Beyonce gets TRIPPY in her newest music video. In the video for her catchy new single "Sweet Dreams," the diva does everything from krump (at least I think that's what she's doing...there's a lot of arm shaking and jerking), to walk in place wearing a very form fitting outfit (and DAMN do her curves look good!). She even sports a Lady Gaga-esque outfit towards the end of the video.
It may be a little out there, but Beyonce always delivers, and her dancing and theatrics in this video do not disappoint. Watching the fierceness that is Beyonce shake her thing always makes for an entertaining video, and "Sweet Dreams" is no exception.
Jay Brannan Kicks Off His "I Suck At Life Tour" in NYC
Jay Brannan is oh so adorable and, as his shirt indicates, so hateful as well. He was quick to point out that he was wearing the same shirt as his Facebook profile picture.
The ever adorable yet often-times moody folk-singer Jay Brannan kicked off his most recent tour last night in New York. Jay's new tour, called the "I Suck at Life Tour," started without a hitch at Joe's Pub, despite the presence of a slightly stalkerish fan and Jay's perspiration issues.
In between playing some of his more famous hits, such as "Housewife," "Soda Shop," and "Half Boyfriend," Jay treated the crowd to several songs off of his new covers album, In Living Cover (which is actually number one on the iTunes album charts...go Jay!).
Jay pretty much had every man in love with him by the end of the set. Combine his cute banter ("I'm from Texas...we don't acknowledge things like cancer until they're right on top of you. Until they punch you in the face!" he said about why he doesn't care that his antiperspirant is bad for him) with his incredible singing and guitar playing, Jay had every person transfixed by the end of the show. Maybe that's why his "stalker" kept screaming out "I love you!" to Jay pretty much every five minutes.
Check out more pictures of the evening and several Jay music videos...after the jump!
Video: A Visit to Butt Magazine's Big BANG Party in NYC!
A few weeks ago, everyone's favorite artsy/risque gay mag BUTT Magazine threw a big party here in NYC, hosting a slate of some of the most raucously cool up-and-coming bands, including Hunx and his Punx, Salem, and the rappin' freshness that is Sissy Nobby and Big Freedia.
We went to the sweaty, sexy, trashy BUTT BANG affair and we took a camera along to record some of the madness. Have a look! And you'll hear from BUTT Mag's own Michael Bullock and Adam Baran -- and the performers -- about why BUTT is something you can never get enough of!
Awwww, you gotta love sexy/dirty/cool NYC.
Sissy Nobby & Big Freedia came to celebrate, Kids! Salut! Photo courtesy of Althea Smith, via ButtMagazine.com.
Also, big props to our intern Gina Valvo for shooting & editing the above video, too!
An Interview & Performance Peek from Kind Monitor's Joshua Guthals
--by Becca Roth
Four months ago, on a crowded subway, Aja Spears and Joshua Guthals first met. She was batting her eyelashes, minding her own business, when a tall, dark and handsome man bumped into her with his guitar case. He apologized profusely and told her she was very beautiful. They began spending lots of time together, and four months later wound up with a residency at Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn, singing beautiful duets to intellectual indie audiences every Thursday in July. Perfect fairy tale? Except that Joshua’s gay. (Or maybe that’s even more perfect?)
Joshua (seen above! watch!) is the frontman for the up-and-coming Brooklyn-based band Kind Monitor (or perhaps he himself is Kind Monitor; the world may never know). I was fortunate enough to catch the first installment of “The Aja and Joshua Show” last Thursday at Pete’s, where Joshua and his impossibly stunning subway-riding friend Aja enchantingly harmonize acoustic originals as well as covers. Not only is the duo very nice to look at, but their unique sound, mixed with the cool red atmosphere of the intimate but not stuffy space that is Pete’s Candy Store, is something definitely worth checking out.
Why should you know all this? The pair will perform four more weekly (free!) shows at Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg at 9 PM. The show is under an hour (it’s a school night) and every week is a different set, so keep on comin’ back!
More Kind Monitor show info, and the "Cairo" video, after the jump!
This weekend, a documentary aired on BBC3 that showed what it's like being a Britney Spears megafan. The documentary, called Britney Spears Saved My Life (I'm serious), shows a bunch of different people obsessing over everyone's favorite former train wreck. Shot in Britain, we see everything from people with Britney Spears' coasters, to a woman who pretty much owns a version of every outfit Britney has ever worn...ever.
I've only seen clips of the documentary, and it looks pretty major. (Watch this clip where a room-full of Brit-wits go all out in their tribute to "Baby One More Time." It oddly reminds me of those prisoners forced to dance to "Thriller" in a Philippines prison.)
Britney Spears saved all of these people's lives. And they're here to dance about it.
But really, watching the clips, I have to say my favorite part is when they zoom in super close on the fans' faces while they play a Britney song for them. Some break down and cry, some nod along to the music, and some pose awkwardly and seductively for the camera. I pray they air it over here in the states sometime soon, or at least someone downloads it to the internet. You MUST head over here and watch the clips of it. I'll admit that I'm an avid fan and went to see her recent Circus concert, but these people are on a whole other level...and possibly planet.
It's boy band mania this week at NewNowNext. Yesterday we told you about the fabulous out singer Nathanial Flatt of V Factory, and today we're letting you know that 90's boy band and pop sensation the Backstreet Boys are coming out with a new album October 6! Titled This is Us, the new album will again feature four of the original boys singing (sadly, Kevin Richardson left the group back in June of 2006 to start a family).
