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.

Double Duchess feat Future People • Good Girl Freak Out

This post is filled with twice the fun as the usual one, thanks to my friend Jeff Dorta. He let me know that not only did the queer Electro-Hop duo Double Duchess have a great new music video for their song "Good Girl Freak Out" featuring the lovely and supportive Kelly Osbourne, but they are also offering the single for FREE for this weekend only, and it is well worth the download. The talented duo, known as davO & Krylon Superstar separately, worked with Future People on the song.

Double Duchess has been stirring up the dance floor since joining creative forces in 2012. Their sound is so fresh, so new, a delicious combination of raw Electronica and driven Hop-Hop with a sly dose of camp to give just the right falvor. The Free download includes three different remixes of the song by some of the top DJs in the business. This would includes mixes from two Baltimore area DJ/producers, Lemz and Rar Kelly, ballroom house producer Divoli S’Vere, and NoSoul. But first, check out the music video directed by GB Ghuman, and featuring Ozzie and Sharon's purple princess. This is "Good Girl Freak Out" from Double Duchess, and featuring Future People.

To learn more about Double Duchess, visit their official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter. You can find their music on iTunes and Amazon. To get your FREE Download, visit their Soundcloud page.

Kazaky • Magic Pie Music Video

Kazaky are Kyryll Fedorenko, Artur Gaspar, Stas Pavlov and Oleg Zhezhel, at least when in the recoding studio for this song. "Magic Pie" can be found on their release, 'I Like It (Part 1)', which hit the streets last June. Since then Kazaky has released another collection, 'I Like It (Part 2)', where the quartet became a trio, as Oleg opted to step back out of the spotlight, although he would remain as artistic adviser to the group he helped form in 2010. But for their next video, they reached back to Part 1, and remaining a trio of Kyryll, Artur, and Stas.

I can honestly tell you I have no idea whose voice I was listening to at any point in time, for I feel as though their music videos have been truly multimedia events. It would be easy to be mesmerized by the visuals in the music videos. The Ukrainian boys are so very beautiful to look at, and their dancing is sublime. The music is driven, sleek, and fairly sexy. When you put all that together, this old man can tend to break out into a sweat, but continue to smile. This is the music video for Kazaky's "Magic Pie".

I know the minute I finished hearing it for the first time, I had to play "Magic Pie" time and again. There is a wonderful combination of EuroPop and Dance, otherworldly Jazz and deep-rooted sensuality. You can purchase 'I Like It (Part 1)' on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Kazaky, visit their official website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter and 'like' them on Facebook.

The Young Professionals • Think Again EP

It has been a while since I have featured my Israeli husband and his music, so I must get back to it. About a month ago The Young Professionals released a new EP, and I missed it. I know, grounds for divorce and all that, but I am hoping Ivri forgives me. But first, perhaps I should remind you a little before I jump into it all. The Young Professionals is an Israeli electro pop band, with producer Johnny Goldstein and singer/songwriter/producer Ivri Lider at the creative core. And since I first discovered his music, Ivri, and out and proud musical superstar in Israel, and I have had a special bond. That is to say, I've had a total crush on him, and he doesn't know who I am. But I am good with that. 'Think Again is the new EP released on March 31, 2014, a five-track collection that is just aching to be heard. The first song on the EP is also the first I shall feature in this post. "Let's Do It Right" features Eva Simons, and has a delectable feel of some of my favorite Electro-Pop from the 1980s, while still sounding new and fresh. The boys are joinied in the fun by Dutch music star Eva, and the fun cannot be avoided. This is "Let's Do It Right".

For the second track, which might very well be my favorite off the EP, is "Say Hey". On the song, Ivri and Johnny are joined by an Amaerican Hip-Hop group. Far East Movement is a Los Angeles-based quartet made up by Kev Nish (Kevin Nishimura), Prohgress (James Roh), J-Splif (Jae Choung), and DJ Virman (Virman Coquia). Together, the groups combine melodic music with Rap to make something filled with energy and joy. This is "Say Hey" featuring Far East Movement.

