MuMu Shares "The Bitch in Me" Single
NYC singer-songwriter MuMu throws shade with her newest release, "The Bitch in Me," a punchy song about clashing personalities and what happens when you give in to your inner bitch. It’s a bop with totally relatable, cleverly comedic lyrics. MuMu’s storytelling is so on point, we feel like her best-friend across the table exclaiming, "Yaaas girl, spill that tea!"
"The Bitch in Me" was inspired by a real person (who shall remain unnamed) who’s world revolves around money and aristocracy. The only thing they’re passionate about is securing the best table at the new Michelin five-star restaurant. MuMu confides, "I feel like a bitch saying all this even now after I’ve written a song about it. I was raised in a family of six women. Women are my muse. I write and sing for them. I live and love with them. I wanted desperately to love this new neighbor-woman, but she brought out the bitch in me."
She continued, "What I learned in the process of writing this song was that it’s ok for me to not like everyone. I don’t need to be puking hearts and farting rainbows all day every day wherever I go. I can get angry, I can be resentful, I can write a bitchy song about my bitchy neighbor and hope to goddess she never hears it."
"The Bitch in Me" is a lyrically brazen F.U. that compels us to dance like no one is watching with arms and legs thrashing about as if we’re attempting to burst through the hierarchical stigma that’s been cast upon us. It’s an anthem for the other 99%.
MUMU LIVE
05/27 – Bowery Electric – New York, NY
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Felix III Interview SXSW 2022
We got to chat with Felix III during SXSW 2022 at the iconic Cheer Up Charlies in Austin, TX. This up and coming, queer, singer/songwriter had a lot to share. We talked new single After Hours and Felix even answered fan’s questions live via Twitter.
David Hernandez Bares All In New EP And Book
Don’t @ Me - EP Cover Image David Hernandez
David Hernandez is baring it all. And not just on his new EP Don’t @ Me. To accompany Don’t @ Me, Hernandez is releasing a coffee-table book full of his nudes in tandem with the musical project this Friday (March 11).
Hernandez is no stranger to public nudity. Before conceptualizing Don’t @ Me, or his book #NSFW, he starred in a Las Vegas production of Naked Boys Singing. On his Instagram page, he often dons a jockstrap, showing off his backside, while posing seductively in nature or against a solid backdrop.
“My friends, when I go to their houses, especially in New York, they have these coffee table books, like the dick book, or like the ass book,” Hernandez tells Unleashed LGBTQ. “You open it up, and it's just all of these beautiful nude photos. They’re just so well done and tasteful that I wanted to join the likes of those coffee table books.”
The former American Idol top 12 contestant began working on music before signing onto Naked Boys Singing, however, the feelings of sexual liberation he felt while naked on stage kickstarted his musical process.
“I was inspired just to be myself,” Hernandez tells Unleashed LGBTQ, “to feel free to, honor the sexual side of myself and the nudist side of myself. The content on the EP is very adult, it's honest, and it’s gay as well. And I thought my image also fits that same exact thing, and I feel free and liberated through this experience. So why not release it to the world and show all sides of me, literally?”
Hernandez learned how to record and produce his own music during the pandemic, using programs like Splice, Ableton, Pro Tools and Garageband. He was mostly going into the studio for cathartic, therapeutic purposes, and didn’t have any initial plans to release a project.
“I was just dropping lyrics and vocals in my microphone,” Hernandez says. “And then. when I got to Vegas, I was just inspired by my sexual nature and being naked on stage. I was finally, finally thinking ‘Wow, you look really good after this fitness journey, you should be proud of yourself.’ The content [of the EP] changed a little bit. I started writing about how it feels being an adult gay male, how it feels during sex and how it feels with my anxiety.”
David Hernandez #NSFW
Although the recurring theme of Hernandez’s new projects is sexual liberation, the singer does take time to address the haters.
On Don’t @ Me’s title track, Hernandez claps back at people who have tried to hinder his success. For the first time, he addresses the naysayers who dragged his name through the mud during his 2008 stint on American Idol.
The song opens with a Fox News sound clip of an anchor revealing news of a pre-Idol Hernandez working at a male strip club. “Don’t @ Me” then continues with Hernandez “speak-singing” the lyrics “see my ass on Instagram, see my dick on OnlyFans.”
