Category Archives: Music
Nick Jonas and Gay Baiting
I PERSONALLY, think it’s GREAT when celebrities go out of their way to tackle gay projects and include their gay fans. It’s NOT gay baiting.
In his profile of Jonas, Chadwick Moore writes,
As an album of R&B and pop, Nick Jonas received mostly positive reviews from critics, one of whom declared it as filling “the hole currently vacated by Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke.” However, that same reviewer, echoing the sentiments of many, accused Jonas of taking “a page out of the James Franco playbook, courting the LGBT community, aggressively working both the gay press and New York City’s club circuit.”
The accusations of gay baiting and opportunism have left Jonas a bit wounded. “It’s not the majority, but a large handful have a negative opinion for whatever reason,” he says, “and I think it’s really quite sad.” Still, regardless of whether he’s playing footsie with the LGBT community, his work is starting to speak for itself.
Jonas has perhaps gone out of his way to be LGBT-friendly, playing gay roles on the shows Kingdom and Scream Queens (well, let’s just say his character’s sexuality on Scream Queens is complicated). And Jonas says he has enjoyed playing those characters. Of the closeted MMA fighter he plays on Kingdom, Jonas says.
“It’s been a great character to play,” says Jonas, “one that I try to be respectful of and take myself out of. He’s on his own path.”
To prepare for the part, he spoke to some of his closest friends, some of whom were raised in conservative families, about their coming-out experiences. “It was a good way to research,” says Jonas, “to kind of build the character with some elements of real life.”
You can read the full interview with Jonas here.
Jonas told L’Uomo Vogue,
“It’s an honor, but I don’t think of myself as a GAY icon. There should be a lot more straight artists who don’t have a problem with having gay fans. I’m really proud to play gay characters and I’ll continue to do so. I think it’s among the challenges of maturing as an actor”
Jonas has been accused of queer-baiting in the past, though he says it’s not intentional. Jonas also recently refused to say whether or not he had sexually experimented with men: “I can’t say if I have or haven’t…” HMMMMMMM
Steve Grand and Eli Lieb – Duet
IF THEY GOT MARRIED – THEY COULD BE A POWER COUPLE! Steve Grand + Eli Lieb!
They are NOT getting married – but have written performed a duet together.
LOOK AWAY
LYRICS:
I’ll never touch your body again
We gave it our all, but this is the end
So we say that we tried
Watching you fade, I know it’s goodbye
But I can’t look away from you
I can’t look away
I’m trying to face the truth
from the mess that we made
So we say that we tried
But I can’t look away from you
I can’t look away
I miss watching you sleep
You scent on my sheets
Such a bitter-sweet, beautiful mind
haunting my dreams
So I know you’ll be fine, say “it’s alright”
Watching you fade, cause this is goodbye
But I can’t look away from you
I can’t look away
I’m trying to face the truth
from the mess that we made
So we say that we tried
But I can’t look away from you
I can’t look away
I’ll be okay, are you okay?
Thinkin’ about the way that we left this
Will I grow to regret it
Watching you fade
I know it’s goodbye
But I can’t look away from you
I can’t look away
I’m trying to face the truth
from the mess that we made
So we say that we tried
But I can’t look away from you
I can’t look away
*Written by Eli Lieb and Steve Grand
WATCH VIDEO HERE
Follow ELI LIEB:
https://www.instagram.com/elilieb
https://www.facebook.com/eliliebmusic
https://twitter.com/elilieb
Snapchat @elilieb
www.elilieb.com
Follow STEVE GRAND:
https://www.instagram.com/stevegrandm…
https://www.facebook.com/SteveGrandAr…
https://twitter.com/SteveGrandMusic
Snapchat @stevegrandmusic
www.stevegrand.com
Joey Suarez – Triple threat, Model, Actor and Singer
Meet Joey Suarez, the Hispanic Miami born, San Antonio bred, New Yorker.
Triple threat, Model, Actor and Singer.
