Derek Bishop • Baggage

Singer/songwriter Derek Bishop has released a music video for his first single off his upcoming release, and it is well-worth watching. "Baggage" was written by Bishop, who co-produced it with Jay Braun. The song is bright and stirring, Pop at a bracing up-tempo speed. It takes an accelerated look at the baggage we all bring from one relationship to another, and what we leave behind as little land minds in others. The music video was directed by William Murray, and features the handsome Bishop in a psychedelic trip with saturated colors and stylized lighting that allows the song to soar, Derek's spinning performance on camera giving the beneath it's wings. This is the music video for "Baggage" by Derek Bishop.

"Baggage" is the first single off Derek's upcoming release, 'Bicycling in Quicksand'. The album will hit the stores on April 7th, but you can pre-order it on iTunes, and get "Baggage" now! The same can be done on Amazon. You can also order a physical CD (delightfully autographed), from his website. To learn more about Derek Bishop, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Derek Bishop • PreOder For New Album

I was first introduced to the music of Derek Bishop by another musician I respect greatly, Brett Gleason. When I get a recommendation like that, I certainly make sure I give it a good listen. I am glad to say that I wasn't disappointed, for Derek's "Resistance Is Beautiful' was a charming listen, one I fully enjoyed. And when he recently put out word that he was back working on a new album, and you could make a pre-order now, no one had to tell me twice. You see, I still had such great feelings about his first album, I was eager for more. In case you didn't get the chance to listen, here is a great music video for the wonderful song "Why Hold On" from his debut album.

The album is filled with songs that have strength not only in the influences, but in the strong essence behind them. Bishop writes his songs, and they are obviously all close to his heart. The album appealed to me right away, and has held me since. That would include a track I was particularly fond of, and the music video only made me love it more. "Take Him Away" featured a guest starring role for Brett Gleason, a piano man who plays through some high party drama, while Derek takes things into his own hands...

Now that I have had that walk down memory lane, you can see why I was so excited about hearing new music from Derek Bishop. In case you might be interested as well, I guess I should let Derek tell you more about it himself. Give a listen, and just be careful the handsome devil doesn't steal your heart.

To place your pre-order, or to learn more about the new music, visit Derek on his Kickstarter page. You can also read my review of 'Resistance Is Beautiful' here.

Derek Bishop • "Jackpot" Music Video

Handsome singer/songwriter Derek Bishop was looking for something to escape the trappings of cabin fever when the New Yorker found himself held captive by the ravages of Hurricane Sandy. But he was one of the lucky ones, for he had power. To occupy his time, Derek decided to tackle a new project. His inability to sit back and relax gave us his latest music video, featuring the song "Jackpot."

"Jackpot" is off Derek's latest album, 'Resistance Is Beautiful.' You can check out my review of the album here. You can purchase 'Resistance Is Beautiful' from iTunes, Amazon, or Derek's online store. To learn more about Derek, visit his official website here. You can also chat with him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

2012 RightOutTV Award Nominees Announced

The RightOutTV entertainment industry judges have determined which LGBT Artists will vie for the 2012 RightOutTV Awards. The Awards’ global reach includes artists from Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, the U.S., Australia, Portugal and Austria.

“Making choices between one great talent and another could not have been easy,” says Marlee Walchuk, co-producer the awards. “The judges have had a difficult job so far and as you can see from the nominees list, it is only going to get harder.”

Co-producer Tully Callender adds "I am so proud of the caliber of original music artists in our community, and one of the joys for me is discovering artists from around the world whom I can’t wait to add to my personal music library.”

Judging for round two begins Friday and the winners will be announced on October 29, 2012. Deadline for voting in the only award category determined by a vote of the public, the Fan Fave, is October 17, 2012. One vote per person is allowed in Fan Fave voting online here.

BEST POP / ROCK / ADULT CONTEMPORARY VIDEO
Jeffery Straker - Gone
Matt Fishel - The First Time
Derek Bishop - Take Him Away
Blinded By Stardust - Changes
Matt Zarley - Trust Me

BEST ELECTRONIC / DANCE / HIP HOP / R&B VIDEO
Saturn - Oblivion
Blinded by Stardust - Can't We Just Dance Instead (feat. Biuna)
Nhojj - My Brother
Young Kaii - Fantasy Girl
Lovari - Keep It Movin' (feat. Loco Ninja)

BEST FOLK / COUNTRY / JAZZ VIDEO
Kat Devlin - Dear Emmi
Steven Gallavin - My Baby Just Cares For Me
Suzanne Nuttall - I See Wild Horses
Charles K Brown - For My Best Friend
Jeffery Straker - Birchbark Canoe

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A LIVE VIDEO
Jen Foster - Taking Bob Dylan
Anna Gutmanis - People (Got To Get It Together)
Rachael Sage - Everything
Rev. Yolanda - Rev Yolanda's Old Time Gospel Hour - Finale
Tom Goss with Potomac Fever - You Don't Question Love

BEST "LIVING ROOM" PERFORMANCE
Norine Braun - 99%
Derek Bishop - Thinking About You
Nhojj - He & Him
Martin Swinger - God Loves
Grrlz will be Boiz - Don't Tell Her

BEST VIDEO DIY (Do It Yourself)
Blinded By Stardust - Changes
Charles K. Brown - Stanley
StormMiguel Florez - I've Been to Manhattan
Kat Devlin - Dear Emmi
Brett Every - What A Beautiful Day
Sonasfly - Carousel
Corday - Weekend Warrior