“I'm just going to place now like where not only have I like forgiven the people that dragged me, like Perez Hilton, and all the news outlets, and stuff like that,” Hernandez says, “but I've moved on from that, and I wanted to the EP to be the bookend for all of that. And I think you'll hear that. The EP, just like the book, is about liberation, self-expression and freedom.”
Drag DJ-production Duo JAWBREAKERS Release Debut Music Video - "Boyfriend"
Kali Forni-Kate and Sabrina Babyslut are drag producer/DJs! Together, they are known as the Jawbreakers. In their first EP, Just A Taste - being released through Vicious Recordings, the label that discovered Avicii when he was a teenager, and released his first ten records - the duo dish out delicious dance, pop and tech house songs that reflect on their live DJ shows. "Boyfriend," the EP’s first single, is out now. It’s video emphasizes how Kali and Sabrina not only DJ their parties, they are their parties.
Just A Taste, the debut EP from the drag-duo DJ-production team known as Jawbreakers, dishes out dance, pop and tech house songs suitable for clubs and partygoers at home enjoying a late-night kiki. “The EP is a sampling platter of beats with something for everyone,” says Kali Forni-Kate of Jawbreakers. “It’s Just A Taste, because there is 100% more to come,” adds her collaborator, Sabrina Babyslut. With songs like “This Is Dirty” and “Ciao Bella,” the EP reflects the group’s live DJ shows that emphasize how Jawbreakers are not only playing the party, they are the party. "Boyfriend," the EP’s first release, is a modern-day remake of Ashlee Simpson’s 2005 hit that chronicled her stealing Wilmer Valderrama from Lindsay Lohan. The Jawbreaker version features vocals from Amunda (formerly from Operator Please). Its accompanying music video, directed by Nyssa Mitchell, conceptualized by Jawbreakers with editing and FX by Zachary McSweeney, is a technicolor dream, with Kali and Sabrina dressed in eye-catching lewks. The Just A Taste EP is being distributed through Extrovert Music, a division of Vicious Recordings, and will be available on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms on April 1. Jawbreaker’s “Boyfriend” music video is available on YouTube.
Kali and Sabrina first met in 2016, performing in a Britney Spears tribute show in Melbourne. They immediately clicked as both came from similar middle-class, nuclear family backgrounds, discovered drag via their passions for musical theatre, and began their individual adventures into the art form after high school. When they learned of their shared interest in music production, they decided to join forces as a DJ duo. They bought a mixer and six months later they were in business.
“The biggest hurdle was deciding who stands where in the booth,” Kali explains. “Sabrina is left-handed and I’m right. We had to fight over who uses the left and right DJ decks. Swapping throws off our groove!”
Their Jawbreakers name harkens back to the iconic candy from their childhoods and the 1998 teen film that starred Rose McGowan, Rebecca Gayheart and Julie Benz as the “it” girl clique who reign supreme in their high school. “It’s a reflection on how the drag that we do is heavily inspired by pop culture,” Kali continues. “Like the girls in the movie, we dress to have fun and through the music we play and the energy that we exude, it makes everyone want to party with us!”
The duo has already headlined several international festivals including Sydney Mardi Gras and Milkshake Festival in Netherlands. Their next big gig will be Summer Camp Festival where they will perform alongside Years and Years, Big Freedia and The Veronicas. They are also slated to perform the next Goodlife U18 event, as well as Adelaide Festival, St Kilda Festival and Melbourne Pride.
“We have been keeping an eye on Jawbreakers for several years,” says Damien Platt of Extrovert Music, a division of Vicious Recordings, the label that discovered Avicii when he was a teenager, and released his first ten records. “When Kali and Sabrina presented us with demos of the EP, we were instantly fans of the music. It's fun, its camp and its quality music.”
Jawbreakers is not Extrovert Music’s first foray into gay dance floor music. Label co-founder Andy Van, of the band Madison Avenue, had a #1 dance anthem with “Don’t Call Me Baby”. More recently, Sgt Slick’s recut of “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” went gold and has become a major queer anthem. “Extrovert Music is focusing on dance pop/disco/commercial/cross over releases,” Platt continues. “A majority of our new signings and existing roster who identify as LGBTQIA+ are producing this sound.”
While Jawbreakers’ unique look has helped attract attention to their work, Sabrina admits that performing as hyper feminine drag artists has made it harder for fans and the music industry to take the duo seriously. “We’ve had straight DJs hit on us and others wonder who the random chicks were in the booth,” she explains. “But way more people have shown their support and their desire to see us succeed.”
