Tag: out musicians

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News Round-Up: March 5, 2020

The West End cast of City of Angels
Some news items you might have missed: • West End Theater: The Donmar Warehouse’s Olivier Award-winning production of the Broadway musical City of Angels (starring my college bestie Vanessa Williams above) hits the boards on the West End for its first preview tonight. Word in theater circles is the show is stylish, smart, and stunning. • Greenville Journal: A county in South Carolina was about to repeal a 1996 anti-LGBTQ resolution when religious dissenters, citing “traditional family values,” overwhelmed the County Council meeting just before the vote causing two council members to change their votes. • The Hill: Vice President Pence, who is heading up the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus threat told reporters today the United States does not currently have enough tests to meet the expected demand. • Washington Blade: Chris Johnson is one of my favorite LGBTQ reporters and he’s penned an excellent assessment of the historic candidacy of Mayor Pete Buttigieg: “He made a mark on American politics — and not just because he broke barriers as a gay presidential candidate.” • Washington Post: Now that Mike Bloomberg has exited the race for the White House, he has announced he plans to form an independent expenditure campaign that will absorb hundreds of his presidential campaign staffers in six swing states (Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina) to work to elect the Democratic nominee this fall. • Out Music: Maia, who records under the moniker mxmtoon, released her exuberant single and music video, “fever dream,” where she dances with her past and future self.  “We wanted to work with the themes of the single to make a video that exemplifies the nostalgia the lyrics evoke but also the courage to move forward,” shares the out bisexual artist. With a blissfully nostalgic lilt, mxmtoon’s vocals are soothing and sure. The sentimental, upbeat melody is a refreshing escape from the clutter of today’s current news cycle. Her 2018 debut EP plum blossom – recorded in her parent’s guest bedroom – has garnered more than 100 million streams on Spotify. You can follow her on Instagram here.

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Greyson Chance Has A Moment On The Dance Floor ‘Dancing Next To Me’

Greyson Chance has a moment on the dance floor
Out singer/songwriter Greyson Chance shifts into dance-pop mode for his new track and music video, “Dancing Next To Me.” Shot in a club setting, Chance has one of those dance floor encounters where the sexual tension is undeniable. But after giving in to intimacy, Chance finds himself alone at the end of the night. Chance – who first found viral fame with his 2010 Lady Gaga cover of “Paparazzi” – candidly admits the song is based on a real-life experience. “I was growing into feeling comfortable with being vulnerable around this person and then eventually being intimate with them and thinking that there was really something truthful there and something beautiful,” Chance recently told PEOPLE. Chance thought he might have made a love connection, but ended up “having this feeling of betrayal in the morning when the sun rose and the person left.” “He wasn’t confident enough to love me,” said the 22-year-old. “I think in many ways he was afraid to take that step.” I was yours for the weekend Come sunrise, it’s time for you to dodge your feelings Call your girl to deny We know is the truth You were who you wanted to be When you were there, you were there You were dancing next to me “In many ways, whether it’s right or wrong, I hope he hears this song and hates it,” Chance says. “I hope it brings an ill feeling to him just because I felt betrayed.” The song, co-written with producer/songwriter Teddy Geiger, was the first to come out of his collaboration with Geiger because the experience was so fresh in his mind. As he shared with MTV, “I was really tired this summer of being people’s experiments.” Back in November, I covered Chance’s grungy, synth-pop bop, “Boots.” “Dancing Next To Me” is now available on all digital download sites. Check out the music video below.