The third song is the title track, and I also love it. The EP also includes "Welcome to the Down", a buoyant and alive, with moments of smokey goodness. You can purchase the 'Think Again' EP on iTunes and Amazon. For more about The Young Professionals, visit their official website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter, and 'like' them on Facebook. To learn more about Eva Simons, visit her official website. For more on Far East Movement, visit their official website.

Matt Ryanz • It's Love to Me

Matt Ryanz is helping to show all the talent isn't found on either coast. Some of it can be located in the Midwest, as the singer/songwriter is based out of Chicago. Ryanz first shared his music in 2012, when the EP 'It's Never Enough' was released. A few years later, Matt has a new single and music video, and he is eager to once again share them with you. Matt creates an electronic aural experience, and then adds stirring visuals to complete the journey. "It's Love to Me" is a beautiful and romantic story, one that is told to great effect with the video. It was directed by Laine Kelly & Donny Smutz, and features Carlos Tejero as the adorable waiter. Of course, the center of the music video is the song, written and performed by the sexy Ryanz. This is the music video for "It's Love to Me".

I just love the relationship we see in the video, and the joy it brings. You can purchase the single "It's Love To Me" from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. You can also purchase the music video from iTunes. For more about Matt Ryanz, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Matthew Duffy • Better Than Dancing

"Better Than Dancing" is the first cut on the fun album from electro-performer Matthew Duffy, 'Spunk Pumpers Unite!' It is a shining example of his work, combining the elements of piano-driven Pop with a sleek finish of Electro-Pop to make a bold sound spring to life. In fact, Duffy wrote, played, and produced the music on the album, save the writing the cover of Pete Shelly's iconic "Homosapien". The music all seems perfect for music videos, and this is no exception. Shot in crisp black and white, the video is fun and sexy, just a delicious something I couldn't wait to gobble up. And Matthew also manages to make overall shorts more flirty than I thought possible. Check out the music video for "Better Than Dancing".

Whether Matthew is dancing by himself or with a hot, tattooed man, I find it hard to take my eyes away from the video. And I also find the song to be a great listen, with or without the video. You can find "Better Than Dancing" on Duffy's most recent album, 'Spunk Pumpers Unite!'. You can purchase it from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. For more about Matthew Duffy, visit and 'like' him on Facebook. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter and Tumblr.

2013 RightOutTV Music & Video Awards • Best Electronic/Dance Song & Best Hip-Hop/R&B Song

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 with this series by offering you the perfect music for your holiday weekend, the song named the Best Electronic/Dance Song, Maor's "Exit". Driven and soulful, the song offers a peak at a broken heart. The New York-based singer/songwriter has been busy the last few years, and was also nominated for his music last year. This year, however, the Electronica artist takes home an award for his song "Exit". You can listen below.

To learn more about Maor, visit his Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase 'Exit' from iTunes and Amazon. Sometimes we might need to be reminded people are making Hip Hop music all around the world. We are certainly reminded about that with the award for Best Hip Hop/R&B Song, "Where I Want to Be". The song, by Nastaij and featuring Alisha Todd, is a classic combination of rap and R&B. I am excited, for until this award, I was not familiar with the music of Nastaij, an artist from New South Wales, Australia. This is the winner of the award, Nastaij singing "Where I Want To Be" featuring Alisha Todd.

To learn more about Nastaij, visit her official website, 'follow' her on Twitter, and 'like' her on Facebook. You can purchase the single 'Where I Want to Be' featuring Alisha Todd from BandCamp. For more about RightOutTV, visit their official website. There you can find music videos and interviews of LGBT artists from around the world. you can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter.

Sam Sparro • Quantum Physical Vol 1 EP

Handsome and talented, Sam Sparro has been a man to watch since he released his self-titled debut album in 2007 in the UK, and 2008 in the US. The second single off the album, 'Black and Gold' was a world-wide hit, giving the Australian-born artist a high profile. His music is sexy, energetic, soulful and bold, and who could ask for anything more? His voice is strong, with an impressive range, which he takes advantage of quite well. Last year, he released 'Return to Paradise', in the UK, although it was never officially released in the States. I posted my review just over a year ago.



