Pet Shop Boys, the iconic duo of the 1980s, who have sold over 50 million records worldwide and achieved 42 top 30 singles in the UK, are set to release their 15th album, ‘Nonetheless.’ However, this album is different from their previous releases, as Tennant has dubbed it their ‘queer album.’
This album is a celebration of the queerness that has always been subtly woven into Pet Shop Boys’ music. The closing track, ‘Love Is The Law,’ is inspired by gay Victorian playwright Oscar Wilde’s time in France after his release from prison, where he immersed himself in the underground gay culture. Another track, ‘A New Bohemia,’ draws inspiration from a 1970s queer conceptual art troupe called Les Petitis Bon-Bons. The album’s queerness is further emphasized by the inclusion of a glory hole in the video for ‘Loneliness’ and the recounting of gay ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev’s escape from Russia in the track ‘Dancing Star.’
Tennant has previously expressed his fear that being open about his sexuality would confine Pet Shop Boys to the label of a ‘gay band.’ While he acknowledges that modern gay artists may still face stereotypes, he believes that what was once taboo is becoming increasingly accepted. He cites the mainstreaming of drag culture, particularly through shows like ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ as a contributing factor.
Despite the resurgence of interest in 80s culture, Tennant is critical of contemporary pop music. He observes that many artists are using songwriting as a diary, writing about their personal experiences and relationships. While he recognizes the power of writing in character and pretending to be someone else, he believes that much of today’s pop music lacks the depth and imagination that comes with this approach.
Pet Shop Boys, however, remain unfazed by trends. Tennant concludes the interview by simply saying, ‘Pet Shop Boys are always in the era of now.’ ‘Nonetheless’ is set to be released on April 26th, and promises to be a unique and groundbreaking exploration of queerness and the evolving music landscape.
