Polymathic artist extraordinaire Miles Francis released a new single and its accompanying music video, and we’re absolutely intoxicated by the light as a feather soundscape that carries it all. “Nature” – at its core – is a song of acknowledgment and acceptance. Seeing the darkness in ourselves and addressing it, but not necessarily trying to change it. Embracing inescapable flaws, and learning to make them into art.
LYRICS Wave up ahead, all that I see I go red and let it wash over me In just a moment, I submit I cannot own it, I cannot quit Ego inflated, intoxicated Loaded with pride, must be my
Nature Something in my nature Governs my behavior And I can’t see it through Until I’ve hurt you
Swimming with my father I feel the current bring me closer to him Something in the water Has turned these clean hands into phantom limbs Ego inflated, emasculated Loaded with pride, please forgive my
Nature Something in my nature Governs my behavior And I can’t see it through Until I’ve hurt you
Miles Francis dances in a field in an oversized suit, softened colors creating a dream sequence unlike any other. Take a gander for yourself!
The world very largely feels like it’s falling apart at this time. During moments of darkness, we search for the light. We crave creativity. We rely on authenticity. And – while it can often feel overwhelming to seek the good – artists are ready to provide us hope, beauty, and escape. This feels especially true with the captivating glam rock project Tony & The Kiki, which just released the lead single and music video for their upcoming EP. Fronted by the talented and charismatic Anthony Alfaro, Tony & The Kiki truly captures your attention with a vibrant individuality and keeps you going with a message of inclusivity.
“Extra Express” is an anthem for the ages. With an energy that can get anyone up on their feet, the track boasts fantastic, wide-ranging vocals, and enough edge to really breathe new life into your day. The video is entrancing, depicting Alfaro with a backdrop of bright, flashy colors and images as a call to authenticity oozes from every facet of production. We’re big fans of the fashion, big fans of the energy, and insanely fond of this video.
We were lucky enough to ask Alfaro a few questions during release week.
Do you think where you’re from has any bearing on how you create?
Oh absolutely! Queens, New York is unlike anywhere else in the world. A stone’s throw from my childhood home is the most diverse section of THE PLANET. The most varied collection of cultures, races, languages, ethnicities, and nationalities in one single area. I pride myself on being an eclectic artist. While yes, rock and roll is my mother tongue I draw inspiration from all genres, mediums, and cultures, and I’d like to think that comes through in the work. My mom is a real-life disco queen and salsera and my dad is an incredible DJ who would mix Grandmaster Flash with Zeppelin back before mashups like that were en vogue. This kind of variety and culture clash is in my blood, my voice, and therefore my artistry.
I’m so glad you’re bringing flare back to rock. Big look, big voice, big vibes. What has been your favorite part of the journey creating this EP?
Ay Gracias, mami! Yeah I think the second we abandoned the crippling responsibility of being “cool” things really started to crystalize and get exciting for all of us. We’re an honest to goddess pack of weirdos and mystics…and instead of trying to be trendy and sexy for the masses we’re leaning into our queer, diverse, funky energy. Frankly, that’s been deeply liberating and joyous. LONG LIVE THE FREAKS! And F*** BEING COOL! Cool is boring and sterile… the absolute antithesis of what rock n’ roll is. Ain’t nobody got time for that no more!
What was it like recording at the storied Dreamland? Did you draw inspiration from Woodstock at all, or were you pretty sure of the direction it was all going in beforehand?
Well …we were on a tight and ambitious schedule so we had to arrive ready to slay the house down boots, mamá. On the other hand, Woodstock and that good chill hippie energy has always been a source of inspiration for us… the peace & love & vibes of it all. So I’d say we had a clear plan of attack but left some room for the delicious brand of magic that is so abundant up at Dreamland. Using their varied, vintage instruments (toy piano, guiro, Moog Synth etc.) and their mystical acoustics as yummy layers to add into our cauldron. Once we got the crux of what we needed we definitely got to play around and experiment. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced as an artist. A true playground. Or in our case …a witch’s potion lab (cackles in Spanglish)
The message in the song “Extra Express” is so important, and it is such an anthemic blessing right now. Was there a moment that triggered you into writing it specifically?
