Tag: out musicians

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Parker Matthews Is More Than “Good Enough”

Parker Matthews “Good Enough”

Out singer/songwriter Parker Matthews drops his latest music video, “Good Enough.”

Trust and believe – it’s more than ‘good enough.’

The visually elegant video finds our hero prepping for a performance, but troubled.

After the sexy sass of previous tracks like “Hit and Run” and “Feelin’ Right,” Matthews is in a pensive mood.

Who hasn’t worried/wondered if they are ‘good enough?’ For others, for ourselves?

Through repetition (plus a touch of humanity), the title phrase sometimes feels like Parker is convincing his listener, sometimes himself.

It’s like I’m not good enough, good enough
Why’m I not good enough, good enough
Baby, I’m good enough, good enough
I know that I’m good enough, good enough
I can’t take it
My heart, you break it
I’m good enough, good enough
I know that I’m good enough, good enough

(screen capture)

The handsome Mr. Matthews offers some of his most expressive and muscular vocals to date.

And, like all his releases, the production is top-shelf and sophisticated.

Make sure you hang around for the ending.

“Good Enough” is available now on iTunes, Amazon and all other digital download sites.

Check out my previous coverage of Mr. Matthews on The Randy Report here.

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Out Music: Brian Justin Crum “I & U”

America's Got Talent finalist Brian Justin Crum recently released the music video for his latest single, "I & U."
Brian Justin Crum (photo credit: Mark Mendoza)

America’s Got Talent finalist Brian Justin Crum recently released the music video for his latest single, “I & U.”

Penned by #1 Billboard writers Melanie Fontana, Lindgren and Ferras, and produced by Lindgren, “I & U” is the follow-up single to “Circles,” released in February.

The singer recently told Huffpost the video for “I & U” is meant as an homage to his ‘spirit animal,’ George Michael.

“The video for ‘I & U’ is the most free Iʼve ever felt in my Queer expression,” says Crum. “I spent so many years trying to ‘butch it up’ so that people around would feel more comfortable and so that I could fit into anyones little box they wanted to put me in.”

Crum adds that he also wanted the music video to “feature a diverse cast of women who are strong in their own expression as well.”

“Growing up queer I was surrounded by woman who supported me,” says the 31-year-old singer. “My friends at school were all girls and it was their mothers (and my own) that loved me for who I was.”

“I think itʼs very important that we, as gay men, rally behind women and fight with them as they have always fought with us,” he adds.

During his time on Season 11 of America’s Got Talent, Crum garnered millions of views from his performances of songs by Michael Jackson, Radiohead, Tears For Fears and Phil Collins.

Check out the new track now available on all digital download sites.

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News Round-Up: July 5, 2019

David Harbour in Netflix’s Stranger Things (screen cap)

Some news items you might have missed:

• Dad Bod alert: Who’s a fan of the Netflix’s Stranger Things? Season four was released last night and folks think series star David Harbour (above screen cap) is the new poster guy for ‘dad bods.’ #woof

• CNN: Adding homophobia to racism, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents made a migrant hold an “I Like Men” sign as an anti-gay punishment.

• Washington Post: Congressman Justin Amash, who represents Michigan’s 3rd congressional district, has been one of the few Republicans to publicly criticize Donald Trump, and actually side with Democrats in calls for impeachment proceedings. In an op-ed yesterday, he quit the GOP and announced he now identifies as an Independent.

• NY Times: Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) surprisingly raised less than $12 million for her presidential campaign in the past three months; very disappointing considering her very strong debate performance last week. The figure pales in comparison to her primary rivals: Mayor Pete Buttigieg pulled in $24.8 million in the second quarter, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. reports $21.5 million in campaign donations, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) took in $18 million.

• Gay Star News: Out musician Aaron Porter says his latest single, “Sorry,” comes from a very personal place for him. And, like life, it slowly evolved until coming to fruition.

“I was in a place of frustration and the track we created was a slow piano-led ballad, he told GSN. “I feel like the song has grown as I have dealt with my situation, and now it’s a fierce pop banger and I feel alive when I sing it.”

Check out the new R&B/pop bop below.

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Pride Music: Wrabel “The Village”

In August 2017, out musician Wrabel released his powerful music video for "The Village" as a sign of solidarity with the transgender community in the aftermath of Donald Trump's 'out of nowhere' decision to ban trans military service members.

