Queer-flavored SSION :: the next big thing?
Cody Critcheloe is the brainchild of SSION, a queer-flavored performance art-meets-punk rock outfit that has brought many a party while playing shows with names like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cansei de Ser Sexy, Fischerspooner and, most recently, the Gossip. And despite sharing the stage with some of the music world’s most sought-after performers, the band continues to live in a kitschy world of pseudo obscurity. Though that may not be the case much longer.
Indeed, SSION may soon be crawling above ground to frighten and confuse parents the world over. Their new film project - Boy - out earlier this year, showcasing some of the band’s outrageous music videos while exploring a storyline with Critcheloe’s female alter-ego - is touring the world, while a follow-up to 2008’s "Fool’s Gold" is also forthcoming.
Just days before their stint headlining a raucous New Year’s Eve at Berlin, EDGE asked Critcheloe about touring with Gossip, shaving Peaches’ head and why he describes himself as a "lesbian at heart."
Tired of tranny hookers?
EDGE: Your name came up during one of the first interviews I did for this site, with Scott Cramer, the Stardust promoter who booked you for the New Year’s Eve show at Berlin this week. He said he was tired of scraping the gum from your "16-year-old tranny hooker" friends off the inside of his car when you came into town. How do you respond to that?
Cody Critcheloe: I would just consider that knowing what I want. I need things. Everyone needs certain things.
EDGE: So you’d go on record as needing teenage transgender hookers?
CC: Well, I like hanging out with tranny hookers, but I don’t do anything sexually with them because I’m a follower of God. Our whole New Year’s show is basically going to be a very religious experience, like when Little Richard went back to being a Christian. I’m doing the very same thing. I was inspired by my family when I went home for Christmas. For the show, we’re dropping all the gay dance rock n’ roll stuff and going to revert back to manly Christian Southern values. A white robe is being made with a big pompadour wig. You’ll know I’m a man of the Lord and I’m sure Berlin will really appreciate it.
EDGE: Speaking of religious experiences, it must have been pretty amazing touring Europe with the Gossip this fall. Tell me about that.
CC: The experience was rad, one of the most fun tours we’ve ever been on. But Beth is a heathen and I’m not.
EDGE: What were some of the most paganistic things you witnessed Beth doing while on tour?
CC: Oh, nothing. She’s a sweetheart and I’m just joking. It was cool though.
