Tag: out musicians

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News Round-Up: April 13, 2020

InstaHunk Green.Joel
Some news items you might have missed: • InstaHunks: Hunky Green.Joel (above) makes it black and white – he wants you to “Rise up and attack the day with enthusiasm!!”  • Boy Culture: Matt Rettenmund pays tribute to Madonna on the 30th anniversary of the Blond Ambition Tour with lots of rare video clips from the record-setting production. • The Gaily Grind: Ireland’s prime minister, openly gay Leo Varadkar, will be returning to medical practice to work as a doctor as the country battles the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The prime minister left the medical profession in 2013 after working as a doctor for seven years. By 2017, he’d become the country’s youngest-ever prime minister. • Out Music: California native St. Panther recently released her debut single, “Infrastructure,” in advance of her upcoming album later this summer. The out hip-hop artist brings a 90s sensibility to a very ‘now’ soul sound. Drop the beat below.

• LA Times: Event production companies, that usually build tents, staging and facilities for tens of thousands of revelers at music, sports and dining events have seen hundreds of such events canceled. But they are now busy using their resources to help build temporary hospital stations to help accommodate the COVID-19 pandemic. • NY Times: A member of the crew of the coronavirus-infected USS Theodore Roosevelt died Monday of complications related to the disease, 11 days after the aircraft carrier’s captain was fired for pressing his concern that the Navy had done too little to safeguard his crew. Of the 4,860 crew members aboard the Roosevelt, 585 have tested positive for COVID-19. • NY Post: Bishop Gerald O. Glenn, the Pastor of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Richmond who proudly defied coronavirus safety guidelines in order to hold church services, died from COVID-19 complications on Saturday. He told the congregation he’d keep preaching “unless I’m in jail or the hospital” because “people are healed” in his church. • Broadway Cares: The stream of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ benefit concert celebrating Disney on Broadway’s 25th anniversary will be rescheduled for Friday, April 17, 2020, at 7 PM ET after the American Federation of Musicians dropped its opposition to the stream. The online playback will raise money for Broadway Cares’ COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund, which is helping everyone in the theater and performing arts community impacted by the pandemic.

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What We’re Listening To This Week

New music to add to your playlists this week: Randy Report favorite Niko reached out this week and shared two new remixes (that I really like). Like many of us, plans and scheduled were shifted and rearranged due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but Niko is of a mind that maybe we could all use some music to bounce to. “So, I decided to release two remixes that I’ve been sitting on, with the idea that these tracks can make someone dance… I think we all need a little escape during quarantine!” The double single, RMXD, features a remixed “Maybe” by Detroit-based DJ Voyage, and “Sexual Tension” from Norwegian producer Middelthon.

Out artist Someya playfully explores the fine line between love and lust in her latest single, “Hung Up Over You.” The mid-tempo bop finds a sweet balance of ambient groove and pensive, summer feels. The gloomy-day bop also acts as a celebration of the San Jose songstress’s bisexuality, as Someya features her first on-screen female love interest in the “Hung Up Over You” music video.

Bright Light Bright Light (aka Welsh pop star Rod Thomas) is taking fans out for a virtual night on the town in New York City with the release of the video for his disco/house dance-tastic single, “This Was My House.” Of the song, Paper Magazine said, “It’s not every day that we get a perfect disco song” while Rolling Stone praised its “buoyant beat to dance through pain and trouble.” The song features Madonna backup duo Niki Harris and Donna De Lory and is an inspired slice of prideful pop that serves as an ode to LGBTQ safe spaces. The video is an irreverently brilliant, campy look into the NYC LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, and features Bright Light Bright Light leading a merry march of party monsters into the subway system, through a dance club (Bedlam to be specific, which is also the location that the majority of the new album’s vocals were recorded in), and to the East Village rooftop of the apartment building he calls home.

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Out Music: International Artists Serve Up Virtual Collaboration “True Colors”

An international consortium of 16 LGBTQ+ music artists have come together for a virtual collaboration to encourage people to stay safe and support one another while much of the world is in lockdown via a touching cover of Cyndi Lauper’s LGBTQ+ anthem ‘True Colors.’ The diverse range of talent includes singer-songwriter Tom Goss, cabaret artist Dave the Bear, trans activist Mzz Kimberly, Britain’s Got Talent singer Rob King, guitar hero Mrs. Smith, and the multi-talented Graham J… plus Miles Elliot, Owen Gilhooly, Jason Thorpe, Randy Willcox, Patrick Masse, Felix Over, Lady Lola Lockdown, Syd Carter West, Chris Hibbert, and mental health advocate Paul Middleton, who masterminded the collaboration. “The aim of putting this project together was to let our community know that we are in this together,” said Middleton in a statement. “Wherever you are you can make a difference. To stay safe and look out for each other.”

