THE STORY OF JORDY

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

Emergingpop artist

Jordy, who graced the stage at Utah Pride a few weeks ago, challenged himself on his recent tour and failed. The challenge? “I tried getting through the whole tour with one manicure,” he says over Zoom. “I got almost to the end of it, but I was like, ‘I need new nails,’ so we have new nails now.”

In addition to his manicure, Jordy also has a new album out. His bop-heavy second full-length, “Boy,” was released in April. The album’s first single, “Story of a Boy,” is a queer take on the nostalgic classic “Absolutely (Story of a Girl),” which was a hit for the rock band Nine Days in the early 2000s. Twenty-three years later, Jordy’s version has inspired a TikTok viral moment, as the trans community has used bits from his reimagining to represent themselves and their own journeys in videos posted to the social platform. Though Jordy now calls L.A. home, he’s originally from the suburbs of Chicago. During our recent interview, Jordy chatted about his recent life-changing appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and the overwhelming response to “Story of a Boy” from the trans community.

How does it feel to have this album out in the world? I just got off of a tour, so I can be at home and that feels so good. But I mean, post album, it feels incredible. I’m just so happy these songs are out in the world, and I’m excited to keep promoting them and just spreading the good word. It feels like all of that hard work has come to fruition, and it’s really awesome.

What was the tour like? Is there a moment that really stands out to you as something that meant a lot to you? I mean, the whole tour was amazing. It was great to start in my home city of Chicago. That’s always fun. I think the highlight on this tour was that I sampled “(Absolutely) Story of a Girl” for my album, which my version is called “Story of a Boy,” but in New York and L.A., I was able to bring out John Hampson, the original singer [from Nine Days]. He performed it with me, and it was so amazing, so I’m very grateful for those opportunities I had with John, just because it’s so cool to honor the original writer and the singer of the original song. He’s been so supportive and lovely over the past couple of months. It was really special to share that together.

What was your initial exchange with John before you put your own twist on “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)”? We found the contact for his team a year ago and pitched the idea, and they were intrigued, for sure. They sent the demo to John and, supposedly, he really liked what I was doing with the song, and then he listened to my other music and he really enjoyed it, and so he was like, “Let’s do it.” So we ended up meeting for the first time when he flew to L.A. to be in the music video, because he has a little cameo in the music video as well. That was the first time we were able to sit down and really chat about each other and our journeys, and I was able to really express to him what this means to me and for my inner child and all of that good stuff.

Who musically influenced you as a kid? Younger childhood years was Avril Lavigne, Spice Girls and Michelle Branch. When I was in high school, Sam Smith. They were always very inspirational to me because I’ve always been a singer, and that was always really inspiring to me. Then as I got older, more so in this space of my life, [queer pop artist] Fletcher’s a big inspo to me. I adore her. I love her boldness and her lyricism and her performances and her voice. I’ve been listening to [openly queer pop musician]

Jake Wesley Rogers, who I adore. I love Betty Who. There’s too many to count, but so many inspirations along the way. When did you know you wanted to be a musician? When I’ve been a professional, the goal has always been to do music. So when I moved to L.A., I was DoorDashing and Postmate-ing and barista-ing and side hustling and assisting and doing odd jobs that I found on Craigslist, just anything that was flexible and that would pay me money. But yeah, when I was younger, I was performing all the time. It was always something I wanted to do. There was never a point where I didn’t want to be a performer or a musician. I was a theater kid, choir kid, a cappella kid. Did anything I could to be on stage. So by the time I graduated college, I was like, “This is what I want to do, and I will do whatever side hustles I need to do to achieve this.” By then I was probably living in L.A. for three years, and then I was able to quit my side job and do this full-time. What job did you quit to pursue music fulltime? My last job, I was a client services person at this post-production studio in L.A., which sounds fancy, but it was really me making coffee and bringing people food and doing whatever they told me to do.

Tell me about your theater roots. I feel like I am where I am because of my school, which was a public high school that put a lot of money into the arts program, which is really important. I know that that’s not the norm for most high school programs around the country, but we did “Rent,” “Chicago” and “West Side Story.” Big, big productions. Big, big productions. We did “Phantom of the Opera,” kind of crazy. Such talented people came out of my class, which was so cool. This musical called “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” that was a moment for me because I got to sing some fun, big songs. Then when I was in college, I did “Urinetown” and “Shrek.” I did it for the first couple years in college and then I got to a point where I wouldn’t necessarily say I would never do theater again — I think that would be fun to do in the future — but where I was like, “I’m kind of just sick of auditioning.” I wanted to make my own stuff and do my own thing and not have somebody tell me I can’t be something. I just got tired of it, so I shifted to music and here we are. And then you recorded “Mind Games.” How did you go from where you were to recording that album? Before “Mind Games” came out, I put out my first song in 2018, and “Mind Games” came out in 2021. So there were many years of me putting out music. It was when the pandemic hit and TikTok really started happening for me that “Mind Games” started forming. My song, “Long Distance,” went viral and that was a huge stepping stone for me. After I signed my record deal, after that song did its thing, that was when I had my team looking at me being like, “I think we’re ready for you to do an album. Let’s do an album.”

