Character Assassination is the second release in a series of EPs from Scissor Sisters guitarist Del Marquis. Showcasing another side to Marquis’ talents, the EP offers a greatly different collection of songs from the first in the series, the Hothouse EP.
 
Character Assassination features some impressive guests, with Vula and Sharlene from Basement Jaxx on the track ‘Raise the Level’, as well as Joan Wasser, also known as Joan As Police Woman, on ‘Untitled’. 
 
We spoke to Del Marquis about pushing boundaries, the sounds in his head and his fire engine red leather pant suit, made at a high class stripper shop.

What is Del Marquis’ main mission?
To get the sounds in my head out into the world. 

What are you most proud of about your latest EP, Character Assassination?
I'm proud to say that, from start to finish, songwriting, production, distribution and art, the project is DIY.

Apparently the EP delves into some “off-the-beaten-track subjects”. Just how “off-the-beaten-track” are we talking?
One has to inevitably write based on love/hate/fear - basic themes within the world of commercial music. I just wanted to make the story that told them as interesting as possible. It was my first go at lyric writing and that in itself can be a bit painful - painful like hearing your voice on an answering machine.

It was easier to be inspired if the story was something left of centre. In the song 'Character Assassination', I wanted to talk about the disease of blogs, gossip and of destroying peoples' character. Instead of finger pointing, I wanted it to be a story, like a movie screenplay. 

'Character Assassination' is an actual person/being. The song's verses are about our perception of living in an idealised world, when in reality we are really so close to living in chaos. Chaos would be brought on by war, by financial meltdown, weather - look into the blackouts of late 70s in New York - or race riots.

The choruses depict 'Character Assassination' as actually being held a prisoner of torture, only imagining that they live among the civil world.

"Anything is possible. Evolution is sometimes just believing. The skill is always there, but most people are afraid to tap into their own talent."

How important do you think it is for artists to push the envelope?
It's relative - look at someone like Lady GaGa. Her music pushes no boundaries, in many ways it's in complete contrast to her concept of herself as an "artist". But her music is like Jonestown "coolaid", drawing the average person in, and then presents what I think is a really exciting and envelope pushing visual. Her concept of herself and the stage persona are also really interesting.  Aloof. 

Take Roisin Murphy. She had a far superior album with all the same exciting trappings - strong visuals, an interesting persona. But the music was too intelligent for a general pop audience. I think you can push boundaries, but it is relative to the genre you are working in.

What’s one of the most outrageous things you’ve ever done?
Whatever would top this list - and there are a few - I would not share them with an audience.

What’s the most out there outfit you’ve ever worn?
I designed this fire engine red leather high-waisted pant suit. I had it done at a kind of high class stripper shop on 8th street where they make outfits for girls in hip hop videos. That was only half of the outfit. The rest of it was a cropped jacket with a waist cincher and enormous fake fur top, also in bright red.

I was told I could not wear the jacket part on Saturday Night Live. I was so disappointed, but I got to put it on for the closing credits. Fraggle Rock meets Prince meets whiteboy streetwalker. 

Okay, so what was it like to work with Joan Wasser?
Comfortable. We used to live together. She is fantastic.

How about Vula and Sharlene from Basement Jaxx?
They had to work the fastest. I only had them for four hours and they did three to four songs. They are so good at what they do. When you see them perform, it is so natural and easy - chills.

"I think you can push boundaries, but it is relative to the genre you are working in."

We hear you originally dismissed Scissor Sisters when you first saw them perform at a New York gay bar. Is this true? If so, what made you reconsider and want to become a member?
I heard a remix of one of their songs and it sounded evil and interesting. I guess it made me rethink things. The more I got to know them and the music they were writing at the time, the sooner I realised they were real songwriters and had talent. I was excited to be a part of that.

How do you feel your music’s grown or evolved over the years?
I'm surrounded by people who are talented, and not just by my bandmates. The opportunities make you believe that anything is possible. Evolution is sometimes just believing. The skill is always there, but most people are afraid to tap into their own talent.

Finish the sentence: Gay audiences are?
Loyal and enthusiastic.

Best gig ever?
Scissor Sisters, Royal Albert Hall 2004 and Gang of Four, Limelight 1996.

Best song ever written?
'Fascination Street' by The Cure.

And the worst?
'Just Dance' by Lady GaGa  or 'Moment Like This' by Kelly Clarkson.

What are your plans for the EPs and beyond?
To have them be heard - recognition would be nice. I'd like to do some performances in between Scissor Sisters duties.

What else would you like to say?
Sometimes things are better left unsaid. Destroy Twitters, bring back newspapers.

Read Our Review Of Character Assassination »
Click to read what we think of the new EP from Del Marquis.

Read Our Interview With Babydaddy »
Click to read what happened when we caught up with our favourite Scissor Sisters bear.

Character Assassination, the second release in a series of EPs from Del Marquis, was released on 2 March 2009 on Embryoroom Media Group.