RightOutTV Music & Video Awards 2014 • Matt Fishel & I.K.P.

The winners of the 2014 RightOutTV Music & Video Awards were announced recently, proving what great music is being made by LGBT artists. Well, that was obvious when I saw the list of nominees, coming from all around the world. RightOutTV was founded by Marlee Walchuk and Tully Callender, devoted to the promotion of LGBT artists and their music all across the globe. The submissions are from many genre, from Rock to Country to Electronica. Once again this year, I was proud to be asked to be a judge, hearing some more great music and discovering a few new artists. But enough with all that. It is time to showcase some very deserving artists. Today we feature Matt Fishel (above, left) and I.K.P., (above, right).

I am pleased to bring to you, 'Best Lyric Video', a new category to this year's awards. The addition of the award goes to show you how forward-thinking Marlee and Tully are when it comes to changes in the music business. So many artists are making lyric videos to promote new singles. The development of these have come so far, which is easily seen if you check out the winner. This category attracted some amazing submissions, and there were five outstanding nominees. The list included Shawn Thomas with "I'm Alive", Saturn's "We", Norine Braun with "Boy", and Saturn's "I'm Coming Out". The award went to Matt Fishel, a British singer/songwriter I've had a musical crush on since I first found his music a few years ago. When planning this video, Matt asked fans to submit pictures of themselves as couples, which he used to make it, and it is really sweet. This is the winner for 'Best Lyric Video', Matt Fishel and "Finally".

You can find "Finally" on the 2014 release, 'Cover Boy'. You can purchase 'Cover Boy' from iTunes and Amazon. For more about 'Cover Boy', you can check out my review. To learn more about Matt Fishel, visit her official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

The second award tonight is for 'Best Video So Far', I.K.P., which is short for the Infamous King of Positivity. The New York City-based rapper has been honing his craft for several years, including five years while he was serving the nation in the United States Marine Corps. He took his name to show his desire to remain positive in his lyrics, something he still believes in today. "Hunt Me Down" was named 'Best Video So Far', with deep competition from Jay Blahnik with "Boom Box", Thos Shipley's "M-O-N-E-Y", Jansz & June with "Rattlesnake Rose", and Drake Jensen's, "On My Way to Finding You". This is I.K.P. with "Hunt Me Down".

You can find "Hunt Me Down" on the album, 'Ignoring the Known Protocol'. The album can be purchased from from iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. To learn more about I,K.P., visit him official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Marlee and Tully developed RightOutTV to help LGBT artists with promotion, as a way of giving back to the community. The couple are also a musical duo, making up Sugarbeach. They were kind enough to ask me to participate in the awards for the last few years as a judge. To learn more about RightOutTV, visit the RightOutTV website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter, and 'like' them on Facebook.

Matt Fishel • Run With Me

I have to giggle at myself sometimes. I was about to type in that I have been a fan of Matt Fishel for a long time, and when I look at the young man on the cover of his latest release, 'Cover Boy', I realize he is still young. But I have been a fan for a couple of years, since first discovering his music. I gobble up his music like it was candy, making me a very happy camper.

And that would include his latest album, a real aural treat. And he had a new music video out for the single "Run With Me", his cover of the theme song from the children's television show, 'The Racoons'. In fact, the video is a compilation of footage from the show, for which permission was generously given to Matt from series creator Kevin Gillis. The song, written by Gillis with Jon Stroll and Steve Lunt, instantly brings back warm memories to those who watched the show during the late 1980s. I hope you enjoy Matt's cover of "Run With Me" and the video featuring it.

I must admit I never saw the show, but I still get the fun and love Matt brings to the song. "Run With Me" can be found on Matt Fishel's 'Cover Boy', which can be found on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Matt Fishel, visit his official website. You can also follow him on Twitter and 'like' him on Facebook.

