News Round-Up: July 13, 2021

Logo for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo

Logo for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo Some news items you might have missed: • Instinct Magazine: A record 121 out athletes are set to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, more than doubling the number from the last Olympics in Rio. • Nevada Independent: As of Friday, Nevada (my state) had the fourth highest case rate in the nation per capita over the last seven days; for many days last week, it was first. The Delta variant was responsible for 54% of cases in June in Clark County (where I live) but only 38% are vaccinated. #ugh • OUT: A shirtless man, appropriately wearing a pink shirt wrapped around his head as a pitiful disguise, attempted to rip down a Pride flag, but the homeowners had anticipated such hateful actions and secured the flag with carabiners and screwing posts.

@leftovergainskid tries and fails to steal my pride flag#fail #pride #rainbow #getoffmylawn #ohnowyouwannawearamask♬ original sound – leftovergains

• PopCulture: Actor Jerry O’Connell is reportedly close to closing a deal to become the first-ever full-time male host of The Talk. O’Connell, who is a frequent guest host, would take over Sharon Osbourne’s seat, who left the show earlier this year amid scandal. • Tennessean: The average number of new cases per day in Tennessee has more than doubled in the past two weeks. But the state Department of Health has halted all vaccine outreach to kids – not just for COVID-19, but all diseases – amid pressure from GOP. • Out Music: Singer-songwriter Allison Ponthier recently shared her new single, “Hell Is A Crowded Room,” featuring crystal-clear vocals skimming along a gentle guitar. The  delicate track explores the social anxiety felt by introverts (like me) and learning to push through those challenges.

Out Music: Bobby Newberry ‘Ride’

Bobby Newberry and company in 'RIDE'

Bobby Newberry and company in 'RIDE'
Bobby Newberry and company in ‘RIDE’ (image via Instagram)
The latest single and music video from singer/choreographer Bobby Newberry is titled, “Ride”, a feel-good summer jam about taking chances and chasing dreams. “Sometimes it’s not about the destination but the ride you take to get there,” says Newberry. Adopting a metaphor of falling in love, the singer shares, “There’s nothing better than crushing on someone, getting the butterflies, feeling the magic and imagining the possibilities.” The music video is a high-energy showcase for Newberry (who also handled choreography duties) as he twirls, bumps and grinds alongside an all-male cast of dancers. “The dancing is so clean,” explains the artist. “Much of it was done on the grass and it looks so amazing on film. What you can’t see, however, and what we didn’t know, is that Echo Park is home to hundreds of geese and ducks! We were literally dancing in bird droppings.” Newberry also appears in his first intimate acting scene in the video. The love interest is played by his friend Joey Gentile, and Newberry admits he needed two shots of tequila to loosen up for it. “It was my first time doing a scene like that! Luckily, it was the last scene we filmed that day.”
Bobby Newberry and Joey Gentile (photo: Micky Kurz)
His first major break in the music industry was as a choreographer for Eminem. He would go on to work with a string of the world’s top artists including Nicki Minaj, The Pussycat dolls, Missy Elliot, and Lil’ Wayne. His choreography work has been seen on TV in Dancing With The Stars, X-Factor and many other shows. In 2014, Bobby Newberry released his first single and music video, “Dirrty Up (featuring Jessie and The Toy Boys).” It was soon after followed by his debut EP, The Newberry Special. “I look back at the beginning of my career and laugh at how I thought I was seasoned when I was so not,” he explains. “As an artist, you grow, and I know so much more about everything that goes into the process of creating hit records.” “I am finally at an authentic place where my music represents who I am. My sound is pop, for sure, but it also very diverse, with many different vibes, just like me.” “I hope listeners will take a go on this ride with me,” says Newberry. “It’s a very honest track that I hope breaks down barriers. But most of alI, I hope it makes people want to dance.” Bobby Newberry’s “Ride” is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all digital platforms. Follow him on Instagram here.

