News Round-Up: August 5, 2019

Terron Beckham (via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• InstaHunks: Terron Beckham (above), the ridiculously jacked cousin of the Cleveland Browns' Odell Beckham Jr., shows off some gym humor along with his 'big-is-best' everything else. #thosecalves

• OUT: A new study shows some men may be reticent to recycle because it might be perceived as 'feminine.'

• Variety: At her Madison Square Gardens concert over the weekend, Barbra Streisand offered up a tweaked version of "Send in the Clowns" that trolled the current clown in the Oval Office.

• Twitter: A police officer busts some moves to Steps’ 2017 hit “Scared Of The Dark” while attending Brighton Pride in the UK. The clip went viral after his police department shared the clip on social media.

Did you see our #DancingCop in the @PrideBrighton Parade yesterday. Officers volunteered their time to represent @HertsPolice along with Officer from across the UK. 🕺 @SXP_LGBT @LGBTpoliceuk #BrightonPride @HertsPRIDE @hertslgbtq_nh @LGBTHerts pic.twitter.com/eP5PfCVPAG

— Herts Police LGBT+ 🚔 (@HertsPoliceLGBT) August 4, 2019

• Red Flag Bill: Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is collaborating on a “red flag” bill with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) that would start a federal grant program to help encourage states to create “‘red flag’ protection order” laws, which are meant to make it easier for law enforcement to identify mentally ill people who should be banned from purchasing guns.

• NY Magazine: A new profile on Ivanka Trump quotes a friend who says the Trumpette, "Has no idea she’s privileged. She genuinely thinks she’s earned everything she has. She goes on and on all the time about how hard she works.”

• Out Music: Make-up artist Deney Adam (whose work has been seen in Vogue, NY Times, Interview) puts down his brushes to drop his wild and wooly new track and music video, "Heartdrop."

The visual, directed by the fab Mike Ruiz, is a fast and furious, animalistic affair featuring a nearly naked Deney locked inside a glass case.

“I wanted to convey that feeling of being trapped in a situation; when just at the moment that you think you are finally free from it, you find yourself right back where you started,” says Deney.

Musically, the track continually switches gears resulting in a visceral, heart-pounding (or should that be 'heart-dropping?') ride. Hit play below.

Out Music: Kyle Motsinger "Love On Each Other"

Out singer/songwriter Kyle Motsinger just released his latest single, a groovy, bouncy bop titled "Love On Each Other," in advance of his upcoming album to be released this winter.

Working with producer and collaborator Corey Tut, the track features big disco beats and slinky 70s strings making for an upbeat affair - which was Motsinger's goal.

The artist says current headlines of "crowds chanting against immigrants" and "transgender people being murdered in the streets" inspired him to counter that with some positivity.

"It’s a sneak peek of the more upbeat sound I’m cultivating for my Sophomore album that will be released this winter," says Motsinger. "I hope everyone takes away from the song that we have the power to change the world if we open our hearts and ‘Love on Each Other!’"

You can currently find the track on Amazon and Spotify.

Check it out below.

Favorites From Billy Porter's Fab & Fierce Recording Career

Billy Porter (photo: John Ganun)

As we're enjoying season 2 of the acclaimed FX series POSE, I see many on social media living for the musical performances on the show, especially by Tony Award winner Billy Porter as 'Pray Tell.'

But some may not realize how extensive Porter's recording career is.

After winning the television talent show Star Search back in 1992 (while performing on Broadway), Porter began making his mark in the recording studio.

One of his most well-known pop music tracks (even if folks didn't know it was the future Golden Globe/Emmy Award nominee) was "Love Is On The Way," the lead single from the soundtrack of the 1996 Bette Midler / Goldie Hawn / Diane Keaton film, The First Wives Club.

Porter also had a #1 hit on the Billboard AC chart collaborating with pianist Jim Brickman and Jordan Hill on the title track to Brickman's 1999 album, Destiny.

