Ask A Straight Guy: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

Is there swiss cheese on Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson's sandwich?

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson has to be the most world-weary 25 year-old on the planet. I first got won over to his "been there, done that" voice and subject matter on his song "Buriedfed" and haven't looked back, playing the Brooklyn native's self-titled debut album whenever I wanted to get the willies, cry myself to sleep or put my own life's problems into perspective. I was scared that his answers to this "Ask A Straight Guy" would be similarly mopey, but was pleasantly surprised. They might be regretful and convoluted, but some of them are far from brief. Read 'em all below the fold.

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson plays tonight at the Rock and Roll Hotel. Doors at 8. Tickets are $12.

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

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson: The first time?

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

MBAR: In general I adore stereotypes. I would say the most inaccurate stereotype is that irresistible women throw themselves at devastatingly handsome, entrancingly enigmatic front-men. In general they leave with their boyfriends or stand at the bar feigning indifference.

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

MBAR: Honestly, as much as I hate earnest moralizing, everyone (especially straight people) needs to seriously fucking vocally support gay-marriage and vote accordingly. It's fucking civil rights. Oh, and I also support mandatory marriage for absolutely everyone. With strict punishments for adultery. Otherwise, I will continue to be immobilized by regret and mourning for all the casual sex I haven't had.

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

MBAR: Meeting girls who don't hang out at the bar all night....at the bar. Ignoring the apocalypse without resorting to addiction or the sort of panic ridden isolationism which by nature precludes the sort of life-living that is the only plausibly worthwhile or meaningful undertaking available in the modern era. If you are going to get dragged to a garage sale you may as well kill the afternoon treating someone else's version of the supposedly wondrous as the real thing.

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

MBAR: Christopher Bear of Grizzly Bear.

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

MBAR: Swiss Cheese.

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

MBAR: Get it while it's lukewarm.