Fridae

The Weather Girls were all the rage in gay discos in the 80s with their massive homo-hit "It's Raining Men." Fast forward to 2005 and a new and improved version of the Weather Girls, comprising Ingrid Arthur and Dynelle (Dee) Rhodes, are back with a much-anticipated HI-NRG album, Totally Wild!. Fridae speaks to the Two Tonnes of Fun about handbag songs, gay fans and the gay scene.

æ: All hail the new and improved Weather Girls Ingrid and Dee! Now tell Fridae readers more about yourselves!

Ingrid: Hi and thanks for having us! I'm from town called Gainesville, and I'm currently living in Germany and loving it!

Dynelle: I was born and raised in California. I'm a mother of one son (Anthony), and I'm enjoying my life here in Germany too.

æ: So how is this latest incarnation of the Weather Girls similar to or different from the original Weather Girls comprising Martha Wash and the late Izora Rhodes?

Ingrid: For me it's actually almost the same � we're just a younger version! We try to keep what the fans love about the Weather Girls, add a little here and there - you know a little something for everybody.

Dynelle: Well, I'm just a chip off the old block, because I got it all from my mother Izora - one half of the original Weather Girls. The music is still the same, just newer and updated. We still have the same good singing and lots of energy. And we still deliver what our fans are looking for.

æ: The Weather Girls have a history of collaborating with gay artistes including the late cross-dressing disco icon Sylvester in the 70s and drag diva RuPaul in the 90s. Are there any similar plans in the near future for the new Weather Girls?

Ingrid: There are some things cooking, we just haven't tasted them yet!

Dynelle: There are definitely plans but we like to keep them a surprise for now.

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æ: The Weather Girls and their music have also been synonymous with the gay club scene. How do you feel about songs such as "It's Raining Men" being hailed as a gay dance classic with a chorus that every gay man knows the lyrics to?

Ingrid: I think it's great! We are all different in so many ways, so when a group finds their "niche" in our music, I think it's just FABULOUS!

Dynelle: I love it!

æ: In Totally Wild!, there are more Hi-NRG remixes of gay favourites such as "Muscles," "Don't Leave Me This Way," "Wild Thang" and of course, "It's Raining Men." Could you tell us more about the album and if there is a conscious attempt to appeal to the gay crowd and its fondness for handbag tunes.

Ingrid: Not at all for me... it was what we knew they would love! Actually, we thought of all people when doing this album! One of our favourite tracks is "Born To Be Alive" and that is what it is... we are all BORN to be alive! We wanted to do a little something for everybody! For "Muscles," we thought of us women - hey, we want muscles too!
Dynelle: Of course we have to stick to what made the Weather Girls so popular, but it's really music for everyone to enjoy. You see I love to dance and if it makes me move, then it's all right with me.

æ: It's undisputed that the Weather Girls have a strong and loyal gay following. What do you think it is about your image, personality and sound that appeal to the gay community?

Ingrid: Our image has always been about being positive and happy - no matter how we are feeling or what we may be going through at that moment. We try to live the best we can and not be so caught up in the STARDOM syndrome. For us, we are for everybody, no matter who they are. We hope it's the same when people meet and see us! For the gay community, it's all about being accepted for who they are - which is what the Weather Girls are all about!

Dynelle: It's the love of music and the happiness we give to everyone including the gay and lesbian community regardless of what's going on in our lives. When the Weather Girls hit the stage, you just know it's time to get on your feet and dance to the beat!

æ: We wish you all the best for your Totally Wild! and on behalf of my gay brothers and sisters, I would like to thank the Weather Girls for making those trips to the dance-floor so memorable.

Ingrid: Thank you for having us and we hope to keep it going! Hope to see you soon!

Dynelle: Thank you so much to all of you in Asia and if you keep listening, we'll keep on singing! See you soon!