Hannah BlilieGOSSIP

Drummer, Hannah Blilie of the band "Gossip", talked to a favorite AfterEllen.com about the groups new released CD, and about her invigorating tattoo fetish!

When asked about their new album, "Music for Men", Blilie stated that she was very excited about the whole thing. This is a first major label record. Therefore, she (Gossip) wanted to make it more of a dance floor record with a hi-fi type sound that their other music doesn't portray. Instead of one guitar, drums and vocals, the band wanted to add more elements into the mix with this exceptional project! Their producer on the album was Rick Ruben, with whom Blilie says was an inspiration to work with. Very supportive and full of brilliant ideas! Blilie had told AfterEllen that before Rick came into the picture Gossip had never really considered themselves to be professional musicians.

In my opinion, Gossip is an extraordinary band! They have great music, their interaction with each other and consideration of sound shows through the vocals and all the instrumental detail that is involved with this energetic group! The new album is super awesome! I suggest taking a listen here and then buying yourself a copy here!!

On being queer and sort of an icon for the gay community.. I give you my favorite direct quote from Blilie to AfterEllen.com:

AE: Do you feel pressure at all being such a public figure for the queer community?
HB: No, just because I feel like we’re just being ourselves and I think that’s kind of part of what appeals to people about our band. We’re outspoken queers and we talk about queer issues. We’re loud and proud, we come from the queer community and now we’ve got this opportunity to bring the message to the mainstream and it’s a really rad opportunity.

I don’t really feel pressure to be a spokesperson or anything like that because it’s really more about just being ourselves. I always feel the love from the queers and it makes us feel really amazing and empowered.

On another note, Blilie's body looks to be swimming in radical ink, which it is.. she says that since she has some money now which the band has helped her earn, she has gone kind of wild with tattoo syndrome. Her dream was to always have full sleeves and now she is in the process of actually making that come true.

The two main pieces on both arms are paintings from Tamara de Lempicka, a 1930's art-deco artist along with many flowers, birds and horses!

Here's "GOSSIP" with Heavy Cross, a new song off of "Music for Men"! Enjoy!