Music Video: Matt Zarley & Jeb Havens “Dear Future Husband”

Check out the sassy new music video from out singers Matt Zarley & Jeb Havens (both favorites here on The Randy Report) as they share their take on Meghan Trainor’s “Dear Future Husband.” Dig the awesome arrangement and tight harmonies. Totally fun. The duo recently debuted their new show “Works of Heart” in Puerto Vallarta and Los Angeles and plan to tour later this year. p.s. Jeb will be singing “now and forever husband” as he married his longtime bf, Steven, yesterday in Los Angeles. Congratulations to happy couple!

 

Podcast: Parker Matthews Releases His New Single, “Hit And Run”

On today’s episode of The Randy Report podcast I’m chatting with Parker Matthews who releases his new single, “Hit and Run” today.

A little background on Parker:

He was touched by the power of music at a very early age when he saw Whitney Houston sing “I Will Always Love You” on the 1994 Grammy Awards. #GoodTaste

From focusing on creativity and music in school to staying up nights writing songs, he knew music would be a driving force in his life.

He also found solace in his music as his younger years were impacted by bullying and depression. Instead of letting the bullies win, he pulled himself up and became the artist he is today. He also uses those dark times as an inspiration to advocate for LGBTQ youth by supporting The National Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

With musical inspirations that include Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, Adele, Jennifer Hudson and Jessie J, Parker says his music is about the message of human connection.

And speaking of connections, he was one of Music Connection Magazine’s 2017’S Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists & Bands.

Let’s first take a listen to his new single, “Hit and Run” and then chat with Parker Matthews.

“Hit and Run” is now available on iTunes and all digital download sites.

Tease: Matt Zarley Covers “I Don’t Want To Love Somebody Else”

Award-winning out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley teases his upcoming cover of the hit song, “I Don’t Want To Love Somebody Else,” by A Great Big World.

I’m a fan of the original, but Zarley’s vocals are so warm and spot-on here.

I like.

Click the center of the image below to play.

Out Music: Calum Scott “You Are The Reason”

Out singer Calum Scott, of Britain’s Got Talent fame, just shared the official music video for his single “You Are The Reason” and it’s definitely reason to swoon.

The romantic ballad begins quiet and intimate, but artfully builds to a soaring anthem of love.

The video highlights sensitive expressions of love of all kinds – straight, gay, romantic, parental…

It’s a worthy follow-up to Scott’s gorgeous cover of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.”

“You Are The Reason” will be included on Scott’s upcoming debut album, Only Human.

Watch the video below.

Podcast: The Best Of LGBT Film, Music, TV & Pop Culture In 2017

This podcast is a big one as I celebrate the best 2017 had to offer regarding:

Best LGBT films:
• Call Me By Your Name
• God’s Own Country
• Beach Rats
• Dream Boat
• Tom of Finland
• BPM
• In A Heartbeat
• No Place Like Home

Best music from out artists:
• Wrabel – “The Village”
• Halsey – “Strangers”
• Eli Lieb – “Next To You”
• JoLivi – “Love Who You Wanna Love”
• Rayvon Owen – “Volume”
• Trey Pearson – “Love Is Love”
• Billy Porter – “Edelweiss”

• Best in LGBT Pop Culture – including the return of “Will & Grace,” “Star Trek’s” first same-sex kiss, the Disney Channel’s first gay storyline, RuPaul’s second Emmy win and the historic win at the Academy Awards by “Moonlight”

Plus – good news LGBT headlines in the U.S. and around the world

This is a fun show to look back and feel good about the best 2017 had to offer the LGBT community.

Hit play.

Out Music: Justin Utley “Survivors”

I remember discovering out singer/songwriter Justin Utley’s music in 2011 when he was nominated for several Out Music Awards for his debut album, Nothing This Real.  I was totally blown away then, and with his latest single, “Survivors,” he reminds that he’s the real deal. The uptempo, dance-centric track features Justin’s trademark muscular vocals and empowering lyrics that remind us we have the power to overcome obstacles when we live the best version of our authentic selves. This track took Justin into serious contention for the Eurovision competition for 2018.

Glad to see Justin making new music. You can read my 2012 interview with Justin here. Oh, and did I mention Justin’s also very easy on the eyes? 🙂

Out Music: Eli Lieb “Next To You”

Randy Report favorite Eli Lieb drops his latest single, “Next To You.”

Creative use of video projections here as the woofy object of Eli’s affections doesn’t even see the handsome singer.

As always, top-shelf production and a strong hook make this another winner from Eli.

I’ve shared Eli’s music often on The Randy Report – check out more of his music here.

Watch below.

Out Music: Kim Petras “I Don’t Want It At All”

Check out the music video for out trans popster Kim Petras’ debut single, “I Don’t Want It At All,” a pop-y “shop-til-you-drop” anthem that features a special guest appearance by Paris Hilton.

Via press release:

Since her childhood in Cologne, Germany, Kim has been in love with pop music. It was a window into the bigger world outside of her little town. Kim notably began transitioning with female hormone therapy following her twelfth birthday before making worldwide headlines as the youngest person to receive gender reassignment surgery at the age of 16. Her experiences and bravery are subtly present in her music and her undeniable debut single perfectly showcases her imaginative artistry and unique brand of escapism.

“Pop was always my biggest obsession,” Kim affirms. “I spend so much time looking for new music online. As a kid, music videos were my escape from the little town I was living in, because nothing happened there. I want to provide that kind of escapism. It’s unapologetically pop.”

Great to see the release was noticed by big mainstream sites Ew.com and Idolator.

Watch the video below.

Out Music: George Michael “Fantasy” Featuring Nile Rodgers

As I reported yesterday, the late George Michael’s mega-hit album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol.1 is set for re-release on October 20 and the documentary George Michael: Freedom will air this Saturday/October 21 at 9pm ET/PT on Showtime.

In celebration of the out artist’s body of work, take a look/listen to “Fantasy.” a reworked single by George Michael featuring Nile Rodgers currently on A-list rotation on BBC Radio 2.

Featuring a melange of “George Michaels” over the years, the track is exactly what you would expect of the pop superstar.

Take a look below, and click here to pre-order.

Also available for streaming here.

New Music: Eli Lieb “Kissing Your Tattoos”

Out singer/songwriter/producer Eli Leib contrasts a tentative, halting verse with a chorus that explodes with a visceral tribal drum beat in his latest single, “Kissing Your Tattoos.”

Considering the intimate perspective of the lyrics, it’s powerfully spot on.

Yeah I think it’s just a one night thing
Sorry if you wanted more of me
Maybe just a midnight rendezvous
But I’ll stay here kissing all of your tattoos

I think I know several folks who can relate to the moment.

Whether it’s the unbridled exuberance of his “Zeppelin” or the tender “Safe In My Hands,” Lieb always finds the sweet spot in his achingly personal musical creations.

I’m a longtime fan of Eli having featured him several times on The Randy Report. Check out more posts on the talented Mr. Lieb here.