The news of the album and information about their first single, the RedOne produced Soldier Down, was made known through Twitter updates (aka Tweets) made by group member Brian Littrell. I find it strange that they're resorting to Twitter to tell everyone about their album, especially when Brian's Tweet was, "RECORD COMES OUT OCT 6TH!!!!!!!!! THANK GOD." I also find it mind boggling that these guys are still around. Guess we'll just have to wait and see if the boy band mania days are on their way back in. Who knows, maybe the Jonas Brothers will lend them some of their crazed fans.
The Jackson family sat in the front row and several members took the time to speak and perform themselves throughout the memorial.
In addition to the thousands of audience members who traveled out to the Los Angeles Staples Center to pay tribute to the late Michael Jackson, many celebrities spoke and performed at Tuesday's memorial. The King of Pop's family was joined by everyone from Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Brooke Shields, Smokey Robinson, Lionel Richie, and even Corey Feldman. In addition to performances of several of Jackson's songs, audience members were treated to speeches by Al Sharpton, Queen Latifah, and a very emotional moment from Jackson's daughter Paris. Videos of Jackson's music and performances were played throughout the memorial as well, all in front of Jackson's casket, covered in flowers and a huge spotlight. After the jump, look at pictures and videos of the performers and speakers who remembered one of the most influential musical artists of all time.
Mariah and J-Hud sing and others strike a pose after the jump.
MTV.com is streaming the big Michael Jackson Memorial live right now. The celebs are all in the house. The Jackson family has been seated. The casket is onstage. The gospel choir has kicked in. The audio has been fixed. Get ready for a whole lot of singing and MJ-reverential-mania.
Whether your worshipped MJ or not, this is going to be one really big show...
V Factory's Nathaniel Flatt Is Gay. He's in a Boy Band. Discuss.
Meet Nathaniel Flatt. He's gay. Hooray!!?
OMG, the shockingness! A guy in a boy band is gay! Ok, so maybe it ain't earth-shattering news, but yes, Nathaniel Flatt, one-fifth of the rising boy-band V Factory (yes, they still make those!) is a homosexual. And he's cute, so... Hurrah! Who doesn't like it when a cute mini-celeb-to-be comes out!?? Towleroad has an interview with the lad.
OK. Total disclosure. I've never heard of these V Factory moppets or Nathaniel Flatt in my life. Are they some Disney Channel bit of teen wetness? Can someone help me out here? Oh, hell. They're cute. I'll investigate. All because one of them is gay. (Just the one?) Oh, and evidently they performed at Pride in San Francisco. Attaboys!
Puppies! Inspired by... Puppies? Er, I mean... V Factory!
More V Factory, Nathaniel and some of their music and stuff after the jump.
Whitney Houston, the once former power house performer and partner in crime to Bobby Brown, put the Internet in a frenzy late last week when the first single off of her upcoming comeback album leaked online. The single, titled "I Didn't Know My Own Strength," is an obvious nod to her triumphant return to normalcy after going through, to put it nicely and bluntly, her crazy years. The single is definitely Houston's way of screaming "I'm back and better than ever!"
As for the song itself... It's hard to tell if Houston has retained much of her once insanely powerful voice. Though it's a good song that I've warmed up to after a couple of listens (and now have stuck in my bed), it definitely lacks the punch of her older songs. Though I doubt we'll ever get to experience the wonders of songs like "I Will Always Love You," I still like this song and am glad she's no longer up to her self-destructive ways. You go, Whitney.
Star-Spangled Party Videos: Gaga, Whitney, Passion Pit & Boney M?
It's already a holiday weekend here in TV & online work-land. Our offices are a ghost-town today with the long, hot red-white-and-blue weekend looming. Today's a half-day and everyone's off tomorrow so... Might as well head home and get that grill fired up, eh?
If you are looking at this, here are some hot party videos to sass up your all-American holiday weekend, for better for worse. We've got some cheesy Americana, and some fun tunes you'll be hearing all summer. Cheers! Cook it up! Wear sunscreen! Go America!!!
Oh, say can you see the classic Whitney fierceness?
More videos and a nice classic American butt after the jump!
Britney Spears has finally come out with her latest video for her next single, "Radar", and I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed. Sure, she looks good, the video is ok, and it has two really hot guys in it, but it's just kind of... meh. In the video, Brit classes it up as the object of affection of a rich stud, but she really has her eye on the hot stableman (don't we all). I guess I prefer the Womanizer type videos where Britney is decked out in hoochie gear, grinding and dancing up a storm.
The video is still worth a watch because, come on, it's Britney Spears. I still love her. At least she's "sane" now and not running around setting things on fire or anything crazy. For now.
Take a little punk pop, add some synthpop and alternative dance, and you end up with Cobra Starship's newest single Good Girls Go Bad. With help from Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester (sidebar...who knew she could sing?), the band sings about, what else, turning good girls into naughty ones.
Check out the video as Leighton plays a bad girl who pulls one over on the boys. She's apparently also following in the footsteps of the many other actresses turned pop stars (Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johansson, and Miley Cyrus, I'm looking at you) and coming out with an album sometime in the future. They definitely picked the best girl to play bad, what with Leighton recently becoming the star of her very own sex tape. Bad girl antics aside, the song is really catchy, perfect for the summer, and she actually has a decent voice. Check it out!