One of 12 children, he is currently a practice manager, managing tax law and accounting at an NYC firm, but spends his free time exploring multiple artistic mediums.
“I don’t have a definite dream job. Instead I have my own silly idea of a balanced schedule. To me having this corporate job provides an opportunity to balance not only my financial sanity but comfortably explore my artistic needs as a singer/composer who ‘models’.”
“I tend to invest a lot of my ‘free’ time into art. Using the daylight for photo-shoot’s whether that is directing, modeling or make-up and at night to composing on the piano in a recording studio with friends. So to me, art is my free time.”
“I don’t believe I started creating real art until I took that stress of making money off my art and let fall on my exterior jobs. The catch being, balance? Well, you earn it. Use that art to alleviate the stress of working and work your ass off to the point no one can deny where that drive comes from. Eventually that balance will weigh on the side of things you’ve always truly wanted, and before you know it: your dream comes true.”
He wrote a moving song called “Memories” about his grandmother, which you can hear on his site.
He recently covered Bruno Mars “Natalie” and you can see/hear that on YouTube.
JoeySuarez.com
Instagram – @joeywsuarez
Singer Jared Huff – New Music
We LOVE Jared Huff!
We first met him in Chicago a couple years ago, when he passing through doing some gigs and promotions.
A free spirit with a softer side. Jared Huff is the middle ground. Originally from Indiana, he moved to Chicago and then to Los Angeles as a dreamer on his own trail.
With two catchy new singles online and an EP on the way, he is steadily gaining momentum in the pop music realm. He’s a playful guy who likes to have some fun, and sometimes fall in love. These themes are the subject material for both of his new singles “Trouble” and “Boomerang” (which can be found on Itunes/Spotify).
Jared will undoubtedly be one to watch this year as he and his team of LA-based collaborators work together to put on a show! With choreographer Devin Walker, he creates a show that is high energy and fun to watch! Sound engineer David Wachs, and LA-based photographer CJ Armenta Photography have all collaborated with Jared to reach his artistic vision on both of his recent singles. 2016 will see Jared stirring things up in several cities throughout the year… the ‘trouble’ has only just begun!
Stream him on Spotify!! Boomerang and Trouble by Jared Huff
Follow him on Facebook
Lady Gaga and Elton John
Full circle and back to her roots! From superstar performer, to getting jazzy with Tony Bennett, to acting….now, returning to her roots.
With an Oscar nominee and a Golden Globe win, Billboard’s Woman of the Year Lady Gaga has been working on a new album (yaaaasssss!), and the roster helping her whip up her next LP is already pretty robust. In a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1, Sir Elton John confirmed that he has been in on the action.
“I’ve heard two songs, which are killer. They’re just great songs,” he told Lowe, per NME. “It’s like back to the early stuff of hers — like ‘You and I’ and the Bruce Springsteen one (as I always call it), ‘Bad Romance’.”
Lowe also tweeted that John said he’d be “writing with Gaga tomorrow.”
STEVE GRAND All I want for Christmas
WATCH THE NEW VIDEO AND SHARE IT
Download the song: https://stevegrand.bandcamp.com/track…
ONLY AVAILABLE on BANDCAMP! It will not be made available on iTunes.
Lady Bunny and Donald Trump
LADY BUNNY TAKES ON the DONALD!!!
WATCH
Merry Christmas to everyone who sees through Trump’s lunacy!
Lady Bunny can be found at : LadyBunny.net.
(did you know – Trump wants to bang his daughter?? It’s True!)
see also this one!
Hunks Hunkappella Christmas
YAAAASSSSSSS!!!!
So many hunks. So little time. We’ve searched long & hard for the hunkiest, funkiest, acappella-junkiest guys out there. You’re welcome.
HAPPY HUNKMAS, from the Hunks!!