Out Music: Zola Simone ‘Iridescent’

The new single from Zola Simone 'Iridescent'

The new single from Zola Simone 'Iridescent' The latest single from Boston-based indie artist Zola Simone, “Iridescent,” captures the 360 degrees of emotion that can flood young love and the wistful, lighter-than-air feeling when vulnerability gives way to ineffable passion. The music video echoes the ebb and flow of the indie guitar track as Simone allows herself to daydream about a love that might (or might not) come to fruition. “There are some shots which we did on super 8 which are supposed to show my (the main character’s) idealistic daydreams of what their relationship could be,” says Simone. “Lots of yearning. Guess that’s part of my brand now!”

(screen capture from ‘Iridescent’)
The 18-year-old owes her initial interest in music to her parents. After writing her first real song at the age of 12, Simone has only been improving her style and writing abilities. As an LGBTQ+ woman, she is no stranger to judgment overcoming her struggles with anxiety and bullying through her music. Having built a fan-base in the New England area, she’s already sold out her first concert as a headliner at The Burren in Somerville, MA.

Zola Simone’s upcoming album, Now You See Me, set to drop later this year, has been teased as being a genre-hopping compilation of songs that maintain a fine line of diverse cohesion. Follow Simone on her journey via Instagram here. “Iridescent” is available to download/stream on all major digital platforms.

Zola Simone (image via TrendPR)

Out Music: Tom Goss & Deven Green ‘Undercover Summer’

Tom Goss and Deven Green in 'Undercover Summer'

Tom Goss and Deven Green in 'Undercover Summer'
Tom Goss and Deven Green in ‘Undercover Summer’
You’ve got to hand it to indie recording star Tom Goss – the man knows a good time when he sees it, and hears it,…and smells it. Goss has teamed up with comedic chanteuse Deven Green (also known as ‘Miss Betty Bowers, America’s Best Christian’) and music producer Ned Douglas for their new single, “Undercover Summer.” The bouncy retro pop bop celebrates friends and enjoying life together wrapped up in a fun B-52s vibe. The bright and colorful music video features dozens of bears frolicking in a sunny, Palm Springs pool setting. But the trio didn’t stop at “sights and sounds” for their new endeavor. The artists have partnered with Brent Leonesio of SmellBent.com to craft an “Undercover Summer” fragrance! The intoxicating blend of coconut oil, suntan lotion, and a light breeze transports fans into the bikini-clad party! “I went to Palm Springs to spend the weekend with Deven and Ned,” explains Tom Goss, whose music videos have garnered over 16 million views. “We knew we wanted to write a big, fun, summery track so we went into the studio. Ned immediately locked into the sound with his incredible bass line. The lyrics poured out of Deven and me and the instrumentation started flying from there!” Tom Goss in his element “We shot the ‘Undercover Summer’ video in beautiful Palm Springs,” says Douglas, who has worked with major music artists including Mick Jagger, Stevie Nicks, Ringo Starr, Katy Perry, and No Doubt. “We got all our closest friends to come by and join us in a pool party! No one wanted to leave.” “After we had created our summertime feast for the ears and eyes, we thought, why do noses always have to miss out on the fun?” continues Deven Green, an award-winning comedy and musical performer. She has performed with the biggest drag queens in the world and appeared as a judge RuPaul’s Drag Race. “With the Undercover Summer fragrance, we can all smell like the season all year round!” Tom, Deven and Ned became fast friends several years ago, when Tom moved full-time to Los Angeles. The trio started performing live concerts together on Facebook every Friday. “We’re like the movie Threesome but without the benefits,” exclaims Tom. They’re excited to perform their song live on stages this summer. Tom Goss’s “Undercover Summer (featuring Deven Green and Ned Douglas)” is available on iTunes, Spotify, and all major digital platforms. The Undercover Summer scent can be purchased at SmellBent.com. Hit the play button below for the Palm Springs party pop treat. You can follow Goss on Instagram here and Green on the Gram of Insta here.

