Singer/songwriter NIKO (via official website) Some news items you might have missed: • Out Music: Randy Report favorite NIKO (above) releases his latest single, “Try,” a romantic, intimate anthem dedicated to his partner. With dreamy synths and soft beats, NIKO tells an autobiographical story about overcoming obstacles and finding love. Hit the play button below to check out “Try,” and you can find my previous coverage of the talented artist here.
• Vice: Former classmates of Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old who is charged with killing two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, say he was known as a “ride or die” Trump supporter. “If you said anything bad about Trump, he’d threaten you. Kyle was the type of kid to wear a MAGA hat or other apparel just for attention, or to ‘trigger’ people.” • New York Post: Reviewing Donald Trump’s “longest in convention history” speech – “There was no flow, no argument, no central core. He praised himself and he attacked Joe Biden, just as you’d expect. But he didn’t build a case for himself or a case against Biden — and it’s the construction of such cases that provide the dramatic structure a major speech needs to engage both the head and the heart. For someone who relishes drama, Trump provided none.” • Politico: A former Liberty University student says Becki Falwell, the wife of the school’s then-President Jerry Falwell Jr., jumped into bed with him and performed oral sex on him while he stayed over at the Falwell home after a band practice with her eldest son in 2008. The student, who was 22 at the time of the encounter, said she initiated the act. She then pursued the young man in text messages, and yes, there are screen captures. • Yahoo Sports: The Mets and Marlins took the field last night for only a 42-second moment of silence – most probably in honor of Jackie Robinson – before leaving in solidarity. The only thing left on the field – a Black Lives Matter shirt.
The Mets and Marlins took the field, had a 42-second moment of silence, and then walked off.
Check out the second music video released posthumously for the late Harry Hains (most noted for American Horror Story and The OA), an eerie, pop-synth re-imagining of the classic Nancy Sinatra song, “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).” Created by Harry’s brother, 3D artist and designer Sam Hains, the video is set against the backdrop of glitchy computer game-style production and dubstep skittering drums. Viewers are transported into a video game utopia where art, music, and gaming converge. Harry, who was gender fluid, tragically lost his battle with drug addiction earlier this year. Through the prism of his artistic alter-ego, ANTIBOY, the genderless transhuman, Hains imagined a digital utopia where there is no inequality, prejudice, or toxicity. This is Hains’s second track from the forthcoming concept album A Glitch in Paradise out next month. I previously covered the first single, “Good Enough,” here. An amalgamation of rock, electronica and gothic pop, A Glitch In Paradise explores the virtual world of ANTIBOY as he re-lives his mistakes in order to try to correct them and find happiness. But ANTIBOY experiences glitches and gets stuck in an endless loop of heartache, inspired by Harry’s relationship with then-partner Mike.
American Idol alum David Hernandez drops his latest music video, “Boomerang,” shot on location in Palm Springs during the pandemic.
Don’t worry – the whole shebang was done on the up and up according to COVID-19 protocols with social distancing, and only actual couples that have been quarantined together were doing the kissing, like Hernandez and his boo, Derek Caldera. Continue reading “Out Music: David Hernandez ‘Boomerang’”
Garrett Magee and his big…rooster on Bravo’s ‘Backyard Envy’ Some news stories you might have missed: • InstaHunks: Don’t miss Garrett Magee (above) and company in a new episode of Backyard Envy tonight. Garrett says “tune in for gardening tips, drama, and a big 🐓.” • Out: A 57-year-old man was disowned by his 90-year-old father after the dad discovered his son was gay. “It’s about this homosexuality,” McPherson recalled his father saying. “Your mother and I can’t condone that. You are not to contact us in any way ever again.” • Instinct Magazine: A gay man was denied entry to an Arkansas casino because he was carrying a bag the resort deemed a “purse.” Y’all, it wasn’t that big AND it was Louis Vuitton. They should welcome the guy – he has money to spend. • Tampa Bay Times: Florida logged a new record for the most coronavirus deaths announced in a day with 277 on Tuesday. Tuesday’s record brought the statewide death toll to 8,685 people, according to the Florida Department of Health. #SoMuchWinning • Edge Media: A British heterosexual couple was sentenced in connection with a plot to blackmail a husband and father who had been “struggling” with his sexuality. After extorting over £5,000, the victim went to the police. • Out Music: A new artist to me, London based pop singer Le Fil, drops his latest single and music video, “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.” The upbeat, colorful video pairs well with the catchy hook and 60s-inspired harmonies.
