Fuck it. Let’s do it. We’re gonna start a new hashtag – welcome to our very first #TakeItBackTuesday. And who better to pop our cherry than the extremely handsome Del Marquis from Scissor Sisters. We’re not exactly sure when this was, but we originally spoke to him for our pre-Loverboy blog The Back Building, so we’re guessing this was circa 2012-ish, around the time they took a break. We’re still crying over that one…

What’s the story behind your stage name?
As far as stage names? Del is a nickname for Derek – in the UK, there are so many variations on a birth name; I could be Degsy, Deggars, Dez, Daz…Del. Marquis was down to the fact that I liked Dandyism at the time, so it was a suitable last name…pretentious.

What inspires you when you’re writing music? 
There are so many ways in; movies, a word, a loop. I’ve started songs from the top down; starting with lyrics, and the bottom up, built around a loop or sample.

Are there plans for a solo album/tour? 
I’ve got a record under the name Slow Knights, which involves a rotating group of collaborators. After a decade of touring, I can say it’s something I never want to do again, but I’m planning a few shows in NY.

Are you branching out into other media beyond music?
I’ve worked on videos with my collaborator Embryoroom, usually as a producer doing anything from set design, props & budgeting. I’m formally trained as a furniture designer, though I’m not sure I’d ever go back to be being a straight up & down designer… I like to incorporate the different skills I have.

What music are you listening to at the moment? 
Some newly added music on my Rdio playlist; Discodromo, Cos/Mes, Hot Toddy, George Fitzgerald, Larry Heard, Moullinex, Tim Hecker. Loved the last Usher record, Miguel…but the Tegan and Sara record trumps them all as far as pop music is concerned.

Who tickles your fancy right now?
In terms of pleasure & disgust, any celebrity that has the misfortune to end up in the Daily Mail, I’m sustained by those ridiculous stories…even better is reading the comments – so vile!

What is your favourite Scissor Sisters track?
‘Skin Tight.’ I love that song…could be a Stevie Nicks song. Also a song titled ‘Sadistic’, which I don’t think got an official release…it’s the only Scissors song that sounds like my guitar playing without a filter.