interview
Every reading we’ve had, every workshop, I’ve just loved every minute of it; if this is the only performance I ever see of it, I’m so happy and thankful. It would be so much fun to bring it to London someday.” So how does it compare doing a musical to doing an album; there must be huge differences. “Yes, there are. We’ve been very fastidious with the lyrics. Anything that doesn’t add to the story or add something to the character or tell you something important has to go. In a pop song, you can be vague and get away with something that’s nonsense but sounds cool, but in a show you don’t have that luxury. Actors have to sing these songs and if they’re good actors, which our cast certainly is, they want to know exactly what it is they’re saying. You’re confronted constantly with people saying, ‘Exactly what does this mean? What am I saying here?’” Back in 2004, the first Scissor Sisters album was the biggest seller of the year, popping out of every car and radio in the UK. Such a successful debut must have been a very tough act to follow. “Not really. T
a-Dah [the second album] was a celeb
36 • 2011Pride london
massive record as well. There’s a lot of adjustment you have to do, a lot of learning when you’re in this business. You can’t take any of it for granted.” Jake is sounding very philosophical, but very upbeat. “I’m super fucking happy. I feel very creatively inspired and satisfied. I’m super proud of Night Work. I love that record! I love singing all those songs.” It’s great to see an artist so positive, but what about record company support? Is there a conflict over which singles to release? “No. Everyone’s on the same team. Our record
company is amazing. We have a fucking amazing relationship with them, which is rare. I think we work with some of the smartest people in the biz.” Jake is known to be great friends with Kylie Minogue, so how does he feel, given her great gay fan base, about her lack of public political statements supporting gay rights? His reply is defensive: “I wouldn’t know about that. I just know she’s one of the loveliest people I know. She doesn’t have any… she loves me and she’s got no… she’s got no issues with homos, obviously. She’s a remarkable woman and I have a lot of respect for her; her love of what she does; her passion; her talent as a singer; as a performer. It’s undeniable! And she can write. She’s a great
writer. She’s one of my most
favourite people to write with.” Since Scissors Sisters came
on the scene, the gay issue in T
mainstream American showbiz has really moved on. Stars of America’s got alent have come out, even
Ricky Martin is out… and a father… and
feels that he’s allowed to be a gay pop star in America. How does Jake feel he fits into this new landscape? “I feel like I’m allowed to be a gay pop star in America. I feel very allowed to be who I am. The tour we just did was fucking amazing, so good for us. We gained so many new fans; we’ve had a great year in America and a fucking blast. It’s been awesome. We sold out a 22,000-capacity show in Austin, Texas, which to me is crazy.” This summer, the Scissor Sisters will headline
the Lovebox festival in east London and Jake is suitably excited at the prospect. “London is sort of our musical home-base and I fucking love the Lovebox festival! Last year, we got off the plane from somewhere, and I knew Grace Jones was
who I am. The tour we just did was fucking amazing, so good for us
“
I feel like I’m allowed to be a gay pop star in America. I feel very allowed to be
”
FACT! Scissor Sisters formed in 2001 and
hit the big time with their disco version
of Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb. Their third and latest album Night Work was relased in
May 2010. Although no new releases have been announced, the band will be touring the UK from the
16 - 24 July. To find out more information, visit
www.scissorsisters.com.
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