EPISODIC REVIEW: Low Hanging Fruit: UNCOUPLED
By Arnold Wayne Jones
“I’m not on Grindr – it’s nothing but bottoms… and tops, who are also bottoms.”
That’s the kind of wisely catty one-liner that could only be written by a bitchy gay man of a certain age. It’s also low-hanging fruit when it comes to queer comedy: A bit femme-ist, racy but passable in polite company, and, ultimately, true (especially in Dallas). It’s also emblematic of what’s great and slightly disappointing about Uncoupled, the new eight-episode Netflix series from iconic showrunner Darren Star.
Star made his TV bones with Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place, the ‘90s prime-time meta-soaps targeting Gen-Xers. They were meta, because the melodrama didn’t derive from middle-aged adult tropes about over-privileged 40-year-old cheating on their alcoholic wives involved in hit-and-run accidents during a corporate merger. No, they were about aspirational twentysomethings cheating on their girlfriends after binge-drinking before a big job interview. He rolled back the clock a decade or two and found relatable cliches with a less juicy, more supportive and, frankly, bland tone.
Star then really hit the jackpot with Sex and the City – unlike the hour-long network dramas 90210 and Melrose, a 30-minute cable sitcom where he could be as ratched as he wanted with nudity and language that was shocking for its era. S&tC was a Zeitgeist show that set a benchmark for bougie white girls to fetishize. It showed complicated characters who were also archetypes: The Cougar (before that was a thing), the Prude, the Career Woman and the Single Girl, trying to navigate the world of dating in their 30s.
The recent reboot of S&tC moved those characters into their 50s, which is also what Star has done with Uncoupled, only with a X-chromosome. (The Simpsons famously satirized Sex as being “about four women who act like gay men,” so Uncoupled just removes that filter.) Michael (Neil Patrick Harris) is the clingy half of a couple 17 years into a relationship. He throws a surprise 50th bday party for his partner Colin (Tuc Watkins), only to find out seconds before that Colin has moved out and is leaving him. Michael finds himself being forced to navigate the monkeypox-infested waters of gay dating a generation later, while coping with self-worth and depression not just about being dumped, but dumped by someone he’s still in love with.
Surprise parties? Conveniently inconvenient plot reveals? An awkward toast where we (and the central parties) are the only ones who “get” the subtext? Fish-out-of-water plot points? In the land of sitcom cliches, this isn’t even low-hanging – it’s apples that have already hit the ground and are getting soft on one side.
Uncoupled torpedoes into its complications so recklessly, you’d think Ryan Murphy had a hand in it. (Maybe he did: Murphy has a deal with Netflix, and maybe his style set the template for other content.) We haven’t even “met the characters at the point where we are supposed to have feelings about them. There’s man-whore Billy (Emerson Brooks), schlubby Stanley (Brook Ashmanskas), self-absorbed gal pal Suzanne (Tisha Campbell) and the remote lover, Colin. If this sounds like a plug-n-play redux of Sex and the City, well duh. But if you love S&tC but wished it had more dick, what am I complaining about?
Well, the characters for one. Michael’s desperation comes across not as endearing but as sociopathic; Colin seems selfish and cruel, unworthy of Michael’s ardor; Suzanne is abrasive and tone-deaf when it comes to reading a room.
Uncoupled is sassy and fast-moving, but it also plays out more broadly and one-dimensionally than it needs to; it’s as if Carrie Bradshaw’s reflective voice-overs became all the dialogue, leaving little for us as viewers to ponder over or decipher. The expression on Harris’ face when Michael hears the news couldn’t be more of a mugging if it were done in Central Park at gunpoint. A lot of the performances, in fact, seem to be played more for three-camera “before a studio audience” sitcom style than the filmed version. (That’s apparent in the writing as well: A dinner party where Michael is solo becomes a two-hander convo between Harris and Marcia Gay Harden, as if no other guests exist; a therapy session lasts barely five minutes; entrances and exits sometimes are shot as if an audience is expected to laugh when a door opens.) Its look and feel are more Grace & Frankie than Will & Grace.
Nevertheless, Uncoupled is worth a look-see, if not a full-on binge, for its insightful if not wholly accurate portrayal of gay culture, especially as it pertains to single men over 40: “Hurt people hurt people,” Stanley snipes. There’s pain underlying the comedy here. It ain’t pretty, but it’s real.
FILM REVIEW: Will THEY/THEM make you a convert?
By Arnold Wayne Jones
THEY/THEM -- Pictured: (l-r) Cooper Koch as Stu, Anna Lore as Kim, Monique Kim as Veronica, Quei Tann as Alexandra, Austin Crute as Toby, Darwin del Fabro as Gabriel, Theo Germaine as Jordan -- (Photo by: Josh Stringer/Blumhouse)
The genius of Jordan Peele’s Get Out was his brilliant conceit to disguise a social satire about race behind the genre of a horror film. Peele set up his audience to expect racism, then masked it with a facade of woke tolerance, where gaslighting rises to the level of psychological torture. Of course, the pitfall of that idea is, it is lightning in a bottle: Once you figure it out as an artist, the audience figures it out, too, and it’s hard to revisit that trough again. (Once The Sixth Sense gave us its twist, could anyone ever do “he was dead all along” and not come off as derivative?)
They/Them has to confront a similar anxiety of influence: It’s basically the queer version of Get Out, and once I tell you that, can you really be surprised?
THEY/THEM -- Pictured: (l-r) Theo Germaine as Jordan, Austin Crute as Toby -- (Photo by: Josh Stringer/Blumhouse)
On the surface, at least, it does a pretty good job of creating that off-balance atmosphere: A busload of queer teens of all identities reluctantly arrive at Camp Whistler, what purposes to be a “gay conversion” camp – a phrase so full of repugnance it’s difficult to imagine anyone except the most extreme of homophobes being comfortable saying those words. The camp’s owner is Owen, played by the appropriately reptilian Kevin Bacon, an actor who effortlessly can seem creepy, menacing and friendly almost entirely by the context you put him in. Owen’s welcome speech makes it sound like this is not a conversion camp at all, but a journey of self-discovery: He’s tolerant of the trans-identifying Jordan (Theo Germaine), he avoids bible-thumping and constant indoctrination, he seems kinda hip. It throws off the campers, some of whom want to be there for their own sakes, not their parents.