Mariah Carey Gets in Touch With Her Masculine Side in "Obsessed" Video
Mariah mans it up for her new video. Er, sort of...
Yes, the above picture is of Mariah Carey filming the music video for her song Obsessed. Apparently, the song is a jab at Eminem, who makes fun of Mariah and husband Nick Cannon in his song Bagpipes From Baghdad. I'm guessing she dressed up like Eminem to try and mock him? Mariah, honey, I know you probably think you're being really creative and witty, but I'm not sure how successful this is... I'm so used to seeing this woman squeezed into hot pink, sparkly dresses that are four sizes too small that seeing her all butched up is truly a surprise.
I'm surprised Mariah shed her normal glamorous getup to look like such a... Bellhop? Airline pilot? Doorman?
As much as these images confuse me, I know I'll be checking the video out. I personally think this woman is insane (and I love her for it), so I'm hoping she'll bust out the crazy as much as possible for this video. I mean, she's already rocking some gender-f*ck realness, she might as well go all out for it, right? Head on over to JustJared to check out even more photos of Mimi in drag.
Kanye West Releases Artsy New Video for "Street Lights"
Kanye West continues on his kick of making music that's "art" by creating a new video for his song Street Lights. The song, which is my personal favorite off of his latest album 808s & Heartbreak, won't be released as a single, but Kanye went ahead and still made a video for it. What? You gonna argue with him? Good luck...
The video reminds me of those old-school virtual reality programs. Though it's not that exciting (it just shows a computer animated Kanye driving a car through a very futuristic-looking world), I still like it a lot. It fits the mellow and "artsy" feel of the song.
Janet Jackson made a surprise appearance at last night's BET Awards to pay tribute to her brother Michael after his untimely death last week. A very emotional Janet took to the stage to speak on behalf of her family and thank everyone for their support and let them know that his memory will always live on in the hearts of his fans.
Many of the performers and presenters at last night's show paid tribute to the late artist, with host Jamie Foxx performing the dance moves from Jackon's Beat It video and singer Ciara performing Heal the World.
Pride Weekend Playlist: Miss Ross, Glambert & Some Weather Girls
"Mad World" - Adam Lambert on The Today Show
There are as many ways to get your groove on for Pride as there are floats in a parade, fruit flavors of vodka, or folks who can tell you where they were and how many bricks they threw at Stonewall.
So here's a little messy mix of Pride-weekend tunes to get you going. I've started off somberly above with pop music's newest gay, Adam Lambert, serving his "Mad World" to the masses from The Today Show. But then it's gonna get more into a mix of old (Diana Ross, The Weather Girls) to more recent (Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes) to cute and right now (Sam Sparro).
Since everyone's in a Michael Jackson-remembering mode, why is it that some of my favorite Michael Jackson songs (or songs by "The Jacksons," or his random duets) don't have videos? Like "P.Y.T.", which may be the funnest song on Thriller. And I always totally loved "State of Shock" the duet with Mick Jagger that appeared on The Jacksons' 1984 album, Victory. And "The Girl Is Mine," Michael's 1980 duet with Paul McCartney.
Anyway, here are a few other random Jackson gems. Forgive the grainy video.
"Can You Feel It" - The Jacksons, Victory
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"Can You Feel It" still rocks. And I think that Madonna totally stole the bass line for "Sorry" from this awesome tune. The trippy video (are the Jacksons superheroes? gods? aliens?) is pure 80s brilliance. And I always loved the cheesy, cartoony Victory album cover...
Michael Jackson remembrances are all over the media today (his autopsy is due today, too) and the tributes have surely only just begun. The man, who died yesterday, was an iconic pop superstar who influenced just about every musician working in the pop and R&B milieu today. His videos, especially from the Thriller, Bad and Dangerous eras were cultural touchstones. Nobody else had his moves, his style, his way of singing -- he was a singular performer.
As years passed, we all watched Michael evolve into a strange, mysterious figure that become hard to comprehend and relate to. His face and body changed dramatically, he faced charges of molestation (being acquitted in on instance, settling out of court on another), and he seemed to devolve into a caricature of a reclusive pop star and an oddity, and we'll probably never quite know all that went on behind the gates of his Neverland ranch.
For the next week, we can expect to endure all manner of tributes and freaked-out media-circus moments; I'm already morbidly intrigued to see what kind of funeral shenanigans will unfold. Bring on Latoya and Debbie Rowe! Will Macaulay Culkin offer a statement? Has Madonna stopped crying? It's all gonna be bizarre, no doubt.
But regardless of all the craziness and speculation that came to surround his persona, Michael Jackson did create some fiercely memorable, legendary music, revolutionary videos and his influence on style, dance, MTV, the 80s, and even how African-Americans impact culture is undeniable. So, in tribute, here's a random mix of his videos to enjoy.
Singer Chris Pureka Talks Music, Helps Lesbians Hook Up
--by Kelsey Lisette
Singer-songwriter Chris Pureka recently brought the newest tunes from her EP Chimera to Joe’s Pub in NYC, showing her new material with a riveting live performance. She also demonstrated her gift for philanthropy, as her show easily (perhaps unwittingly) facilitated getting half of downtown Manhattan’s lesbian population laid. With a combination of sultry southern sounds and cabaret style lighting multiplied by a full house of ladies, I doubt I’m the only one who didn’t ride the F train home alone that night.
