Category: Entertainment

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New Music: RuPaul, Project Moses, Jakk Fynn, Dance Loud, Mxmtoon

L-R Project Moses, RuPaul, Jakk Fynn (photo: Maxine Bowen)
Can you say TGIF??? With all the news ricocheting this way and that, it might be a good time to sit back with new music and chill at home. With that in mind, here’s what we’re listening to this week in new music from out musicians.

Trans Latinx pop artist Jakk Fynn recently released the song and video for “Heal” from Jakk’s Cancelled, a 5-track EP of original, emotionally evocative dance-pop music. The music video for “Heal” is an emotional pop journey of rebuilding himself as his own person after an emotionally stifling relationship came to an end. “The more I tried to change myself to be who I thought my partner wanted, the more we both lost ourselves,” says Jakk about the new track. “Not being true to yourself in a relationship can feel like suffocation, like death. ‘Heal’ is a chance to do just that—heal—by embracing the vulnerabilities that make me who I am.” With artfully layered vocals, “Heal” takes the listener on a ride from introspective reflection to laser-focused intensity. Follow him on Instagram here.

In his new single, “Missing Half,” out artist Project Moses explores the tumultuous relationship he had with his now-deceased father. The ominous ballad is the first single and music video from his upcoming album, Better Man, and is meant to convey the sometimes-conflicting feelings many people have for the people who raised them. “The idea for the song came to me after my dad died in a car accident,” he explains. “It forced me to reflect on a relationship that wasn’t always good. One that left me with a lot of emotional and psychological scars. Yet, through it all, I still love my dad and was left feeling broken inside by his sudden death.” The piano-driven ballad builds to a dramatic crescendo with soaring choirs framing the out artist’s soulful vocals. Follow Project Moses on Instagram here.

Chicago-based electronic dance duo Dance Loud (Kristin Sanchez & Desereé Fawn Zimmerman) has released the audio for their new single “Hollow” about the hollowness inside us all and the good and bad in everyone. The track blurs the lines between electronic immersion and alternative orchestration. “Hollow” is the first single off of Dance Loud’s forthcoming 2020 DIY independent debut album, The Moment, set for release on June 5th. The Chicago Tribune raved about the real-life couple’s live performances: “The tandem’s live performances are a joy to behold. Sanchez’s beats build and build on the dance floor like any good house music set, then Zimmerman joins the production, adding layers of intricate drum rhythms that both complement and contrast with the synths.” The chill track mixes analog guitars, drums, and distorted synths with hypnotic vocals resulting in a dreamy, euphoric ride. I like. You can Instagram the duo here.

The Queen of Drag, RuPaul released a new rap single called “I’m That Bitch,” featuring tongue-in-cheek lyrics that reference his recent hilarious appearance on Jimmy Fallon that went viral. Had to almost cancel Jimmy, put him in a bodybag / He called me a drag queen. Bitch, I’m the Queen of Drag DRAG QUEEN?!? Bitch, I’m the Queen of Drag / D-D-DRAG QUEEN?!? Bitch, I’m the Queen of Drag In case you forgot let me remind you that I, I, I’m That Bitch Is there really anything else I need to say? You can definitely bounce to this bop as you dance into the weekend.

Out singer/songwriter mxmtoon releases her new track and music video, “Quiet Motions,” which celebrates those moments when we keep our own company. “One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in my short time so far on this earth is that finding comfort in your own company is a wonderful thing,” shares the 19-year-old pop star. “As an introvert, it’s always been a practice of mine to recluse and hang out by myself as a way to recharge my energy, and I think finding those quiet moments throughout my weeks has kept me sane throughout life.” As an introvert myself, I can completely relate with that. “Quiet Motions” pairs guitar-driven orchestration with the artist’s airy, evocative vocals. Find her on Instagram here.

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Mayor Pete’s New Gig – Guest Hosting For ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’

Pete Buttigieg hosts ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ (screen capture)
With his exit from the Democratic primary race last week, Pete Buttigieg found himself available when Jimmy Kimmel called and asked if the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana would guest host his late-night talk show. Mayor Pete handled the hosting duties with panache even delivering the opening monologue which took aim at some prominent names as well as himself. Due to the coronavirus threat, Buttigieg’s studio audience was comprised of a handful of crew members, show staffers, friends and of course husband Chasten. “This was not our plan,” Buttigieg explained. “We just decided this a few hours ago, and it’s disappointing because I love to crowd-surf. It’s kind of my thing.” “But the experts have told us the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to physically stay apart, so that’s what we’re going to do,” he added as he camera panned across the nearly empty audience seats. “The only way we’re going to get through this crisis is with unity, so let’s do this together. Who’s with me?” Cut to footage of a massive, wildly cheering crowd.