THEY/THEM -- Pictured: (l-r) Carrie Preston as Cora Whistler, Anna Chlumsky as Molly, Boone Platt as Zane, Kevin Bacon as Owen Whistler -- (Photo by: Josh Stringer/Blumhouse)
But the reality is very different, and underneath we see the hypocrisy and the tension. We know something is afoot; you can’t have seen a horror movie, especially one set at a summer camp, and not be attuned to the tropes of the suspicious handyman, the strange shapes and sounds in the dark, the vulnerability of the shower cabin…. Not to mention the seemingly unrelated but bloody murder in the opening scene. Writer-director John Logan hits these touchstones like a batter hitting each bag as he’s rounding the bases, which is what you want in a genre film, but maybe not so much in a revolutionary issue drama where tropes become cliches. Logan is one of the most respected screenwriters in Hollywood (Gladiator, Hugo, The Aviator) but this is his debut as a director, and his inexperience shows. The performances are perfunctory and the visual adequate and underlit. The film gets stuck in the Sunken Place and struggles to get out to assert an identity of its own.
THEY/THEM -- They/Them Premiere Event on July 27, 2022, at Studio 525 in New York City -- Pictured: Theo Germaine -- (Photo by: Astrid Stawiarz/Peacock)
But is it fair to compare – or at least, as long as you can enjoy a film on its own, does it matter that it doesn’t rise to the level of a genre-defining modern classic? Well, sorta. The similarities are so obvious (a lead character named Jordan? Peele’s last film was Us and now we have They/Them?) it seems to invite comparisons. Do I respect applying the thoughtfulness of Get Out to a gay theme? Sure, despite how humorless and preachy it gets by the end. But as a slasher film, They/Them is clunky and uninspired. I wouldn’t check into this camp.
THEY/THEM -- They/Them Premiere Event on July 27, 2022, at Studio 525 in New York City -- Pictured: (l-r) Matt Strauss, Chairman Direct-to-Consumer & International; Jason Blum, CEO Blumhouse; Quei Tann, John Logan, Writer/Director/EP; Darwin Del Fabro, Anna Lore, Kevin Bacon, Cooper Koch, Theo Germaine, Hayley Griffith, Monique Kim, Austin Crute -- (Photo by: Astrid Stawiarz/Peacock)
They/Them premieres Aug 5 on Peacock.
MEGAN THEE STALLION TEAMS UP WITH FUTURE TO UNVEIL NEW “PRESSURELICIOUS” RELEASE
(Friday July 22, 2022) - Today, 3x GRAMMY® Award-winning superstar, entrepreneur and philanthropist Megan Thee Stallion joined forces with Future to release her new single, ‘Pressurelicious,” prod. by HitKidd which you can stream HERE.
The new single is a punchy, seductive track that showcases the bravado of a woman that knows who she is, what she has to offer and the willingness of a partner to love and embrace every bit of it.
‘Pressurelicious’ marks Megan’s third release of 2022, following the success of her powerful collaboration with Dua Lipa on ‘Sweetest Pie’ in March and her dazzling lyrical display on ‘Plan B’ in April.
The Houston native recently teamed up with French fashion house Mugler to unveil an innovative music video for ‘Plan B’ that creatively bridged the intersection of music, fashion and entertainment. Mugler creative director Casey Cadwadaller both co-directed the visual and created the custom looks that Megan wore.
The release of ‘Pressurelicious’ also comes after Megan’s transcontinental festival trek across Europe, including a thrilling performance at Glastonbury.
Earlier this summer, Megan shined at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, where she won the “Top Rap Female Artist” award for the second consecutive year. She was also recognized by The Webby Awards and received the 2022 Special Achievement Award for artistry and advocacy efforts.
FLOAT FEST - MUSIC, TUBING & CAMPING FESTIVAL - STARTS THIS WEEKEND WITH NEW ACTIVATIONS AND A SHOW STOPPING LINEUP
Coca-Cola presents Float Fest - the only festival in the world to combine the Texas tradition of floating the river and live music - including new activations, vendors and more for the 2022 festival happening this weekend. The festival will be held on a 765-acre private ranch in Gonzales, TX, conveniently located just over an hour from both Austin and San Antonio, two hours from Houston and situated right off of major highway US 183. Sponsors include Coca-Cola, Minute Maid Aguas Frescas, Topgolf, Monster Energy, Deep Eddy Vodka, Karbach, Bud Light and more. Float Fest also has special amenities for festival-goers hitting the river and staying at the campsites.
Cage the Elephant
The 2022 headliners for Float Fest include Marshmello, Vampire Weekend, Cage the Elephant, Deadmau5, Chance the Rapper, Lord Huron, Chvrches, Kaytranada, Quinn XCII, 100 Gecs and Pusha T. Other artists on the lineup include Tove Lo, Hippie Sabotage, Two Feet, Sueco, Aly & AJ, Nane, Daisy the Great, CVBZ, Sam Austins, Sir Woman, Me Nd Adam, Madeline the Person, Doublecamp, Little Image, Games We Play, and Blossom Aloe. With 27 artists on two identical stages, there will be no overlapping performance times allowing attendees to watch every set, unlike many other music festivals.
Chance the Rapper
Schedule of Headliner Performances:
Saturday, July 23, 2022
8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Kaytranada
9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. - Chance the Rapper
10:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. - Vampire Weekend
11:45 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. - Deadmau5
Sunday, July 24, 2022
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - CHVRCHES
8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Lord Huron
9:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. - Cage the Elephant
10:45 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. - Marshmello
WHEN:
Saturday, July 23 - Sunday, July 24, 2022
2:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
*Festival goers can begin arriving as soon as 12 p.m. on Friday, July 22.
WHERE:
1 County Road 197
Gonzales, TX 78629
MORE:
Daily shuttles will be offered from Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and San Marcus to and from the ranch and are available for purchase on the Float Fest website. The location is adjacent to the city center of Gonzales, providing access to grocery stores, retailers, hotels, restaurants, and more. For more information on Float Fest, please visit the pages below.
WEBSITE: www.floatfest.net
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/floatfestival
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/floatfest
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/floatfest
Event Hashtag: #ThisIsFloatFest
New music video - BIG DIPPER w/ TT The Artist + cameo from Nicole Byer pole dancing
Queer internet rapper BIG DIPPER releases A ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’ inspired music video for HAM AND CHEESE. Featuring TT The Artist, a 3D world of meats & cheeses, and a pole dancing cameo from Nicole Byer!
Big Dipper - HAM AND CHEESE (feat. TT The Artist)
The music video for HAM AND CHEESE is a fantasy world where Big Dipper, TT The Artist, and their dancers, shrink to miniature proportions and get jiggy in a grocery bag, a baseball mitt, and on a picnic table in the park all surrounded by giant food items.
