Ask A Straight Girl: Lykke Li

Is Lykke Li in the bike lane? For shame...

It's Lykke Li week at The New Gay! The sultry swede will be performing at the Black Cat on Sunday with former queried hetero Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, so this is as good a time as any to get some of her opinions on being straight. Along with the full interview, I have included a Lykke Li mixtape below the fold. Give her a listen. If you like what you hear you should enter our Lykke Li ticket giveaway. Seeing as no one else has you'd pretty much be a shoo-in.

Tune in tomorrow for a full-length, in-depth interview with Ms. Li. Anyone that likes seeing me piss off musicians will be pleased.

Lykke Li plays Sunday, Oct. 19, at The Black Cat. Doors at 8. $15.

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

Lykke Li: Hmmm…when I fell in love with Henry when I was about 5. On the other hand, I’m in love with Penelope Cruz right now so I believe sexuality can change throughout one’s life. I’m open minded.

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

LL: That all men are bastards and all women are psychotic.

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

LL: Give me gloves and I’ll fight. I’ll do anything in my power to fight for equal rights to love and have kids. Give me some offers and I’ll help.

TNG: What are the biggest challenges faced by a straight guy in today's culture? [Again, I fucked up sent a gender specific questionaire to a woman artist. This should be the last time.]

LL: It’s as hard for a man as it is for a woman to live up to the ideals. It’s always that bad boy/nice guy conflict. But I don't think it’s that hard actually. It’s harder trying to fit in to the size 0 image. Eat some cake and shed some tears. You will be alright in the end and still get laid.

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

LL: Too many to mention. Rosario Dawson, Penelope Cruz, Angelina Jolie…

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

LL: First of all, I’m not a band. I’m a woman with a vision and I’m honest and passionate about what I do. It's a matter of life and death. I don't care about skinny jeans, Morrissey or cigarettes. Although I like it, it’s not my priority. I will devote myself to my audience and my arts and once my priorities are screwed I’ll stop this business and concentrate on making Manuka honey.

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

LL: Come out if you want to see some good moves, nice pipes and history in the making. Twenty years from now when the record industry is dead, this gig will be legendary. TNG