2/21/2019 LGBTQ+ MUSICIANS ON THE RISE
The LGBTQ+ community is home to some of the most creative artists that are constantly revolutionizing their space. Music has always been a way for people to connect with each other, which is why this article is a perfect fit for the CTXYZ Community page.
I interviewed 5 artists from across the U.S. that are creating some amazing and unique music! READ MORE TO CHECK OUT THE FULL ARTICLE FT. KNOX, ZAUL, MIKEY COOK, + MORE!KNOX
Is your sexuality something that’s important to you as an artist?
my sexuality is very important to me as an individual, therefore i also do believe it holds significant weight in my work and as an artist as well. having come out about two years ago with my first boyfriend, i still am finding my own comfortability and place in the world and in this industry of predominately heterosexual, mainstream male artists as a queer man – although i have been queer my entire life. living your truth unapologetically is a very different experience and quality of life than living within yourself and from a place of insecurity and sometimes denial or shame. i continue to every day own who i am and express myself through my works in ways that i feel are truly genuine, effortless, and most importantly, true to who i am as an artist, as well as a queer person. What motivates you to keep making music? having been lost in the world for so long, not really feeling like i belonged anywhere, writing, recording, and singing my songs is what brings me more happiness than i had ever found in anything else i've aimlessly chased after in the pursuit of fulfillment. i don't want to sound like i've been alive long, i'm only 25, but oh man, i know what it feels like to feel empty, unfulfilled – not to have a reason to get out of bed or to feel as though you're living for others, rather than for yourself. i have dreams that are so big, that they scare me sometimes – i often feel so small, insignificant, un-talented.. i'm in this constant battle with my own negative thoughts and inner-saboteur literally every single day, and defeating those ideas of doubt and self-consciousness is the core reason for why i strive to water myself, my happiness, and the dreams of this big-headed little Dominican boy from Washington Heights. With so many LGBTQ+ voices in the media, how do you plan on using your platform to advocate for the community? i feel like in this climate of insensitivity and an uninformed public, with so many new concepts, ideas and ways to identify yourself becoming more and more relatable within the LGBTQ+, we are subject to ignorance, which sprouts from misinformation as well as overall misrepresentation. aside from just wanting to candidly speak on these issues of how we choose to be identified or referred to, i also look forward to being a Latino / Dominican / Cuban artist and advocate for such a distinguished and proud group of individuals who live unapologetically and genuinely.
FOLLOW KNOX ON INSTAGRAM TO KEEP UP WITH HIS MUSIC JOURNEY!
@KNOXMURDOCK ZAUL
Has being queer affected your journey as an artist? How?
Yes, definitely along with my creative ideas and plans. Certain things are still not accepted or viewed as taboo amongst close minded individuals, which kind of puts a queer artist in an unbalanced type pedestal. It’s more of a, you can hit or miss.
FOLLOW ZAUL ON INSTAGRAM TO KEEP UP WITH HIS MUSIC JOURNEY!
@ZAULMK MIKEY COOK
FOLLOW MIKEY COOK ON INSTAGRAM TO KEEP UP WITH HIS MUSIC JOURNEY!
@MIKEY.COOK SEV7EN TAYLOR
What are some personal experiences that have influenced your musicality?
Just seeing people being doubtful and then I proved them wrong. I remember coming into the rap game and having so many people coming at me; because I had talent and it took me time to learn that. I always showed love and supported others. Because I have what it takes to be the next superstar; everyone isn't going to like or root for you. Still continue to be the BEST YOU. I think longevity with everything I do and I know I will go down in history as one of the greats. Meetings/ deals will happen because of me. We are very marketable individuals and we can't keep faking our authentic truths when it comes to the industry. I'm just getting started and there's so much work to do. Thank you so much for the interview. Readers can find my new single here: https://soundcloud.com/tre-vaughn-taylor/spaceships Also my debut album "Boys Just Wanna Have Fun." on all major platforms!
FOLLOW SEV7EN TAYLOR ON INSTAGRAM TO KEEP UP WITH HIS MUSIC JOURNEY!
@SEV7ENTAYLOR ROMARIUS
FOLLOW ROMARIUS ON INSTAGRAM TO KEEP UP WITH HIS MUSIC JOURNEY!
@IAMROMARIUS Comments are closed.
|