Featuring a bikini clad pole dancing cameo from everyone's favorite BBW queen Nicole Byer, the video for this high energy club track makes you want to shake your ass on a ham and cheese sandwich (apologies to the vegan contingency).
Of the collaboration with TT The Artist, Dipper said “Working with TT was so great because she is such a good writer, sounds amazing on any track she works on, and she was so down to play around with this wacky idea we had for the video!”
This is the first of 3 music video releases slated for Big Dipper for summer 2022, following a brief hiatus after his video for BACK UP OFF ME came out in 2020.
The HAM AND CHEESE music video was created in collaboration with animator Michael Chadwick, editor Julian Lormant, choreographer Melissa Schade, and stylist Patrick Gainer with custom clothing pieces by airbrush artist Malcom Stuart.
HAM AND CHEESE was written by Big Dipper and TT The Artist, with music production by So Drove, who created all the music for Big Dipper’s EP: THE HAM AND CHEESE EP (May 2020). Past collaborations between the two include Big Dipper’s body positive viral anthem LOOKIN.
LOU RIDLEY SHARES A SOUTHERN “BLESS YOUR HEART” IN RESPONSE TO ANTI-ABORTION BILL
PHOTO CREDIT: Bethany R. Reed
Today, human rights advocate and self-proclaimed ‘Anti-country’ country and soul artist Lou Ridley returns with her first release of the year titled “Bless Your Heart.” The track, named after a phrase most southerners would agree is more of an acid-tongued remark than a positive well wish, was written after news leaked that The Supreme Court voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Ridley calls to question those who radically demand their right to freedom yet in the same breath limit the same access to the country’s most marginalized communities under the guise of religious scripture.
Raised in the small town of Southlake, Texas, and now, Nashville-based, Ridley is no stranger to navigating and challenging the ideals of far-right extremists and religious conservatives in the deep south. With both women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights at the forefront of recent and continuous attacks, Ridley felt responsible to speak out, especially while partaking in a genre that often looks to remain silent during controversial and conservative discussions.
“I wrote this song before the overturn. I wrote it as a southern woman whose life has been riddled with experiences of misogyny and prejudice under the guise of Christianity and God. I’m speaking directly to the cowards. In honor of not only other women but all the other lives that are threatened due to the willful ignorance of our leadership in this country. My genre (country), and the men especially, have been alarmingly quiet about these issues… so yet again I’ll grab my nuts and walk forward.”
Recently she sat down with Gloria Johnson (D - Knoxville) former teacher and Tennessee representative to learn more about what the overturn means for Tennessee residents, what to expect next, and the different ways that people can get involved. They go in-depth about healthcare, education, and LGBTQIA+ rights as well as what needs to be done to protect and better them.
WATCH EP. 1 PT. 1 OF NO THANKS WITH TN STATE REPRESENTATIVE GLORIA JOHNSON HERE
Lou Ridley has been making waves in Nashville for not submitting to the typical textbook 'country' artist image. She fearlessly aims to push the boundaries by being unapologetically vocal about Nashville's 'boys club' culture as well as its lack of inclusion and representation. Last year Ridley stormed onto the scene with her wildly popular track “Hometown” written about her hometown of Southlake, Texas, and her sophomore EP titled Angel/Outlaw which lead to praise from The Recording Academy/Grammys, People Magazine, and Houston Chronicle to name a few. Aside from music, she works closely with the Patrick Cady Foundation in Los Angeles to aid unhoused men and women fighting addiction (See here on Soft White Underbelly).
PHOTO CREDIT: Bethany R. Reed
PHANTOMS’ SOPHOMORE ALBUM: THIS CAN’T BE EVERYTHING OUT AUGUST 12
LISTEN TO NEW SINGLE “ONLY YOU” FEAT JEM COOKE
Phantoms release “Only You” featuring beloved, long time collaborator, Jem Cooke, which marks the final single before release of their sophomore album This Can't Be Everythingon August 12th via Foreign Family Collective.
Phantoms on the collaboration, “Only You” was written on a trip to London where we got to work with the amazing Jem Cooke. This was the first song we ever wrote together, It’s about feeling safe with someone amongst chaos and uncertainty.
Jem shared a few thoughts on the song: “This song was written [about] wanting to fling your arms around the person you love the most. It was about expressing being with that one person who can make you feel amazing and keep you safe inside the chaos when it’s all raging around you.”
Phantoms have come into their own and taken a new approach to their music following monumental personal and professional life changes and through those experiences have created some of their most dynamic and transcendent music to date. The two were officially signed to Foreign Family Collective earlier this year, (founded by electronic giant ODESZA in 2015) and since have had the freedom to explore new and exciting creative avenues with their music.
With previous support from NPR, Billboard, Stereogum, LA Weekly, Earmilk + more and over 125 million streams across platforms, the duo has solidified themselves as one of the most promising acts entering 2022, with lots more on the horizon.
- CONNECT WITH PHANTOMS -
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phantoms/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phvntoms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phantomsmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Phantoms
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/phantoms
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/phantoms
Bandcamp: https://phantomsmusic.bandcamp.com/
George Takei Takes On PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK
Legendary actor, advocate, and Twitter sensation George Takei is ready to unleash the dogs for Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 10: (L-R) Rob Minkoff, Cathy Shim, Kylie Kuioka, George Takei and Mark Koetsier attend the 'Paws of Fury' Family Day at Paramount Pictures Studios on July 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
Ready for it??
A down-on-his-luck hound Hank (Michael Cera) finds himself in a town full of cats who need a hero to defend them from a ruthless villain's (Ricky Gervais) evil plot to wipe their village off the map. With help from a reluctant teacher (Samuel L. Jackson) to train him, our underdog must assume the role of town samurai and team up with the villagers to save the day. The only problem… cats hate dogs! Also starring Mel Brooks, George Takei, Aasif Mandvi, Gabriel Iglesias, Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Yeoh, Kylie Kuioka, and Cathy Shim.
The cast is not who I’d expect from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, which is why I’m looking forward to seeing this animated feature— if not only for my main guy, Takei… keep it going?.. “Oh my!”
PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK pounces into theatres July 15, 2022.
George Takei attends the “Paws of Fury” Family Day at the Paramount Pictures Studios Lot on July 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
Rob Minkoff, Director/Writer/ Producer, speaks at the ÒPaws of FuryÓ Family Day at the Paramount Pictures Studios Lot on July 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
Josh Peck attends the ÒPaws of FuryÓ Family Day at the Paramount Pictures Studios Lot on July 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
Miki Ratsula GeNder Neutral Cover EP ‘made for THEM’
New Project from the Trans, Nonbinary Musician Due July 8 Featuring Gender Neutral Covers Of Tracks From Harry Styles, Phoebe Bridgers & More.