In August 2017, out musician Wrabel released his powerful music video for “The Village” as a sign of solidarity with the transgender community in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s ‘out of nowhere’ decision to ban trans military service members.

Beginning with this quote, “In nature, a flock will attack any bird that is more colorful than the others because being different is seen as a threat,” the video follows a young transgender man’s journey into self-acceptance.

Wrabel sent this message to the LGBTQ community via social media over the weekend:

“To anyone that feels like an outsider, the problem isn’t you, it’s the village. I don’t know how else to raise my voice than in a song. And so, I wrote a song for you. #transrightsarehumanrights #thevillage”

The mournful tune focuses on issues of isolation that arise with the exploration of one’s sexuality and identity.

The lyrics urge the listener to remember there is nothing wrong with them. The issue is with those who treat them differently.

Watch below.

At the time of the video’s release, Wrabel tweeted:

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Music Video: Adam Lambert “Comin In Hot”

Last month, I covered the released of Adam Lambert’s music video “New Eyes,” from his upcoming album, Velvet.

The American Idol alum has just dropped the next single from the album, “Comin In Hot,” and it picks up right where “New Eyes” left off.

As previously announced, the music videos from the album tell a multi-part story.

The groovy new video finds the 37-year-old singer still in that retro nightclub having quite the ‘encounter’ with a fierce, sexy witch played by trans activist, Miss Shalae.

Musically, Lambert is serving up a fusion of sultry 70s rock and funk, letting the style carry the tune without relying on histrionic, power vocals.

“I want your touch, come put your hands on me / I want my love to feed your vanity / Comin’ in hot,” sings Lambert.

Since his last release, The Original High, the 37-year-old has been touring extensively as the frontman for iconic rock band, Queen, as well as making a cameo appearance in the Freddy Mercury biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody.

Discussing the upcoming album during an appearance on RuPaul’s talk show, RuPaul, Lambert said, “it’s not a big superstar, name-ringing kind of situation. It’s friends, people that I’ve met over the last 10 years that I respect, a lot of queer writers as well that I’ve teamed up with, more female writers than ever.”

He also shared that he met his current boyfriend on Instagram. “I love meeting freaks on Instagram,” said Lambert. “I think I’m a pretty good judge of character. We took our time.”

Check out Lambert’s chat with Ru below.

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Pride Music: Kim Petras “Another One”

German-born pop star Kim Petras sat down with ABC News to chat on how her identity as a trans woman has shaped her music but doesn’t define her.

The 26-year-old talks about her idols (Kylie, Cher, Madonna, Gwen), selling out concerts and growing up in gay bars with her ‘gay homies.’

Really great profile. Watch below.

And while we’re here, check out Kim’s latest single, “Another One,” from her upcoming album, Clarity.

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Pride Music: Rayvon Owens “Volume”

Having come out with his earlier release, "Can't Fight It," the follow-up single from Rayvon Owen, "Volume," revealed the artist in full-on authentic mode.
Photo credit: Shannon Bray

Having come out with his earlier release, “Can’t Fight It,” the follow-up single from Rayvon Owen, “Volume,” revealed the artist in full-on authentic mode.

Owen says the process of writing “Volume” was healing for him as it became an anthem of self-encouragement and reminded him “to stay true to who I was.”

Owen told OUT at the time:

“Like most everyone, I have experienced many highs and lows this past year.

“While I feel I have come a long way, I still sometimes fall short and don’t always believe in myself in the way I should. Coming out and accepting myself for who I am was one of the most liberating and life-changing experiences for me. While my confidence has grown, I am still human and am still learning to love the person I am — flaws and all — more and more every day.”

Growing up in the conservative South, the top-four American Idol finalist found it difficult to do just that when the time came to come out.

“I was so afraid, being from the South and being black and coming from a more conservative area and growing up in an environment that is not very conducive to being gay or even questioning your sexuality,” says Owen.

Nevertheless, the outpouring of support from his fans was overwhelming – “I would get a message from someone who would say this helped me come out to my parents, or saved me from taking my life. And it’s just like- ok, this is worth it.”

In addition to making beautiful music, Owen also spends time working with LGBT organisations like The Trevor Project, Human Rights Campaign and POINT Foundation.

