Awoo (Arts & Crafts), the latest offering from Canada’s The Hidden Cameras, upholds the degree of inimitable, retro-driven chamber pop we have come to expect from the band.

Openly queer Joel Gibb, the unassailable, enthusiastic and erotic-minded front man, remains the focus. His songs, from the title track, which sounds like an expression of relief, to lovely musical portraits such as “Heaven Turns To,” “Follow These Eyes” and “Wandering,” as well as vintage pop-influenced tunes including “Lollipop” and “Learning The Lie,” are sonic snapshots of what The Hidden Cameras do best.

Gay & Lesbian Times: This summer I attended the Pitchfork Music Festival and Lollapalooza, two big music events in Chicago with national acts. One thing that stood out was that there was a dearth of queer representation on the rosters. Have you ever played or been asked to play either of these music festivals?

Joel Gibb: No.

GLT: If asked, would you?

JG: Sure, to play a show is so nice.

GLT: Cyndi Lauper is involved in organizing something called the “True Colors” tour for 2007, which will, I believe, feature Erasure, Scissor Sisters and a variety of queer artists. Is that something you might consider being a part of?

JG: I love Cyndi Lauper! I would do anything she says.

GLT: Much has been made of the sexually celebratory but graphic nature of The Hidden Cameras’ lyrics. Were there people you considered to be influences when it came to this kind of writing or do you feel like you are inventing the wheel when it comes to this kind of material?

JG: In terms of that aspect of my lyrics, I think Allen Ginsberg had some influence on me in the fact that his performance included a poem with erotic homosexual imagery. I saw him perform at Convocation Hall in Toronto in ’96, and I remember the particular poem being honest and tender and graphic, and I thought it was very bold and beautiful. I have to say, though, that erotic imagery isn’t the basis of my lyrics. I just don’t exclude it from the songwriting equation.

GLT: As with The Hidden Cameras’ previous albums The Smell of Our Own and Mississauga Goddamn, one can hear references to the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones and others with roots in ’60s pop music. Would you say that is the era that has had the greatest influence on your work?

JG: In a lot of ways, yeah. But I like music from all sorts of decades.

GLT: Can you give me some examples of who you like?

JG: I like the Byrds, Nick Drake, Romeo Void, Arthur Russell, Leonard Cohen and Janis

Joplin.

GLT: The term “Awoo,” from the song of the same name, sounds like it is an expression of relief; as in the proverbial hand brushing a forehead, followed by “whew.” Am I close to your intention?

JG: I like that everyone has their own interpretation of the word. For me it is a pleasing sound to sing.

GLT: There is a rushing, stream of consciousness quality to “Lollipop.” Did the words or music come first, or did they occur simultaneously?

JG: The hook came first – “lollipop.” And I took two years to finish the words. I wanted it to phonetically roll in a certain way but also try to tell a story, so that is the result.

GLT: In general, there is a feeling of wordplay in your work. Is that as rewarding for you as composing the music?

JG: Of course, but they are two different beasts. I like both of them, but you have to tap into a different part of your brain to harness each one.

GLT: Readers are going to want to know if someone who composes such erotic and powerful love songs is spoken for. Are you currently in a relationship?

JG: No.

GLT: Awoo is being released in the U.S. on Canadian label Arts & Crafts, a label with an impressive roster of Canadian acts including Broken Social Scene, Stars, Feist and The Most Serene Republic. How does it feel to be in company such as this?

JG: I like Canadian bands! [Laughs] Arts & Crafts are so nice. They’re on the ball and want to help us; it’s great!

The Hidden Cameras latest album, Awoo, was released in September. The band is performing Nov. 27 in San Diego at the Casbah and Nov. 28 in Los Angeles at the Echo Plex. Visit www.thehiddencameras.com for more information.