Miki Ratsula has built a sizable audience by openly and honestly welcoming people into their world. The trans, nonbinary artist uses their platform to candidly document their life: from coming out to getting top surgery to their mental health journey. It’s the kind of storytelling that listeners, especially young queer kids, crave and deserve.
Ratsula will release their gender neutral covers EP, made for them, July 8 via Nettwerk. The made for them EP comes on the heels of releasing their acclaimed debut album i owe it to myself this spring. The new project was co-produced by Miro Mackie (St. Vincent, Mallrat, KALI) and features covers of songs by Phoebe Bridgers, Harry Styles, One Direction, Angus & Julia Stone and the EP’s first single, a stunning cover of Dodie’s“she.”
“When I posted my first gender neutral cover on TikTok, I didn't realize how much it would mean for so many of you. There's something special about feeling represented in music. These songs have a special place in my heart and it was an honor to put my own spin on them. I truly hope you enjoy this piece of work. And thank you to the writers and original artists for creating such beautiful songs.” made for them is available for pre-order / pre-save here: https://mikiratsula.ffm.to/madeforthemep.
made for them follows the March 2022 release of Miki’s debut album, i owe it to myself – an acoustic pop dream guided by Miki’s lush, lofi-inspired production that captures the full emotional seesaw that rocks between youth and adulthood. It’s a testament to self-love and a gift to anyone seeking the same, and sees Miki at their most vulnerable and fully realized. Their deeply intimate record touches on mental health, loss, love, and everything in between and the album’s singles received praise and playlisting by the likes of Billboard Pride, them., Under the Radar, PopMatters.
‘made for them’ track listing
01 - big jet plane (gender neutral version)
02 - cherry (gender neutral version)
03 - graceland too (gender neutral version)
04 - she (gender neutral version)
05 - steal my girl (gender neutral version)
‘made for them’ Pre-order / Pre-save link: https://mikiratsula.ffm.to/madeforthemep
FOLLOW MIKI RATSULA
Official Site | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Facebook
MARTINA PETRIC AND PERCY RICHTER LIT UP THE LGBTQ+ LOVE
The artist with residence in Spain and the musician located in England, featuring for the first time a song that celebrates daily love and positivity. Petric and Richter were inspired by their stories inviting us to dance, making us remember the most important: love is love, it is lightning and healing.
A dance melody produced by Petric, that gained its upbeat style fromRené Roco, in which the artists seek to convey more positive feelings about romanticism. ‘Bringing along more awareness to our LGBT+ community, we want to leave a message with our music. In this single we have decided it would be about love, intimacy, affection, understanding that we live in a complex society that most of the time we don’t allow us to love and be ourselves; society of which we were victims’, they have said.
‘If there is someone that is suffering, dealing with hate, abuse and fear, we would like them to listen to this song, understand the message, watch the video and feel a glimpse of hope, peace and affection. You are not alone, there is an enormous force that is with you’.
‘One More Night’ video clip was recorded with a hi8 camera, directed by Martina Petric. It shows daily lives of LGBT+ couples bringing us closer to the intimacy and home feeling in a potent and exciting way.
'We expect that people will dance, sing and dedicate this song'. ‘One More Night’ the desire to repeat what makes us feel good every single night.
DALLAS' OWN NEZI MOMODU ANNOUNCES ‘THE POUND’ PROJECT DETAILS
Nezi Momodu stands out from the pack with her late 80's / 90's-infused melodies, hardcore messages and unique wordplay – earning her the title of “Wordplay Queen” and praise from the likes of icons like Missy Elliott and Snoop Dogg. She is also featured on “Introducing Nezi (ft. Nezi Momodu)” from Logic’s new album Vinyl Days, with Pitchfork noting, “Nezi Momodu’s verse is excellent.” She will also join Logic live on August 7th at the Dallas, TX stop of his Vinyl Verse Tour, the same week that the Nigeria-born, Dallas-based musician, visual artist and writer drops her upcoming EP, The Pound – due August 5th via Repost, SoundCloud’s artist services division.
The Pound gets its title from the white hot music scene in Dallas right now with an overflow of incredibly talented musicians – and how every artist is waiting for the big break to come, hoping to get plucked from “the pound” for the big league. The EP will feature 10 tracks including previous singles “N.E.Z.” – a track whose video is a take on classic hip hop videos from the likes of Missy Elliott and Lil Kim, and is dedicated “In honor of the women who never stopped reminding girls like me that talent was enough”; and “The Pound” featuring fellow Nigerian rapper D-Truce.
Nezi also recently shared her latest single “On Gawd,” produced by Paven Melody, and returns with a video for the track – an homage to her hometown of Dallas, TX. “This video is a love letter to Dallas jigging culture,” notes Nezi. “Taking you back to late-2000s Dallas dance culture, we hit local spots and show the world how much life we breathe into our community. Hip hop is alive and thriving here and it’s time that everyone sees exactly what we are made of.” Watch the “On Gawd” official video here:
Well known in the underground hip hop and art community in Dallas, Nezi stands out in the local MC cyphers and as a respected visual artist focusing heavily on acrylic works relating to black youth and pop culture. Her technique with various colors blended together with thick graphic lines is just one of the reasons why she is considered a new age pop artist. She dove heavily into studying flows, poetry and literature after the passing of her father, which would later on define her style of music.
Nezi was also recently named to SoundCloud’s “First on SoundCloud” Class of 2022 where she will work directly with SoundCloud over the next year to co-produce tangible, career-defining moments to deepen artist-to-fan connections, creating unique opportunities to reach new audiences. The artists chosen for this special honor are ones championed by fans on SoundCloud and hand-selected by SoundCloud’s music team. With almost 300k followers and 2.8 million likes, Nezi also has a rapidly growing presence on TikTok.
NEZI MOMODU - ‘THE POUND’ TRACK LISTING
1. I'm a Dog (Intro)
2. N.E.Z.
3. Menage
4. IYUM
5. Ante Up
6. OPP
7. The Pound ft. D-Truce
8. On Gawd
9. The Pack
10. I'm On (Outro)
Ashlee Keating's Fierce New Song "Saucy" is a Must for Your Summer Party Playlist
Ashlee Keating is ready to take the pop music scene by storm with her new single “SAUCY” and forthcoming EP. The hot new single has quickly become an anthem for both female-empowerment and the LGBTQ+ community. The track was created by the top-tier team of producers Tommy Brown (who works closely with Ariana Grande), YNG Josh and Nick Cooper. While the vibrant “Saucy” music video racked up over 100K views in the first week since its release, directed by Combina Key and choreographed by Shirlene Quigley.