Out Music: POSE star Dyllón Burnside Wants To Take You To ‘Heaven’

Dyllón Burnside

Dyllón Burnside
Dyllón Burnside (image via Instagram)
POSE star Dyllón Burnside recently dropped a new single, “Heaven,” as he returns his focus to music following the finale of his hit FX TV series. In an interview with Pink News, Burnside reflects on how the music industry has changed since he stepped away from his days in the boy band 3D. “Things are very different now,” says Burnside. “We just saw Lil Nas X kiss a man on the BET Awards, and while I think that still sends shockwaves through the Black community and through the hip-hop community, it’s so important – and it’s possible [for him to do that] now. We saw BET get behind it in a way that I don’t think they would have five years ago.” “Now, there’s more space now for me to create the music that I want to make, to talk about what I want to talk about, to put the visuals out in the world that I want to put out, without being told it’s career suicide,” he added. “I think people are starting to get it.”

The 32-year-old artist also notes that queer artists still face a sort of censoring of male on male sexuality. “I push back against that,” shares the singer. “And that’s what I’m saying with ‘Heaven’ – that sex between men is not dirty. It’s holy, it’s sacred, it’s pure. I can relate it to my relationship with God because for me, it’s a spiritual experience.” Check out Burnside’s new single, “Heaven,” along with some posts from his Instagram account. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQzPJZ-L1Iz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CQJxF1DLail/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CN_HzffrQVD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Out Music: Matty Marz ‘Pretty’

Out recording artist Matty Marz

Out recording artist Matty Marz
Matty Marz (image via official website)
New York pop artist Matty Marz looks to take his listeners to a technicolor dance floor with his new single, “Pretty.” “Pretty” puts a new, updated spin on the “lonely pop song” that’ll make you dance through your tears. Inspired by the late 1950’s Doo-Wop sound by artists like Leslie Gore & The Ronettes, “Pretty” is a reimagining of that classic pop landscape with a bit more grit & glamour. Lyrically, telling the story of heartbreak & isolation, Matty sings about a world of his own creation where anything is possible. Tapping into modern production references such as Avril Lavigne, Melanie Martinez & Taylor Swift, “Pretty” transports the listener to a bubblegum pink world of wonder & extravagance. Pop-punk sensitivities meet up with dreamy vocals, gritty beats, and a pinch of sparkling 60s guitar-pop for good measure. It’s truly a bop to bounce to – even alone. Hit play below for the pretty beats. You can follow Marz on Instagram here.

Out Music: John Duff ‘High Heels’ Feat. Lilias White

Out singer/songwriter John Duff

Out singer/songwriter John Duff
John Duff in ‘High Heels’ (screen capture)
John Duff makes our Friday that much better as he drops the larger-than-life, over-the-top music video for “High Heels.” The banging dance floor filler not only has fantastic video effects but features the vocal talents of Tony Award winner Lilias White.

“High Heels” is the first single from Duff’s new EP Homo•Sapien. Billboard’s Stephen Daw calls the collection “some truly incredible dance-floor ready melodies.” Daw added, “It’s on lead single ‘High Heels,’ featuring Broadway legend Lillias White, that Duff shines the brightest, reaching a musical pinnacle equivalent to a confetti cannon exploding as he declares ‘If I looked the way that I feel, I’d be wearing high heels/ Cause you’ve got me feeling elevated.'” You can find my previous coverage of Duff’s audacious music here.   https://www.instagram.com/p/CQrUelZsMZV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Out Music: Kyle Motsinger ‘Retro’

Kyle Motsinger in 'Retro'
Singer/songwriter Kyle Motsinger

Out singer/songwriter Kyle Motsinger is bored with today’s clothing styles. Missing the bolder and more colorful fashions of the past, Motsinger realized he wanted to dunk his junk in some throwback funk and disco.

Born to a beat that folks can wiggle to, Motsinger’s new single, “Retro,” is a fun, upbeat bop that puts deep emotional thoughts aside for a moment.