“We’re lucky to live in an era when queer culture is proving that we can be a force in any and every industry,” Kali adds. “Never underestimate what a queen can achieve. It only makes us work harder.”
Jawbreakers’ “Just A Taste” is being distributed through Extrovert Music and will be available on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms. The “Boyfriend” video is available now on YouTube. Follow on Instagram @ JawbreakersDJ
In Todrick We Trust- Exclusive Interview with Texas' Own Todrick Hall
Interview by Wesley Smoot
Todrick Hall, is an actor, singer, dancer, producer, choreographer, broadway star and internet sensation… you may have heard of him. With all of those credits under his belt, he’s hard to miss. This trailblazing talent has given audiences countless YouTube videos, from hilarious parodies to top-notch original tracks with some of the best beats, lyrics, and choreography on the web. We got the chance to sit down with Todrick before his performance at the 40th Annual Black Tie Dinner to spill the tea and even snap some photos of this LGBTQ living legend. Pinkies up, now sip!
Photography by: Adrian Lopez
Weslo: Todrick, how are you today?
Todrick Hall: I’m fantastic. There’s no place like home. I’m so happy to be back in Texas. I don’t get to spend enough time here, so this is always a treat for me.
Weslo: Fabulous, tonight you’ll be performing in Dallas, Texas at the 40th annual Black Tie Dinner. You’re no stranger to North Texas. Can you tell us about growing up in the area? Did it have any affect on your music or style?
Todrick Hall: I think that every single day I realize just how much I’ve been affected by growing up in Texas, especially growing up in the middle of the bible belt. I claim the Dallas/Fort Worth area to be my hometown but I’m actually from the panhandle of Texas in Plainview which is a tiny town sandwiched between Lubbock and Amarillo. Growing up there, it was very conservative, people were very closed minded.. but I didn’t mind it. I was an only child that had a mom who embraced every part of me, even the quirky odd parts. Growing up I did ballet, theatre and was obsessed with all things Disney or anything musical based, so it was an interesting journey. As I grow older and look back on those experiences I appreciate every moment. Much like the butterfly effect, it has worked to make me the person I am today as an artist and a human being.
Photography by: Adrian Lopez
Weslo: I love that. Many artists like yourself who achieve this level of success end up in Los Angeles. Why do you think it’s so important to return to your old stomping grounds for events like Black Tie Dinner?
Todrick Hall: For me specifically, for events like Black Tie Dinner and for my tours, I always make sure I make stops in Dallas and do a few other Texas dates around my Dallas date because there are so many kids who should have access to these shows. When you live in a huge metropolitan city like New York, LA, Chicago, Vegas.. you can sometimes forget there are people still living in a bubble of sorts. While that bubble is more progressive than it was when I was growing up here, it is still insane to hear the stories of young queer kids growing up in this area. So everytime I come home it really hits me how much work we’ve done- but also how much more we need to do. There are so many homeless LGBTQ youth. There are kids who want to be performers and entertainers on Broadway. They want to be on television and don’t have parents supporting them, so I’m happy Black Tie is doing what they’re doing in Texas. It’s always bigger and better. It’s one of the biggest and best LGBTQ events in the world and it's right here in my hometown… so when I get asked to come to perform it’s really a no brainer.
Weslo: You started as a YouTube star, became a breakout performer on American Idol, you made a name for yourself on Broadway, and you even had a show on MTV… you seem to be very much a self-made man. Can you speak on your drive and commitment in your early years that got you where you are today?
Todrick Hall: I have to give credit where credit is due. My dance teacher Yvonne Racz was the artistic director at Ballet Lubbock. She was so strict, or what I thought was “so strict”. She prepared me for what to expect in the business. She brought this energy you would find in New York to a small town in Lubbock and raised me with all of the work ethic that I needed to get to the point I’m at now. I think a lot of people go out to the big cities to make a name for themselves but I think it’s really important to remember where you come from and use that foundation to find your voice. Dallas also seems to be a place where theatre, film and television are continuing to expand, giving new artists the opportunity to grow here before they venture out. With all that said, I think talent is important, but it’s nothing without hard work.
Photography by: Adrian Lopez
Weslo: I completely agree. So, I'm obsessed with your latest video It’s Raining Fellas… Looking back, you started with videos at McDonald’s Drive thrus and Target flash mobs, which while lacking in production value, were all still amazing videos... You now have so many resources to make quality content… What do you miss about those old days? Do you have a favorite of your older youtube videos?