L-R Melody Betts, Kyle Motsinger (screen capture from ‘No Shame’) NYC-based indie singer/songwriter Kyle Motsinger releases the music video to his newest single, “No Shame.” The new single, which has a positive message of self-love, is available now on iTunes, so check out this exclusive peek at the colorful music video and song today. It’s worth noting in 2017, Attitude Magazine conducted a body survey that revealed 84% of people said they felt under “intense pressure” to have a so-called “good body.” Motsinger opens the song with just a few of the self-doubts (hair, body image, body hair) many people, especially in the LGBTQ community, might experience in terms of judging ourselves (and others!) on a daily basis. But then, this furry ginger drops the beat and the shame:
My body is beautiful (Tell myself every day) My body is beautiful (No matter what critics say) My body is beautiful (No one can take that away) My body is beautiful (Can’t tell me that I don’t slay)
Motsinger teams up with singer/actor Melody Betts for the upbeat, disco-tastic track. Audiences will recognize Betts from the acclaimed Jesus Christ Superstar Live! on NBC, and the Broadway production of Sara Bareilles’s Waitress. The video also co-stars Mark Oleszko/Lyra Vega, & Larry Darnell Penn Whitfield. On top of being a banging pop bop, the message of the song takes stares down negative feelings of self-image in high style.
I recently chatted with the furry ginger about the new track and why messaging about body positivity seems to be improving in the LGBTQ community.
The Randy Report: What was the inspiration behind writing the song? Kyle Motsinger: “No Shame” was a response to some criticism I was getting from my conservative family about performances I was doing in NYC that were either more burlesque in nature or featured outfits that were revealing. I’ve gotten to a point where I sometimes feel pretty confident about my body. I say sometimes because there are always days where I maybe don’t feel as fearless as I’d like to be. I wrote this song because I think bodies are beautiful and I don’t think it’s indecent to tastefully show them off. Of course, I probably have a different definition of “tasteful” than some. TRR: You really embrace a groovy disco vibe (which I love). Is that just your innate musical style or is it about meshing a certain message to music? KM: I’m glad you love it! I love dipping my toe into different musical styles for different songs. For me, the story of the song dictates the feel of it. Disco felt right for an anthem about loving your body. My second album is full of an eclectic mix of musical styles. I sum that up in the title song. My music sounds “Any Way I Want It To.” It’s a little sassy and I love that. L-R Larry Darnell Penn Whitfield, Melody Betts, Mark Oleszko/Lyra Vega (screen capture)TRR: Social messaging to combat body shaming seems to have become more mainstream. Do you think so? Or no? KM: I think it has and I’m really glad! There’s always been an image of what you’re supposed to strive for. Diversity has never been very prevalent in terms of body image. I see it changing though. Even in the gay community, I’m seeing more love for bears, trans people, and people of color. We still have work to do though. It was important to me that the music video for “No Shame” showed racial and body diversity. The world is more diverse than media would lead you to believe. It is getting better though.
Me and Snoopy (photo: Denise Truscello) Some news items you might have missed: • Snoop Watch: Just a quick check-in to say Snoopy (the short one above) is doing great settling in with Michael and me. For those interested in #BeagleLife, most of my posts about Snoopy will be on Instagram here. Thanks to Denise Truscello for the pic and to everyone for all the messages of support about our new 14-year-old addition 🙂 • Instinct Magazine: The Lifetime TV channel has announced that it will release its first-ever holiday film with a same-sex romance as the central storyline. The upcoming tv movie is titled The Christmas Set-Up and follows two former high school friends who get (surprise!) ‘set-up’ by one’s mother during holidays at home. • Out Music: Acclaimed singer and songwriter VINCINT recently released “Hard 2 Forget,” the eagerly awaited follow-up to his acclaimed debut EP, The Feeling. The out artist has received raves from the media like this from Eonline: “VINCINT has kept us captivated with his sumptuous synth-pop sound and his outrageous vocals. As masterful with a full-throated belt as he is slipping into a soft falsetto, his is a voice.”
