is God a girl?

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

ML: What is indie these days?Seems as it has lost it’s foundation! We have a golden horn section when we play live shows! Doesn’t it say all?  We have a really good time making our music in Lars’ little but crazy crispy studio. It’s a big dream coming true, that we now are traveling and playing for thousands of people around the world. It seems that we make people smile even though the songs mostly are far from happy. We are not afraid of doing what we want to do, and we don’t want to do things just because other people say so or because it’s hip. I don’t want to dress half-naked and practically make porn more than music. I believe our music is sexier than that.

TNG:  Finally, why should Washington, DC come out and see you play next time you come through town?

Because we play live music, and want to be loved by you… and the boys in the band are gonna kill you with their looks and soul vibrations.

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

Josh Bradford: The first time I saw a picture of a naked women, then touched my penis and semen came out. That was a good sign. Then I knew for sure when I made out with all my guy friends and did not get an erection at all….

Sin Quirin: Who said I was straight?

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

JB: That we are afraid to have someone stick their finger in our ass!!!

SQ: That they’re not secretly gay.

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

JB: Great question, When I was in high school, I turned down sex with a young girl one time and rumors started that I was gay and I was picked on a lot for it. I then realized just how hard young homosexuals can have it . Ever since then, I try to stand and fight beside any homosexual that is being treated poorly in any way. Even outside the sexual preference, we are all in this together and need to be compassionate to those who are different or have it rougher than ourselves.

SW: The only obligation I feel is to get completely behind the gay community.

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

JB: It’s not getting a date with a gay man, because that is very easy. Most gay men love straight guys that will go on a date with them… They just get bummed when you won’t go to 3rd base.

SQ: I wouldn’t know.

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

JB: The Body of Perry Farrell (from Jane’s Addiction) with the head of a young Peter Fonda….with the ass of Gerald Butler….. and the social skills of Crispin Glover just to keep it interesting……. not that I have put any thought into it or anything.

SQ: I already have and the list is endless.

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

JB: Yes, it is endless isn’t it? Hmmmm….. once you see me naked, you will know.

SQ: Well, we’re not afraid to embrace our “gayness.” Like I’ve said before, we want the gay community to embrace us with open arms… and legs.

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

JB: Are we talking ‘Come Out’ and see us play? Because that would be awesome!!! I wish we had a audience that was predominantly fresh out of the closet…. you kats really know to party!

SQ: Because we have Bison rods.

With the release of her new album “My Guilty Pleasure” last week, shy Swedish disco artist Sally Shapiro (actually the vocalist half of a production duo)  confirms two facts. The good one is that her songs, shimmery, unabashedly exuberant swoons of love and loss, is pretty cool. The bad one is that she is way too shy to tour. Though a part of me might relish a Cat Power-style onstage breakdown (who wouldn’t) the overall sweetness of Shapiro’s sound does not jibe well with schaudenfraude. Oh well. Since she won’t soon be coming to a city near you, the best we can do for the time being is enjoy Shapiro’s answers to my questions about being straight.

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

Sally Shapiro: Oh I haven’t chosen yet. Do I have to?

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

SS: The one that if you’re straight, by definition you’re caught in your gender and social norms and that you´re not as enlightened as the homo people.

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

SS: To argue against prejudiced people.

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

SS: To not get caught in gender and social norms.

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

SS: I know numerous of nice ones if I would have the opportunity to choose freely. But I don’t want to name-drop.

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

SS: I don´t really know if I do, since I´m not so updated, I do have the (bad?) habit of keep listening to the same old records for years. But, if I do set apart from the crowd, I suppose it´s the mix of indie pop with electronica with italo disco, all drowned in melancholy. Also, not doing live shows and wanting to have this as a hobby more than a full-time job, diverses me from the majority of artists, but probably not from the majority of people.

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

SS: Since I won’t ever play live, they could instead sit alone at home listening to the record. Then tomorrow everyone would be very melancholic and kind and love-searching and I think it would be interesting and fruitful in many ways to have a whole town in that mood in the same time. Maybe even war-stopping, if the government also listens…TNG