Todrick Hall: Definitely the McDonalds video, my video Beauty and the Beat was so funny, I’m such a huge Disney fan and the energy in the room when me and my fellow friends, all POC’s created it, it was the funniest day ever. The Target flash mob was fun but scary. We didn’t have permits or even permission. I think that’s when things were the most fun, when we were stealing shots everywhere. Also being a social media influencer at that time was such an unknown, uncharted territory for so many people. There really weren’t any ground rules for when someone comes into a place to shoot a viral video. Luckily, it ended up working in my favor and a lot of those opportunities have come back. With Target, we’ve got to work with them and shoot in the store but this time without the adrenaline rush and trying to steal shots. Hahahaha… But those are the first three that come to mind. I will say my video for It gets Better definitely changed my life. I wrote that song because of the Trevor Project and all of the lives lost to suicide from bullying at school or at home. I put that song on iTunes. It was the first song I ever sold. That song resonated with so many people that in the first year I was living in LA, my rent was paid from the downloads and streams of that song specifically. So that song saved a lot of people’s lives, changed a lot of people’s lives, and helped me establish myself to where I could work on my passion full-time.
Weslo: Wow, incredible work. So, I was at a Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium and boom… Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels,... comes on. I see thousands of people moving, just feeling your music. For queer artists like yourself, like Lil Nas X, there seems to be huge waves being made in places that would seem almost unexpected to some. Do you see real progress in how queer music is being accepted in the mainstream. Or in places you wouldn’t expect like football games in Texas?
Todrick Hall: I would be lying if I said that we haven’t made a lot of progress, but in 2021 I haven’t heard a man sing a pronoun related to someone of the same sex. I think there’s been a lot of advancements. I’m so grateful Lil Nas X exists but I want there to be representation on the radio of simple, unapologetic love songs from one man to another using the pronouns, him/his. I think that would shed a lot of light on where we are, what cities would play it, which wouldn’t, where a song like that would chart… I think it would be groundbreaking. As queer people, we’ve got used to being underrepresented and don’t expect that from the radio or mainstream music. I want to start hearing our love songs. I would like when I get married, I don’t have to weed through every song that specifically mentions the pronoun of the person I’m in love with… that I will have a few options of songs that I can play at my wedding that feel created and catered to me.
Photography by: Adrian Lopez
Weslo: You’ve toured the world with shows like Straight Outta Oz sharing your message of fierce, unapologetic queer realness.... What was it like in cities that come across as less accepting of the LGBTQ community? Did you ever experience any issues with homophobia while touring?
Todrick Hall: Absolutely, even sometimes in Texas. In San Antonio we were in a restaurant and a lady started screaming slurs. I always try to go by the Michelle Obama book of rules, when they go low we go high. I was very proud of how my team, my dancers, my crew, and how everyone handled it. Still, it was very eye opening. We don’t really experience that kind of negativity or discrimination in LA as we might when we’re on tour. Sometimes it can be an unfortunate wake-up call. But really it’s not just in America, we tour all over the world. We’re in Australia, New Zealand, all over Europe and even Asia... We still experience that type of discrimination sometimes differing from city to city. I have so many kids sending me messages and emails, direct messages and tweets saying that their parents won’t let them come support a gay black man. They won’t buy them a ticket or allow them to leave the house. We have had people picket and even riot outside our shows before. It’s been an insane experience but it’s something that reminds me and the team why we're doing what we’re doing. It’s become much bigger than making a fun video for people to dance to. Myself and other queer artists are showing people who really need it that you can be a gay, successful, proud artist who is celebrated is not only important but necessary.
Weslo: In the song FAG, you throw shade on haters who had issues with you being your authentic gay self growing up. Only by being true to yourself have you been able to reach this level of success. Can you speak on why being yourself is so important? Especially for the youngsters out there…
Todrick Hall: I had the privilege of playing the role my mentor Billy Porter played, which was Lola for Kinky Boots on Broadway. It was a life-changing chapter in my life. There’s a line in that show that says, Be yourself, everyone else is already taken. When I was learning the lines, I was basically trying to put them in my memory like a computer chip and then one day I said the line and it clicked. That one line had so much power to me. I think we as humans are taught to conform but I think that embracing the things that make you different was hard for me, but everytime I did it, it’s what helped me stand out.