Matt Fishel • Cover Boy

Recently I was looking through my music collection, and I realized how long I have been a fan of several performers. One of those was British singer/songwriter Matt Fishel, who I discovered back in 2009. It was then I found the "Football Song", and the delicious music video that went with it. Since that moment, Fishel has had me in the palm of his hand. I purchased the 'Coming Out' EP, and went back to 'The Superfishel Experience', Matt's 2003 release, which I found on iTunes. And I've been collecting his music ever since. That would include his latest release, 'Not Thinking Straight', released last year with track after track of irresistible yummy Pop goodness.

That would bring us to Fishel's latest release, 'Cover Boy', which hit the shelves earlier this week. It is a collection of seven cover songs, all songs from the 1980s, 1990s, and the first decade of the new millennium. From what I understood from Matt's discussions before the release, these were all favorite songs, and he was excited to share his take on them with us. I was excited to hear it, for Fishel has an amazing grasp of Pop music, serving up delicious treats with each release. So when taking on the treats of some of his favorite artists, my expectations were raised. And with my first listen of 'Cover Boy', he not only met them, but exceeded my expectations. The first track is "Summer Rain", a song off Belinda Carlisle's 1989 album 'Runaway Horses'. The track was the third single, released in 1990. While Carlisle's original was a fantastic love song, Fishel's take is a bit moodier but still imbued with love. The next track was a ccomplete mystery to me. I looked up "Run With Us", and discovered it was the theme from 'The Raccoons', an animated series on Canadian television from 1985 to 1991. Most notably sung by Lisa Lougheed, who also voiced one of the characters on the show. As I listened by Matt's version, I felt an urgency, with the hint of danger you might expect from a show based on action. This was a wonderful surprise, filled with fun and mystery. The third track on 'Cover Boy' is also the first single and music video, so you can check it out for yourself. This is Matt Fishel singing "Finally", CeCe Peniston's huge hit from 1991, off her album of the same name.

The song feels so new, so fresh, I just love it. I will admit I didn't really recognize the next song. I read the title "Big Casino", and there was some research to do. Oddly enough, this was the most recent track, so bad on me! The song is from the American band Jimmy Eat World, best known for their Top 5 hit "The Middle" from 2001. Matt chose to cover the 2007 single, which went to #3 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. Matt really brings the melody to life in his version. For the fifth track, Matt picked a song by Madonna, although not one the iconic star ever released as a single herself. "Sky Fits Heaven" was a track off the 1998 album by Madonna, 'Ray of Light', but remained one of Fishel's favorites. Matt took the Electronic/Dance track and made it pure Pop. That is followed by a song off the soundtrack to the 1984 film, 'Streets of Fire'. The song was written by Jim Steinman in just 2 days, after the producers could not clear a Bruce Springsteen song they wanted to use. While the movie didn't fare well with the audience, the soundtrack did much better. I remember watching the music video for "Tonight Is What It Means To Be Young", performed by Fire Incorporated. While Matt's version is not as over the top and bombastic as the original, it still has an operatic feel, as would most of Steinman's songs. There is a youthful zest to the version I love. The final cut is another from the 1990s, a sweet time for music. The 4th single off Bjork's 1995 album 'Post' was released in 1996, and was a special favorite of Fishel. At least I must imagine tit to be, for he also included a version on his 2003 EP, 'Coming Out'. The latest is a more refined version, tighter and more crisp, even as a choral acapella version. Yes, Matt's rendition of "Hyperballad"is special, and should not be missed. As a matter of fact, 'Cover Boy' should not be missed at all. Matt tackled doing a cover album by not going the expected route, and taking on the greatest hits of his favorite artists. The collection is a thoughtful and tuneful journey, one I keep taking again and again. You can purchase 'Cover Boy' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Matt Fishel, visit his official website. You can also follow him on Twitter and 'like' him on Facebook.

World Cup Fever • Football Song

I just couldn't let the coverage of the FIFA World Cup tournament without a nod to one of my favorite soccer songs ever, "Football Song". I first heard it in 2009, when I discovered the music of Matt Fishel, the British singer/songwriter. I instantly loved Matt's music, which displayed charm, humor, and intelligence in abundance. Now five years later, and I still think of this song whenever I see soccer on the TV schedule.

