Stevens is probably most famous today for his songs he contributed to last year’s queer coming-of-age movie, Call Me By Your Name. The track “Mystery of Love” garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award nod as well.
The 43-year-old artist says “Love Yourself,” a euphoric synth-pop bop, is based on a musical sketch he wrote 20 years ago. Stevens plans on including the 1996 demo on the vinyl release as well as a short reprise.
“With My Whole Heart” is an entirely new song that came from a personal challenge: “to write an upbeat and sincere love song without conflict, anxiety, or self-deprecation.” Definitely more bouncy, the track is a retro, lo-fi affair with lots of layered vocals leading to a vibe-y, chill guitar solo.
In addition to buying music you enjoy, purchasing the tracks will also aid two organizations that help LGBTQ homeless youth. A portion of the proceeds will go to both the Ali Forney Center in New York City and the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, Michigan.
Billy Porter (Golden Globe nod – FX’s Pose, Tony Award winner Kinky Boots) has teamed up with two-time Out Music Award winner Matt Zarley to record their take on the empowering 1995 Des’ree hit, “You Gotta Be.”
Close friends for more than 30 years, the two artists had been looking to collaborate on a music project and found the message that “love will save the day” particularly resonant in these challenging times.
Matt Zarley and Billy Porter
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold You gotta be wiser, you gotta be hard You gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm You gotta stay together All I know, all I know, love will save the day
Matt Zarley
“Billy and I are both passionate about all LGBT causes, particularly ones that involve our next generations,” said Zarley, who also produced the track as well as directed and edited the video.
“We wanted to help raise awareness for this invaluable organization and the work they do,” It’s incredibly important and is helping save the lives of the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community.”
A postscript to the music video shares the sobering fact that there are roughly 1.7 million homeless youth on the streets of the United States, and a disproportionate 40% identify as LGBT. In Los Angeles alone, there are roughly 3,500 LGBT youth living on the streets.
And speaking of ‘community,’ that’s exactly what’s front and center in the music video for “You Gotta Be.”
Zarley and Porter are joined by dozens of friends grooving, twirling, lip-syncing for their lives in solo and same-sex couplings.
After ruling the red carpet during this past awards season, Porter is currently shooting Season 2 of the acclaimed FX series Poseset to return to the airwaves June 11.
Zarley’s latest project is an album titled The Estrogen Sessions,which pays tribute to some of pop music’s most prolific female artists (Dolly Parton, Celine Dion, Sara Bareilles, Whitney Houston) featuring the songs they made famous. “I Will Always Love You,” “That’s The Way It Is,” “Gravity,” and “I Look To You” are just a few of the tunes featured on the set.
Check out “You Gotta Be”with Billy Porter and Matt Zarley below.
Chris Kittrell as ‘Heather Strange’ (photo: Adrian Stucker)
Chris Kittrell’s new solo project Heather Strange debuts with this first track, “Ruthless.”
Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter & artist Chris Kittrell drops the lead music video for his latest project, Heather Strange.
The track, titled “Ruthless,” is produced by Chris Hines and Dave Sitek (who’s previously worked with Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Yeah Yeah Yeahs).
Part EDM with hints of classic Human League, if you’re a fan of The Smiths/Morrissey this will be right up your alley. And let’s face it – who doesn’t like some shiny, pretty things to look at?
Kittrell says the inspiration for the song came to him “at a low point in my life.”
“I had insecurities and doubts about where I was going, and the world around me,” he shares. “It was rough, but I kept holding on and pushing myself forward, creating music and art. Perseverance is so important. If you hold on and put energy into the things you love, life will balance out.”
After years as the frontman for Baby Alpaca, Kittrell is looking forward to the new solo project.
“Heather Strange is my stage name, inspired by the street where I first started writing the music in Cold Water Canyon, Los Angeles,” says the six-foot-five artist. “I like the name because it’s something bigger than me, something I can create and become a character in front of my audience.”