Weslo: You have worked with so much celebrity talent including Ru Paul and a myriad of fabulous queens… Spill the tea..., if you could collaborate with any musical artist, who would it be?
Todrick Hall: I’ve worked with Beyonce already but she’ll always be at the top of my list. I love Cardi B, I think she’s hilarious. I've loved Nicky Minaj since Super Bass and Starship days so I’d love to work with her. I just think she’s iconic and no one can do what she does. I would love to do a song with Taylor Swift even though we’re really great friends. I hope one day it makes sense for us to do a song together that only she and I can do. That would be really fun. I’m a huge Nicole Richie fan, I know she doesn’t do music, I’ve never met her. She’s probably the one person on the planet I would fangirl over if I met her.
Photography by: Adrian Lopez
Weslo: Any new music coming out we Should be looking out for? I’m already excited about The Femuline Tour.
Todrick Hall: I have been in the studio non-stop making bops for my fans. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that next year, 2022 will be the most music and visuals people have ever gotten from me as far as personal music as an artist. I’m really excited about the next chapter and era of Todrick and I think next year is going to be a huge game changer for me and my team.
For more information on The Femuline Tour visit: www.todrickhall.com
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW- GINA CHAVEZ Austin City Limits 2021
Interview by Wesley Smoot
Weslo: Hey Queens, Wesley Smoot coming to you live from Austin City Limits 2021, I’m here with Austin’s own, award-winning, singer/songwriter, Gina Chavez. How are you? How’s your ACL?
Gina Chavez: Awesome! Glad to be here.
Weslo: How was your performance?
Gina Chavez: Oh my gosh, we slayed it!
Gina Chaves ACL FEST 2021- PHOTO CREDIT Charles Reagan ©Charles Reagan
Weslo: You really did!
Gina Chavez: Yes!
Weslo: I love it. It’s great seeing that ACL brings in local talent, but you’re also a Latin Grammy nominated artist and proud lesbian.. that said, there seems to be a lot of great LGBTQ representation this year. Can you speak on that? The importance of LGBTQ representation?
Gina Chavez: Of course, as we all know, representation does matter. I will say, ACL is not targeted directly to nor marketed as an LGBTQ festival, so I do like to think being part of the line-up has more to do with me being an exceptional musician. I will say, the organizers did a great job this year bringing in all kinds of artists. That will always be important. There are a lot of queer messages in my music, I talk about my relationship with my wife. Ultimately, I hope we’re just making good music that connects with people.
Gina Chavez Press Lounge ACL Fest 2021
Weslo: Yasss!!! I have to tell you, last night, we were partying, drinking some tequila and jamming out to “La Que Manda…”
Gina Chavez: Yassss!!!
Weslo: If you haven’t heard this single, Im putting a link at the bottom. It’s got this amazing, funk/Latin fusion sound, super high energy, but also a very important message. Can you speak on that?
Gina Chavez: Sure. I think the short version of La Que Manda, and for those who don’t know what that means.. it’s basically a woman in charge. She-Boss, Boss-Babe, Boss-Bitch! hahahaha… It’s very much a song about the power women have. I think for me, I have come to a point after traveling and being in places from Japan to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and all over Latin America, that its unfortunate, almost ubiquitous that from the time we’re born, girls are asked to be very small, to be quiet, be pleasing, smile, be polite and grateful. It’s not “lady like” to ask for more and especially demand more- To know we are more and La Que Manda is basically a reckoning with me understanding the world asking me to be small.. and while I been angry at that, I’m sad I ever believed it. For most of my life I believed that was my place. So this is a song that says “F” that. I’m so much more than the little box the world gave me. And every woman is so much more, every person is so much more. How much better of a world would we have if we could all live to our fullest potential? The song is literally meant to be a sacred cry of the power within us.
Weslo: And you can rock out to it with some tequila!
Gina Chavez: Yes! Hahaha… And tequila can help you on that journey of discovering your power.
Weslo: Speaking of female empowerment and strong messages, Niñas Arribas… This is a project you and your wife, Jodi Granado started, can you tell us more?
Gina Chavez: Yes! Also, I like that you’ve done your research, that means a lot. I was a journalism major, used to being on the other side of the interview, So thank you. Before me and my wife we were married we did mission work in El Salvador, living with nuns through a catholic volunteer program. Our lives were forever changed by the people and the love we received. So much so, we wanted to continue connecting. Jodie, my wife thought of starting a college scholarship fund. We talked to the young women we taught and learned they all wanted to go to college but couldn’t and here we are now 11 years later.
