Q: Who IS that? A: Andrea Swensson, City Pages music editor

Name: Andrea Swensson
Twitter: @gimme_noise, @slingshotannie
Website: gimmenoiseblog.com, slingshotannie.tumblr.com

What's your job?
"I'm the music editor of City Pages and I manage the Gimme Noise music blog. Every time I tell someone what I do for a living, they go, 'That must be SO FUN!!' It's pretty fun." [Editor's note: Since this interview was conducted, Andrea Swensson has moved from City Pages to The Current.]

Other than your job, what are your claims to fame?
"In a former life I was a classically trained concert pianist. In my senior year of high school I performed at Northrop Auditorium, which is strange to think about now. I'm also the person Cee-Lo Green called gay on Twitter, which was probably the most surreal moment of my life so far." (Editor's note: And once upon a time, she wrote for the Daily Planet.)

What's your relationship status?
"My permanent +1 in life is the handsome and hilarious Ben Clark. People like to call us Bendrea, which we both find completely mortifying."

Where are you most likely to be seen?
"Anywhere there's live music. A perfect night out for me is popping into all three rooms at First Avenue—the Entry, Mainroom, and Record Room—to see what's going on and capping it off with a Summit and some cheese curds at the Depot. I also love seeing shows at the Turf Club, Dakota Jazz Club, Triple Rock, Cedar, hanging out in the back alley at Nick and Eddie when it's warm out, and taking walks by the river in downtown Minneapolis to see if I can spot any otters."

Where are you least likely to be seen?
"I'm usually up for anything, honestly. If I feel too out of my element I just think of it as a learning experience."

With whom are you most likely to be seen?
"Anyone who knows what 'the spot' is at First Avenue."

Where were you born?
"Moose Lake, Minnesota."

In what neighborhood do you live now?
"Loring Park, home of the Haunted Carriage House."

What's your ride?
"I love biking in the summer but as soon as the cold hits I'm primarily driving around in my Saturn."

What's the best way for someone to start a conversation with you?
"I always get a kick out of someone coming up and asking, 'Are you Gimme Noise?' I totally am!"

Photo by Ben Clark, courtesy Andrea Swensson

Jay Gabler

Jay Gabler (jay@tcdailyplanet.net, Twitter @JayGabler) is the Daily Planet's arts editor.