Denver Pride Headliners: Cazwell to perform on the main stage Pride Sunday

Cazwell’s music combines rap with elements of disco, pop, and an in–your–face (rather, “All Over Your Face”) punk sensibility – a staple of hot Saturday nights at gay clubs across the nation since his debut album, Get Into It, dropped in 2006. Cazwell will be performing at Denver PrideFest on Sunday, June 16 at 2:15 p.m. on the main stage. Cazwell caught up with Out Front to talk new projects, up–and–coming queer artists, and the cute Denver fanbase that keep him coming back to PrideFest.

Kristin Ziegler: It looks like you just returned from a show in Boston. In addition to touring, what are you working on right now?

Cazwell: At this very moment I am cleaning my bathroom. I have my friend Jodie Harsh staying with me, and drag queens will get your tub dirty real quick with all that body makeup. Musically speaking, I am planning out the ﬁnal details for a video with Manila Luzon. It’s called “Helen Keller” and will be out this summer. I’m also getting ready to drop my new single with Luciana called “Guess What,” out the ﬁrst week in June.

KZ: Rumor has it your next full–length album will be out this year too.

Cazwell: The rumors are true. The album is called Hard To Be Fresh and it’s taken a long time to perfect, but I’m just about there.

KZ: This June won’t be the first time you’ve performed at Denver PrideFest. What keeps you coming back?

Cazwell: I have a cute fan base in Denver, and keep getting asked back. I really like it there ‘cause the kids in Denver are easy going and laid back. People seem to have good taste in music. I also work closely with Denver DJ and Producer Craig C, so I look forward to making some magic happen with him.

KZ: What does performing at Pride mean to you?

Cazwell: There’s a vibe and energy that only happens on Gay Pride. It’s interesting to see it in so many different cities around the world. Everyone comes out to party and it’s generally a very supportive atmosphere for out gay artists.

KZ: Some years back, you said you “didn’t feel like the music industry was particularly homophobic.” Do you stand by that?

Cazwell: Yes. I think to ﬁnish that quote I said that the record industry isn’t as homophobic as they are “not making any money phobic.” And since music buyers, particularly teens, have always seemed to have association issues with homosexuals, it has been assumed that an out gay artist cannot make the record industry any proﬁt. I think that’s obviously changing.

KZ: There’s been a radical shift in Hip Hop after Frank Ocean’s coming out. What do you think the future landscape is looking like for queer hip hop artists now?

Cazwell: Not sure. But I think it will ride more on YouTube, blogs and self–promotion than relying on a record company to swoop down and make a gay artist’s dreams come true. The out gay artists I know are very hard workers who grind all the time without the help of the record industry.

KZ: Any suggestions for our readers’ summer playlists?

Cazwell: Yes! Mykki Blanco is a hero. Love him! Brook Candy is sick. Le1f is always dropping good shit. There’s a new gay rapper Rica Shay and he’s one to look out for. Producer Richie Beretta is making some sick beats and remixes. Expect to hear these kids on my summer mix tape.

KZ: You’ve collaborated with artists from Peaches to Lady Gaga to your close friend and muse Amanda Lepore. If you could work with anyone, who would be next?

Cazwell: I’m very happy with my team right now but I would love to cut a track with Beth Ditto. However, Missy Elliott is my ultimate dream collabo.

KZ: You’re not shy about showing off your body in videos. What ﬁtness tips do you have for those wanting the perfect summer body?

Cazwell: Steroids. (Laughs) Naaaaah, I’m playin’! Lay off the liquor and you’ll notice a huge difference. Combine working out five days a week and staying away from processed foods and sugar.

KZ: Is there anything else you’d like to say to your Denver fans?

Cazwell: I can’t wait to party with you guys for Pride! See you soon!