Sex without consequence. No such thing in ’80s New York when AIDS struck, and tore the vibrant gay club scene at the seams. Scissor Sisters’ new album celebrates the rebirth of this concept.
Jake Shears spent a fateful few months in Berlin last year, where he witnessed a return to the libertine ways that saw synth-time New York thrive. Inspired by this and drinking tea in Mitte with Neil Tennant, he conceived an album of raw sensuality and digital aesthetic – Madonna’s Stuart Price provides his “sparkle fingers” touch – Jake Shears caught up with us for his take.
“Some of the tracks – I’m thinking of ‘Sex And Violence’ in particular – are very American Psycho. I’m a horror fanatic, and started out as a fiction writer. I feel that track sounds very Pet Shop Boys. It’s funny because Neil Tennant, who has been a great guiding light for this record, can’t hear it at all. I’m like, ‘Can’t you hear yourself?’ because they were such an influence. And he says [mimics a disapproving mother], ‘Pet Shop Boys would never have a melody like that!’.
“I got to know him a lot in Berlin – we were sitting out having tea one afternoon on a very sunny day on one of the main stretches, and he suggested using Stuart. When we finished the record I went straight and played it to him. His support was really integral.”
Whether the album is more ’80s, or more dancey, Jake is sure of his definition: “It’s the first record we’ve made that you can actually have sex to.” Go forth and multiply.
Words by Miguel Cullen
Title: ‘Nightwork’
Release date: June 28th
Producer: Stuart Price
Songs include: ‘Fire With Fire’, ‘Invisible Light’, ‘Sex And Violence’, ‘Skin This Cat’, ‘Running Out’, ‘Whole New Way’, ‘Any Which Way’
Other facts: In production, the group steered clear of Auto-Tune, and Price made good and palpable use of a Moog keyboard that Jake and Babydaddy gave him. They also used Juno.
