We just heard this off of Hed Kandi's 2 disc Nu Disco compilation, and we're salivating over it so much we had to share it with you.
In fact, from now on we'll be sharing lots more songs, videos and other time wasters with you through the V-Rag Blog. For OCD issues involving organizing which you can only begin to fathom, we'll tag these internet-only super extra special posts V-WEB. And consider Thursday Our Weekly Obsession day, where we'll post whatever song/video/picture/meaningless internet meme we've been obsessing over for the week prior.
Like this one. Munk first caught our ears years ago with the wickedly fun song "Kick Out The Chairs" (Motherfuckers!) alongside LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy.
Now, they're back making a strong appeal to our love for sensual disco with the Shazam-remixed version of Down In LA with a synth line that has been soaked in catchiness and baked at the exact temperature of hot, passionate sex. It takes everything in our power to not listen to this song at least five times a day. Dance away, faithful readers, dance!
Barbara Tucker is one of the leading voices in house music today—and a legendary diva—who continues to put out succulent sounds with her God-sent gift of a voice. She is at the forefront of dance music and provides her soulful vocals for some of the biggest dance tracks. Vancouver is blessed to have this amazing talent sing live for the very first time, thanks to the genius promoters that are LuVToucH. Barbara answers some of my questions, gives me insight about the current state of dance music, and tells me what she is up to. BARBARA TUCKER: HOUSE DIVA Interview by Michael Venus
What are you current projects?
Currently, I have my own record company, and I am in the process of releasing my new tune, “Feeling Like a Superstar”. I am also planning my annual party at the Winter Music Conference called “And Let the Singer Be Heard”, a platform that focuses on the artist.
You are adored by the gay community. Why do you think that is?
I really don’t know what attracts the gay community to various artists. I know that I am free, I love design and style, and I can be crazy on stage. I don’t look for a group; I just do what I do.
You are a superstar in Italy. Do Italians really do it better?
I don’t know what they do, but I know they love soulful sounds!
Europe has always embraced dance music. Why do you think North America doesn’t quite catch on?
North America follows the dollar. If you can sell them something—not necessarily great, but everyone is doing it—the masses follow the illusion. Money is behind the marketing of acts, but it’s not to say the lesser known are not hot. We just don’t have that kind of money, so we go where we are celebrated, and not just tolerated.
What is the “Underground Network”, and how did it come to be? Is there much going on with it today?
The “Underground Network” is a company that I started with partner, Don Welch, in 1992. We supported the dance scene and had over three hundred artists performing, supported by record labels and promoters. We were the avenue for soulful house music; everyone wanted to perform. Many celebrities passed through, from Janet Jackson to Queen Latifah, and so on. It was also a dancers’ hang out; real fierce dancers. For the holidays, we cooked for everyone; we were as family. My partner still does the “Underground Network”, but it’s more of an R&B scene now. When you don’t own a building, it can be pulled from you, and changes happen. But we do specialty parties every now and then.
What is the current climate for house music in New York City?
I think it’s always going to be there, but superstar DJs come to our town, change the sound, and the new generation follows that. But you can still find more than four house parties. In New York, there’s a party for every consciousness.
Who are your inspirations, and what are you currently listening to?
I love Ledisi; I love neo-soul, and gospel. I listen to music of inspiration, because that’s the most important thing to me. I will always love my Chaka Khan, and Jill Scott.
You are such a talented dancer as well. What is your background in dance? How was it dancing with Lady Kier and Deee-Lite?
When I was with Deee-Lite, I was not just a dancer, but a singer/dancer. Working with Bootsy Collins and the rest of the band was simply a fun experience. One of my favourite partners was Zhana Saunders, AKA Da Matrix. I did a lot of various dance classes, and was in a dance company called “Internal Combustions”, under the direction of the late Calvin Matthis.
What can we expect in the future?
You can expect other artists to come under my umbrella, more music, more conferences, and more inspiration. I’m also working on an online TV show, “Barbara Tucker: The Evolution of House”, on Axiom, so look out!
What is your favourite song to perform from your fabulous catalog?
My favourite song to perform would be “One”, and “Beautiful People”. “One” is a song I did with Peter Luts, and “Beautiful People” has so much meaning for the world. Ninety-nine percent of the songs that I write and sing have come from the heart, and they have an impact on my life based on what I see in the world, and what I want to give back: words of empowerment, lifting.
Any words of wisdom?
All our gifts and talents are given to us from on high. We are given these blessing to bless other, to lift them, inspire them, and bring them joy. When you give back in that way, you will always be blessed, so don't be selfish with your talent; share it, and make a difference in the world! Thank you for the love, and I anticipate coming to your town with a heart full of love!
Barbara will be performing live at LuVToucH(Ginger 62). Thursday, November 19.