The song is smart and fun, which I find irresistible. Any song which tells the story of a young gay boy's view of any sport certainly has my attention. When it goes on to take a look at what might be going on behind the locker room, and I can't help but smile. And the video has the most charming performance by the darling young man playing a young 'Matt'. And now that World Cup is here, I think of the song often, and have watched the video a few times as well! This is Matt Fishel with "Football Song".

"Football Song" can be found on Matt's 2013 release, 'Not Thinking Straight'. You can purchase the album from iTunes and Amazon. You can also order hard copies, as well as autographed hard copies of the CD from Matt's online store. To learn more about Matt Fishel, visit his official website. You can also follow him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

2013 RightOutTV Music & Video Awards • Most Moving Video & Best Pop.Rock Video

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 claimed the title of Best Pop/RockVideo, Matt Fishel's "When Boy Meets Boy". Now I must admit I am a huge fan of Fishel's music, ever since I first saw the music video for "Football Song", which truly warmed my inner gay-boy heart. In fact, it was named Best Video So Far in the 2012 RightOutTV Music & Video Awards. Earlier this year, Matt released a new album, featuring "When Boy Meets Boy", a sweet and charming story of young love that I just love. And the video is something very special, for it is directed and animated beautifully by Joe Phillips.

"When Boy Meets Boy" can be found on the album 'Not Thinking Straight', which can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. You can also order hard copies, both autographed and not, from Matt's online store. I love the album, and think it is a "must have" in your collection. To learn more about Matt Fishel, visit his official website, 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Next up, we have a very special category,indeed. Six songs and artists were nominated, and any of them could have claimed the top prize. The award for Most Moving Video went to Doug Strahm, for his "Leaving It Behind". The song is a touching and heartfelt song, and the video takes it to a new level. It manages to take a look at the life of a man serving the country in the armed forces, putting his life and love on hold while going overseas. Both the song and video are so well done, it is easy to see why Doug Strahm's "Leaving It Behind" was named Most Moving Video.

"Leaving It Behind" can be found on the album 'Everything Has Changed', which can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and from Doug's online store. To learn more about Doug Strahm, visit the official website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter, and 'like' them on Facebook.

Matt Fishel • Oh, Santa!

Matt Fishel is offering up his tidings of comfort and joy for this holiday season, but in that very Matt kinda way. You see, Matt has released a new single, just in time for Christmas. He takes Mariah Carey's "Oh Santa!" and amps up the Rock 'N' Roll, and adds just a pinch of Punk to give you a fresh take on the song first sung by the diva in 2010. Matt takes over the song, and knows just the right spots to massage and make it perfect! Give a listen to Matt singing "Oh Santa!" and tell me what you think.

I just love it, and can't play it enough! Of course, that is often the case with Matt's music! "Oh Santa" is available for purchase at iTunes and Amazon. For more about Matt Fishel, visit his official website, 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase his latest album, 'Not Thinking Straight', from iTunes and Amazon. You can also order hard copies, both autographed and not, from Matt's online store.

RightOutTV Awards 2013 • Song of the Year & Best Song So Far

Left: Avi Wisnia. Right: Matt Fishel

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."

The first artist to get bragging rights this year is Avi Wisnia, no stranger to winning awards, having won Best Video (DIY) in 2011 for his charming "Rabbit Hole" music video. This year, Avi won Best Song So Far for "Something New" a track off his debut album of the same name. The song gives a literal nod to great songs from the past that have inspired Wisnia, from artists as varied as The Beatles to Sade to Chicago. The following is a video I took of Avi at a show I was pleased enough to attend. This is Avi Wisnia with a very special live performance of "Something New".

To learn more about Avi Wisnia, visit his official website. You can also find him on Twitter and Facebook, and congratulate him on the win. You can purchase 'Something New' from iTunes and Amazon.

