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.

Podcast: Brazil's Good News, Kenya's Bad News, 'Downton Abbey' Teases A Gay Romance

In this podcast:

• Brazil’s high court says the South American country’s anti-discrimination laws have to include LGBTQ protections

• Kenya’s highest court ruled the African nation’s anti-homosexuality laws aren’t discriminatory

• Texas Republicans passed their “license to discriminate” bill

• Matt Zarley & Billy Porter serve up their take on 1990s empowerment anthem "You Gotta Be"

• And the new trailer for the upcoming Downton Abbey movie reveals a gay romance amid a royal visit

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

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 "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.

Podcast: The Best Of LGBTQ Music, Movies & Pop Culture

What? You thought I wasn't going to count down and recap the year that was 2018?

Fat chance.

Here's my take on the best that the year had to offer in terms of LGBTQ music, movies, television and pop culture moments, as well as the stories that resonated most with my readers.

Please kick back, pour a cocktail, and take a little journey on the way back machine as I review 2018 in terms of the LGBTQ community.

And, as always, I would muchly appreciate it if you would share The Randy Report podcast with your friends.

So, here we go. Let me know in the comments what you thought I might have missed.

See you all in 2019! Thanks to all of you for visiting The Randy Report. It totally wouldn't be any fun without you here.

Holiday Playlist To Keep Your Christmas Day Merry & Bright

Here are 10 holiday songs for your uber-gay Christmas Day.

All of these artists are proudly LGBTQ, and celebrated for their artistry their respective genres.



1. George Michael (back in his Wham! days) delivered unto us this now-required listening holiday pop gem, “Last Christmas,” in 1986.

2. Out country hunk Ty Herndon takes the iconic “O Come All Ye Faithful” into African rhythm territory here, and it totes works.

3. It doesn’t get any more camp than this: the first true bear band, Bearforce1, with their holiday mashup, “Christmas is here!”

4. Two-time Out Music Award winner Matt Zarley covered Mariah Carey’s “Miss You Most At Christmastime” to spectacular result as part of his ‘UnCOVERED’ cover song series.

5. Award-winning cabaret star Ann Hampton Callaway offers this uber-jazzy “Jingle Bells.”

6. Before winning an Emmy Award as an insane murderer on American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Darren Criss’ “Blaine” was singing and dancing the holiday classic “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in high style with out actor Chris Colfer’s “Kurt” on GLEE.

7. Tony Award winner Levi Kreis (Million Dollar Quartet) gives you a little bit gospel, a little bit rockabilly on his new cover of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”

8. Elton John released his “Step Into Christmas” in 1973 and it raced all the way to #1 on the Billboard Christmas Singles chart that year.

9. Handsome out smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz shared this cover of “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” on his 1997 release, December Makes Me Feel This Way.

10. Bright Light Bright Light gifted us with this synth-pop version of the classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”

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.

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.

Podcast: Bermuda Repeals Marriage Equality; Out US Olympians Celebrate Opening Ceremonies; Sir Ian McKellen Remarks On Kevin Spacey's Late-Life Coming Out

In this week's podcast:

• Bermuda becomes the first country in the world to repeal marriage equality

• The 2018 Winter Olympics open as the U.S. celebrates our first two out male athletes to compete at a Winter Games

• Sir Ian McKellen finds Kevin Spacey late-life coming out “distasteful”

• Plus, out singers Matt Zarley & Jeb Havens cover Meghan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband"

Music Video: Matt Zarley & Jeb Havens "Dear Future Husband"

Check out the sassy new music video from out singers Matt Zarley & Jeb Havens (both favorites here on The Randy Report) as they share their take on Meghan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband."

Dig the awesome arrangement and tight harmonies. Totally fun.

The duo recently debuted their new show "Works of Heart" in Puerto Vallarta and Los Angeles and plan to tour later this year.

p.s. Jeb will be singing "now and forever husband" as he married his longtime bf, Steven, yesterday in Los Angeles. Congratulations to happy couple!