Thank you for saying that, mi amor, we think so too! A specific moment? No, mama. Our whole gay lives led up to the creation of this song. People like myself and my bandmates Max Vernon and Rodney Bush have been out here and queer for years and feel a great sense of responsibility for the legendary children that have and will come after us. They need something to listen to and be like “oh, yeah…that’s mine, that’s for me” This song is for them first and foremost.
The music video for “Extra Express” is like a kaleidoscope. Where did the vision come from?
The Extra Express has always been like a psychedelic, queer, rock n’ roll cousin of The Magic School Bus and in this case I’m Miss Frizzle (LOL) and the listeners are my class of students. We wanted to evoke the vibes of Dorothy landing in OZ or Alice plopping down into Wonderland. We set out to create a portal into the land of THE KIKI, with all of its vibrant queer magic and electric, colorful vibes. An invitation and a welcoming.
What a FANTASTIC reference, especially for millennials. (I am SO pleased!) What do you hope fans glean from your music, in general?
I want our fans to be invigorated and vibrationally lifted by our music. We want to provide an antidote to all the heaviness that can come with living life in the 2020s… a warm sparkling hug; a fabulous coven, welcome to anyone who needs a good Kiki. Er’body is welcome here, mi vida… we are raising the vibes and getting asses shaking! Come thru!
Do you have anything else to share with your new bevy of fans?
Yes! I’d like to say “Hola Mi Kiki, Welcome… we see you, we’re here for you, we honor you, and we love you… f*** the haters and do you bb! Life is meant to be LIVED! Fasten your seatbelt cause it’s time for lift off… the new age is now! Vamos!”
Also follow us on IG and TikTok @tonyandthekiki and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more funky glam rock brujería heading your way. xo
Video Credits: Wardrobe by Max Vernon, David Quinn, Anthony Alfaro Makeup by Max Vernon Hair by Anthony Alfaro Choreography by Anthony Alfaro Song Credits: Track Produced by Max Vernon Track Mixed by Lloyd Kikoler Track Mastered by Ryan Smith of Sterling Sound
As we celebrate PRIDE throughout June, we revel in the vulnerability that sparks new relationships, new collaborations, and new art. With light-as-a-feather vocals, artist and mental health advocate X. Ari details the experience of discovering her sexuality in her new track “Stranger to Saviour.” Explains the artist of the single:
‘Stranger to Saviour’ is about how I fell in love with a woman after a lifetime of dating men. The lyrics tell a playful, exploratory, honest, and emotional story about my experience with this big life change and how my new romance, with my first ever girlfriend, Anja, has changed me forever. Love is a powerful healer. I am so grateful for my awakening and for my willingness to be fluid so I was able to attract true love. It’s dedicated to Anja whom I love & adore – we ‘started as strangers, now you’re my saviour.’
In true anthem fashion, the instrumentals explode into a gorgeous cacophony of bass-heavy sound multiple times during the introspective song. Equal parts hopeless romantic and openly self-aware, “Stranger to Saviour” will no doubt become an anthem for many. So listen now, open your heart, and feel into your own story by checking out the track below!
PRIDE is such a fabulous time of the year. But, honestly, we’re trying to push the feeling and the amazing people behind it every day of the year. Today, the genre-bending GIULIA. releases her new track “Baby D*ke,” written about the outpouring of love and the welcoming feelings she had when embraced by the LGBTQ+ community for who she is. Expands the artist:
It recognizes that – hey, you’re new to this, you’re a ‘baby’ in our eyes, but we’re happy to have you. So yes, I’m just a baby dyke, and I may be self-conscious and unsure of how to navigate this, but at least I’m here, and I can finally say that much, which is better than saying nothing at all.
With light-as-a-feather vocals, she puts your head in a space that makes you feel like anything is possible, while simultaneously making you want to dance. Lines like “we’re so afraid to be forgotten” hit hard emotionally, especially after the pandemic. It’s heart-wrenching and also incredibly beautiful. And all delivered with Giulia.’s impossibly positive energy.
June has been a whirlwind of a month already. With new releases coming at us hot every day – there are over 600 music releases slated for Friday, and that’s just what we know of – we have hardly had time to blink. And that makes us happy, if you’re actually wondering. So here’s to the artists and their never-ending inspiration. And here’s to the people who make things happen. Check out some of our favorites released this month below and don’t forget… Happy PRIDE, everyone!
