Tag: out musicians

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Out Music: John Duff Skewers The City Of Angels In ‘I Hate L.A.’

John Duff in his new music video 'I Hate L.A.'

John Duff in his new music video 'I Hate L.A.'
John Duff in his new music video ‘I Hate L.A.’
Out singer/songwriter John Duff releases his fun and infectious new single, ‘I Hate L.A.’ which riffs on all the things about Los Angeles the artist loathes. Duff’s negative outlook isn’t so much about the City of Angels itself but “what Los Angeles represents ideologically.” “It’s about the product being sold – all in all, it’s about lack mentality,” adds the woofy artist. “I wanted to create something out of my negativity that sounded anthemic and proud.”
A scene from 'I Hate L.A.'
A scene from ‘I Hate L.A.’
Setting out to glamorize his view of the city, Duff and his director Brad Hammer worked to include layers of symbolism in each scene. Whether its laying on Astroturf, dressed as a rhinestone cowboy, puffing on cigarettes while surrounded by healing crystals, or standing next to a $130,000 G-wagon filled to the gills with plastic bottles from fancy juice places, wearing an “I Voted” sticker, Duff wants the viewer GET the hypocrisy he sees in LA. The painted face scene is a nod to the city’s beauty influencers, an industry that ranks low in Duff’s estimation: “I think marketing ‘facial improvement’ to children is kind of gross.” Follow John Duff on Instagram here and on Facebook here. Check out the clever music video below. You can find my previous coverage of Duff’s music here.

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News Round-Up: May 19, 2021

Demi Lovato comes out as nonbinary

Demi Lovato comes out as nonbinary
Actor/singer Demi Lovato (screen capture)
Some news items you might have missed: • Christian Post: A licensed therapist is suing Washington state over its 2018 law banning so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for minors. The therapist is being represented by virulently anti-LGBTQ hate group Alliance Defending Freedom. • NBC Out: Actor and singer Demi Lovato came out as nonbinary today and said they would be changing their pronouns to they/them. “Today is a day I’m so happy to share more of my life with you all,” Lovato wrote in a social media post in announcing the news. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPD6wPqHH20/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link • Washington Post: The European Union on Wednesday agreed to open its borders to vaccinated Americans and others, after more than a year in which travel into the bloc has been severely restricted, a spokesman said Wednesday. • Out Music: LGBTQ-led band Hemisphere has been nominated for ‘Best World Music Album’ by the prestigious San Diego Music Awards for their album American Dreams. The album is meant to emphasize and promote the spirit of ‘Unity’, ‘Diversity’, and ‘Equality’. Hemisphere members Rob Shinno and Don Bowman have been publicly out since 1994.

• CBS News: Fox News Media filed a motion to dismiss a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit filed against it by Dominion Voting Systems over false claims about the 2020 presidential election amplified by some of its hosts. The motion laughingly says Fox’s “responsible journalists covered both sides” of the controversy and that the network’s opinion hosts provided commentary which “a reasonable viewer” would consider as little more than “hyperbole.” • Twitter: Rep. Tim Ryan was DONE with Republican House members who voted against a bipartisan commission to investigate the January invasion of the U.S. Capitol building. The measure passed by a vote of 252-175, with 35 Republicans joining Democrats in supporting the plan. Note – Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN), brother of former Vice President Mike Pence, voted against the bill even though the rioters on January 6 called for hanging his brother.

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Tom Goss, Daniel Franzese, And The Return Of ‘Nerdy Bear’

Tom Goss and Daniel Franzese in 'Nerdy Bears: The Markaholic Remix'
Tom Goss and Daniel Franzese in ‘Nerdy Bears: The Markaholic Remix’

Out singer/songwriter Tom Goss has been extolling the virtues of hirsute plus-sized gay men for years, and now he’s back to celebrate those gay geeks with fuzzy cheeks with ‘Nerdy Bear: The Markaholic Remix.’

The new single and music video revisits Goss’s popular ‘Nerdy Bear’ release from last summer but reinterprets the tune from the bear perspective.

The original track was a pop track with sultry R&B vibes, but the new release (by LA-based producer Markaholic) raises the BPMs and features Mean Girls star Daniel Franzese.