Porter's own albums offer his own distinct musical style which combines R&B, pop, and soul.

His latest single, "Love Yourself," an upbeat paean to looking to ourselves first for approval.

The song "Time," from his spectacular live one-man show, At the Corner of Broadway + Soul, was written by Porter and grabbed national attention when it was featured on the reality dance competition, So You Think You Can Dance.

He also recently teamed up with his longtime friend, two-time OutMusic Award winner Matt Zarley, on a cover of the 1994 Des'ree hit, "You Gotta Be." Again, the theme of self-love and empowerment weaves its way through the Porter catalog. Note - all proceeds of the new recording go to the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

And Porter has also returned to his Broadway roots bringing his unique musical sensibilities to two studio albums - the 2014 Billy's Back on Broadway, and his 2017 release, Billy Porter Presents: The Soul of Richard Rodgers.

Out Music: Justin Utley "Survivors"

Justin Utley

I interviewed out singer/songwriter Justin Utley some years ago when I was co-hosting the online radio show, The Candi & Randy Show.

Candi and I both just fell in love with Justin's talent and his deep passion for speaking out against so-called 'conversion therapy,' having been subjected it its dangers for two years as a young Mormon in Utah.

Happy to say the two-time OUTMusic Award winner has a new single out, "Survivors," from his upcoming album, Scars.

Justin recently told my Instinct Magazine colleague Michael Cook, “'Survivors' is about facing and overcoming insurmountable odds and learning to thrive in the face of adversity."

“It’s about survivors of abuse in all forms and how it takes a great deal of effort to move forward in life while carrying the heavy burden of trauma," added the hunky singer.

During the month of July 2019, all proceeds from “Survivors” will be donated to the Born Perfect Campaign, a survivor-led movement working to end conversion therapy. The song is available on most digital download sites like iTunes.

Oh, and as you can see, Justin is waaaay easy on the eyes, too ;)

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This #flexfriday brought to you by a teaser from a #photoshoot by the talented @inkedkennyphoto. Looking forward to Saturday’s @equalityutah #wakethehive #alliesdinner where I’ll be sharing a stage with @danreynolds of @imaginedragons, @tanfrance of @queereye, @lisagiacoletto @minervashot & @taliakeys ! . . . . #fitfam #lgbtmusic #musiciansofinstagram #musicianlife #singersongwriter #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtmusician @loveloudfest @wearesublimedesigns @weareallsmith @grrgsworld #equality #music #muscle #flexfriday💪 #scruff #scruffygay #scruffyhomo #instagay #instamusic #instamuscle #instaswole #instascruff #sharethelove #bodybuilding #bodybuildingcom #physique #malephysique @test_oh_sterone @bodybuildingcom #photography

A post shared by Justin Utley (@justinutley) on Nov 1, 2018 at 11:56pm PDT

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So yeah. I’m a little older. And a hell of a lot wiser. (Found these books from my #conversiontherapy days. I’m happy to report that they were a waste of my money). #HowDidAgeHitYouChallenge #equality #lgbt #bornperfect #endconversiontherapy #survivors #WeAreSurvivors #boyerased @bornperfectcampaign @mathewshurka @inkedkennyphoto

A post shared by Justin Utley (@justinutley) on Jan 13, 2019 at 9:51pm PST

Justin is performing at Bristol Pride today and in London on July 18. More concert dates below.

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#TouringTuesday Announcing 4 new shows! LONDON at @the2brewers BRISTOL at @bristolpride (at the Downs) NEW YORK at @thetriadnyc PROVINCETOWN at the Paramount @onlyatthecrown More deets about the new album soon! #tourtuesday #music #newmusic #newalbum #newmusicvideo #musicianlife #touring #guyswithguitars #singersongwriter #lgbt #lgbtq #bornperfect @meat_zine @radioshoutout @bcfmradio @timeoutnewyork @ptownchamber @ptownbears #ptown #newyorkmusic #newyorkmusicians @inkedkennyphoto @ryanbakerink @grrgsworld

A post shared by Justin Utley (@justinutley) on Jun 25, 2019 at 3:38pm PDT

Pride Music: Superfruit "Future Friends"

Superfruit, the out pop duo who have kept the summer of 2017 bopping with creative and colorful music videos from their two-part debut album Future Friends, offered this music video for the title track in September 2017 and it's a knockout.

