Tag: Pride Music

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News Round-Up: June 29, 2020

Jwan Yosef and Ricky Martin (image via Instagram)
Some news items you might have missed: • Instagram: International pop star Ricky Martin and husband, artist Jwan Yosef, shared a perfectly up-to-date Pride 2020 kiss pic (above) with the caption, “Happy Pride, everyone!” • Inappropriate Questions: “How did you get pregnant?” In the latest episode from the CBC’s podcast that addresses the questions ‘we all want to ask,’ journalist Freddy McConnell takes the listener through his ups and downs of navigating pregnancy as a trans man and single dad. • Instinct Magazine: Over at my ‘other’ outlet, the powers that be have compiled this list of 10 totally classic LGBTQ anthem to help you dance your way through the last days of Pride Month 2020. Hit the link to see if your favorite made the list 🙂

• BuzzFeed LGBTQ: BuzzFeed is relaunching its dedicated vertical on the BuzzFeed.com site focused on LGBTQ content. Its mission is to elevate new voices and curate content that highlights every aspect of queer life – from the big stories to the small everyday moments, in Pride Month and year-round.  Zach Stafford, who recently departed his position as editor-in-chief of The Advocate, will be the Editor-at-Large. • Revry TV: The first LGBTQ+ virtual cable network is 100 percent free, 100 percent queer, and features LGBTQ+ programming for a diverse range of audiences through their app, the web, and platforms like Roku and AppleTV. Revry Premium provides access to the streaming platform’s full library of on-demand titles without commercials for as low as $4.99 a month. Get one month of Premium for free thanks to The Advocate by signing up here and using promo code M201. • Back2Stonewall: Even though flying a rainbow Pride flag violates Russia’s hateful ‘anti-gay propaganda’ law passed in 2013, the American embassy in Moscow is proudly and defiantly displaying the flag for all to see.

 

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Сегодня посольство США в России чествует Флаг Гордости ЛГБТИ🏳️‍🌈во время празднования #PrideFlagDay. Флаг ЛГБТИ был создан американским художником и активистом Гилбертом Бейкером и впервые был поднят 25 июня 1978 г. во время парада Gay Freedom Day в Сан-Франциско. «Символ радуги был взят из самой ранней истории человечества как символ надежды», – писал Бейкер в своих мемуарах «Воин радуги» (Rainbow Warrior). Он хотел донести свое убеждение в том, что сила общества в разнообразии. Права ЛГБТИ – это права человека. Права человека универсальны. Месяц гордости призван подчеркнуть, что каждый человек заслуживает того, чтобы жить жизнью, свободной от ненависти, предубеждений и преследований. #Pride2020 #LGBTI #HumanRights #EqualProtection #PrideFlagDay #rainbowflag

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Pride Music: Billy Porter & The Shapeshifters “Finally Ready”

Emmy/Grammy/Tony Award winner Billy Porter drops this disco-tastic new track, “Finally Ready.” Porter describes the collaboration with The Shapeshifters as “a declaration of Pride, of breaking free from past traumas to take a chance on love.” Cinematic strings, live horns and Billy’s unmistakably powerful voice create a sonic dancescape complete with a message of Pride via Billy’s joyful lyrics. “Finally Ready” hits on so many levels for me,” says the Pose star. “First, being ‘finally ready’ to experience what real love is. And thankfully, I have somebody who loves me enough to love me through trauma, to be present, and allow me to grow, into this.” “I’m also ‘finally ready’ to be who I am, who I’ve always been,” he adds. “It has been a rough road, I’ve been through so many changes, but I always kept the faith and now I’m here.” “And lastly, I’ve made a lot of different kinds of music – R&B, show tunes, ballads. But it should come as no surprise to anyone at all that disco is in my blood! I love to feel sparkly and have that light shine back into the audience. So, yes, I am ‘finally ready’ to make a classic disco record.” “Now, let’s dance!”

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Playlist: Pride Music 2019

Throughout this past month, I've been sharing music from out artists that I not only really like, but feel have some message for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Stonewall.

Throughout this past month, I’ve been sharing music from out artists that I not only really like, but feel have some message for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. Whether it’s a message of acceptance, self-love or personal pride, I posted these as a musical tribute to the month and our community. You can also find them by searching The Randy Report for ‘Pride Music.’ Thanks for an amazing Pride Month everyone! As we close out Pride Month 2019, here’s this year’s playlist:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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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Pride Music: Pet Shop Boys “Go West”

A “must-have” when it comes to Pride Month music – the Pet Shop Boys cover of “Go West.”

Of course, it’s on my pool playlist all summer long. But, especially during Pride Month.

The track is a 3-time gay-gay-gay play.

Originally recorded by The Village People (do I even have to elaborate here?), the song was covered by the Pet Shop Boys in 1993 and nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Music Video.”

 Plus, the tune was featured in the Broadway musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

See? Gay 1, 2, 3. What’s not to love?

On top of the muscular melody, the lyrics offer a positive message totally born for Pride:

(Go West) Life is peaceful there / (Go West) In the open air (Go West) Baby you and me / (Go West) This is our destiny (Go West) Sun in wintertime / (Go West) We will do just fine (Go West) Where the skies are blue / (Go West) This is what we’re gonna do

Continue reading “Pride Music: Pet Shop Boys “Go West””

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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: Matt Zarley “Change Begins With Me”

Billboard recording artist, Broadway veteran and People Magazine’s first-ever openly gay“Hottest Bachelor,” Matt Zarley has received critical acclaim as an out LGBTQ artist for years.

It’s worth noting Zarley was never closeted as an artist. Long before it was considered ‘brave’ decided to come out, Zarley proudly took center stage – no mask, no hiding.

In a recent Instagram post in honor of Pride Month, he wrote: “When I released my very first recording in 2002, I was out. I have always been out. I was out when some called it brave and a risk to be. I was just me.”

With his uplifting music video, “Change Begins With Me”, Zarley scored the 2012 OUTmusic Single of the Year.

Oh, he also picked up Album of the Year that year.

He’s alright – if you like talent.

I never grow tired of this.