Ask a Straight Girl: Frida Hyvonen

Catherine the Great impression: Frida Hyvonen is doing it wrong.

The still-vital ghost of Kate Bush looms large over Swedish singer/songwriter Frida Hyvonen. The anachronistically pretty voice and reliance on piano defines her newest record, Silence is Wild, in the same way that made some of Bush's best songs still relevant today: They stick to elements of songwriting and musicianship that will never go out of style. So what if my parents probably like it too?

An uncharacteristically brief Frida was nice enough to answer our "Ask a Straight Girl" questions. You can see all of her responses, and check out some of her songs, below the fold.

Frida Hyvonen plays tonight at The Red and The Black at 8 p.m.

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

Frida Hyvonen: I am still not completely out of the closet.

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

FH: That they don't know what's good for them.

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

FH: Singing and dancing.

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

FH: Shame.

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

FH: Anyone who could make me laugh, argue, dance, and come at the same night.

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

FH: I was the first woman on the moon.

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

FH: I will entertain you in a way previously unheard of.TNG