Brandyn Killz (promo photo) Out artist and producer Brandyn Killz recently dropped an upbeat new single written for a friend struggling with addiction titled, “Losin’ It.” The track is an infectious dance anthem for anyone faced with a challenge. “Losin’ It” is a fighter’s anthem,” shared Brandyn in a recent interview with SonicSmoothie. “It’s one of those songs you can use to encourage a friend or give yourself a boost. It’s an instant invite to dance your troubles away with me. Describing his music as “electro-soulpop,” Brandyn views music as a form of release and escape; a place where he can be whoever he wants to be, and where he can invite his listeners to do the same, even if only for a moment.
A blend of pop and modern electro with echoes of 70s and 80s classics, the San Diego-based artist’s analog-meets-digital approach to music (fueled by 10 years of music production experience) results in catchy tunes that are “all electronic & dangerously pop.” Intent on inducing feelings of empowerment and independence, Brandyn’s songs are about finding a positive headspace while dealing with complex emotions. Check out “Losin’ It” below and follow him on social media here. https://www.instagram.com/p/CNGd1N8BjrU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CMvoZpBhiMH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CMaRj7FBhwP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Lil Nas X dropped his new music video, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” on the same day that his blockbuster hit “Old Town Road” became the most streamed single in the U.S. As the 21-year-old recording artist released the new video, he took a second to send a message to his 14-year-old self via Twitter. Addressed to “14-year-old Montero” (his legal name is Montero Lamar Hill), the artist wrote:
“I wrote a song with our name in it. It’s about a guy I met last summer. I know we promised to never come out publicly, I know we promised to never be ‘that’ type of gay person, I know we promised to die with the secret, but this will open doors for so many other queer people to simply exist. You see, this is very scary for me, people will be angry, they will say I’m pushing an agenda. But the truth is, I am. The agenda to make people stay the fuck out of other people’s lives and stop dictating who they should be.”
In the music video, Nas appears in drag, shirtless, wearing knee-high boots and eventually giving a certain red-faced demon a lap dance. At this writing, the video has nearly 5 million views in less than a day. “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” is now available on all download/streaming sites here.
Out singer/songwriter Parker Matthews in ‘What Happened to Us?’
Out singer/songwriter Parker Matthews latest single and music video, “What Happened To Us?,” totally speaks to so many of us when we think a relationship is a true ‘love connection’ but in reality it was fading and we didn’t even know.
While that sounds like a downer, the soundscape of the track is anything but.
With the opening guitar and bass matching a chill pop-synth groove, the song and video conjure up a bit of 80s retro vibe (thinking Phil Collins here) as Matthews and his crisp vocals take us on a night time drive through the dark land of ‘what ifs.’
Matthews shares, “This record reflects on a time when I could see a seemingly infatuating relationship fade away.”
“At first, it was like the rest of the world didn’t exist when we were together, spending long nights and countless hours just the two of us,” adds the handsome artist. “However, over time, that spark faded, he eventually lost interest, and we stopped talking altogether.
“Lost interest.” Trust and believe, we’ve been there, Parker.
“This song touches on the idea that people might say one thing but mean another, or just not deliver on their promises,” says Matthews. “I feel like the song’s fun, strong beat paired with its soulful lyrics helps listeners subconsciously identify those debilitating feelings of rejection, and I hope it helps them begin to heal, too.”
“What Happened To Us” is Parker’s first single release of 2021, debuting this new sound in advance of his upcoming EP No Regular Love, about falling in love, heartbreak, and how there is nothing normal about that special connection.
John Duff and Baby (photo: David Laffe) DJ Baby Duff’s new single ‘100% Baby’ is fun, funny, and a total ear-worm. Out singer/songwriter John Duffconstructed the track and music video as a tongue in cheek laugh about overly-deep lyrics. “Sometimes I feel like my lyrics are too smart and that nobody has an attention span to actually listen to them,” Duff explains. “So, with this one, I wanted to do something extremely stupid as stupid is always relatable.” There might also be some subtle shade here aimed at over-paid DJs who score beaucoup bucks without bringing all that to the table. “It’s not all DJ’s, but definitely some,” Duff clarifies.
