(image via Cirque du Soleil) Truly sad news as the powers that be at Cirque du Soleil have announced the spectacular and sensual Las Vegas production, ZUMANITY, will close permanently. The show, which opened in September 2003, featured European-style circus acts in a sensual, often sexually-ambivalent environment. The hostess of the show, the gifted and revered drag performer Edie, has developed a worldwide following due to the long-running production. From local ABC News affiliate KTNV:
After wowing audiences with more than 7,700 shows, the last performance of Zumanity took place on March 14, 2020 before it was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts International have solidified their commitment to the partnership and the four shows remaining in the Cirque du Soleil portfolio. Contract extensions for “O” at Bellagio, The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage, KÀ at MGM Grand and Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay have been signed.
Additionally, Treasure Island and Cirque du Soleil have recommitted to Mystère with a contract extension.
‘Map daddy’ Steve Kornacki (screen capture) Some news items you might have missed: • LA Times: MSNBC’s Steve Kornacki – dubbed ‘map daddy’ or ‘chart-throb’ due to his 2020 election count performance – has so inspired millions his regular go-to khakis have surged 90 percent in sales at the GAP. • Pink News: Poland’s ugly war against LGBTQ people continues with a horrifying new bill that would ban Pride parades throughout the country. The proposed law, entitled “Stop LGBT”, would ban Pride parades as well as any other public gatherings that “promote” queer identities. #StopTheHate • New York Daily News: Donald Trump’s favorite rapper, Lil’ Pump, shared a campaign rally stage with the Donald just before the election to show his support. But it turns out the 20-year-old (who posted a video on Instagram to his 17-million followers declaring “All I gotta say is Trump 2020, b-tch!”) didn’t bother to even register to vote. The video is no longer online. • Christmas Music: Australian pop star Delta Goodrem surprised fans with a new Christmas album titled Santa Only Knows complete with a gorgeous guitar-driven duet with international superstar Olivia Newton-John, “Merry Christmas to You.”
• Axios: Donald Trump has told friends he wants to start a digital media company to clobber Fox News and undermine the conservative-friendly network, sources tell me. Some Trump advisers say Fox News enraged Trump by making an early call (seconded by AP) of a Joe Biden win in Arizona. “He plans to wreck Fox. No doubt about it” said a source.. • The Hill: Prosecutors in the case over the killing of Ahmaud Arbery earlier this year presented the court on Thursday with racist text messages and social media posts from one of the two white men who fatally shot him while he was jogging in Brunswick, Ga. • KDKA: A federal appeals court in Philadelphia on Friday rejected an effort to block about 9,300 ballots that arrived after Election Day. The three-judge panel, led by Chief U.S. Circuit Judge Brooks Smith, ruled “that the lawfully cast vote of every citizen must count.” The ruling involves the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision to accept mail-in ballots that arrived by Friday, Nov. 6, three days after the close of polling places.
BREAKING NEWS: A federal appeals court in Pennsylvania has rejected a Republican-led effort to block about 9,300 ballots that were postmarked by Nov. 3, but arrived after Election Day. https://t.co/0uxGfmTo0l
Milahroy in ‘Cool’ (all images via artist) Woofy out singer/songwriter Milahroy premieres his latest music video, “Cool,” complete with danger, drama, and sexy, furry goodness. Milahroy describes the introspective pop/rock track (featuring theLMNOP & rapper KTLYN) as “a West Coast-inspired ode to our best intentions and the facade of perfection because no one lies better than we do to ourselves.” The indie artist thoughtfully explains the song exists “somewhere between hubris and doubt.” The track is a pop music earworm that lands right at the sonic corner of ‘current’ and ‘now’ with pensive lyrics in search of our hero’s questioning psyche.
Tangled up in my excuses, Trippin on my shadowGettin used to feeling useless, Shadows grow when light’s low
In advance of the new release, I chatted with the talented artist about the new single, confronting doubts and inner demons, and remembering to let life happen. https://youtu.be/88LqHm46kiU?si=CUODdoCcSL1hXjE6
The Randy Report: Congratulations on the new single and music video, “Cool.” Dark, edgy, and mysterious – you had me at go. What was the inspiration behind the song?
