Tag: out musicians

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Out Music: Joey Suarez “Dancing By Myself”

Joey Suarez hits Top 5 in UK Club Chart

EDM/Pop musician Joey Suarez recently hit #5 on the UK Upfront Club Chart with a remix of his club favorite, “Dancing By Myself.”

The song, remixed by chart-topping UK-based HausUnited, puts him in the same chart neighborhood as superstars Calvin Harris and Sam Smith.

Suarez says the song is about “the feeling of being alone at a club, content with the idea that you are now alone.”

“The song grows and changes a lot like our emotions do when we are heart broken,” he explains. “With that said, I hope this song finds those who feel alone and are trying to dance away their troubles.”

The young musician has never worried about dancing to his own beat and being who he is.

A survivor of sexual abuse by his grandfather at a young age, Suarez spent years diving into his music as he hid that secret.

“Music is responsible for saving my life,” shared the handsome artist in an interview with I’m From Driftwood.

As music and performing became more and more important in his life, he decided he was done with exiling a part of himself.

Most musicians choose to hide their sexuality at the beginning of their career for fear of rejection, but Suarez consciously decided to flaunt it.

“I was about 14 when I decided secrets weren’t worth it,” he says. “From then on, I vowed never to lie and never to hide who I was from anyone and most of all myself.”


Fans might be surprised to learn the artist who is now climbing the EDM/dance charts spent over 10+ years studying classical vocal training. But the strict, regimented approach to classical music wasn’t going to work for an artist who needed to fully express himself.

Suarez says he was “so sick of getting criticized in choirs for being ‘too loud’ or ‘not blending’” that he shifted his focus to other kinds of music and artist outlets.

“Suddenly, all the constrictions and criticisms went out the window and I could freely explore my inner urges and talents,” he says.

His first two singles, “High in the Sky” and “Love Me Back” have garnered nearly 130,000 streams collectively on Spotify. A feat not easy for an independent LGBT musician.

He is currently in the studio writing and recording more songs for an upcoming project.

Check out Suarez’s “Dancing By Myself” then head over to his official website here for more info.

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Out Music: NIKO “The One”

Milan-born artist NIKO releases his latest track “The One”

Handsome out artist NIKO drops his latest single, a romantic mid-tempo synth-pop track titled, “The One.”

Fusing a European sensibility with a contemporary sound, NIKO brings a sensual touch to pop music as he explores both universal and personal themes, inspirations and emotions.

NIKO describes the new track as “a romantic, upbeat song inspired by the first moments with someone you’re attracted to.”

Written and recorded on a hot summer afternoon in Los Angeles, NIKO says the song touches on “the frustration of modern dating, and the exhilarating feeling of sexual attraction when meeting someone new.”

Born and raised in Milan, NIKO was naturally drawn to the city’s fashion and nightlife scene at an early age, where his earliest musical endeavors began as creative collaborations with underground DJs as a songwriter and vocalist.

During a stint in London and Manchester, he co-wrote and recorded tracks with several producers, nurtured his passion for music production, and decided to launch his career as a solo artist.

Now based in New York City, NIKO is prepping for the release of his debut EP in 2019.

I previously featured the sexy Italian on The Randy Report when he released his track “2 Hearts.”

“The One“ is currently available on Spotify here. Hit the play button below.

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Country Hunk Ty Herndon Covers Whitney Classic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”

After spending the past few months criss-crossing the country performing at various Pride events, out country music artist Ty Herndon recently hit the recording studio with DJ Little Steve to cut four songs for his dance floor fans.

“I have truly had the time of my life playing Pride festivals across America,” says the hunky country singer. “But, as much as the fans love country music, I noticed that I needed to bump up the party factor a bit.”

Herndon plans on releasing one track each week for the next four weeks beginning with his cover of the Whitney Houston classic, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”

In addition to “Dance,” Herndon recorded to new versions of his own songs (“Living in a Moment,” “That Kind of Night”) as well as the Marc Cohn hit, “Walking in Memphis,” which became a big hit for Cher.

Herndon debuted the dance remixes this past summer at Market Days in Chicago.

It is interesting to note that Herndon says he was inspired by his Pride performances to record the remixes, but in listening to his cover of “Dance,” the openly gay artist omits the lyric “I need a man who’ll take a chance, On a love that burns hot enough to last.”

Instead, he chose to repeat an earlier gender-neutral lyric. Hmm…

Since coming out in 2014, the “What Mattered Most” singer has been a loud and proud advocate for the LGBT community partnering with several organizations, most notably GLAAD.

His annual Cancer for Love and Acceptance fundraiser for GLAAD features out musicians as well as LGBT allies. This year’s concert, hosted by Herndon and out CMT host Cody Alan, featured performances by Ty, country music icons Tanya Tucker and Vince Gill as well as out UK sensation Calum Scott and Michael Ray.