Baby Duff steps up and steps out doing all of her own stunts (thanks to dog trainer Kirstin McMillan). Photographer Davide Laffe captured the poised pooch from all her best angles. And animator Sqott pulls the whole thing together with awesome video skills. “I didn’t want the video to be too sexy,” says Duff. “She’s so young.” Will Baby save Planet Earth? Hit the play button to find out. You can find my previous coverage of John Duff and his music here. https://www.instagram.com/p/CMlgxpVjBCi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
NIKO (photo: Billie Black) Check out the latest from LA-based Euro-pop artist NIKO – ‘Idol’ – blending acoustic elements with textured electronic leads & thumping dance beats. “’Idol’ is a song about wanting to be seen and heard,” explains NIKO. “It is also an exploration of the concept of fame, but it mostly can be interpreted as the need for love – the desire to be somebody’s somebody.” Influenced by 90’s dance and house music, ‘Idol’ brings to mind hints of Robyn, Years & Years and Danny L Harle.
A guaranteed floor-filler, the track is pure, unapologetic pop. And NIKO’s confident, well-honed vocals drive the song like a boss. Due to the COVID pandemic lockdown, the track is a truly international collaboration. Working with his producer Joakim Buddee completely remotely, the dynamic duo confabbed via Zoom sessions and email. When ‘go time’ came, NIKO recorded the vocals in a studio on Sunset Boulevard, Joakim mixed the song in his studio in Stockholm, and then whole enchilada was sent to Germany for mastering. Born in Italy, NIKO grew up in a household where the radio was always on and his love for music was informed by icons such as Madonna, Britney Spears and George Michael. Fueled by his passion, NIKO formed a band and started performing in local venues in Milan. But it wasn’t until he experienced nightlife that he discovered a love for dance music. A new door opened, and he started working with DJs as a vocalist. After moving to the U.S., NIKO launched his career as an indie artist releasing his first EP RMNC 21in 2019, a collection of songs inspired by love and lust. He now resides in Los Angeles where he’s working on his upcoming releases, crafting an uplifting soundscape inspired by European pop, immersed in the California sunshine. You can find my previous coverage of NIKO and his music here. Stream ‘Idol’ on Spotify here and on Apple Music here. Singer/songwriter NIKO (via official website)
Joshua Sade James (photo via Instagram) It’s love in the time of quarantine for Canadian artist Joshua Sade James and his yearning new single, “I’ll Wait For You.” “I originally wrote this song about four months into quarantine,” James shares. “It took me less than two hours; all of those feelings were incredibly raw at the time, so I wasn’t surprised at how quickly it flowed. “I’m in a long-distance relationship,” he explains, “and once the borders closed, it became virtually impossible for us to meet — the only way was with the power of FaceTime. “In a way, ‘I’ll Wait For You’ was written almost as a ‘swan song’ to my relationship since we didn’t — and still don’t — know when we will be able to see each other again,” he adds. “I’ll Wait For You” was penned with his grandfather’s acoustic guitar on-hand, but ultimately James knew the background vocals and overall vibe needed to level-up their impact, one way or another. “I just knew I wanted a grand experience to match the feelings I put into the song. Once I started revisiting it, I knew I wanted a choir background which… Checked out. If you ask any of my producers, I am one who is prone to wanting grand embellishments on my tracks!” “Since we were under lockdown, however, I had to improvise. My producer, Mike Tompa, turned my voice into an army of 30!! I cried the first time I heard the song in its full form, and had an ‘a-ha’ moment: when I perform this song live, it’s gonna be epic.” Between shifting rhythms and a romantic rap thrown in for good measure, it all comes together with James’s smooth-as-silk vocals shimmering above the gorgeous pensive production. Wanting to capture “the essence” of his life and the song, James admits there is a duality at play in the music video. “We wanted to capture the two sides of me: the one who is JSJ, who wears extravagant outfits and SLAYYYYYS, and the Joshua who loves being lazy and hanging out in his velour tracksuit. We also wanted to capture the essence of the song: being in love, and separated by factors outside of your control.” “So, naturally, I chose to wear a fancy outfit and sing while lost in the wintry woods, while also in my sweats in a studio on FaceTime. It represents the before and after, the behind the scenes vs the final product, and the stage performance vs the crushing reality.” James kept busy during the pandemic releasing his previous singles and videos, “All Fall Down” and “Closer” in 2020 and early 2021 respectively, as well as a six-track EP, Mirrors And Smoke. He’s also putting the finishing touches on his upcoming EP, JSJ, (Joshua Sade James). In addition to his extensive performing and recording work, James is an active advocate for mental health rights and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Check out the new song, “I’ll Wait For You,” below. You can follow Joshua on Instagram here.
