Special Screening of short film "hopefulROMANTIC"

From L to R: Brad Takei, George Takei, Matt Zarley and Benjamin Pollack

This weekend I was invited to attend the first screening of the new musical short film hopefulROMANTIC by award-winning out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley.

Starring Zarley - along with Chuck Saculla, Jolie Jenkins and the uber-wise & wonderful George Takei - the film is a universal story about loving, letting go, and holding onto faith that there's somebody for everybody. The film is practically dialogue-free with the narrative articulated solely through Matt Zarley and Emmy & Grammy award-winning Andy Zulla’s soulful pop score.

After the film, I moderated a Q&A with the creative team including Zarley, Takei, Saculla plus director Benjamin Pollack and director of photography Chris Ekstein.

I also conducted interviews on the "orange carpet" before the screening where I kept my inner "fan boy" in check as I interviewed openly gay TV legend (and internet wiseman) George Takei - who is EVERYTHING you want him to be and more. Serious honor.

Also in attendance were tons of favorites from the LGBT entertainment world including singer/songwriters Tom Goss and Jeb Havens, Haviland Stillwell of the upcoming Magic Mike XXL, recording artist and Broadway fave Shoshana Bean (who contributes vocals to the soundtrack), "Fashion Police" writer Dennis Hensley and many more.

About hopefulROMANTIC from Matt Zarley:

“When I first started writing the music for this, I was deeply in love. The original plan was to write a simple little EP of love songs. I was so happy and I wanted everyone to know it.

"A few weeks into the process, my relationship ended abruptly without warning. I was devastated. It was hard for me to access a lot of positive loving feelings at the time. Out of that temporary writer's block, I wrote 'Constantly'. As I was finishing that song, I began to rethink my project. What was originally gonna be a 5 song EP of love songs suddenly took a turn.

"I had decided to construct a narrative... a journey with music being the guide. Having had an extensive background in Broadway and musical theatre, it seemed natural to finally merge my two worlds together. Much of what I was writing about was also what I was experiencing in real life. Thru this creative journey, I began to heal myself.

"In the end, my faith and belief that there's someone out there for all of us was restored. Holding onto the eternal cliche that 'everything happens for a reason' couldn't hold more truth for me now.

"I'm convinced that had I not loved as deeply as I did and had I not been so devastated, this project surely wouldn't have happened. For that, I'm thankful for my once broken heart.”

If the Sunday night audience is any indication, the future looks bright for hopefulROMANTIC. The crowd was clearly with the filmmakers from the opening notes of the driving "I Just Knew," to the quietly heartfelt "Let Me Let Go," to the sweeping emotional release of "Hopeful." As the film credits rolled, the entire audience stood with applause and approval.

Matt is currently submitting the musical short film to film festivals now. Check out the trailer for the film below, along with pics from the evening.

All photos by Nina Prommer unless otherwise noted.

George Takei and Matt Zarley at the premiere of "hopefulROMANTIC"

Cast members Chuck Saculla, George Takei and Matt Zarley with director Benjamin Pollack (hat)

Recording artist and Broadway favorite Shoshana Bean with Matt Zarley

From Broadway and the upcoming "Magic Mike XXL" - Haviland Stillwell

Hottie singer/songwriter Jeb Havens with Matt Zarley
Havens co-wrote one of the songs featured in hopefulROMANTIC with Zarley

Matt Zarley beams on the "orange carpet" at the premiere of his short musical film hopefulROMANTIC

Music hotness in the house! Singer/songwriters Tom Goss (L) and Jeb Havens (L) on the carpet

Interviewing Matt Zarley on the "orange carpet" of hopefulROMANTIC

Interviewing TV legend George Takei (photo: Michael Caprio)

Moderating Q&A after the screening of hopefulROMANTIC

I finally met super-talented singer/songwriter Tom Goss! (photo: Michael Caprio)

With Jeb Havens on the "orange carpet"
I'm a huge fan of the singer/songwriter (and hottie) whose video cover of "Fast Car" went wildly viral recently

Hubby Michael and I on the "orange carpet"

Hiding my inner fanboy as I chat with legend and LGBT hero George Takei (photo: Michael Caprio)

With Matt Zarley at the end of the night

Matt Zarley Honors Pop Divas With "The Estrogen Sessions"

Matt Zarley - The Estrogen Sessions

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.

For more information, visit MattZarley.com.

