Tag: out musicians

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Music Video: Tom Goss Explores Domestic Violence In ‘La Bufadora’

Tom Goss and Daniel Franzese in “La Bufadora”
Out singer/songwriter Tom Goss’s new video, “La Bufadora,” features Goss and actor Daniel Franzese (Mean Girls, Looking), as a couple in crisis in Mexico. La Bufadora is a blowhole just south of Ensenada, Mexico. Goss shares that the song was written “after a tension-filled weekend in Mexico with my husband.” “I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between La Bufadora (exploding in the middle of the serene ocean) and our emotions (constantly bubbling and ready to explode, just under the surface),” says Goss. In the video, Goss and Franzese are vacationing in Mexico, but tensions build to physical conflict. “As humans, we can be so volatile or wounded at the drop of a hat,” Goss told HuffPost. “Sometimes it is a choice we make, sometimes it is the deep-seated triggers that live within our bodies and minds. Just like La Bufadora, we ebb and flow, rest and explode.”

HuffPost notes that recent research by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control found that 26% of gay men and 37% of bisexual men have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. For lesbian and bisexual women, those rates are 43.8% and 61%, respectively. Proceeds from the video will be donated to help support The National Domestic Violence Hotline and the LA LGBT Center’s Intimate Partner / Domestic Violence Outreach.

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Out Music: Cazwell “Duo Lingo”

Screen capture from Cazwell's latest music video "Duo Lingo"

Screen capture from Cazwell's latest music video "Duo Lingo" Out rapper Cazwell‘s new music video, “Duo Lingo,” featuring Tom Bike and Mad Science, is a veritable Latin go-go buffet. Cazwell says the inspiration for the collaboration came after “using the Duo Lingo app on his phone trying to learn Spanish and failing miserably.” He’d been chatting with Tom Bike about working on a project together and thought a Spanish/English rap would be cool. Filmed in West Hollywood’s FuBar, the music video features thong-clad adult performers like Beaux Banks, Fernando Figuero and Abel Pirela. “I wanted to make sure the bar looked like a hole-in-the-wall dive bar, as grimy and as ratchet possible,” says Cazwell. “We all have a hustle. Some people get their hustle on social media or on the go-go box and some people do it on Wall Street. I respect everyone’s grind. These boys have a lot of discipline and work very hard.” I previously covered Cazwell’s “No Selfie Control” music video here. Hit play but note – totally not suitable for worktime viewing 🙂

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Indie Artist Morgxn Remembers Childhood Wonder ‘A New Way’

I’ve been meaning to share this acoustic version of “A New Way” by alt/pop artist Morgxn for a while now. While he dropped the full studio version of the song and music video back in late June (you can view it here), it was this stripped down, reimagined iteration that captured my attention as he ruminates on the theme of childhood innocence lost and reframes the storytelling in the most charming way.

I don’t know how I got lost, don’t know how I got caught I don’t want to feel anxious anymore And I want to feel like we’re young, want to feel like we’re bold I don’t want to feel anxious anymore

In the song, Morgxn mentions two ages – 14 and 19. Earlier this year, he shared the significance of those times in his life with Billboard:

Fourteen was an age where I was wistful and naive. I played with toys in the bathtub longer than I should ever admit in an interview [laughs]. I wore a Superman cape to school not on Halloween, at an age that is probably not safe to admit either. That was where 14 came from, I felt youthful and that anything was possible.

Nineteen was the first time I was living on my own and I was all like, “I’m 19 and living on my own, this is fucking awesome!” And it was, because I was finally able to come out at 19, but I was finally able to honestly look at myself and say, “You might be into boys.” They were just two places in my life where I wasn’t so concerned with anything except for living my best life.

I’m quite taken with the acoustic version of the song and the music video. Charming, wistful, pensive and open. Who wants to help build a cardboard castle? (And yes, that is his real brother at the end of the video…) Find more info on the rising indie pop artist by clicking over to his official website here.

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Exclusive: Milan Gianni’s Soulful Take On “How Do You Sleep?”