Tom Goss and Daniel Franzese in 'Nerdy Bears: The Markaholic Remix'
Tom Goss and Daniel Franzese in ‘Nerdy Bears: The Markaholic Remix’

Franzese, one of the gay community’s ultimate ‘nerdy bears,’ says the idea to remix the song was his.

“When Tom’s original came out last summer, I was like ‘OMG, it’s about time we got an anthem of guys pursuing us in song,” says Franzese. “We should do a remix of this track where the bear responds that he’s down to party—and I should rap on it!’”

And that’s exactly what happens as Franzese drops some rhymes that weave sexual connotations with 80s arcade game references.

“If you like whips and chains, we can do the Double Dragon,” referencing the martial arts game. He continues with “I’ll follow you down your Oregon trail and hitch on to your wagon.”

Tom Goss and Daniel Franzese in 'Nerdy Bears: The Markaholic Remix'
Tom Goss and Daniel Franzese in ‘Nerdy Bears: The Markaholic Remix’

Along the way, the music video touches on the cherries in Pac-Man, shapes from Tetris and the mushrooms in Mario Brothers.

Like Tetris when I’m finished, I dream of your shape for hours Beat your big boss baby, your Gannon, your bowser Give your boy a mushroom and I’ll grow like I’m supposed to Love a Harry pothead, winggarda levioso Grab a joystick, come get closa, scoot-a cross da-sofa, Chew and chomp these cherries Pac Man, don’t worry, I won’t ghost ya

The idea behind the music video is to convey the confidence Franzese and others in the gay bear community have built by not only accepting their girth, but embracing it. “It’s fun to find unique ways to amplify body positivity and happiness,” says Franzese.

Plus, Goss brings a few smiles of his own in the video, throwing down his own brand of stripper moves. It’s all big fun with some big beats.

Tom Goss in 'Nerdy Bears: The Markaholic Remix'
Tom Goss in ‘Nerdy Bears: The Markaholic Remix’
Franzese has collaborated with Goss before having played the singer’s husband in a series of videos from Goss’s album, Territories. “It’s always fun to work with Danny, and at this point it seems like we’re just making up opportunities to work together,” Goss laughs. Tom Goss was 22 and in seminary, training to be a Catholic priest, when he realized his strong attraction for plus-sized men, known as “bears” in the gay community, and nerdy ones to boot. “‘Nerdy Bear’ is authentic to my experience and relays my unique perspective that beauty doesn’t fit a standard mold,” he says.

‘Nerdy Bear: The Markaholic Remix’ is available on all major digital platforms.

You can check out the music video below and follow Tom Goss on Instagram here.

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Podcast: Catholics Defy Vatican, Skittles Loses Rainbow For Pride, More States Ban Gay Panic Defense

The Randy Report podcast

The Randy Report podcast delivers the week's top stories in a quick, convenient podcast - 'the 60 Minutes of gay news - only shorter' In this week’s headlines: • Catholic priests in Germany defy the Vatican and bless same-sex unions • GLAAD looks at social media safety for LGBTQ users • A 20-year-old gay man was beheaded by his own family in a brutal ‘honor killing’ in Iran • The gay panic defense is banned in two more states…and counting • Skittles defers to the true “rainbow” for Pride Month • New music from out singer/songwriter Milahroy ‘Daylight’ (Link to music video) All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

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Out Music: Sylas Dean ‘Shine’

Out recording artist Sylas Dean

Out recording artist Sylas Dean
Out recording artist Sylas Dean (photo: Brett Stanley)
Queer hyper pop artist Sylas Dean drops his debut EP American Dreeming, where he explores longing, love and heartbreak with a vintage glam rock influence. The lead single for the synth-pop collection, “Shine,” is a glossy, summer-ready romp with an irresistible beat and muscular vocals. Armed with a shimmering dance-driven sound and an eye for dreamy imagery, Dean looks and sounds ready to roll. Follow him on Instagram here.