Listen to Zarley's take on "Gravity" and "You Gotta Be" below:

Out Music: Billy Porter & Matt Zarley Cover 90s Anthem "You Gotta Be"

Billy Porter

Billy Porter (Golden Globe nod - FX’s Pose, Tony Award winner Kinky Boots) has teamed up with two-time Out Music Award winner Matt Zarley to record their take on the empowering 1995 Des’ree hit, “You Gotta Be.”

All of the proceeds from the single will benefit the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Youth Center.

Close friends for more than 30 years, the two artists had been looking to collaborate on a music project and found the message that “love will save the day” particularly resonant in these challenging times.

Matt Zarley and Billy Porter

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold
You gotta be wiser, you gotta be hard
You gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Matt Zarley

"Billy and I are both passionate about all LGBT causes, particularly ones that involve our next generations,” said Zarley, who also produced the track as well as directed and edited the video.

"We wanted to help raise awareness for this invaluable organization and the work they do,” It's incredibly important and is helping save the lives of the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community.”

A postscript to the music video shares the sobering fact that there are roughly 1.7 million homeless youth on the streets of the United States, and a disproportionate 40% identify as LGBT. In Los Angeles alone, there are roughly 3,500 LGBT youth living on the streets.

And speaking of ‘community,’ that’s exactly what’s front and center in the music video for “You Gotta Be.”

Zarley and Porter are joined by dozens of friends grooving, twirling, lip-syncing for their lives in solo and same-sex couplings.

After ruling the red carpet during this past awards season, Porter is currently shooting Season 2 of the acclaimed FX series Poseset to return to the airwaves June 11.

Zarley’s latest project is an album titled The Estrogen Sessions,which pays tribute to some of pop music’s most prolific female artists (Dolly Parton, Celine Dion, Sara Bareilles, Whitney Houston) featuring the songs they made famous. “I Will Always Love You,” “That’s The Way It Is,” “Gravity,” and “I Look To You” are just a few of the tunes featured on the set.

Check out “You Gotta Be”with Billy Porter and Matt Zarley below.

Out Music: Matt Zarley "Your Song"

Matt Zarley

Woofy singer/songwriter Matt Zarley recently dropped his latest music video, “Your Song.”

Zarley says he was drawn to cover the Rita Ora tune the first time he heard it. “It’s one of those songs that doesn’t leave your brain - a true worm,” says the award-winning recording artist. “I just loved the way it made me feel and I love the lyrics.”

He decided to record the song as he was putting together a new two-man show with frequent partner in crime, Jeb Havens, called Works of Heart.

“I knew it would fit perfectly in the thematic structure of the show,” he shares. “This song will also be on our album that’s coming out in a few months.”

The hunky singer (People Magazine's first out 'sexiest bachelor') takes a stripped-down, acoustic approach for the upbeat track which pairs well with his buoyant power pop vocals.

Being a do-it-yourself kinda guy, Zarley not only produced and recorded the song, but he came up with the concept for the video and edited it as well.

And speaking of editing, it doesn’t take long to figure out Zarley’s ‘band members’ in the music video all look a bit … familiar.

“I have always loved the “cloning” effect on film, and I didn’t want to make this particular video narrative heavy and overly sentimental,” says Zarley. “So I opted for this idea instead.”

But it turns out capturing the ‘all-Matt’ band proved a bit challenging.

“It was really tricky, to be honest," shares Zarley. "All of the shots of each character in the band had to be done with similar sunlight. Since we shot it outside, that made things it a little temperamental and unpredictable.”

“By the time we got all of the band shots, our plan was to get solo shots of each band member," he explains. "But, the sun was starting to move, so I could only do one take of each band member. It was a little tricky, and a bit hectic, but we got it done.”

This isn't Zarley's first experience behind the camera.

In 2015, he wrote, produced and starred in a long-form music video titled Hopeful Romantic, which co-starred everyone's favorite gay uncle, George Takei. The short was featured at dozens of film festivals winning several awards along the way.

Looking ahead, Zarley shares he'd like to tackle another short film. "I just have to write it first," he says with a smile.

Instinct previously covered Zarley’s stunning cover of the Sara Bareilles hit, “Gravity,” here.

Check out the music video for “Your Song” below. Find more of Zarley’s music on YouTube here, and you can follow him on Instagram here.

Radio Show: Film Maker Matt Zarley Is A "hopefulROMANTIC"

Award-winning singer/songwriter/film producer Matt Zarley

As part of my newly-launched companion podcast, I interview award-winning singer/songwriter turned movie producer Matt Zarley joins us to talk on the journey of his acclaimed musical short film, "hopefulROMANTIC."

The film stars Zarley, Jolie Jenkins, Chuck Seculla, and TV icon/LGBT activist George Takei.

