V7-40
10.04.23
Todrick On His Velvet Rage Tour
Music: Fall Into the Beat
John Duff: Challenging the Music Industry
+ Photos & More
OCT 04, 2023
V7-40
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COVER IMAGE Courtesy of Todrick Hall
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I N T H I S I
DAVID
Todrick Hall is THe UlTimaTe enTerTainer
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Todrick Hall is coming to Atlanta’s Center Stage with his Velvet Rage Tour on October 11. David got a chance to catch up with the singer, dancer, choreographer, and Broadway actor from Plainview, TX, to talk creative process, collabs, the show, and how to stay levelheaded even through rough times.
You’re a multi-talented performer, composer, actor, director, choreographer, social media personality, but above all a creative spirit and force – where do you think your creative drive stems from?
My creative drive stems from growing up in a small town in Plainview, TX. I understand what it is like to come from nothing, and I have always wanted to make a name for yourself. I also just love performing, and it never feels like a job to me. I feel like that is what I was put on earth to do and I never feel more like myself when I am creating.
What is your favorite part of the creative process?
My favorite part is having an idea and watching it go from inception to, not just seeing it go into fruition, but seeing people who know the work that I created. An example is watching the Magic Happens Parade at Disneyland, or watching people dance to my music on a major network television show. Those are the times that feel insane and like an out of body experience that motivate me to continue to create art.
Your new EP “Roach Killaz” is a collection of really catchy, highenergy tracks – what was the inspiration behind it (and the title, too)?
I was going through a rap phase, and I knew that there were so many people in my life who inspired me with rap music. Sometimes I feel like that all of the dance music being four on the floor and dancey and energetic that sometimes my rap music that is more urban and grounded gets lost in the shuffle when songs like that are on the records. I wanted to make a record where every song felt like it was a little bit theatrical and a little but hood.
The track “Y.A.S.” features the infamous the infamous Tiffany Pollard – how did that collaboration come about?
I have always been a humongous fan of Tiffany Pollard, and I think that she is hilarious, and I think that the things she says are iconic. I did a collaboration with Tiffany Haddish for my song Dripeesha. I love doing collaborations with people who are really talented in a field that other people have not seen them in. I think Tiffany Pollard is a great rapper and TikTok definitely died when they saw her doing the rap. It is a song that is about being petty and getting over your ex and it has helped a lot of people get over their ex. When I was thinking about a queen that could pull off petty anthem, Tiffany Pollard was one of the first people that came to mind, and I was
beyond flatter that the joined me.
You’ll be coming to Atlanta on October 11 with Velvet Rage, the tour for “Roach Killaz” – for those who haven’t seen you live yet; what can you expect from a Todrick Hall show?
You can expect a lot of dancing, and a lot of high energy. My elementary school teacher once told me that if you can make people have a good time, laugh, and cry then you are the ultimate entertainer and I believe that we often times achieve all three of those things at a performance of Velvet Rage
What other of your hit songs will be included in the show?
I was very inspired by my girl, Taylor Swift Eras Tour! This show is kind of
like a Todrick Hall Eras Tour. There are songs from before I started making albums. I sing my first ever single that I ever recorded, there is music from my two visual albums, “Straight Out of Oz” and “Forbidden” music from “Haus Party 1, 2, and 3,” “Femuline” so there is music from basically ever single chapter of my musical journey, and I love to be able to look out into the audience and see the fans who resonate with certain chapters of mt life.
What are you most looking forward to when visiting Atlanta?
I love the clubs, I love the culture, and I think that Atlanta is such a hype city. I love the fact that it always has that grounded, urban, contemporary flair but there is also so much artistic culture there like the Fox theater
which I performed at several times. Atlanta also has so much Broadway, and they just know how to party so Atlanta is one of my favorite cities!
You have an extraordinary ability to navigate the world of celebrity, even when it has given you some negative repercussions – like when you voiced your opinion about ratings of “The Real Friends of WeHo” or even the aftermath of Celebrity Big Brother. How do you stay on top of it all and stay levelheaded?