If this world makes you crazy And you’ve taken all you can bear You call me up Because you know I’ll be there

Middleton adds, “The artists hope that as viewers listen to these words, the community will rise and show their true colors in supporting one another, the elderly and the vulnerable.”

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Out Music: Spencer Day & Effie Passero ‘State Of Emergency’

L-R Effie Passero, Spencer Day (screen capture)
Guest post by Lawrence Pfeil, Jr. Ever been minding your own business, just gigging in Mexico with an American Idol finalist, and the next thing you know you’re both quarantined because of a global pandemic?  Well, that’s exactly what happened a few weeks ago to out singer/songwriter and #1 Billboard chart-topper, Spencer Day. Now we’ve all had our lives upended by the coronavirus crisis, but not many of us are stuck in a foreign country like Spencer and Effie Passero.  If we were, suffice it to say we’d probably be handling it with anxiety and panic, rather than humor and music from a rooftop. But their new collaboration, “State of Emergency” proves even in the worst of times, it can be the best times if you’re there for each other. “Like many of you, we are trying to make the best of the worst and keep looking on the bright side of life,” the duo commented. “Earlier this month we came down to Mexico for some concerts, and then a week later it felt like the world was falling apart.” “This is a brand-new song we wrote after finding ourselves with the need for ‘social distancing’ down here in Mexico,” continued the artists. “We hope everyone is safe, healthy, and finding moments to smile.”

“STATE OF EMERGENCY” Written by: Spencer Day & Effie Passero Performed by: Spencer Day, Effie Passero, Zoe Wood, Eduardo Leon Videographer: Daniel Marquez Ortega (The Groove House Studio) SPENCER DAY is one of the most acclaimed young artists creating witty and sophisticated pop songs in the tradition of the classic American writers. He has been called “compelling” by Time Out New York, “prodigiously talented” by the Village Voice, and “brilliant” by the San Francisco Chronicle. The Washington Post praised his “cool jazz sensibilities” and “cleverly crafted tales.” Day has wandered amid the expansive and diverse landscape of American music, developing an artistic sensibility that borrows from numerous sources: jazz, musical theater, cabaret, soul, folk, traditional and contemporary pop. He uses intuition and improvisation as his primary tools to craft a sound that is familiar, yet fresh and innovative at the same time. Day’s album Vagabond peaked at #11 on the Billboard Album Chart and stayed on the chart for 47 weeks. The lead single, “Til You Come To Me,” peaked at #3. His recent album, Daybreak, debuted at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Chart. Spencer’s first collaboration with Postmodern Jukebox just surpassed 1.5 million views on YouTube. Broadway By Day, his upcoming album of reimagined theater songs with surprising and inventive genre-blurring arrangements, will feature special guests Jane Monheit and Dave Koz. Follow Spencer Day on Facebook here, Twitter here, and Instagram here. EFFIE PASSERO is a classically trained performer turned singer-songwriter. After 12 years in Opera Theatre, she discovered her passion truly lies in storytelling and sharing her own life through music. In early 2018, she was seen on ABC”s first season of “American Idol,” placing in the top 20 contestants. In late 2018, she won the Hollywood Media in Music Award for her original song, “Sarsaparilla.” Effie has been brought into session singing, working on both Leonard Cohen and Barbra Streisand’s latest albums. She is currently finishing her first EP to be will be released in the fall. Follow Effie Passero on Facebook here, Twitter here, and Instagram here.

Lawrence Pfeil, Jr., is a freelance writer/playwright who has reviewed film and theatre, both on and off-Broadway, for media outlets including The Randy Report, the New York Blade, and Edge Publications. You can follow him at TheOUTfront.com.

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Music Video: Justin Utley Is The Action Hero We Need In ‘American Nightmare’

Justin Utley
Today I’m chatting with OUTMusic Award-winning singer/songwriter Justin Utley who just released his new music video and single, “American Nightmare,” where he plays a Jason Bourne-like action hero taking aim at conversion therapy and the current state of our union’s blind allegiance with political parties and religion. The single, which features an edgy rock-centric sound, is a different genre for the handsome singer who first rose to prominence in the country/pop/Americana realm. Justin explains, “This whole album has been about exploring edgier, darker themes that I’ve always wanted to take on but hadn’t because I was told to stay in my safe zone.” The music video is an adrenaline-driven roller-coaster ride; the track is a powerful rock anthem that perfectly frames Utley’s muscular vocals.