Check out Ty’s cover of “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” below.

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News Round-Up: October 17, 2018

• Rapper and bodybuilder Léo Stronda, 26-years-old from Brazil (above), is my new InstaHunk find! #woof
Léo Stronda

Some news items you might have missed:

• Rapper and bodybuilder Léo Stronda, 26-years-old from Brazil (above), is my new InstaHunk find! #woof

• Arkansas (of all places) is issuing gender-neutral IDs to non-binary citizens

• Lawmakers in Thailand are working on legislation that would give same-sex couples legal recognition via civil unions. Passage of the new law would make Thailand the first country in Asia to recognize gay/lesbian relationships.

• Jennifer Saunders of Absolutely Fabulous fame hints at an AbFab reunion saying she “might be writing a little something.”

• A new report from Essex University seems to say that if your ring finger is longer than your index finger, it could indicate you’re gay. Not sure I believe that…

• Non-binary singer/songwriter Grayson has released their new single, “Brother.” The track is a personal anthem about needing to break free from both internal and external pressures.

“‘Brother’ is about the sometimes chaotic relationship with yourself, and everyone else,” says Grayson.

Grayson is new to me, so let’s check out “Brother.”

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New Music: Jess Glynne “Thursday”

Randy Report favorite Jess Glynne recently dropped her latest single, “Thursday.”

I’ve been following the 28-year-old UK singer for years now going back to her 2014 collaboration with Clean Bandit “Rather Be,” and she never fails to hit it outta the park.

I’ve found Glynne to be consistently on her game, and she has a voice like no one else.

A few years ago, the singer came out as sexually-fluid you might say, but at the time made a point to say that while she had dated a woman before, she’s not into labels.

My kinda artist.

Listen to “Thursday” below. Glynne’s new album Always In Between is out now.

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Tom Goss’s Body-Positive Music Video “Round In All The Right Places”

Tom Goss (photo: Daren Cornell)

Out singer/songwriter Tom Goss is one of the most popular artists of the modern indie gay recording landscape, and for good reason.

Since his 2009 debut album, Back To Love, Goss has developed a loyal fan base who have come to know him through his wide-ranging, intimately-personal songs and music videos.

From the serious tenor of his acclaimed cover of the Dusty Springfield classic, “Son of a Preacher Man,” to his fun-filled, rollicking romp in “Bears,” Goss has consistently given fans music they can relate to that presents a diverse view of the queer community.

For example, the aforementioned “Bears” music video came out of a desire to share his appreciation for plus-size men.

Goss admits that he didn’t really have much of a sex drive until, at the age of 22, he discovered his attraction for big, beefy bears.

That revelation ultimately led to his 2010 marriage to husband, Mike Briggs.

Released in 2013, the “Bears” music video is an upbeat fantasy romp for Goss that’s earned him a ‘big’ following in the bear community.

But it seems Goss didn’t quite get his message out as articulately as he thought.

“Even after ‘Bears,’ people would constantly ask me if I really had a thing for large men,” says Goss. “I used to get annoyed by the question, but then I started to reflect on it and I came to the conclusion that I hadn’t done an adequate job of describing what is so intoxicating to me about men of size.”

“For this one, I wanted to write something that was more specific and mature,” he explains. “I wanted to be direct, honest and graphic; to really convey the shape, the allure, the seduction of big men.”

The result is Goss’ new music video, “Round in All the Right Places,” released October 12.

The song, written with a nod to the style of 60s doo-wop, is the first single from his upcoming 2019 album, Territories.

(Photo: Nathaniël Siri)

Directed and co-produced by Goss, with additional production and cinematography by Nathaniël Siri, the video for “Round in All the Right Places” features a several friends plus some men he approached online.

“I couldn’t be happier with the visuals, and the beautiful men behind the visuals,” Tom shares. “Yes, I absolutely objectify the men, but I’m careful to do it in a way that is respectful, artistic and focused on that which makes them beautiful and unique.”

“Too often in media, large men are painted as villains or buffoons; the butt of a joke,” says the guitar-toting troubadour. “The goal here was to uplift and empower men of size and embrace their beauty.”

And, for Goss, that body-positive message isn’t limited to just plus-sized men. “Everyone should see the beauty in themselves and love every inch of their bodies.”

Watch “Round in All the Right Places” below and find more info about Goss & his music at his official website here.

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Out Music: Philip La Rosa “Drowning”

Out indie artist Philip LaRosa debuts his new single and music video, “Drowning.”

The music video, dedicated to those affected by depression and anxiety, is being released in advance of World Mental Health Day observed around the globe tomorrow, October 10.

The poignant video utilizes striking imagery of being emotionally “underwater” – struggling to stay afloat, in a sea of emotions that on the surface, may not look that deep to others.