Since we’ve already churned out a Music Issue and a Film Issue in our short time as Vancouver’s gay arts & culture rag, why not a Style Issue too? We’re very pleased to make November Fashion Month at V-Rag! And it’s another doozy of an issue. We got to speak to Kaiti Dangerkat, the Mother of the House of Dangerkat. This voguing/fashion/performance art group is by far one of our favourite things ever, and guess what? They’ve got their roots her in Canada! On the cover is, of course, two of the most stylish people we know, Tegan & Sara, talking about their brand new album Sainthood. More on the music side of things, we have two Q&A’s this month, both legendary! The queen of soulful house, Barbara Tucker shows us why she’s a diva, and we get down and dirty with homo-punk-grunge pioneers Pansy Division. Nicki Nice of local rockers Pretty Vanilla discusses the emerging glam trend in fashion, while I geek out on Kylie Minogue’s first ever North American tour. Another first, V-Rag introduces Fashion Files, a monthly column focusing on local designers, stylists and merchants. It joins our host of regulars, Joan-E’s Rag, Cotton Around Town, Music:Notes, Film:Notes, Event Listings, V-Map and of course our Calendar of Events. We also have another great photoshoot courtesy of Brandon Gaukel and Valley of the Dolls. Phew! Didn’t think it was possible to top the last issue, but we’re even more full of content this month! Also, check back on the blog this week for exclusive content and a secret contest!
Enter to win your chance to see Amanda Lepore live at Celebrities Nightclub on October 22, 2009! Just answer the fierce question below to be entered into a draw for you and a friend! Keep checking in for new updates, music, videos, news and exclusive content you won't even see in the magazine! At V-Rag, we don't know much about clothes...
Q: Who was the guest rapper in Amanda's hit "My Hair Looks Fierce"?
Email your answer to info@v-rag.com. The first 5 correct answers will each receive tickets to see her live at Celebrities!
Oh my! It's October, which obviously means Halloween. And horror movies... And of course... GAY! In this month's edition of V-Rag, we got to speak to legendary cult filmmakers Bruce LaBruce(Otto) and David DeCoteau(Puppet Master: Axis of Evil), as well as local icon Gwen Haworth(She's A Boy I Knew) and international star Jonathan Caouette(Tarnation). Also included in this spooky issue is a retrospective of the work of Kenneth Anger, a preview of this year's Vancouver International Film Festival and a fantastic photo spread of West End celebrities recreating classic horror films with a Davie twist... A Nightmare on Davie Street. Add to that our regulars Joan-E's Rag, Cotton Around Town, Music:Notes, Film:Notes, V-Map and our Calendar of Events, and you have the biggest V-Rag yet! Just in time for our favourite holiday. Just cuz we get to dress up...
You can read all about the next big thing Matt Alber in our September issue of V-Rag, but there's so much to talk about we couldn't fit it all in! Here's a V-Rag Blog exclusive, the full interview with this dashing Southern talent. MATT ALBER Story by John Britton Photo by Paul Noblin
V-Rag has a serious man-crush on Matt Alber. We were first seduced a few months ago by the goose bump-inducing video to what has now become his signature song – the luscious, melancholic and achingly beautiful "End of the World" – which features Alber being romanced in a barber-shop and ends with a dreamy kiss to melt the most cynical gay heart. The seduction continued with the exploration of his beautiful debut album, Hide Nothing – an arresting collection of deeply personal songs that speak to the collective heart. And now we’ve actually had a long chat with the man (conducted by phone, from his car, by the side of the road, no less) and found him to be sweet, humble and disarmingly funny, we’re ready to take him home to meet Mom.
Alber’s debut is the culmination of a journey that has seen two brushes with reality TV fame for the Wichita-born singer (a brief appearance on Star Search and a never-made-it-past-concept show called American Pride, upon which Alber was slated to be a major contestant) and a far more rewarding five-year stint as a soprano with renowned male chorale group Chanticleer; the latter including two Grammy awards. “That was trippy!” laughs Alber. “I had visions of us collecting the award on stage next to Mariah, but the classical awards are given out during a commercial break. We all got certificates. I still have mine in a drawer somewhere…”
After American Pride failed to launch, Alber turned inwards and began to write songs with his musical partner, Jeff Crerie. The results can be heard on Hide Nothing. Comparisons with another openly-gay artist, Rufus Wainwright, are obvious and immediate – especially on tracks like "End of the World". “It’s quite a compliment, and I’m a huge fan of his” says Alber. “To be compared to a visionary like that, to think that people are likening me to him… that’s incredible”. But Hide Nothing is more direct than Wainwright’s often oblique approach. The album offers up hope alongside its despair, joy with its sadness – it’s a true celebration of the cruel beauty of love. It’s lovely to hear such deep, emotive tunes sung with free use of masculine pronouns, although Alber maintains that this is an album about life and love in all its forms. “Being gay is only one part of who I am; of course my experiences have shaped the music on this album but ultimately this is a record about the shared experience of love.”