I first interviewed Justin back in 2012 when he had just won two OUTMusic Awards for his debut single, “Stand For Something.” He’s a highly sought-after performer who’s appeared on stages across North America and Europe. Along the way, he has shared the stage with top international acts including Dan Reynolds, Icona Pop, Tegan & Sara, Margaret Cho, and Billy Porter.

Justin Utley (photo: Ryan Bakerink)
In addition to taking stages by storm, Justin has also been an outspoken activist for the LGBTQ community working to outlaw so-called conversion therapy which seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through debunked pseudoscience. Thanks in great part to Justin’s efforts, his state of Utah became the 19th state to prohibit the harmful practice. Justin has appeared as a guest contributor on CNN, NPR, SiriusXM’s OutQ and MSNBC. He is a two-time recipient of the FBI’s “Inspiring Citizen of the Year” award, and “Artist of the Year” by SiriusXM’s OutQ Radio. This past fall, Justin Utley released his third studio album, Scars, a brutally honest, thought-provoking collection of songs. Hit the play button below and listen as I chat with the oh-so-talented Justin Utley.

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News Round-Up: March 20, 2020

Some news items you might have missed: • InstaHunks: Woofy Steve_in_LA (above) looks handsome as ever self-isolating in style as he works from home. • LGBTQ Nation: At least four LGBTQ people who were at the Winter Party – a huge circuit party held in Miami earlier this month – have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Other partiers have also developed symptoms. • CNBC: The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 913 points lower, or more than 4%, after rallying more than 400 points earlier in the day. The S&P 500 slid 4.4%. The Nasdaq Composite closed 3.8% lower after jumping more than 2%. • KIT212: Kenneth’s weekly round-up of the what’s what in local gay rags like Scissor Sister’s lead singer Jake Shears in the latest issue of GRAB. • Washington Post: U.S. intelligence agencies were issuing ominous, classified warnings in January and February about the global danger posed by the coronavirus while President Trump and lawmakers played down the threat and failed to take action that might have slowed the spread of the pathogen, according to U.S. officials familiar with spy agency reporting. • CNN: Economists at Goldman Sachs predict next week’s unemployment report will show 2.25 million Americans filing for their first week of unemployment benefits this week — eight times the number of people who filed last week and the highest level on record. • New Music: Scottish singer/writer ONR (pronounced “honor”) shares new track and video “Human Enough,” the latest from his forthcoming Must Stop EP.

ONR says of the new track: “I liked the idea that ‘being human’ wasn’t a defining quality, but rather a sliding-scale… that you could consider yourself ’not human enough’ to be someone else’s equal. The video is dark, confused, frustrated; it exists within this fantastical alternative reality where the concept of being human is (literally) different from our own.”

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Gary Beals Soulful, Emotionally Charged New Single “Me For Me”

