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.
(screen capture from ‘Wish We Were Older’) Queer, non-binary, Indigenous pop singer/songwriter Angel Baribeau – based in Cree Nation of Mistissini, Quebec – tells a tale of love and loss passed to the next generation in this, their newest video for “Wish We Were Older” — available now. Depicting an elderly woman reminiscing with visual memories about her past, the snapshots weave through love and loss and illustrate an uplifting timeline of her life as a queer woman. The pop track bursts with the exuberance of youthful impatience and yearning as Baribeau’s bright, upbeat vocals surge like a dopamine rush.
I want you, and I want you tonightI’ll love you for the rest of my lifeI can’t wait for the day to arriveWe all want to be younger but I wish we were olderI wish we were older
“This music video will be a recounting of a lifetime of true love between an elderly 2 spirit Indigenous couple,” director Patrick Shannon shares of the video’s scope. It shows “the challenges, the joy, the raising of a family in a community where that isn’t common. It’s somber, but beautiful — and a reminder that everyone can find love and bring beauty into this world.” Angel Baribeau (photo: Sukhdev Benning) “Working with an all-Indigenous cast for this video is an incredibly proud moment for me,” Baribeau continues. “I often talk about the importance of Indigenous and Queer representation, and this video is my hope for continuously providing that for Indigenous and Queer youth.” “It’s important to see yourself in the world, and to have an image reflected back at you that accurately represents you,” says Baribeau. “To see that positive imagery is fundamental to a child; at least, it was to me.” “If you don’t see yourself in the world, you might come to question whether your existence is valid,” Baribeau added. “I felt this way for many years while growing up and it was only when I saw more folks like me I realized it’s okay for me to take up space.” For more info head over to Angel’s official website here.
Starbird and the Phoenix In this week’s music round-up, we’ve got something for everyone: alt-pop/folk, dance, guitar rock, and smooth danceable R&B. First up, Starbird and the Phoenix – fronted by queer multi-hyphenate artists Courtney Bassett and Andrew Swackhamer – released their debut alt-pop/folk album STARFIRE this week. Bassett and Swackhamer describe the new album as a “catchy-as-hell, sometimes symphonic Wonderland that takes the listener on a joy ride from lust, queer love and heartbreak to mental health awareness and self empowerment.” “We wrote this album to spread our joy, our pride, our heartaches, and our need to dance it out!,” add the artists. “STARFIRE is a technicolor fireball sent from the stratosphere to light up the dark left by 2020. We hope it moves people to sing/screlt along, to have a dance party, and to feel like you have friends in us, who want you to revel in all that you are!” Check out the first single from the collection, “I’m Fallin,” which has a totally chill pop/folk vibe.
Matt Thompson (photo: Leans Vision) Out artist Matt Thompson drops his first single of 2021, “Accelerate,” an upbeat dance pop song about when we “first start talking to someone and things are new and delicate” but impatience can derail the romance. “I fall in love too fast and have to deal with all of the repercussions of going from zero to hundred,” says Thompson. “I’m always telling myself to be patient and take things slow, and then I end up not.” With a slightly dark quality and a stormy soundscape, the synth-pop track successfully mirrors the lyrics’ push/pull tale of attraction. “Accelerate” is out now on all streaming/download sites.
Pale WavesPale Waves drops their highly-anticipated sophomore album, Who Am I?, alongside the music video for latest single “Fall To Pieces.” The new collection puts a spotlight on frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie’s songwriting which messages a safe space for people to be themselves. Over the last few years, Baron-Gracie has held her life up to the light, reflecting on her own mental health and growing pains but also her experience of falling in love and becoming more open about her sexuality, emerging with a newfound clarity and optimism. The pop/rock track has a rich, grungy Avril Lavigne tilt with a catchy hook and exuberant guitar lines. Baron-Gracie’s vocals are sure and strong gliding across the top shelf production. You can find the new album on all major streaming/download sites here. https://youtu.be/j0tD-2C9vsw
Joshua Sade James (photo: One2One Photography Media) Canadian artist Joshua Sade James says his new single “Closer” is meant to bring to musical life the mood swings that can occur in a relationship. “I want people to start jamming out, then catch themselves saying, ‘oh, WAIT. I thought this was a happy song,'” explains James. Due to travel restrictions in place thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, James shares he and his boo “haven’t seen each other in over nine months, so ‘(pushing) people out of my way to get a little bit closer’ doesn’t sound too far off.” With the music video, James and his collaborators wanted to explore underscoring juxtapositions between ‘light’ vs ‘dark,’ bright colors vs black and white, and love vs rage. “In particular, I wanted to show our emotions that take over our thoughts when faced with conflict,” James explains. “Especially during this lockdown and being long-distance.” “Closer” is available now on all digital streaming/download sites.