With his silky smooth, effortless vocals paired with a penchant for raw emotion, he’s definitely someone to keep your eye (and ear) on. I’m sent new music every day and “Volume” is one of the first in a long time I hit repeat several times on first listen.

Check out “Volume” below, and you can find more of Rayvon’s music on SoundCloud.

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Pride Music: Jamie Hannah “Sound Of My Youth”

Boy George protege, Jamie Hannah

Since 2017, Jamie Hannah has been working with Benny D, an award winning producer who has worked with artists including Stormzy and Kylie Minogue, to produce his debut E.P which will be released this year.

Brought into the project by Benny D, Boy George has been consistently impressed with Jamie Hannah’s voice, even going as far as saying that he’s never heard a voice like his.

The first single, “Sound of My Youth,” showcases his unforgettably smooth tone as the lyrics share the story of a past relationship that you just can’t seem to forget about, and the memories that continue to haunt you.

Jamie Hannah’s pure and emotive voice perfectly encapsulates the nostalgia and melancholy of the song while the lyrics document the singer’s feelings of ‘drowning’ and loss in a truly emotional way.

Hannah’s classical training at the Royal College of Music is self-evident on the track demonstrating real complexity and sophistication.

The track begins simply with a collection of dreamy, laidback synths before it’s quickly kicked up a notch by the addition of a weighty and pulsating drum beat and Hannah’s commanding vocals.

The track recently hit Top 5 on Music Week’s Commercial Pop chart.

Check it out below, and find more about Hannah on his Instagram here.

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Pride Music: Eli Lieb “I Want It All”

Eli Lieb (L) and bf Tyler (image via Instagram)

Randy Report favorite Eli Lieb is happy in love, and he’s sharing the receipts in his new music video, “I Want It All.” The bouncy, buoyant summer bop is a paean to his year-old relationship with boyfriend, James Tyler Malone.

You got me in love Like a kid in a candy store running round I want it all And it’s never it’s never it’s never it’s never enough I want it all want it all And I waited I waited I waited I waited for your love And it’s never it’s never it’s never it’s never enough I want it all want it all

The music video utilizes video Lieb shot while he joined Malone on a cruise ship where the bf worked as a dancer. Rather than do the long-distance thing, Lieb packed up and joined Malone for months on the ship traveling to Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico. Lieb told Billboard that he wanted the song to be a upbeat tribute to the “very unconventional” beginning of his relationship, as well as a positive snapshot of queer love. “During Pride Month, I wanted to put something out that showed a real-life relationship blossoming, rather than just a scripted one,” he says. “I’m hoping the viewers will really be able to get a sense of that excitement and celebration of finding newfound love, in a real and palpable way.” Check out the music video below. The song is available now on all digital download sites.

Back in March, Lieb wished Malone a happy birthday writing, in part, “I waited so many years for you and now that we finally found each other, I am so grateful we never have to go without.” So, sweet. https://www.instagram.com/p/BvrY1w6JKoq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link   And in November, the boys got matching tattoos to celebrate their relationship. I have to say, it’s nice to report some happiness in the world. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqVdq7NBskE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Pride Music: Adam Lambert “Ghost Town”

In 2015, Adam Lambert described his music video for “Ghost Town” as ‘Coachella gone goth.’

Directed by Hype Williams, the visuals are stark in tone and content, but high on style and vocal intensity.

“I really wanted to first communicate the lyrics directly to the viewer, but then I also wanted to kind of highlight a scene of people,” Lambert told Entertainment Tonight.

“A lot of the people that we hired for the video are friends of mine. It was really fun on set. It was kind of a party, which made it a very relaxed shoot – I’ve never shot a video like that before, that felt like a house party.”

Lambert was recently asked by Variety how things had changed in the music industry since his run on American Idol ten years ago introduced him to an international audience, and whether he still experiences homophobia in the music industry.

It’s a totally different landscape. There is much more visibility so it doesn’t feel like a foreign or scary concept. When I first came on the scene almost everybody that I encountered in the music business was very supportive of me personally, but they were all a bit nervous about how it could work publicly. Now it’s been proven that there is a market and an audience. It’s allowing a lot more diversity to be pushed through.

It’s gotten better but I can’t make a blanket statement that it doesn’t happen anymore. There are always going to be shades of homophobia — sometimes internalized homophobia that I’ve encountered from other gay people in the industry. They might feel that [I am] ‘too gay.’