Gary Beals (press photo)
Former Canadian Idol artist Gary Beals drops his first new music in over a decade today, a soulful, emotionally raw track titled “Me for Me.” The single, co-written with fellow Toronto-based artist Terrell Morris and produced by Losh, is a study in contrasts as Beals’ vocals range from quiet intimacy to a soaring, gospel-tinged roar. Imagine some old-school Luther Vandross with a touch of Billy Porter realness and you get an idea of the depth and power of Beals’ talent. Following his time on Canadian Idol (Season One runner-up in 2004), Beals released two studio albums, his self-titled 2005 release followed by The Rebirth Of…  Along the way, he earned widespread praise and a Juno Award nomination for “Best R&B/Soul Recording.” In an exclusive interview, Beals shares that he spent a majority of the years since Idol trying to hide his true self, and hide who he truly loved. Performing for the masses, unable to identify with stereotypical boy/girl love songs, Beals says he felt confined by those constructs. But after stepping away from the spotlight for some intense reflection and personal growth, he did what artists do and translated that journey into a new collection of songs, Bleed My Truth, set for release this June. “I had to expose my pain, hurt and disappointment and channel it in a way that allowed me to heal and watch life take form,” says the 37-year-old. Take a listen to “Me for Me,” and then check out my exclusive interview with the handsome Mr. Beals below. https://soundcloud.com/garybealsmusic/meforme/s-NqzMH The Randy Report: Your new single, “Me For Me,” is a rich, raw bluesy piece of soul. What was the inspiration for the song? Gary Beals: To create a piece of work where I could finally show up as ‘Gary’. Expose myself and be vulnerable enough to put pen to paper where I no longer had to hide parts of myself because I was so used to protecting pieces of myself. I wanted to speak about my experiences of love (whether romantic or platonic) where I found myself questioning ‘How could you not take me for me?’ after giving myself so freely. ”Me For Me” is about the great lengths we will go to, all for the sake of love. It’s about risk vs reward. In the end, is it worth it? “Me For Me” is also about embracing everything that I am; loving ”Me for Me.” It’s about individuality and embracing my sexuality after years of struggle. It’s been 10 years since my last release but this time I show up as my full self and that in itself feels amazing! TRR: It’s been over a decade since your last release. What happened that led you to step out of the spotlight? Was there a revelation that sparked your return?  GB: It was very important for me to understand who I was. I had lost parts of myself because I wasn’t being myself. I didn’t know who I was. I was covered in layers of expectations and culture and those thoughts and opinions controlled me. I had to find the core of who I was so I had to step back out of the spotlight. I distanced myself from music for a bit which was very hard to do. I lived, I experienced, I traveled and I took the necessary time to get to know who Gary Beals was. I did some soul searching, alone. Today, I feel grounded more than ever in my being. I embrace everything about myself inclusive of my sexuality. The sum of all my parts makes up this beautiful human being. I now live on my own terms and have been given a second chance. Music has never left me. It dimmed a bit but it was crucial for me to take this journey and so here I am with a single and soon to be released album. I’m excited to share!

TRR:  The new track is from your upcoming album, Bleed My Truth. That’s a strong title that indicates some spiritual healing. Tell me about the new collection.

GB: I love the album! Extremely proud of it! The title speaks for itself which is some of what I’ve already touched on. Vulnerability can be a scary thing but it can also be a beautiful destination. The album exposes who I am, hence why I called it ‘Bleed My Truth’. It’s about my journey. Over the course of years, I’ve done a lot of spiritual healing and I’m still healing but I’m at a different awareness level. The album is an eclectic work of art. Without going into depth, each song represents a different side of me. I give reference sometimes in a subtle way to my childhood because during my journey of self-discovery I had to remember that child who I once was. So I draw inspiration from my younger self. You’ll experience my fun side. The album is about love: romantic, platonic and self-love. I’ve shed so many tears writing this album which was so therapeutic and liberating in itself, and I think people will feel that when they listen to the album.

TRR: What do you do outside of music that contributes to your creativity? GB: I travel. I love to travel. I’ve had so many wonderful experiences traveling which has contributed to my growth. I love being around my friends who are such a support system for me. We have enlightening and very in-depth conversations, which has been a major asset to my creativity. I want my music to tell stories that people can relate to and sometimes that inspiration comes from others. I also take in other forms of art from dance to theatre, to watching other artists and musicians perform. I love being around nature which definitely spikes my creativity. TRR: What advice would 2020 Gary Beals give 2004 Gary Beals today? GB: Give little to no fucks about the thoughts and opinions of others, haha. Be respectful but live your life on your own terms. Embrace your fears. It’s ok to not know. Take time for yourself. Be kind and be the absolute best version of yourself that you can be. Never play small and go take the world by storm!

“Me for Me” is available now on iTunes here, Amazon here, and can be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music. Look for Bleed My Truth to be released in June right on time for Pride Month.

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Barcelona: Impromptu Balcony Jam Goes Viral During Coronavirus Quarantine

L-R Alberto Gestoso, Alex Lebron Torrent
With much of the world staying at home and/or practicing ‘social distancing,’ folks are finding ways to not only remain upbeat but in touch with their communities. A viral video from Spain (over 9.3 million views on Facebook in just two days) demonstrates the power music has to bring people together. Facebook user Pedrito Miguel shared the clip featuring out musician Alberto Gestoso playing the Céline Dion hit, “My Heart Will Go On,” on his piano out on his balcony in the Sagrada Familia neighborhood of Barcelona this past Sunday. As he plays for his neighbors, saxophone player Alexander Lebron Torrent joins in for the impromptu concert.

