Interview Perez Hilton

Drawing semen stains on celebrity photos with MS Paint isn’t life’s only passion for Perez Hilton, author of the notorious sleaze-gossip blog perezhilton.com. Hilton is also a devout music junkie, a fiend of the highest order for danceable, glitz ’n’ glam pop-rock. He has invested his 10-million-hits-a-day brand to fuel Perez Hilton Presents, a touring showcase of up-and-coming artists connected with his site and his new recording label, Perezcious Music. Hilton is currently lending his name to a tour featuring Ida Maria, Ladyhawke, and Semi Precious Weapons that comes Tuesday to Turner Hall. The A.V. Club caught up with Hilton to talk about music and whether he’d like another crack at kicking Will.i.am’s ass. [UPDATE: Ida Maria is no longer appearing at this show, which now will be free. Ticket buyers will be refunded at the point of purchase.]

The A.V. Club: You made your name writing a tabloid gossip blog. Why should people care about the music you’re promoting?

Perez Hilton: I was writing about Lady Gaga before anyone else. I wrote about Katy Perry before she became massive. I think at this point, I’ve earned the trust and respect of my readers when it comes to music, and some people in the music industry. I mean, there’s no payola-for-Perez here; I only will mention something if it’s good, fun, interesting, or silly. Sometimes, I’ll like cheesy songs. Like, right now, I’m loving that “Party In The U.S.A.” song by Miley Cyrus. It’s like friggin’ McDonald’s.

AVC: What makes a good pop song?

PH: I’m looking for an instant connection. In my book, yes, a song can, quote, “grow on you,” but I think a really good song you like the first time you listen to it.

AVC: What’s your all-time top five?

PH: Madonna’s “Holiday,” Tori Amos’ “Precious Things,” Sarah McLachlan’s “Possession;” Gloria Estefan’s “Conga”—she was the first concert that I ever went to when I was six years old. I hopped onstage and did the conga with her, it was amazing. And “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga.

AVC: What are you liking at the moment?

PH: I love Miike Snow’s “Animal”—it’s such a surprise that Bloodshy & Avant took that direction, because as producers they’re mainly known for electro dance-pop stuff; like, they did Britney Spears' “Toxic.” Their solo stuff is more like Peter, Bjorn & John or Gnarls Barkley.

AVC: What sites do you read to discover new music?

PH: I don’t read any music blogs, or any magazines.

AVC: Really? That’s hard to believe.

PH: I discover new music nine times out of 10 from a reader recommending something, or a friend recommending something. And I listen to everything sent my way. Not exaggerating at all. I get at least 30 songs a day, and most of it is crap, but every once in a while, there’s something good. I love music that gets a visceral reaction. All the artists on my tour definitely have pop somewhere in their genre title.

AVC: Will.i.am fits that pop-fusion sound you’re going for. Did you consider inviting him on tour?

PH: [Laughs.] Uh, no. Because he sucks! I mean, I can be objective. Some of his old stuff is undeniably good.

AVC: You alleged that someone in his entourage attacked you, after you trashed Fergie on your blog—

PH: Yeah, it’s a long story. All I can say is this has been the most eventful year in my life, from that moment, to all the silly Twitter feuds with celebrities. I’m happier now and wiser than ever before. I could wipe my butt with all the not-so-great things that have happened this year.

AVC: Do you think that if you’d have been fighting at your former weight, you’d have been able to fend off Will.i.am’s people better?

PH: No, the person who punched me completely blindsided me and cold-clocked me from behind like a coward.