Kim Ann Foxman Is a Goddess Among Men

The band made the decision to start playing live in Europe (after a one-gig stint in their hometown, New York City, at Studio B) because "it's the best place for dance music." Foxman explained: "They have more of an open mind for that kind of music there. It reaches a bigger audience."

From left to right: Nomi, Butler, Foxman

Perhaps what resonates with Europeans (and those Americans who have gotten into the band so far) is the revitalization of pop disco. Hercules and Love Affair has a distinct upbeat, transient sound that isn't too jumpy or quick, like the soundtrack to Queer as Folk. The songs are just as much about the lyrics — which address rising above modern-day trials through Greek mythological analogies — as they are about hand claps and head bobs (though you will certainly appreciate both.

But if their first show in the U.S. was any indication of how well the band will do upon their return to the States, Hercules and Love Affair will likely be booking shows very soon.

"It was sold out," Foxman wrote. "I was so nervous, but it felt good to finally play our first show after so much press. It was a big weight lifted."

Being a "buzz band" does put on a lot of pressure, especially for performers new to performing at all. But one thing that the band also has managed to escape is the "gay music" cannon. Despite the entire group being queer (and much of their music being based upon Greek mythology and its queer content and subtext), they've managed to transcend that specific label that can sometimes pigeonhole a band.

"Some people are going for that 'queer' band thing," Foxman stated. "We just never set out to do that — we never made it a point. It isn't the point. Of course I'm proud to be a part of queer culture, we just happen to be very colorful group in the band that are all coming together for one reason: to play music that we love. That has nothing to do with our sexual preferences."

Foxman and Butler being stylish and cool queers is just an added bonus for gay fans of Hercules and Love Affair, who get to watch the group parade around in matching tank tops on stage. Foxman has soft features but a butch demeanor that gives her a certain kind of mystique, especially when she's softly singing lines such as "With her hands she could give/through the battles of her life/she showed me how to live."

The video for "Blind" doesn't feature any of the band members, but it would only be right for the upcoming video for "Athene" to have Foxman front and center. The band is currently touring Europe, but will make a few West Coast and New York stops in late July.

"We are having so much fun working on our show," Foxman wrote. " I feel really good about it all. I still get nervous but that is part of the fun."

For more on Hercules and Love Affair, visit their MySpace page. Find out more about Kim Ann Foxman and her jewelry at her official site.