UK rock band Trash Boat (screen capture) New music for your Hump Day listening, and there’s something for everyone ranging from head-banging rock, guitar pop, a classic rock ballad, and pensive, chill hip-hop. First up is the powerful new single from Trash Boat, “He’s So Good,” a concept piece about a young man who, even in the face of abandonment, spite and naked homophobia remains a positive and loyal element in their family; forgiving and loving parents who don’t love him back. “Mercifully, my background is love and support,” explains lead singer Tobi Duncan. “I come from a family who never expected me to be anything other than myself. I will always be thankful for that. I never felt the need to announce that I felt differently, because I didn’t feel different in a way that was upsetting me. I have a brother, a cousin and an uncle, all gay. No issues, just love.” “I too was interested in men the same way I was with women,” continued Duncan. “I reserve my right to be attracted to any one human in the world regardless of their gender/ orientation or whatever. Why box myself in? A label seems limiting. I just felt like me and felt comfortable being so with the support of my family and friends.” It’s not often we get full-on rock music that lands so solidly in the LGBTQ space, but this is terrific. And Duncan’s vocals are killer. The band is teaming up with Hopeless’ Records Sub-City not-for-profit to donate proceeds from merchandise sales to AKT, a charity dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ youth at risk of homelessness in the UK. Follow Trash Boat on Instagram here.
UK songwriter Lande Hekt (photo credit: Gingerdope) UK songwriter Lande Hekt recently released the music video for “December,” a track from Hekt’s critically acclaimed debut solo album, Going to Hell. Going to Hell is an introspective guitar-pop showcase that represents a time when Hekt was coming out. The record details how there were so many things that didn’t feel right in her life, along with learning how to come to terms with being gay. Or, more accurately, realizing that pretending you’re not gay can’t go on forever. Atwood Magazine called the new album “a rousing, emphatic charge through the mind of Hekt. It’s passionate, powerful and thoroughly entertaining.” A track centered around feeling scared to do anything when you like someone, the video for “December” utilizes a single take for the majority of the clip showing her cutting off her own hair in a very bold move. “My hands were shaking as I chopped my hair shorter than I’ve had it since I was four-years-old, whilst trying to remember the words to the song and not cry,” she recalls. Check out the new video below, and follow her on Instagram here.
Jeffrey St. Germain (image via Facebook) Out singer/songwriter Jeffrey St. Germain recently released his latest single, “Evermore.” The piano ballad shares a message of overcoming difficult obstacles that life often throws at us. The track has a dreamy, classic rock vibe as the Canadian-born singer offers solace and peace repeating the lyrics, “It’s alright, just keep fighting.” The track is dedicated to those who have been affected by addiction, depression or anxiety. And after the year we’ve had, who hasn’t? A favorite frontman for cover bands in downtown Las Vegas, Jeffrey began to create and record original songs during the pandemic lockdown with the help of his musical partner and BFF Kevin Woodall. “We wanted to write music that we felt, had been missing from the market; real, authentic and artistic,” says the musical duo in a press statement. Hit the play button below. You can find more on Jeffrey at his official website here.
Blxck Cxsper’s new single ‘Self Medicating’ (screen capture) Montreal artist and Trans Trenderz label founder, Blxck Cxsper returns with their latest single and video for “Self Medicating.” The track represents a more vulnerable side of Cxsper as they recently opened up about their struggles with suicide, depression, and their recent diagnosis of autism. The vibe is chill and introspective, and leads the listener to a terrifically pensive guitar solo. “‘Self Medicating’ is a song about me, an autistic person who is going through life masking as neurotypical, not knowing that that’s what they’re doing and that that’s why they feel so lonely and so hopeless,” says Cxsper. “And the same way this song helped me find the words to finally learn about myself, I’m hoping it will help others the same way.” Earlier this year, Cxsper was named one of Billboard’s first Change Agents: Leaders Stepping Up In A Year of Turmoil, highlighting their efforts to boost up-and-coming Black Trans artists. “Music has the power to humanize Trans people in the eyes of society,” Cxsper told the magazine. “Building a platform to elevate Black Trans voices into the mainstream music industry is the way that I’m contributing my skills to help.” Stream “Self Medicating” here, and you can follow them on Instagram here.
Scott Cruz (photo via Instagram) Out artist Scott Cruz – who describes his music as “elements of rock and pop with a pinch of soul, blues, R&B, and sometimes funk” – recently dropped his new single, “The Reason.” In that he also works as a TV and film composer, Cruz can spin out classical and cinematic styles as well. “As cliche as it sounds, I like to be seen as a recording artist with different expressions,” says the handsome artist. That wide musical perspective can be heard in “The Reason” as Cruz mixes up the beats with winning results on the track. His muscular vocals soar effortlessly above the pop/rock soundscape.