Keeping it honest, Buttigieg did confirm: “Full disclosure, none of those people are here.” He then added, “But when you don’t have a real audience, you have to fake one, just like Trump’s inauguration.” #Boom “As you know I dropped out of the presidential race last week, which was unfortunate, but what can I say: Some candidates know when it’s time to get out of the race, and some candidates are Tulsi Gabbard,” he continued. #Suh-Nap “I really thought we had a shot, but it turns out I was about 40 years too young, and 38 years too gay,” Buttigieg said with a smile. “Although we didn’t win, we did achieve some pretty big milestones,” he proclaimed. “I’m the first gay person ever to win a presidential primary and the first gay man in 30 years to wear pleated pants. We all have our journey.” Noting how quickly things can change on a day-to-day basis, Buttigieg showed his audience “living proof that America will always be America” as footage of former half-term governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, rolled revealing her to be the rainbow bear on The Masked Singer Wednesday night. After a pause, Buttigieg remarked, “That’s gonna be me in three months, isn’t it?”

Later in the show, Mayor Pete interviewed Tony Hale (Veep) and the one and only Sir Patrick Stewart who is promoting his return to the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the new series, Star Trek: Picard.

Buttigieg, a life-long Star Trek fan, even went head-to-head with Stewart in a trivia game titled, “Who’s the Captain Now?” hosted by the one and only LeVar Burton.

Chasten took to Instagram to share behind-the-scenes moments with Buttigieg and his guests.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

What a night! #PeteOnKimmel

A post shared by Chasten Buttigieg (@chasten.buttigieg) on

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Broadway Goes Dark Amid Coronavirus Concerns

(photo: Ludovic Bertron/Flickr – CC License)
The New York Post reports concerns about the coronavirus has brought the curtain down on all Broadway shows as producers have announced a 4-6 week shut down. The shut down is expected to last from four to six weeks. Actor’s Equity Association, the union which represents actors and stage managers, has apparently pushed for the shut down out of concern for its members. “Equity is driving this,” said one producer to the Post. “If actors don’t feel safe, they don’t have to perform.”  

The pause in performances could have a long-lasting effect on several productions past the temporary shut down. “The Minutes,” a new play by award-winning playwright Tracy Letts, was scheduled to open this Sunday night. The Post’s Michael Riedel reports it’s possible the production will close permanently without ever officially opening. UPDATE: A spokesperson for “The Minutes” has since reached out to confirm the production “was always going to return and is confirmed to reopen the week of April 13.” The Post has updated its reporting as well. Two productions scheduled to open this spring – Martin McDonagh’s “Hangman,” and the new “Sing Street” – may try to postpone until the fall. Even long-running Broadway stalwarts could shutter due to the shutdown. “The Phantom of the Opera,” the longest-running production on the Great White Way, is supported in great part by ticket sales to foreign tourists. Depending on the recently-announced travel bans, Michael Reidel at the Post suggests the show may shut down for good. It’s estimated that the shutdown will cost more than $100m in ticket sales, reports The Guardian. Several major events have also announced shutting down. The NCAA announced on Wednesday the upcoming college basketball March Madness tournament will have very severely attendance at games. Only essential coaching staff, players, and limited family members will be allowed to attend. The NBA has canceled all games after Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for coronavirus this week. Since that announcement, two more Utah Jazz players have been diagnosed with the virus as well. And music festivals Coachella and Stagecoach have been postponed until October amid coronavirus concerns, festival officials said. Both events were scheduled to take place in California’s Coachella Valley in April. (source: NY Post)  

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NYC GLAAD Media Awards Canceled Due To Coronavirus Threat

GLAAD, the world’s LGBTQ media advocacy organization, announced today that the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York will no longer occur next week following new guidance from the New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo around COVID-19. Rich Ferraro, Chief Communications Officer and an Executive Producer of the GLAAD Media Awards, issued a statement which read, in part:

“Given GLAAD’s long-standing commitment to the safety of our members, sponsors, and guests, the GLAAD Media Awards will no longer take place on March 19th in New York City. The team at GLAAD has been in communication with the City of New York and is following the latest recommendations from Governor Cuomo.

“We were planning to unveil a historic get-out-the-vote campaign at the event because everything is at stake for LGBTQ Americans this election year, and are hopeful that the program and GLAAD’s ongoing work to fight against anti-LGBTQ discrimination will continue to be supported and funded.”

