International Transgender Day of Visibility is honored every year on March 31, and is a time to celebrate transgender people around the globe and the courage it takes to live openly and authentically, while also raising awareness around the discrimination trans people still face.
In observing the annual celebration, New York-based trans singer-songwriter Mila Jam shares a new video for her uplifting LGBT anthem, “Faces.”
Laverne Cox, Candis Cayne, Tituss Burgess, Ari Gold, Sense8’s Jamie Clayton, supermodel Geena Rocero, Drag Race’s Peppermint, Transparent’s Zackary Drucker, Lina Bradford and Jai Rodriguez are just some of the famous faces lip-syncing along in the clip.
Mila shares about the new song (via press release):
“Faces” is about looking in that mirror and hearing do I belong, am I enough, will someone love me for who I really am? We wear smiles all the time but hide in fear and loathing because we feel different. The journey is universal no matter who you are. And, working through the dark uncertainties is all about learning to radiate your own light. Bravely. Unapologetically. Authentically. Happily.
Jam told OUT, “Everyone needs to see a reflection of themselves. Trans people are no different and completely worthy—beyond worthy. Trans Day of Visibility is a way to say, ’We belong here, just like you.’”
Proceeds from the sale of the single on iTunes will be go to the ONEPULSE Foundation, which aids the victims of the Pulse massacre.
Award-winning out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley talks about his new album, The Estrogen Sessions, featuring his covers of his favorite music divas.
A Broadway veteran (A Chorus Line, Tommy, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Billboard charting recording artist AND People Magazine‘s first out “Hottest Bachelor,” Zarley recorded this collection of songs as a tribute to the divas who have influenced his recording career.
The hunky singer was honored with “Best Album” and “Best Single” accolades for his album, Change Begins With Me, at the 2012 OutMusic Awards.
I often hear folks in the LGBT community say, “Why aren’t there more out pop music artists? More really good out pop music artists?”
Well, here he is. Terrific voice, great acoustic arrangements of songs you know and love. What’s not to like?
If you like pure, mainstream pop music, hit the play button below.
Listen in as Matt shares his covers of hits by Whitney Houston, Sara Bareilles, Celine Dion, Dolly Parton, Pink and more.
If you want to skip right to the music, the first song, “Gravity,” starts around the 12:30 mark.
For more info about Matt, check out his official website at mattzarley.com.
Featuring members and allies of the LGBTQ community, the video takes viewers on a journey of discovery and realization as she sings, “Be who you wanna be, love who you wanna love, change if you wanna change.”
You can check out my interview with JoLivi from last month by clicking here.
In an interview with ARTISTdirect, JoLivi shared, “I am so unbelievably proud of the message this song and video express.” The native Hawaiian continued, “I truly believe that LOVE is so important to spread. Especially with what we are going through right now with a divide in our societies.”
While JoLivi has always been comfortable in her own skin and a proud supporter of the LGBTQ community, “Love Who You Wanna Love” helped serve as a coming out for her last year as bisexual.
“Love Who You Wanna Love” follows her 2016 EP, Just For You.
Just in time for International Women’s Day, award-winning out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley releases his latest album, The Estrogen Sessions, in honor of the female pop divas most influential in his career.
The project, his first as producer, was born out of his web series, UnCOVERED, which features Matt reimagining popular songs, as well as filming a music video of each tune. Like many, Matt noticed he was not only drawn to, but relished, singing the hits of our female musical royalty.
“When it came to selecting the songs, it wasn’t easy,” admits Zarley. “I began choosing songs that had an impact on my life at some point, and artists that have either influenced or inspired me over the years.”
Stripped down and primarily acoustic, Zarley’s production work showcases the strength of the songwriting and his own effortless vocals. “As I began to arrange these tunes, I made a conscience decision to strip the songs down and reinterpret them with all live music, nothing programmed – real piano, organ, guitar, drums, bass and strings,” says Zarley.