• WOW: Former Grey’s Anatomy actor Isaiah Washington (who was fired from the show for using a homophobic slur) came out to FoxNews as a Trump supporter. In April, the actor tweeted he had left the Democratic party. • Sunday Times: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber on why the now-infamous CATS movie turned out the way it did – “The problem with the film was that [director] Tom Hooper decided that he didn’t want anybody involved in it who was involved in the original show. The whole thing was ridiculous.” • CNN: After repeatedly seeking to discredit mail-in voting, Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed Florida’s election system is “safe and secure” and encouraged Floridians to vote by mail.
Whether you call it Vote by Mail or Absentee Voting, in Florida the election system is Safe and Secure, Tried and True. Florida’s Voting system has been cleaned up (we defeated Democrats attempts at change), so in Florida I encourage all to request a Ballot & Vote by Mail! #MAGA
Tom Goss and Jason Villegas in ‘Nerdy Bear’ (photo: Catalin Stelian) It’s always nice to start the day with a smile 🙂 So, I was happy to see an email this morning from award-winning, guitar-toting, singer/songwriter Tom Goss announcing, “Nerdy Bears are the cutest bears! Naturally, I wrote a song and made a video about it.” While Tom has spent much of the past year promoting his latest album titled, Territories, a moody, richly-layered synth-pop collection exploring the complexities of love. But now, he’s back in fun mode with this homage to those plus-size gamer guys. (screen capture) “Given the hot mess that is 2020 I thought the world could use something light and full of fun, ” says Tom. “And what’s more fun than a ‘Nerdy Bear?'”
Nerdy bear, behind them glasses you’re a dirty bear.So shake that a** in daddy underwear, and let me sneak into your secret lair.
Tom’s handsome co-star, Jason Villegas (Chubby Tanuki on Instagram), is totally ‘game’ for the role.
You can find my previous coverage of terrific Tom on The Randy Report here. Back in 2013, over 200 bears joined together to make Tom’s super-fun video romp, “Bears.” Complete with lots of robust, hirsute men playing with Super Soakers, careening down a slip and slide, and dancing in a club (usually in slow motion), the video celebrates all the furry goodness.
Swedish pop star Darin (image via Instagram) Darin Zanyar, one of Sweden’s best-known pop stars with seven #1 albums since he came to fame on Swedish Idol in 2004, has come out as gay in a post on Instagram. The singer/songwriter, who generally goes by the single name moniker Darin, shared his post during Stockholm’s annual Pride celebration. “Everyone in the world should be able to be proud and accepted for who they are,” wrote Darin on Instagram. “I know how difficult it can be. Took me a while, but I am proud to be gay. Happy pride!”
Kitty Coen in ‘Dark Soul’ (image via Instagram) Any press release that begins with “Psychedelic disco cowgirl realness” is definitely going to get my attention. That’s how Texas-based artist Kitty Coen describes her new song and music video, “Dark Soul.” “I wanted to take the viewer on a psychedelic trip through the mind of Kitty Coen,” says the indie singer/songwriter. “‘Dark Soul’ is a song about being in love or infatuated with something at first glance because of its beauty but then realizing that nothing is as it seems.” Coen says the tune was originally written on acoustic guitar in a friend’s garage. But as she performed it live, she realized the song was, and needed to be, “bigger.” So, she went to Nashville to work on it with her producer and “re-worked it into a western disco dance track.” Acknowledging her musical upbringing on a lot of country music, Coen is clear: “This isn’t country, it’s more like Dolly Parton on an acid trip.” Check out the groovy alt-rock/electropop bop set in Coen’s glam neon world below. You can follow Miss Kitty on Instagram here.
Out singer-songwriter Wrabel shares this new collaboration with Kesha, “since i was young.” “Kesha is like a sister to me,” the artist shared in a statement. “She’s changed my life and changed the way I want to create and showed me what it means to be an artist and what it means to celebrate life, for all of its ups and downs and all-arounds.” “This song was basically just a conversation on that,” he added. “It’s rare to get to work with someone that’s seen you as so many things and in so many phases. From drunk and sad, to sober and still sad, to sober and in-love and happy.”
Follow the proud, furry ginger on social media: 
Out singer-songwriter Wrabel shares this new collaboration with Kesha, “