Music critics have gushed about Kittrell’s fearless alt-pop aesthetic for years.
Reviewing his 2016 track “Teenage Wasteland,” Vice’s Kim Taylor Bennett described Kittrell’s sound as “slinky, soulful crooner pop,” and the track “sparklingly beautiful.”
Vogue’s Jacob Brown fell in love with Kittrell’s “hypnotic” voice which “somehow made time itself seem to slow down.”
Check out “Ruthless” and let me know what you think in the comment section.
Out actor Ezra Miller and his band, Sons of an Illustrious Father, were recently out at a sexy, queer party in Nashville while on tour. As the story goes, heterosexual folks started dropping by the shindig as it was the coolest thing in town that night.
Miller’s band mate, Lilah Larson, says the straight folks “were sort of uncomfortably ogling the frolicking queers — including us — in a way that belied their envy and lust.”
But when the Pussycat Dolls’ hit, “Don’t Cha,” came up in the music cue, the band realized they needed to cover the track, from their own perspective, as a way to “encapsulate this common experience.”
Wearing black leotards, dancing to a slowed, time-warped version of the song, the music video is an animal all unto its own.
Adam Lambert drops the lead single, “New Eyes,” from his upcoming album Velvet, and it’s a groovilicious affair.
The mid-tempo track has a definite pop/funk vibe with a dash of soul that feels like a throwback to glam-rock of the 1970s.
The music video mirrors that with funky retro style and a bit of psychedelic alchemy as Lambert hands out late-night party favors to strangers.
It’s all very much a departure from the EDM/synth-pop of Lambert’s 2015 album, The Original High.
“I wanted my first single to reflect my current state of mind and to bring listeners into a romantic, earthy vibe,” said the singer. “‘New Eyes’ is a love letter to innocence and to finding new passions.”
According to press materials, the new video (directed by Miles and AJ) is the first installment of a multi-part short film that leads up to the album release.
In the four years since The Original High release, 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.
Lambert is scheduled to perform “New Eyes” on the season finale of his old stomping grounds, American Idol, this coming Sunday. He’s also snagged a prime summer appearance on the Good Morning America concert series on June 28.
As he was recovering from a life-shaking breakup, out singer/songwriter Kisos penned (in real time) his upcoming EP, sweet nothings, featuring one track for each of the 5 stages of grief.
The lead single, “Happily Ever After,” is a bouncy electro-pop bop with the handsome artist deep in denial, using delusion as poisoned motivation to better himself and survive the pain of seeing his ex with someone new.
In an interview with Billboard, Kisos revealed that many of the sets and props for his new video are the actual locations of his heartbreak. The bed in the video, for example, belongs to a different ex-boyfriend (and now friend) of his, where he spent days dealing with the breakup the song talks about. “It’s also where I literally/figuratively beat myself up over the ex after him, running to John (his friend and former boyfriend) for comfort when I couldn’t sleep alone,” he says
Making the video as authentic as possible was important to the singer; he says that he used real objects from his life as props in order to create a relatable experience for his audience. “I’m not kidding when I say I wanted to make the most honest visual, even if it’s embarrassing!” he says. “I’ll show the vulnerable parts of myself if it helps others feel less alone or ashamed.”
Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, the gay son of a Maryland pastor, scored last night as he performed in front of his parents for the first time on his journey with American Idol.
With coaching from none other than Queen frontman Adam Lambert, Harmon offered a emotional, stripped down version of “Who Wants To Live Forever,” which resulted in a standing ovation from the audience, the judges, and most importantly, his parents.
He sang an original song he’d written, titled “Almost Heaven,” which questioned if there is a place for him in heaven. The song choice put the tension with his family center stage.
Last night’s song choice of “Who Wants To Live Forever,” famously sung by openly bisexual rocker Freddie Mercury, made it clear Harmon wanted to send a message with his parents in attendance.