Pureka’s new album sounds familiarly devastating and folksy, but in that sexy way. It makes you sad, but not like full-blown "wearing sweatpants eating reduced-fat Breyer’s from the tub" sad. Her music occupies that sweet spot where maybe you’re drunk alone at home, but hey -- at least you put eyeliner on.
The two-headed Chimera EP cover; and a nice shot of one-headed Chris. Photo by Shayne Berry.
Chimera makes moping around love-lorn sound pretty hot in the way we’ve come to expect from the soft-spoken Pureka. She's equal parts adorable queer farm boi, whiskey-voiced faux-country crooner and New Englander in sheep’s clothing. It’s like she’s a chimera or something- I mean, we know what that is... We went to college too. Whatever.
Wonder how Madonna will reinvent herself this time around? Hopefully it involves covering up her scary buff arms a little.
Somewhere in between adopting African babies and dating Brazilian models more than 30 years younger than her, Madonna found the time to work on a greatest hits album. Yesterday, Madge revealed that the album, which will also feature three new songs, will be titled Iconography. This will be her last album with Warner Brothers.
Now, while it's exciting that a new Madonna album will be coming out in a couple months, it's also a little crazy. her album is slated to drop several weeks after fellow diva Mariah Carey releases her new album, Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel. Not only that, but Whitney Houston is set to make her triumphant return with her new album Undefeated in September as well.
Get ready, kids. It's gonna be one insane [read: really freakin' gay] September for music. I'm excited to see how they'll all try to compete with each other. I'm hoping for extreme desperation, catty slurs in the press, maybe a cat fight or two. Or why don't the broads just all join up and tour together? Tickets for that show would probably only cost about $27,000 a piece, right?
Adam Lambert Teams Up With Sam Sparro for New Album
Glambert is getting quite the team to help him out on his upcoming album. Sounds like we're in for quite the treat.
Using everyone's favorite new social networking site, Twitter, Adam Lambert and Sam Sparro have announced that they'll be writing music together for Adam's debut album. Sparro posted on his site last night saying he was waiting for Lambert in the studio, and the American Idol runner-up confirmed minutes later that the two would be joining forces for his new album.
Looks like Lambert is not the only one with a unique style.
So far, the glam rocker has already revealed that he'll be working with Red One, mastermind behind several of Lady Gaga's smash hits. Now that Sparro has announced he'll be joining the team, it's apparent the makeup loving Lambert means business. Sparro and Lambert, who are both openly gay, will undoubtedly come up with some very unique and interesting music.
The ever playful Mika shushes the crowd during last night's concert. He's always doing something cute, isn't he?
Mika fans, rejoice! NewNowNext's fabulous friend and music blogger Arjan revealed earlier today that the flamboyant British pop star played several new songs off his upcoming album during his latest venue. Mika performed an intimate acoustic performance last night in New York at La Poisson Rouge. Mika unveiled "Rain," a poignant ballad, and "Blame It On the Girls," a tune similar to the playful songs he's become known for.
Head on over to Arjan's blog to check out more pictures of Mika's performance and listen to the new songs!
America's Got Talent kicked off its summertime talent show deliriousness last night, and this was one of the more charming gay moments. A nice loan officer from Seattle, David Johnson, strummed about his high school crush... on David Hasselhoff!
Cute! Weird! But it's nice to hear the audience get into it eventually, cheering. Awwwww...
Cher and Christina Aguilera Set to Diva up the Silver Screen
Cher is back, ladies and gentlemen, and is ready to amp up the camp factor.
Talk about a diva overload...ultimate gay icon Cher and the very fierce Christina Aguilera are set to team up on a new movie called "Burlesque." Apparently, the writers didn't think having these two women star in the film would be gay enough, so they made Cher an ex-dancer who owns a struggling neo-burlesque club on Sunset Boulevard. Aguilera plays Cher's protege. Who cares about the plot though...Cher is coming back to the big screen! And she's going to sing!
With Christina providing powerhouse vocals into this mix, I'm not sure if I'll be able to handle the fierceness of this film.
I know that there are some very happy gays out there right now. I'm ecstatic. This is the first film Cher has done since 1999's “Tea With Mussolini,” but she's been so busy with her Vegas show I'm surprised she's found the time to make this film. This movie better be as campy as it sounds and as I'm hoping it will be. It has all the ingredients to be a gay classic, but I do not doubt one bit that Cher will deliver. I'm sure Christina will do just fine too. Hopefully she'll just belt it out and then be silent so Cher can have the spotlight.
Pride Weekend Mega-Show: Stonewall 40th Anniversary Concert & Love Ball!
Advertised as the "Woodstock" of gay concerts, the Stonewall 40th Anniversary Commemorative Concert is set to turn NYC's Times Square on its gay ear when it serves up a night of great music and entertainment (while honoring the Stonewall riots, the catalyst for the gay rights movement, of course). Combining gospel singers, porn stars-turned-singers, and drag queen trios performing electropop (and lots, lots more), I highly doubt the concert won't keep you entertained.