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Out Music: Greyson Chance, Bryce Bowyn, ÖZLEM, Matt Palmer

Greyson Chance drops his new single 'Hellboy'
Greyson Chance drops his new single, ‘Hellboy’
As we jump into May – just weeks away from Pride Month – this is a good time to explore new bops from some of our favorite queer artists. Here’s my roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists. Out artist Greyson Chance throws down some 80s and 90s flashback flavors with his latest single,”Hellboy.” Opening with dark synths, we follow a hooded Chance to a suspicious nighttime meeting where a mystery dancer sporting a flashy, red tracksuit appears grooving to the dance inspired pop hooks of “Hellboy.” Eventually, Greyson becomes the dancer in red, riding the synth wave into the night. The dance-heavy new track is the latest tease from Chance’s long-awaited forthcoming EP, TROPHIES, set for a June 25th release. Over the past year, Chance has kept a very healthy release schedule  the well-received singles “Boots,” “Dancing Next To Me,” the revealing “Bad to Myself,” in which Chance opened up about his battle with an eating disorder, and this past January’s “Holy Feeling.” Hit play below. You can follow Chance on Instagram here.

Bryce Bowyn - Mirror Mirror by Clarissa Villondo
Bryce Bowyn (photo: Clarissa Villondo)
Queer dance-pop artist Bryce Bowyn pulls listeners into the story of a bad breakup with his infectious and anthemic new single “Ruthless.” Bryce Bowyn is a Washington, D.C.-based singer-songwriter and innovative audiovisual artist whose dynamic, story-focused songs and electric performances have captivated the attention of audiences around the nation. An empowering track with a dark edge, “Ruthless” follows the end of a relationship, where, sick of being the one to always get his heart broken, Bowyn turns the tables and becomes the one to shatter his partner’s heart first. You can watch the music video for “Ruthless” below and follow on Instagram here.

ÖZLEM (pronounced “Uss-lem”), the project conceptualized by queer, non-binary singer-songwriter and producer Liam Lyons-Shields, explores themes of identity, culture, and longing through enigmatic-tinged dark pop. Inspired by everyone from Lady Gaga, to SOPHIE, to Avril Lavigne and Hannah Montana, ÖZLEM is ready to continue pushing boundaries in music with its first official release, Fagpop. A 7-track audiovisual project, Fagpop is a journey through a night out in New York City – getting ready, arriving at the function, taking in the party, having a smoke break, and coming down from the high of the night. All its glamour, all its glory, all its heartbreak. Nostalgic pop sounds reminiscent of eras past find new life through clever, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and atypical themes. Fagpop is due out June 4th, 2021 on all platforms. You can follow ÖZLEM on Instagram here. Take a listen to lead single, “Marlboro Man,” below.

Matt Palmer (courtesy pic)
Los Angeles-based pop singer, songwriter and producer Matt Palmer has released his new single “I Don’t Want It,” a sexy and confident single off of his upcoming EP, The Good Parts. The Good Parts – which drops May 28 – features sleek and modern pop/R&B production alongside singable melodies, confessional lyrics, and dynamic vocal arrangements. “When I started working on The Good Parts, I was going through a break up and planned on it being 100% a break up record but it really evolved into something else as things evolved in my personal life,” says Palmer. “I hope it’s a good soundtrack for us as we figure out what life is like post-lockdown!” “‘I’ve written so many broken-hearted boy songs up to this point that writing a song from the perspective of someone who’s afraid of commitment and, in turn, doing the heart breaking was really fun,” Palmer says about the new single. Hit play below and follow Palmer on Instagram here.

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Out Music: Wrabel ‘good’

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Wrabel

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Wrabel
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Wrabel
Out singer/songwriter Wrabel drops his latest single, ‘Good,’ which urges the listener to let go of past disappointments and be present in the here and now.

Let a good thing be good… Don’t you let a good thing go bad

The piano-driven track serves up soaring, soulful vocals by Wrabel accompanied by a rich and earthy gospel chorus. And it’s impossible to miss the artful songwriting skills at hand as he deftly crafts the storytelling through not just the lyrics but the emotional musical build and release of the song. As with his previous hits ‘The Village‘ and ‘11 Blocks,’ Wrabel journeys through an earnest exploration of those personal aspects of life that can be scary and unsure.