I think your real friends show up for you when you’re going though rough times, and I think all of these chapters in my life, even though they were very, very difficult to get through, have helped me navigate what it really means to be loyal, to be a great friend, and to be a supporter. I love my friends who hold me accountable but are also there for me every step of the way. I just try to surround myself with good people, learn from the mistakes, and keep it pushing. I make sure I don’t allow other people’s narratives or the internet to define who I am.
Speaking of “The Real Friends of WeHo” – any news on a second season?
I have no idea if MTV is planning on doing a second season or if I would even be interested in doing it. If the interest was there and the check was right, sure I would be there. Right now, I don’t feel that the LGBTQ+ community desires a show like this. I would rather not
spend my time creating a show that is so divisive when I could be using my creative energy elsewhere.
You’re touring right now, but where can we see you next? Any projects you can disclose about?
They just announced that I have been working on the new musical adaptation of the 2010 film, Burlesque. I have written original songs to accompany Diane Warren and Christina Aguilera music from the film. I am really excited because it has always been a dream of mine to compose music for a musical. I am also working on my own projects that I am hoping will reach Broadway someday soon.
Experience Todrick Hall’s Velvet Rage Tour on October 11, 8 pm at Center Stage Theater. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
FALL iNTO THE BEAT
by SHANE GALLAGHER
As the leaves change color, so does the musical landscape, with artists from various genres delivering an electrifying array of infectious beats that promise to keep the party going all night long this Fall.
With empowering lyrics meant to resonate with the queer community, these fresh tunes are sure to inject a burst of pumpkin spice into gay clubs. So, put on your shoes and harnesses, embrace the autumn vibes, and let these new fire-y songs set your heart and the dance floor ablaze.
John Duff’s latest single is about a phenomenon many young people face today. They say they want love but then devote all of their energy on heated one night hook ups, rather than on relationships with substance.
Produced by Duff, along with Alex Delicata, Eren Canatta, and Luke Moellman, “Somebody’s Daughter” is a sexy Barry White boudoir style ballad that masterfully mixes sexy soul with funky R&B. Read more about John Duff’s “Somebody’s Daughter” and the accompanying music visual on page 20.
Roman “All Mine”
The main message of Roman’s latest single, the third to address his failed marriage, is that we should never place the needs of someone else above our own. It’s one of the mistakes Roman made and swears he will not do again. With its playful retro vibe, “All Mine” is more optimistic and upbeat than his previous releases. Produced by Velvet Code and written by Roman, the song comes from a stronger place, with a pulsating rhythm and anthemic chorus that signifies the artist is more confident in his individuality and is ready to focus on his own priorities. We’re celebrating liberation and self-expression, people! The remixes are by DJ Guy Scheiman, Tweaka Turner, Rob Moore, and Dario Xavier.
Parralox
“Tears of Faith”
The Australian electronic pop band, Parralox, fronted by out singer John von Ahlen, continues its mission to champion the synthesized wave pop sound of 1980s-era
Depeche Mode, The Human League, and Pet Shop Boys. Its latest single, “Tears of Faith,” featuring vocals by Jane Badler, is a down-tempo electronic dance arrangement
The Songs Lighting Up Gay Dancefl oors This Autumn
John Duff “Somebody’s Daughter”
FALL iNTO THE BEAT
by SHANE GALLAGHER
about broken relationships and the hope for reconciliation. Its accompanying visual, directed by Leanne Hanley, works to elevate the song by injecting a humorous Frankenstein meets Reanimator theme into the piece. Essentially, the song and its video tell a classic tale of looking for love, finding it, and then being destroyed by it.
Stewart Taylor “Favorite Ex”
In his latest single, out artist Stewart Taylor sings about an old flame he regretfully had to leave behind when he moved from New York to Los Angeles to pursue his pop star dreams. The song merges eighties vibes with today’s pop and R&B and is the second ballad Stewart Taylor has written about his former lover. His debut single, “Mess Your Hair Up”, released in 2019, is about him too. Stewart says that years later, on a phone call, he thanked his ex for being so wonderful and told him that he was in fact, his favorite ex. Produced by Romanian hitmaker MADS (David Guetta, Imagine Dragons), the song’s catchy melody is sure to get bodies moving and spirits soaring.