LGBTQ people know well how difficulty with self-acceptance and facing social stigma creates heavy mental and emotional pressures on a day-to-day level.

The Australian singer/songwriter says the new track was inspired by his closest friend’s personal struggle with depression and anxiety.

“The song came together after they shared some personal memoirs with me,” says La Rosa. “The idea was to write a song about some of those feelings and emotions to help shine a light on mental health.”

After sharing the track with director Charmaine Murray, she came up with a visual concept that metaphorically represents “the constant up and down battle of depression and anxiety and the strength required to continually pull yourself up out of the deep end, and the ability to stay above water and keep your head as high as you can.”

Personal demons are no stranger to La Rosa who was bullied in school to the point that he not only dropped out but stopped performing entirely.

“I wish I had handled things differently,” shares the indie artist. “I wish I approached the bullies and had an open discussion about what they were going through. Maybe they were being bullied too?”

Instead, La Rosa focused on building his own digital design business at the age of 18.

But new friends – “amazing people who helped me stay positive” – led La Rosa back to his true passion.

Now 25-years-old, he says, “I used everything I had been through to help shape my music and myself.”

“I think the one thing ‘grownup Philip’ has taken away from it all is the people,” explains the Perth-based singer. “Surround yourself with positive people, any form of negativity (even if it’s not directed at you) will have a negative impact on your wellbeing.”

La Rosa acknowledges that credo has become a motivating factor in the music he creates, saying, “If I’m putting something out that the world can see and hear, I want it to have a positive impact, even if only affects one person.”

In 2016, LaRosa released his passionate anthem “Pride,” which encourages folks to be proud of who they are despite social pressures and stigma that affect LGBTQ folks on a daily basis.

“Whether in school, at work or in the community, so many people are judgmental of everyone and who they are – gender, sexuality, fashion, political views, religious beliefs… you name it,” says LaRosa. “I just wanted to write something that people could scream from rooftops.”

“Fight for who you are,” he emphasizes. “Be proud of who you are. Love who you are, and of course, love everyone along the way.”

Hit the play button above to watch La Rosa’s new music video, “Drowning,” and for more info about Philip La Rosa and his music head over to his official website here.

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Out Music: Matt Zarley “Your Song”

Matt Zarley

Woofy singer/songwriter Matt Zarley recently dropped his latest music video, “Your Song.”

Zarley says he was drawn to cover the Rita Ora tune the first time he heard it. “It’s one of those songs that doesn’t leave your brain – a true worm,” says the award-winning recording artist. “I just loved the way it made me feel and I love the lyrics.”

He decided to record the song as he was putting together a new two-man show with frequent partner in crime, Jeb Havens, called Works of Heart.

“I knew it would fit perfectly in the thematic structure of the show,” he shares. “This song will also be on our album that’s coming out in a few months.”

The hunky singer (People Magazine‘s first out ‘sexiest bachelor’) takes a stripped-down, acoustic approach for the upbeat track which pairs well with his buoyant power pop vocals.

Being a do-it-yourself kinda guy, Zarley not only produced and recorded the song, but he came up with the concept for the video and edited it as well.

And speaking of editing, it doesn’t take long to figure out Zarley’s ‘band members’ in the music video all look a bit … familiar.

“I have always loved the “cloning” effect on film, and I didn’t want to make this particular video narrative heavy and overly sentimental,” says Zarley. “So I opted for this idea instead.”

But it turns out capturing the ‘all-Matt’ band proved a bit challenging.

“It was really tricky, to be honest,” shares Zarley. “All of the shots of each character in the band had to be done with similar sunlight. Since we shot it outside, that made things it a little temperamental and unpredictable.”

“By the time we got all of the band shots, our plan was to get solo shots of each band member,” he explains. “But, the sun was starting to move, so I could only do one take of each band member. It was a little tricky, and a bit hectic, but we got it done.”

This isn’t Zarley’s first experience behind the camera.

In 2015, he wrote, produced and starred in a long-form music video titled Hopeful Romantic, which co-starred everyone’s favorite gay uncle, George Takei. The short was featured at dozens of film festivals winning several awards along the way.

Looking ahead, Zarley shares he’d like to tackle another short film. “I just have to write it first,” he says with a smile.

Instinct previously covered Zarley’s stunning cover of the Sara Bareilles hit, “Gravity,” here.

Check out the music video for “Your Song” below. Find more of Zarley’s music on YouTube here, and you can follow him on Instagram here.

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Music Video: David Hernandez “Shield (Coat Of Armor)”

David Hernandez (via Hernandez Worldwide Music)

American Idol alum David Hernandez proves he is definitely the king of his own kingdom as he drops his new album, Kingdom: the Mixtape.