I was very excited to hear 'Quantum Physical Vol 1' was being released, and available here in the United States, too! I couldn't resist, and downloaded my copy of the four-song collection, eager to his the play button and hear what yummy delight he has to offer now! 'Quantum Physical Vol 1' kicks off with "Infinite", igniting the album with a driving percussive beat before Sparro's voice takes control. The song toys with the title, offering a digitally enhanced "Don't Stop" under the "Infinite", which made me smile. The song truly gets a groove going, and I love it. The second track is "Hang on 2 Your Love", and it features Durand Bernarr. This song was released a few months ago, and I immediately feel for it. It is amazing to me, how Sparro makes me bite hooked, line and sinker every time! I think the third cut, "Fascism", might be my favorite song off the EP, with the blend of Electronica and Sparro's soulful vocals making for a sexy burst of luscious energy. I found this live performance by Sparro, giving you the opportunity to hear for yourself.

"Fight or Flight" begins with a smooth, mellow flow. I love when Sam allows the music to caress the notes. The song picks up in the chorus, giving an island feel, mixing up the drums, toying with a Reggae feel but never really leaving the smooth R&B sound. Sparro fully engages in this luscious and sexy song, and I just can't listen enough. It completes the EP, one I highly recommend to be added to your collection. You can purchase Sam Sparro's 'Quantum Physical Vol 1 EP' from iTunes, and Amazon. For more about Sam Sparro, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter and 'like' him on Facebook.

Aiden James • I Wanna Dance With Somebody

Songster Aiden James has released a new music video, and boy it is a good one! Aiden is singing his cover of the Whitney Houston dance hit, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody". Of course, Levi does give it a sound and feel like the song was written for the songster himself. The song starts off with a lovely and soothing sound, a perfect cradle for Aiden's voice. The song is sort of Acoustic Electronic, the music supplying more of an aural landscape for Aiden's voice. This allows the honey-voiced singer to take us on that musical journey. I hope you enjoy Aiden James in his latest music video, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody".

You can purchase the single "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" from iTunes, BandCamp, and Amazon. To learn more about Aiden James, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Chris Salvatore • I Want Your Sex

Whenever a handsome young man serenades me with "I Want Your Sex", I have to admit he has my attention. And when that young man is Chris Salvatore, I am definitely listening. So when I saw on Twitter that Chris had released a cover of George Michael's "I Want Your Sex", released almost exactly 26 years ago. It was the first single off the 'Faith' album, and the video included his then-girlfriend, Kathy Jeung. It would be 11 years before George would come out of the closet, following the arrest in the Beverly Hills park restroom.

There is no issue with Salvatore, who has been out and proud for his entire career. And I am a big fan, and not just of his pretty face. "I Want Your Sex" originally was part of the 2010 collection, 'The Sound of This Beat'. That album was a sweet combination of Electronica and Pop with some strong Rock influences. His take on the George Michael classic is an Electronica gem, sexy and modern, not bothering with the faux coyness of the original. To hear it, just hit play to enjoy Salvatore's take on "I Want Your Sex".

For more about Chris Salvatore, you can 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase "I Want Your Sex" from iTunes and Amazon. If you'd like to check out 'The Sound of This Beat' album, you can find it on iTunes and Amazon.

Mike Acerbo • The Search

I love it when someone unexpected, like Mike Acerbo, drop on my lap. Well, not literally, even if he is a handsome man. I just never know how I will be finding new music. I have mentioned before how I love it when I get a recommendation from another musician - I don't know if I've ever been lead astray that way. When you hear about someone new via a friend, I will try to keep an open mind, but tread carefully, for a friendship is important. So when Jeffrey Christian told me about a friend of his, I was glad to give it a listen, and I am always thrilled to give hear the music of LGBT artists. Well, The Search is interesting, complex album. And it is very good. As a out songwriter, Acerbo is at his best, painting intricate mosaics with words and notes, always keeping my attention.