Out singer/songwriter Milan Gianni drops his new music video, a rich, soulful cover of the Sam Smith hit, “How Do You Sleep?” Gianni’s earliest musical influences include Michael Jackson and Prince, but you can definitely hear some Beyoncé in his approach to R&B/soul. After attending the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Gianni is now in the recording studio working to release his debut EP later this year. We chatted with the handsome artist about the new single, his musical inspirations and how his training comes together in approaching the recording process. The Randy Report: Congratulations, Milan, on the debut single, “How Do You Sleep?” – what was the inspiration for recording the song? Milan Gianni: The inspiration came when I woke up super early one morning. Usually in the morning when I first wake up I go listen to new music. That’s when I seen that Sam Smith had just released a new music video for his single “How Do You Sleep?” and I was taken away to another place. A place where I visualized myself having a breathtaking music video on a beach and shooting it with male dancers in a similar style to Sam but with my own spin on it. I was so inspired and the fire was ignited. I instantly connected with the overall message of the song. I’ve been though a lot of situations dealing with relationships so I could relate to this on some many different levels. Also, I felt It would be an amazing song to showcase my voice. I told myself I’m gonna commit to record the song and shoot my own music video right away.

TRR: How would you describe your sound? MG: I would have to say at the core it’s all about smooth, buttery vocals that express intense emotion accompanied with tracks that have heavy chord and drum progression. Vocal arrangements are everything to me, so making sure I have backgrounds that add lots of texture and depth to my sound is a must. TRR: From start to finish, how long did this first track and music video take to bring to fruition? When did you know it was ‘done?’ MG: To bring this creation to life from start to finish it actually took  one month. I got the idea for the music video on July 11th, recorded the song the last week of July  and then shot the video on August 11th. After more than 12 hours of editing with my amazing videographer and it couldn’t have came out more perfect. I was in love. This was my first music video so it was super important to me for it to be just the way I envisioned in my mind. I knew it was officially done because I remembered specific angles and movements I did when we shot so I knew when I had all the shots  I wanted. I don’t know a lot about effects, lighting and things of that nature, so with the help of my director & videographer we collectively came together as a team and made the final decisions.

TRR: What’s your favorite part of making music? MG: My favorite part about being an artist is being able to perform live and create stories that people can relate to. It’s always been my dream as a little boy to have my own huge budget music videos so it felt super amazing and empowering to finally shoot my first of many to come. It hasn’t been a easy road to get here so I’m just so thankful to have such amazing support around me. It truly keeps me going. I feel being a recording artist is a special gift, and I just want to touch people and let them know that they’re not the only ones who experience certain things. We are all people and we go through the same things. That’s what brings us together. TRR: You have a background in musical theater – how do you think that impacts your approach to recording/making music? MG: Yes, having a musical theater background definitely influences every part of my artistry. The way I think, breathe, and move. The way I write my songs, record my songs, come up with music video and live performance concepts, etc. I really dive deep and use my acting training to ensure I’m being true to the character and moment that I’m portraying. Really understanding my intention. I learned all of that from musical theater. TRR: Who were your collaborators and how did you decide who to work with? MG: When it came to my collaborations it was a super easy process. I’ve been in the process for about the past 2 years of recording my debut EP, so I’ve been building my team. My sound engineer [Kay’Vion] he’s so amazing and always in such high demand, but he did me a huge favor and gave me an emergency session so I could get the track recorded. Next, I contacted my choreographer [James Alonzo] and he’s been with me basically since day one when I moved to New York City and started this journey so he was an obvious choice. He’s taught at all of NYC’s prestigious institutions. Then I had reached out to my videographer [Danny Simeon] we had already discussed working on a project, so we just secured the dates. He has such an amazing eye when he shoots and can capture anything and bring it to life. My director, Lauren Miller, has a lot of experience in the industry as a performer in front of the camera, but this is her debut taking a step behind it. Then theres my hairstylist/ Bestie/ Boss babe [Ashlyn Shaw] who was an obvious choice because the way she lays her clients and handles her business – I knew I had to have her on board. We were back forth and forth back regarding my hair so it was very interesting process lol. We definitely made an amazing choice though. The look we were going for was “If Pocahantas had a brother.” Then last, but not least, I can’t forget my amazing PR team [Cierra & Shania] who both have been such a huge missing part of the puzzle for me. They have a natural instinct to be on trend with what’s the best strategic move I should making next. It’s super crazy and can be a lot being an independent artist so I truly appreciate all of their efforts to help run this machine I’ve built. TRR: Who are your music inspirations? What artist would you love to collaborate with today? My first love was Michael Jackson, and then I discovered Beyoncé when she was in Destiny’s Child and I just fell in love. The way they just got on stage and could literally transform into this super hero almost made me fall in love. It was like they were introverted in their real lives and on stage so loud and in command and one with the music, stage and production. As I grew as a vocalist I searched for people who had similar tones and textures to their voice as mine, and I fell in love with Brandy and Tank. The way they connect their soul to each and every riff run and word. You feel it and it hits you different. I then dove into studying them. I also have a deep love for Lady GaGa, Prince, Rihanna and Missy Elliot. Always pushing the edge with their images and keeping you guessing what’s next. They really create iconic fashion moments with each song and it’s a lifestyle when they have a look they’re going with. Creating musical sounds so innovative and that are way beyond their time. Never afraid to press the envelope and setting the trend for artist for years to come. This is where my inspiration comes from and what I aspire to be. When asked what artist I would love to collaborate with I definitely have a long list for sure, but my top choices would be Missy Elliot, Summer Walker, Stefflon Don, Aboogie, JoJo & 6black. Check out the music video for ‘How Do You Sleep?’ above, and make sure to follow Milan Gianni on Instagram here.