(See also BANGIN LOVE)
Ben palacios – baritone (center)
Ben is the founder/owner of Hunkappella. A Vassar College alum, Ben has studied and performed in Switzerland, Czech Republic, Wales, Sri Lanka, Canada, France, and all over AMURICA! He enjoys hiking, vegan apple pie, and long walks on the beach. Most recently, Ben toured nationally with “Spank! Harder”, the outrageous 50 Shades parody musical, where he starred as America’s favorite BDSM billionaire. He’s also Enrique Iglesias’ hand double, but that’s whole nuther story… Look out for Ben in the hit web-series “Wish It Inc.” and “Steam Room Stories”, and on his youtube channel WatchBenSing… where you might even get to see him kiss Katy Perry! @benpalacios
hunkappella.com / @hunkappella (Twitter, Instagram)
Kylie and Dannii Minogue + Christmas CD
Kylie releases her first Christmas album, Kylie Christmas at digital and streaming partners today via Warner Bros Records. Recorded at Angel Studios and Sarm Music Village, the album features 13 tracks – including several duets and a mix of original and classic songs. Kylie has enlisted the help of her sister Dannii Minogue for the deluxe version of the album, recording the brand new song 100 degrees – set to be a disco Christmas classic!
And Kylie and Dannii Minogue have proved their pop prowess once again with their catchy Christmas song 100 Degrees.
Collaborating for the first time in decades, the duo recorded the song for Kylie’s forthcoming festive album.
James Corden features on Yazoo’s brilliant ‘Only You’, Iggy Pop joins Kylie on the Waitresses festive hit, ‘Christmas Wrapping’ while Frank Sinatra posthumously completes the roll call of collaborators, appearing on ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’.
All tracks on the album were produced by Kylie’s long-standing musical director Steve Anderson, except ‘White December’ and ‘Cried Out Christmas’ which were produced by Matt Prime and ‘Everyday’s Like Christmas’ by Stargate.
Three brand new tracks feature on the main album, ‘White December’, ‘Christmas Isn’t Christmas ‘Til You Get Here’ and ‘Every Day’s Like Christmas’ and a further three on the deluxe edition – ‘Oh Santa’, ‘100 Degrees’ and ‘Cried Out Christmas’. Ranging from slow and sultry to disco, all six of the tracks truly encompass the Christmas spirit.
A DVD featuring 6 of the tracks will also be available, giving fans a glimpse of Kylie in the studio.
Kylie will play a very special Christmas show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on December 11th – her first ever headline show at the prestigious venue. This performance will be filmed for international TV placement.
Barbra Streisand Honored
Barbra to receive THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM in D.C Next Week!
President Obama said, “I look forward to presenting these 17 distinguished Americans with our nation’s highest civilian honor. From public servants who helped us meet defining challenges of our time to artists who expanded our imaginations, from leaders who have made our union more perfect to athletes who have inspired millions of fans, these men and women have enriched our lives and helped define our shared experience as Americans.”
Barbra will be presented the award at the White House on November 24th. Also being bestowed this prestigious honour is Yogi Berra (posthumous), Bonnie Carroll, Shirley Chisholm (posthumous), Emilio Estefan, Gloria Estefan, Billy Frank, Jr. (posthumous), Lee Hamilton, Katherine G. Johnson, Willie Mays, Barbara Mikulski, Itzhak Perlman, William Ruckelshaus, Stephen Sondheim, Steven Spielberg, James Taylor and Minoru Yasui (posthumous).
NEXT MONTH –
The legendary performer will receive the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at the annual star-studded event on Dec. 9 in Los Angeles.
“Hearing that Barbra had agreed to accept the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award was both humbling and exhilarating. Barbra’s remarkable professional achievements and philanthropic generosity have greatly inspired me and hundreds of millions of people worldwide,” said Sherry Lansing, former CEO of Paramount Pictures and the first woman to head a major Hollywood studio, in a statement. “The Hollywood Reporter could not have chosen a more deserving individual to recognize than Barbra.”
GRACE JONES Book
Grace Jones slapped my hand in 1982 in Detroit!