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

Instagram Round-Up: Labor Day Weekend

A round-up of what my much-cooler-than-I friends are up to on Instagram this weekend:

Pop/rock star Richard Marx closed out his successful 3 week residency at the Flamingo Las Vegas:

Sincere thanks to all who attended the last three weeks of my Vegas residency. #grateful

A post shared by Richard Marx (@therichardmarx) on Sep 3, 2017 at 1:30pm PDT

Tony Award winner Betty Buckley performed at 54 Below in NYC with Michael Feinstein:

Michael Feinstein's guest this week for seven shows at Feinstein's 54 Below! Opening tonight. Hope we see you there. ☺️👍

A post shared by Betty Lynn Buckley (@blbuckley) on Aug 29, 2017 at 10:50am PDT

Out singer/songwriters Matt Zarley and Jeb Havens announced a multi-week run in Puerto Vallarta titled, "Works of Heart:"

Planning on making Mexico your winter getaway? Come see @jebhavens and me in @puertovallartamexico when we perform our 2-man show, WORKS OF HEART this January! #redroompv #act2pv #p!nk #fuckinperfect

A post shared by Matt Zarley (@mattzarley) on Sep 3, 2017 at 1:27pm PDT

Tyson Beckford prepares for his final (for now) performances with the world-famous Chippendales in Las Vegas:

Tonight's your absolute last chance to see @tysoncbeckford celebrity guest hosting @Chippendales this summer! 2 shows: 8:30pm and 10:30pm — Tickets: Chippendales.com // @riovegas #LasVegas #Vegas

A post shared by Chippendales® // #Chippendales (@chippendales) on Sep 3, 2017 at 1:58pm PDT

Nashville super-gays Joe Wooley and Jim Schmidt have been sharing awesome pics of Amsterdam:

#iamsterdam selfie! We are Amsterdam this weekend! Awesome place!!!

A post shared by Joe Woolley (@woolleyjoe) on Sep 3, 2017 at 1:05pm PDT

Ruby Lewis, star of Las Vegas' "Baz" takes an extra bow as she looks to her day off:

Taking multiple bows in tonight's finale cause it's been a lonnng week & I think I've earned this day off tomorrow! 👯👯👯 Vote for us as Best Production Show in Vegas! Link in bio. . . . @abelarmasphotography @bazpalazzo @ftrlive @palazzo #mirrormirror #greatgatsby #flapper #pose #20sstyle #blonde #dance #smile #twoforone #bazpalazzo #bazvegas #vegas #bestshow #dancer #singer #entertain #legs #great #daisy #work

A post shared by Ruby Lewis (@rubylewla) on Sep 3, 2017 at 12:05pm PDT

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.

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:

Daily Dog

Sass mouth. #someonehasalottosay #baddog #terribletwelveweeksold #jake

A video posted by Matt Zarley (@mattzarley) on Jan 11, 2016 at 9:55pm PST

My friend Matt Zarley has a new golden lab puppy, and it looks like they're reached the "terrible twos" stage where little dogs talk back.

I love having conversations with my dogs. I think Bruno the wonder dog completely understands every word I say.

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?  :)

Matt Zarley Romances Film Festivals with Musical Short Film “hopefulROMANTIC" Co-Starring George Takei

I was thrilled to have the chance to interview TV legend and LGBT icon George Takei for Queerty's exclusive on the new musical short film, "hopefulROMANTIC," by award-winning singer/songwriter Matt Zarley.

After spending months romancing audiences on the film festival circuit, the short film and the film's soundtrack are available today on iTunes.

To read my interview with the two "romantics," head over to Queerty.

Matt Zarley Covers Whitney Houston "I Look To You"

Out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley continues his UnCOVERED series with Whitney Houston's final hit track "I Look To You."

At the end of Houston's career, her incredible gifts were somewhat diminished through neglect or abuse. Zarley's voice soars here as the song finally seems to have found it's true destiny. I fully believe that this is closer to what Houston would have delivered, if she had been able.

You've just gotta love a power ballad for #TBT, don't you?

Available on Amazon.

Matt Zarley UnCOVERs Celine Dion's "That's The Way It Is"

Out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley continues his UnCOVERED series of cover songs with Celine Dion's "That's The Way It Is."

"I was ecstatic when this was requested. It's my fave Celine tune and I have always wanted to sing it. So THANK YOU!"

You can follow Zarley on Facebook here.

Matt Zarley Covers "Say Something" (A Great Big World/Christina Aguilera) Featuring Haviland Stillwell

Out singer/songwriter continues his cover song series "UnCOVERED" with this sensitive reading of duet from A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera - "Say Something."

Zarley joined by the gorgeous Haviland Stillwell.

Find more of Zarley's music on iTunes here.