Milahroy: Thank you! I used to beat myself up a lot, mentally. It wasn’t a healthy coping mechanism and I’ve been trying to be more gentle with myself. This song captures the backlash of working on and with yourself. Sometimes, you betray yourself and it hurts. It’s a trip & will probably last a lifetime but I take pride in coming this far.
“COOL” embodies one confronting their doubts and inner demons.
TRR: In translating the track to video, where did the concept come from? What do you want folks to take away from the musical journey?
Milahroy: A new friend of mine, Patrick McPheron (Interior State), who directed the video, really helped capture the vibe of this tune and where I wanted it to go visually. The concept reflects the inspiration of this track: being held hostage by one’s own insecurities and doubts.
I want folks to understand we all fall victim to lying to ourselves and for what? The facade of perfection? With today’s standards of how we “should be”, we start to lose focus on who we want to be or even simply who we truly are.
TRR: In August, you released “D.F.O” which rocks a very different vibe. It’s totally catchy and sounds like the Monkees made a hit record with the B-52s in the year 2020. In other words, it’s awesome. Tell me about it.
Milahroy: Thank you so much for the compliment. I’m a huge fan of those artists. “Love Shack” is one of my favorite tunes off my summer playlist. so I love that reference!
“D.F.O.,” short for Don’t Freak Out (it’s been wild to hear what people think it stands for), is a song I wrote with Jessie Shapiro & Rob Shore (theLMNOP). Creating problems is a common theme I’ve seen in myself and friends, this song is a good wave of joy taking you out and reminding you sometimes you just need to let life happen and trust the universe.
https://youtu.be/AqZe9oqlYIA?si=_dlHZq-njaoxBA6h TRR: In 2018, you released an EP titled ‘Thoughts in Sound’ under the artist name RØY – what does the shift to Milahroy mean for you? Change in sound? Change in perspective?
Milahroy: Ah! Yes! 2020 has really warped my sense of time so two years ago feels like a lifetime away.
I was thinking of a new name to represent this new image and new shift in my life and while a friend and I were walking down Hollywood Blvd., I had a spark of inspiration.. and Milahroy came to fruition.
Milahroy is my birth name flipped on its head. The first half is my Muslim surname spelled in reverse which butts up against my first name. This all represents my internal reflection on my family’s spiritual history, my own personal truth and the internal changes I’ve had to make in order to accept them both into my heart with love and honesty.
The shift feels massive – it created this identity for me. It’s almost as if I was able to take the reins of this alter ego that’s still myself, leaving a small town to pursue my dreams. It was like a new part of my self was born. I sometimes want to be a diva and introduce myself as Myla! Ha!
TRR: What do you do outside of music that contributes to your creativity?
Milahroy: I don’t think there’s an easy way to answer this question, everything contributes to my creativity including all of my travels across the country, the people and friends I interact with on a daily basis, the beautiful imagery I see around me every day to the dark corners of my inner and outer world but on a personal level I’m a very introspective person so I’ve been practicing having gratitude for the little things in life. A lot of my practice has to do with sitting in stillness, journaling, and doing my best to live in the present moment. Allowing for me to really channel my thoughts & emotions into my music.
TRR: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Milahroy: Great question.. when moving to LA the best advice I’ve received was to stay persistent and to get comfortable hearing “no.” It’s so easy to get distracted in this big city, so reminding myself to stay focused and to remember where I came from has really helped me. If you were to tell me 10 years ago I would be moving to LA to pursue music, I would’ve laughed and whipped my Bieber Fever locks in your face. Lol.
TRR: What’s next?
Milahroy: A similar-sounding EP, then another completely different sounding EP, and followed by a studio album. I’m sitting on a lot of beautiful music with different characters and plots, different emotions, ideas, and themes. I’m just trying to hear and feel what works and I’m beginning to realize I’m the kind of artist who wants to connect with people and have the people take the time to process and reflect on themselves with these sounds.
L-R Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis (image via Hulu) The new trailer for the Hulu Original Christmas romantic comedy, Happiest Season, is here and it’s adorbs. Directed by Clea DuVall, the film stars Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Victor Garber, Academy Award-winner Mary Steenburgen, plus a scene-stealing performance by Schitt’s Creek creator/star, Dan Levy. From the official synopsis:
Meeting your girlfriend’s family for the first time can be tough. Planning to propose at her family’s annual Christmas dinner — until you realize that they don’t even know she’s gay — is even harder. When Abby (Kristen Stewart) learns that Harper (Mackenzie Davis) has kept their relationship a secret from her family, she begins to question the girlfriend she thought she knew.
