I am pleased to showcase the recent winners of the 2013 RightOutTV Music & Video Awards, pointing a spotlight on a few of the many talented members of the LGBT community making music. This year, awards were given in 18 different categories, with 17 different acts receiving them. The awards are given by RightOutTV, a website founded by Marlee Walchuck and Tully Callender. The website promotes Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender artists, allowing a platform for their voices to be heard, and a place for those wanting to support them to visit on a regular basis. “If you watch the awards show you’ll see that we don’t just promote and award these artists because they’re gay. These are high-level, multi-talented, professionals with star quality,” says Marlee Walchuk, co-producer of the awards. “Even though most of these artists are not being heard on mainstream radio yet, they deserve every success enjoyed by their straight counterparts."
I continue this series by offering you some more great videos, the first of which is the one that was named Best Folk/Country/Jazz or Adult Contemporary Video, Melissa Ferrick's "Home". Ferrick has been a great for in music for the last 20+ years, making strong music that is tough to put categorize. It is so textured, with such great depth, it just becomes powerful music to me. Out and proud since the beginning of her career, her musical message have often addressed the life and loves of lesbians. In the music video for "Home", Melissa looks amazing, and sounds even better. The song has a sultry feel, with an intoxicating rhythm that is teased by the imagery of the lyrics. From the first time I've seen it, this video has stayed with me. This is the winner for Best Folk/Country/Jazz or Adult Contemporary Video, Melissa Ferrick and the video for "Home".
"Home" can be found on the album 'The Truth Is', which can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and her official online store. The album is truly wonderful, and I would highly recommend it. In some ways, I feel as though Melissa is at the top of her game right now. To learn more about Melissa Ferrick, visit her official website. You can also 'follow' Melissa on Twitter, and 'like' her on Facebook.
While very different, you might say our next winner also defies labels. Saturn makes music that lives in the area of Pop, but crosses the boundaries between Electronica, Dance, and Hip-Hop, as you will be able to hear in "Top of the World". As you could see from my description, it is only appropriate the music video for the song would be named Best Electronic/Dance/Hip-Hop or R&B Video. The music video is sexy and flirty, and maybe even a little bit hypnotic. The video was directed by Charles Hereaux, and produced by Sky Life Media. This is "Top of the World" by Saturn.