In your eyes, how does “Boy” compare to “Mind Games”? “Boy” felt more intentional. I think when I started writing the songs on “Mind Games,” I didn’t know I was making an album, and it became an album. I think “Boy” was more about me getting older and being a little bit more reflective and still talking about my specific experiences that I’ve lived over the past couple years. Every song is very specifically me and things that I have felt and gone through. I think it’ll always be that way.

Did you write songs when you were younger? I was way more of a singer when I was younger. I studied English in college, but it really was moving to L.A. and learning how to write songs. That was college too, for me. Being here and learning from the people I’d worked with really helped me figure out how to tell these stories in a melodic and fun, pop-y way. I obviously did dabble in writing as a kid. I went to summer camp and would write songs at camp and sing them around the campfire and that kind of thing, so it’s always been a part of me. What song on the album are you especially close to? From a songwriting perspective, I love “Unburnable.” That’s one of my favorites off the album. I wrote it with Madi Diaz, who’s an incredible writer and artist, and this producer-writer, Mikey Reaves, in Nashville. This was the only song I wrote in Nashville off of the record. It just feels like some really real, honest storytelling. I love the way we phrased it and explained this weird feeling of not letting go of certain items from a past relationship. I love the way that we were able to craft and create that story. It just feels very special and very close to my heart.

What has it been like to experience the TikTok reaction to “Story of a Boy” from the trans community? Very surreal, very inspiring. I did not expect that this would become a song for the trans community. That’s not what I anticipated. When I first uploaded the sound, it was really just to compare the original version to my version and to show people what I was doing with the song. The second I saw the first video of a trans person using the sound to showcase their journey from, this is the story of a girl to this is the story of a boy, I was like, “Oh, this is cool and this makes sense, and how did I not even think of this before?”

Then it just caught on and more people started doing it. Then I started duetting it and showing my reactions to these transitions because I wanted people to one, feel loved and seen, and I wanted to showcase my love and also use my platform to lift these voices because the trans community is under attack right now.

It’s really a scary time to be queer, and especially trans, in this country. So, for me, I just started using my platform to show these videos and duetting them and getting my mom involved, because she’s amazing. I feel like people need to see supportive mothers and my friends to get involved. I wanted people to feel seen and loved. Now just scrolling through, there’s thousands of videos using the song, and it’s really special. I love that. And then there’s your recent appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” What was that like? I have been a fan of Kelly ever since I watched her win “American Idol.” I was very little, and me and my whole family saw the moment as it happened. So she’s been an inspiration for me. The image of her holding my album, I’ll just never get over. It is a constant “what the hell is happening?” kind of moment. It was very surreal. I get speechless when I talk about it because it doesn’t feel like it happened, but it totally did.

How many times did you watch your episode afterwards? Oh, I’ll check in on that clip every day. I’ll just be like, “I’m feeling low. Let’s look at Kelly Clarkson saying my name,” and I suddenly feel a lot better. Q

The Godfather of Queer Film

ACROSS

1 Where Dr. N. Kim works

5 Tail for Pluto?

9 Head of men who don’t sleep with women

14 Stick it in milk

15 What “let” means to Mauresmo

16 River of Rimbaud’s land

17 “See ya!”

18 Ian Schrager’s ___ de Cuba restaurant

19 Lesbos and more

20 With 26-Across, Book series by Kenneth Anger

(1927-2023)

22 Billie Holiday’s “God ___ the Child”

23 Loads, as software

24 West of Hollywood

25 Cathedral of Hope area

26 See 20-Across

30 “The Silence of the ___”

33 Diva’s piece

34 A porn star may have a big one

35 Kind of stimulation

36 PC drive insert

38 Arsonist, in slang

39 1947 homoerotic experimental film of Anger

41 Helps reelect Tammy Baldwin, e.g.

42 Pro partner

43 “What a shame”

44 Gay in the library

45 “Reduce Speed”, on a sign

46 Dairy animal

47 Toto’s Dorothy

48 1963 biker film of Anger

54 “The African Queen” author

56 “And another thing...”

57 Where to find your first mate

58 “Screwed again!”