In the video, you can see Gestoso’s neighbors leaning on their balconies taking in the open-air serenade. “This made me cry with emotion,” wrote Miguel. “The video is from Barcelona, which is in Quarantine like the rest of Spain. Courage and strength to all.” Gestoso shared a post on his Instagram regarding the afternoon’s musical moment writing, “Thanks to all of you who are staying at home for the good of all,” He also encouraged others “who are going through everything” to think of others because “this is everyone’s responsibility.” The original video appears to have been recorded by his boyfriend, Roman Santana, who shared the clip on his Instagram which has been viewed over 1.4 million times. Saxophonist Alex Lebron Torrent shared the moment from his perspective as well.  

 

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❤❤Stay safe people and listen to some nice live TITANIC balcony music❤❤ . . A magic moment with the amazing @albertogestoso with his balcony piano… thank you man! . . #coronavirus #quarantine #quarantineactivities #stayinthehouse #stayhome #balconymusic #balconymusicclub #pianoplayer #saxophoneplayer #alexlebrontorrent #alwaysmakethemrememberyou #avingudagaudi #musicianship #timeofcrisis #musicbringspeopletogether #tenorsaxophone #tenorsax #balconyband #staysafe #balconyshow #impromptushow #nonoisecomplaintstoday #nonoisecomplaints #neighbourhood #neighborhoodbalconyentertainment #quedateacasa #quédateacasa #quarantinechallenge #stopcovid19 #stopcovid19⛔️

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If you’ve been to Barcelona (easily one of my favorite cities in Europe), you know exactly where this is with the world-famous Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in the background. Check out a few posts from the two musician’s Instagram accounts. Definitely worth perusing.  

 

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YO ME QUEDO EN CASA 🏠 ⬇️⬇️ Hoy toca leer un poco⬇️⬇️ Responsabilidad individual y empatía. Todas las medidas que se están tomando no serán eficaces si no somos una sociedad madura y procuramos reducir nuestras salidas y vida social al máximo posible. No solo para no infectarnos, sino para no infectar a nuestros grupos de riesgo: nuestros mayores, pluripatologias, inmunodeprimidos… además de por todos nuestros profesionales sanitarios, que se están entregando al máximo para poder atajar esto cuanto antes. El sistema sanitario colapsará si no nos concienciamos a tiempo y cambiamos nuestra actitud. Cuanto antes nos demos cuenta de la situación, menos tiempo permanecerán las medidas y antes controlaremos el COVID-19. #yomequedoencasa

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VIERNES I’M IN LOVE 💙

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El postureo no descansa ni en Navidad 😜

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JUBILADO MODE ON: Controlando las obras 👨‍🦳🏗

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Nueva etapa! Y con más ilusión que el primer día 🤪

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📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸 . . #Repost @flowportraits with @make_repost ・・・ I’ve been always photoshooting women. This is something way different 🙃. Thanks Alex for having a great time on this photo session 🙌. Model: @alexlebrontorrent Location: park near @basilicasagradafamilia . . . #saxman #columbian #blackmodel #malemodel #afro #afrohairstyles #redshirt #sax #jeans #maleportrait #placadegaudi #sagradafamilia #barcelona #spain #modelsbarcelona #barcelonamodels #musiciansbarcelona #barcelonamusicians #tenorsaxophone #saxophone #tenorsax #saxophoneplayer #ilovesax #forestonesaxophone #afromodel #barcelona2019 #alexlebrontorrent #alwaysmakethemrememberyou #modelingchocolate

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New Music: RuPaul, Project Moses, Jakk Fynn, Dance Loud, Mxmtoon

L-R Project Moses, RuPaul, Jakk Fynn (photo: Maxine Bowen)
Can you say TGIF??? With all the news ricocheting this way and that, it might be a good time to sit back with new music and chill at home. With that in mind, here’s what we’re listening to this week in new music from out musicians.

Trans Latinx pop artist Jakk Fynn recently released the song and video for “Heal” from Jakk’s Cancelled, a 5-track EP of original, emotionally evocative dance-pop music. The music video for “Heal” is an emotional pop journey of rebuilding himself as his own person after an emotionally stifling relationship came to an end. “The more I tried to change myself to be who I thought my partner wanted, the more we both lost ourselves,” says Jakk about the new track. “Not being true to yourself in a relationship can feel like suffocation, like death. ‘Heal’ is a chance to do just that—heal—by embracing the vulnerabilities that make me who I am.” With artfully layered vocals, “Heal” takes the listener on a ride from introspective reflection to laser-focused intensity. Follow him on Instagram here.

