Not just a sister act: Tegan and Sara hope their new album makes people focus on their sound rather than the whole "lesbian Canadian twin" thing.

On Tegan and Sara's latest album, So Jealous (Vapor/ Sanctuary), the Quin twins have traded in their old identities--coffee-shop folk musicians, novelty sister act--for a new image: pop powerhouse. But as the album's catchy first single, "Walking With a Ghost," conquers radio stations, earns an iTunes "Discovery Download" spotlight, and converts fans throughout North America, Tegan and Sara, who turned 24 late last year, just wish the press would stop fixating on their sexuality. In separate phone interviews--Tegan lives in Vancouver, Canada, and Sara in Montreal--both sisters voice their frustrations.

"It's always, 'Tegan and Sara's new record, they're gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, big fat gay, gay, gay, gay,'" says Sara. "If it's an interview or an article in the gay press, that's OK. But why, in a review of a record, does it have to talk about us being gay? It's a music magazine; write about the goddamn music."

She takes pains to clarify, "We're proud to be gay. But I believe that our music does not have sexuality. I don't think you have to be straight to identify with Bono or Chrissie Hynde."

"One good thing about having a song on the radio," adds Tegan, "is that they don't say, 'And now, "Walking With a Ghost" from Tegan and Sara, lesbian Canadian twins.' It's just about the music, not all those other things."

The radio play and ensuing media attention have led to audiences that are larger and more diverse than in the past--and sometimes more unruly. "We're having this problem lately where girls are really sexualizing us onstage," observes Sara. "I mean, I'm down with people thinking I'm hot. But it takes a different tone when somebody says, 'Take your shirt off' or 'I wanna fuck you.' It's like, 'Don't talk to me like that--I'll fucking slap you across the face.'"

"Our audience is much more mixed than it used to be," says Tegan. "A huge part has gotten really young, and regular straight-looking hoochie types with their boyfriends are getting down to 'You Wouldn't Like Me.' It's weird but great--our goal is to make music for everyone."