59 Collars, as a perp

60 Concerning one’s coming out?

61 Hand with attitude

62 Timothy Daly’s sister

63 Fairy tale character

DOWN

1 ___ Minh City, Vietnam

2 Hunter in the night sky

3 Elite divers

4 Furniture piece with cushions

5 Moves barely

6 Fix a sneaker, maybe

7 Lorca’s “Later!”

8 One with a long tongue

9 Arabian Disney character

10 Mr. C. portrayer on “Happy Days”

11 Ill humor

12 Rock group?

13 Madonna’s “Dick Tracy” character

21 Shrill barks

24 Hurt, like a Broadway Auntie?

26 The Brewer twins, for short

27 Island of the Philippines

28 Shrek and others

29 It may slip over one’s head

30 Artists’ pads

31 Plath poetry collection

32 Long-tailed monkeys

33 Beth Simchat Torah scripture holders

36 What people are dying to use?

37 Offensive tactic in Esera Tuaolo’s sport

38 Little Bear constellation’s brightest

40 Baylor’s city

41 Prince of comics

44 It gets laid in the streets

47 Poke in the backside

49 “Camelot”’s “___ Moi”

50 Library ID

51 Words in an analogy

52 Scott of “Beautiful Thing”

53 Balls of brass

54 Sandy’s sound in “Annie”

55 Queer in Quebec

Luke

Leetham is still at the beginning of his music career, but he regularly graces stages up and down the Wasatch Front and in San Francisco, including Youth Pride at last year’s Utah Pride Festival.

Known to some as “one of Salt Lake City’s favorite queer pop artists,” Leetham’s music is upbeat and contemplative at the same time.

He just dropped a new song, “Empty” June 16, which he says is about “celebrating loneliness.”

Please tell me about how you got involved in a music career. I got involved by just doing it! I put my mind to it and pushed and pushed. I watched a lot of DIY videos on YouTube and just experimented with different agencies and companies who wanted to help me expand my career. I’ve played countless shows and have collaborated with a lot of artists. I learned when and where to put myself. I guess, all in all, I was and continue to be good at being in the right place at the right time.

What drives you to produce music?

I want to be the best I can possibly be. I try and produce/write something every day. Even if it’s total crap, I see the idea through. This art form requires practice constantly. I also just love it and can’t imagine spending my time any other way.

If you’re in the shower belting a song, who are you singing? I love to pretend I can sing along to Demi Lovato. They hit notes that are so unbelievable! I love to sing along to “Cool For The Summer” by them. Does it sound good? Probably not [laughs] but it’s fun practice!

What other musicians have helped shape your music? I’ve pulled inspiration from so many artists. I’d say my biggest inspirations at the moment are JORDY, Gorillaz, and Kim Petras. Who would be a dream musician to collaborate with? I would totally lose it if Kim Petras did a song with me. I have no clue what it would be about or how we’d do it. I just know I could die happy if she hit me up!

Tell me how being in the LGBTQ community affects your music I think being queer helps me approach music at a different angle. I can write a love song or a breakup song and make it simple, but have it be queer.

I’d also say that the LGBTQ community is the most supportive community for new music. I’m always getting hyped up by my community. It’s the best!

What are your short-term and long-term dreams and goals? I would say my short term goal is to play a festival soon. I don’t really care what it is. I just want to do it!

Long term goal would be to release another album and reach an audience that would be excited if I toured! Big stuff, but I think I can do it!

Is there anything else you’d like the LGBTQ+ readers of QSaltLake Magazine to know? If you want fun music to jam out to, and want to support a local gay boy, stream Leetham, come to a show, buy some merch! Anything and everything helps. I wouldn’t be where I am without the people backing me, specifically the queer community. Thank you for your continued support! Love y’all!

Leetham will be at Metro Music Hall supporting Blindlove on July 6 and The DLC at Quarters supporting Girlfriend On the Moon July 28. He’s often seen at Kilby Court and The Boardwalk in Orem. His new song can be heard on all of the music channels. Q

You can find more information about Leetham on his LinkTree, linktr.ee/Leetham

REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Big Gay Wedding

BY BYRON LANE, C.2023, HOLT, $26.99, 336 PAGES

Few things are cast in stone. Which means that you’ve usually got time to change your mind. Do a little research, listen to other voices, get educated, think about things, and pivot. No one will criticize; you may, in fact, be commended for your new open-mindedness. As in the new book, “Big Gay Wedding” by Byron Lane, you might like the new outlook, too.

Chrissy Durang, “Farmer Mom” and owner of the Polite Society Ranch near New

Q Scopes

JULY

BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS

ARIES March 20–April 19

As the heat rises, so do your expectations. There is nothing wrong with having a high standard, but keep your priorities straight. You may find that the longer you go without caring, the better off you will feel. Take care of yourself first!

