“We’ve toured with a lot of people,” she laughs. “Some of them become really popular, and we can’t believe it. We’re like, remember that band that sucked? They’re on MTV now!!”

Despite Beth’s nonchalance, my star-struck rant is not without substance. In addition to the aforementioned artists, The Gossip have toured with Le Tigre, Erase Errata, John Spencer Blues Explosion, Stereo Total, Sonic Youth, Sleater Kinney, Har Mar Superstar, Les Georges Leningrad, the Kills, Tracy & the Plastics, and Glass Candy. Their new LP, Standing In the Way of Control was produced by Guy Picciotto of Fugazi, and Kim Gordon contributed to the album art.

Though they have been playing as The Gossip for 5 years, major labels have failed to pick up on the hot scent thus far. General speculation concludes that The Gossip’s non-conventional image presented a risky investment. Many bands work hard to cultivate a very deliberate insouciance (also, they starve themselves), but The Gossip has no time for such pretence. Nothing about who they are or what they do is calculated; their music and their image are based on very strong personal ethics. They are the champions of the poor, the misfits, the minorities. It is their refreshing refusal to conform that strengthens their cause. They have nothing to prove to anyone (major label or otherwise); thus, their ‘coolness’ is inherent.

A lot has changed for The Gossip in the past year or so. Beth confesses that she chose to be in a band because she “hates to work”. She never really thought it could be a living, but the dream came true 2 years ago. The band’s increased dedication to their growing momentum exposed problems in their line-up. The original drummer, Kathy Mendonca, never really wanted to commit to the same level as the rest. They parted ways, but it was an amicable split. “She’s still number 5 on my speed dial,” Beth says. “She’s still one of my best friends, but she didn’t really want to be in a band and all that goes with it. She’s a midwife now, has a strong feminist group around her, its cool, man”.

As with most bands, The Gossip didn’t find their name immediately. “We were called Rock ‘n Roll Fakies, it’s a skateboarding term, but that didn’t sound so good on a flyer.”

“Did you ever call yourselves Free Beer?” I ask. Another odd look….was that strike 3? Keep going. “You know, if you call yourselves ‘Free Beer’, the venue sign will say something like, “TONIGHT! FREE BEER!” and everyone comes because they think drinks are free?” Beth gets it and laughs.

“Haha, that’s a good trick to get the crowds in.” I relax. What a n00b, not knowing the Free Beer trick. Pink Floyd’s original name was Free Beer.
“We came up with The Gossip name really fast – we had it by our second date.”

How does she feel about her role as a frontwoman?

“Well, the band understands that we need someone out front, but I don’t feel like a front-person until someone says it,” she declares, crossing her arms. Was that a subtle dig? Is she mad at me? Does she think I’m labelling her? Who are you calling a corporate journalist?! Get off my back, Ditto!

No no, its just modesty, plus that punk-rock philosophy that no member is more important than the rest. She doesn’t seek attention, but her presence exudes a charisma that commands it, both on and off stage.

The show itself was off to a late start; we had time for a few drinks and a few dance moves to the NME Top 40 before the first act took the stage. It was one of the most bizarre-yet-brave things I’ve ever witnessed. One guy got on stage, accompanied only by a piped-in electronica soundtrack, and spun beat poetry over the noise. He made plenty of weird faces and sharp gestures, but the crowd wasn’t buying it. The next band played, and the two female members kissed each other right on stage in front of the WHOLE crowd (and probably someone's parents), which was hot and everyone knew it. Still, the crowd was plenty restless by the time The Gossip finally made it on.

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