Earlier today, I chatted with Jake Shears. Enjoy our full exchange below:

1. What’s the inspiration behind Night Work‘s cover art?

Many people think that’s my rear end but it’s actually a Mapplethorpe photo of Peter Reed. I wanted this album to be dedicated to all the men of the ’80s. All the creative people who died of AIDS. I thought a lot about that time period. People were very liberated before the party got killed. Mapplethorpe’s photographs represent the beauty and the tragedy of it all.

2. What was it like to work alongside Stuart Price?

I’ve known Stuart for a long time. He’s always been a really good friend. We’re all huge fans of his. I love his remixes and I also love his personality. We were in Berlin and Stuart told us that he’d drop everything to make a record with us. His enthusiasm knocked me off my feet. We started working together three weeks later. It’s heaven to work with him. I never want to make a record without him! He’s not only a genius but he’s also so full of love & creativity. He also has the sickest/darkest sense of humor. He’s twisted. We also share a major love of club music. It was great spending time with him.

Read the remainder of this interview AFTER THE JUMP…

3. What are some key differences within Night Work?

This is our most focused record. It’s not a patchwork of musical sounds. There’s a narrower color palette. Even though the record is varied, the themes are more consistent. It’s much sexier than anything we’ve done before. There are moments of goofiness but it’s not campy. There’s nothing silly about it. I have a tendency to get theatrical with my lyrics and instrumentation. Recording this album was most definitely a challenge to myself.

4. Who would you like to work with in the near future?

Beck. He’s my favorite artist other than Bowie. I also love what he does as a producer. I love the new Charlotte Gainsbourg album. He’s a great songwriter and I love every record he puts out. He’s probably too cool to work with us!

5. What are your thoughts on the current state of pop music?

Well, it’s certainly not the best time for indie guitar bands. There are some amazing songwriters out there. Stylistically, everything’s gone upside down. It’s exciting. Adam Lambert – whether you like his music or not, I love that he’s out. There’s also an element of outrageousness. It’s gotten silly. Restraint is more interesting than coming out with a live lobster on your head.

6. What albums are you currently enjoying?

Wow, so many! I’m enjoying all of the latest releases by: Yacht, Boys Noize, Deadmau5, Goldfrapp, Lonelady, Four Tet, Caribou, Yeasayer, Hot Chip, Free Energy, Them Crooked Vultures, The Juan MacLean & LCD Soundsystem. In terms of classic rock, I love the new Tom Petty anthology. Oh, I also love Little Dragon! They’ll be touring with us very soon.

7. Are there any plans for a North American tour?

Absolutely. End of summer. Dates will be announced shortly.

8. Are there any misconceptions that you’d like to clear up?

People have strong opinions on us and that’s fine. It’s OK to not like my band! Some people have preconceived notions about us. Our fans know that feelings & emotions run pretty deep in our music – much deeper than people give us credit for. This new record is going to challenge those people’s notions of us. This record is gonna make those people reconsider Scissor Sisters.

Visit Scissor Sisters at their official site.

MP3: Scissor Sisters – She’s My Man (Goose Mix)