Fueled by the popularity of the hit single “Ding Dong Song (Touch My Tralala),” Euro-pop sensation Gunther and his Sunshine Girls will make their U.S. debut tonight at Commons. With his trademark mullet and moustache, Gunther boasts a cult following nationwide and melts hearts with his devilishly suggestive lyrics and catchy techno beats. Testament to his undeniable charm, tonight’s show sold out in under an hour, according to organizer Michael Lehmann ’08.

Gunther’s Web site (www.gunthernet.com) says he “wants to change the world’s look at the sexual way of thinking, so he have started a new trend to sexualize it more in the world: ‘A Gunther trend.’ He has only started his mission to go out in the world and spread the message of ‘Love’.”

scene spoke with Gunther yesterday while the Pleasureman was en route to New Haven in a snazzy limousine.

scene: Where did you grow up? What was childhood like for the future Pleasureman?

Gunther: I grew up in Sweden. I was a very creative and happy child. I have always had the passion to be an artist. To pronounce my thoughts as a singer, I think, is the best way to reach out to all of my loving people.

scene: You were a model and a nightclub owner before you entered the music world. What sort of modeling did you do?

Gunther: It was not the nude modeling; I was a fashion model. Before I became a singer, I was traveling around the world, doing a little modeling, doing fashion things, hooking up with girls and partying, doing all the stuff a good-looking Swedish man should be doing.

scene: What led to your musical awakening?

Gunther: A lot of things in my life and places I’ve been. So a lot of things I’ve experienced in my life, I put in my music. And a lot of love, of course.

scene: You and the Sunshine Girls must spend a lot of time together. Are they acquainted with your tralala, or do you keep the relationship strictly professional?

Gunther: It’s professional. That’s because they’re my best friends and we do everything together.

scene: How do you become a Sunshine Girl?

Gunther: You don’t become one — you are born one.

scene: How do you think Yale students will compare to Malmo club-goers? More sensual or less?

Gunther: It’s my first time in America, so I don’t really know. We’ll see tomorrow. I look forward to giving all the American fans love, respect and glamour. I really want to bring out my message — a lot of sex with respect. The only way to get trust is through respect, and if you come to my show you’ll get that message.

scene: Do you plan to visit IKEA during your stay in New Haven?

Gunther: No, not when I’m here [chuckles]. I have plenty of them in Sweden.

scene: You say your philosophy is “champagne, glamour, sex and respect.” Which of the four is most important to you and why?

Gunther: Respect is the first one. It’s the most important because if you don’t have respect, bad things happen. If you have respect, you can have sex and love and the whole thing. I am a gentleman style-2000, which means I honor women and follow these four rules.

scene: Plato says that music is “simply the science of the effects of Love on rhythm and harmony.” Do you see your music as an instrument of love?

Gunther: Yeah, absolutely. You know, it’s all about expressions and feelings of love.

scene: Are you a natural blonde?

Gunther: Blond? No. I’m naturally dark.

scene: On your debut album, the tone of “Tutti Frutti Summer Love” is carefree and frivolous, while the title track, “Pleasureman,” has a darker, more angsty beat. What were you trying to accomplish with this contrast?

Gunther: It’s like the light — you have the contrast there also … It’s a lot of exotic expressions, sexual expressions. It’s a whole spectrum.

scene: Ding Dong. Tralala. Why the euphemisms? Where do you get your inspiration?

Gunther: I just take a lot of experiences from my life and put them together in the lyrics of my songs. I’m working on new songs all the time. My inspiration comes through my sex life, and all kinds of people that I’ve met through my messy life of champagne and late-night club visits.

scene: What is your favorite word?

Gunther: Close.

scene: What sound or noise do you love?

Gunther: The sound that comes from a woman.

scene: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Gunther: Welcome.

scene: What do you expect from your time in the U.S.?

Gunther: I’m really looking forward to it — I’ve been wanting to come here for a year or so. I’m very happy to be here. The U.S. definitely has the best lovers.