Playing opponents in a boxing ring, Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying show skill (and skin) as they sing, “So if it all ends, I promise that one day we could be future friends.”

Grassi and Hoying are also members of the uber-popular Grammy Award-winning a cappella quartet Pentatonix. Noting the different musical sensibilities between the two group, Grassi told OUT, “With Superfruit, it’s a little more gay-friendly and a lot more open, more sexual, more liberated.”

I'm a big fan not only of the duo's music but also their unapologetically g-g-g-gay aesthetic :)

Since 2013, Superfruit has amassed over 335 million views on YouTube.

I've previously featured Superfruit's music videos for "Imaginary Parties," "Vacation," "Worth It," "Heartthrob," and "Bad 4 Us."

Future Friends - Part One is available on all digital download sites.

Check out the new video below.

Pride Music: Billy Porter "Edelweiss"

When Tony Award winner & Pose star Billy Porter released his take on the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, "Edelweiss," he shared in the social media post:

The Edelweiss flower blooms in the cold and snow and reminds us that we can and must flourish in the darkest of times.

Billy chose to release the track as the lead single from his new album, Billy Porter Presents: The Soul of Richard Rodgers, as the last presidential election has just occurred - and he was concerned.

Of course, now, we can see Billy was wise to be worried.

The recording was on my mind today as I was thinking about the beginning of Pride Month.

Out Music: Kim Petras & Cheat Codes "Feeling Of Falling"

Kim Petras and Cheat Codes (image via Instagram)

Out singer/songwriter Kim Petras teams with electronic DJ trio Cheat Codes on her latest single, "Feeling of Falling."

Totally danceable, the bop's lyrics explore the fear of falling in love after a difficult breakup.

"'Feeling of Falling' is a song about ending up brokenhearted and trying to stay away from love to protect yourself," Petras shared with PAPER. "I'm the biggest emo, so I really connected to this song. Cheat Codes are amazing, and I've had the best time collaborating on this one."

And Cheat Codes recently told Billboard, "The feeling of falling in love is great but it's hard not to think about or compare it to past experiences of heartbreak. It puts you in a really vulnerable place. It can be the best thing but also the worst."

I like.

Take a listen below.

Haunting New Ballad "Revelation" By Troye Sivan & Jónsi From Upcoming Film 'Boy Erased'

“Revelation,” the hauntingly beautiful single from the soundtrack of the upcoming movie Boy Erased, has been released and it’s everything you want it to be.

The film, based on the memoir by Garrard Conley, is the true story of one young man’s struggle to find himself while being forced to question every aspect of his identity.

Boy Erased tells the story of Jared (Hedges), the son of a Baptist pastor in a small American town, who is outed to his parents (Kidman and Crowe) at age 19. Jared is faced with an ultimatum: attend a conversion therapy program – or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family, friends, and faith.

The track, a collaboration between Australian pop star Troye Sivan (who’s also featured in the movie) and Icelandic musician Jónsi (best known for Sigur Rós), is a sensitive and touching ballad.

You're a revelation
Won't you liberate me now
From a holy world
You're a revolution
I will liberate you now
As the walls come down

It's a rocky road to say
“Maybe I won't go”
'Cause hey dear, you're a wrecking ball
And you’re here crushing all I'm told

Ever I roam
Ever I roam
Further from home
Your hand I hold

During a recent tour stop in New York City where he performed the song live, Sivan shared that the evolution of the song was inspired by a scene in the film.