Be sure to stick around after the show for the Love Ball after party at 10pm. Continuing in the theme of having the most eclectic group of performers, the Love Ball will feature tributes to Judy Garland, Broadway musicals, and the Harlem house balls. Expect lots of voguing, hot men, and plenty of dancing.
The list of performers for the big Stonewall Concert include a mega-list of fab out music artists. There's host Murray Hill, and then comes (stand back...) Billy Porter, Deepa Soul, Baron, Colton Ford, Jasper James & She Dick, Lori Michaels, Rachael Sage, Ari Gold, Ajoshua, Kin4Life, Christine Martucci, Jen Urban & The Box, The Maine Attraction, Jason Walker, The Lavender Light, Gospel Choir, DELI, Ron Morris, Johnny McGovern, Ariel & The Hired Guns. The event will also honor Jack Doroshow, the Legendary Mother Queen “Sabrina Flawless”, Mildred “Dred” Gerestant and Randy Jones, the original Cowboy from the Village People.
The concert takes place Saturday, June 27th, at 8pm at the Nokia Theater in Times Square, while the Love Ball starts at 10pm in the same theater. The concert and ball are sponsored by OutMusic in association with Saint at Large.
Check out pictures of the performers after the jump!
Jason Mraz is back with another version of his hit duet "Lucky." But this time around, Colbie Caillat must be taking a siesta, because now half the song is performed in Spanish thanks to the lovely Mexican actress/singer Ximena Sariñana.
Looks like they just spliced in Ximena's bits into the video and song that Jason had already whipped up with Ms. Caillat. It's a little weird, but the results are sweet. I mean, "dulce."Want a little more about Ximena? She's 24, lives in Mexico City, and her MySpace has some very charming tunes, including a nice strummy English ditty "Influenza Sh*t Love Song," which is kind of what happens with a sad love song gets food poisoning.
Lady Gaga Wows Once Again at the Much Music Awards
I've never been so jealous of the Canadians before. Who wouldn't love to see Gaga light her boobs on fire?
Lady Gaga has gotten a reputation for being one of the most outlandish and flamboyant pop artists out there. Her music almost takes the backseat sometimes to her outfits and behavior (Note: ALMOST.), and she always has me wondering what the hell she is going to do next. Her performance at the MusicMusic Video Awards in Toronto, Canada, definitely lived up to the hype.
I must say, she really out did herself this time. Only a true performer would go so far as to shoot sparks out of her boobs. Lady Gaga, my love for you burns as brightly as the fire that erupts from your bosom.
Not only did she deliver an amazing performance, she also walked away with the Best International Video gong for "Poker Face." Check out a video and more images of her performance here.
BUTT Goes BANG with a Big, Possibly Trashy Concert in NYC
Everyone's favorite artsy and always risque gay mag BUTT has decided to offer a pre-pride concert at New York's Knitting Factory to bring a more modern spin on the month's rainbow-hued festivities called "Bang!". Taking place this Friday, the concert will feature three up and coming new bands: goth-juke band Salem from Chicago, garage punk band Hunx and his Punx from San Francisco, and New Orleans bounce rapper Sissy Nobby. Expect trashy boys rocking out with their, er... festive bits out.
The boys of Salem, Hunx and his Punx and Sissy Nobby want to "BANG" you. That's cool, right?
The always classy BUTT, the smart and savvy pink-paged magazine published out of The Netherlands, always aims to combine the titillating with the thought-provoking. It's a brilliant mix of Marc Jacobs and male hustlers; of raunchy man-action and high-end culture. Or something like that. Order your tickets now at Ticket Web before they run out. Something tells me this is going to be one scandalous (meaning excellent) concert.
I know this one's been swirling around the 'net for a week or so, but it's so gorgeous I still had to toss up this video of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi." It's epic, at almost 8 minutes long! Plus, she's romanced/played for a sucka by True Blood's sharp-toothed stud Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), who's looking very fang-bang-able.
The glamorous mansion! The hot Malibu/Riviera/Capri-esque locale! Gaga's painted-on hosiery! The wheelchair? I'm reeling. Some serious money was spent on this one.
Of the "Paparazzi" video, Gaga told The Canadian Press: "It has a real, genuine, powerful message about fame-whoring and death and the demise of the celebrity, and what that does to young people. The video explores ideas about sort of hyperbolic situations that people will go to in order to be famous. Most specifically, pornography and murder." Ooooh... Deep. Ish?
IS Gaga really the new Madonna? A case is being made.
Nexty Winners The Fire and Reason to Rock NYC's Power Ball Tomorrow!
With the help of The Fire and Reason, winners of the Brink of Fame: New Artist at the NewNowNext Awards, the Power Ball, a celebration of the dance music community's commitment to expanding the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include LGBT people, should prove to be a great event. The celebration is run by The Power, an online organizing network dedicated to fighting for LGBT rights.
I'm all for supporting a good cause while partying, especially when there will be $3 Svedka until midnight! Other performers include Mel Merio, Grooveheadz Orchestra, DJ Kevin Graves, and DJ Christopher Just. There's a $5 minimum donation to get in, and will take place at Santos Party House in New York City. Make sure to squeeze it into all your pride partying!
Hot, talented, and supportive of the gay community? I think they're proving exactly why they won the Nexty for best up and coming artist.
See what all the buzz about The Fire and Reason is after the jump!