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Podcast: Shooting In Miami, Gay Marriages Experience Less Stress, New Music From Bridesmen

The Randy Report podcast

The Randy Report podcast delivers the week's top stories in a quick, convenient podcast - 'the 60 Minutes of gay news - only shorter' In this week’s podcast: • Two gay men were shot in Miami for kissing goodnight • A new study shows men in same-sex marriages experience less stress than their straight peers • Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh went after Pete Buttigieg’s marriage but Pete clapped back • New report shows LGBTQ youth consider suicide even more than we thought • And new music from Bridesmen All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

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Start Your Week With New Music From Bridesmen “The Times”

Kenton Chen is Bridesmen
Start your week with this terrific new music video from LGBTQ artist Bridesmen. Bridesmen is Kenton Chen who recently starred in Perfect Harmony on NBC. He is also known for his work on NBC’s Sing-Off, as well as his performances with Postmodern Jukebox. The video, titled “The Times,” recently premiered on Billboard. “I want to be very real about just how I’m feeling in my emotions and the things I personally deal with often,” Chen told Billboard. “I don’t necessarily push for just queer messaging, really. I would hope that any of my music is not so niche that people can’t see past what I’m trying to say. The message, especially of ‘The Times,’ should be very universal.” As a gay Asian second-generation immigrant, Chen says he grew up feeling isolated, constantly hiding behind masks to protect himself. In Bridesmen, Chen aspires to uncover these masks in an effort to live a boundless and truthful life.
(image via Instagram)
“I want people to know that as I have grown and matured as an artist and a human being, I’ve come to realize that my specific experiences of being gay and Asian are not particular to me. My life story reverberates far beyond my specificities, and anyone from any race or sexuality can empathize with the need to belong and be understood”, says Chen. Chen has toured with artists such as Katy Perry, Kesha, Sara Bareilles, Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Hudson. His work with Postmodern Jukebox has reached over 8.6 million views on YouTube, garnering attention from across the globe. The neo-soul/R&B singer has also been featured on Fader and Pride. Check out the new music video “The Times” below. Happy Monday!

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Out Music: Kyle Motsinger ‘Whenever’

Out singer/songwriter Kyle Motsinger drops his latest music video, “Whenever,” just in time for Valentine’s Day. As folks think on celebrating their relationships, Motsinger says his new bop is about being single and being ok with waiting for the right someone. I chatted with the talented ginger about the track, his plans for V-Day and more.

The Randy Report: Your new music video, “Whenever,” is way cute. What was the inspiration behind the project? Kyle Motsinger: Thank you! I started thinking a few months ago that “Whenever” could be a great Valentine’s Day/Singles Awareness Day video. I think about how fun that holiday was in grade school. I remembered making construction paper hearts and other crafts in class. The hanging hearts in the video are straight out of my first-grade class! Everything else fell into place. I found a great photography space in Brooklyn called Egg Studios that had multiple colored backdrops and my director, Tyler Milliron, (Milliron Studios) got the idea to do stick puppets from a production of Beauty and the Beast that he filmed the prologue for. I liked the theatricality of that. This video is very me. haha TRR: It seems every romantic comedy and pop song promotes finding “fulfillment” in a relationship as if being single is a ‘tragedy.’ But “Whenever” comes across like the ‘anti-Valentine’s Day’ song for folks who are single and doing A-okay. Was that your message? KM: Well, it’s not exactly anti-Valentine’s Day. I’m totally happy for couples celebrating it. I also think loving yourself and your loved ones should be celebrated on that day and every day. See my video for “Love on Each Other!” However, it’s definitely also a singles anthem and a message to those who are single to not worry about it. It’ll happen “Whenever” it happens. TRR: There’s a lot of truth in your lyric, “When you least expect it, that’s when hearts collide.” I remember desperately wanting a boyfriend years ago. Honest to god, it wasn’t until I let go of that that I met my husband (of 25 years now). KM: I love that! Congrats on 25 years! My last and most serious relationship happened when I wasn’t looking. I’m definitely on a few dating apps but I don’t check them much and haven’t really dated from them. I’d rather spend “Some Enchanted Evening” seeing “a stranger across a crowded room.” There’s that musical theatre again! TRR: Since we’re talking about romantical situations, inquiring minds want to know – are you coupled up or happily single? I’m happily single and have been for a few years. I won’t say no to someone that comes into my life if they’re the right one. TRR: Besides releasing your new music video, what are your plans for Valentine’s Day? KM: I’ll be with my friends at a party. I love them dearly so there won’t be a lack of heart in my Valentine’s Day! Thanks, Randy! I hope you and your husband have a great one too!