Matt Fishel is also no stranger to the judges of the RightOutTV Awards. Last year, he won Best Video So Far for his delightful "Football Song", one of my favorites. He also won Song of the Year for his honest "Behind Closed Doors", off his 'Not Thinking Straight' album. This year, he repeats the latter win, as "Radio-Friendly Pop Song" was named Song of the Year. The song takes a look at the issues an LGBT artist come across in their careers. The rousing Pop tune soars on the chorus, but never steps away from the truth some executives fail to see. This is the official music video for the 2013 Song of the Year, Matt Fishel's "Radio-Friendly Pop Song".

To learn more about Matt Fishel, visit his official website, 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase 'Not Thinking Straight' from iTunes and Amazon. You can also order hard copies, as well as autographed hard copies of the CD from Matt's online store. 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.

Matt Fishel • "When Boy Meets Boy" Music Video

Scenes from the music video for "When Boy Meets Boy" by Matt Fishel.

There must be an animation proclamation that I missed, for this is the second amazing animated video for a new song that I've not only seen, but loved! Now, both have started out with a great base - a brilliant song. That is most certainly the case with Matt Fishel's "When Boy Meets Boy", the latest from Fishel, featured on his album 'Not Thinking Straight'. The song, a cute and saucy look back at young love and the silly things that have charmed us all so, is a perfect starting point for this video. It allows the young members of the LGBT community to see themselves in the characters, for I have often thought the strength needed to come out should qualify for at least a cameo as a comic book hero. So it is even more special to be able to bask in the glow with the boys, so young, fresh, and bold, not letting the outside word interfere with their living and loving as they do.

I can't help it, this song makes me smile when I hear it, and seeing it in video form only makes me love it even more. You can purchase 'Not Thinking Straight' from iTunes and Amazon. You can also order hard copies, as well as autographed hard copies of the CD from Matt's online store. To learn more about Matt Fishel, visit his official website, 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Matt Fishel • Not Thinking Straight

My autographed cover of Matt Fishel's 'Not Thinking Straight'

I have been a big fan of Matt Fishel ever since I first saw the music video for "Football Song", and have collected several singles, an EP, and a wonder album, 'Superfishel Experience', along the way. I love that Matt's music is smart, funny, and still remains honest and very real. And when you pair honesty and smart up so well, it can't help but be kinda sexy, too. Stylistically, Fishel is writing Pop music, but to try to categorize it further might be tough. You can certainly hear influences from timeless Pop to Doo-Wop to Pop with a Rock edge, giving a wonderfully eclectic feeling to his music. And while he tells universal stories of love, loss and life, Matt doesn't shy away from the fact he is a gay man, using that experience to enrich the lyrics.

So when my autographed copy 'Not Thinking Straight' finally arrived, I couldn't wait to put it in a give a listen. I gave a quick glance through the track listing, and saw a few singles I recently purchased, and a few other song titles I recognized. I was still excited to jump into the 13 songs, all teasing me with a title. The first of which is the immensely infectious "Radio-Friendly Pop Song". Matt tells a story about what a young gay might encouter in the music business. But instead of me telling you about it, why not check out the music video for "Radio-Friendly Pop Song"...

The next song is "Testament", a song I purchased as a single last year. The song has a stronger edge, reminding me of some of the great Neo-Punk music that came out of the UK in the 1970s and 1980s, but with a shiny veneer. With the strident guitars coming at a fevered pace, delivering the basic truths about growing up, like not being afraid or of falling in love, even if it is unexpected. There is an inherent sweetness to "Behind Closed Doors", a wonderful Pop song about the hypocrisy we see far too often in the world. Check out this song on this video.

"The First Time" seems rather self-explanatory, you know? We've all had a first time or two, right? For many, they are such amazing memories, a moment marked by some incredible revelations that can lift some of the fear we've all felt. That is followed by "Maybe...", a sweet song that takes a look at our relationships, and wondering "what if..." The sixth track is "Nottingham", which starts off with an ethereal and slightly haunted feel. Once Matt adds his vocals, he tells of friendship, and the things we feel and do when still teens. And, oh, the questions we ask. There is a light and frothy air to the beginning of "Seventeen Again", that soon gives way to some angst-ridden rock in the chorus. Matt looks back at the age when all kids are straining for freedom, and maybe even a little guidance. As the song opens with the sound of a zipper, we know this Doo-wop-inspired tale told in "Armitage Shanks (Jamie)" is more sexual in nature than the brightness of the tune would lead you to think. And knowing the title might refer to a British company that makes bathroom fixtures, you might pick u some commentary about anonymous sex of the young. The next song, "Alastair", tackles a relationship built on more than just sex, even if the singer and Alistair might be trying to figure the terms of the relationship. This is followed by the song I still love, "Football Song". Here is the video, which still manages to warm my heart whenever I watch.

While I admit there is something chilling about the title "Boxer Shorts & Razor Blades", the song itself is not really that scary. It is the Pop take on how to divide up your life when you are breaking up. There is such a sweetness to this song, I find it hard to resist playing again and again. With the opening of "Boys", there is a certain steamy quality, not like sexy, more like something mysterious. The takes a look at forgiveness, especially for relationships that start early on, when we leave ourselves the most vulnerable. As soon as the piano intro kicks in on "When Boy Meets Boy", there is a joyful tone that warms you to the core. For you, "it is a beautiful thing when boy-meets-boy." And speaking of beautiful things, this album is a wonderful journey, touching on aspects of life from teen to adult. The album touches my heart in so many ways, at times making me smile, or give a sigh, or even drop a tear or two. It speaks to our shared histories of love, hurt, and confusion, all part of growing up. Get this album, and listen to early often. You can purchase 'Not Thinking Straight' from iTunes and Amazon. You can also order hard copies, as well as autographed hard copies of the CD from Matt's online store. To learn more about Matt Fishel, visit his official website. You can also follow him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

RightOutTV Awards 2012 • Matt Fishel

Last night I kicked off the series to highlight the wonderfully talented people who won the 2012 RightOutTV Music & Video Awards with two-time winner Matt Zarley. I mentioned there was one other, and am pleased to bring you tonight's featured performer, Matt Fishel. I am proud to say I have been a fan of Matt's wonderful music since I first discovered it online in 2009. I quickly learned the Brit has the ability to create little Pop masterpieces. Like many others, I was introduced to his work by an amazing video. And it just so happens that video was named Best Video So Far. I can't imagine a video that could have me under a spell more that Matt's "Football Song." The song is brilliantly written, and the video just perfectly acted and produced. I hope you can love it as much as I do.

Matt also had a different song in the hotly contested Song of the Year category. Matt released two singles this year, and I thought both were worthy of consideration. I must not have been alone, for not only did "Behind Closed Doors" make it to the finals, it was also named winner. The song is beautifully built  Pop, along with a cleverly disguised message easily gobbled up in the delightful confection. So please enjoy the 2012 Song of the Year, "Behind Closed Doors" by the adorable Matt Fishel.

To learn more about Matt Fishel, visit him on Facebook and Twitter. Along with many others, I hope Matt is putting together a new album soon. In the meanwhile, You can find both winning songs on iTunes. "Football Song"  available on iTunes and Amazon. You  can find "Behind Closed Doors" on iTunes and Amazon as well. And to check out the great assortment of LGBTI music, visit RightOutTV on the official website. You can also visit them on Facebook and on Twitter

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.

Matt Fishel • The First Time

British singer/songwriter Matt Fishel has released a new single, and I don't know if I could love it more. I mean, it is so very sweet, so innocent, and makes me remember my first time, which was a VERY long time ago. The song is The First Time, and it is pretty much what you thought right away - it is about the first time the boy has those very special feelings, of a sexual nature. To another boy. A good-looking one, too.



You can purchase The First time on iTunes and on Amazon. You can find Matt Fishel on Facebook and on Twitter. But you would be most happy if you found him in your iTunes window, playing yon your iPod.



And you know, I still remember the first time I fell for Matt Fishel. I was cruising around YouTube, looking for new music, when I happened upon his first video, for The Football Song. I was blown away, and immediately recognized the song was not only funny, smart and sweet, it was also damn good. Give it a go, and tell me what you think...



See, you now find it irresistible too, don't you? God, I love that video! If you haven't already, you can purchase The Football Song on iTunes and Amazon. I still love it. And I still play it all the time. And it gives me permission to think some very fun thoughts of David Beckham. And Victoria doesn't come into my thoughts at all.

Matt Fishel Shoots & Scores!

I just can't say enough about the love I have for this video by singer/songwriter Matt Fishel. I love every wry smile and rolled eye in the video, and can't watch it enough. So please enjoy The Football Song by Matt Fishel.

Matt Fishel - Football Song

I don't know if I have the words that could adequately describe my love for this song and video. When I ran across it on his MySpace page - yes, I still go on MySpace - I instantly fell in love with it, and with Matt Fishel. When I saw the video, I swear I almost peed my pants. Literally. So I searched around and purchased what I could, including the Coming Out EP, which is a prized possession. I have to say, Matt has made much good music, but in this, he hit perfection. So here is Football Song. It is about to be released as a single, I hope all who can afford it will do so as soon as they can.



To give a listen to more great music from Matt Fishel, visit his MySpace page here.

Favorite New Artists - Erik Hassle, Matt Fishel & Billy Dortch

I thought I might take a look at the favorite new performers I mentioned on this blog this year. These would be the artists who released a debut CD/EP and I just discovered them. In the first post, I covered Mikey Wax, Theo Tams, Syd, Dave Patten, Toby Madigan & Chris Keys while in this one I will choose my favorite video for Erik Hassle, Matt Fishel and Billy Dortch.

Erik Hassle


I discovered Erik Hassle by reading XOLondon's blog, XO's Middle Eight. Hassle is a pop singer hailing from the epicenter of modern pop music, Sweden. His striking looks and brilliant red hair has a surprising voice; bold, strong and emotion-packed. Hurtful is a great song, and a record produced perfectly.



Matt Fishel


London-based singer/songwriter Matt Fishel was another one I stumbled across and am oh-so-grateful I did. When I first saw the Football Song, I knew it was over for me. The song is funny, ironic, and oozing with charm. It is well cast, with beautiful football lads, and an adorable gay teen. I was hooked, and had to buy the Coming Out EP, as well as the Superfishel Experience collection. I am so glad I did. You can find out more about this out performer here. And here is the Football Song.



Billy Dortch


As you can tell from the picture, Billy Dortch is not just a talented singer/songwriter, he is also a gorgeous model and openly gay. I had seen his video on a LOGO, and looked him up. He seems to be putting together music for a full-release, but until then, Breathe will have to do. You can find out more about Billy on his MySpace page here.

New Video - Matt Fishel - Football Song

Finding Matt Fishel and the Football Song seemed almost random, yet I am very grateful. Somewhere along the way, I followed Matt Fishel on Twitter, and this past weekend I saw a Tweet with a link, and I clicked on it. I don't really remember how that happened, but it did. And I have to say Matt is very cute [see above]! There was this video.



Well, I watched it a couple of times, smiling and enjoying the heck out of it. The production values are pretty good for an indie venture, so I was impressed. But ultimately, it is the song itself that impressed me, for it is smart, clever and funny. I couldn't resist, and went to Fishel's MySpace page to find out a bit more, and found a link to buy some songs. I, of course, clicked on it, signed up for an account, and bought both albums by the London-based singer.




So far, I've listened to a couple of the songs and like them muchly. But once I have had a better chance to pay attention, I will let you know about them. Until then, you can find out more about Matt on his MySpace page here. His music is available at All4ArtistsDotCom. You can purchase Fishel's music here.