The Gossip, above.

BLACKBOOK: So, we've determined that you��������re the new rock star. Congratulations.

BETH DITTO: Well, thank you, Blackbook.

BB: What does that mean to you?

BD: Let me just start with this: In Olympia, when you��������re in a really small scene, and in a band, a rock star is a big negative word. And it��������s still really hard to get used to honestly. But I feel really flattered when people mean it positively. I think it��������s very sweet. It comes with such weird baggage, doesn��������t it?

BB: How would you describe an archetypal rock star?

BD: I think of [Weird War's] Ian Svenonius. He��������s one of the most miraculous performers, and he's really good at handling the politics of music and rock-star status. The term rock star really makes me uncomfortable.

BB: How come?

BD: It's because of those days in Olympia where "rock star" was such a negative thing. [Mockingly] �������Oh my god, what a rock star!������� We were on a label��������we still are, technically on a label��������for the last 8 years called Kill Rock Stars. [Laughs.]

BB: So you haven��������t been courting stardom?

BD: If anything, we��������ve tried to be a band, and avoid that word at all costs.

BB: That��������s so different from the American Idols of the world, for whom fame is the ultimate goal.

BD: It��������s really strange, that, �������Mama, I��������m going to be a star!������� You know what TV show I��������m obsessed with? Trust me, this will come around. It��������s called "Rock of Love," starring [Poison's] Bret Michaels. In every single episode he says something like, �������It��������s not cool for a rock star to meet the parents.������� I��������m just like, �������Good Lord, if I ever take on that attitude, somebody please shoot me in the face. Point blank. With a shotgun.�������

BB: You seem to shy away from the typical diva stereotype.

BD: I��������m just like, �������My name is Beth. I��������m in a band. I love to wear clothes. And I love makeup. Let��������s hangout.������� BB: How would you characterize your onstage performance?

BD: I think it��������s quite silly. I don��������t feel like I��������m that much different onstage than I am offstage. I don��������t know where one ends and the other begins.

I think there are a lot of political things about being a big woman��������about being a woman at all and the beauty standards that are set for you. They don��������t apply to music at all. And I think breaking those boundaries makes things amazing. Taking your abnormalities��������which are actually very normal��������and turning those tables is a really, really fun thing to do. People get really grossed out by it, because they hate to see fat people naked. I think it��������s so funny. I see the world through a John Waters window.

BB: The Gossip just finished up a live CD. Are you going to be touring?

BD: The plans changed because we had toured the U.S. not very long ago. We had just toured and, honestly, touring is not my favorite thing in the world. I hate living out of a suitcase. I love playing shows, but I hate touring.

BB: Are you aware that things are really blowing up for the band right now?

BD: I��������m in Portland, stuck away at my house. I live my life like a grandmother. I don��������t read magazines. I don��������t read blogs. I barely check my MySpace. I check my email religiously, but I really stopped paying much attention because I don��������t care that much. I wish I cared more, but I don��������t.

I think blogs can be so empowering, but I think they can also be the most soul destroying things. Reading blogs is serious career suicide or soul suicide. I have a hard enough time, I don��������t think I need any help from a blogger.