Kingdom: the Mixtape teams the hunky artist with the Black Eyed Peas‘ Grammy-winning producer, Printz Board, and features a collaboration with fellow American Idol Blake Lewis.

The follow-up to his 2011 debut album, I Am Who I Am, this new collection of 20 tracks reflects many of the highs and lows he’s experienced since his time on the American Idol stage in 2008, including his sometimes crunchy relationship with the music industry.

“I’ve been sitting on most of this material for years, waiting for the right time to release it,” Hernandez shares via press release. “I’ve listened to too many people’s opinions about when to release, how, what images and content are appropriate… I was just over listening to what other people think I should do. One day I finally stepped back and realized I had a great body of work that deserves to be heard, now.”

Many of the songs explore Hernandez’s journey over the past decade rebuilding trust and love, his refusal to give up, and his persistence to change for the better.

But it’s not all about an uphill climb. There are also tracks that express joy and fun because as Hernandez explains, “Life isn’t always that serious and sometimes you just wanna let go and rage!”

The new album stretches across several genres including power ballads, soul/R&B, and dance tracks.

The title track is an achingly soulful mid-tempo ballad that soars across triumphant drums and a grand piano.

“Shield (Coat of Armor),” the first single and music video from the album, is an uplifting, confident, guitar-driven anthem.

“Beautiful” showcases Hernandez’s vocals in power pop mode, while “Last Supper” and “Animal” are uptempo numbers clearly born for the dance floor.

Then there’s “Break,” an introspective mid-tempo song that lays bare Hernandez’s struggles with addiction.

“I wrote the song at a time when I was drinking a lot and popping Xanax,” says Hernandez. “It was an awful time. We were being evicted from our apartment and everything was going to shit.

“I ended up in rehab and eventually got clean of prescription drugs, and life became much better,” he adds.

While every day can be a private struggle for those with addiction, Hernandez says that he felt compelled to put the song on the mixtape because prescription drug addition has reached epidemic levels among youth.

“Young people are dying and committing suicide. They need to know there is help,” he says.

“I hope listeners hear a piece of my soul in Kingdom: the Mixtape,” shares Hernandez. “I hope they get where I am coming from, really see me for who I am, and that they, too, can relate to the songs. I want the mixtape to be healing, enlightening, and revelrous.”

You can find Kingdom: the Mixtape on iTunes here.

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Out Music: Richard Cortez “The Welder & The Lark”

(screen capture from “The Overture/Don’t Go, Not Yet”)

Out singer/songwriter Richard Cortez recently dropped his 7th studio release titled, The Welder & The Lark.

The collection of six tracks, which OUT calls “especially profound,” explores innately personal themes of unrequited love, intimacy and monogamy across three music videos.

Cortez, who walked away from a production deal in 2004 when asked to present himself as a ‘straight’ artist, has spent years releasing his music through his own record label, Wollenberg Records.

The entrancing final music video for the collection, “The Overture/Don’t Go, Not Yet,” features an overture composed by collaborator Cole Witter utilizing musical themes from all six tracks as well as the EP’s opening track.

Along with the music, Cortez invited cinematographer Philip Campbell and dancer/choreographer Christian Denice to collaborate on the visuals.

In an interview with OUT, Cortez explains that much of the project was inspired by a unrequited love that could never be.

“What do you do with all the love you have for someone who doesn’t love you the same way in return?,” Cortez wondered aloud to OUT. “Some people drown their sorrows in whiskey gingers, or “eat. pray. love.” their way around the world — I decided to spend every dollar I had on creating an infinite space where that love could live and be free.”

Deciding that a suite of songs dedicated to this love wasn’t enough, Cortez gathered together a coalition of creatives from different mediums to breathe a larger, more expansive multimedia life into the project.

“I never got to tell him I loved him, so I’m telling the world,” added Cortez.

“Every single artist who contributed to this project makes their own work that inspires me regularly,” Cortez told OUT.

“Cole Witter, Boy Radio, Philip Campbell, Kevin William Reed, Christian Denice, Erik Carter, Logan Sawtelle, and Nick Kask inspire me far beyond this work. Individually, they are all incredible and important.”

With a goal of exploring heartbreak through several artistic mediums, Cortez admits his biggest challenge was learning to “trust and let go, allowing the true heart of collaboration to be the driving force of the project.”

That lesson allowed more wisdom to manifest throughout the development of The Welder & The Lark.

Cortez summed up the creative journey for OUT:

“Overall, it was healing process, both artistically and spiritually. I learned to take my time. I learned to let my heart break without punishing myself for it. I learned that I don’t have to be suffering to make relevant and impactful work. I learned a lot about trust and acceptance in collaboration. I learned to take bigger risks, both creatively and financially, as an independent artist. But more than any of that, I learned that loving the process of creation will always generate a beautiful outcome.