Matt Gold • Low

Ever since I was introduced to his by JD Doyle, I have been a fan of Matt Gold's music. There is a rich soulfulness in his voice, and a melodic beauty to his music. He is a real storyteller, bringing to life whatever tale is is singing about, and doing it with authenticity and style. This remains true with his latest single, "Low". Matt examines relationships and love, and what we do when we find ourselves in that situation. This is Matt Gold with "Low".

Gold's voice still touches me, and quickly discovered this was another song I needed in my collection. You can purchase "Low" from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Matt Gold, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Cazwell • Downtown (NSFW)

I am a fan of the music of Cazwell, the rapper with blond hair, blue eyes, and a hot body who has released a new music video. I can't remember when I first discovered his music, whether it was when I sw the video for "Ice Cream Truck", or some other gem I still play on my iPod. His new single, "Downtown", follows in the style of his videos, meaning it is sexy, irreverent, and filled with hot men wearing as little as possible. So when I point out this music video is NSFW, I mean it. So if you are at work, do yourself a favor, and either favorite the video you you can come back too it - often - or put on the headphone and take you chance on being caught. Who knows, your boss might want to watch with you.

"Downtown" is a single off the album 'Hard 2 B Fresh', and once again, Cazwell has me from the start. The song is an homage, of sorts, to life lived in the city, if you discount life on the Upper East and Upper West Sides of Manhattan. These are not boys going to the piano bar in the West Village, either. They used to hang out in midtown, before Mayor Giuliani banished the clubs and the porn theaters. So they go to the Lower East Side to see the boys strip, but drink it up at their apartment before they go out, to save some money. This is Cazwell with "Downtown".

"Downtown" can be found on Cazwell's latest album. You can purchase 'Hard 2 B Fresh' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Cazwell, visit his official website. You can also find him on social media, where you can 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Gavin James • Book of Love

I first discovered the music of Irishman Gavin James on YouTube, with his sweet cover of Etta James' "At Last". As his music wasn't yet available in America, I went on a quest of sorts, finding music I could listen to. Once I did, I found myself being enchanted by the ginger boy from Dublin, Ireland. I was waiting for something I could purchase, so I could show my support for this artist. When 'Live at Whelans' showed up on my iTunes, I eagerly bought it, and it was instantly a part of my playlist. The live setting showcased some of the aspects I love about Gavin, allowing his voice to soar at times, while being subtle and controlled at others. Once I heard he was heading to the studio, I became very excited!

Fast forward to now, and the first studio recording is not only available, but also in my collection. "The Book of Love" was included in the live album, and I loved it. It was the lone cover included, as it was written by American indie musician Stephin Merritt and recorded by his band, The Magnetic Fields. There is an inherent romance to the song, almost intoxicating in it's honesty. While the original is fantastic, James has his own take on the song, offering a lighter, sweeter version that is hard to resist. This is the music video for Gavin James singing "The Book of Love".

Of course, having a gay Irishman singing about wedding rings (written by a gay American artist) as his homeland is getting ready to hold a vote on marriage equality is a pretty cool thing. Yes, I do hate that breeders around the world seem to feel the rights of minorities should be up for public votes, while they would be horrified if their own rights were put on the table. But enough about politics, back to the music. "The Book of Love" will be included in the upcoming studio release 'For You', with three other songs also on 'Live at Whelans'. If this is any indication of what is to come, I can't wait to have 'For You' on my iPod. Until then, I will be giddy playing "The Book of Love" time and time again. You can find the single on iTunes and Amazon. I must admit To learn more about Gavin James, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Kenyth Mogan • Unlock Your Heart

Handsome Kenyth Mogan.

I first discovered the music of Kenyth Mogan a little over a year ago, at the end of 2013. I loved it then, and continue to enjoy it now. So when I discovered he was releasing new music, I was eager to talk to him about it. As he was preparing to release the single "Unlock Your Heart", I got lucky, and was able to interview him. And since the song is being released today, I thought it was the perfect time to share it with you. I've marked my questions with S2MD, and made them italic. The important information, Kenyth's answers, are there for just for my readers!