Ashlee Keating “SAUCY” Official Music Video
As a Billboard-charting music sensation, Ashlee is a true multifaceted talent. Her music is a perfect mix of upbeat and inspirational, with lyrical themes of loving yourself and living your best life. Between her colorful style and dance-worthy music catalog, Ashlee has also become highly regarded within the LGBTQ+ community as an ally and activist. She strives to spread messages of love, positivity, and confidence through all of her work. Making major strides in the music industry, Ashlee’s recent single “YASSS” garnered over 1-Million streams on Spotify while her singles “Hurt Me So Good” and “Bad Mistake” spent weeks on the Top 20 Billboard Dance/Club Chart.
Born and raised in Southern New Jersey, Ashlee discovered her love for music at a young age. She made her Broadway debut at only 6-years-old, playing ‘Gretl’ in the national tour of “The Sound of Music” (alongside Richard Chamberlain). Shortly after, she was cast as the lead role of “Annie” at the famous Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia. Ashlee has since been seen as a contestant on CBS’ “Star Search”, a member of Radio Disney’s “Up and Coming Artist” Incubator Program (performing for artists such as Demi Lovato, Keke Palmer, & Raven Symone), in acting roles in movies such as “The Bandit Hound”, and with her holiday single “Ice Kingdom” featured in Coca-Cola’s ‘52 Songs of Happiness’ campaign.
Ashlee loves to use her platform for good, giving back to philanthropic organizations supporting women empowerment and the LGBTQ+ community. Over the years, she has worked closely with GLAAD, Girl Up, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Outside of her music career, Ashlee likes to stay active with her passions for fashion, dancing, pilates, make-up, traveling, and fitness. She also loves spending time with her pomeranian puppy Koko.
Stay tuned for upcoming Unleashed LGBTQ exclusive interview with Ashlee Keating.
MUSIC & SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram | TikTok I Twitter | Facebook |
Music: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
Website: ashleekeating.com
Andy Cohen’s Pride Party with MUJEN and DE-NADA at The Skylark
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: Andy Cohen attends the celeb-filled Pride Day celebration with MUJEN SPIRITS and DE-NADA TEQUILA at The Skylark on June 26, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: attends Andy Cohen's Pride Party with MUJEN and DE-NADA at The Skylark at The Skylark on June 26, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, June 23, 2022—The Skylark, Midtown West’s elevated bar and lounge with New York City’s most breathtaking 30th-floor views, today announces its PRIDE Day Celebration on Sunday, June 26, 2022 (4pm-9pm), hosted by Andy Cohen.
The invitation-only gala event includes an open bar servingspecialty cocktails by Master Mixologist Johnny Swet, featuring DE-NADA Additive-Free Tequila and MUJEN Spirits – a new premium line of Japanese shochu introduced to the marketplace this year; passed bar bites by premier caterer Abigail Kirsch; DJ Timothy Lucent spinning tunes; as well as exclusive merchandise by Bloomingdale’s.
Located in Manhattan’s historic Garment District, The Skylark is the brainchild of hospitality veteran David Rabin and premier catering and hospitality group Abigail Kirsch. It is an all-season, multi-level indoor/outdoor destination for sophisticated cocktails during the week and private events on weekends.
“PRIDE is something very close to our hearts here at The Skylark, and we can see this becoming an annual celebration and the premier post-PRIDE Parade event,” says Anthony Simone, General Manager, The Skylark. “We are making sure to pull out all the stops to make this the most epic PRIDE event in New York City, and one that benefits a very worthy cause.”
All proceeds from the joyous, high-energy PRIDE Day Celebration, which includes a silent auction, will benefit The Ali Forney Center in New York, which protects LGBTQ youth from homelessness. In addition, until the end of July at The Skylark, a portion of proceeds from cocktails made with DE-NADA Tequila and MUJEN Spirits will benefit the organization.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: DE-NADA Tequila is served at Andy Cohen's celeb-filled Pride Day celebration with MUJEN SPIRITS and DE-NADA TEQUILA at The Skylark on June 26, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
The Skylark’s PRIDE cocktails include:
De’Perfect Paloma
2 oz DE-NADA Blanco Tequila
1.5 oz grapefruit juice
0.5 oz lime juice
In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine all ingredients and shake until cold. Strain into a highball glass over ice and stir in grapefruit soda. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge sprinkled with salt.
Tokyo Lemonade
2 oz MUJEN Original or MUJEN Ai
1 oz lemon juice
0.75 oz simple syrup (3 parts sugar, 2 parts water)
In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine all ingredients and shake until cold. Strain into a Collins glass over ice and stir in 3 oz of soda water. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Just the Prick Margarita
1 oz MUJEN Original or MUJEN Ai
1 oz DE-NADA Blanco Tequila
2 oz prickly pear purée
0.75 oz lime juice
0.5 oz orange juice
0.5 oz agave nectar
In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine all ingredients and shake until cold. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: Andy Cohen (R) attends the celeb-filled Pride Day celebration with MUJEN SPIRITS and DE-NADA TEQUILA at The Skylark on June 26, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: Anthony Simone, Angel Au and guests attend Andy Cohen's celeb-filled Pride Day celebration with MUJEN SPIRITS and DE-NADA TEQUILA at The Skylark on June 26, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: Andy Cohen attends celeb-filled Pride Day celebration with MUJEN SPIRITS and DE-NADA TEQUILA at The Skylark on June 26, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
THINGS WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO: BROS
By Arnold Wayne Jones
By the time the weather gets this stultifying hot – despite the appeal of pool season – we start looking forward to the fall and all that entails: Cooler weather, upcoming holidays and, this year, Billy Eichner.
Eichner has been the secret weapon of various filmed entertainments for a decade. Starting with his YouTube videos Billy on the Street – featured on FunnyOrDie.com, and later a proper series on cable – which were equal parts super-gay, super-funny and super-terrifying, ambushing pedestrians for what must seem like a bipolar flash-mob-of-one game show, he proved mania could be marketable and hysterical. But he’s also lent brilliant comic energy in supporting roles to such diverse properties as the reboot of The Lion King (voicing Timon), Parks & Rec and Friends from College.