When the couple arrives at Harper’s parent’s house, she’s introduced as that go-to status of ‘orphan roommate.’
Abby calls her bestie, played by Levy, who finds it difficult to believe folks aren’t picking up on the truth:
Levy: So her parents believe she brought home her lesbian friend for Christmas?Stewart: Not exactly. They also think that I’m straight.Levy: Have they ever MET a lesbian?
With fresh and funny performances, Happiest Season combines all too familiar issues like balancing your family’s acceptance, being true to yourself, and trying not to ruin Christmas. Look for Happiest Season to premiere on Hulu on November 25. Plus, the movie features a soundtrack with LGBTQ artists like Tegan and Sara, Shea Diamond, and more. And don’t forget the Lifetime Channel and the Hallmark Channel are also sending us LGBTQ-themed romantic comedies, so expect your holiday to even more merry and bright!
Apollo Flowerchild in ‘Bloody Hands’ (screen capture) Black trans singer/songwriter Apollo Flowerchild releases their haunting new single, “Bloody Hands,” on the trailblazing new label Trans Trenderz which focuses exclusively on supporting Black Trans music makers, a subsection of creatives who have been tragically underserved within the music industry. The track, produced by Blxck Cxsper, is the first by a Trans Trenderz artist to have been recorded at Studio G Brooklyn by seven-time Grammy-nominated producer, Joel Hamilton, who mixed the track. Flowerchild’s earthy baritone is set amid a hypnotic sonic soundscape. And the song’s brooding, pensive lyrics offer a window into the artist’s personal eloquence and grace.
I’m regretting every choiceDestroying all the things that I hold dearAnd a dark cloud hovers near
More than a record label, Trans Trenderz is a Black Trans-owned organization aiming to help Trans artists achieve mainstream success while feeling empowered and respected for who they are. On top of releasing music that is entirely produced by Trans people, they are leading several initiatives to help strengthen the transgender musical community: • The Ghostly Beats Project where they mobilize allies to provide Black Trans musicians the resources they need to produce and monetize their music • The Trans Trenderz Music Awards to highlight and bring recognition to the hard-working Trans creatives in all corners of the music industry • Workshops & Public Speaking, to educate and empower
Check out the new single from out pop duo Tegan and Sara, “Make You Mine This Season,” featured on the upcoming soundtrack for the Hulu Original romantic comedy, Happiest Season. According to the film’s official synopsis, “A young woman plans to propose marriage to her girlfriend while attending her family’s annual holiday party. At the party, she realizes her girlfriend hasn’t come out to her conservative parents yet.” The TV movie, which stars Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Victor Garber, and Mary Steenburgen, debuts exclusively in the U.S. on Hulu on November 25th. Tegan and Sara’s euphoric, upbeat synthpop track sounds like a perfect fit for a queer holiday rom-com.
You’re the only girl I’ve got on my listI’ll write your name, I know it’s foolishBut I chase the feeling ‘cus you keep me dreamingThat I could make you mine this season
“For all types of families, music matters more during the holidays than any other time of year,” says soundtrack producer Justin Tranter. “To be given the honor to help create a holiday soundtrack that everyone can enjoy but celebrates LGBTQ talent is an actual dream come true for me! There are LGBTQ artists and/or songwriters on every original song.”
Mike Taveira (photo: David-Simon Dayan) Some news items you might have missed: • CNBC: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case concerning the rights of LGBTQ Americans on Wednesday morning in a dispute that advocates are warning could pierce holes in the nation’s anti-discrimination laws. Arguments, which will take place just a day after the presidential election, will mark the first major fight to come before Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who was sworn in a week ago. • Instinct Magazine: Taiwan held one of the few Pride Parades this year as nearly 130,000 people gathered to march, dance, and visit a Rainbow Market of 100 LGBTQ-owned or supportive businesses/organizations. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, other countries have gone without Pride events this year, but Taiwan has not had a reported diagnosis of COVID-19 since April. In total, the country has had only 554 recorded cases and only seven deaths nationwide. • Out Music: Out recording artist Mike Taveira (top image) offers his new single, “Karma.” An uber-catchy pop-bop groove, Taveira calls the track “the breakup anthem for anyone who feels like their ex has yet received the karma they deserve.” “I do believe in karma and I do believe she is coming,” says Taveira. “She just likes to wait for the perfect timing and I was impatient, which led to the song.”