“It’s this one moment of relief in the film.,” says Sivan. “It’s this one really sweet, tender moment where Jared does something that I would consider pure and beautiful and normal and romantic.”

“He has that experience and the sky doesn’t fall down on him,” he explains. “The world doesn’t come crashing down, and it’s a ‘revelation’ to him. That person that he was with is a revolution to him, and it was just so inspiring. So, we started with these lyrics of ‘you’re a revelation, you’re a revolution’.”

Boy Erased lands in theaters November 2. Hit the play button below to hear “Revelation.”

Out Music: St. Vincent Swims In A Sea Of Sexy Bears "Fast Slow Disco"

St. Vincent in a sea of bears for "Fast Slow Disco"

I know, I know… No one wants to see a dance floor full of sexy, gay, leather-clad, harness-wearing bears grinding and pawing at each other to an edgy, sweaty, hypnotic beat.

But if you did…

St. Vincent (whose real name is Annie Clark) recently reimagined her song “Slow Disco” into a sensual, euphoric remix and set the music video in a late night dance club.

Climbing over, under and around the crowd of shirtless men who are touching, swaying and making out, St. Vincent is basically swimming a virtual bear soup.

After shooting the video, the artist took time to strike a pose with her boys which she shared on her social media:

(photo: Tom Cat Hill)

Produced by St. Vincent and Jack Antonoff, the singer says the remix was inspired by Taylor Swift, who Antonoff is close to.

“I don’t want to start a weird rumour or anything,” Clark said, “but I swear to God, you know because Jack Antonoff’s bros with Taylor Swift because they work together a lot, and I feel like Taylor was like, ‘You should make this a pop song’.”

She also shared that she imagined the sound of the track as a tribute to the Queen of Pop. “For me it was like, it’s such a homage to ‘Like A Prayer’-era Madonna.”

Announcing the release, St. Vincent tweeted to her 1 million followers, “Happy Pride. It was sweet of these boys to let me crash their party.”

Happy Pride. It was sweet of these boys to let me crash their party...
Watch: https://t.co/C2Bn4wMcPa pic.twitter.com/A4N1E4UefW

— St. Vincent (@st_vincent) June 21, 2018

On YouTube, St. Vincent told her fans, "I always felt this song could wear different outfits and live many different lives. Here she is in disco pants, sweating on a New York dance floor."

St. Vincent has previously shared that she doesn’t identify as gay or straight.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, she said: ‘I don’t think about those words. I believe in gender fluidity and sexual fluidity [so] I don’t really identify as anything.”

‘You can fall in love with anybody,” she added. “I don’t have anything to hide but I’d rather the emphasis be on music.”

Watch the visceral new video below.

Queer Rapper Big Dipper Has Got You "Lookin"

Rapper Big Dipper has got you "Lookin"

Queer L.A.-based rapper Big Dipper shares his new video for the single “Lookin,” featuring men of all sizes, colors, and shapes getting wet and wild at the car wash.

Big Dipper spoke my other home, Instinct Magazine, about the video:

“I wanted to take all the stereotypical set ups from stupid college frat movies and flip the over-sexualization of women in bikinis at car washes. I wanted to feature big, thicc, fat guys who like to show off and dance….the type of bodies that get overlooked in typical media representation."

"I also really wanted to make a dance video that shows big and fat guys really moving and hitting tight choreography. It was important for me to cast a wide range of bodies and types of guys to feature in the visual."

“LOOKIN celebrates the people who catch your eye…those people out in the world who have that special something that makes you look twice. For me, big confident guys who know how to use their bodies have always piqued my interest, so I wanted to show them off in a video. I try to put that vibe out into the world and I wanted the visual for LOOKIN to reflect that.”

I think this is fab fun. Hit the play button and get down with Big Dipper and crew.