Hottie Jay Brannan's New Covers Album Serves Up Some Classics
Who didn't love Jay Brannan in Shortbus? He was cute and, well, I can't really say why else his performance was attention getting without getting too explicit (let's just say the "National Anthem" earned a whole new meaning). Well, Jay is not only a great actor but as most of you already know, he's also a talented musician and is set to release a new covers album July 7 titled In Living Cover.
Jay covers everyone from the Cranberries to Joni Mitchell to Bob Dylan. The album also has two new originals from Jay, and his first single, a cover of the Verve Pipe's "The Freshman," is available on iTunes. The single is already number 3 on iTunes' Top Singer/Songwriter Song charts, so help a fellow gay out and push him towards number 1!
You can pre-order his CD now at his store site, as well as buy his other CDs and t-shirts. Be sure to also check out his main website to find out details about his upcoming tour and see if the actor/musician is coming somewhere close to you!
Time for another round of Liz Dahmen and John Polly sounding off in a new vloggy mini-series called Amazing Gay Stuff, which you'll find here (and as part of Amazon’s Gay & Lesbian Store), and which will serve up fun rundowns of the best gay-related movies, DVDs, music, books and just about anything else that you need.
This week, John and Liz go broad when talking about "The Gay Essentials." What are some big basics you need to complete your gay world? Glad you asked! John and Liz touch upon books, movies, music, kitchen appliances and even some techie stuff that you need! From rice cookers to Harvey Milk to gender politics to lesbians toting guitars, they've got it covered!!! And like last time, all of the good stuff you hear about here can be found at Amazon.com.
I wonder if Shakira will dedicate another song just to her hips on her new album? I'd be ok with that.
I never thought I would hear that the faux search for the mythical She-Wolf would have anything to do with Shakira, but apparently, it's the subject of a new viral marketing campaign she is using to advertise "She Wolf," the first single off her upcoming album titled "Animal Instinct." Several videos have popped up online describing the hunt for this "She-Wolf" and depict her latest victims.
They're kind of bizarre and unusual, but then again, Shakira has always been a little out there. She's been shooting footage for the music video for the past couple days, so maybe we'll be seeing a fur-clad, fang bearing Shakira doing her signature belly-dancing pretty soon. Not going to lie, I'm kind of excited to see that.
Music blogger Arjan over at ArjanWrites (maybe you saw him on the red carpet at this weekend's NewNowNext Awards; and he even doled out his own award, too!) posted about this fresh collaboration between two of our fave Scandinavian music acts. Norway's Rokysopp have enlisted Sweden's pop powerhouse Robyn to lend her always polished sass to their single "The Girl & the Robot" on their latest album Junior.
Give a listen to the tune's Chateau Marmont remix below! And Arjan's got the same single also mashed-up with some choice Lily Allen cuts, too.
Arjan Reveals the Winner of the ArjanWrites Best International Crossover Award!!!
ALERT: All of the NewNowNext Awardsaren't happening during the show broadcast!!! Some the best awards are doled out by amazingly cool bloggers that are part of the whole NewNowNext Awards mania. For example, music super-blogger Arjan at ArjanWrites.com is the man behind the ArjanWrites Best International Crossover Award!
The nominees for the prize -- going to the international up-and-coming music star who's poised to bust out and become the next Kylie, the next Estelle, the next M.I.A., include Frankmusik, VV Brown, Ladyhawke, Empire of the Sun, Patrick Wolf and Little Boots. Wanna find out who won right now??? WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE!!!!
SPOILER ALERT: Wanna see a super-fab music video from the winner? Look after the jump!
NewNowNext Awards 2009: They're On! Watch Right Here, Right Now!
They're here. 2009's NewNowNext Awards have arrived in all their towering, high-wigged, glammed-out, cracked-up, sexified glory! Hosted by RuPaul! With appearances from Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Vanessa Williams, Cheyenne Jackson, Ongina, Wendy Williams, Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen, Eve, the Real Housewives of NYC (yes, Jill Zarin & Bethenny), Christian Siriano, Mary McCormack, the Paradiso Girls, Paulina Porizkova, folks from True Blood, Jeffery & Cole and a gay boatload of others!!!
Starting watching now! The first big segment of the show is above... And after the jump, watch the rest!!! Expect madness and thrills and all kind of prizes awarded to the coolest in pop culture, music, TV, film, gayness and just about everything else!
NewNowNext Awards Pre-Show: Watch the Red Carpet Insanity Now!
The NewNowNext Awards are gonna be airing any moment now (at 9pm, actually, but sooner right here). But til then, watch the freaked-out red carpet coverage of the very special NewNowNext Awards Pre-Show! The first clip is above to get you started!!!
It's hosted by NewNowNext PopLab's crazy-tastic Mike Diamond, Charlene from the Logo reality series Gimme Sugar: Miami and me (er, that's John Polly of NewNowNext.com, y'all)!
To watch the rest -- featuring Cheyenne Jackson, the Real Housewives of NYC, Christian Siriano, the gigantic Wendy Williams, Scissor Sister Del Marquis, stylista Robert Verdi, hotter-than-hot rapper Eve, and lots more, click to the NewNowNext Awards Pre-Show playlist!!!
Morningwood Interview: New Album Coming! Big Performance on NewNowNext Awards Tomorrow!