Lady Camden “Dirtiest Secrets”
This tantalizingly filthy single from the RuPaul’s Drag Race star, unearths a new facet of creative prowess for the artist. The song captivates with its blend of raw emotion and musical artistry. The gritty percussion and sinister synths create a sonic landscape that work to mirror the lyrical narrative’s exploration of hidden truths. Lady Camden’s vocals are a standout feature, too. They oscillate between vulnerability and strength and carry the weight of the song’s confessional tone. The chorus where Lady Camden proclaims she can be your lady is an infectious hook that lingers in the mind long after the track ends.
The Songs Lighting Up Gay Dancefl oors This Autumn
Challenging Norms In the Music Industry
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
In his latest release, “Somebody’s Daughter,” John Duff, a proudly out artist, is breaking boundaries and challenging the status quo in the music industry. This crooning ballad explores the complexities of fleeting and unattainable sexual relationships. However, what truly sets this song apart is Duff’s audacious take on “straight-baiting,” a term typically associated with straight artists who tease LGBTQ+ audiences. Duff flips the script, offering a fresh perspective on the subject.
Duff boldly addresses the prevalent trend of “gay-baiting” that has become commonplace in the music industry. He points out that many artists, like Harry Styles, Charlie Puth, and Nick Jonas, often flirt with LGBTQ+ themes or visuals to generate buzz and garner attention. Duff’s frustration with this trend is evident as he remarks, “Honestly, every artist today is gaybaiting, and LGBTQ+ media eats it up.” He goes on to highlight the irony of how these artists are celebrated for their provocative gestures, while LGBTQ+ individuals sharing similar content are often dismissed or labeled. Duff aims to challenge this double standard with his new single and video.
Released independently, “Somebody’s Daughter” hit digital platforms on
September 1, 2023, including Apple Music and Spotify. The accompanying video is available on YouTube. The song’s production credits include John Duff, Alex Delicata, Eren Canatta, and Luke Moellman.
The track delves into a prevalent issue faced by young people, irrespective of their sexual orientation: the desire for love and connection versus the allure of momentary encounters. It explores the phenomenon where individuals invest more energy into one-night hookups than in building meaningful relationships.
The music video, directed by Shawn Adeli, delves deeper into the song’s theme. It portrays a couple whose connection appears to be lacking substance, delving into the underground world of adult content and social media platforms like OnlyFans. Here, users pay influencers for exclusive and often explicit content. The video serves as a commentary on the evolving landscape of relationships in the digital age.
Duff’s decision to explore these themes in his work was influenced by a fellow gay artist who questioned the respectability of his artistry due to its overt sexuality. Duff responded by embracing his shameless approach to his art, stating, “My spirit is wild,
fun, and free, and as a performer, I am shameless.” He believes that unapologetic expression of one’s body and sexuality is a path toward enlightenment, not away from it.
Duff also takes a bold stance on pornography, viewing it as an art form. He sees sex as theater and bodies as sculptures. His openness and advocacy for sexual freedom are evident in his decision to playfully come out as “notnot straight,” a twist on the “not-not gay” phrase often used to imply bisexuality. Duff explains, “I can’t confirm or deny, I’m just saying I’m not-not and seeing how that goes over when I spin it the other way.”
The video includes a memorable kissing scene with actress Nellie Salisbury, prompting Duff to humorously remark, “To paraphrase Diplo, I’m pretty sure I hook up with women all the time.”
John Duff’s “Somebody’s Daughter” challenges norms, questions biases, and embraces unapologetic selfexpression. It’s a testament to his commitment to breaking barriers and sparking conversations in the everevolving landscape of music and sexuality.
Follow John Duff on Facebook and Instagram @iamjohnduff to stay updated on his work and future releases.