Accepted into over two dozen film festivals, the film is part music video, part Broadway musical and part romantic movie - in fact, it's all of those things and more.

Zarley discusses the inspiration for the project, as well as the evolution of the film. Plus, he shares several songs from the movie soundtrack.

I enjoy the podcast/radio show medium - and why not? I get to talk even more!

After reading my posts for so long, don't you want to tune in for a few minutes to hear what I sound like?  :)

Out Music: Matt Zarley Feels The Pull Of Sara Bareilles' "Gravity"

Matt Zarley

Out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley drops his new music video for "Gravity" and we have the exclusive premiere.

The track comes from Zarley's latest album titled, The Estrogen Sessions, which honors of the female pop divas most influential in his career.

About recording "Gravity:"

This is one of my all-time favorite songs and it was the first song I actually recorded for the album.

Fast forward eight or so months later, I go back to revisit the song, listen to it, make any little changes that I needed to, but I wasn’t able to access the files. The hard drive was corrupted. So I had to re-sing the song. I was not that upset because I love this song so much, so I was game for it.

At the end of the session I went to save the files and my computer froze. Well, I felt pretty confident that the session was going to be saved. I was wrong the entire session was gone.

I was so livid that I decided to re-record the song then and there. It was 2 AM.

In the end it actually turned out better than before, so all ends well.

About the music video:

"Originally we had planned out a whole narrative to drive the music video but after shooting the loft footage, I decided for a more minimal approach and let the song itself tell the story. The song has always had an ethereal quality to it…very haunting. I wanted that to take the focus."

Stripped down and primarily acoustic, Zarley's production work on the project 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 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.

Check out more from the album here and you can get the first look at "Gravity" below.

Matt Zarley on work ethic, Whitney & WTF

Matt Zarley gives a very open and honest interview to guyspy.com - online today.

“WTF,” the first single off Zarley’s upcoming album, “Change Begins with Me,” is about one of those gorgeous guys who seduces you, romances you, claims to love you, then disappears. It’s also a true story. More puzzling to Zarley is that the guy didn’t acknowledge the situation. “He could said, ‘Look, I don’t want to do a long-distance thing,’” he says. “He could have closed the chapter.”

The guy didn’t turn the page, but Zarley did. “I got the song out of it,”

With honesty comes opinions, and Zarley, he has a few. He thinks “The Book of Mormon” is the best Broadway show since “Les Miserable,” but has a little more trouble with TV’s “Glee.”

“I wish the singing wasn’t so Auto-Tuned,” he says, while acknowledging the almost impossible workload of the performers. “It’s the same as using Photoshop. It takes away the uniqueness of the voice. It doesn’t sound like anyone.”

Zarley’s a huge fan of India.Arie and grew up on Whitney Houston (“she was untouchable; the best artist ever”). He also thinks Lady GaGa is amazing, if over-publicized. “She gets shoved down our throats,” he says. “There are four artists that are successful at a time and that’s it. The gay community act like she and Britney are it.”

As for Spears, Zarley is a bit bewildered by her current events. "She's got wonderful star quality and she's always had the "It" factor," he says. "When she performs now there's a vacancy there. I understand that you can't go full out and be singing all the time, but she should be better than ever. I'm not sure if we should just be saying 'this is okay,' when there might be cause for concern."

As a counterpoint, Zarley points to Janet Jackson, an artist who’s also known for singing along to the tune. The difference, he says, it that 45-year-old Miss Jackson can still ace the routine. “She may not be singing live all the time but she still knocks the choreography out of the park."

Read more at guyspy.com

Out Music: Matt Zarley "He Used To Be Mine"

Out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley's new music video takes on Sara Bareilles' masterwork, "She Used To Be Mine."

As we all know, life is not neat, life is not a straight line.

The road may stretch out in front of us, but every now and then, we do glance at the rearview mirror:

He's imperfect, but he tries
He is good, but he lies
He is hard on himself
He is broken and won't ask for help
He is messy, but he's kind
He is lonely most of the time
He is all of this mixed up and baked in a beautiful pie
He is gone, but he used to be mine

Matt Zarley

Coming from this introspective viewpoint, Zarley finds himself weighing some past decisions.

Zarley writes:

Before I started recording, I spent several really wonderful years doing theatre in New York. When I first heard this song, it reminded me of those experiences and how close I hold them to my heart.

I miss them.

I think any of us can relate to this song and it's message. I think most of us have regrets to an extent. I know there are times when I reflect on my life and think to myself that this is not where I envisioned myself. Not to say that I am not grateful for my life... cuz I am.

