HEINZESIGHT: Let the Music Play

Growing up, music was always an important part of my life. It’s been there for me regardless of whether I was in a happy or depressed mood. It acted as therapy when I was challenged to identify or accept feelings that were confusing or uncomfortable. It’s provided hours of enjoyment and created opportunities to forge some amazing friendships.

I’ve also been a musician since starting to play piano when I was 5 years old, but didn’t realize how many gay people were in the world creating music. Now I’m excited to lead a synthpop band called Probe 7 with fellow homo Seth Moons.

There are particular thoughts that happen when someone brings up the topic of “gay music.” For some, it is all about artists who motivate us to gyrate on dancefloors while others appreciate the songwriting and social consciousness of other musicians. The 70s and 80s brought us a huge variety of amazing gay artists like Sylvester, Michael Stipe, Pet Shop Boys, Boy George, Elton John, Freddie Mercury, Melissa Etheridge, Rob Halford, Indigo Girls, and Village People into the mainstream. Modern pioneers like Fischerspooner, Scissor Sisters, Steve Grand, Martin Sorrondeguy, and Cazwell have built on the legacy of these queer artists and gained commercial success. These performers have married their musical talents with an openness of their sexuality in a primarily straight industry.

Colorado is fortunate to have its own collection of gay musical artists and performers who’ve entertained our community. Performers like Hotel Radio, GSTV, Damien Dane, Coles Whalen, Sarah & the Meanies, Zack Fay, and Sarah Slaton have provided opportunities to see live performances and have released many songs and albums. The huge monthly alternative dance night Ominous is co-produced by Sante Suffoletta, Tina Berger (Slave1), and out-and-proud DJ Ritual. It creates an environment where all sexual orientations and gender expressions are welcomed to enjoy an evening of music, dancing, art, and performances. Our local community is full of creative diversity and often shows that they’re not afraid to be honest about their sexuality.

My band has the opportunity to open a show on April Fool’s Day in Denver for an unexpected ally in gay rights. Leather Strip is one of the most popular bands in industrial music with creator and frontman Claus Larsen proudly being an openly gay man. He’s been with his partner for 23 years, got married in Denmark in 1998, and they perform live on stage together. Unfortunately, his career is not without brushes with discrimination. They have experienced a fair amount of homophobia from some members of the music community including fans and DJs, but it has not stopped them from continuing to put out popular albums and touring the world. Although not identifying himself as a gay activist, Claus identifies his contribution to gay rights simply by being open about his sexuality through messages in his music and public persona.

It’s important to encourage our community to search out gay artists who have the courage to live a life out loud and create art in a variety of forms. Support performers who let the rest of the world know that gay people exist in the entertainment industry they already enjoy, and that there are many others still left for us to discover.

We’re excited to participate in this show on April 1st with Leather Strip and supporting bands Ludovico Technique and Voicecoil. This will also be a party to celebrate the release of our new music video and album Over & Out (fun double entendre, right?) at the Oriental Theater promptly at 9pm. Pre-sale tickets may be purchased at OminousDenver.com.