Weslo: Incredible work! What’s it like running an organization like Ninas Arribas with your wife.?
Gina Chavez: Well, she’s also my manager…
Weslo: Oh God! I don’t know if I could handle that with my hubby. We’d kill each other.
Gina Chavez: It can be a lot (laughing) but we’ve been together for 16 years.
Weslo: Wow! Congrats. Is there anything else can you tell us about Ninas Arribas since it started?
Gina Chavez: Definitely… We fund high quality, low cost private education for young women in El Salvador. We have to date four graduates, we also have a paid internship program for after graduation. We all need champions, people in our lives that can open a door for us and that’s what we do for these young women. We give them an opportunity.
Weslo: You really bring your music into real action. Thank you for everything you do. Do you have new music coming out?
Gina Chavez: Yes! I have a remix of our song “She Persited”, it’s destined to be a Gay Pride anthem. Be ready to throw on your rainbows and glitter and get fabulous! We have a music video coming out November 5th, it will feature queens from Ru Paul’s Drag Race and yours truly in drag.
Weslo: Oh my God! I can’t wait to see! Ok, so last question, who are some of your favorite queer artists? Is there any one we should be looking out for?
Gina Chavez: You know, when I think about those who have become heroes, for me like a Brandi Carlile, she’s been on the scene for a while and is finally getting the recognition she deserves. A pioneer in what it means to be your true self. She’s such a hero of mine. Ani DiFranco, was someone who started my whole song-writing career and before I knew I was a lesbian. I should have known, right? hahahaha… Then there’s people like, Kany García, who has made huge waves in the Latin sphere. For those like her I think it can be difficult to come out as a queer artist in Latin music. Jesse & Joy are another.
Weslo: It seems like there is a big movement, especially for people of color to come out and be proud of who they are.
Gina Chavez: I agree. It’s our time!
Weslo: Well, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. I look forward to hearing more of your music and can’t wait to see the She Persisted music video November 5th.
Gina: Thank you, and thank you for doing your research. Again, means a lot.
Gina Chaves ACL Fest 2021- PHOTO CREDIT Charles Reagan ©Charles Reagan
Craving Ham and Cheese this Summer!!! Interview w Big Dipper
July 6, 2020
Dallas, TX
Big Dipper - The Ham and Cheese EP 2020
The Ham and Cheese EP
I’ve been a fan of Big Dipper since 2013. It wasn’t until I came across his music video Lookin, from the LATE BLOOMER album (2018), that I really got to appreciate who he was as an artist. Like most of his YouTube videos, Lookin was accompanied by beefy men, over the top choreography, and sexually explicit lyrics. What’s not to love? As an artist, it’s hard not to see Big Dipper as a testament to confidence and body positivity. His music resonates with me and I’m sure other gays in the community who don’t look like Andrew Christian models, nor want to.
A self proclaimed bear, Big Dipper has performed at some of the biggest Pride festivals across the United States. He is quickly becoming a gay icon as a rapper, comedian, and entertainer. When I learned he was putting out an EP for 2020, just in time for Pride, I had to get my hands on a copy.
The Ham and Cheese EP, consists of 5 uber upbeat tracks — sure to get you on your feet, shakin that ass! Produced with the help of So Drove and featuring Boy Radio and TT THE ARTIST, this album is quickly becoming one of my favorites of 2020.
With the way things look, we may all be celebrating Pride from home due to COVID-19. If that’s the case, be sure to make The Ham and Cheese EP part of your Pride playlist (Available on iTunes, Apple Music, and Spotify).
I talked with Big Dipper about The Ham and Cheese EP, and all the tea got spilt!
Pinkies up, and sip!…
Weslo: Ok, so these are some bangers! Perfect for dance clubs and festivals. Was that the goal?
Big Dipper: After my album LATE BLOOMER came out in 2018 I immediately wanted to start writing music again. As an independent artist, it's really a whole process to release music, especially with a video and a press rollout. The 2018 album took about 3 years to put together, so I wanted to write something faster that I could release quicker. I partnered with my friend So Drove on all five songs. We worked for about two months once or twice a week and wrote a handful of songs. Then we chose the 5 best tracks for the EP. The goal was to just write good music with my friend.
Weslo: How would you describe The Ham and Cheese EP to your fans?