Bros Courtesy of Universal Pictures
He finally will lead his own feature film, set to arrive in late September along with pumpkin spiced lattes and Halloween costume prep. Bros, which he co-wrote with (straight) director Nicholas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Neighbors), tells the romantic complications of Eichner’s character, Bobby, a schulbby intellectual loner, and Aaron (out hottie Luke Macfarlane), the athletic hyper-masculine muscle hunk he falls for. But don’t expect some chastely ordinary queer-rom-com. Based on the trailers (the second one dropped last week), it’s outrageous, sexy, winkingly smart at celebrating and skewering queer culture… and incredibly funny. It also seems to be the class reunion of every gay icon and out comedic actor in Hollywood, including Kristin Chenoweth, Debra Messing, Jim Rash, Guy Branum, Guillermo Diaz, Bowen Yang and Amanda Bearse.
Bros Courtesy of Universal Pictures
How appealing is all this? Just check out the new trailer, and put Sept. 30 on your calendar. We can all bro it up!
San marcos, Texas Gets GREEN-LIGHT On New Massive TV/Film Studios
Courtesy of Foley Design
SAN MARCOS, Texas – A $267 million, 820,000-square-foot TV, film and virtual production studio will be built in San Marcos, officials said Wednesday.
The studio is set to bring in more than 1,400 industry jobs to the community, according to Hill Country Group.
“The multiuse project, located at the entrance of the La Cima master-planned community, will also feature modern lifestyle and collaborative workplace amenities, headlined by post-production facilities, a 50-seat screening theater and a full-service restaurant and coffee shop,” Hill Country Group said. “Twenty-five acres will be reserved for vendor and commercial space built to serve both the studio and surrounding community.”
The San Marcos City Council approved the project Tuesday.
“The agreement provides a tax rebate incentive to support the construction of a film production studio in San Marcos. Construction on the project is expected to begin in April 2023 and will be conducted in three phases, with an anticipated completion date set for August 2025,” a city release said.
According to San Marcos officials, the facility will be built near Wonder World Drive and West Center Point Road.
“We’re excited to see the opportunities this project brings to San Marcos,” said Assistant City Manager Joe Pantalion. “We’re excited Hill Country Group, LLC has chosen to invest in San Marcos for this project and we’re confident the film production studio will positively impact our local businesses and our City’s overall economy.”
More news to come as plans continue to develop.
PEACOCK RELEASES NEW TEASER FOR ORIGINAL FILM THEY/THEM
THEY/THEM -- Pictured: (l-r) Carrie Preston as Cora Whistler, Anna Chlumsky as Molly, Boone Platt as Zane, Kevin Bacon as Owen Whistler -- (Photo by: Josh Stringer/Blumhouse)
Peacock releases new trailer for They/Them (or more appropriately They Slash Them) by award-winning screenwriter John Logan’s in his directorial debut from Blumhouse. They/Them will premiere exclusively on Peacock Friday, August 5, 2022.
This slasher horror film stars Kevin Bacon as Owen Whistler, the creepy owner and director of Whistler Camp, a conversion therapy retreat for LGBTQIA+ youth. This week of programming promises to offer guests the opportunity to “help them find a new sense of freedom”, but as the camp’s methods become increasingly more psychologically unsettling, the campers must work together to protect themselves. Audiences can expect thrills and chills from this queer-horror slasher flick as things go from bad to worse when an unidentified axe murderer starts claiming victims.
They/Them also stars Anna Chlumsky, Carrie Preston, Theo Germaine, Quei Tann, Austin Crute, Monique Kim, Anna Lore, Cooper Koch, & Darwin Del Fabro.
THEY/THEM -- Pictured: (l-r) Cooper Koch as Stu, Anna Lore as Kim, Monique Kim as Veronica, Quei Tann as Alexandra, Austin Crute as Toby, Darwin del Fabro as Gabriel, Theo Germaine as Jordan -- (Photo by: Josh Stringer/Blumhouse)
HIGHLY SUSPECT RETURN WITH NEW ALBUM THE MIDNIGHT DEMON CLUB
PHOTO CREDIT: JIMMY FONTAINE
JUNE 22, 2022 – Roadrunner Records / FRKST band Highly Suspect have announced details of their anxiously awaited fourth full-length album, The Midnight Demon Club, which will arrive on September 9th. It is available for pre-order / pre-save at all streaming platforms now. The three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated band have also shared two new tracks: “Natural Born Killer” (streaming HERE) and “Pink Lullabye” (streaming HERE) with “Natural Born Killer” joined by an Andrew Sandler directed music video streaming on the band’s official YouTube channel.
Regarding the LP, lead vocalist and guitarist Johnny Stevens a.k.a. “Terrible Johnny” shared, “Life comes at you fast. We are constantly reminded of this, and perhaps no greater occurrence will spark the imagination more than the death of a loved one. In my experience, it’s during these moments of processing great loss that the mind is completely focused on ‘what if’s’ as we try and escape what is. The Midnight Demon Club is about becoming the best version of yourself after tragedy, so it’s a second chance on life with a happier mindset. The Midnight Demon Club is all about having fun and keeping it moving. Because as we all know, this life is way too short.”
Stevens also remarked on lead single “Natural Born Killer” explaining, “I’m always fighting for my place out here in this world. And there are two mindsets one could have - rollover and mope about the hard shit or just be a motherfucking life beast and smash all your challenges at hand. And if you’re really a badass, have fun doing it. That’s the flow. That’s the essence of being a natural born killer.”
The Midnight Demon Club finds Highly Suspect at a turning point. Produced by Highly Suspect and WZRD BLD, the 12-track offering teems with truth barely contained in fits of metallic exorcism and hip-hop-induced beat-craft. Stoned musings about a world on the brink of destruction ride over gorgeously uneasy orchestration and vocal transmissions that drip with sadness, longing, rage, and confidence all at once [tracklisting / album art below].
Right now, the band are canvasing Europe on “The Devils In The Detail Tour.” The trek visits multiple countries before wrapping up at Lollapalooza in Paris, France on July 17. They’ll head back to the United States for appearances at Louder Than Life in Louisville, KY on September 22nd and Pointfest in Maryland Heights, MO on September 24th [tour itinerary below]. For tickets and more information on Highly Suspect’s upcoming tour dates, visit www.highlysuspect.net.
Never content to follow, Highly Suspect push rock music forward by trusting their instincts and raising a middle finger to everything else. The multi-GRAMMY® Award-nominated and gold-certified band - Johnny Stevens [vocals, guitar], Ryan Meyer [drums, vocals], Rich Meyer [bass, vocals], Matt Kofos [guitar] and Mark Schwartz [synths] - don’t just talk about burning the rules and breaking the mold; they actually do so. The band’s chemically imbalanced mix of gritty guitars, haunting piano, off-kilter synths, hip-hop production, cinematic vision, and beautifully possessed vocals transformed them into a phenomenon beloved by a diehard global fanbase known as “MCID” [My Crew Is Dope].