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DAVID Magazine pg| 28 2 16 14 13 8 9 7 10 15 17 19 1 3 6 4 P ie dmo n t Av e . N E Ju n ip e r St. N E E N . t S e e r t h c a e P PiedmontAve. NE 14th St NE Ponce De Leon Ave . NE Ponce De Leon Ave . NE 4th St NE Monroe Dr. NE Mon r o e D r . N E 10th St. NE E N . t S r e p i n u J E N . l P n o e L e D e c n o P S p r in g S t . N W Amsterdam Ave . E N . r D n e l l A s e l r a h C W N . t S e e r t h c a e P . W 12th St. NE Pie dmont Park M I DT OWN BARS BARS not on map 2 Blake's 227 10 th S t NE 1 FUTURE ATLANTA 50 Lower Alabama St. SW Suite 180 3 Bulldo g s 893 Peachtree S t NE 4 Fr iend s 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 6 My Sister’s Room66 12th S t NE 7 X Midtown 990 Piedmont Ave NE fitness 14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE spa /bath 15 F lex S p a 76 4th S t N W Dining 9 10th& P iedmon t 991 Piedmont Ave NE 10 Camp ag nolo 980 Piedmont Ave NE 16 G’s M id t o w n 219 10 th S t NE 17 Henr y ’s 132 10 th S t NE 19 L a H acienda 900 Monroe Dr NE
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20 B J Roo s t er s 20 43 Cheshire Bridge Rd 22 Tr ipp s 1931 Piedmont Cir NE Dining 24 L a s M ar g ar i t a s Closed Temporarily 18 42 Cheshire Bridge Rd Retail 26 B ar k ing L e a t her 1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A 27 S ou t her n Nig h t s 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd clu bs 28 Her e t ic 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 29 Tok yo Valen t ino 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd Fitness 30 Gr avi t ee F i t ne s s 2201 Faulkner Rd NE BAR
32 Atlanta Eagle 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 33 Felix 's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 34 T he Hidea w ay 15 4 4 Piedmont Ave NE 35 M i x x 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 36 O sc ar 's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Retail 39 B oy Nex t Door 14 47 Piedmont Ave NE 40 Barking Leather 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Fitness 41 E quilibr ium F i t ne s s 1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L M ar y 's 1287 Glenwood Ave SE S i s t er L oui s a’s Chur ch 466 Edgewood Ave SE L ip s A t lan t a 3011 Buford Hw y NE The T 465 Boulevard SE 494 Plasters Ave NE Woo f 's
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BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com
227 10th St NE
BULLDOGS
893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl. com
736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com
66 12th St NE
X MIDTOWN xmidtown.com
990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T modeltatlanta.com
465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
HERETIC hereticatlanta.com
2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com
2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in DAVID & visit their websites for weekly event listings.
SNAPS
WESTSIDE
MARQUETTE
868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
840ATL
840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
ANSLEY
ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
WOOFS woofsatlanta.com
494 Plasters Ave NE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
MARY’S marysatlanta.com
1287 Glenwood Ave SE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH
sisterlouisaschurch.com
466 Edgewood Ave SE
DINING
MIDTOWN
CASA ALMENARA
991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com
HENRY’S henrysatl.com
132 10th St NE
LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com
900 Monroe Dr NE
TUK TUK THAI FOOD LOFT TUKTUKATL.COM
1745 Peachtree Rd NW
DEKALB
LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com
3011 Buford Hwy NE
RETAIL MIDTOWN
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com
1510 Piedmont Ave NE
CHESHIRE SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO
2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
ANSLEY
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com
1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta.com
1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE
FITNESS
MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbody tness.com
500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE
GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com
2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com
76 4th St NW
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Gay bullies be like give me all your brunch money.
Folsom this, Folsom that. How about you go Fold Some of that laundry piling up on your Wayfair chair?
Money doesnʼt impress me. Giving it to me does.
Gay math: going on vacay with 8 friends, coming back with 3.
Every day I thank the gods that Glee ended before WAP came out.
When is this pup play trend over? It can’t be a real kink. It’ll never be fetch (see what I did there?).
Your honor, specifically how hung is the jury?
