Date: September 19, 2010
Author: Tegan Quin
Publication: teganandsara.org
Headline: August 2010 - Ask Tegan

Anson asks:
Hi Tegan,
How do you feel about 'The Con' making the newest Rock Band video game? Was it something you had been looking into, or was it a complete surprise? Take care,
Anson
P.S. Thank you so much for everything that you do for us. Your the best band a fan could have.


Hey Anson!
Generally placements come in through our record label, our publisher or our management! We then go over the offer and decide if we want to contribute our music to the project. So Rock Band got in touch, we of course freaked out and said YES! and the deal got done! I am a huge fan and I feel proud and excited to be included in such a huge game. It feels like another brick in the "we've made it" wall. ha.

Thank you for being a fan. Sara and I could could not do this without all of you!
-Tegan

Kathy asks:
Hi Tegan!
First let me say that I am a huge fan, but older than your average fan base. I teach teenagers who come from troubled backgrounds, many suffer addictions, have been abused and abandoned by parents who either can't or won't care for them. Some of these kids are gay, which just adds to the problems they have had to face. I have introduced some of them to your music and told them a little bit about you and Sara. Every time I do they brighten up and their burden lifts a little. I find that they are interested to know that other gay people can be so successful and that they can hold their head high and not hide or apologize for who they are. It makes them feel better about themselves when they have been told over and over again that there is something wrong with them. Do you consider yourself a role model for other gay people, especially teenagers? Do you feel any pressure to maintain a positive image for them? Thank you and keep doing what you do!
Sincerely,
Kathy


Kathy!
Thank you so much for sharing a bit about yourself and your work. Sara and I were Senior Volunteers at a Youth Phone Line for distressed teenagers when we were in high school and know first hand how important the work you do is, not to mention how helpful that kind of support can be for young people. We absolutely consider ourselves role models for the people who listen to our music. Sara and I aren't perfect (far from it) and we have done lots of stupid things in our lifetime but we try really hard to be good, do good and feel good. We also know that the world can be a cruel and unfair place for all sorts of reasons and we try to remind teenagers that they will break free of all of that when they graduate and get out of their homes. We heard sad stories all the time from kids who are having a really rough time at home. It breaks our hearts and we try our best to bring the best live show, records and love to them when we are out in the public eye. Sara and I feel the love and that motivates us to do good.

Thanks for the question Kathy.
Tegan

Corinne asks:
Hi Tegan!
I was wondering if you (or Sara) have ever had formal vocal training of any kind? I really love how your voice has evolved throughout the years.
Cheers,
Rin


Hey Corinne,
We have not had any vocal training. I wonder sometimes if we should have. Ha. Thanks!
Tegan

Britt asks:
Hey Tegan, I'm pursuing a career as a music journalist/photographer/graphic designer so of course I'm extremely fascinated by the music industry. I think you and Sara are both incredibly smart individuals and have fantastic marketing strategies. I'm very passionate about your band and hope to one day have the opportunity to write a feature profile on you. One thing that intrigues me and I have not been able to find a lot of information on is the companies you and Sara have started while pursuing a career in music. If I'm correct you have began Naked In A Snowsuit, and also Superclose Music- can you explain why you started these companies and what they are today?


Hey Britt!
We have quite a few companies these days. After 12 years we have done a lot of expanding. The first company was Superclose Music Inc. We started it in 2001. Its sort of an umbrella company at this point for many other companies we've started. We have a publishing company (Naked In A Snowsuit) and other touring/merchandise companies worldwide that sort of fall under Superclose Music Inc. Its just part of our business to have to have all of these companies. They protect you from personal liability. Boring stuff! We always try to come up with silly names. Superclose Music came from a funny saying we had in the studio. Our engineer/co-producer Jared who did UFLO used to come on the talk back mic when we were recording and say things like "Superclose guys, just one more take". Basically it was as nice way of saying, you suck! ha.
Thanks for the question and good luck!

From .org:
We get questions on a routine basis about your favourite bands and artists. Is there anything new on your play list that you've really been digging lately?


Lets see. I have been listening to the new Arcade Fire record. I love Beach House and their new record is amazing. Goldfrapp. La Roux. The Nationals new record is amazing. I love the new Reason record....

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