After grinding it out as an underground curiosity, they scraped a path to mainstream infamousness with their 2015 full-length debut, Mister Asylum. It earned a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Best Rock Album” as the single “Lydia” received a nomination for “Best Rock Song” was certified gold by the RIAA. The 2016 follow-up The Boy Who Died Wolf roared to life with the gold-selling “My Name Is Human,” which catapulted to #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart and garnered a GRAMMY® Nomination for “Best Rock Song.”2019’s MCID affirmed them as the rare outfit who could collaborate with Young Thug and Gojira on the same album. Loudwire hailed the latter among the “50 Best Rock Albums of 2019.” With hundreds of millions of streams and sold out shows on multiple continents, Highly Suspect charge ahead of the pack again on 2022’s The Midnight Demon Club with no compromises and no apologies as they challenge rock to be dangerous and maybe even life-changing again.
[ALBUM ARTWORK / TRACKLISTING / TOUR ITINERARY BELOW]
HIGHLY SUSPECT
THE MIDNIGHT DEMON CLUB
The Sound
Natural Born Killer
Ice Cold
Midnight Demon Club
Caught On Fire
Wild Eyed Son
Pink Lullabye
New California
Need To Say
Cool Kids
Love Like This
Evangeline
TOUR DATES
6/22- Warsaw, Poland - Proxima
6/23 - Krakow, Poland - Klub Kwadrat
6/27 - Glasgow, UK - SWG3
6/30 - Manchester, UK - 02 Ritz Manchester
7/1 - Camden, UK - Electric Ballroom
7/2 - Camden, UK - Electric Ballroom
7/4 - Bristol, UK - Marble Factory
7/5 - Birmingham, UK - 02 Institute
7/7 - Madrid, Spain - Mad Cool Festival 2022
7/9 - Vienna, Austria - Simm City
7/11 - Berlin, Germany - Festsaal Kreuzberg Biergarten
7/12 - Cologne, Germany - Die Kantine
7/14 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
7/15 - Utrecht, Netherlands - Tivoli Vredenburg
7/17 - Paris, France - Lollapalooza
9/22 - Louisville, KY - Louder Than Life 2022
9/24 - Maryland Heights, MO - Pointfest 2022
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HIGHLY SUSPECT:
OFFICIAL SITE / SPOTIFY / APPLE MUSIC / YOUTUBE / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / FACEBOOK
CONTACT:
LILY GOLIGHTLY / LILY@THREEHUNDRED.BIZ
ROSS ANDERSON / ROSSANDERSON@ELEKTRA.COM
Bobby Newberry and Fia Nyxx Offer an “Escape”
To The Dancefloor with Their Sexy New Summer Jam
Bobby Newberry and Fia Nyxx are out to make people dance, sweat, feel free, sexy and have a good time this summer. Their new single, “Escape” is a scorcher of a dance record with sultry house elements, a disco infusion and a seriously hypnotic baseline. “Honestly, I had been feeling a lot of pressure and stress from the world and everyday life,” Bobby Newberry explains when discussing the genesis of the song. “I was hearing it a lot from friends too; how there is just always something draining our energy.” He says he and Fia wanted to give party people a moment to drown out their troubles and re-energize their bodies with a good time. They wrote and produced “Escape” with their mutual friend, Sam J Garfield. “It’s about taking an emotional journey, letting go of the world and its problems, getting lost on the dancefloor and feeling alive.” Bobby Newberry and Fia Nyxx’s “Escape” is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all digital platforms. The video is available on YouTube.
“The song writing experience was pretty magical,” Bobby Newberry recalls from his Los Angeles home. “I had the idea for the hook and I kept singing it over and over with Fia, on continuous loop, while rallying Sam to hurry in with the house drop. It was an incredible session. The vibe between the three of us was electric.
The energy resonates in the high voltage music video that accompanies the song. Filmed at Sam J Garfield’s BlackRose Los Angeles, Newberry co-directed with Logan James who also shot the video. Choreography is by Bobby Newberry, Taylor Knight and Robbie Blue.
A shoulder injury sustained by Newberry nearly shut down production on the video. “We had to adjust all the choreography and creative,” he explains. “If you watch closely, I do ninety percent of the choreography with my left arm because my right shoulder was in pain.”
Natalie Saidi styled the video and Bobby says the fashion became a whole character in itself. “Natalie took us places we had never been, fashion wise. She really made some iconic looks happen.”
His absolute favorite are the red pants with the flowing tulle. “I could hardly move in them but they were incredible!” he laughs.
Bobby Newberry began his career in the music industry as a choreographer for Eminem. He would go on to work with a string of the world’s top artists including Nicki Minaj, The Pussycat Dolls, Missy Elliot, and Lil’ Wayne. His choreography work has been seen on TV in Dancing with the Stars and X-Factor. In 2014, Bobby Newberry released his first single and music video, “Dirrty Up (featuring Jessie and The Toy Boys).” It was soon after followed by his debut EP, The Newberry Special.
Fia Nyxx recently released her sophomore album, Red Umbrella. In her music, Nyxx embraces a theatrical approach, embodying a brilliantly experimental clash of genres from rock to pop. “Fia is passionate and rockstar glamorous with such an amazing falsetto register,” Newberry says. “It was really fun to vocal produce her on this record.”
Escape is the third single from Bobby Newberry’s upcoming EP. The dancers in the “Escape” music video are Taylor Knight, Robbie Blue, Brynda Rowen, and Devin Neal.
Follow Bobby Newberry on Instagram @ bobbynewberry
Film Review: CHA CHA REAL SMOOTH
By: Arnold Wayne Jones
A great farce requires crackerjack timing, a potent thriller the skillful withholding of information, but effective cinematic charm? There’s no formula for that most elusive of movie delights. Too far one way, you get smug self-awareness; too much the other, cringeworthy forced schmaltz. (Last year’s Licorice Pizza managed to embody both with its overwrought “authenticity” and meandering ideas coagulating on the screen.) Done well, though, an ideal charmer can transcend entertainment and enter a realm of sui generis enchantment.
The nouveau rom-com Cha Cha Real Smooth, despite its edge-of-0ff-putting title, finds that Goldilocks Zone. It’s pure magic — quirky, specific, complex, unpredictable. It’s a touchstone of Gen Z angst and optimism.