(images via screen capture/YouTube – some editing was made for clarity)

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John Duff Skewers ‘Influencers’ With New Music Video “RICH”

The very easy-on-the-eyes John Duff (above) recently dropped his latest music video, “Rich,” which takes aim at pop culture’s obsession with so-called ‘social media influencers’ or online celebrities. Duff says the inspiration for the mid-tempo hip-hop track came to him when he was trying to come up with “the most obnoxious song I could think of about being famous for being rich.” The song’s lyrics poke fun at how seriously some social media mavens (and their followers) take themselves.

Train our waists And pad our hips F*ck your plans Let’s plump our lips Plastic products out here sellin it Hate on me – it keeps me relevant B*tch, I know you wish  

The music video includes viral internet celebs like the ‘human Ken doll,’ Justin Jedlica; Chris Crocker of ’Leave Britney Alone’ infamy; and self-proclaimed ‘c*ck destroyer’ Rebecca More. Along with several swipes at plastic surgery, the video also parodies ad campaigns for ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians.’ Back in February 2018, Duff told Instinct, “We need more real bitches. I can’t stand the curated ‘influencers’ who think they are cool – it makes me so uncomfortable and it helps no one. Making an ass out of yourself – that helps people.” And in August of last year, Duff dropped his over-the-top homage to his pop music divas, “Girly.” In a recent Instagram post, Duff admitted that he’d planned on releasing “Rich” sooner, but he “wasn’t prepared.” Saying he felt “lost in other people’s perception” of him, he also shared that making “‘light-hearted’ work in such dire times” seemed selfish.

View this post on Instagram

My new song and video, “Rich”, drop this Friday 9|13. The video was set to release last year, shortly after “Girly”, but I called it off. I wasn’t prepared. Mentally, emotionally, physically – I was a mess. Of course I was happy with the reception of “Girly”, but success does not equate to wellness. I got lost in a persona – lost in other people’s perception of me I was stuck. Stuck on “why”. Why am I doing this? Why am I here? Why? I felt selfish in my pursuit of art – especially making “lighthearted” work in such seemingly dire times. I’ve learned a lot in this past year, but I think the most important thing is: Whatever you bring to the table is good enough. Your only job is to show up. Not everyone is going to Mother Teresa – and that’s ok. That was her mission, maybe not yours. We’re pretty helpless creatures, but everyone is worthy of their own star in the sky. Being imperfect does not mean that you don’t deserve to take up space. You are here. Create. Be seen. You’re worth it. Any way, back to me: Enjoy the show, dolls.

A post shared by John Duff (@iamjohnduff) on

Having moved through all that, his mantra now is, “Create. Be seen. You’re worth it.” Today, Duff is all about “holding a mirror to what it is that we do every day, as a culture – what we worship, how we consume, how we cope.” Check out John Duff’s ode to the infamous, “Rich,” below; and follow him on Instagram here. https://youtu.be/6Z7jNYHwtjA (lead image via Instagram)

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News Round-Up: September 11, 2019

Eliad Cohen relaxes on a big, inflatable pink flamingo.

Eliad Cohen relaxes on a big, inflatable pink flamingo. Some news items you might have missed: • InstaHunks: Some days you just want to ride a big pink thing. Just ask Eliad Cohen (above)…LOL • Bloomberg: The state of Michigan has approved a charter for the first-ever LGBTQ credit union set to open in 2020. • KIT212: Happy Hump Day! You know what that means over at kenneth-in-the-212… Wrestle Wednesday! • HuffPost: Talk about underhanded politics… After promising there would be no votes until Wednesday afternoon out of respect for 9/11, North Carolina GOP lawmakers in the state House took advantage of Democrats attending memorial ceremonies to push through an override of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of the state budget.