News Round-Up: June 8, 2018

Kevin Carnell (image via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• Participating in the AIDS/Life Cycle, InstaHunk Kevin Carnell (above) has raised over $15K! Just another of many obvious reasons to follow him on Instagram. #Woof

• Family Research Council president Tony Perkins is furious that a Crossfit exec was fired for being anti-LGBT.

• There's going to be a calendar for America's hottest gingers - you know you want to take a look :)

Red Hot American Boys 🔥 @gingernetics 2019 calendar KICKSTARTER NOW LIVE ⚡️link in bio ⬆️ #redhotamericanboys #kickstarter #ginger

A post shared by RED HOT (@redhot100) on Jun 3, 2018 at 12:45pm PDT

• Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller brought new obstruction charges on Friday against President Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, and added allegations against a close associate, who prosecutors suspect has ties to Russian intelligence. Manafort could have his current bail revoked as Mueller's team caught Manafort contacting possible witnesses in his case which is seen as attempting to influence their testimony.

• Remember convicted gay basher Kathryn Knott who went to jail for leading an attack on a gay couple in Philly's Center City neighborhood? Bucks County Commissioners approved a settlement agreement of more than $52K with a Norristown woman who claimed the county District Attorney’s Office retaliated against her because of disparaging comments she made about Knott on social media.

• Check out new music from Zach Adam Feat. Adam Joseph "Gravity," from new LGBTQ music label, Magic Town Media.

The track is a gorgeous pop track about yearning to overcome addiction and depression. I like the track muchly.

If you are considering suicide please call and reach out - The Trevor Lifeline is a 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available at 1-866-488-7386.

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.

Out Music: Rosendale "Divine"

Indie singer/songwriter Rosendale recently dropped his latest pop single, "Divine," which celebrates LGBT love and equality.

Rosendale says the message of the video (featuring hip hop & contemporary choreography danced by two same-sex couples) is that "love, regardless of what form it takes, should always persist in the face of criticism and prejudice."

According to Rosendale, the choreography (which is terrific) represents the struggles and joys of being in an LGBT relationship as well as the shame that society places on LGBTs.

The lyrics of "Divine" reference aspects of organized religion along the way:

Let every pastor speak
Let every preacher preach
You'll be my church
And I’ll be your divine

You can follow Rosendale on Facebook here and check out his YouTube channel here where he's racked up over 8 million views; official website here.

Take a listen below.

Out Music: MGM Resorts Reimagines Wedding Songs For The LGBTQ Community

Because Las Vegas IS the wedding capitol of the world :)

MGM Resorts has produced a new EP of reimagined pop hits with a same-sex twist from artists international recording artists Bob Dylan, Kesha, Benjamin Gibbard, St. Vincent, Valerie June and Kele Okereke.

UNIVERSAL LOVE, a collection of reimagined wedding songs for the LGBTQ community, celebrates the enduring and overwhelming power of love and music to unite.

Via press release:

The album includes boundary-changing songs from some of today’s most-beloved artists. Bob Dylan, one of the most influential and successful recording artists in American history, is among the visionary artists participating in this unprecedented project. Dylan re-recorded “She’s Funny That Way” as “He’s Funny That Way.”

The album features five additional stellar artists whose involvement is a testament to the urgency of equality in entertainment: Kesha (“I Need a Woman to Love Me”), St. Vincent (“And Then She Kissed Me”), Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie (“And I Love Him”), Kele Okereke of Bloc Party (“My Guy”), and Valerie June (“Mad About The Girl”).

Phyllis James, MGM Resorts’ Chief Diversity & Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, said, “We believe projects like this will help all of us reach a point where seeing the world through the lens of people who happen to be different from us becomes natural and commonplace. It is an immense honor for MGM Resorts to spearhead this inspirational project which celebrates LGBTQ dimensions of the universal emotion of love.”

UNIVERSAL LOVE is a natural extension of MGM’s two decades of advocacy work with the LGBTQ community and the company’s desire to advance initiatives that unite humanity. More than a decade before same-sex marriage was legalized, same-sex commitment ceremonies were performed at chapels at MGM Resorts’ properties.