S2MD: What was your inspiration for "Unlock Your Heart"?

"Unlock Your Heart" was written by Matthew Hayes and Aaron Harris. I've always been a huge fan of the 80s singer Tiffany, and I first discovered the song because she sang background vocals on a version Matt recorded for a project he was working on in Nashville. From first listen, I fell in love with the song and over the years have built up a friendship with Matt, who has written many other amazing songs. When we started working on the project, I found out Aaron lived in San Francisco and was lucky enough to have him appear in the music video as the Scarecrow.

S2MD: How did you assemble your team to make this happen?

My manager Jeremy Sonney is really responsible for most of the assembly. He’s worked with Robb Padgent and Tanya Ihnen at KATR Pictures for years. They’ve done some great web series together including 'Vampire, Zombie, Werewolf' and 'The Ladies and the Gents'. I’ve had the opportunity to work with them a few times, and Jeremy thought they’d be perfect to produce the video. Robb is also an amazing composer who scores for film, so luckily music videos were something they were looking to try. The team was a blast to work with and the end product turned out so much more amazing than I ever could’ve hoped. At the time, the makeup artist Jenn McFetridge was actually my roommate, which worked out perfectly. Everyone else in the video are mutual friends and coworkers. As everything started to come together I began to see the scope of the project and became more and more worried that we wouldn’t be able to pull it off. Then, Ronnie slipped into the Tin Man costume that Shane Dzicek (who was also our cinematographer) had built and all that worry faded away.

S2MD: Is 'The Wizard of Oz' your favorite movie?

Without a doubt, it’s one of my favorite movies of all-time. One of my best memories as a kid is being about four years old and watching it for the first time with my Mom. When the Wicked Witch appeared in the crystal ball mocking Dorothy I turned to her and said “She’s bad and needs a spanking!” My mother thought it was hysterical.

From the video shoot of the "Unlock Your Heart" music video. 

S2MD: How was it working with Ronnie Kroell on the music video?

Ronnie is a sweetheart, which I really wasn’t expecting. He’s a beautiful out and proud gay man in Hollywood -- often such qualities are accompanied by an ego the size of Montana, but not with Ronnie. He’s genuinely one of the sweetest guys I have ever met and continues to be supportive of me and the video. He’s wonderful.

Handsome Ronnie Kroell.

S2MD: Is the single and/or music video available for purchase?

The single will be available on iTunes as of February 13th, and the Video goes live on YouTube on Valentines Day!

S2MD: Can we expect more music to come in the near future?

Yes! I’ve actually already started working on the next project, which I hope to have ready by December. I’m working with some great producers including Gabe Lopez (Universal), Caleb Shultz (The Live Young Group), and Justine Kaye (Bombs Away Studios). I’ve also been writing a lot with my musical partner Phil Evans of The Roads Below, which is a new band out of Nashville. We’ve written about six songs together and I’m really proud of them. The album is still dance oriented, but there’s also a lot of rock influence. I can’t wait to share!

S2MD: Who is unlocking your heart this Valentine's Day? How are you celebrating it?

There’s a premiere party for the Unlock Your Heart video on February 13th at the Standard in Los Angeles, which was set up by Ronnie and his anti-bullying organization The Friend Movement, but after that I will most likely be celebrating the holiday curled up on my couch with my favorite Disney movies. Alas, I’m still waiting for Prince Charming.

____________________________

I must say, I am surprised Kenyth and I both have the same plans for Valentine's Day. And we both are still in search of that special prince! From the 'Fall Apart' EP to this single, I just can't get enough of Kenyth's music. To learn more about Kenyth Mogan, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook. "Unlock Your Heart" can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. To learn about Ronnie Kroell's The Friend Movement, visit the official website. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Candy Apple Blue • Detonator (feat Nick Bramlett)

When I found out there was new music coming from Carly and Hoyt Emerick, better known as Candy Apple Blue. The news alone brought a smile to my face, as I am a big fan of their music. Not only are the siblings gorgeous (I mean, look at that picture above!), they are also very talented, creating Electronica I love to play. I discovered them through my buddy SIRPAUL, and since then, I've been hooked.