Writer-director Cooper Raiff also plays the lead: Andrew, a recent college grad who hates working his mall-food-court job while girlfriend’s Fulbright Scholarship has taken her overseas. To save up money so he can visit her, he moves back in with his mom (Leslie Mann, who’s never been better), younger brother David (Evan Assante) and new stepdad (Brad Garrett). Andrew accompanies David to a bat mitzvah, where his outgoing personality enlivens a dull party. Suddenly he’s in-demand as a professional party starter – introducing the guest of honor, emceeing the festivities, leading the “Cha Cha Slide” (where the movie gets its title), etc. It’s also where he meets Domino (Dakota Johnson), a young mother of an autistic teenager, Lola (Vanessa Burghardt). Andrew’s toothy smile and extroverted personality manages to win over the protective mom, but also her closed-off daughter.
Andrew is too old to be a love interest for Lola and too young for the already-engaged Domino… or is he? We already know he’s a born romantic, an open-hearted but aimless people-person whose lack of focus makes him fun but unreliable. In a different cinematic universe, this would be The Wedding Singer or Sweet Home Alabama, where the stodgy-and-wrong-for-her boyfriend is justly cuckolded, but Cha Cha Real Smooth defines such conventions. Tonally, it’s closer to a less-yuppified Jerry Maguire than a 21st century Kate Hudson-Matthew McConaughey-Jennifer Lopez romantic comedy. It doesn’t feel churned out, it feels lived it.
Johnson delivered a career-best performance – she underplays with the same delicately ethereal mood of a young Jessica Lange – and newcomers Burghardt and Assante provide unique presences so that when they are off-screen, you miss them. But clearly the greatest credit goes to Raiff, who seems to be the love child of Adam Scott and Oscar Isaac with the perfect amount of smarm and zero smirk. Raiff layers his character without leading the audience through his personality by the nose. The script withholds information not to be mysterious, but because some things simply wouldn’t be emphasized in reality (his incipient alcohol problem, his mother’s bipolar condition). He wins over us in the audience the same way he does the Jewish mothers at the bar mitzvahs. The script and direction are nothing short of brilliant. Cha Cha Real Smooth establishes Raiff as an important new voice … and reinvents movie charm for a new generation.
Now in theaters and available on Apple TV+.
Peacock Reboots a Gay Staple with Unexpected Success QUEER AF
By Arnold Wayne Jones
If you’re old enough (and gay enough) to remember watching when Russell T. Davies’ original British series Queer as Folk debuted more than 20 years ago – I, sadly, am – then you will never forget the adrenaline-rush of seeing sexually-active gay men engaged in realistic-seeming sex without AIDS, shame or suicide being the dramatic driving force. It was staggering in its radicalism. There was no marriage equality; it was still GLBT – the “A” hadn’t been added, the letters reversed, the Q codified. It was sexy, frivolous, and its politics was that of stentorian outrage at closet-cases, homophobia and hypocrisy. The original QAF – and its American remake, which ran on pay-cable for five seasons – was a kind of fantasy soap opera of bed-hopping, shade-throwing and melodramatic cliffhangers. (Question: Should we call a gay soap opera a “lube musical”? But I digress.)
Courtesy of NBC/Universal
We live in a new world now, although not always a better world. Gay weddings are now called “weddings,” Grindr gets joked about in primetime, COVID has replaced HIV as the virus of the moment, trans kids are… well, a thing. But there’s also the Pulse nightclub shooting, anti-trans legislation and the current SCOTUS membership. We’ve come far, but there’s still far to go.
Which is why, as I discovered slightly to my surprise, that we really needed a reboot of Queer as Folk. I needed convincing; I’m generally opposed to rehashing old properties simply because Hollywood is so bereft of courage or originality that it assumes audiences only want what they already know. (Unfortunately, they are often right.) Why revisit the same characters, or “new” characters regurgitating the same ideas, just for clicks and a 4.5 in the demo? The fact that this QAF was coming to NBC’s Peacock – the buggiest and boringest of the major streaming services from the most middle-brow of networks – gave me little hope.
Courtesy of NBC/Universal
Then I watched the first episode. And the second. And third. And it dawned on me that, of all retro series reboots out there, this may be the one that has the best chance to seem more relevant than the original.
In some ways, this is a critique of the American version. A dirty little secret: Most gays will concede that we often hate-watched that show. We wanted to see idealized versions of our own lives on screen (hard bodies glistening with perspiration in soft-core lighting), but these scenes were sandwiched between stereotypes, often painfully overwrought dialogue and predictable plotting. Most episodes left you with the same dissatisfaction as a Diet Coke: You asked for it, but the empty aftertaste left you wanting something better. The Peacock version needed to improve upon those feelings, and so far, it has.
Courtesy of NBC/Universal
The first amazement for me was the opening scene: A fairly explicit and rolicking anal sex scene that shows more ass and abs than I expected from NBC. The second amazement: Diversity. Another reason why the earlier incarnation was so disappointing was the total lack of color in the primary cast: Of the dozen or so regulars, every single one was as white as a Trump rally. There were token lesbians, a mix of tops and bottoms, twinks and doms but virtually no bears, no queens, and no POC. Not so this time out. The lesbian couple are mixed race – a butch black dyke and a thin lipstick transwoman; the local slut is mixed, the adopted son of white parents (including an almost unrecognizable Kim Cattrall, doing excellent character work) with a brother on the spectrum (Special star Ryan O’Connell); there are Latinos, gender-fluid teens, otters, a disabled guy and Juliette Lewis. (Sadly, no senior queers – hey, it’s still a gay fantasy.)
Courtesy of NBC/Universal
Another big difference is how the stakes seem contemporary and relevant. There’s less worrying about HIV (PrEP!) and molly overdoses and more mass shootings, social media awareness and criticism of faux allies. But there are still the cliches: Young gays having/wanting kids (heteronormative ideals are the flesh-eating viruses of most mainstream portrayals of gay culture); superficial conversations about overwrought emotions; secondary characters praising/apologizing for the anti-heroic stars; and so, so many pretty boys fucking wildly to fill in for plot (OK, I admit I like that part a lot). The trade off works, though.
Courtesy of NBC/Universal
I’ve enjoyed the acting (other than O’Connell, who is sweet but never convincing in his line delivery) and the mancandy helps the bad dialogue go down easier. I’ll definitely watch all eight episodes and probably wait for another season. And maybe two decades from now, another version will come along and rewrite the gay script over again for a future generation. And maybe it will be Queer AF too.