GT: Scissor Sisters Exclusive

Almost a decade since they broke the mold as an openly gay band that could sell music by the millions, much has changed for the Scissor Sisters. As they release their fourth album, Magic Hour, GT meets founder members Jake Shears and Babydaddy to discuss their rebellion against mainstream success.

On their controversial beginnings in the music industry:

There wasn’t too much music that sounded like what we were doing being played on the radio then. So it was a strong decision on our part to keep pushing forward and wait for people to jump on our bandwagon and accept what we were doing.

On being labelled as just a gay band:

We’re still thought of as a gay group a little, but we hope we’re growing out of it. After living in New York where being gay was fine, the idea of going back into the closet to sell records was wrong. It wasn’t an option for us. I don’t know if that gay band label will ever go away, but that’s okay because at least we’re thought of as something.

Jake, on coming out within the public eye:

If you’re going to be a closet-case then just lie and say you’re straight. It bugs me when they say “why are you asking me if I’m gay? It doesn’t matter.” Well it matters a lot to the fifteen year-old at home who’s going through it. It’s a highly offensive statement and it makes me angry.

Babydaddy, on playing his part within the gay community:

I’d love to be a role model for gay men who feel they don’t fit in to what it means to be gay. You don’t need a perfect body and hair and love dance music and go out all night and do drugs. I’m a pretty decent guy. I’m the most level-headed in the band by default because everyone else is fucking insane.

On the future for the band:

Everyone’s watching us now and a lot of people want us to fail. Maybe we’ve overstayed our welcome. I worry about that, we’re all conscious of it.

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

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