Recently, Carly and Hoyt have been working with vocalist Nick Bramlett, and from the sound of the first single, it is a collaboration made in heaven. Nick's voice is bold and clear, with an earthy quality that gives him a sexy edge. Carly joins him on the backing vocals, and they blend well. Hoyt and Carly brought the production together, as the track was written, arranged, produced, engineered and mixed by Candy Apple Blue. And there is a seriously cool guitar solo by Kris kHz. I hope you enjoy Candy Apple Blue featuring Nick Bramlett with "Detonator".

I don't know about you, but the minute I heard the song, I know I needed to have it on my iPod. You can purchase "Detonator" from iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. The song will be on the album 'Powers Activate', a project combining the wonders of Candy Apple Blue and Nick Bramlett. I can't wait to hear the album! To learn more about Candy Apple Blue, visit their official website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter, and 'like' them on Facebook. You can find Nick Bramlett on social media, where you can 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Micah Barnes • Harlem Moon

There's a new music video out, and you really must see it! Micah Barnes, the talented Canadian singer/songwriter I have recently come to know, has a new video featuring a song from his latest release, 'New York Story'. Micah's music fuses Jazz, Blues, and Soul with a flair distinctly his own. There is a real urban grit to the music, like it is music written while walking the streets of Greenwich Village. "Harlem Moon" ups the ante, taking on love with a sultry feel, and at times just a little stalkerish feel. I can't get enough of it. This is Micah Barnes with his video for "Harlem Moon".

"Harlem Moon" can be found on the latest album from Micah Barnes. You can purchase the single "New York Story" from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Micah Barnes, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. As soon as the album is released, I will be sure to let you know. Until then, enjoy the single, "New York Story".

Ryan Amador • Stained (Music Video)

I was a bit shocked when I realized that I first came across the music of Ryan Amador almost two years ago. That is when I first heard his duet with Jo Lampert, "Define Me", and was deeply moved. I find his music has a wonderful rawness to it, exposing his emotional core like few can. He recently released the EP '4S', which I quickly added to my collection. The five-song collection includes four songs starting with the letter 's', and the fifth song titled "4", hence the name. The first single is "Stained", a song that reminds me a bit of Alanis Morissette, as he funnels his anger into his music as a way to cleanse himself with a rocked-out shout. There is a wonderful nakedness to the video, starting with a close-up almost painfully tight, the pain etched on his face. This is the official music video for "Stained".

"Stained" can be purchased as a single from Bandcamp. It is the first single track off his last release. The EP '4S' can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Ryan Amador, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Aiden James • Snapshot (Music Video)

I was very excited to hear Aiden James was working on another music video, and even more so when it was up on YouTube. That means I needed to head out and watch "Snapshot", found on his 2012 album, 'Trouble With This'. I must say, at first I was surprised to not see Aiden, but instead a video featuring the very handsome Marco Sousa, who I believe was also featured in the music video for Aiden's "Hurry Hurry". He brings an inherent sweetness to the video, which already has the wonderful song the capture your heart. I hope you enjoy the music video for "Snapshot".

See, it is impossible to not love the song, and not fall for Marco and the music video. You can find "Snapshot" on 'Trouble With This", which can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. While you are at it, you can also find his latest single, "Last Reminder" on iTunes and Amazon, too. If you haven't heard it yet, you can give a listen with this audio version posted by Aiden. This is "Last Reminder".