Hollywood producer/director Ryan Murphy (GLEE, Pose, American Horror Story) and Tony/Emmy Award-winner Judith Light (Ugly Betty, Transparent) were to be honored for their LGBTQ advocacy. Lilly Singh was set to host the event while Ben Platt and Adam Lambert were scheduled to perform. Ferraro noted that nominees for awards will be contacted shortly with plans for how award categories scheduled for the New York show will be announced. GLAAD is also consulting with public health officials in Los Angeles about the status of the west coast edition of the GLAAD Media Awards scheduled for next month. The GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues. Since its inception in 1990, the GLAAD Media Awards have grown to the most visible annual LGBTQ awards show in the world, sending powerful messages of acceptance to audiences globally.

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Wildly Diverse Characters Find Connection In New Series ‘Stranger Hearts’

Matt Moran as Billy in ‘Stranger Hearts’ (all images via Dekkoo)
Queer streaming platform Dekkoo will premiere its new drama series, Stranger Hearts, on Thursday, March 12. Created by filmmaker Kevin James Thornton (“How To Get From Here To There”), the five-episode series follows three queer characters from vastly divergent backgrounds: Luka (played by Amo (MTV’s “The Real World” 2016), Billy (played by Matt Moran), and Andre (newcomer Qua Robertson Harper). Andre, a shy, closeted African-American man, lives with his mother (played by Keisha Cunningham). After accidentally finding her son’s stash of gay porn, she makes sensitive attempts to connect with her son as he struggles with his burgeoning sexuality. Cunningham’s work throughout the series is especially nuanced and authentic.
Qua Robertson Harper as Andre in ‘Stranger Hearts’
Billy, a smooth-talking media mogul by day/leather bar aficionado by night, finds his life turned upside down when he’s faced with an unexpected health crisis. And Luka is a gender-nonconforming photographer who finds himself down on his luck financially who decides to try online escorting in an attempt to make ends meet.
Amo as Luka in ‘Stranger Hearts’
Described by the network as “thoughtful, sexy and deeply heartfelt,” the new drama doesn’t rush to hit you over the head with scandalous, over-the-top scenes. Instead, the pace – while not slow – is pensive and precise. Thornton often allows his actors’ eyes or facial expressions to convey a moment’s plot point rather than verbose language. Eventually, the three characters find themselves connected via work, family, or fate. Make sure you reach the final episode as Thornton offers surprises, big and small, along the way.

  As more and more queer content becomes available online, it’s refreshing that Stranger Hearts doesn’t opt for stereotypic, cookie-cutter characters. All five episodes of the first season of Stranger Hearts will be available on Dekkoo beginning March 12th.  Dekkoo is available internationally via iTunes, Google Play, Xbox, AppleTV, Xfinity X1 and Roku.  In the U.S. and U.K., Dekkoo is also available via Prime Channels.

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Amid Coronavirus Concerns, Madonna Forced To Cancel Final ‘Madame X’ Dates

Matt Rettenmund's front row ticket to Madonna's Madame X concert

Coronavirus cancels Madonna’s final two ‘Madame X’ dates
Even the Queen of Pop can’t escape the reach of the coronavirus epidemic. Calm yourselves – no, Madonna hasn’t become infected by the virus. But because the French government is currently prohibiting gatherings of over 1,000 in public, Madge’s last two performances of her Madame X tour have been canceled. The concerts, scheduled to take place later this week at the 2,800 seat Grand Rex in Paris, could not be rescheduled. A statement posted to Madonna’s official website read:

Following official notification from the Office of the Police this morning prohibiting all events with an audience attendance of over 1000, Live Nation regrets to announce the final two Madame X performances previously re-scheduled to 10-March and 11-March are forced to be canceled. Tickets are refundable at point of purchase. We regret the disappointment to fans.

Madonna posted her own message to fans via Instagram, writing, “A Bittersweet Farewell. One of the most magical experiences of my life. I take nothing for granted. Thank you Paris.”

According to news outlet France 24, France’s tally of coronavirus cases has reached 1,412 including the country’s Culture Minister, Franck Riester. There have been 25 coronavirus-related deaths in France reported. Madonna wasn’t alone in canceling her shows. Pearl Jam has postponed its North American tour due to coronavirus concerns, and Pentatonix has postponed the European leg of the World Tour. While she may deem her tour a ‘magical’ experience, Madge has trudged on city by city despite injuries sustained in rehearsal. She’s been forced to cancel over a dozen performances due to “unbearable pain,” and has seen two class-action lawsuits filed against her for shows that began hours late. Along the way, she’s shared videos of post-show ice baths and walking with the assistance of a cane on days off.

Take a bow, Madonna. Well-earned.