• Washington Post: The Supreme Court has ruled the Trump administration’s policy to bar many Central American migrants from seeking asylum in the United States may go into effect while legal challenges move forward. Since 1980, the U.S. has said those who say they are fleeing persecution and violence in their home countries have the right to at least apply for asylum. • NY Times: The White House was directly involved in pressing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to denounce the weather forecasters who contradicted Donald Trump’s claim that Hurricane Dorian would probably strike Alabama. Mick Mulvaney, acting White House chief of staff, told Wilbur Ross, the commerce secretary, to have NOAA publicly disavow the forecasters’ position that Alabama was not at risk. • New Music: Tony Award winner drops his newest music video, the uptempo, pulsating “Rain,” from his album Sing To Me Instead. Platt’s upcoming September 29 concert at Radio City Music Hall is not only sold-out (huge place, don’t you know?) but it will be filmed for a future Netflix music special. And of course, there’s the upcoming Netflix series The Politician, by Ryan Murphy, which he stars in alongside Jessica Lange, Gwenyth Paltrow, and his Dear Evan Hansen co-star Laura Dreyfuss.

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New Music: FAZE Shares Some Musical ‘Magic’

Out indie artist FAZE drops his new single, 'Magic,' in advance of his upcoming EP titled Eclipse.

Out indie artist FAZE drops his new single, 'Magic,' in advance of his upcoming EP titled Eclipse. Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter FAZE releases his new single “Magic” from his upcoming EP. The chill mid-tempo was the last song recorded on for the EP, to be titled Eclipse. “Stylistically I wanted to go for something that was influenced by my Persian background – which was outside of the norm for me and also different from mainstream music” says FAZE. The handsome artist says the song captures “falling for someone or something in a way that you’ve never felt before.” “Spirits talking heavens watching” is the voice in our head that reminds us the world is always watching, judging and ridding yourself of those perspectives,” explains FAZE. “Whether it’s the initial spark in a relationship or on a more personal level, the underlying message behind Magic is about stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing it. It’s about feeling good, feeling sexy and feeling magical”.

A member of the LGBTQ community, FAZE has spent years working to find his most authentic creative voice, with the intent on making his art as inclusive as possible. The San Diego native spent years grappling with not only his sexual orientation but with a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome at the age of seven. But music would prove to be his emotional salvation, and by the age of nine he’d learned to play both piano and cello. “My idea of fun when I was a kid was just sitting in my garden, listening to classical music and playing my cello,” he recalls. By his early 20s, he’d begun joining in songwriting sessions for leading artists, which went a long way in sharpening his songcraft and refining his vision for his own work. “Even when I was writing for other people, I was always pulling from my own experiences—I can only write what’s real to me,” says FAZE. “But now with Eclipse, I feel like it’s the first time I’m stepping out into the world, and fully showing who I am as an artist.”

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Parker Matthews’ Euphoric End Of Summer ‘Live For Your Crazy’

Out singer/songwriter Parker Matthews drops his latest track, an upbeat synth-pop banger titled, “Live For Your Crazy.” The track features an infectious vocal hook and polished, top-shelf production. Effortless and euphoric, it’s a breezy end-of-summer bop. In the video, directed by Nicolas Wendl, Matthews envisions sexy Mother Nature coming to save him from the sweltering desert heat. I chatted with the rising pop star about the new song, sweaty desert realness, and what’s on the horizon for him. The Randy Report: Your last music video, “Good Enough,” was set in a dark theater, serving up a melancholy Parker in ‘leading man’ mode. In “Live For Your Crazy,” it’s a complete 180 taking us out into the middle of nature, busting moves right and left, and chilling in a grove of palm trees. Where did the inspiration for the video come from?

Parker Matthews: I wanted to show the next step in my evolution on this journey both as an artist and as a person. In the beginning of this video, I let go of the rose petals I was holding on to from the darker place of Good Enough, and symbolically, set out to find my own way.  

My whole life, women have saved me, in various ways, and I wanted to depict that by having a Mother Earth figure as my saving grace.  Between everything currently going on with climate change, and the destruction of our planet, I wanted to show the beauty of nature by actually going on location and in some ways, how delicate it can actually be.  

The locations that we shot this video on have never been filmed on, nor will they be filmed on again. My team and I partnered up with CNLM, a non-profit organization that focuses on protecting endangered species and plants, was gracious enough to allow us to captivate such epic visuals.  It was a 16 hour day, in 118-degree heat, but with their help, we were able to film something amazing. 