I love Kyle’s creative approach to his music and videos. I most recently shared his “Parallel Universes” music video in November. Check out the uber-upbeat music video for “Whenever” below. You can find the track on iTunes here.

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Podcast: Pete Buttigieg’s Historic Night, Switzerland Approves LGBTQ Protections, VINCINT’s New Single ‘Save Myself’

The Randy Report podcast

The Randy Report podcast delivers the week's top stories in a quick, convenient podcast - 'the 60 Minutes of gay news - only shorter' In this week’s podcast: • Mayor Pete Buttigieg had a historic night at the Iowa Caucuses • Voters in Switzerland overwhelmingly approved protections for LGBTQ people • Virginia becomes the first state in the South to approve statewide LGBTQ protections • A beloved morning talk show host in the UK came out as gay • A star of the Netflix docuseries ‘Cheer’ is getting ready to climb to the top of the human pyramid All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report Hit the play button below to listen, and if you enjoy catching up on LGBTQ news in a quick podcast, please share this with your friends 🙂

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Out Music: VINCINT ‘Save Myself’

In advance of his upcoming EP, The Feeling, rising pop recording artist VINCINT drops his new single, “Save Myself.”

VINCINT says the new song “is about letting the people in your life who are always ‘there for you’ and constantly giving you unwanted advice or tips on how to live YOUR life ‘better,’ know that you just need them to shut up and let you figure it out on your own!”

“You know what’s right for you; you just gotta block out the voices to hear yourself,” adds the artist. “While you love them and appreciate all that they do, this is a ‘shut up, stand there and watch me ‘Save Myself’ anthem.”

In January, VINCINT told Paper Magazine the new EP represents “my take on love.” “The joy, pain, happiness, and disappointments… the incredible highs and unforeseeable lows and the self-discovery,” he continued. “These emotions threaded together sum up the way I describe it all. For me, it’s just The Feeling.”

In September, VINCINT premiered his ‘Flashdance’ inspired music video from the project, “Someday.” Paper Magazine called the track “impressive” and “addictive.” I agree.

“VINCINT just might be our generation’s greatest vocalist.” – PAPER Magazine “No longer a star is born – VINCINT is a legend in the making.” – Billboard

The new single, “Save Myself,” is available now on all digital download sites, and the EP The Feeling drops Valentine’s Day.

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Out Music: Gia Woods ‘HUNGRY’

Gia Woods (photo: Alex Michael Kennedy)
Out singer/songwriter Gia Woods’ latest single and music video – “HUNGRY” – is a powerful slice of seductive pulp fiction. Woods has so much to say in so many ways, she plays three different characters to express it all: a diamond-clad dancer sliding down a stripper pole, a cheerleader wielding handcuffs and a baseball bat, and a chill homey hanging with her besties. The grungey synth-pop sound pairs perfectly with Woods’ rebellious message of independence, empowerment, and instincts. I had the chance to dive a little deeper into what brings the sultry Persian-born singer to this musical moment.

The Randy Report: “HUNGRY” is definitely edgy, violent and a ’take-no-prisoners’ kind of visual story. What was the inspiration for the song and/or video? Gia Woods: People have a lot of opinions about every aspect of your career, especially in the entertainment industry! Obviously, there are some people who I want feedback from, but a lot of it is unsolicited and unnecessary. I was frustrated about it all one day, so I wrote this as sort of an “eff you” to unwanted opinions. TRR: Is there a reaction or take-away you have in mind for listeners of “HUNGRY?” GW: I just hope it inspires people to trust their intuition and to not be afraid to take risks because there’s no such thing as “living” if you’re always fearful or dependent on opinions — you’re better off when you trust your gut. And that’s with everything. TRR: Lil Nas X just won a couple of Grammy Awards after having the longest run ever on the top of the Billboard chart. Are things getting better for LGBTQ music artists? What’s your experience? GW: I think using one artist as the token for an entire community is kind of strange. Overall, we’re seeing more LGBTQ representation in music, but I don’t think Lil Nas X’s sexuality has anything to do with his accomplishments, nor should it. Talent should always come first, but I am very lucky to live in a time where the industry isn’t forcing artists to stay in the closet. TRR: What do you do outside of music that contributes to your creativity? GW: Every song of mine comes from personal experiences and that comes from spending time with my friends and family, so when I’m not doing music I’m spending time with them. And then I always somehow have something I want to write about. TRR: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? GW: Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable.