The collection includes two duets: Tony Award winner Billy Porter (Kinky Boots) partners on the Des’ree hit, “You Gotta Be;” and YouTube sensation Jeb Havens joins Zarley for Pink’s “F**kin’ Perfect.”
“Billy and I have wanted to record together for years and we wanted to do a song with a powerful message, a message that felt relevant, and we did not want to do a ballad,” explains Zarley. “This was the perfect fit and it’s definitely one of my favorite songs on the album because I feel the 28 years of friendship between Billy and me in this song. I’m so thrilled that we have this moment forever.”
The entire album is imminently listenable. The emotional landscape is soulful and wide, with each track showcasing Zarley’s rich, fluid voice. He shifts from plaintive, affecting intimacy to expansive vocal brawn with equal ease.
Highlights include the Porter partnership, “You Gotta Be,” wherein the duo hold court firmly at the intersection of sass and soul; “I Look To You,” originally the lead single from Whitney Houston’s final album, finds it’s destiny in Zarley’s powerfully inspiring rendition; and the spare but expressive “Gravity” is it’s own quiet force of nature. Additionally, I love the harmonies throughout – check out “The Heart of the Matter” for an example of expert sonic backup.
Now, about that title. As offbeat as it may sound to some, according to Zarley, it just felt right. “At the very least, I think it will spark some curiosity and it’s 100% my sense of humor – as is the album’s cover art,” admits Matt. (Check the shadow behind Zarley in the cover photo.)
Track list for The Estrogen Sessions:
1. “I Will Always Love You” (Dolly Parton) 2. “That’s the Way It Is” (Celine Dion) 3. “Gravity” (Sara Bareilles) 4. “You Gotta Be” with Billy Porter (Des’Ree) 5. “He Used to Be Mine” (Sara Bareilles) 6. “Together Again” (Janet Jackson) 7. “Take A Bow” (Rihanna) 8. “Always On Your Side” (Sheryl Crow) 9. “F**kin’ Perfect” with Jeb Havens (Pink) 10. “I Just Had to Hear Your Voice” (Oleta Adams) 11. “Angel of Mine” (Monica) 12. “The Heart of the Matter” (India.Arie) 13. “I Look to You” (Whitney Houston)
Matt Zarley’s The Estrogen Sessions is available on iTunes and other digital outlets.
Kiyoko, who also directed the video, says the inspiration for the vid came from her personal experience of being attracted to girls and not knowing if they liked her back.
“I’ve never truly believed that sexuality defines who you are. I do believe, though, that sexuality helps shape and build who you become. How you act, what you pursue, who you surround yourself with.
“This music video for “Sleepover” is not a concept or an idea for me. It is my life. It defines a part of who I am today.
“I grew up a dreamer and found comfort through a safe haven in my head. It’s where I was able to find self-love and feel validated.
“This music video validates those feelings for me, even if in those moments the girl I fell for was unavailable. I made this video to help validate those fantasies. To create a space for the lovers, dreamers and seekers.
“Falling in love can be a bittersweet feeling, especially if you know it’ll never be reciprocated. I think we can all relate to that.”
Former Britain’s Got Talent contestant Calum Scott shares this new video for his cover of the Robyn hit, “Dancing On My Own.”
The out singer shot this “1 Mic 1 Take” clip at the legendary Capitol Records studios. I don’t know why, but black and white video seems to make the subject matter more honest or revealing.
And speaking of honest, the woofy Mr. Scott is honestly handsome 🙂
“Dancing On My Own” has entered the charts at both Top 40 Pop and AC Radio and continues to climb. The song was the best-selling U.K. single of 2016 by a British solo artist and has been nominated for a Brit Award for Best Single. Calum also recently wrapped up his first North American headline tour, selling out shows across the country.
Calum Scott’s poignant version of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” quickly charted in over 34 countries on Spotify, peaking at No. 1 on the Viral chart in six countries, including the U.S. The song has charted at No. 1 on iTunes in 11 countries and is certified Platinum in four countries.
In the U.K., it hit #2 on the Official Singles Sales chart and was the most-downloaded song of the summer.
