In the world of queer rock groups, Gossip is queen. Their live show is described as one of the best around, and aren’t we lucky: they’re making their way through Toronto this Saturday to give Torontonians a dose of their noise.

They’re coming through in support of their fifth studio album, A Joyful Noise, released earlier this year. 

The three-piece band is fronted by the iconic Beth Ditto on vocals, drummer Hannah Blilie, and guitarist Nathan “Brace Paine” Howdeshell. We were able to get often-quiet Brace Paine on the phone for a quick interview in the midst of the tour.
 
Scooter: How’s the tour going so far? What city are you in?
 
Brace Paine: We are in Philadelphia right now. We played a gig here last night; it was an awesome show.
 
And you guys will be hitting Toronto this weekend. Do you have any places when you hit up in Toronto?
 
I’ve been to some amazing bars in Toronto. Toronto’s always had an interesting music scene. We haven’t been there in a while, so it’s nice to get back.
 
As far as music, who’s exciting you right now? What are you listening to?
 
I really love David Byrne and St Vincent's new record. Actually, there is a band called Magic Mouse that I saw last night. They blew me away. They are a soul band.
 
And what sort of things do you make sure are on your rider for shows?
 
A really good whiskey, or, you know, I like a simple whiskey -- Jameson’s pretty good. You know, I usually wander around or try and go eat somewhere else. Otherwise, it’s just hummus and chips.
 
Do you have any preshow rituals before you go on stage?
 
A shot of whiskey always helps.
 
I’m interested to know about your nickname as well. Where’d that come from?
 
I used to write zines and stuff. It’s just kind of a way to keep things separate from personal lives, doing art and things like that.
 
What kind of art are you up to these days?
 
I’ve got a record label, so that takes up most of my time. That’s what I’ve been up to mostly.
 
As a beard aficionado myself, I’m interested in your current facial hair situation. Are you still with mustache?
 
Yes.
 
Do you have any beauty essentials for that mustache?
 
It’s pretty simple. Just a trim every once in a while and I’m good.
 
Have you tried conditioning it before?
 
Conditioning it?
 
Yeah. I have a beard and someone told me the secret of conditioning it.
 
Oh seriously! Yeah, sometimes it can get a little funky. That’s a good idea. Not shampooing, just conditioning?
 
Totally. Yes, it will change your life.
 
I’m going to do that tonight. Thank you.
 
— Scooter McCreight
 
Gossip plays Sat, Sept 29 at 8pm at the Phoenix, 410 Sherbourne St.