A tender moment from the music video for Wrabel's "Good"
A moment from Wrabel’s new music video, ‘Good’
“I feel so lucky to have worked with (video director) Carlos Asse on this video,” Wrabel says. “We wanted to build off of one of my favorite lyrics in the song – ‘I know you still see him in your apartment , let me in i’ll paint the walls’ – following a couple as they move into a new space – like a fresh start.” “Whether it’s anger, resentment or hurt, sometimes it’s the smallest disagreement that can send those feelings from the deep – down to the surface,” adds the artist. “The smallest thing can turn a good thing bad. But leaning in and trusting can keep a good thing good.” American Songwriter hailed Wrabel as “one of Hollywood’s finest songwriters for a decade” as the extensive list of his collaborations include artists like Kesha, Pink, Backstreet Boys, Louis Tomlinson and many more. ‘good’ prefaces Wrabel’s upcoming debut album scheduled for release later this year. Hit play below, and you can follow the artist on Instagram here. I really like this.

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News Round-Up: April 30, 2021

NIKO releases his latest single, "Dance Again"

NIKO releases his latest single, "Dance Again"
NIKO releases his latest single “Dance Again” (photo: Billie Black)
Some news items you might have missed: • LA Magazine: Former N’SYNC member Lance Bass is about to open “the biggest gay nightclub in the USA” in West Hollywood. The new club will land at the same location of the long-running, but now-defunct, RAGE. • NBC News: Amid a slew of anti-transgender bills working their way through state legislatures, the American Medical Association has written an open letter asking governors to veto legislation that would prohibit physicians from providing transition-related care. • BosGuy: It’s Furry Friday over at the longtime Boston-based gay blog. Click here for previous installments of furry goodness at BosGuy.
(image via BosGuy)
• Washington Post: Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is an apparent ‘no’ vote on statehood for the District of Columbia. Manchin says there should be a constitutional amendment to move DC up to statehood, but there were no such amendments in making Alaska or Hawaii states. • Fox5 Atlanta: The family of Ashli Babbitt, the insurrectionist who was shot by Capitol Police while illegally climbing through a window in the Capitol building, is apparently planning on suing the officer and police department for $10 million.

• New Music: Dance into the weekend with the latest from Randy Report favorite, NIKO (top photo) who wants us all to “Dance Again.” Inspired by classic 90s trance tracks, the LA-based Euro Pop artist takes us on an uplifting sonic journey featuring effortless shimmering vocals, switching with equal ease between Italian and English, as that groovy bass line bops like a boss. NIKO says the track was written during the pandemic when he was “missing my loved ones who were thousands of miles away.” “The track can be interpreted very literally (wishing we could go out dancing like we used to), however, for me, the song’s message goes beyond that,” explains NIKO. “It’s about leaving your home to pursue your dreams, feeling homesick, and looking back on a time when life seemed a little more carefree. “

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New Music: Kat Cunning ‘Could Be Good’

Alt-pop artist Kat Cunning

Alt-pop artist Kat Cunning
Alt-pop artist Kat Cunning (promo photo)
Alt-pop artist Kat Cunning recently released her upbeat, downtempo single “Could Be Good” today reminding us to focus on the light around us, not the dark. “’Could Be Good’ is a portrait of the optimism that kept life rich for me this past crazy year,” Kat says of the new track. “I wrote it in a swing of hope as I was falling in love during the pandemic and the lyrics are an intimate retelling of some of those special little moments.”

The non-binary actor and singer shares they would “love for it to inspire hope and courage for others to take a risk.” “There was a lot of darkness in 2020, but this song is a snapshot of the light,” adds Cunning. “Could Be Good” comes a week and a half after Kat Cunning teamed up with The Ally Coalition for Give A Yes! (G.A.Y.), a voicemail bank where fans can leave messages of encouragement, affirmation and hope at (971) 202-0021. Later this Spring, these voice messages of love will be compiled and featured on GiveAYes.com. Hit play to check out “Could Be Good” above. You can follow Kat Cunning on Instagram here. https://www.instagram.com/p/CNffdKnjay7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link