Morningwood's Chantal Claret and Pedro Yanowitz popped by the studios at VH1 & Logo recently, and we snagged them for an interview as part of a shoot they're doing for an upcoming episode of NewNowNext Music. That'll get aired later this summer, but we couldn't wait to run the interview!
Right now, you can snag a killer remix of Morningwood's "Best of Me" single (which has also been used as the theme to VH1's "Daisy of Love" reality show mess). It's the James Euringer/Mindless Self Indulgence Remix and it's up on Rhapsody. Check it out! And it's also available via iTunes... Go crazy with it!
Maybe that'll keep you sated until M'wood's full-on new (and as yet untitled album) comes out later this year.
Want more? Watch Chantal and the guys rip up the stage during Logo's NewNowNext Awards tomorrow, either on TV on Logo, or right here on this very blog! Or at NewNowNextAwards.com.
Morningwood gets posey at the NewNowNext Awards. From left: New boys Will Tendy & Jonathon Schmidt with Chantal & Pedro. Watch 'em tomorrow night at 9pm on Logo & NewNowNextAwards.com!
Still want more? Find out who/what Morningwood would save in a fire, what the most erotic film they've ever seen is -- and other mad stuff when they answer VH1'S 5 QUESTIONS!
Lady Bunny, Patricia Field & Cleve Jones Score amfAR Honors!
Hot host Alan Cumming and the amFAR-award-winning legendary Lady Bunny!
Last night in NYC, the esteemed AIDS-fighting/awareness-raising organization amfAR held its 10th-annual Honoring with Pride gala, in which the bestowed Courage Awards on three notables who've been fighting the battle against AIDS for years: drag legend Lady Bunny, fashion mogul Patricia Field, and long-time activist/Harvey Milk colleague/AIDS Quilt & NAMES Project founder Cleve Jones.
The shindig was held at the Edison Ballroom and was a pretty swank who's-who of NYC gay celebs, showbiz folks, fashion stars and all-around do-gooders! I went and snapped many pics, and rubbed elbows with Project Runway alums (Jack Mackenroth, Kevin Christiana & Christian Siriano), music stars (Debbie Harry, Ari Gold, Colton Ford), designers (Kenneth Cole, The Blonds) and all around glam types (Alan Cumming, Jenny Shimizu, Michael Musto, Cheyenne Jackson)...
Lady Bunny was the most garrulous award recipient, turning her acceptance speech into a rollicking and hilarious foul-mouthed monologue of zingers, teasing her old pal Pat Field, Flotilla, bragging that her hair was bigger & better than amfAR founder Dr. Mathilde Krim's, and generally cracking filthy jokes about servicing busboys ("See this trophy? Now, I'm an award-winning c***sucker!"). But truly, Bunny -- who founded Wigstock and has DJ'd more AIDS benefits than probably anyone -- has always, in her fabulously abrasive and smartly tart way been a champion of queer equality and AIDS awareness.
Chaz Bono -- formerly known to most of us as Chastity Bono, the lesbian writer, activist and daughter of Cher and Sonny Bono -- has courageously announced that he in the process of transitioning from female to male. That beacon of journalistic fierceness, TMZ, broke the news today, with a statement from gay uber-publicist Howard Bragman.
Quoth Bragman via TMZ: "Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity. He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones. It is Chaz's hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his 'coming out' did nearly 20 years ago."
Evidently, Chaz isn't planning any personal statements about his "coming out" as trans anytime soon, but maybe we can hope for a fantastic and powerfully trans-positive and enlightening Oprah episode in the near future, eh?
No word from Cher yet, but let's hope the legendary showbiz icon responds more positively than she years ago did when her daughter (who's long been known to friends and people close to her as "Chaz") came out as a lesbian. When that happened, Cher admits she "flipped out" and was not immediately supportive. Do we think Cher will issue a statement soon?
Chaz with Cher in 1998; and as a toddler with Sonny & Cher.
Either way, it's great to see Chaz stepping out and making the issues faced by trans people more visible on a national level. GLAAD and the folks at HRC have issued press releases (as they're wont to do) commending Bono's courage.
Fischerspooner's Casey Spooner Talks Music, Art & Commerce. Ka-ching!
Fischerspooner's Casey Spooner is probably about the artiest rock star around. This coming Sunday night, you can catch Casey and his bandmate Warren hosting NewNowNext Music on Logo, during which he'll chat about the band's new album, performing live, and their proclivity to wearing freakin' insane costume straight out of bonkers-town!
Watch this bonus footage from the show, in which Casey opines about the ginormous gulf between the art biz and the music biz, and how he has a hellaciously hard time of bridging the gap between the wo. It's very "Art & Commerce 101" with Professor Spooner!
And just to spice it up, after the jump watch Fischerspooner's latest video, "We Are Electric." Zap!
New Artist Alert: Noah Breaks Through With "Human Geography" - Here's an Interview & Performance!
Up-and-coming electro-popper Noah recently sat down with NewNowNext's John Polly to talk about his forthcoming album, "Human Geography," a great confab of electro and indie-pop tunes aiming to get you on the dance floor.
Though he now resides in Ottawa, Canada, Noah originally hails from Dubai, U.A.E. In the video interview, he talks about growing up in the Middle East, the message behind his upcoming album, and how he plans to spend his time in NYC. He also sings an acoustic version of his first single, "Mannequin," a song Noah describes as being a great representation of his album. And which also has a lot of lyrics sung very fast. Whew.