But, if I could go back and have a do-over, there are definitely some things I would change.

There are days when I really miss the guy I used to be...he used to be mine.

The guitar-driven approach to the track, with a lovely yet pensive viola at just the right time, makes a perfect frame for Zarley's muscular vocals.

The track is available on iTunes here. Hit play below.

OutMusic Awards 2012: Matt Zarley wins top honors

Matt Zarley won Single of the Year and Album of the Year for his song "Change Begins With Me" and his album of the same name at the 2012 OutMusic Awards in Las Vegas.

Other notable award winners include Vicci Martinez (of The Voice) for Best Rock Song, Frenchie Davis (of The Voice, American Idol and Broadway) for Best Dance/Electonica and Jeffrey Straker for Video of the Year.

Here is a complete list of winners from the 2012 OutMusic Awards:

Album of the Year
Winner - Matt Zarley - "Change Begins With Me"

Single of the Year
Winner - Matt Zarley - "Change Begins With Me"

Best Pop Song
Winner - Todd Alsup - "The Only Thing"

Best Rock Song
Winner - Vicci Martinez - "Come Along" feat Cee Lo Green

Best R&B/Soul Song - (Tie)
Winner - Nhojj - "Live Your Life"
Winner - B Slade - "I'm Done" (feat. Yummy Bingham)

Best Dance/Electronica
Winner - Frenchie Davis - "Loves Got A Hold On Me"

Best Folk/Country
Winner - Antigone Rising - "Everywhere Is Home"

Best Alternative Song
Winner - Love Darling - "Let Go"

Best Hip-Hop/Rap Song
Winner - KIN4Life "It's Over Now"

Video of the Year
Winner - Jeffery Straker - "Slings and Arrows"

Best Song On A Soundtrack/Instrumental
Winner - Mark Barnes - "Gabby's Song" (A Tribute To Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords)

Best Jazz/Cabaret Song
Winner- Avi Wisnia - "Maoz Tsur (Rock of Ages)

Best Spiritual/Inspirational Song
Winner - Jason Walker - "I Am Changing"

Best Spoken Word
Winner - Red Summer - "Loose Woman"

Best International Song
Winner - Virago - "Love Over Fear"

Biello-Martin Love Song
Winner - Brett Every - "What A Beautiful Day"

Best Producer of the Year
Winner - Michael V. Doane - "Little Kid"

Best CD Cover Artwork
Winner - Rachael Sage - "Haunted By You"

Sonicbids Humanitarian Songwriter of the Year
Winner - Frankie Love "Now Is The Time"

New Music: Matt Zarley "hopefulROMANTIC"

After a successful crowdfunding campaign, a concept that went from music album to musical short film, plus film festival awards, Matt Zarley's new album hopefulROMANTIC is finally available.

hopefulROMANTIC is a universal story about loving, letting go, and holding onto faith that
there's somebody for everybody.

And it's not only a new album - it's two! Zarley has released a "pop versions" CD of the songs that comprise his award-winning short film of the same name, and a movie soundtrack with the film versions of the songs.

Check out the new albums on iTunes and Amazon.

And check out his latest music video (taken from the film) featuring the iconic George Takei in his role as "George O'Mei" who helps Zarley's character find renewed hope on his journey to romance.

Plus - check out part of my interview with George Takei from the red carpet at the LA preview of hopefulROMANTIC:

Post by Matt Zarley.

Preview: Matt Zarley "Constantly" from upcoming hopefulROMANTIC

The second music video preview of Matt Zarley's upcoming musical short film, hopefulROMANTIC.

From Matt:

hopefulROMANTIC is a universal story about loving, letting go, and holding onto faith there is somebody for everybody.

The practically dialogue free narrative is articulated solely thru Matt Zarley & Andy Zulla's soulful pop score.

Zarley co-stars w/ George Takei, Chuck Saculla, & Jolie Jenkins.

Directed by Benjamin Pollack.

Music: Matt Zarley Covers "Nobody Knows" By Tony Rich

Award-winning singer/songwriter Matt Zarley continues his UnCOVERED series of cover songs with the Tony Rich hit "Nobody Knows" from 1996.

From Zarley: "This song reminds me of why I love 90s music so much. I used to play the original Tony Rich Project version incessantly."

You can find Matt Zarley on iTunes here.

Upcoming music: Matt Zarley - "Hopeful Romantic"

OutMusic Award winner Matt Zarley

Matt Zarley, out singer/songwriter and 2012 OutMusic Award winner for Best Album and Best Single is gearing up for his next project and he's asking friends and fans to be involved.  The woofy singer  is launching a Kickstarter project in hopes of raising funds to take his next project to the next level.