The album kicks off with "Trilby," which combines Folk, Pop, and a hint of Country, making for a cool sound. Check out the official video for the song.



There is a child-like quality to "Blueberry Moon." Well, more of a fairytale quality, built on a foundation of Pop with depth, more Lennon/McCartney than bubblegum. Interestingly enough, "Fairy Tale Love" has a more mature sound and feel, with classic yet haunting feel as we hear of love, woven in a patchwork of harmonies and a wailing guitar. There is such longing in the next track, "Mother." It is a tale of a son, searching for his way in this world, just hoping to see the light of love burning to light his way back home. With the mystical flute, we learn about on man's journey in "The Search." There is a Celtic feel, or at least an old world flavor. However, I never feel out of our own time, more just transported to another plane. "Where The River Meets The Sea" starts off, and I immediately caught of the guitar and the sound, and thinking there is a cool California Rock thing going on, pulling a bit of Country into a Rock groove, with some sweet harmonies on the chorus. Check it out for yourself.



While "No Moon" starts with an inviting bed of music, we quickly learn of the foreboding message of being lost, tangled in the sheets of hope on this mythical journey of life. In "Beast," Acerbo speaks to the creature we all hide from the world, protected by the scars and walls. And how love keeps the creature calm, and sleeping. Speaking of calm, that captures the beginning of "Robbie" to a tee. But soon we feel a longing, a blue quality as the song moves on, with memories of a dear friend, now lost. there is a mysterious quality to the tribal drums at the open of "Like The Tide," driving the melody forward. There is an evocative quality, spoken to a lover, wanting to be washed ashore so an ear can give the music of your life a listen, a heart to hear your sorrows, yours triumphs. In the final track, we learn about "The Night Light" can be a beacon, returning souls to their mates.



Mike Acerbo makes music that feels very personal, a glimpse into his world, his journey. His music reminds me of the ethereal side of Stevie Nicks. Perhaps he was her lovechild with Van Morrison, the great Irish storyteller. Mike uses his music and lyrics as a media to sculpt the his worlds, his emotions and experiences. And we get to explore that world with all it's moodiness.

The packaging for the CD is unique, for it comes in an 8.5" square gatefold, in the style of the old vinyl album covers. There is also a booklet, with lyrics and liner notes, which are a rarity these days. You can purchase The Search on iTunes, CD Baby, BandCamp, and Amazon. To learn more about Mike Acerbo, visit his official web site. You can also check him out on Facebook and Twitter.

Ian Wilson • This Is Water Album Review

When I was checking out JD Doyle's May issue of OutRadio, I came across a couple of talented LGBT performers, and one was Ian Wilson. I was drawn to the interesting tone of his voice, and the intricate sound of his music. Today, Ian releases This Is Water, a full album filled to the brim with great music. Ian calls his music Folktronica, a catchy description, to be sure. That left me filled with intrigue, and ready to be very attentive when I hit play on the advanced copy I received from the artist.



The album begins with the awesome "Indentured Servant." Right away, I am grabbed by his voice, a beautiful baritone. In fact, it reminds me a little bit of the sound of Brad Roberts, the vocalist for Crash Test Dummies. This perfectly complements the piano-driven music, which combines Folk, Rock, and Electronica in a melodic way. The music is layered and energetic, matching the intensity of the vocals in this highly personal and volatile journey. The next track, "Crate & Barrel," changes it up, offering a bluesy arrangement, boldly making a song about a breakup use the tempo to show the frenetic energy relationships can bring about.



