How did you get involved in music?
Music has been a part of me since I was a little kid. I started writing songs and playing piano at 17 and then 3 years later the Indigo Girls turned me on to guitar. In 2002 I started taking my music out to other LGBT folk through Outmusic and began the journey I am on today!!
Did you have a musical influence early on?
Well, I can tell you two things. 1. Who I admire. Joni Mitchell, Indigo Girls, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Queen. 2. We are also influenced by what we hear growing up, so i have elements of 80′s pop like Culture Club and Madonna, my mom’s Ktel disco collections, Patsy Cline, 40′s crooners, 70′s am pop and all kinds of stuff.
When did you identify with the bear community?
2001 – I had no idea such a thing existed until I discovered it on Gay.com. It changed my world and got me out of negative self esteem traps I was in. I joined NY Metrobears and started going to the Dugout, and it helped me to understand I could be proud of myself the way I look.
What made you launch Bearapalooza?
I wanted to celebrate this new feeling of pride I was having and share it with other guys and I also wanted to share music, so I thought it would be fun to celebrate the Bear community with a concert. It was supposed to be a small onetime thing , but it was so successful that it’s still going 7 years later and has gone all over the country and included over 40 different artists.
What has been you biggest success?
My definition of success has changed recently. Success is doing what I love to do and not having to have a day job, so I guess I am a success. Even though I sometimes don’t know how the rent is getting paid, I live a life of freedom and music and I am blessed. Recognition is always wonderful to receive, and I am grateful for it when it comes, but its about touching one person at a time. I can say that a big thrill and the greatest memories are being on the road on the 2008 rod trip of the north east, adn also being on the road with Kendall this past may. I love touring and would love to do it more !!
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
Well at first I thought Prince or Joni Mitchell, then I realized (bless their hearts) that they would be pains in the ass. Then it hit me…. Dolly Parton would be a thrill and a joy. She can sing take out menus and captivate me.
Is Kendall as big a handful, as we think he is?
That Old Thing? Kidding, Well yes and no. I have been working with him for 6 years, and he is one of the most truly creative people I know. He has a lot of moving energy that is very “of the moment” and is sometimes hard to catch a hold of. I can’t think of anyone who I find more intellectually and artistically stimulating. Many people know Kendall as Mr. Funny Sexy Bear, and although that is really a part of him, I also know a true artist who is very underrated. I LOVED co-producing his latest album Truth Changes. It’s work that I am very proud of. Kendall can be very challenging, but I like challenge and I love being on tour with him. There are always surprises in store when he is around, and he is forever my Lover Cheese!
Tell us about your music?
Well first, genres are colors in my pallet, I can paint with Rock, Country, Dance, R&B, Funk, whatever the song calls for, What’s important to me is musical honesty. I want to capture a real story, or a real feeling, or even just a real attitude or real sense of fun, as long as it’s authentic. My lyrics tend to have “learning curve” which means I don’t usually just document an emotion; I take it through some learning or growth that the listener can relate to. My music is about self acceptance and claiming my own power, telling my stories, recounting my joy, sorrow, laughter and tears so that you may be inspired in your own journey.
What are some upcoming dates?
- Nov 6-7-8 I will be at Gordon’s Michael’s Bears by the Sea event in Ogunquit, Maine and on the 9th we do a benefit in Boston called Broadway Unplugged.
- Friday Nov the 13th!! We celebrate the return of Bearapalooza to NYC at the Center. I am so excited about this show!
- I fly to Indianapolis on December 11th to perform at Midwest Bearfest !!
- AND.. next April will be a big 3 day Bearapalooza at Roy’s Hideaway in South GA.
I am actually Moving to Roy’s Hideaway in South Georgia – Feb 1 to be thier new Events Director. I am already doing some events for him before the move. A Leather Event, Writers Night with Charles K. Brown, a Holiday concert with Patrick Arena, New Years weekend with Kendall and Orgasmatron and lots more.
Bearapalooza also has a lot more dates being firmed up for 2010, Like Sawmill in Florida, Club Cub in Charlotte, Parliament House in Augusta GA and more.
I am continuing to do work with my freelance Audio service, Ear 2 the Ground Audio, and I am working on a new Freddy Freeman project of covers of songs written by my peers in the Bear community. I have started with a reworking of Elijah Blacks’s “Bleed For You” and will perform it at Bearapalooza NYC in a couple weeks. I am very excited about this project.
Why does the bear community need its own musical event?
Well, some would say it doesn’t. I say it does; especially now when there is a trend toward less diversity and inclusiveness as the community becomes more visible and more economically viable. Music creates bonds, tells stories and gives a community a voice. I want to make sure that the voices of everyday guys in the community are heard. I have also seen young or novice artists really develop in to their potential because of sharing their work with other guys in the community and bonding with other artists who have wisdom and craft to share. Bearapalooza has become a true brotherhood of artists and we hope to make the audience feel a part of that magic that we feel. When I am at a show and see the audience is getting it and the artists are feeling pride in themselves and their work, it is worth every bit of work and stress that goes into pulling it all off.
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