TRR: What does 2019 Parker know today that it would have been handy if 2017 Parker might have known? Is there anything you’ve learned in the past two years that you thought, “That would have been really useful to know…”

PM: There are so many things I’ve learned since getting into this game, but I think one of the biggest things has been learning to always be my unapologetic self, no matter how ‘uncool’ that might be.  Standing up for my own vision, and surrounding myself with a team that believes in me is what truly makes the difference.  I can confidently say that I’ve found myself, and now, its full speed ahead.  I have my team locked down, and as for new music… I have a lot to say 😉

TRR: You’ve been turning out really terrific tracks for some time now. What’s the ’next step’ career goal?

PM: I have one more record for you this year, and then I’m taking some time to record my first EP.  I have most of the songs already written, and I have a title, that you’ll find out about all in good time J  

By having a bunch of singles that took listeners around the ‘map’, I showed my versatility and malleability, but I want to have this EP to really focus on the artist that I am, what I stand for, along with my overall brand.  (You can expect that around the end of March).

TRR: Random question: Name three artists you wouldn’t mind being compared to?

PM: I don’t really compare myself to anyone, because I am me.  I write my own records, and I create my own visual ideas, but if I had to choose other artists, I’d pick ones with like-minded values, and would honestly all be women.  Lady GaGa, Christina Aguilera, and Julia Michaels all have a spot in my heart.  Being real is what stands out the most to me,  and that’s where I give the utmost respect J

For more info on the handsome Mr. Matthews, check out my previous coverage of his music here. “Live For Your Crazy” is now available on all digital download sites. Check out a few peeks behind-the-scenes of the making of “Live For Your Crazy” via Parker’s Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1PguG1lHTP/ https://www.instagram.com/p/B1K-c8hFeVT/

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News Round-Up: September 9, 2019

L-R Shannen Doherty, me, Ian Ziering, Jennie Garth, Michael Caprio
Some news items you might have missed: • Monday Memory: One of those “Can you believe this is happening?” moments – back when Beverly Hills 90210 star Ian Ziering was the celebrity guest host of Chippendales here in Las Vegas, and his two 90210 co-stars Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth came to see Ian in the show. This was snapped backstage before the show. #Goodtimes • Yahoo News: Four months before the wedding of a gay couple in the UK, the mother of one of the grooms received an anonymous note claiming it was the ‘consensus of the village’ that if the wedding was going to happen then “it should do so far, far away from the village.” The mother did not tell her son before the nuptials, but police are investigating the homophobic note. • OUT: Only five of the long list of Democratic presidential candidates have confirmed for both of the upcoming LGBTQ-centric events – the GLAAD-sponsored LGBTQ presidential forum in Iowa, and the HRC-sponsored LGBTQ CNN Town Hall. • TIME: Hollywood’s wonder gay Ryan Murphy has announced he is adapting the legendary Broadway musical A Chorus Line into a 10-episode miniseries for Netflix. #Hmmm • Hollywood Reporter: The cast and creators of the CW series Riverdale, as well as actress Octavia Spencer, will be honored at this year’s GLSEN Respect Awards on October 25 in Los Angeles. •  Out Music: Last month, I shared out singer/songwriter Kyle Motsinger’s groovy anthem for positivity, “Love On Each Other,” and today he drops the equally groovilicious music video. He’s paired his 70s disco beat bop with images of hippie love kids dancing and prancing in the park. Check it out below.

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New Music: Stewart Taylor “Mess Your Hair Up”

Out singer/songwriter Stewart Taylor encourages his fans to be playful and adventurous with their significant others with his latest music video, “Mess Your Hair Up.” The R&B funk track was inspired by Taylor’s own long-distance relationship.  “I had recently moved to LA from New York and my partner sent me a super sexy picture,” he shares about the genesis of the new song. “I told him I wanted to jump on him and mess his hair up! The chorus of the song came to me almost immediately afterwards.” “Everyone deserves to be happy in and outside of the bedroom,” he reflects. “While ‘Mess Your Hair Up’ may appear simplistic and perhaps more superficial than my previous tracks, sometimes simple and fun is better. One of my favorite Prince songs is literally about wanting his lover’s ‘extra time and their KISS,’ and it’s still iconic.:   His optimism shines through in the colorful music video for “Mess Your Hair Up.”   “The video celebrates white, black, Latino, and even drag queen hairstyles because all of it is beautiful to me,” he adds. “I also had the privilege of working with LA-based choreographer Johnny Rice (Taylor Swift, Adam Lambert) on the dance numbers in the video, so hopefully it makes people want to get up and dance, too.” Visit www.stewarttaylorofficial.com for more info on Stewart. Hit the play button and bounce through Hump Day a little easier.