Big Dipper: 13 minutes of greatness!! There isn't a dull moment, really... all the songs are good, and basically there is something for everyone. A rap song, a pop song, a rock song, a dance song, a club song. We made sure to give you everything you need.
Weslo: The title track Ham and Cheese, I couldn't help but notice the baseball bat reference, was that a nod to the Peanut Butter Jelly Time, the classic youtube video or Family Guy?
Big Dipper: It's definitely a nod to the song "Peanut Butter Jelly Time." That was such an anthem when I was growing up. Basically it was like an analog meme in high school. We would all sing the hook and dance with one another and it was so infectious. That has stuck with me my whole life. I just love how campy those lyrics are and I wanted to pay homage to that idea and flip it to be a little more my brand.
Weslo: Did you use this quarantine time to record and mix The Ham and Cheese EP?
Big Dipper: No. We made all of this music last summer, but I'm really slow at releasing things. Once I finish music I tend to sit on it for a bit...then once I'm ready to release it, I want to make a music video or two and figure out all the details. I don't have a huge machine behind me, so it always feels super slow, but I like to do it my way. The plan was always summer 2020 for a release, but I wasn't planning on only promoting from home. I had a bunch of gigs lined up for Prides and other parties and I was excited to perform all the music from the EP live for an audience and share it with everyone.
Weslo: Late Bloomer had 12 songs, any reason this is a shorter album?
Big Dipper: This is an EP so we never set out to make a full length album. When I was making LATE BLOOMER I put so much pressure on myself to try and make everything perfect. I would go back and redo vocals and mixes and just second guess everything. I wanted to make music with a more carefree attitude; just write stuff for fun and put it out. That's what THE HAM AND CHEESE EP is.
Weslo: What was it like working with Boy Radio and TT The Artist? I gotta say Like This was a favorite.
Big Dipper: I love both of them. The collaborations were pretty easy because they are both pros. TT is out here in Los Angeles so we got to record together which was awesome. She is a total powerhouse and sounds so good on the track. Boy Radio did his vocals in New York, but then came to LA to shoot the music video for LIKE THIS. I love his vibe, and he's been so supportive of the music video and the EP release. I have had some great features on my releases in the past, but these are some of the best.
Weslo: I have to ask, was BACK UP OFF ME about anyone in particular? Spill the Tea!
Big Dipper: As I started writing that song, I was definitely pulling from some specific experiences and certain "frenemies" in my life. But as the song took shape, the lines blurred a bit and now it's more generally an anthem for all the haters out there. My hope is a lot of people can relate to being underestimated and having people talk shit about them. We also shot a music video for BACK UP OFF ME that will hopefully come out this summer. It's so fucking cool, I can't wait to share that with everyone too.
Weslo: What are you most excited about doing once this quarantine is over?
Big Dipper: Playing live shows! I love getting up in front of a crowd and entertaining. Doing digital concerts is fun, but it's not the same. I can't wait to play a show again.
Weslo: Who is your favorite rapper of all time?
Big Dipper: I think Nicki Minaj. I have always loved her, tho I wouldn't consider myself a Barb cause I don't start shit on Twitter lol. I also love Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott.
Weslo: Why is body positivity so important to you?
Big Dipper: Body Positivity is self love is self confidence is good energy is happiness. It's all related to living a life that avoids as much negativity as possible. I just try to practice things in my life that lead to happiness and I think loving your body is one of those things. I never set out to spread the message of body positivity, but I'm really happy that people see that in me. It's so important to be kind to yourself and love yourself so you can put that energy out to others. Also confidence is the magic ingredient when it comes to sexiness. I think people are sexier than they think they are, so I want everyone to love themselves and be confident, so then there is a lot more sexiness out in the world.
Weslo: Sloppy Seconds, your podcast with Meatball is an office favorite at Unleashed LGBTQ. Ya'll are always having a good time and interviewing huge names. Anyone you're dying to interview?
Big Dipper: Thanks so much for listening! I love doing the podcast and I hope Meatball does as well, lol. It's so nice to get to release a show every week where we can be ourselves and interview people we like and admire. I would love to have Leslie Jordan on the show, Bob The Drag Queen would be awesome too. I've always loved Maya Rudolph and that would be an amazing interview too. Especially now that we are separated and recording remotely, making the show happen every week can be a bit stressful, but I'm super grateful for the platform and that I get to work with Meatball.
YouTube: @bigdippermusicTwitter: @bigdipperjelly
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