But, while many are referring to the 26-year-old’s family ‘shunning him,’ he recently told Out that portrayal of his family dynamic wasn’t quite accurate.
“I’ve never said that my parents have rejected me, or don’t accept me as me, their son,” he shared with Out. “And that in combination with my parents not being able to make it to the first couple performances and [not being] featured on the show yet, you know, it’s easy for people to take that and run with it … in reality, they’re just trying to integrate this experience and they’re processing it in their own way.”
Judge Katy Perry, who is also a ‘pastor’s kid,’ has championed Harmon from day one. After his haunting performance which showed off his effortless high notes, she had only praise.
“Jeremiah, you really embodied the spirit of Freddie Mercury with that performance,” said Perry. “It was so beautiful seeing you perform in front of your parents for the first time, and it’s so wonderful to see your journey.”
“And to see your parents come out here, and support you, and accept you, and know it’s a “come as you are” situation,” she continued. “God bless you.”
Luke Bryan remarked on Harmon’s ability to “take us on a complete journey.”
“That was a journey that built and built and built, and you just took it to the next level,” Bryan gushed. “I loved every second of it.”
And elder statesman Lionel Richie chimed in, “There’s something you just can’t teach – the ability to draw people in.”
“The dynamics of your voice, you’ve got a band that sounds like that much power coming behind you, and you take the band to the next level,” said Richie. “That means you’re doing something powerful.”
“Your voice is something to be reckoned with,” he finished, adding, “I’m very proud of you and keep up the good work. The best time to do it is in front of your parents.’
Stay tuned, folks, because Harmon made it to the Top 6 now.
Could we have our first openly gay American Idol?
Jeremiah’s parents gave him a standing ovation attending their first AI episode
Out singer/songwriter Parker Matthews debuts his latest single and music video, “Running From Me.”
I’ve been listening (and watching) the talented musician since he proved he’s definitely no “Hit and Run” last May, and he’s had me “Feelin’ Right” ever since.
In each release, Matthews consistently brings top-shelf production, pop-synth goodness and a hooky chorus with smooth vocal delivery.
“Pop music just might have found its next star in Parker Matthews” – The Musical Hype
“Matthews’ confidence in his sexuality glows onscreen” – Pop Dust
I chatted with the handsome singer about “Running From Me,” the power of confidence and the importance of vibe in a recording session.
The Randy Report: After bouncy upbeat bops like “Hit and Run” and the liquid-sexy “Feelin’ Right,” your new single “Running From Me” is a dance floor banger. Do you plan on switching it up or is just this how the music comes?
Parker Matthews: I think I’ve grown a lot as an artist and had a great time exploring the different sides of who I am, and what I want to write.
This record was a very defining one for me, not only because it’s the first of some amazing new material I have on the way, but also because I wanted to instill a sense on confidence in the listener.
I wrote this record based off a personal story of mine, but I want the listener to realize that they hold the power and the confidence to do whatever they want because with that mentality, nobody’s gonna be running from them.
TRR: You dance in the new music video – is this the first time fans see you bust a move other than some party bouncing in “Hit and Run?”
PM: It was so great! I grew up dancing, and to be able to be on camera doing that was absolutely thrilling. My team and I brought in some incredible dance talent and I will definitely be bringing that vibe onto future records/ videos as well.
TRR: Your lyrics tend to express confidence in yourself. Are you as confident in real life? PM: You know, it’s interesting… When I’m being the artist side of me as ‘Parker Matthews’ on a shoot or on stage, I am super outgoing and confident. However, when I’m just with my friends, or out for the night, I’m pretty quiet and always kinda stay in the background.
Somebody told me that you’re trying to own me
But I’m never lonely cause ain’t nobody running from me
And don’t say you know how to win over me now
You know that I don’t don’t bow cause ain’t nobody running from me
TR: At this point, do you have a “process” in writing/recording? Or is every project approached differently?