New music video from out singer/songwriter Jeb Havens for his song “Pushy Little Compass Heart” from his debut solo album, Home Base.
I’m not scared of losing my way anymore Cuz I’ve got this pushy little compass of a heart leading me straight to yours
Jeb, who’s been on a world trek for almost a year with his fiancé, shares on Facebook:
Exactly 1 year ago, I released my album “Home Base”.
Today, I’m releasing the music video for the single “Pushy Little Compass Heart”, a song about finding your way towards the one you love. Steven and I filmed the video during our 5-day, 41-mile trek through gorgeous Abel Tasman, New Zealand. Hope you enjoy it.
Big Love, Jeb
I’ve previously featured Jeb and his music here and here and here and here.
Randy Report favorite Tom Goss shares this uber-romantical music video just in time for Valentine’s Day – “More Than Temporary” from his album, What Doesn’t Break.
In telling the story of blossoming young love, Tom spotlights senior LGBT couples as guiding inspiration.
From Tom: “If you let it, love will blossom. Look to these LGBT seniors for inspiration. Their example will light the way.”
“I’m grateful to those that have come before me. They have paved the way for the rights and privileges that I take for granted,” he told The Huffington Post. “Hopefully this video can highlight the beauty and inspiration of LGBTQ seniors, and in turn, give an example to those that are hesitant to dive into love.”
The video was directed by Christopher Turner, who makes a cameo appearance with his other half, author Armistead Maupin, well-known for his Tales of the City series of novels.
Click here for past posts where I’ve featured Tom’s music on The Randy Report.
Uber-talented out singer/songwriter shares his latest single, “Castles.”
From Eli:
Lately I have been very inspired to write songs that will help people feel empowered. Right now there are so many of us that feel broken down and lost and I hope this song helps people feel like they can build their strength up again, never lose hope, take the hard times and use them as a tool to build your own Castle!
Eli’s songs (like “Young Love,” “Lightning In A Bottle,” “Zeppelin”) have a permanent place on my play lists. I’ve featured Eli’s music on The Randy Report many times – here, here, here and here.
Eli has been sharing covers songs on his Youtube channel of late. On his Facebook page, Lieb promises “Castles” is just a taste of more original music to come this year 🙂
Out singer/songwriter JoLivi, who excels in a moody, sexy electro-pop music space, recently dropped her latest single, “Love Who You Wanna Love.”
The upbeat track, inspired by the singer’s first same-sex romance, features JoLivi’s sensual vocals coupled with lyrics rooted in empowerment that reflect her independent spirit.
Be who you wanna be, Love who you wanna love, Change want you wanna change
The Hawaiian born singer/songwriter shared with The Randy Report her approach and inspirations for songwriting.
TRR: You recently came out as bisexual. Did you write “Love Who You Wanna Love” with the idea of coming out in mind? How did that feel to be public? Freeing? Nervous? J: “Love Who You Wanna Love” is about more than just loving a gender. It’s about loving yourself and not judging others for whoever they love. It’s about you as an individual not being afraid of going against the norm. We live one life… I’ve loved both genders… I wasn’t nervous, and it wasn’t exactly freeing because I never thought I needed to “come out.” I am able to relate to more that just one idea of what love is and also be a voice for those unheard.
Does your dating status affect your songwriting very much? Do you find your songwriting more inspired by a happy place or break ups?
LOL! You nailed it! My last EP was written about a three year relationship…specific moments and as a whole. I’ve never been inspired really by the happy moments in my life when it comes to songwriting, but I do like to write about other people’s happiness or as a collective society. Something about writing when you’re unhappy is therapeutic. Also, listeners can relate more and believe that you as an artist are still just as human as they are.
How do you think being “out” may play out in future music? It isn’t even a thought. I think everything in my career will follow it’s right path regardless of who I love. If you’re humble and kind… 🙂
What’s next/on the horizon for you? TOURING … I can’t wait to go on tour… write another album … and keep inspiring anyone I can!
Check out “Love Who You Wanna Love” below, JoLivi’s official website here, and more music on Soundcloud.