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New Music: Issues Drops Colorful/Upbeat Music Video ‘Rain’

It’s currently raining here in Las Vegas, so the timing couldn’t be better to check out the banging new music video ‘Rain’ from metalcore/pop band Issues. “I actually wrote the song ‘Rain’ years ago, and somehow, the demo rose from the dead and my bandmates really liked it,” says singer Tyler Carter. “We knew we had to do our Issues thang on it! I’m glad it’s gotten the amount of love it has because it’s such a relatable and catchy song. Due to all the fan love from the song, we felt that it deserved a video.” While Issues definitely has its metalcore roots, the guitar-driven “Rain” blends in a bit of power pop that results in a deftly-layered track sure to please folks who like some punch to their pop. “Why the hell is it raining so much  / And why are you always clouding my mind / Why the hell is it raining so much / I’m just tryna have a good time” Issues is flying high after the release of their critically-acclaimed album, Beautiful Oblivion, in October 2019. The collection garnered over 24 million streams as the band enjoyed a successful fall tour in support of the record.

The members of Issues (courtesy photo)
Carter, who came out as bisexual in 2015, is one of the few LGBTQ voices in metalcore music today. And he’s not shy to speak up about inclusivity and tamping down toxic masculinity. In an interview with Revolver last fall, he was asked about how he found his niche in the hypermasculine world of rock music. Noting that “there’s a lot of toxic masculinity” in the rock community, Carter shared that he feels Issues “has always invited diversity” to their shows. “There’s a lot of African Americans, Latin people, and then beyond that just like emos, jocks, military veterans, skaters,” he continued. “There’s always been such an array of different kinds of people at our shows, and it’s something we’ve always been passionate about letting people know, everyone is accepted and loved and we’ve noticed a lot more trans inclusivity at shows.” He added, “It’s all about just letting people know they’re accepted here and we make sure we can try and stop any kind of toxic masculinity at our shows.” And speaking of shows, Issues has announced a new concert tour with 30+ dates. For more info about Issues and the newly-announced concert dates, click over to the official website here.

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Sherry Pie Disqualified Just Hours Before RuPaul’s Drag Race Debut

Sherry Pie (image via World of Wonder)
RuPaul’s Drag Race has canceled Season 12 contestant Sherry Pie after numerous allegations of catfishing young men for nude photos went viral. Aspiring actor Ben Shimkus posted on his Facebook account an emotionally jarring story regarding Joey Gugliemelli aka Sherry Pie, who makes her Drag Race debut tonight. My Instinct Magazine colleague Mickey Keating first broke the news of Shimkus’ story with an exclusive interview with him regarding his experience with Gugliemelli. Posing as a casting director for a prestigious theater company in New York City, Gugliemelli would entice young male actors to send explicit photos and video clips as ‘audition’ materials for a new play to be presented. After Shimkus’s post went viral, several others came forward with similar stories. Eventually, Gugliemelli took to Facebook himself and copped to the accusations.

“This is Joey, I want to start by saying how sorry I am that I caused such trauma and pain and how horribly embarrassed and disgusted I am with myself. I know that the pain and hurt that I have caused will never go away and I know that what I did was wrong and truly cruel. Until being on RuPaul’s Drag Race, I never really understood how much my mental health and taking care of things meant. I learned on that show how important “loving yourself” is and I don’t think I have ever loved myself. I have been seeking help and receiving treatment since coming back to NYC. I truly apologize to everyone I have hurt with my actions. I also want to say how sorry I am to my sisters of season 12 and honestly the whole network and production company. All I can do is change the behavior and that starts with me and doing that work.”

In the wake of Gugliemelli’s admission, RuPaul’s Drag Race announced that, while the bulk of Season 12 has already been filmed, Sherry Pie “will not appear in the grand finale scheduled to be filmed later this spring.” Sherry’s entre to RPDR and ‘cancel culture’ begins tonight on VH1.

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Netflix Announces ‘Schitt’s Creek: The Farewell Tour’

The cast of ‘Schitt’s Creek’ (via Instagram)
We haven’t seen the last of Schitt’s Creek just yet! Streaming giant Netflix has announced its first-ever comedy tour of North America – Schitt’s Creek: The Farewell Tour! Squee!!! The event will be a live, improvisational show featuring the stars of the hit sitcom. The comedy tour will also take part in Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration on May 1 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. “Couldn’t say goodbye without saying thank you to all of you,” Dan Levy wrote on Instagram. Levy adds that tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 am local time. Twelve dates have been announced so far including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Washington DC, Orlando, Boston and more. Levy notes that more dates will be added to the tour schedule. Dan and Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Annie Murphy, Noah Reid, and Emily Hampshire are all scheduled to appear on the tour.