Click here for my previous coverage of the formidable Ms. Gia Woods, and make sure you check out the music video for “HUNGRY” below. You can follow Woods on Facebook here, Instagram here and Twitter here.

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Lil Nas X And Other LGBTQ Artists Score At The 62nd Grammy Awards

Ariana Grande, Lil Nas X, Lizzo at 62nd Grammy Awards (image via Instagram/lilnasx)
It was a great night for LGBTQ artists and allies at the 62nd Grammy Awards Sunday night. Several out artists picked up awards including: Lil Nas X scored two trophies – Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for his mega-hit “Old Town Road” with Billy Ray Cyrus. The country rapper performed the song with all the artists who had been featured on “Old Town Road” remixes last year including BTS, Diplo, Mason Ramsey, and Cyrus.

Brandi Carlile, who came out in 2002, took home a Grammy as one of the songwriters of Tanya Tucker’s “Bring My Flowers Now” in the Best Country Song category. She also appeared in the broadcast performing the song with Tucker. DJ Tracy Young made history as the first woman and the first lesbian to win for Best Remixed Recording for her remix of Madonna’s “I Rise.” LGBTQ allies also had major moments throughout the night. Lady Gaga picked up Grammys in two categories – Best Song for Visual Media (“I’ll Never Love Again”) from the A Star Is Born soundtrack and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. Billie Eilish won in four big categories – Best New Artist, Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Lizzo, the most nominated artist of the night with 8 nods, picked up trophies for Best Pop Solo Performance (“Truth Hurts”), Best Traditional R&B Performance (“Jerome”) and Best Urban Contemporary Album (Cuz I Love You). And there were performances that stole the show. Out singer Demi Lovato had one of the night’s most talked-about moments as she delivered a powerful performance of her song “Anyone.” The song immediately went to #1 on iTunes after the performance.

Pop diva and ally Ariana Grande, who didn’t go home with a Grammy, was a knockout performing a three-song medley of “Imagine,” “7 Rings,” and “Thank U, Next.”

Special shout-out to Darrion Gallegos, the male dancer in her corp who lived his best life dancing it out in heels and short shorts along with the other dancers. Back in December, as Grande’s tour came to an end, he thanked the powers that be for letting him “gender-bend the fak out of this” and contribute his part for the LGBTQIA+ community.

And of course, it wouldn’t be an awards show without a red carpet and Billy Porter delivering the goods:

Lil Nas X didn’t disappoint, though, serving up a hot pink Versace cowboy suit complete with double-choker harness:

Anthony Ramos, GLAAD’s Head of Talent, spoke to Jojo, Rosalia, Victoria Monét, and Bebe Rexha about LGBTQ inclusion and the changing landscape of music:

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Lil Nas X Wins Grammy Award For ‘Best Music Video’

Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X won the first award presented today at the Grammy Awards as he and Billy Ray Cyrus scored for Best Music Video for “Old Town Road” marking his first win of the evening and his first win ever. “THANK U TO EVERYBODY!! I AM NOW GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ARTIST LIL NAS X !!!” he shared on Twitter. He also shared a thank you on Instagram, posting a snippet of the modern-day Western video and writing “GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ARTIST LIL NAS X!!!!” Shortly after that, the artist removed the social media posts out of respect for the loss of Koba Bryant. Billboard reports:

Lil Nas could be a six-time Grammy winner by the end of the night, as he’s one of this year’s most-nominated artists with six nods. “Old Town Road” is also up for record of the year and best pop duo/group performance, “Panini” is up for best rap/sung performance, 7 is up for album of the year, and Lil Nas X is up for best new artist.