TAURUS Apr 20–May 20

Even if you have no plans, there is a lot you need to do. Make a list and get a grip in a way that feels good. Order is the opposite of the chaos you experience when laying in bed at night, so sleep with your list close to your pillow.

GEMINI May 21–June 20

A faraway buddy could be hitting you up out of the blue. Enjoy the reunion, even if you don’t understand the

Orleans, checked two things off a list in her notebook. The school bus filled with noisy children arrived for their tour of the ranch, check. Barnett should be arriving later, check.

Thirty-four-year-old Barnett was the light in Chrissy’s world, her son, her only child, the near-exact image of his late father. She was excited for his homecoming; surely, Barnett was flying from California to tell her he was ready to take over the ranch now, take care of the animals, take care of her.

Instead, not long after he arrived, Barnett dropped a bombshell about “The Big Thing” that they never discussed: he was engaged. To be married. To another man. And he wanted to do it there in Mader, at Polite Society Ranch.

Chrissy could think of a million things she didn’t like about Barnett’s intended, Ezra, and they all went into her notebook. Hair a mess, check. Controlling, reasoning behind it. The time for fun times and good feelings is here, so make the best of it. The heat is on, and so are you.

CANCER June 21–July 22

Whatever you decide to do this summer, there is no denying that it’s a good time for reflection. Find something that makes your heart shine. Spend time with friends and/ or lovers, and let the good times roll! Just keep your head clean.

LEO July 23–August 22

Nothing is stopping you from doing your best, but doubts still plague your mind. Take some time to understand the choices you have and could make. Only then will you be good with letting things flow naturally in all aspects of life.

VIRGO August 23–Sep 2

The changes you want to make are waiting for your attention. Focus on what counts and take a leap of faith. The matter of money demands check. Butt-kisser, check. Dream-killer, check. And yet, Barnett loved Ezra. It’d been a long time since Chrissy’d seen her son this happy. She talked to her priest about the situation, but he disappointed her in a terrible way. It was clear that her father-inlaw, Paw-Paw, was supportive of Barnett and Ezra, which was no surprise; Barnett was always Paw-Paw’s favorite. Chrissy didn’t have many friends in her small Louisiana town, but she was absolutely sure of three things: nobody would approve of any sort of gay nuptials, Ezra’s family was downright weird, and everybody in Mader would blame her for what was about to happen... some attention, but your love life is what really provides you the comforts you are craving.

At face value, the story inside “Big Gay Wedding” seems awfully familiar: homophobic mom, gay son, wedding, Kumbaya moment, the end. Keep thinking that, though, and you’ll miss one truly wonderful novel.

LIBRA Sept 23–October 22

Trying out new things is a welcome idea, and with the help of a friend or family member, you can do just that. See about exploring new places and finding new ways to explore the better parts of life. Even if you fail, you tried!

SCORPIO Oct 23–Nov 21

It’s time for some wine and dine, share stories, and perhaps work on your love life. There are so many options that you might not know where to start. Get involved with new groups or rekindle the past. It’s all about social life now.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 22–December 20

Nothing is going to stop you from getting what you want this year, even if that means breaking a few rules. Don’t let the rebel in you get the upper hand, but a

From the paraprosdokian sentences to the Misfit Toys cast of characters, author Byron Lane takes readers from a deep dive into a box of tissues to a good snorting belly laugh, often in the same paragraph. So many unexpected, delightful things occur inside this story, in fact, that you may become disappointed when something conventional occurs.

Which it does, often enough.

Gay bashing, protesters, haters, misunderstanding, it’s-aphase thinking, all the bad old tropes show up in this story, alas. Still, readers will be happy to know that they’re dealt with properly, just as you’d expect from a prissy mother, an alcoholic society matron, two men wild in love, a light-fingered grandfather, and a dying sheep named Elaine.

Summer is always a time for weddings, and it’s a great time to enjoy this sweet, funny, excellent novel. Simply, “Big Gay Wedding” rocks. Q few small risks could be worth the reward. Strutt forward and win!

CAPRICORN Dec 21–Jan 19

It might be tempting to reflect on your current situation, but rest assured that there are no true emergencies right now. A new perspective could come and go like the wind, but the experience of holding a belief lasts a lifetime.

AQUARIUS Jan 20–Feb 18

No one can tell you what to do, and if they try, you won’t hear it. Take matters into your own hands but don’t grip too tight. Slow and steady is the way to go when dealing with personal matters. You don’t want to hurt anyone.

PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19

Distress is not on your radar. In fact, you might feel better now than you have in ages! Even so, take the time for projects that have long gone neglected. Get back in touch with past associates and work on spicing up your life.