"Mannequin" is currently available on iTunes, while the "Human Geometry" album will become available June 23rd. Noah will also be performing tonight in NYC as part of the showcase of cool, emerging indie/pop artists called Superfraiche, produced by music superblogger Arjan of ArjanWrites.com.
Maybe she's born with it... Maybe it's a whole lotta Maybelline.
Adam Lambert's officially out when Rolling Stone hits newsstands this Friday. “I don’t think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I’m gay,” says the Idol runner-up/megastar. For a fun primer -- and a pretty sweet conversation with him about his music, his hopes, and about being a Rolling Stone cover boy -- check out the behind-the-scenes video at the big photo shoot with Matthew Rolston.
Who needs a make-up person? Glambert can do his own eyes, thanks very much!
After the jump, glimpse the full final cover shot (if ya haven't seen it already).
Colton Ford Covers R.E.M., Fleetwood Mac, Robyn, Nirvana, Everyone Else
Apparently, Colton Ford lost his religion whilst wearing this mesh bodysuit. Or maybe he just lost it because he's wearing headphones over his eyes?
Gay pop/dance music star Colton Ford (oh yeah, he used to be a ridiculously scorchingly hot-n-dirty porn idol) has a new album of cover tunes coming in August. It's seductively titled Under the Covers, which is festive.
And who does the built-like-a-preposterously-hot-brick-sh*thouse Ford get under his covers? Well, the first single is a dancey-thumpin' attack on R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion." Which, you might have thought was pretty much a gay song to begin with, but give Ford's version a listen. I rather like it; I also like to pretend he's slamming me around a hotel room waterbed (in the nicest way) while singing it, but that's just me.
Colton in a still from his "That's Me" video. Ayyyyyyy!
Other tunes he takes on: Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams"; Nirvana's "Lithium"; Britney's "Trouble"; Robyn's "With Every Heartbeat"; Sade's "By Your Side"; and yes, his cover of Alicia Keys' "No One" is on there, too.
I love Regina Spektor. Her music is gorgeous, smart, lyrical and poignant -- and always has a daffy sort of quirkiness to it. She's like Tori Amos meets that chick from "Happy Go Lucky" -- which is a good thing.
Her new video for the first single from her new album is out. The tune is "Laughing With" and it's a mix of dire drama and sing-song optimism. And it's all about God, but in a sweetly personal, sort of goofy way. Maybe it's the sequel to the Joan Osborne classic "One of Us?"
I also love Regina because her tune "Fidelity" was used in those amazing gay-marriage/fight Prop 8 videos out earlier this year from Courage Campaign, which were inspiring and made me cry. Watch it and some other video goodness, after the jump.
Regina's new album "Far" comes out on June 23rd. Maybe it can be your rainy day/Pride soundtrack?
Watch the "Laughing With" video, as well as new stuff from Peter Bjorn & John, M83, Howling Bells, La Roux and more on Logo's NewNowNext Music this Sunday night
At least they can't say we rushed them... The lads at MGMT have finally released an official video for their landmark, super-awesome, always-makes-me-dance-like-a-happy-dweeb song "Kids." And it's creepy! Monsters! A crying toddler! Aloof moms!
But just when it gets a bit much, it turns into a bit of deliriously arty and nice animation. The band assures us on their site that no babies were harmed in the making of this video. But maybe some toddler psyches were damaged?
Have a look, then check out MGMT's site for more backstory, including how Mark Twain influenced them and how this whole "Kids" thing was born.
The just-released video of Joe Jonas (always the cutest Jonas Brother, though I suddenly feel that Nick is getting a bit hunky looking; sure, call me a perv) dancing in a black leotard to "Single Ladies" is worth a look. Not because it's hilarious (Joe is no Justin Timberlake, kids), but because it sort of confirms that he's straight. I don't think any gay boy would move soooo clunkily. (Yes, I'm stereotyping; but watch and see.)
While this clip might have been timely 9 months ago, I give the Bros credit for wanting to have a little fun.
Drag Race Winner Bebe Zahara Benet Heads into the Studio
Bebe and her music man Mark Picchiotti
Exciting news boys and girls: The African Queen herself, America’s Next Superstar Drag Queen Miss Bebe Zahara Benet will be teaming up with official RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner's Tour DJ Mark Picchiotti to produce new music!
The DJ and international diva met at the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” finale/tour launch party in Manhattan earlier this spring. DJ and producer Mark Picchiotti has produced song for Kylie Minogue and mixed everyone from Beyonce to The Killers. The two apparently have hit it off on her winner's tour, as Bebe will be branching out in the world of music directly after her appearance at Asbury Park, New Jersey’s Club Paradise this Friday.
I imagine lots of fierce dance tracks with music videos filled with gaudy outfits, and, of course, BIG hair. Who knows, maybe she'll surprise us again with her awesome rap skills? Regardless, I'm sure the rising star will make her mentor proud.
Check out Bebe showing off her "face, face" and rapping in RuPaul's "Covergirl" after the jump.
Just Kait is 17-year-old Kaitlyn DiBenedetto and her rockin' little ditty "U Suck" is perking up eardrums all over. How can you not like a smart-ass grrrl with a guitar and some punky attitude?
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