In this episode of The Randy Report podcast: • Country music star TJ Osborne comes out as gay • Pete Buttigieg becomes first openly gay White House Cabinet member approved by the Senate • President Biden issues memorandum promoting/protecting LGBTQ rights abroad • Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi says passing The Equality Act is a “priority” • A white Florida man shoots and kills his Black lover but only gets one year in prison • Out singer/songwriter John Duff drops his latest pop bop, “Do It” All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report You can subscribe/listen to The Randy Report on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud and wherever you find your favorite podcasts. If you enjoy catching up on LGBTQ news in a quick podcast, please consider sharing with your friends or on social media 🙂
Out singer/songwriter John Duff (via Instagram) Some news items you might have missed: • The Advocate: For the first time in history, three of the national legacy LGBTQ equality organizations (National LGBTQ Task Force, Human Rights Campaign, and National Center for Lesbian Rights) will be led by Black executive directors. • Back2Stonewall: Former Vice President Mike Pence has been hired by the virulently anti-LGBTQ hate group, The Heritage Foundation, which spends significant energy to extremist policy recommendations to deny access to abortion and birth control and to harm LGBTQ people. • Boy Culture: Joe Manganiello made waves with his retro-punk new look, and now he is immortalizing it on several covers of L’Officiel Fashion Book Hommes Australia (below), all shot by out photographer Mike Ruiz. Joe Manganiello covers L’Official Fashion Book Hommes Australia (photo: Mike Ruiz) • Pink News: A long-awaited study of patients at the NHS Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) has confirmed the majority of transgender teenagers who take puberty blockers to treat severe gender dysphoria feel happier. • NBC News: Fox News is being sued by Smartmatic for $2.7 billion for repeating false rigged election claims. The suit names Fox News, as well as network personalities Lou Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo and Jeanine Pirro, and Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell. • Out Music: Hottie John Duff (top image) gives us something to bop about with his new single and music video, “Do It,” an empowering self-love anthem for anyone out there hoping to follow their dreams.In the new music video, Duff dances in his home paying homage to the likes of Risky Business, Richard Simmons, and even a few of his favorite pop divas. Fun song.
Country music star TJ Osborne on The Ellen DeGeneres Show (screen capture) Following his public coming out on Wednesday, TJ Osborne of the country duo The Brothers Osborne beamed into The Ellen DeGeneres Show to talk about his decision, and how he feels in the afterglow of the love and support he’s received. Describing the experience as a “very emotional day,” Osborne explained he had really only come out to a very few family and friends before yesterday.
“I was asked ‘why do you have to do this?’ and I wish I didn’t have to. I kind of told myself for a long time ‘if everything is equal here and it’s not that big of a deal then why do I have to come out?’ And unfortunately it just isn’t that way.”
“And I got to this point where I knew there was never going to be a perfect time and honestly, now that I’m kind of behind it now – with coming out – it’s so wild to me to think that about the perfect time is always now.”
Like many folks who finally take the very personal step to share this very intimate part of their life, Osborne shared, “I instantaneously felt like I should have done this a long time ago.”
TJ, I hope you feel so supported today. It’s a brave thing to be wholly you in a world and industry that would rather you hide pieces of you behind a mask. #lgbtq#whollylovedhttps://t.co/KePZYq2gKB
Overcome with joy. He’s one of my best friends and one of the bravest people I know. Love you, TJ. Celebrating you today. https://t.co/5Wg5NKkObM // @brothersosborne
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. 