BEST VIDEO (PRO)
Steven Gallavin - My Baby Just Cares For Me
Matt Zarley - Trust Me
MAOR - Long Way Home
Matt Fishel - The First Time
Kelly and the Kellygirls - Nightsweats

BEST VIDEO SO FAR
Jen Foster - Closer to Nowhere
Kelly and the Kellygirls - Catherine Deneuve and the Deus ex Machina
Matt Fishel - Football Song
Matt Zarley - WTF
Darren Ockert - Celebrity du Jour
Jess McAvoy - Bring the House Down

BEST POP / ROCK / ADULT CONTEMPORARY SONG
Tom Goss - It's All Over
Corday - My Evil Twin
Jen Foster - You Stayed
Darren Ockert - The Rain from London
Matt Fishel - Behind Closed Doors

BEST ELECTRONIC / DANCE / HIP HOP / R&B SONG
Melange Lavonne - One of a Kind (Teen Suicide)
Lunatic-FLO - Gurl U So Fly
Baron - RadioHeart
Matt Zarley - Trust Me
Darren Ockert - This Modern Life (1984)

BEST FOLK / COUNTRY / JAZZ SONG
Summer Osborne - Be Still
Kat Devlin - 4 o'clock light
Emily Nyman - Time for the Marching to End
Lucas Kane Hall - 1985
Ezra Axelrod - American Motel

BEST SONG SO FAR
Matt Fishel - Football Song
Matt Zarley - Change Begins With Me
Jen Foster - I Didn't Just Kiss Her
Nash Satterfield - Down Yonder
Anna Gutmanis - I Am Who I Am

SONG OF THE YEAR
Matt Fishel - Behind Closed Doors
Kat Devlin - Dear Emmi
Kevin Wong - Baby Grand
Ezra Axelrod - American Motel
Darren Ockert - The Rain from London

In a personal note, it was an honor for me to participate in the competition as a judge, and I look forward to final judging. I am also very proud to say several of the nominated artists have appeared on this blog previously.

Derek Bishop • Take Him Away Video

Scenes from the video for "Take Him Away," the latest from Derek Bishop.

Singer/songwriter Derek Bishop has released another video from his excellent debut album, Resistance Is Beautiful. "Take Him Away" is the third video off the album, and you can read my review and see the first two videos here. This video, like the first, retains the charm of a 1920s movie, while telling a story of intrigue and just a bit of mayhem. And it certainly doesn't hurt that Derek is a handsome man, but even better, he makes some great music. I also have to add as I was watching the video, I thought I recognized the piano player, but soon as he was seen shirtless, I was sure it was Brett Gleason. I think I should be a bit embarrassed to admit that, yet I am not. Enjoy the video.



OF course, it was Brett who first introduced me to Derek's music, so that is a great big full circle, isn't it? To purchase Resistance Is Beautiful or "Take Him Away," you can find them on iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. To learn more about Derek Bishop, visit his official website. You can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Derek Bishop • Resistance Is Beautiful

You know I am always looking for new music, more great musicians who are speaking to me and touching my heart. When I get a recommendation from an artist I respect, I never question, and just check it out. So when Brett Gleason mentioned Derek Bishop as an artist I should give a listen, I didn't hesitate. I discovered Derek Bishop is another great out and proud artist, ready to grab hold of your heart.



So I downloaded 'Resistance Is Beautiful,' his latest release, and gave it a listen. I loved it on first listen, with the constant shifting moods on the album, from introspective Pop to lighter testaments of love and life. The twelve-song collection comes out of the blocks strong with the soulful "Counterfeit," which delivers Pop hurt with a hint of Gospel roots and a dash of 1960s psychedelia. The song washes over you, bathing you in music. That is followed by "The Last Word," a strong Pop song with a nice depth, and great heart. Check out the music video for "The Last Word."



That is followed by "Harvey," a joyful song with a wistful vocal by Bishop. "Take Him Away" brings me back to a beat generation coffeehouse, with the organ returning to the Psychedelic music of The Doors. There is the thoughtful "Pass Me By," a song of coming to grips with yourself, and the complexities of life. Once again, Bishop combines folk with retro-Pop on "What It Takes," and reaches deep down inside for the strength. "See You Free" is another joyful song, followed by "Find Him Again," a soulful search that proves we are all human, prone to anger and hurt. "Why Hold On?" offers a little Tin Pan Ally realness on the opening, and maintains that flavor even while bringing the song to the hear and now. Check it out for yourself in the music video for "Why Hold On?"



Now, I think "Fold" might be my favorite off the album. There is a timeless Pop quality, one I just love. At the top, the arpeggio on "Thinking About You" feels like we are starting a barn-burning big song, only to be drawn in by the soft vocals and piano on the first few bars, only to see that continue with a soulful song, where he takes an introspective turn. Love that song! And the final song on the album, "Jackpot," has a sweet uptempo song that reminds me of some of the great songs by singer/songwriter Terry Hall. There is a hint of the samba, and the joy of new love, with a strong retro feel of the 80s New Wave artists giving a little 60s sound.

This is an album of well-written Pop songs, crafted together with the deft touch of Bishop. Of course, he crafted the songs, and kept the harmony with his great voice, and strong production. It is certainly a great addition to my collection. For more about Derek Bishop, find him on his official website here. You can also chat with him on Twitter here, and on Facebook here. You can purchase 'Resistance Is Beautiful' on iTunes and on Amazon.