• The Advocate: Parliament House, the iconic Orlando nightclub that has been serving central Florida’s LGBTQ+ population for 45 years, is closing, though the owners say it’s not a permanent closure. In a Facebook post, they tried to get the money for much-needed renovations, but they sadly couldn’t reach their goal. • The Signorile Report: Michelangelo takes a look at what it will take for a President Joe Biden to get The Equality Act passed in his first 100 days as promised. • KIT212: I’m catching up on Kenneth’s weekly round-up of LGBTQ publications like DNA Magazine’s 250th issue featuring cover model Julian Gabriel (below). (image via DNA Magazine)
Randy Rainbow turns in this musical rumination on which presidential candidate to vote for (hint – yeah, you already know the answer) set to the tune of Enchanted’s “How Will You Know?” Rainbow first ticks off some of Donald Trump’s, umm, qualities:
Well, does he give a flying f**k about whether you live or die?Cover-up his crimes and wish them all away?Does he lock children in cages? Act like Nazis are okay?That’s how you know, that’s how you know that he’s the one.
And then’s there’s his assessment of Joe Biden:
Does he leave you little clues that let you know he’s not insane?Have a plan in place you know he’ll carry through?If he isn’t porkin’ Putin and he pays his taxes, tooThat’s how you know, that’s how you know he’s the one.
In the end, it all comes down to “One’s an incompetent toddler, the other one’s name is Joe, that’s why it’s Joe – He’s the one.”
Riotron’s Jeff Fettes Just in time for Halloween, out recording artist Riotron returns with “Dark Highway,” an evocative slice of retrowave pop, this time coupled with a fun, spooky and cinematically lush video directed by Gianennio Salucci. “’Dark Highway’ is a metaphor for all bad decisions we make,” says Riotron’s Jeff Fettes. “You’re going too fast, you’re out of control but you don’t stop. And then suddenly you can’t stop.” “For the video, I wanted to pay tribute to some of my favorite 80’s videos. There’s horror, sci-fi, and even some hand-drawn animation.”
The brainchild of singer/songwriter Jeff Fettes, Riotron is an electro-pop project from Winnipeg, Canada that combines elements of 80s synthwave, EDM and even some jazz into a unique sound. The name is derived from the hit song ‘Rio’ by Duran Duran and the 1982 fantasy sci-fi film Tron. The track totally has an ominous 1980s-era Phil Collins ‘In The Air Tonight’ vibe with heavy drum pads and an excellent guitar solo. And the video’s mix of darkness, animated alternate universes, and twists in the storytelling (a la ‘Thriller’) complete the throwback fun. Hit the play button and enjoy.
Icona Pop and Sofi Tukker in ‘Spa’ The chart-topping duo Icona Pop are back with the official music video for “Spa,” their musical collaboration with electronic duo Sofi-Tukker. The quirky, retro-inspired video is the perfect pairing for the new wave-ish, techno-pop bop. Speaking about the collaboration, Icona Pop’s Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo explain, “This song is weird in the very best way and we hope that people can have a rave spa at home while listening to it.” Sofi Tukker adds, “We hope people can feel the joy and giddiness and ridiculousness that we all felt while making it. Even though we miss the club now more than ever, there’s also never been such an important time for self-care. Put some cuces on your eyes.”
Tafari Anthony Queer pop artist Tafari Anthony releases his latest single, “No Good.” The soulful electro-pop track features soaring vocals by Anthony as he explores how some relationships are just no good for us, yet we somehow still end up pursuing them for whatever reason. “It is so much easier than you’d think to get trapped in this cycle of a bad relationship,” Anthony recently told American Songwriter. “I’ve heard too often from people that when a relationship is going well they feel like it’s missing something and that something is the drama.” https://youtu.be/R733A-aJ41g
Conan Gray and Lauv in ‘Fake’ (screen capture)Lauv joins forces with Conan Gray for the breezy mid-tempo “Fake,” which skewers vapid, phony social media personalities that seem to prize the number of followers over actual connections. Amid a series of escalating fake photoshoots, the colorful music video features the duo engaging in staged pillow fights and dancing through super-saturated, bigger-than-life soundstage sets before being returned to reality.