In his new single, “Missing Half,” out artist Project Moses explores the tumultuous relationship he had with his now-deceased father. The ominous ballad is the first single and music video from his upcoming album, Better Man, and is meant to convey the sometimes-conflicting feelings many people have for the people who raised them. “The idea for the song came to me after my dad died in a car accident,” he explains. “It forced me to reflect on a relationship that wasn’t always good. One that left me with a lot of emotional and psychological scars. Yet, through it all, I still love my dad and was left feeling broken inside by his sudden death.” The piano-driven ballad builds to a dramatic crescendo with soaring choirs framing the out artist’s soulful vocals. Follow Project Moses on Instagram here.

Chicago-based electronic dance duo Dance Loud (Kristin Sanchez & Desereé Fawn Zimmerman) has released the audio for their new single “Hollow” about the hollowness inside us all and the good and bad in everyone. The track blurs the lines between electronic immersion and alternative orchestration. “Hollow” is the first single off of Dance Loud’s forthcoming 2020 DIY independent debut album, The Moment, set for release on June 5th. The Chicago Tribune raved about the real-life couple’s live performances: “The tandem’s live performances are a joy to behold. Sanchez’s beats build and build on the dance floor like any good house music set, then Zimmerman joins the production, adding layers of intricate drum rhythms that both complement and contrast with the synths.” The chill track mixes analog guitars, drums, and distorted synths with hypnotic vocals resulting in a dreamy, euphoric ride. I like. You can Instagram the duo here.

The Queen of Drag, RuPaul released a new rap single called “I’m That Bitch,” featuring tongue-in-cheek lyrics that reference his recent hilarious appearance on Jimmy Fallon that went viral. Had to almost cancel Jimmy, put him in a bodybag / He called me a drag queen. Bitch, I’m the Queen of Drag DRAG QUEEN?!? Bitch, I’m the Queen of Drag / D-D-DRAG QUEEN?!? Bitch, I’m the Queen of Drag In case you forgot let me remind you that I, I, I’m That Bitch Is there really anything else I need to say? You can definitely bounce to this bop as you dance into the weekend.

Out singer/songwriter mxmtoon releases her new track and music video, “Quiet Motions,” which celebrates those moments when we keep our own company. “One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in my short time so far on this earth is that finding comfort in your own company is a wonderful thing,” shares the 19-year-old pop star. “As an introvert, it’s always been a practice of mine to recluse and hang out by myself as a way to recharge my energy, and I think finding those quiet moments throughout my weeks has kept me sane throughout life.” As an introvert myself, I can completely relate with that. “Quiet Motions” pairs guitar-driven orchestration with the artist’s airy, evocative vocals. Find her on Instagram here.

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New Music: Issues Drops Colorful/Upbeat Music Video ‘Rain’

It’s currently raining here in Las Vegas, so the timing couldn’t be better to check out the banging new music video ‘Rain’ from metalcore/pop band Issues. “I actually wrote the song ‘Rain’ years ago, and somehow, the demo rose from the dead and my bandmates really liked it,” says singer Tyler Carter. “We knew we had to do our Issues thang on it! I’m glad it’s gotten the amount of love it has because it’s such a relatable and catchy song. Due to all the fan love from the song, we felt that it deserved a video.” While Issues definitely has its metalcore roots, the guitar-driven “Rain” blends in a bit of power pop that results in a deftly-layered track sure to please folks who like some punch to their pop. “Why the hell is it raining so much  / And why are you always clouding my mind / Why the hell is it raining so much / I’m just tryna have a good time” Issues is flying high after the release of their critically-acclaimed album, Beautiful Oblivion, in October 2019. The collection garnered over 24 million streams as the band enjoyed a successful fall tour in support of the record.

The members of Issues (courtesy photo)
Carter, who came out as bisexual in 2015, is one of the few LGBTQ voices in metalcore music today. And he’s not shy to speak up about inclusivity and tamping down toxic masculinity. In an interview with Revolver last fall, he was asked about how he found his niche in the hypermasculine world of rock music. Noting that “there’s a lot of toxic masculinity” in the rock community, Carter shared that he feels Issues “has always invited diversity” to their shows. “There’s a lot of African Americans, Latin people, and then beyond that just like emos, jocks, military veterans, skaters,” he continued. “There’s always been such an array of different kinds of people at our shows, and it’s something we’ve always been passionate about letting people know, everyone is accepted and loved and we’ve noticed a lot more trans inclusivity at shows.” He added, “It’s all about just letting people know they’re accepted here and we make sure we can try and stop any kind of toxic masculinity at our shows.” And speaking of shows, Issues has announced a new concert tour with 30+ dates. For more info about Issues and the newly-announced concert dates, click over to the official website here.