Gorgeous, free-flowing, poetry. Beautiful, layered, scattered instrumentals. An audible form of art that feels both nostalgic and somehow modern and brand-new. The enigma that is soul artist Adrain Younge’s incredibly artful brain is on display in his latest track “Revolutionize.” This track will carry you into the coming months with a sense of purpose and pride.
Los Angele’s latest blessing to the music world is a noteworthy new artist named Alonzo. Last week, he released his new single “Respect” and we couldn’t help but put this one in the mix for new shares. The song’s pace is like a slow walk through a scenic park – a romantic movie montage, perhaps, in its speed – making the words that much more healing in their overlay.
Once Alonzo’s breathy, sensual vocals hit the track, the Prince comparisons are boundless. And his admirable way with words makes this release that more striking. It’s no coincidence that a song that demands African American worth is being released during Black History Month, but the way it hits will undoubtedly keep it in heavy rotation for months to come. Says Alonzo of the track: “I wanted to release this song to kick off Black History Month as an affirmation. A new anthem that Black people can sing from the rooftops with pride & confidence.”
If you are looking for a dose of unapologetic confidence, Lady Londyn provides that and more with her anthemic new track “All On Me”. The track specifically highlights the empowerment of Black Trans women while also putting a spotlight on the importance of their sexual liberation. As the iconic anthem that it is, “All On Me” is to be played at full volume, paying no mind to the people in the nearby vicinity. Lady Londyn’s newest release is a celebration of pride and living without regret, letting the world know that there will be no waiting for permission to be happy and free.
Lady Londyn says of the creation:
The process of making this song was really magical. It all started with a bass line that Blxck Cxsper brought to me one evening and while I was freestyling ideas on it they came up with the beat on the spot. There’s something about this song that makes you just feel kick ass and I can’t wait to see the girls’ reactions to it.
L.A.-based trio LANY has released its soothing new single and music video, “you!.” The band first revealed themselves to the world with their self-titled debut in 2017 and secured their reputation with their 2018 album Malibu Nights which cracked the Billboard Album Chart. They have millions of followers and billions of streams from across the globe, which they follow up with by playing sold-out shows from L.A.’s Greek Theatre to London’s Brixton Academy. Now, they’re back with their upcoming album mama’s boy, set to release on October 2nd. “You!” is the third single to be released from mama’s boy, following “if this is the last time” and “good guys.” After finishing their Malibu Nights world tour, Oklahoma-born songwriter, lyricist, and producer for the band Paul Klein made his way to the country outside Nashville and began to outline mama’s boy. Working with several accomplished songwriters, Paul began to reconcile the differences between his newly found L.A. persona and his Great Plains heritage. “Someone asked me where I was from and somewhere, out of my spirit, I just said ‘Man, I’m from Oklahoma!’ It was a weird sense of pride, to be from the middle of nowhere,” he says, pointing to the inspiration behind the album. In the video for “you!”, we see this deeply rooted pride in Paul’s homeland come to life with nostalgic musical scene painting that ties in perfectly with the barren landscape.
Over the course of the video, the sun peeks over the horizon at varying degrees, sometimes shrouding the trio and revealing them only as silhouettes, sometimes shedding light onto them and their strikingly sincere demeanor. The music is straightforward and genuine, with a concise use of calm instruments and atmospheric harmonies that achieve the nostalgic sound without excess, matching perfectly with the secluded environment that is empty save for the band and their equipment. Each verse feels somewhat removed, consisting mostly of vocals and slightly muffled drums with comments from the guitar now and then. The chorus brings everything into focus, with each instrument part adopting a clean sound that resonates with the listener. The video, shot in the middle of nowhere, evokes a sense of eased isolation– and although it’s a nod to Paul’s memories of Oklahoma, it also reminds us that isolation isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In the context of the pandemic the idea of being removed from society is not ideal, but when you watch “you!”, you really feel the sanctity and peace that can come from taking a step back.
It’s always important to take a moment and let yourself breathe. Let “you!” and the perspective it brings be that moment for you. Listen here.