In 2004, MGM Resorts became the first company in the gaming and hospitality industry to offer same-sex health benefits to employees, and MGM was a founding partner of the Las Vegas chapter of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in 2004.

UNIVERSAL LOVE is now available on iTunes and all streaming platforms beginning today.

UNIVERSAL LOVE Track Listing:

01 “He's Funny That Way” • Bob Dylan
02 “And Then She Kissed Me” • St Vincent
03 “My Guy” • Kele Okereke
04 “Mad About The Girl” • Valerie June
05 “And I Love Him” • Benjamin Gibbard
06 “I Need A Woman To Love Me” • Kesha

My favorite track would have to be Gibbard's cover of the Beatles classic, "And I Love Him," but the full EP is terrific.

It's important to note that more than a decade before same-sex marriage was legalized, same-sex commitment ceremonies were performed at chapels at MGM Resorts’ properties.

In 2004, MGM Resorts became the first company in the gaming and hospitality industry to offer same-sex health benefits to employees, and MGM was a founding partner of the Las Vegas chapter of the Human Rights Campaign in 2004.

MGM Resorts was named one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality” for the fifth year in a row earning a perfect score for its LGBT Employee Policies and Benefits.

So, yeah, this is a company we want to support and thank for all they do for the LGBTQ community.

Short Film: Matthew Wilkas In "Brown Rice"

In the dark, disturbing musical short film for the new song, "Brown Rice" by Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Natti Vogel, Matthew Wilkas portrays "Brady" - a handsome, fit, Instagram famous, and "name in the local gay scene" guy who finds he's completely empty inside - trading his image for money and body for drugs to cope.

You'll recall Wilkas from his new web series "The Matt & Dan Show" which I've recently featured here or from his now-famous slope-side kiss with bf Gus Kenworthy at the Winter Olympics.

"Brown Rice" is from Vogel's six-track EP, Serving Body, released this past January which explores the topic of body image. “Each song on my record is about the ways we value or don’t value bodies, our own and others,” Vogel recently told Billboard.

Vogel says the lyrics in “Brown Rice,” were inspired by an article about Ryan Reynold. The lines “I eat only brown rice/ Just not after 8 p.m.” are almost a direct riff on the Deadpool star whose training for a movie allowed eating complex carbs, but only before early evening.

Via press release:

The video brings mental health, sexual health, toxic masculinity, and critique of vain social media culture to the forefront of the national conversation. In juxtaposition with Wilkas and Kenworthy's historic Olympic kiss, "Brown Rice" breaks down the myth of an equal society and illuminates the issues still plaguing modern gay culture. Issues further exacerbated by Instagram society's pressure to adhere to certain beauty standards. What goes on behind the scenes with those beautiful people who seem to have it all, exalted for relationship goals and blessed lifestyles?

I know the stories in films can sometimes seem like just "movie-land," but without judgement I can say I knew guys just like this back in the 90s and 2000s when I was living in NYC. Men who were the "it guys" of the minute at the gym, on Broadway or the clubs; who placed body image and appearance above just about everything.

Many of those guys would party on all through the night, doing the "drug of the day," and then spend the next day recovering in time to make it to their theaters or jobs.

While I dabbled in the club scene going out with groups of friends at the time, I never got heavily into that scene in great part because I couldn't afford to go out all the time. Plus, the pressure to "keep up" with the "10s" was a lot.

While today I can look at photos of myself at the time and think, "Hey, I didn't look bad at all," in my own way I had my own body image issues, I guess. I wasn't sure I was "good enough" to run with that crowd. Man, the stuff we put on ourselves when we're young and gay in the big city.

Now, with the advent of "Instagram celebs" and OnlyFans sites, where fitness guys or porn stars can make money directly from fans paying $10-15 a month for "exclusive" (wink-wink) material, I think the pressure to live up to unbelievable standards has reached new heights.