"Resurrection Ship" pulls the energy back inward, confessional. The song soars with its simplicity, keeping with a strong melody, allowing the lyrics to bloom. Harkening back to moody Folk, "Old Soul" is a dark tale, told with a light hand. There is the feel of Folk, but the piano brings it to a greater urgency, a bright spark. "Bad Ideas Work Best" starts off with ethereal vocals, adding an R&B feel to this lovely ballad. While it retains the soulful gooey center, the instrumentation give it more crunch, a perfect response to emotional vocals. The electronic percussion track brings "Nitrogen" to a elemental pace, one that organically builds, with Ian's vocals playing with the tempo, bringing up with him at the pace he wants to travel. The haunting imagery cuts through it all, leaving me touched. "Bad Wolf Bay" has a hectic beginning, with layers seemingly competing with one another, but at times also feeling in total harmony, much like the relationship the song describes. Complete with bomb blasts. There is a loveliness to the opening of "Se Dice No," and it feels almost classical in structure. But that eases into more of a Pop flow, celebrating chance, the roll of the dice. Then a cool piano riff pops up, and it is time to hear "Made."



From the brightness of the beginning, the song builds in strength and texture as it moves along, taking my emotions with it. That leaves the final track off the album, "Balancing Act." I love this on so many levels. There is the beauty of the song, but also how that applies to the whole album, and what a great job Ian did on the balancing act when he put this album together. One of the truly impressive accomplishments of this album is the way it remains cohesive, a full album, while taking some twists and turns on a fascinating journey. There are moments I thought I was listening to music written by Bob Dylan, and others felt it was inspired by the early music from Genesis, the Peter Gabriel years. Then I hear a bit of Memphis Blues, followed by a bit of self-aware Folk. This is a very special collection of music, at times light and breezy, and at times dense and sculpted. I am so happy to make this a part of my collection, and you should do the same.



You can find This Is Water on iTunes, Amazon. and should soon be on CD Baby. For more about Ian Wilson, visit his official website. You can also find him on Facebook.

Paul Lekakis - I Need A Hit

The other day I reminded myself about the joyous music made by Paul Lekakis, and along the way discovered he has a new song you can purchase, I Need A Hit. The song is by Massi & DeLeon, but features the still handsome Lekakis on the lead vocals. I have been a fan of the blond singer/actor/model for longer than I would care to admit, and I am sure Paul feels the same way.



I you like the song, you can buy it here. I, of course, had no real impulse control, and had to click to make it mine. Now if I can only find that damn Fountain of Youth Paul has been drinking from...

SIRPAUL "Give It Up" On Video

The latest video from SIRPAUL has hit the internet, with the official premiere on Wednesday, May 18, on the ElectroQueer site here. The song is Give It Up, the latest single from SIRPAUL's Music & ME album. At EQ, they speak to director Andreas Anastasis to get to the root of his imagery for the video, which is fraught with images that combine the futuristic with more classic visuals. Why don't you check them out for yourself?



The hands of Michelangelo, the crowns of crucifixion, medicine's syringe, the duality of good and evil perched on your shoulder, they are but a few of the visual intrigues I found in the video. There are more - I find something new each time I watch it. There are ties the singer, SIRPAUL, looks other-worldly, yet throughout most of the video, he is enticingly of the world of the flesh. Where might all this be coming from, you might ask? What is at the core for most music, the need for humans to connect, to forge a bond with another human. What makes it more interesting is how the imagery relates to the world in which we live, and the one we are about to live in. In this world of electronic connectivity, how do we reach out and touch another when all we have between us are some bouncing electrons?



To put this song in your own collection, check it out here on iTunes. If you'd like an alternative, check out the Music & Me Remix album here. While you are at it, check out his other work, including a personal favorite of mine, Dismantle, here on iTunes. To learn more about the singer/songwriter, check out his official website here.

New Music - SIRPAUL - Where The Wild Things Are

I really like SIRPAUL, and not just because he is so freakin' hot. I really like his music, even though it seems to go on a constant path of evolution. Listening to him involves twists and turns, and I am kinda likin' that. Anyway, in a quick one, this afternoon SIRPAUL posted a YouTube video with a new song, Where The Wild Things Are. The video features an early shot of SIRPAUL while the song plays. It is an electro-funk/dance song. And it was a great excuse to see him again, and make me a little warm...



You can find out more about SIRPAUL at his official website here.