I had read about Grace hobnobbing at Studio 54 in AFTER DARK Magazine. I bought her album and fell in love with the glamorous Diva.
She came to the Detroit area several times where I had the privilege of seeing her up close. The first time I saw her perform, I was in the front row.
I held my hand out to her during a song and she slapped it hard! She was fierce and presented a hard image – but then at the end, laughed!
I’ll Never Write My Memoirs
Legendary influential performer Grace Jones offers a revealing account of her spectacular career and turbulent life, charting the development of a persona that has made her one of the world’s most recognizable artists.
As a singer, model, and actress—a deluxe triple threat—Grace has consistently been an extreme, challenging presence in the entertainment world since her emergence as an international model in the 1970s. Celebrated for her audacious talent and trailblazing style, Grace became one of the most unforgettable, free-spirited characters to emerge from the historic Studio 54, recording glittering disco classics such as “I Need a Man” and “La Vie en Rose.” Her provocative shows in underground New York nightclubs saw her hailed as a disco queen, gay icon, and gender defying iconoclast.
In 1980, the always ambitious Grace escaped a crowded disco scene to pursue more experimental interests. Her music also broke free, blending house, reggae, and electronica into a timeless hybrid that led to classic hits such as “Pull Up to the Bumper” and “Slave to the Rhythm.” In the memoir she once promised never to write, Grace offers an intimate insight into her evolving style, personal philosophies, and varied career—including her roles in the 1984 fantasy-action film Conan the Destroyer alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and the James Bond movie A View to a Kill.
Featuring sixteen pages of stunning full-color photographs, many from her own personal archive, I’ll Never Write My Memoirs follows this ageless creative nomad as she rejects her strict religious upbringing in Jamaica; conquers New York, Paris, and the 1980s; answers to no-one; and lives to fight again and again.
Read an excerpt at Simon and Schuster HERE
Buy the book I’ll Never Write My Memoirs
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Lady Bunny GOING TO THE CHAPEL
After electing a new GOP governor tonight, I thought Kentucky could use a little cheering up with a giggle or two! Governor Bevin was a big supporter of Kim Davis, even visiting her in jail and rallying evangelical voters to her cause–which was refusing to do her job as a marriage clerk and wed gay couples in her county. My condolences to the 48% of the Kentucky electorate who voted against Bevin.
WATCH
More Lady Bunny http://ladybunny.net
Twitter: ladybunny77
Facebook: Lady Bunny Forever
Instagram: official_lady_bunny
Directed by Mikhail Torich http://torich.nyc
Groom and groom played by Dane Sorensen and Kris Coughlin
Bunny’s dress and veil by Planet Pepper http://planetpeppernyc.com
Elton John’s 33rd Album
Bitch I’m A Bottom Video
Pablo Hernandez’s song, BITCH I’M A BOTTOM now has a video! Live today!
WATCH IT!
“Bitch I’m A Bottom” Pablo Hernandez (featuring Manila Luzon)
Directed by Karl Westerberg
Produced by Mic J Rez
WELL-STRUNG Video Royals
The SEXY AND GAY GROUP Well-Strung, pop/classical fusion group, released their third music video today titled “Royals (Feat. Palladio)” in anticipation of their new album POPssical due out on October 2nd.
This number is a composition of the group singing Lorde’s smash hit “Royals” while playing Karl Jenkins’ “Palladio” from the aptly titled album Diamond Music (you may remember it from the DeBeers diamond commercials). It is a really fun juxtaposition and the arrangement sounds incredible. We have additional art and photos available to accompany the video and can arrange interviews with the group members (Edmund, Chris, Daniel, and Trevor) upon request.
WATCH
The group is traveling to Rome to play a mass at the Vatican on Sunday, September 6th.
Pablo Hernandez I AM A BOTTOM
WHOO HOO! It’s official!!!!
Bitch I’m A Bottom ft Manila Luzon will be available on iTunes September 4, 2015!!!
Pablo recently performed his song live in Las Vegas and will be in Chicago Spetember 12th, for Gay Night – OUT IN THE PARK @ Six Flags, performing live along with the fabulous AMANDA LEPORE!
PABLO HERNANDEZ is a trained actor and commercial model of Spanish/Lebanese descent based in Los Angeles with an extensive and wide resume. He is a rising star in the acting and commercial modeling industry and currently models for the Andrew Christian line.
His travels have taken him from Miami to Los Angeles, New York City, the Netherlands to shoot for photographer Armando Branco, and Paris to shoot for the cover of Sensitif magazine; to list a few. Pablo was the cover model and feature story for Spain’s Revista Nois 15th anniversary issue and even graced the swimsuit issue of Instinct Magazine shot by Rick Day. His latest venture is the role of Reinaldo, a U.S. soldier, in the short Tribeca film ‘Tunnel Vision’ shooting in the late summer of 2012 in New York City.
Most recently, he was the first ever Andrew Christian model to create, produce, and star in one of their wildly popular short films ‘A Brief Love Affair’, as well as co-starring in ‘Overboard’, ‘Miami Carwash’, and the latest ‘Suck’. In Europe, editorials such as ‘Boyz ‘n Tha Hood’ for French M Mensuel Magazine and “Pablo Bravado” in UK Kismet Magazine have solidified Pablo’s ability to evolve into the fashion world. Pablo’s unique, multiracial look has been seen throughout the world from his Reebok Reelite campaign to his latest book cover modeling for author Jeffrey Sharlach’s latest critically acclaimed novel “Running In Bed” (www.RunningInBed.com).
He can be seen in he latest commercial for Fekkai haircare and played “the nerd” in a KFC commercial for the Latin American market. He has been expanding his acting resume having had featured roles in the new Starz Drama ‘Magic City’ and in the film ‘Step Up: Revolution’ and more recently garnering a role in the film ‘The Ten Year Plan’. Whether acting in a tv commercial or film, or modeling for the cover of international magazines, Pablo is a diverse talent – a hit with fans everywhere who appreciate and acknowledge his talent, sex appeal, hard work, and mega-star potential.
CHER – Fifty Years of Music
Cher also talks about her “hope” of heading back on tour, and her tentative plans of recording new music.
Mikey Wax Love Always Wins Anthem
A new anthem for summer 2015!
Singer / Songwriter Mikey Wax has a best friend who is gay. “His words of hope and happiness after the Supreme Court ruling inspired this song. I truly believe that despite race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, love always wins.”
In celebration of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that guarantees a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, on-the-verge pop artist Mikey Wax has unveiled his tribute single “Love Always Wins (#LoveWins)” featuring Prophecy, and RyanSeacrest.com had the exclusive world premiere recently.
The trumpet-laden track, which is the namesake of the viral hashtag inspired by SCOTUS’ 5-to-4 vote, celebrates the historic decision with anthemic lyrics that recognizes the country’s progressive strides and the core reason for decades of same-sex litigation and activism.
E! Entertainment immediately placed the song in their promo commercial for Caitlyn Jenner’s new TV series “I Am Cait”. The promo will run 6-8 weeks!
WATCH AND LISTEN AND CRANK UP THE SOUND!
Aaron Paul PNP Party N Play
London born, Brooklyn based singer and songwriter, Aaron Paul has returned bigger and stronger than ever with his 1st solo album after leaving the Worlds Apart boy pop group. World Apart had a unprecedented chart run of over (5) top 30 UK singles including: ‘Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel’, (recently featured on the soundtrack in the huge blockbuster and academy award winning movie “The Queen“), ‘Everlasting Love’, ‘Wonderful World‘ (written by Aaron Paul & fellow band member Patric Osbourne), and their biggest hit ‘Could it be I’m Falling in Love‘, and many more.
Aaron Paul came to the attention of Arista Records Executive Simon Cowell (American Idol, Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor) impressed by his incredible pure voice, natural performance skills and fun personality, Simon positioned Aaron as lead vocalist/front man and lead the group to their chart success.
After moving to New York City and taking a career break from the music industry. In 2010 Aaron was persuaded by Grammy winning producer Barry “Oh” Goldstein to return to recording. Where they both wrote together and released the pop funk song ‘Shake Your Body‘ and ‘Searching‘ (featured on the compilation “There’s an Angel Watching You”). Aaron began his journey as a driven solo artist and then frequently returned back to the UK for live promotional tours.
Fast forward to 2014, the year that became a life-changing time for Aaron. With a new sound and new team, set out to fulfill a life-long dream, preparing for the release of his debut solo album. The album entitled “RAW” introduced Aaron to an entire new audience and allowed those already familiar with his sound to fall in love all over again. The “RAW” album in its entirety was written by Aaron Paul and includes productions from some of today’s hottest upcoming Producers in the game, Robby Dwayne (Day26, Crystal Waters) among others. Collectively, they have skillfully combined Aaron’s heritage and musical roots to create a fun, personal and socially conscious album.
In the spring of 2015, Aaron Paul accomplished his dream of having a number one song on the Dance Charts and Crossover Charts as a solo artist with the up-tempo “I Don’t Care”. “I Don’t Care” is an anthem of peace, understanding and acceptance. The song has become a 2015 LGBTQ PRIDE Anthem across the country with over 700,000 downloads and extensive club play from DJ’s around the world.
As Aaron Paul continues to make a mark in the industry, he is preparing to re-release his single “PnP” (Party n Play) with new remixes entitled “THE FREAK REMIXES”. This Sobel Promotions promoted single will feature an extensive remix package featuring a remix by re-known Producer/Remixer Julian Marsh (Dolly Parton, Boy George, Shannon and Taylor Dayne) Jose Jimenez, Joe Gillan, and Paul Sharman.
PNP (Party n Play) FREAK REMIXES is sure to be another hit in Aaron’s musical journey….DO YOU WANNA PLAY?
Gay Days Anaheim @ Disneyland
About 12 weeks away!
It’ll be here before you know it!
GAY DAYS ANAHEIM @ Disneyland!
This is one of our favorite parties – and favorite cities!
Gay Days Anaheim 2015
October 2 – 4
The schedule is awesome this year and you can pick and choose which parties and events you wish to attend. Coco Peru will be back this year and the fabulous WILLAM from Ru Pauls drag race fame. The parties run Friday thru Sunday but I encourage you stay a few more days. There is SO MUCH to see and do in Anaheim and Orange county. CHECK OUT THESE PAST ARTICLES! Shopping, dining, fresh air, art galleries and ocean waves. The historic Packing District showcases culinary offerings and events in a communal gathering space in the heart of downtown Anaheim, and celebrates their one year anniversary next month. You could spend an entire day here.
Discounted Park Tickets Available Now! Click here
Check out the Schedule of Gay Days Anaheim events HERE
Introducing the Gay Days Anaheim Concierge! Click for more information
If you’re not already on the Private Email List, sign up now!
Joey Contreras LOVE WILDLY
The FEEL GOOD song of summer is HERE!
NYC-based, pop/broadway artist, Joey Contreras, announces his brand new music video for “Love Wildly,” featuring the vocals of Eric Krop.
Watch HERE.
The video was featured on The Advocate who called it “A day-in-the-life montage from a sexier Fame.”
IF YOU ARE IN NEW YORK IN JULY, Contreras just announced his appearance at the New York Musical Theatre Festival on Thursday, 7/16.
“Love Wildly” is featured on Contreras’ LP, Young Kind of Love, which showcases sounds of both pop and contemporary musical theatre. The album features notable artists such as Loren Allred (The Voice) and numerous Broadway talents. Contreras was hailed one of Playbill’s “Contemporary Musical Theatre Songwriters You Should Know.”