And to do this they have to keep up the image. The fitness, the "sexy," the perfection.

To be clear, I don't think it's all doom and gloom behind the scenes of the InstaFamous.

Kudos to director Eamon Foley for capturing "Brady's" personal discontent without going over the top into unbridled despair.

The juxtaposition of Vogel's pensive song set against the backdrop of "Brady's" melancholy is a somber yet striking metaphor.

You can explore more of Vogel's music on Spotify here; follow him on Instagram here; and his official website is here.

Music Video: Francois Klark "Run"

Francois Klark live

Ahead of the release of his upcoming debut album LOVE this Spring, out Canadian singer/songwriter and producer Francois Klark recently dropped the music video for his second single, "Run," which debuted on Spotify Canada’s "New Music Friday."

His first song, "Spaceman," released in August 2017 garnered a praise from music critics and over 300K streams with features on official playlists on Deezer and Spotify.

Born in South Africa, Klark brings along some of those musical influences in "Run" which results in winning tribal rhythms and harmonies along with top-shelf vocals and production.

The music video tackles a timely subject on diversity and acceptance of others. "There is validity in the pain and heartache of every human being," Klark shared.

In the music video, directed by Yeah Films, Klark literally runs away from the pain of a personal discovery, darting through city streets.

Klark explains, "It was important for me to not only explore the more painful side of love and relationships, but also to challenge the viewer to evaluate how they perceive the validity of another person’s feelings and emotions. I therefore chose to portray a couple in a relationship that isn't widely viewed as normal by the majority of society.

"I want to impress on the viewer that we are all part of the same human experience. The love and heartbreak that you experience is no different, no less real than someone who is different from you."

Currently on tour across Canada with Universal Music Artist Sebell, Klark has worked on projects with Universal Music Group UK and has shared the stage with various artists including Grammy winner Jon Bellion, Ginuwine, Shawn Desman, and Karl Wolf.

"Run" is now available on all digital platforms including iTunes and Amazon.

News Round-Up: February 19, 2018

Ryan Cleary (via Instagram)

Some news items you might have missed:

• UK "Survival of the Fittest" reality show contestant Ryan Cleary (above) recently came out as bisexual.

• Sally Field is trying to hook her gay son up with Winter Olympics darling Adam Rippon.

• Trump’s proposed budget cuts for HIV/AIDS funding would lead to 300,000 more deaths per year.

• A homophobic ad in Russia warns folks the gays will take over unless they vote.

• A top Republican pollster says Oprah Winfrey is "triggering" for Donald Trump.

• Out crossover artist Andre Xcellence has released I’m Coming, his highly charged EP of Xcellent music that he calls the soundtrack of his life.

The EP includes “So What?”, a celebratory anthem that invites gays and straights to party on the dance floor together. Check out the release on iTunes here or on Spotify here.

Andre Xcellence EP "I'm Coming"

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!

Podcast: Parker Matthews Releases His New Single, "Hit And Run"

On today's episode of The Randy Report podcast I’m chatting with Parker Matthews who releases his new single, “Hit and Run” today.

A little background on Parker:

He was touched by the power of music at a very early age when he saw Whitney Houston sing “I Will Always Love You” on the 1994 Grammy Awards. #GoodTaste

From focusing on creativity and music in school to staying up nights writing songs, he knew music would be a driving force in his life.

He also found solace in his music as his younger years were impacted by bullying and depression. Instead of letting the bullies win, he pulled himself up and became the artist he is today. He also uses those dark times as an inspiration to advocate for LGBTQ youth by supporting The National Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

With musical inspirations that include Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, Adele, Jennifer Hudson and Jessie J, Parker says his music is about the message of human connection.

And speaking of connections, he was one of Music Connection Magazine’s 2017'S Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists & Bands.

Let’s first take a listen to his new single, “Hit and Run” and then chat with Parker Matthews.

"Hit and Run" is now available on iTunes and all digital download sites.