Welcome to Almost Famous, a weekly segment where we ask up-and-coming queer musicians some hard-hitting questions about music and life and maybe even convince them to show us photos of their pets. Get to know intimate details about your new favorite artist or band before they hit the Big Time and become too famous for us to interview for real.

Header by Rory Midhani

Top Less Gay Love Tekno Party
Vancouver, BC

still from “Diamonds” video, released by The Lab TV –

As you might’ve already deduced from the band name, six-piece Canadian glam-pop outfit Top Less Gay Love Teckno Party are a helluva good gay glittery time.

TLGLTKP won my heart last year with their super hooky single “Robin“, an ode to sex and Berlin that’s guaranteed to make even the most disciplined non-dancers get down when no one’s watching. (You may also find yourself absentmindedly singing about threesomes in public places and consequently on the receiving end of major side-eye. Worth it). For something a little more workplace-friendly, check out this acoustic video of “Diamonds” which was recently released via The Lab TV.

Donné Torr (synths/guitar) has answered our questions!

How would you describe your music?

It sounds exactly like the name – our shows are high energy dance parties. We try to create a space where everyone feels like it’s their birthday party.

What instrument/s do you play?

Synth, guitar and piano. I started playing the piano at the same time as learning to read, so around five  years old.

Which song would you most like our readers to hear?

Robin and the whole album once it’s released. We put a lot of love and time into the album – most of it produced and recorded in one of our band members homes.

Download “Robin” for free on Soundcloud. 

What were the first and last records you bought?

“The Score” by the Fugees and “Sound Kapital” by Handsome Furs.

What has been the most memorable moment of your music career to date?

Taking part in Tracks on Tracks, which was modeled after Festival Express. Topless and 40 or so other musicians took the train across Canada. We basically played music and partied for five days straight. It was claustrophobic and terrifyingly fun – and as a result they are making a documentary about it.

What is your ‘guilty pleasure’ music?

Beyoncé, obviously.

What was the last song you wrote about?

It’s a song called “Diamonds” on our record that is coming out in the spring. It’s about being in love with someone who is enchanting, charming and brilliant to watch but empty and/or confused inside. I write about not being a “diamond”, not being “cold to the touch”- about knowing who I am, and how I love.

What is the best and worst thing about touring?

Best thing – Seeing everyone in the crowd covered in glitter, sweaty as hell, and singing with us. Worst – when your van tempts to blow up while driving through the Canadian rockies.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?

We do each others make up and glitter and warm our vocals up by singing “Amazing Grace” and the title track from Jurassic Park.

If you could share a line-up with any two other artists, which ones would you choose?

The Knife and Miike Snow

Keep an eye out for Top Less Gay Love Tekno Party’s debut release, which is planned for spring 2013. Everything else you’d like to know can be found here:

www.toplessgaylove.ca
www.twitter.com/toplessgaylove
www.facebook.com/TLGLTP
http://soundcloud.com/toplessgayloveteknoparty

If you are, or know of, a queer artist or band that should be featured in Almost Famous, drop me the details via crystal [at] autostraddle [dot] com. Please write ‘Almost Famous’ in the subject line!

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