From Zarley's Kickstarter page:

I have always wanted to do an album that was purely romantic. The original concept of this album was inspired by a true love that I had experienced. I now believe in "love at first sight", cuz I lived it. When I first started to work on this, my relationship unexpectedly ended...leaving me heartbroken and confused. Since then, I've uncovered truths about myself and lessons were learned. What started as a sweet valentine to the one I loved, was now becoming alot more dimensional. Though this is inspired though my own personal experience, it's a universal story...told through an optimistic lens.

This is by far the most ambitious project I've conceived. With ambition, comes alot of costs. 100% of the proceeds from your pledges will go to the costs of producers, directors, editors, musicians, cinematographers, editors, publicity, and marketing. No amount is too small. If we're fortunate enough to surpass the goal amount, the remainder of the proceeds will still go to the funding of this project. The more raised, the better the videos look...and maybe I'll be able to do an additional song or two.

To read more and/or contribute, visit the Kickstarter project page by clicking here.

And check out his music on iTunes here

Tease: Matt Zarley Covers "I Don't Want To Love Somebody Else"

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

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

I like.

Click the center of the image below to play.

NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO coming your way very soon! Here's a sneak peek of "I Don't Wanna Love Somebody Else". Produced by Me. 😊 #agreatbigworld #worksofheart #ballad #lovesong

A post shared by Matt Zarley (@mattzarley) on Jan 22, 2018 at 12:38pm PST

New Music: "Change Begins With Me" - Matt Zarley

Matt Zarley has been an openly gay singer/songwriter for over a decade now and his brand of straight up pop music has gotten rave reviews from critics all over the music spectrum.  While he may be an indie artist, this is high-quality, well-produced material.

Chuck Taylor at Billboard Magazine: "Stunning tenor range, crafty harmonic layers and spine-tingling money notes... Tweens have plenty of idols to swoon over. Hereʼs a crush for grown-ups, whose earthy machismo is quite the complement to his musical muscle!”

The Advocate: "Lead dance single “WTF" (currently on the Billboard Dance Chart) anchors a sexy collection of swoon-worthy songs about falling in love and healing from heartbreak. The standout title track benefits from backup vocals by Broadway Inspirational Voices."

Change Begins With Me by mattzarley

My personal favorite tracks on the new album are "Apology" - stripped down arrangement and vocals lets the song and voice do it's thing, and "Change Begins With Me" - great build and who doesn't love big vocals with a gospel choir?

Apology by mattzarley

Matt's campy, funny video for "WTF" has gone viral with over 100,000 views on youtube and vimeo since it was released. Gossip and music sites like DListed.com have picked up on the 'over the top' sense of humor (and the hunky men) displayed in the music video.

Matt Zarley's new album "Change Begins With Me" is available today at all digital download retailers. See links below.

"Change Begins With Me" Album download on iTunes

"Change Begins With Me" Album download on Amazon

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.

Trailer: Matt Zarley "Hopeful Romantic"

Award-winning singer/songwriter Matt Zarley has released the trailer for his upcoming musical short film Hopeful Romantic.

From the YouTube description:

HOPEFUL ROMANTIC is an original musical about one man's emotional journey through love, heartbreak, and healing.

The unique and practically dialogue-free narrative is articulated solely through Matt Zarley's soulful pop score.

Out Music: Matt Zarley Talks On His New Album, "The Estrogen Sessions"

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.

Music: Matt Zarley UnCOVERS Sam Smith's "Stay With Me"

Award-winning out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley launches a new series of cover songs titled "UnCOVERED."

Zarley takes requests for songs to strip down and focus the attention on the lyric and melody. Plus, he shares some little known facts about the song being covered.

First up, Sam Smith's mega-hit "Stay With Me." About the recording, Zarley admits he had some trepidation:

"I didn't wanna touch this song because I wasn't sure what I could contribute...since Sam Smith's original is pretty flawless.
But this was the most requested tune for this series so it felt obvious."

Video tease for Matt Zarley's new single - "Somebody For Everybody"

Video tease for award-winning singer/songwriter Matt Zarley's upcoming new music video and single.

"Somebody 4 Everybody" features superstar DJ/producer, Mark Picchiotti, who co-wrote the the tune with Zarley.

If you look carefully, a certain blogger appears for half a second at the :23 mark :)

Follow Matt on Facebook here, and check out his official website at www.mattzarley.com