Pop music has exploded, in an edgy, sexy, supremely tuneful commotion - thanks to the uncommonly brilliant sounds of the Scissor Sisters.
Creative sparks first ignited five years ago, when a then 19-year-old explosion of energy called Jake Shears was introduced to muti-instrumentralist who goes by the title of Babydaddy. Both fired up by a passion for solid songwriting and off-the-wall-humor, they joined forces to write hook-studded tunes, adopted NYC as their home - and agreed on a cheeky name that's caused confusion and provoked many blushes in turn.
Scissor Sisters bring together rollicking guitar riffs, throbbing synths and a whole bunch of wicked lyrics. Their influences skitter through glimmers of vintage Bowie, Roxy Music and Elton John to Giorgio Moroder, burlesque theatre and rock opera. (Girlie Action Press Release)
Livewire's Phil Bonyata got the opportunity to sit and chat with Ana Matronic.
Livewire: Why the name Ana Matronic?
Ana: I have a deep and abiding love of robots. I have this large tatoo on my arm of cyborg circuitry.
Livewire: What flavor do you add to the band?
Ana: I'm really the bridge between the band and the audience. I like to spice things up. I also sing.
Livewire: Who came up with the name Scissor Sisters?
Ana: Jake did. It's a term used for two lesbians. It's what two women would have to do if they wanted their pussies to rub up against each other with their legs interlocked.
Livewire: You've been called the "gay Darkness." Is that fair?
Ana: Not really. The Darkness are more one dimensional. Our music is a melange of styles.
Livewire: Your influences are apparent. Bowie, Queen, Roxy Music, Elton John... Who am I missing?
Ana: Pink Floyd and most definitely Beck. Beck breaks all barriers and his music is such a huge influence on us.
Livewire: With the explosion of garage rock at it's peak - I suppose it was inevitable that over-the-top glam would rear it's head again.
Ana: It's come full circle, baby. Just like everything in life.
Livewire: Is sex a big part of your live show?
Ana: Sex is a big part of our show. I mean, sex and rock n' roll naturally go together. The band is not overt in its gayness, but at the same time we don't try to hide it either.
Livewire: In your press release you say "none of us are lesbians." Are any of you heterosexual?
Ana: Yeah, myself and and one other band member are heterosexual.
Livewire: Is it all drinks, drugs and dicks on the road?
Ana: No, you'd be surprised. It's all books and iPods. It's actually a lot of hard work while on the road and some of us have partners. We will occasionally do a Rave in the back of the bus where everyone gets their iPods out and we start mixing up the music. A bit of alcohol and other stuff might flow a little bit. But, mostly it's pretty normal stuff.
I have to say that we're a big bunch of nerds. I'm all for knowledge. Actually, Babydaddy and I we're talking the other day about starting a book club for rock stars. We think rock stars need to read more and so if we're out and about this summer at the festivals we're going to start-up our international book club and go and introduce books to rock stars.
Livewire: Tell me something strange about the Scissor Sisters.
Ana: (laughs) What floors me is that we've sold the most records in the U.K. in 2004. More than any other artist. That's so hard to believe!
Livewire: What Scissor Sister tastes the best?
Ana: You want me to say myself, don't you? Actually, they're all sweet.
Livewire: If you could open for any artist of all time who would it be?
Ana: Of all time? Most definately the Velvet Underground. Their music and style is such an inspiration!
Livewire: Say you walk into a greasy spoon in Oklahoma - how do the locals treat you.
Ana: Mostly, we're in jeans and t-shirts while on the road. Even when they realize that some of us are gay - they still tend to leave us alone.
Livewire: Do politics interest you?
Ana: I'm not a big fan of the current administration. There's something to be said about not preaching to people. Just by virture of who we are the Scissor Sisters are political. I have to say I have a great deal of respect for Bono for being able to be someone who is able to leave the world better than he found it. I have a great deal of respect for that. When you get to a certain level of income - I mean I can't imagine ever being that wealthy that I don't know what to do with my money. If I ever get to that point I would like to give it away. You know send someone to college instead of buying a pair of diamond earrings. I mean Bono took our secretary of the treasury to Africa to show him the poverty and the insane standards of living that these people have to endure firsthand. No other person on earth is doing what Bono is doing. It's really admirable and sincere at the same time.
Livewire: Finish the line - "if I were a man I would _______."
Ana: If I were a man, I would (pauses) pee standing up. (laughs) Actually, I know exactly what I would do if I were a man. If I were a man I would dress in drag! (laughs)
Livewire: Where do you see the Scissor Sisters in three years?
Ana: Well, with the second album under our belts I'd like to see us richer in all respects.
Livewire: Describe the Scissor Sisters in 2 - 3 words.
Ana: Whoa, ok. Multiple personailty disorder.
More Scissor Sisters
Concert review - Milwaukee Jan. 20, 2005