Cruz told Instinct Magazine the new single was “actually written to the world.” “In this time of massive polarizing divides, the one thing people seem to be certain of are their self entitlements,” said Cruz. “It seems people have gotten so wrapped up with the injustices of the collective and their individual world, they’ve forgotten they must still bring something to the table themselves.” “’The Reason’ is my way of calling it out and reminding people, you still need to give someone a reason to love you too instead of demanding everyone love you. We need to live and be (with every ounce of our being) the reason for people to love us.” Hit the play button for “The Reason,” and follow Cruz on Instagram here.
Juan Pablo Di Pace in “Te Sentí” (screen capture) Actor Juan Pablo Di Pace recently turned heads when he starred in this holiday season’s gay cowboy Christmas movie, Dashing in December, and found him totally charming. So, I’m excited to learn the Fuller House star (who came out in 2019) is also an accomplished singer and dancer, and has released his first Spanish song, “Te Sentí.” Described as a love letter to his heritage and to his identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Di Pace co-wrote “Te Sentí” with Latin Grammy winner Paulina Aguirre. The new song is from his upcoming EP Vascular scheduled for release later this year. The music video for “Te Sentí” is a gorgeous, sensual affair playing light against shadows, sharing an inclusive story of desire and lost love.
I felt you / Understood love when I stared at youAnd my poor heart beat so fast for you / Left me breathlessI died trying but in the end I lost you
“It’s important for me to showcase a strong musical style and stories that are honest and truthful to whatever is going on in my life at the time…” Di Pace says in a press statement. “With ‘Te Sentí,’ I was inspired by the feeling of losing someone, and that immobilizing pain you feel when you know it just cannot be.” Whether you understand Spanish or not, you’ll understand what the dashing Juan Pablo Di Pace is singing about here. I like 🙂
EVVAN in ‘I’m Not Done Yet’ (photo: Chris Basford) Alt-folk singer-songwriter EVVAN drops the new single and music video, “I’m Not Done Yet,” an anthem born from a yearning to come out. Directed by Chris Basford, the video depicts EVVAN journeying through a black and white world, void of uniqueness and individuality. Fighting through adversaries both internal and external, she holds tight to the mantra, “I’m Not Done Yet,” until her world bursts open with color. The guitar-driven track ebbs and flows amid top-shelf production as EVVAN’s poignant vocals turn from melancholy yearning to primal defiance “I’m really hoping it’ll reach the people who need to hear it most. I know I wish I had something like this when I was younger,” says EVVAN, who identifies as pansexual and non-binary. “I put links to some websites in the description of the video for anyone who is struggling with their sexuality/gender identity.”
I recently had a chance to chat with EVVAN about the new song, the empowering message of the music video, creativity, and more. The Randy Report: Congratulations on the new single! What inspired you to write “I’m Not Done Yet?” (Put another way – was there a specific incident or episode that sparked the idea or was it a gradual evolution?) EVVAN: Thank you! I’m so excited for it to finally be out in the world. In some ways this song was a gradual evolution. The phrases I used for what “they say” were phrases I’d been hearing for years. I started writing them down and one day when I sat playing around on the guitar, I came across these phrases I wrote down and that gradual evolution quickly became a full song I wrote in minutes. TRR: When it comes to songwriting, which comes first – lyrics or music? (Or – can you share a bit about your creative process?) EVVAN: This question is always so difficult for me to answer. I find that each song comes to me differently. I can write something from one word or feel an emotion and start there, but sometimes I will hear a melody in my head and that will set the stage for what I’m about to write. I like to go with the flow and not overthink when I write, just let it all come out however it wants to. EVVAN in ‘I’m Not Done Yet’ (photo: Chris Basford)TRR: How did you come up with the concept for the music video? Besides bringing the music to visual form, is there a message you’d like the viewer to get? I love that the struggle in the video results in bringing color to your world. EVVAN: That’s exactly the idea we were going for! I kept imagining a world of black and white representing the lack of uniqueness and the inability to show your individuality, so I brought this idea to my director, Chris Basford, and he loved it. We wanted this to come alive through the video and show the protagonist fighting through both internal and external demons to the point where that motto of “I’m Not Done Yet” finally sticks and at the end they’re able to burst wide open with all the colors they’re made up of. My hope is if there is a viewer struggling with coming out and accepting who they are, they’ll see this and know they’re not alone. It’s possible to overcome your demons. No matter who tries to tear you