PM: Every record has a general outline of being written and recorded the same way, but at the same time, it’s always a little different. A lot of the time, when writing, I’ll start with the chorus, and build from there.
However, for “Running From Me,” I actually started with the very first line of the record, ‘You make me feel like everybody’s watching me…’ and I sat down and went from there.
When it comes to recording, I am all about the VIBE. Depending on what studio I’m in, I make sure all the candles are lit and we’re going in on that session. Having a good vibe during a recording session really translates to the record, in my opinion.
TRR: Who are you listening to today? Who’s at the top of your playlist?
PM: I’m listening to a little bit of everything right now. If the record speaks to me, I’ll get down with it for sure.
I love pop and dance music, but I also love a good power ballad, much like the record I have coming next (hint hint, wink wink). Thank you and the LGBTQ community for you amazing support!
You can follow Parker Matthews on Instagram here, Facebook here and check out his official website here.
“Running From Me“ is now available on iTunes and all digital download sites.
And you can check out my podcast interview with Parker by clicking the play button below.
• Paleontologist Francesc Gascó is giving you serious beard and biceps (above).
• Democratic presidential hopeful Mayor Pete Buttigieg told CNN today he doesn’t have a problem with Vice President Mike Pence having religious beliefs, but added, “My problem is when those religious beliefs are used as an excuse to harm other people.”
Michele Bachmann has never seen “a more biblical president” than Trump: “We will, in all likelihood, never see a more godly, biblical president again in our lifetimes.” pic.twitter.com/xnqCZRaq5f
• Out Canadian singer-songwriter Mathew V has released the music video for his latest single, “Catching Feelings.” Directed by Gabriel Adelman, the video follows Mathew V through an extraterrestrial adventure set to an extremely danceable track.
“‘Catching Feelings’ can be counted as one of the first evocatively sun-soaked jams of 2019. Toned, smoothed out & soulful.” – EQ Music
His debut album, The Fifth, was released in the spring of 2018 and charted in both Canada and the US. The album earned critical acclaim from press outlets such as Nylon and Billboard, marking Mathew as an artist to watch.
His catalogue is now approaching 10 million online streams. Hit play below.
American Idol went live last night as the Top 14 look to the public’s votes to continue in the competition.
The show will reveal Monday night which contestants will go on to the Top 10. America’s votes will determine 7 of those spots, while the judges will choose 3 contestants to continue.
Out singer/songwriter Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon knocked another song out of the park continuing his string of solid performances.
As I’ve previously reported, his story as the openly gay son of a pastor in Maryland has already touched viewers. Following his progress, we’ve learned his family didn’t exact embrace his coming out three years ago.
But that drama was nowhere in sight last night as the 26-year-old sat down at the piano to sing.
Putting his effortless high notes front and center, Harmon delivered a passionate, gospel-tinged version of Elton John’s classic, “We All Fall in Love Sometimes.”
The judges were falling over themselves to praise the young singer from Maryland.
American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry & Luke Bryan
“You just took an Elton John song, you went past Freddy Mercury, and you ‘Jeremiah-ed’ the whole thing,” said Lionel Richie.
Comparing Harmon to the two queer pop icons, Richie added, “There are notes that Elton can’t do; then there are notes that Freddie Mercury can’t do; and you went to a Z flat somewhere up there past Pluto and Mars. It was amazing. And your voice is amazing, and your career is going to be amazing.”
Katy Perry, who is also a ‘PK’ (pastor’s kid), has been a staunch supporter of Harmon’s from day one.
“I’m a mess,” she confessed, clearly shook. “I’m just so proud.”
“You’re such a gift,” she continued, effusive with praise. “ You’re a light to the world. Your story is everything, and your talent supersedes all.”
“The whole time I’m watching that I’m like I’m not worthy to be sitting here watching,” added Luke Bryan — points were made. “I just see Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon on this big billboard.”
The judges loved his performance, but we’ll have to see how the voting viewers respond.
What do you think, readers? Is Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon the next American Idol?