(screen capture from ‘Retro’)

Instead, our musical ginger hero conjures up scenes of summer parties and high-flying style amid funky disco rhythms and sassy-as-summer horns.

I need to make the outside match the me inside I need to look further back when clothes were amplified Dress me up in Retro Oh Oh / Keep those boring threads away I can’t get no….Oh no / No joy from clothes today 

In the music video (directed by Tyler Jensen), Motsinger dives into his own fashion fantasia at Hamlet’s Vintage in Manhattan. He’s assisted in his ‘retro review’ by drag queen Michael ‘Pickles’ Wakefield as the vintage store clerk.

“Retro” is available for streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, and Soundcloud. Download the new single from iTunes here.

You can check out my previous coverage of Motsinger’s music here, and look for his live performances in Provincetown, Massachusetts, in July and August.

Kyle Motsinger in ‘Retro’

 

Out Music: MDL CHLD ‘Funk (About You)’

Chris Corsini

Chris Corsini
Chris Corsini (credit: Inward Boutique Wellness)
Chris Corsini is on a mission to revolutionize accessibility and inclusivity for Deaf, LGBTQ and BIPOC in both the arts and spiritual communities. As a certified ASL (American Sign Language) Interpreter Corsini has interpreted live performances for numerous pop stars, including Jay Z, Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers, Panic! At The Disco, Camila Cabello, Thomas Rhett, and Shawn Mendes. An artist himself, as MDL CHLD (Middle Child), Corsini finds a natural synergy between his profession as an ASL Interpreter and his passion for performance by integrating Deaf community members both in front and behind the camera, normalizing ASL and captioned content, and prioritizing his own LGBTQ+ community and BIPOC people. His latest music video, “Funk (About You),” is the latest in a series of uplifting, empowering videos that Corsini says are unambiguously “about finding the people you vibe with and letting go of those who do not serve or motivate you.”

The mega-inclusive “Funk (About You)” features an international mix of LGBTQ, Deaf, and BIPOC from Europe, Africa and North and South America both in front and behind the camera. Those in front of the camera include two trans women: Lola Herself, the face of the current Levi’s® Portugal Pride Campaign who was recently featured for her second time in Vogue Portugal and Babaya Samambaia, a semi-finalist on “Portugal’s Got Talent.” Also seen in the video is Alessio Convito, a Deaf, Italian-born Canadian immigrant, visual artist, International Sign news anchor for Deaf news/media platform H3 World TV, and an instructor with QTIBPOC Deaf artists advocacy, Phoenix the Fire. Behind the camera credits include Deaf artist Alexa Hickox, who created the zippy animated captions and Deaf ASL coach and Phoenix the Fire founder, Gaitrie Persaud. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQcLaPyttBO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Out Music: Ryland James ‘3 Purple Hearts’

Out singer/songwriter Ryland James releases his new single, "3 Purple Hearts"

Out singer/songwriter Ryland James releases his new single, "3 Purple Hearts"
Ryland James (bottom) and his boo (screen capture)
Out artist Ryland James titled his new single, “3 Purple Hearts,” after an interaction on his social media led to love. “Early last year, my boyfriend-to-be commented three purple heart emojis on one of my Instagram pictures. I noticed it and somehow immediately knew he was someone special. We fell in love quickly and spent the summer together. “When he had to move back home due to the pandemic, we had to do long-distance. It was one of the most difficult growth periods of my life, but through that growth I learned more than I ever have about myself, and most importantly learned to be proud of who I am.

James says the relationship led to his decision to come out publicly. “I’d never shared that part of myself with my fans or even a lot of my family before,” says the artist. “It was the most honest I’d ever been with myself and the people in my life.” “That time was scary for me, but that was the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made,” adds James. The tender guitar-drive track is James’s musical interpretation of that emotional time in his life: “It’s about my first love and the freedom to be myself that I continue to feel from it every day.” Hit play and make sure you follow him on Instagram here. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQg5yKxnkF9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link