I must say, I have been a huge fan since I first heard Aiden singing live at the World Cafe Live several years ago. I had to buy his first album, and have been eager for all his music since. To learn more about Aiden James, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Eli Lieb • Lightning in a Bottle

I swear, in every interview I read, Eli Lieb sounds smart and grounded. And after listening to his latest single, "Lightning in a Bottle", you can definitely add talented to the list. And when watching the music video, the terms handsome and sexy easily come to mind. All in all, it seems Eli has hit the jackpot, doesn't it? When asked about the new song, Lieb said, "This song is really special to me. Everyone is fighting a battle." he went on to explain. "I want people to see this music video, hear the song, really listen to the lyrics, and live their truth. I want this to inspire people to not be afraid to break free and embrace who they are. I believe that being 100% your true authentic self is the key to real happiness and joy. Life is celebration and we are all beautiful beings!!" I can tell you that watching the video inspired me to go to iTunes and buy my copy, before I had to watch again.

"Lightning in a Bottle" was written by Lieb, and produced by John Feldmann. The music video was directed by Geoff Boothby, and produced by Sharkpig. Along with the good-looking singer/songwriter, the music video features four performers who let their light shine bright, and live there truth through performances, either dance or other means. The featured performers are Shangela, Jenna Riegel, Caitlin Scranton, and Rama Hall. They, along with Lieb, are living proof that loving what you do helps bring joy to others. This is the music video for "Lightning in a Bottle" by Eli Lieb.

You can purchase "Lightning in a Bottle" from iTunes. I did, and love having it on my iPod, ready for me to hit play whenever I can. For more about Eli, visit his official website. While you are there, you can stop by his official store, where you can find music and t-shirts. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, or 'like' him on Facebook.

SIRPAUL™ • Love Sick (NSFW)

The oh-so-talented SIRPAUL™ has a new single out, a track off the exciting 'Seventh Star', that also comes with a new music video. Like much of SIRPAUL's work, the song takes on an edgy flavor, that area when darkness and sexiness collide to make life a bit more exciting. This song is a perfect example of this, with lyrics that start off with a sweetness associated with love, but we quickly learn there is something more to the puzzle.

With the music video, the song earns the title "Love Sick Twisted Shit", so you know this is not meant to be played at high volume in every office, but certainly cranked up to 11 at home. SIRPAUL is taped giving a live performance at Eastbloc Hoxton, London, where the crowd is packed in nice and tight, ready for SIRPAUL to give it to them good. And as I would expect, SIRPAUL delivers with a stamina and bravado few could dish out with so many hot men watching. And from the looks of the crowd, he gives them just what they were looking for. Speaking of what you are looking for, with the single is a new EP, featuring a single version of the song, and three hot remixes. And there is also a new song, the darkly sensual "Strut", giving marching orders as only SIRPAUL can. But first, I hope you enjoy the music video for "Love Sick (Twisted Shit)" by SIRPAUL.

You can purchase the "Love Sick EP" from iTunes and Amazon. The track can also found on his latest album, 'Seventh Star', which is available from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about SIRPAUL, visit his official website. You can also connect with him on social medias, if you would just 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

D'Lance Jones • Forever With You

The coolest thing about following people like JD Doyle of Queer Music Heritage, Len Rogers of OutVoice. Bill Northrup of Pride Schowcase, and Marlee Walchuk of RightOutTV, is the great new music and artists from the LGBT community they bring to my life. This morning, I have Marlee to thank for exposing me to D'Lance Jones, an artist with a great new song turning up the heat on marriage equality. And judging from the cover shot (seen above), he is just the man to get that done.

D'Lance Jones is an out and proud artist who combines R&B with Soul to make a rich experience for whomever is smart enough to purchase his music. "Forever With You" is both sweet and sexy, an amorous ballad that had me smiling, and maybe even feeling a little warmer than I was before I hit play. It is a love song for the ages, a proposal that will restore your faith in love. And the music video is a perfect complement, letting us watch two men in love, as they are about to join together on a journey that is made possible by marriage equality. The music video was directed by Theshay West, and features the handsome Jones, who wrote this beautiful song. I hope you enjoy D'Lance Jones on "Forever With You".

You know this one went into my playlists immediately. You can purchase "Forever With You" from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about D'lance Jones, you can check him out on his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter.