PT Music Watch 1st Edition

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WHAT IS Music is essential to many of our lives. We listen to it when waking up, while in transit, at work, and with our friends. For many, music is like a constant companion. It can bring us joy and motivate us, accompany us through difficult times, and alleviate our worries. Music is much more than mere entertainment. It has been a feature of every known human society—anthropologists and sociologists have yet to find a single culture throughout the course of human history that has not had music. In fact, many evolutionary psychologists today make the argument that music predated language. Primitive tribes and religious practices have used music to reach enlightened states for thousands of years, and Pythagoras used music to heal different psychological and physical ailments. Currently, cutting-edge scientific research has shown the effect that music has on the brain, the individual, and society. Not only does music reach us on intellectual, social, and

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emotional levels, but many describe it as spiritual or mystical. The use of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic devices in music can induce a psychological state in both the musicians and the listener that is beyond words to describe. Music can bring us back to ourselves, be our mirror, and show us a side of us we may have long forgotten or never knew existed. Even though we are constantly exposed to music in our daily lives, we rarely stop to actually think about what it is. After all, what exactly is music? Fundamentally, music is a combination of sounds, and sound is vibration. One of the most succinct definitions of music comes from the Italian composer Ferruccio Busoni, who said that, “Music is sonorous air.” It’s extraordinary to think that a simple vibration unseen by the human eye can facilitate a deeply rich emotional experience, alter perception and consciousness, and induce ecstatic states of being.

David M. Greenberg Ph.D. “The Power of Music” https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-music/201608/what-is-music-exactly

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Music is an art form and cultural activity whose medium is sound organized in time. General definitions of music include common elements such as pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics (loudness and softness), and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture (which are sometimes termed the “color” of a musical sound). Different styles or types of music may emphasize, deemphasize or omit some of these elements. Music is performed with a vast range of instruments and vocal techniques ranging from singing to rapping; there are solely instrumental pieces, solely vocal pieces (such as songs without instrumental accompaniment) and pieces that combine singing and instruments. The word derives from Greek μουσική (mousike; “art of the Muses”). In its most general form, the activities describing music as an art form or cultural activity include the creation of works of music (songs, tunes, symphonies, and so on), the criticism of music, the study of the history of music, and the aesthetic examination of


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“All audible musical sound is given us for the sake of harmony, which has motions akin to the orbits in our soul, and which, as anyone who makes intelligent use of the arts knows, is not to be used, as is commonly thought, to give irrational pleasure, but as a heaven-sent ally in reducing to order and harmony any disharmony in the revolutions within us.” -Plato

music. Ancient Greek and Indian philosophers defined music as tones ordered horizontally as melodies and vertically as harmonies. Common sayings such as “the harmony of the spheres” and “it is music to my ears” point to the notion that music is often ordered and pleasant to listen to. However, 20th-century composer John Cage thought that any sound can be music, saying, for example, “There is no noise, only sound.”

What is Music?

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music

Why Do We Sing?

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Music is Universal... In these pages you will meet a few talented artists, each with a different sound...music. Each artist will share a little about themselves and lend their voice to the sound that can touch your emotions in different ways.

PT Music Watch Interviews by Dickon A. Bachs

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Joaquina Mertz When did you first realize you wanted to do music? I am one of those lucky people that always knew I wanted to do music, no matter what it took still to this day, no matter what it takes. I remember being 18 and having to decide what to do for college, where to go (most people in Mexico go to college here), so thats what I did as well. Until one day, after being enrolled in a music program in Mexico City I realized that I needed to move, and I needed to learn from the best, so I applied to Berklee College of Music and moved to Boston in January of 2014. Do you remember the catalyst behind the decision? It honestly came from a place of a lot of passion and a lot of respect for the art, I knew I needed to be challenged and I needed to feel like what I wanted to do mattered. I needed to grow, and experience more growing pains.

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Your voice, your lyrics have that unique ability to touch the soul, where do you draw your inspiration from.

Can you describe your family and your upbringing?

I come from a family of artists and lovers of art. I grew up in That is a very sweet sentiment, the heart of Mexico City in a thank you! house that reeked of history, it was built when the Spanish I just want to sing my truth and came to Mexico. My grandfather be transparent. My favorite from my mothers side was a film musicians and artists come from producer in the golden age of a place of seeking truth and film in Mexico - my grandmother dismantling shame, I want to do was a philosophy professor, and that. I want to hop on a stage my grandmother on my fathers and not be ashamed of who I side was a painter; so as you am, what I look like, who I like, can imagine I have always been what type of music I make, and surrounded by creatives and what I have to say about my avid thinkers. I am very lucky. own experience. I was also a little different from I also like to believe that other kids, and was heavily the connection comes from bullied for more than a couple of being able to transform pain years. into something beautiful and relatable. Through your songs and persona, it’s clear you are very Where did you grow up? confident and sure of who you are as a person and performer. I grew up in Mexico City, and Where do you draw your moved to Boston at the age strength from? of 20 where I did most of my “growing up� as well. From being bullied.

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Growing up I was told constantly that girls like me weren’t lovable, desirable... I was told that I needed to make myself as small as I could so that men could feel comfortable around me, and not be threatened by who I really am. It took a lot of time, a lot of inner strength (that I truly have no idea where it came from), and a lot of hard conversations with myself. It was hard unlearning something that was so deeply rooted in me, it took me years to feel the way I do now. And for that I have to thank myself and the wonderful friends I’ve made along the way that feel the same way I do about their art and their bodies. In a world of Lady Gagas, Troye Sivians, Robyns, and Adam Lamberts - what sets you apart? I come from a different world, despite my upbringing and my struggles, I come from a third world country. I have a completely different story to tell. I am a Latinx artist who’s first language is Spanish, and I make music in english.

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I’m here to represent a part of Latin America that hasn’t yet been explored. I’m here to tell stories about a queer Latinx big girl, and hopefully someone will identify with me. As an artist, what kind of songs do you like to write best? I love writing love songs, they come naturally when it’s something you seek as much as I do. I’m good at loving, especially my friends. However it’s been so much fun writing about being sexually empowered and getting rid of the stigma that 1. women don’t enjoy sex and 2. that bigger girls don’t have sex. Do you consider yourself a role model? I want to be a role model to my sister, she’s the person that matters the most to me. If I’ve managed to make her feel different about something that brought her shame, I’m happy.

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What, if any assumptions did you have about yourself or others have about you when you started? That a Mexican girl can’t sing in English. That a big girl can’t be sexy. That the genre of music I want to make can’t be made. What drives you and, in turn, what hinders you? Honestly live performances drive me, I want to get to know people while on stage and I want people to know me when I’m on stage. Wanting to talk about the state of the world, and how we can all connect through music - no matter your beliefs, that moves me. Failure scares me, not being able to sing my music and be able to say what really matters scares me. And I think that success scares me as well. Any strange or surreal encounters in the business so far?


I have met truly beautiful and talented people who do this for the sake of the art. If you could record with (or write a song for) any artist in the industry, who would it be - and why? Gaga. She’s a queen, she’s a true artist, everything about her is unreal, her knowledge of the arts, her approach to music, her message, her love for other

people. I admire her, I admire her career, I admire her humility. Also Prince, he taught me to be myself. What is like for you on stage? What goes through your mind as you’re performing? On stage I am more myself than I ever am, I try to bring you into my world. I want you to forget about the every day things that

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bother you, when you see me perform I want you to forget and live in the moment. Most of the time I’m thinking about why I wrote that song, or why I’m covering a song. What is next for you? I want to go on tour, write more songs, record them and put them out!

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ZEE MACHINE As an artist, what statement do you want to make with your music? That queer people make some of the best music in the world. So I’ve decided to make my truth something anyone could bop to. What (and who) inspires you? Pop artists and producers and writers who take risks. Off the top of my head, Christine and the Queens, The 1975, Teddy Geiger, MNEK… What is your songwriting process like? I don’t think it ever works the same way twice. I’ll throw together a song in a day or I’ll agonize over it for a month. Sometimes I’ll get fed up very quickly and sometimes I’ll hold out faith on a stubborn idea for way longer than I should. A lot of the time a melody or a vibe for a track will come to me out of no where and I’ll try

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my best to record and capture it as quickly but naturally as possible. Whether it’s laying down the demo or mumbling into my phones voice memo app. Inspiration rarely strikes me when I’m ready. Where is the strangest place inspiration has hit you, and what did you do? The hook for my favorite song I’ve ever written came to me in the express checkout line at Whole Foods. I didn’t have an iPhone at the time so I had to record a video of me humming the melody in front of people who were just trying to get their gluten free bread. As an artist, what is your proudest accomplishment? No holds barred, probably the fact that within two years I went from being a meth addict on the verge of homelessness to having a stable job, health insurance, a credit score of 800, and an EP debuting at

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#25 on the iTunes pop charts. Do you feel like there are any advantages to being out in the industry? Do you feel like there are any disadvantages? Advantages? Absolutely. Queer people are cooler. That’s a huge advantage. Disadvantages? You’ll probably make a lot of people uncomfortable. Which is their problem. So maybe that’s an advantage. In a world of Lady Gagas, Troye Sivians, Robyns, and Adam Lamberts - what sets you apart? I feel like I’m writing about things in queer/gay culture through pop music in a way that most other music artists of a similar style are not. I think I’m pretty good at taking some dark, heavy, or twisted subject matter and presenting them in a way anyone could get down with. As an artist, what kind of songs



do you like to write best? I know I could write upper-mid tempo electro-rock-pop bangers til the cows fuckin’ come home. But whatever the mood or vibe calls for, I’ve found that I have usually got the range. Do you consider yourself a role model? Depends on what kind of role model? In the ways I conduct myself on a daily basis as a human, god no absolutely do not fucking try this at home. But I think when it comes to unabashedly being yourself and completely turning your life around... then I suppose you could do a lot worse than following my example. What is next for you? I’ve been wrapping up a lot of the work that has gone into my EP dropping last spring. I had two singles, two music videos, a sold out EP release show in San Francisco, and a move to Los Angeles. I cannot confirm any exact dates but I have new music on hand that I’m so so so fucking excited about. They’re the most sonically exciting and creative and adventurous things I’ve ever made. Not to hype myself up too much. But screw it, someone’s gotta do it. Stay tuned for the beginning of 2019.

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What, if any assumptions did you have about yourself or others have about you, when you started? I almost always assume that I’m going to fail, completely fall flat on my face, r expose myself as a fraud with everything I undertake. There’s that voice in my head that tells me I’m ridiculous for taking myself so seriously as though I could ACTUALLY achieve anything or create anything good. Any time I do anything I have to push through that barrier because once I’m 10 minutes into a session, or video shoot, or gig, I realize that I’m the shit and that I’ve got this. As a producer, can you tell me about some of the challenges when writing songs for (or working with) other artist. In turn, can you tell me about some of success you’ve experienced with it? I think every session I’ve been a part of has had challenges and successes. There’s always a point where I completely doubt my ability in everything I’ve set forth to do in my life, and a moment where I think I’m an undiscovered musical genius. Any strange or surreal encounters in the business so far?

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Meeting Adam Lambert. If you could record with (or write a song for) any artist in the industry, who would it be - and why? Nick Jonas. I think my writing style fits his voice and the musical direction he’s been going lately. I love everything he’s been doing since he dropped “Jealous”. What is it like for you on stage. What goes through your mind as you’re performing? You know….. I’d love to tell you but I have a hard time remembering. I sort of black out and become the extrovert I wish I was in day to day life. Do you still get stage fright? I get intense performance anxiety for the 24 hours leading up to the show. Once it starts, I’m good. What’s the strangest thing a fan has said (or given) you? Probably chlamydia. What is your favorite song to perform, and why? Of my own music? Probably the acoustic version of “Dangerous”. The studio version is this electropop banger but I


do a version where I play cajon with a soft electric piano and it gives it such a different kind of vibe but it works surprisingly well.

I ran out of options. It was either get clean or lose everything. The gift of desperation pulled me from the edge of something dangerous.

You’ve said that your EP almost didn’t happen because of drug abuse. What was that time like for you?

Can you tell me about the moment when you realized that everything had to change?

Basically I spent most of 2015 doing an insane amount of meth in my bedroom to try and cure my depression, and fantasizing about being a pop star. Looking back, I never made a single worthwhile creative decision when I was high. As soon as I got sober, I wrote and recorded the whole EP in just a few months. How did you pull yourself out of your addictions?

I was standing in Union Square in New York City on the phone with my harm reduction counsellor telling me I needed to go into treatment and I knew in my heart that I owed it to myself to do this and save myself, my life, my talent, and my music. Have you written anything about the addictions? Oh yes. Pretty much the entire

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EP stems from themes that came from addictive behaviors Be it drugs or other vices. What song on the EP means the most to you? Running On Empty. I wrote it two years before the rest of the songs on the record and I feel as though there isn’t a note, a word, or a feeling out of place on that. It’s raw as hell and I’m so proud of it. What is your most favorite lyric you’ve written and why? “Hold me down til I’m havin’ your baby”. Because it’s vague as hell but you know exactly how filthy it is and there’s no logical reason anyone could censor it.

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Lucy and La Mer As an artist, what statement do you want to make with your music? I want listeners to know they aren’t alone. We all have moments of loneliness, some more extreme than others. I think if there’s any statement I want to make it’s that you are loved. I like using bright colors, positive energy and upbeat songwriting because that’s when I feel warmer and less alone. I try to talk about the heavy issues we face in a light aesthetic to spread some cheer in the world. What (and who) inspires you? I receive a lot of messages from young queer kids who are still in middle school. I’m always inspired by how kind, strong, and brave they are. I read every DM and every comment. It’s incredibly inspiring to connect with people who hear you through your art and share more about themselves in return.

What is your songwriting process like? Cry cry cry, get over it, write a song, repeat Where is the strangest place inspiration has hit you, and what did you do? I was shark cage diving in South Africa once and I had a very sudden urge to write down lyrics. I unfortunately didn’t have any way to write and couldn’t recall what the words were once I surfaced. I’m sure it was something about being scared :) As an artist, what is your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment was seeing my music video “Rebel Babe” on Billboard. com. I created the video as a reflection of my experience with binary thinking and used it to express my own rebellion from stereotypes. I’m so glad it resonated with so many people.

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Do you feel like there are any advantages to being out in the industry? Do you feel like there are any disadvantages? I feel like it’s super scary to be out anywhere in the world (but also totally magical and empowering, of course). Some advantages to being out in the industry: everyone knows you’re bi already, you find likeminded friends a lot faster, you talk with amazing LGBT+ publications (like this one), you get to be a part of a community that goes beyond the music. Disadvantages: I could technically be arrested in some of the countries I’ve performed in, constant sexual harassment, being called a “trend” as if my sexuality and art are phases. In a world of Lady Gagas, Troye Sivians, Robyns, and Adam Lamberts - what sets you apart? When you think of LGBT+ singers, it’s usually pop divas and Top 40 dance tracks. I’m like the awkward indie introvert

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who also likes pop music. Like when you’re getting dressed for the gay club or you’re on the drive to brunch, that’s when my music is on. Do you consider yourself a role model? I definitely did not before I came out. I’ve always had young fans but didn’t really think my music had a major influence over their lifestyles. But just this year I’ve seen a lot more online commentary about bisexual visibility and there’s been great feedback about how my being out has helped other individuals feel more visible. What is next for you? I’m just finishing a 5 week tour in Europe/UK, so I’m heading back to LA to get ready for the next release. My next EP is entitled “I Feel Better Now” and I can’t wait to share it. What if any assumptions did you have about yourself (or others have about you), when you started? I’ve always been quiet. Not shy - but quiet. I think a lot of people are surprised by the things I say at shows and how much I

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share about myself. I definitely didn’t think I’d have the courage to play in front of hundreds of people, but our audiences are always the sweetest and super fun. And as they grow I think I grow with them. What drives you and, in turn, what hinders you? I’m constantly thinking of the next thing. I’ve never reached a point where I’m like “yeah! goal met all done I can chill now”. There’s always something I’m reaching for. Which can also hinder me, because I don’t spend a lot of time looking back and just reflecting. I struggle to stay in the moment sometimes. Any strange or surreal encounters in the business so far? Playing the Rose Bowl stadium in Los Angeles was extremely surreal. It’s where I saw my first concert. My mom let me ditch elementary school to see P!nk play there and it felt like a dream to perform on the same field. Anything else you’d like us to know? I’m on a flight home from my

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show in Dublin right now and they have LOVE, SIMON on the movie list which I still hadn’t seen, and I’ve watched it 3 times. Like the flight attendant is making fun of me for crying each time but also totally gets it. Also, more importantly thank you for what you do, ProudTimes! All my love! - Lucy


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SNG As an artist, what statement do you want to make with your music? On one hand, my songs talk about being young, reckless, and being a mess. On the other, I talk about matters of the heart. I think my general message is self love and allowing yourself to be honest with your reflection and accept the beautiful flaws. What (and who) inspires you? People and things that are different and have a unique voice. What is your songwriting process like? Alien gibberish, haha. It’s a process I call “organic flow,” where I find a piano, guitar, or synth melody that inspires me, press record, and sing whatever the hell comes to mind. It’s like word vomit… or melodic vomit!

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Do you feel like there are any advantages to being out in the industry? Do you feel like there are any disadvantages? Definitely. For disadvantages, I feel people automatically assume I will be doing “gay” music like it’s a bad thing. They automatically assume I will be on stage doing death-drops and sashaying across the room. I mean, I would LIIIVE for that but I can barely do a split! To tag along that, it’s also an advantage because the audience has no clue what to expect. I have more opportunity for the element of surprise. In a world of Lady Gagas, Troye Sivians, Robyns, and Adam Lamberts - what sets you apart? My perspective as an LGBTQ Asian American doing pop music. There’s not too many of us out there and I cannot wait to share my stories through my music.

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As an artist, what kind of songs do you like to write best? I honestly write all the time! The genres and topics are vastly different from one another. For me it’s not a type of song but more a feeling when I’m writing. I resonate with melodies. As long as it’s melodic and fun to sing, I like writing that kind of song. Do you consider yourself a role model? HELL NO! Haha, at least not in the typical sense. I’ve made so many mistakes in my life and I don’t think children should ever look up to that. But if I ever inspire someone to chase what makes them happy, treat others with kindness, and live their authentic lives, then hell yes! Consider me a role model.



What is next for you? I’m working on an EP and I’m very excited about it! Details are on the DL for now. What if any assumptions did you have about yourself (or others have about you), when you started? People always assume I do K-pop. I do not. As a producer, can you tell me about some of the challenges when writing songs for (or working with) other artists. In turn, can you tell me about some of success you’ve experienced with it? Writer’s block. It’s the fucking worst! If you could record with (or write a song for) any artist in the industry, who would it be - and why? Easy. Rihanna! She’s queen. Everything she touches turns to gold! I love her energy, voice, and what she brings to pop music.

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What is it like for you on stage. What goes through your mind as you’re performing? “Omg, are they having fun? Fuck! What’s that lyric? Ugh! I can’t hear anything! What was that dance move? Just have fun girl!” Do you still get stage fright? Always. I don’t think that will go away, but it’s a good adrenaline! What is your favorite song to perform, and why? I have a song called “Look At Me” that is my favorite song to perform! It’s a song about being a mess and the melodies have a good rhythm that’s exciting to sing and dance to on stage. What was it like filming “The Beast?” It was fun, stressful, and absolutely amazing! We were limited on time and it was my first time working with a new cinematographer so it was a learning curve. My cast and crew was such a huge help

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to take the stress off. Halfway through, my friend went and got vodka so that really helped take the edge off! Haha! Did you choreograph the video yourself? It was all improvisation. I made all of it up on the spot. What you’re seeing is the result of being a broke indie artist on a budget. What’s your next music video? As of now, the next music video is for my song called “Look At Me”. It’s going to be full of life and I cannot wait! It’s a huge project so it won’t happen for a while. Currently taking applications for sugar daddies to fund the project! Any takers? HAHAHA! Anything else you’d like us to know? Follow me on Instagram! @musicbysng


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Kenyth Mogan What was it like growing up in Montana as a gay man? You know a lot of people have asked me that, and I think a lot of them think I’m going to come up with this horror story : Little Homo on the Prairie: A tale of terror, but it wasn’t. The town I grew up in might have been small, but the minds of the people who lived there were not. Though officially, I came out at fifteen, the truth is, I never really hid who I was. Anyone who knew me wasn’t surprised.

I mean, I wore Jem and the Holograms shirts to school and was obsessed with Rainbow Brite. What was your coming out process like? I was afraid to tell my parents. I wrote each of them a letter and honestly was prepared to be kicked out. I’ve always had a flare for the over dramatic, so I packed my car, made arrangements to move, I even had the paperwork ready to change schools Incase I needed. My father was upset, but not at me at himself, because I felt like I couldn’t tell him to his face. He was fiercely protective, but proud that I was strong enough to be who I was. It took my mother a little longer to come around, but even though she didn’t quite understand it, she always made sure that I knew I was

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loved. My grandmother, was my biggest supporter. From day one she made sure I knew that I was exactly who I was supposed to be and she loved me for it - she was my champion. But again, I was obsessed with Rainbow Brite - I was hard pressed to find people that, if they thought about it, were really surprised. How did you get into music? I started writing songs super early on. I grew up on music. Queen and Meatloaf albums were in constant rotation at my house, as was Madonna, Air Supply, and Tiffany. I also remember being obsessed with the cartoon Jem and the Holograms because, not only was she a strong independent woman, she was also a fierce and fabulous rockstar. Jem was a huge inspiration to me as a kid, and to this day, hearing Tiffany’s I Think We’re Alone

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now makes my parents violently ill. What was it like releasing you first EP FALL APART? Fall Apart was a bit of a fluke actually. I was introduced to this producer (Tony Rodini) though a friend and we recorded a song (a cover of Belinda Carlisle’s Leave a Light on For Me) just to see how it went. One song lead to another, and another, and another until I had basically an album’s worth of material. So I picked the best of those songs and released the EP. I didn’t really think anything was going to happen with it, but I ended up getting some pretty great reviews. The worst review was someone comparing me to a Disney kid / the Backstreet Boys. Well jokes on them, because I love Disney and Nick Carter is a dreamboat. Your debut music video UNLOCK YOUR HEART gave you a taste of viral success, was that a surprise for you? I feel like I should say no, that I always knew I had something special, but while everyone involved poured their heart

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and soul into it, I don’t think any of us were prepared for the amount of viewership it got. What’s so astounding is that every single one of them was organic, spread by word of mouth as I didn’t not have any kind of press campaign for the video. It was totally unexpected and truly outrageous. Since Unlock Your Heart, you’ve released a handful of songs, including REAL ME which can be heard in Del Shore’s film A VERY SORDID WEDDING how did that come about? Sordid Lives was the very first LGBT themed movie I’d ever seen and I loved it, because, to be honest, I grew up with those characters. So, I reached out to Del, gushed and gushed about how much I loved the film. When I started doing music, he would retweet or post about the videos, and so when it came time for the new Sordid film, he was kind enough to let me contribute a song. Being able to say I was a part of the project is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. After REAL ME you kind of took

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a break from music. Why the sabbatical? Just a few days after the release of Real Me,I lost my grandmother (my champion) and really found myself in a state of flux. I had to rethink and reorganize who I was as a person and then, once I figured that out, who I wanted to be as an artist. I started writing with one of my best friends, and also reaching out to other artist and writers I knew as well about songs and collaborations. Once I started to get back to music I emerged myself in it. My grandmother was a HUGE supporter of my music and she would’ve came back from the grave to smack me across the face if I didn’t return to it. What was it like to get back into the studio? The first time I went back into the studio after Grams died was to record a song called Pegasus. It was a little weird as I would always send her the demos for her thoughts and opinions, and going into it, I knew she wouldn’t get to hear this one. But, when I was walking to the studio with my


friend (who wrote the song) we saw a shooting star. Like blaze across the sky and explode right overhead. Also, memories with Grams popped up on my facebook newsfeed. I totally think it was her, letting me know she was with me and would be with me, forever. With the release of your new song HOLY WATER, your career took a step in a more mature direction. Why the change? I wanted to try something different, at least once. A lot of my songs are catchy and fun, but not necessarily deep. Holy Water is as it’s a song about addiction. It’s a song I think a lot of people can relate to, especially in the LGBT community. If you don’t know someone struggling with addiction than you know someone who does.

album The Color of Silence. I was lucky enough to hear her demo of the song a few years ago and I felt in love with it. Having a loved one struggling with addiction myself, I could relate. So, when I started looking at songs for the album, I reached out. I couldn’t be more excited (and thankful) that I was allowed to record it. What kind of promotion do you have planned for the single? I released a special acoustic version of the song (The Basement Acoustic) in December as a teaser, featuring an acoustic guitar by the artist Zee Machine - which was incredible. I love him, and I LOVE what he did with the song. The full version of the track drops on February 1st.

The track features some pretty amazing musicians as well including BlckBox and BUTTA who’s played with everyone and has even been nominated for a Grammy. I’m very excited, very proud, and very blessed with this particular song. What’s next? I had this whole album planned, songs were ready to go and I’d even finished a video for Holy Water - then I got in contact with a big company about an approval to use a major popculture property that kind of turned everything on its head (in a good way). I couldn’t be more excited. It’s going to (slightly) delay a few releases, but only because they’re going to be even better than originally planned. It’s perfect. I can’t wait!

How did you connect with the songwriters Tim Feehan and pop music icon Tiffany? Well, honestly - I’ve been a huge fan of Tiffany’s since I was a kid and I loved the songs she wrote with Tim Feehan for her

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Tito Herrera As an artist, what statement do you want to make with your music? I think as an artist, my music has to stand for having fun! I consider myself a really hard worker and music for me is an outlet for to express emotions that can’t be expressed any other way. It’s a release of so much tension that’s built up in our daily lives because of work, school, work, work. Oh, did I mention work? What (and who) inspires you? My friends and family inspire me. Sometimes friends come to me with their relationship problems and I’m inspired by that. I think heartbreak is such a powerful tool to write music. It’s a form of therapy for the broken hearted. I mean, who hasn’t gone through a tough breakup? I have definitely have and I’ve needed to be consoled by friends and family in the past.

What is your songwriting process like? When it comes to songwriting I like to first go to my favorite coffee shop, buy a vanilla latté (quad shot kinda guy if you have to know) go home, sit at the piano, and write my thoughts down. Go through my messages and look at my conversations. See what kind of mood I’m in. And after that, I usually have a clear idea about what I want to sing about. Where is the strangest place inspiration has hit you, and what did you do? The strangest place inspiration has hit me was probably the SFO airport when I was buying my coffee before flying back to LA. I got my laptop out and brought out my computer piano and recorded a small chorus. I was inspired by the different people, their stories, outfits, families, where they were

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headed. That no matter where they were headed, everyone had a different story to tell. As an artist, what is your proudest accomplishment? I think moving out by myself to Los Angeles was my biggest accomplishment. It feels great knowing that this is a journey that I decided to embark on by myself. Do you feel like there are any advantages to being out in the industry? Do you feel like there are any disadvantages? Hmmm well there’s always advantages and disadvantages. I think that being the industry, you make so many connections and you get to meet so many different people. On the other hand, everyone knows each other, so word gets around easy. So you always have to be careful of what you say.

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In a world of Lady Gagas, Troye Sivians, Robyns, and Adam Lamberts - what sets you apart? Well, I’m a vocalist and musician first. I think what sets me apart is that I like to combine my classical world with my violin to the pop world with my voice. It’s very rare you’ll see me on stage without an instrument. Do you consider yourself a role model? I’ve done modeling gigs in the past. But a role model? I think it depends on hat you view it as. I come from a place of thinking “it’s not my business what someone else thinks of me.” If that makes any sense.... What is next for you? Well right now I’m competing in a singing competition Called “Off the Strip” where twenty of LA’s best singers compete for $10,000. Whether I win or lose, I think that I want to focus more on building a brand and

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showcasing my talents more on social media. What if any assumptions did you have about yourself (or others have about you), when you started? I think since I’m very outgoing on stage, people assume that I’m a loud person and very social. To be honest, I find it hard to talk to complete strangers and I tend to keep to myself. I think living in LA by myself for three years has taught me to not really trust anyone. It sucks, but I do have a few friends who understand me. What drives you and, in turn, what hinders you? I think knowing that I have a family that I want to give a better life drives me. They’re not poor or anything, but knowing that I could do so much for them drives me to pursue music more. It pushes me to try harder, especially in this singing competition that I’m in! I don’t

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think anything really hinders me, but I think my lack of trusting people in this business has prevented me from some really cool opportunities in the past. But that what life is all about no? Any strange or surreal encounters in the business so far? I think when I was a playing violin at a club in downtown LA, someone took my shirt off while I was on stage... but I got a few more gigs after that, that’s for sure!! But nothing too out of the originará! Anything else you’d like us to know? Well, you can follow me on my social media, literally Type in “Tito Herrera Music” on Instagram or Facebook and you’ll find me! But most importantly, I want everyone (including you) to stay strong and beautiful.


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Glass Battles Glass Battles is the type of artist most performers strive to be like. His sound is catchy, his lyrics are deep, and to see him on stage is to witness something truly remarkable. His music is a transcending experience, reaching into your soul and touching parts of you never knew. A master of his craft, he is definitely an artist to watch. Where did you come up with the name Glass Battles? It’s actually inspired by a quote from Stephen King’s ‘The Green Mile’: “I’m tired of people being ugly to each other. I’m tired of all the pain I feel and hear in the world every day. There’s too much of it. It’s like pieces of glass in my head, all the time. Can you understand?” — it’s

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something I read years ago and stuck with me. Out of all of your songs, what is your most personal and why? I’d say out of things I’ve released so far, ‘Let’s Head Back, It’s Getting Dark’ would probably be the most directly personal. It was written during a particularly fragile time in my life, and it’s about coming to terms with things coming to an end. It’s also about making peace with those things and being grateful through the pain. Although, everything from the album is extremely personal, just presented in different sonic mediums. Originally starting as a band, now a solo act, what have been some of the advantages and

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disadvantages of the change? I think the disadvantage is that you don’t have that immediate feeling of camaraderie and support from sharing the experience with four other people. But I’ve been so blessed to have worked with those amazing artists and people, and the majority of them are still like family to me. The advantage is that I had to really zero-in on where I draw my confidence from, and not relying on that security blanket in the process. It taught me a lot about collaboration, as well as sticking to my guns with the choices I make. What has been your most memorable experience so far? That’s tough. It’s probably going to SXSW the first couple of



times. Austin is magical that time of year, and the festival has always been good to me and for me, being able to share with so many people that all come together because they all love music. Or releasing ‘All Hearts’ which was my first single ever. That is always going to be inherently precious to me. You’re being labeled as one of the leaders of the Spook Pop genre. What is that like? Hahaha, well I believe I am the one labeling myself as that, as I have coined the genre on my own behalf. So as a choice steeped in narcissism, it feels great. Why that genre specifically? I’ve always been a giant fan of pop music, and that creative category of the industry. I also have a huge love for alternative music, and a fixation for the darker side of things thematically. I’m obsessed with ghost stories, aliens, and anything related to folklore and mythology. That’s why I came up with ‘spook pop’. It’s like pop

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music but from the woods on the outskirts of the big city. As a songwriter and producer for other artists as well, what has been some of your favorite experiences? I think one of my favorite things has been being able to collaborate with my good friend Kaleena Zanders. She brought me into a whole different community of writers, and I have known her for years outside of creative work so it was a natural feeling thing. She’s also one of the few people I know that truly gets me down to my soul. And her talent is so inspiring and pleasantly envy-inducing. She’s a powerhouse. All in all though, writing with other artists is such an incredible experience. Seeing where someone comes from creatively and being able to move things into the focus of their perspective still gives me chills.

down what ‘my sound’ is so things have always come pretty easily. And I’m very good at not saying ‘no’ to myself. That’s exactly why I love writing for other artists though because it’s a challenge. Gets me out of my comfort zone and then I learn more about my limitations and capabilities. What is the aesthetic of Glass Battles?

Do you find it easier to write songs for yourself or for other artists?

The aesthetic of Glass Battles... will always be changing. I like to tell a visual story with the music I’m making, and have always been in love with the ‘album cycle’ that has a definitive look and sound together. I think visuals are often underappreciated or under-utilized and they tell an entirely different story in tandem with the music. So I think it’s so important, and it’s honestly fun and keeps things interesting. For this particular album, ‘GLITCHCRAFT’, it’s leaning a lot towards a garden of Eden motif and playing a lot with visuals that nod to the occult.

Myself. I’ve never really struggled with trying to nail

What can we expect from GLITCHCRAFT?

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Sonically, it’s half a very lush, heavily layered and orchestrated album, and the other half is extremely cold and electronic. I wanted to merge both of those things together because that kind of duality has always interested me. Dark and light. Warm and cold. It’s also partly a very emotional album as well and partly detached

on certain tracks. There are some cinematic elements, but at the end of the day, the album fucking slaps. And at the very least, I hope that’s what people will take away from it. Something that transports you somewhere else for a short period of time. And one that makes you feel powerful and sexy. As far as everything else

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tied to the album, there are some pretty significant things that will be happening that you will just have to wait for.

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Brendan Velasquez It’s been 10 years since Living Out Loud. How have you and your music changed in that time? I would say that my music hasn’t changed too much. As an artist and a human I am always growing and evolving no matter what. I have been though a lot in my life and would like to be a little more personal in my songs. My mission in my music and life is to bring fun and lightness to heavy things. I think now, I just care less about what the mainstream music landscape looks like and have stopped comparing myself to other artists for validation. It’s very freeing. Anxious spent several weeks on the top of the New Now Next Video charts. What was that

like? Do you remember what it was like to realize you’d gone to number one? It was always a dream of mine to be on TRL. I guess when my video hit number one on NEW NOW NEXT it was like “Wow I finally made something happen.” I was just so greatful for the experience of shooting the video and having a killer single to promote, so it was really self actualizing to know that other people felt it the way I did about it. You just released a project under Brenshii. Why the change? How does it compare in style and sound to your older music? I decided to use release music under Brenshii at the end of

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the year because it’s what my close friends have called me for years. It’s also my Instagram handle so it just kind of ties everything together. Brenshii is kind of who I’ve evolved into over the years as a person and artist, and I wanted to put that out there into the world. What was it like filming the music videos for Living Out Loud? Do you have a favorite moment or memory from the shoots? Making music videos is my absolute favorite part of this industry. Tying the audio to a visual is literally what I LIVE FOR! I would have to say my favorite moment from the “Anxious” video shoot was when we were filming at PLAY in Nashville. I wasnt even 21

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yet, so we had to film when it was closed during the day and make it look like there was a party going on. I remember thinking this is exactly what i want to do with my life, and that moment was very humbling. I remember looking up at one of the lights and thanking God for helping me to make my dreams come true. Sidebar: I actually didn’t end up going to PLAY (Nashville) again until my 30th birthday, when I sang an original Christmas song I wrote in drag! Quite The mind fuck;) What do you feel is your biggest career achievement? Being independent and finally getting the chance to move to Nashville was one of the biggest achievements in my life. Do you have any career regrets? My only careeer regret is that I didn’t push harder to get signed to a major label when I was younger, but I believe God always puts you exactly where you’re supposed to be, and my freedom is priceless. What has been the most interesting thing to happen to you so far?

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Waiting on Adele before she was really famous was the coolest experience. I smoked one of her Marlboro lights with her at a small Italian restaurant I was working at in Maryland. This was right as she was making her way up to New York when she did her 2008 SNL performance that made her blow up. She also wrote me a love note on her reciept that still have. I remember she drank Sprite and ordered calimari. Also opening for Kelly Rowland and doing the meet and greet with her in Atlanta was pretty dope. On that same trip, I also spent a lot of time with Frenchie Davis from Season two of American IDOL, and we shared some cool stories about Baltimore, my hometown. You were one of the artists at the forefront of the LGBT music scene as it stands today. Is it something you’ve spent any time thinking about? Not really at all, but I feel so blessed for all the good things the universe has brought me. I am just a human being that wants to see the world in peace and see people be good to each other. For awhile there was talk about

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a special anniversary edition of living Out Loud - is that still something in the works? I am not sure about that. It was an idea, but as great as that sounds only time will tell. What has been your most favorite song to date and why? My most favorite song to date is “Things that go Bump in the Night,” because Halloween is my favorite holiday and it immortalizes a very specific, special time I’m my life. Will you be re-teaming up with Raymon Smiley? Raymon Smiley is my best friend, and mentor in a lot of ways. He has an amazing vision; and that’s something we always saw eye to eye on. He brought me into the studio and let me do my thing as a writer. He also let me have a lot of creative input for my first release when we worked with Jesse Frasure in Nashville. Raymon also taught me so much about the music business and opened my eyes to the realization that my dreams could come true with a lot of hard wok and persistence. I hope that we always work


together in some capacity. What’s next? I hope to release a ton of new music this year, and fine tune my skills as a producer. In the future I would love to do more acting and also songwriting for other artists. My ultimate dream is to have my own record label one day. Bless up:)

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Trevor Page As an artist, what statement do you want to make with your music? I think music can really be a big influence on people. Every song is a new chance to tell a story and some have more important messages than others. Overall I’d say I’d like to inspire people to love themselves, to be kind to one another, to follow their dreams and empower them to stand up to opression. Music can have that power. What (and who) inspires you? Literally everything inspires me on a daily basis. It can be something very simple, like seeing someone pick up trash on the sidewalk even though it wasn’t their trash, or seeing someone helping someone less fortunate in even a small way. That stuff is a reminder, through the negative things that are around, that there are really good people in the world.

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On a bigger scale I’m inspired by organizations like the Los Angeles Mission, where I volunteer to help the homeless. Sheila, who is in charge of the volunteers, works diligently to make a difference. People like Elizabeth Warren fighting to make the entire country a far and healthy economic place for everyone. Bernie Sanders doing the same along with so many others. On the flip side the people in office who are against helping the less fortunate, against LGBTQ progress, against environmental protections. These people are an inspiration in a different way. I’m inspired to keep fighting, sharing information and showing up to march and vote because we have to. Lol if you meant like who inspires me musically I have a ton of those too. I’m a little old school so Michael Jackson is probably number one. What an incredible and bizarre creature. Donny Hathaway, Nina Simone, TLC,

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Outkast, Black Eyed Peas, Timbaland, Danja… I mean the list goes on. What is your songwriting process like? The songwriting process can happen in all kinds of ways. I’m always jotting down lyrical ideas that may or may not make it into the studio. I love when I have the inspiration for the whole song idea to start with, but it doesn’t always go that way. Sometimes I start with a sound. That turns into a drum beat or a melody and the lyrics might come after. Sometimes a song flows out in a day or two, sometimes it takes freaking weeks to get it where I want it. Where is the strangest place inspiration has hit you, and what did you do? Hmmm… off the top of my head I think a good one was



when I was horseback riding a few weeks ago ha… I was on a horse on a hill in Griffith Park but I had to make sure to type it into my phone while juggling the reins. Side note, I’m also obsessed with horses. As an artist, what is your proudest accomplishment? Anytime someone flies me somewhere to perform or record I feel pretty good. I’ve been flown to San Francisco for the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Anti Bullying conference, Iowa to sing with a few of the Voice contestants and to Nashville to produce music for a group called Committed who won the tv show sing off. All huge blessings. Do you feel like there are any advantages to being out in the industry? Do you feel like there are any disadvantages? Not sure there are advantages necessarily but I don’t think it hurts you at all either. Things have really changed in the last several years. I really think its about being an interesting artist and having something to say. In a world of Lady Gagas, Troye Sivians, Robyns, and Adam

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Lamberts - what sets you apart? Those are all amazing artists. I have so much respect for all of them. I suppose my experiences and my story telling through song writing and my unique vocal style. We all have a unique fire inside us. We just need to find the right kindling. As an artist, you’ve been open about your struggles with Anxiety, and have written some beautiful music because of it. What’s that process like? Life is hard for everyone. Turning any bad experience into a beautiful song is such a great turn around. I’m working on a song now that is very emotional for me. When I’m in the studio I literally cry but I am also anxious to finish it and release it into the world. I also get nervous to release new music or to perform all the time but it’s because I want people to connect with what I’m doing. I think that is the ultimate human desire. Connection. Do you consider yourself a role model? I don’t consider myself a role model but I have gotten some amazing messages from

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listeners and fans that tell me how my music has influenced them. It’s just an incredible feeling. The foremost reason to create music at all. What is next for you? I’m in the studio recording a new project. I’m pretty excited as it’s been awhile since my last release. I also produced music for a documentary and soundtrack about the history of doo-wop music due out soon. Artists on the soundtrack include Koryn Hawthorn, Committed, Straight Note Chaser and also Gabe Lopez, Angela Peel and I are on a song together. I’m also performing at Los Angeles Comicon on Saturday lol What if any assumptions did you have about yourself (or others have about you), when you started? Well I’m my own worst critic as most artists are. I wasn’t sure I’d do any of the things I’ve been able to. And I’m far from done. As a producer, can you tell me about some of the challenges when writing songs for (or working with) other artist. In turn, can you tell me about


some of success you’ve experienced with it? As a producer, I really just try and let the artist shine as their own entity. I may give direction but it’s their record and they have to go and perform it. It’s really a collaboration on how to help them shine in their own light. All of the artists I’ve gotten to work with have been wonderful but I def want to keep growing my resume. Along with who I mentioned above I’ve also

gotten to work with Heart Hays, Chris Salvatore, Ricky Rebel, Ryan Adames and Lalaine Vergara-Paras.

is insane. He is at the top of the producer game and a real, genuine person. Hopefully more cool collabs to come.

Any strange or surreal encounters in the business so far?

Anything else you’d like us to know?

Randomly meeting at a bar and then getting to write a song with the incredible Mark Batson is still pretty nuts. The song hasn’t been released but his musicianship and artistry

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Pleeeaase add me to your playlist on Spotify, Pandora, iHeart Radio, Amazon etc. and pleeeaaase follow me on instagram and Twitter @IAmTrevorPage

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“queer people make some of the best music in the world”

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