photo: scott graham

I’ve seen Stealing Love Jones play live a good few times, to big crowds and small.  I even saw Esjay do an acoustic set once.  I’ve also seen her play at lesbian events and she was not only truly cool and comfortable with it, but pretty flirtatious with the crowd too.  The music is fabulous - slightly offbeat, but mostly damn good rawwwk.  Esjay is one of those people who seems to have been born and bred for stardom.  She’s a natural; she’s straightforward, in-yer-face, flamboyant and as graceful as a supermodel.  A supermodel with serious attitude.  South Africans know them best as Love Jones and so they were, until an American band called Love Jones emailed them to ask them to change it … hence the new name.

Esjay I begged for this interview, because I know you’re a queer-friendly performer - are there many of us in your fan-base do you think?
I hope so!  It makes no difference to me what you are… I think it’s people who are not confident in their own sexuality who feel uncomforatble with gay or bi people.

Are you comfortable with it?
Yup…

Ever had any queer experiences yourself?
I play in a band!!  that should answer the question for you! ha ha!  I love men and woman… it’s rock n roll!

Any queer musicians/artists/performers you’d like to recommend to us?
I have been shooting my new video for the first single “99″ off my new album with a bunch of drag queens and these girls are unbelievably talented and amazing!  Go check out “Chad Michaels does Cher” on Youtube.  He, or she i should rather say, is incredible!  She does impersonations but it’s surreal to see it live!

What’s your opinion of celebrities who stay in the closet - should they come out or are they entitled to their privacy?
Everyone’s entitled to their privacy.  Gay people want to be acknowledged and respected so they should do the same unto others.  Its the fundamental principle of knowing that everyone in their individuality is precious.

Bleed to Bloom (the new album) … what was it like making it in Chicago?
We actually flew Bjorn Thorsrud out to South Africa to record the album at Face Studios in Westville.  once we had all the tracks done, I flew over to Chicago and sat in on all the mixing and mastering of the album.  It was a life changing experience and I hope you can feel that when you hear the record.

What’s your American fan-base like compared to the South African one?
The American fan base is only beginning so it’s not as strong in numbers as South Africa, but the American fans totally freak out when they see us which is not like home at all.  I think America has this concept of “celebrity” that South Africa hasnt caught on to yet

What are American radio deejays saying about Stealing Love Jones when they play one of your songs?
“You gotta see this girl live… she’s like a Courtney Love with talent!” can you believe that?  my jaw hit the floor when I heard that.

You’ve played with some amazing bands and in some amazing venues too; what were your favourites?
Supporting Seether on their 2008 homecoming tour and opening for Fall Out Boy infront of 20 000 people at The Dome!

Which singers/bands did you most enjoy meeting?
Seether and Jimmy Eat World!

What was it like playing in Zimbabwe?
WOW WOW WOW!  Life changing and utterly humbling.  It’s such an emotional feeling knowing that you have brought joy to people who havent felt hope for a long time!

Are you looking forward to ‘Do the band’? Do you have any idea what it’ll be like?
Ya!  I cant wait to be hanging out in a house with a bunch of creative people and being watched 24/7 by an entire nation!  Crazy!

You guys seem to have your finger on the pulse of postmodern viral marketing - Facebook and so on - do you enjoy that kind of direct connection with your fans?
I think people expect it… I know that I expect the attention from the artists that I am fans of, so I just do what I would want.  It’s great because you can really connect with your fans and see what they want and what their opinions are on new material etc.

Groupies! Do you get them and if so, what are they like? Are any of them hot lesbians?
Definitely!  Generally they are older guys who can’t pick up chicks.  I much prefer the hot lesbian groupies.. There are so many hot girls it’s ridiculous!

Do fans send you gifts?
Sometimes.  Generally they give them to me at shows which is always super special.

What’s the ultimate backstage rider for SLJ?
Sushi baby… and more sushi… with maybe a little bit of Jack Daniels.

Do you miss Durban when you’re away?
Aaww… you just made me more homesick than i am already!  Ya, i’ve been in the States for two months now and I can definitely feel that it’s time to get back to Durbs.  There’s no place like home… truly!

If this interview was a concert, what would you yell to the crowd at the end of it?
“YOU ALL MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO DO WHAT I LOVE… I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!  SEE YA WHEN I’M LOOKING AT YA!”