Over the last four years I have reviewed and bitched about literally hundreds of singles and albums in my pop column here in QX. Some I have been spot on with and others I have been forced to eat humble pie on. Adele for example whose head I would often compare to that of a pig or Lady Gaga, who I blithely dismissed as a one hit wonder with no talent. Much has been said in jest but I have always attempted to “speak as I find”, which at times has made me friends and at others enemies. I have, however, always attempted to find a place for gay musicians and artists; I firmly believe that we as a community, however frivolous we may appear at times, should support and nurture our own.
I have often taken time to talk about artists who I have known full well would probably never go mainstream because of their sexuality or outlandish appearance. Also the lack of economic support because of it. Artists like QBoy and Massive Ego who make truly good pop music, but have so far never been seen on mainstream media as much as I firmly believe they should have. Recently I was asked to make music again after a five year hiatus and I was thrilled to be given the opportunity once more. I have never denied that some of my early music was a bit crappy and the videos even more so; I never expected any of them to sell much. I was right in thinking that too! Though I have to say our Trannyshack album did sell a couple of thousand worldwide, which was a shock and a pleasure.
My recent collaboration was with Boisounds Music fronted by Ben Block a new and very gay writer and producer. Ben has put together a rather good pop album of collaborations with artists as diverse as 80s Beehive legend Marie Wilson to rapper Mr Hudson, and of course myself! The song I have recorded is called ‘Wat2Do-Come Out’ and is gloriously electro and very camp. Musically there is a package for all tastes from the original stripped down electro radio edit; which is as catchy as a dose of crabs and as uplifting as a helium balloon, to the more house and club orientated TNTT remix who were formed in 2009 by Ariel and Milena creating an electro/rock/pop mixture that enriches sounds by the likes of Garbage, Primal Scream and Peaches. It really is an eclectic package.
Lyrically the song is a call to arms to gay, lesbian and transgendered people, and a plea to come out and be proud because God loves us as much as anyone else. It is released on iTunes on July 2nd – the day of London gay Pride where I will be performing it on stage in Trafalgar Square with a cast of the 20 fabulous club freaks who also appear in the video. Expect Chrissy Darling, Munroe Bergdorf, Bambi Fantastic, Vanilla Lush, Baga Chips, Vicki Vivacious and a plethora of club names helping me out. I then go on to perform it at both Ku Bar’s street party and Popstarz ‘Ray Of Light’ party. So it will be a busy day indeed!
I recorded this song for us, the gay community. I do not hope to make millions from it, I just hope you enjoy what you hear and what you see, and if you do then maybe you could buy a copy and help Boisounds recoup the cost of making it. Have a fantastic Pride!
