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As far as American dance rock and synthpop bands go, they don't come much bigger than Cobra Starship. Since their formation in 2005, the group, fronted by former Midtown star Gabe Saporta, have dominated the US airwaves, and earned themselves a reputation as a prolific live act in the process.
In the week that sees the release of their third album 'Hot Mess', Gigwise sat down with Cobra Starship's bassist Alex Suarex to ask him the questions you wanted to know the answers to. Here, among other things, he discusses the record, their recent collaboration with Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester and what they would do if they were Vice President.
1 - Life must be hard on you guys yet you make it look so easy, do you ever get moments when you just feel like giving in? (Question by Travis)
“Not really, we're just trying to have a good time while it lasts!”
2 - What is the weirdest thing a fan ever made for you? It can be a present/situation/action... (Question by Karen)
"Someone once made a Gabe doll that had every detail you could possibly think of. His cat tattoo, even his Calvin Klein underwear."
3 - What are your favourite things to do/eat on the tour bus? (Question by Jcobsz)
"I'm a health nut so I'm really into pure juices. We are all huge fans of coconut water (not to be confused with coconut milk) 'Amy's' soups."
4 - Do you guys ever think twice about what you're doing in a band and wonder if you should be doing something other than Cobra Starship? (Question by Carrie)
"Yeah, we are extremely grateful everyday that we get to do the things we do for a living, I don't think I should be doing anything else right now besides shredding."
5 - Besides Gabe's blatant obsession with Gossip Girl, what else was the driving factor of choosing Leighton to sing on GGGB? (Question by Brii Cartmill)
"Well, we really just wanted a good collaboration, it helps to have a female voice on the song to 'spice' it up a bit, and she's a great singer and really awesome to work with."
Cobra Starship - 'Hot Mess'
6 - Which character from an 80's movie would you hang out with if they were a real person? (Question by Kacey Kasem)
"Marty McFly, Tom Cruise in Risky Business and Cory Feldman's character from Goonies."
7 – If you ran for president, what would your slogan be? And who would you choose from the band to be vice president? :) (Question by Suzanne)
"My VP would have to be Gabe, he has the best grip on politics out of the band. My Slogan would be “Vote for me.. Because I'm Fucking Awesome!"
8 - What music do you play to inspire sexual relations? (Question by Sailor ;))
"Stevie Wonder and Al Green."
9 - What would you do if Kanye West interrupted your speech? (Question by Loocee)
I’d say “I’m honoured to meet you Mr. West.”
10 - Do you guys observe and take tips from other bands up on stage or do you just like to keep it fresh and do whatever you want when you perform? (Question by whatsername1911)
"Yes and yes. It's always great to get influences from other performances but it's important that still make it 'you'."
11 - When are Cobra Starship planning to come to Brazil? Several fans are anxiously waiting! (Question by Anna Caroline)
"Not soon enough!!!"
12 - If you had to travel back to another era and totally adopt everything about it, when would you choose? (Question by Nicolee)
"I kind of wish I was around in the 60's in my peak years."
13 – Is it possible that for the next album you might involve a rapper or a singer of another genre? If yes, who are they? (Question by Hulberth Alexandre)
"No idea, HOPEFULLY though."
Cobra Starship's new album 'Hot Mess' is out this week.