One thing that becomes more and more apparent during our chat is Alber’s commitment to community – particularly youth. Just last year he found himself teaching an after-school music program to 6th graders at an LA public school. “We had to put on a show”, recalls Alber, “and the kids wanted to do Dreamgirls, and I was like, ‘OK, that’s fine if you want to perform other people’s songs… but what about writing your own show?’. They looked at me like I was nuts. So I told them how easy it was, just write about your day. Blank stares. I asked them what they had for lunch, and they told me they didn’t eat lunch because the food in the cafeteria was gross, the chicken was cold and greasy, that kind of stuff. So I pulled out my Mac book and started this basic R&B beat and just started making up rhymes about cold funky chicken legs. It sounded like Destiny's Child. They looked at me with stars in their eyes and they were hooked!” The result was an original show called Junior High School Musical, and it’s clear from Alber’s tone and the way he reminisces that this is something dear to his heart. “It’s so vital for kids to be able to find their own voice”, says Alber. “It’s important for me to be able to encourage that. Plus, I got to crack the whip a little, like Debbie Allen in Fame…”
This connection to youth has also seen Alber get deeply involved with not-for-profit organization LA Youth Network (LAYN), which takes in homeless youth. Christmas 2008 saw the iTunes release of a cover of The Roches’s "Star of Wonder", with all proceeds going to the charity. "Many of these kids are gay, lesbian or transgender who flee from abusive homes and schools”, says Alber. “They arrive by bus, they hitch-hike, they do whatever they can to get away and land here with nothing. There are an estimated 10,000 kids on the streets of this city, and only 2000 shelter beds. LAYN is more than a band-aid or a hand-out; they provide real homes, one-on-one social workers and even send these kids to college. Most of us have always had a roof over our heads. These kids just want a safe place to start their lives." We talk about this further, and Alber’s belief in education to end discrimination stands out strong. “It’s great that all this money is being raised to overturn Prop 8, and I fully support that, but what I’d really like to see is some of that cash go towards educating high school kids. What’s more effective, trying to change the mind of a middle-aged right-winger with years of prejudice behind them, or educating the open mind of an 11 year old? Gay shouldn’t be a bad word, not today. All the kids in my class knew I was gay, but it wasn’t my defining characteristic and we worked together and respected each other as people.”
On the other end of the spectrum, Alber is deeply committed to his work with GLBT seniors singing group, Forever Young Chorale. We urge you to check out the videos of Matt and the group on Youtube, as they really are a pleasure. “Closing the age gap in the gay community is our key mission” says Alber. “Gay seniors don’t have the same experience as straight seniors, families and grandchildren. One day, hopefully anyway, I’ll be 80 and gay and it’s so cool hanging out with friends who are 40 years older than me and sharing their experience of the world”. V-Rag is curious to know what vocal numbers a thirty-something guy and a group of over 60s perform. “Tracy Chapman’s "Give Me One Reason", some Earth, Wind and Fire, Franz Ferdinand, LCD Soundsystem’s "Daft Punk is Playing at My House". You know, the usual…”
Alber is particularly excited about his next venture - a collaboration with electronica DJ and producer Morgan Page, who has remixed "End of the World" into a dreamy, ambient piece that beautifully showcases Alber’s vocals. V-Rag heard an exclusive cut of the track, and it’s just lovely. Alber is equally happy with the results; “It really takes the song in a completely different direction”. This could be the track that pushes his unique talent into the mainstream, and we certainly hope that happens.
That said, it seems that Matt Alber is exactly where he wants to be in his career. “I’m kind of glad the Star Search thing didn’t take off”, he says of his brief flirtation with reality TV, and the journey that could have sent him on. “My music has taken a completely different direction since then – one I want it to go in”.
So, no regrets about not being the new David Cook? “Not at all”, laughs Alber. “Besides, my challenger on the show was this fabulous African American woman with a crazy orange afro belting out ‘Lady Marmalade’. There’s just no competing with that!”
Three issues in and we're already putting out a Special Edition of V-Rag! Check out the September rag for our special Music Issue, featuring Canadian indie darlings The Hidden Cameras on the cover. Exclusive features and interviews also include up-and-coming superstar Matt Alber, the gorgeous Sarah Wheeler, local glam group Pretty Vanilla, and NYC punk legend Miss Guy. Plus a wild Fashion Rules and regulars Joan-E's Rag, Cotton Around Town, Music:Notes and Film:Notes! Special indeed, but then again isn't every issue special? :)