down, you’ll always carry your true self with you and they can’t take that away. TRR: Who has had the biggest influence on your music and why? EVVAN: My music is influenced by so many different artists and bands, but I think Fleetwood Mac and Foy Vance would be the biggest ones. I’m such a sucker for harmonies and when I first heard Fleetwood Mac, I was immediately seduced by the sounds they created and wanted to bring that aspect into my own sound. With Foy Vance, he is a pure storyteller and a brilliant one at that. I remember when his album, Joy of Nothing, came out, I had it on repeat and dissected every single line he sang. Hearing the way he told his stories and allowed the music to color his words inspired me to aspire to do the same. Cover art for upcoming EP, Home, scheduled for release April 30TRR: If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would that be? EVVAN: I think I’d like to collaborate with Brandi Carlile. This answer changes a lot, but in this moment I would love to experience her process in writing and see up close the power and emotion she brings to whichever project she’s working on. Having her talent and passion on a song would be a dream. TRR: What was the biggest thing you learned about yourself in coming out? EVVAN: I would say the biggest thing I learned is how to be carefree. For so many years I felt like a fraud and hid away who I truly was and wanted to be. I got so good at it, too. Friends never knew my struggle, my family didn’t know what was going on, everyone was ignorant to the pain I was unconsciously putting myself through. On the outside, I looked like this happy and healthy girl living her best life. On the inside, I’d cringe at the word girl and ask myself why. I’d second-guess everything about myself and continuously wonder why I felt like a stranger in my own skin. I worked on finding who I am and when I finally figured that out, I worked on finding the confidence to be that person. I’m still learning about what being my most authentic self means and I think I’ll continue to discover bits about myself, but after coming out, I’ve found I care less about what society says or thinks and more about what pair of goofy socks match the pair of “men’s” corduroys I just bought. EVVAN (photo: Ryan B)TRR: What is the best advice you’ve ever received? EVVAN: “Live in the moment.” When I first heard this advice, I thought to myself, “Well, easier said than done.” It took me a while, but eventually this became my mantra. I think we’re so quick to look into the future and worry about everything that needs to get done, but we don’t always have control of the future. It’s easy to fall into the past and dredge up our mistakes, but we can’t fix the “what ifs” and the “could have beens”. Living in the moment allows you to be present and appreciate what you have in front of you, especially the little things. I relate it to taking a photo. You have a perfect shot set up of a sunset, but if you wait too long dwelling on the details of what’ll make it perfect, focusing on what caption you’ll use when you post it, thinking about how you’ll edit it to make the colors pop, the sun will go down and you’ll miss your chance. Life is precious and unpredictable, and you shouldn’t let it pass you by. Make peace with your past, give yourself a little time to plan for your future, but for the rest of it, live in the moment and experience what’s in front of you. EVVAN in ‘I’m Not Done Yet’ (photo: Chris Basford)“I’m Not Done Yet” is available now – click here to stream/download.Click here to pre-save EVVAN’s upcoming EP, Home, scheduled for release on April 30.You can follow EVVAN on Instagram here.
Addressed to “14-year-old Montero” (his legal name is Montero Lamar Hill), the artist wrote: 
Born in Italy, NIKO grew up in a household where the radio was always on and his love for music was informed by icons such as Madonna, Britney Spears and George Michael. Fueled by his passion, NIKO formed a band and started performing in local venues in Milan. But it wasn’t until he experienced nightlife that he discovered a love for dance music. A new door opened, and he started working with DJs as a vocalist. After moving to the U.S., NIKO launched his career as an indie artist releasing his first EP RMNC 21 in 2019, a collection of songs inspired by love and lust. He now resides in Los Angeles where he’s working on his upcoming releases, crafting an uplifting soundscape inspired by European pop, immersed in the California sunshine. 
Wanting to capture “the essence” of his life and the song, James admits there is a duality at play in the music video. “We wanted to capture the two sides of me: the one who is JSJ, who wears extravagant outfits and SLAYYYYYS, and the Joshua who loves being lazy and hanging out in his velour tracksuit. We also wanted to capture the essence of the song: being in love, and separated by factors outside of your control.” “So, naturally, I chose to wear a fancy outfit and sing while lost in the wintry woods, while also in my sweats in a studio on FaceTime. It represents the before and after, the behind the scenes vs the final product, and the stage performance vs the crushing reality.” James kept busy during the pandemic releasing his previous singles and videos, “
