Throughout her career Carole Pope has blazed a trail for the diva and anti-diva in all of us. First known for ushering Canada from the punk movement of the 1970s to the new wave sound of the 1980s with Rough Trade; she has long been an icon for the LGBT community. Honored with three Juno Awards, a Genie Award, and four Gold and two Platinum records to her credit as well as writing her autobiography Anti Diva. Her most recent album, Transcend, is rooted in and rocks with her anti-establishment message.
OURsceneTV was lucky enough to have Carole answer questions we've been wanting to know.
How did it feel to perform “God=Love” for the first time in the U.S. (at Sullivan Hall)?
It felt great to unleash it. I got some really good feedback.
You have been an important figure in the anti-establishment movement for decades… How do you think we, as a culture, are progressing?
Sadly North American culture is mired in guilt and fear. A person's sexuality should be a non-issue. Instead it is part of the religious right's political agenda. We are being discriminated against and used as a scapegoat to draw focus from the real issues.
You entitled your autobiography "The Anti-Diva", so which diva quality to you most abhor?
Self obsession and ego. Those things are the death of an artist.
You’ve won a plethora of awards over the course of your career. Which one means the most to you & why?
I think beating out Anne Murray for best female vocalist in Canada. It was all about change and the music scene opening up. Not that Anne isn't a great singer.
What was your favorite moment being in Rough Trade?
Touring with Bowie.
You list a vast array of influences on your MySpace page. Can you narrow down the top 3 for us?
Aretha, British New Wave Cinema and Bowie
What is your favorite venue to play in the world? The front of San Fransisco City Hall
Your autobiography was recently optioned… Do you have anyone in mind to play you?
Someone Uma Thurman-like
What is your favorite LGBT establishment to hang in NYC?
The Cubby Hole
We understand you were in a relationship with Dusty Springfield.. where was your first kiss and who made the first move?
The Ritz Carlton in Montreal. She did.
Who was it that compared you to Satan and is he/she still alive?
That was me. I think the dark prince is hot.
Please choose one of the following options for these three artists: Marry, Maim or Make Out?
Taylor Swift - Maim
Lady Gagac -Make Out
Beyonce - Marry
The Shining Path video is FANTASTIC! How did you come up with the concept of using stock footage non liberated women?
Rob Pruess who put the video together came up with that concept. He's a VERY evolved straight man.
Is there a story behind the song Shining Path?
It's about being true to yourself and living in the moment which is sometimes a battle.
For someone who has never seen you live, describe the experience of seeing you perform?
I'm into the sheer joy of performing and I don't take myself seriously. I think that comes across to the audience.
Do you prefer being in the studio or live shows? I like both but performing live is a great outlet to release all my joy, crap, ecstasy and anger.
Are there any current artists you listening to? If so, who? Bjork. Them Crooked Vultures, Tegan and Sara, Metric, Joan As Police Woman Radio Head
What question do you wish people would ask, but haven’t yet?
Would you like to write the score for my next blockbuster movie?
