TransVocalizers: TG Music 2013

Okay, so as not to insult anyone’s intelligence, but guess what? It’s the Christmas shopping season again. How’d that happen so soon? Anyway, that also means it’s time to make mention of all the new music this column has featured throughout the year, sort of a gift giving reference guide for the music heads on your list. When our companion Perpetual Change column is posted later in the month, we’ll do the same with all the music that was featured there throughout 2013 as well.

Willam

TransVocalizers started last year by posting an interview with Willam Belli in February. Belli, already a well known drag artist, became even more visible with his stint on RuPaul’s Drag Race. A review of his new album The Wreckoning was the march installment of the column.

The Wreckoning contains the hit Chow Down (At Chic-Fil-A) as well as some real surprises such as covers of Dolly Parton’s Potential New Boyfriend and the old Tammy Wynette song Stand By Your Man.

In May, a review of rapper Foxxjazell’s third album Elevation was posted. An interview with her was posted the month before in April.

It had taken Foxxjazell longer than originally anticipated to complete this project. She released a sort of teaser video for the tune NYC Love the summer before. It was more than enough to keep fans interested until Elevation’s release after the first of the year.

Along with Foxxjazell’s trade mark rapping, the girl also proves she can sing with the song Catch Me (I’m Falling). The project also contains elements of humor, found in Nails, Chicken, Bass, and even some jazz licks, as in the song Mama Love Me.

A tribute album to the late dance music artist Sylvester, Mighty Real Greatest Dance Hits, was reviewed in July. Sylvester died on December 16, 1988 from complications resulting from AIDS. Before his passing, though, he made a huge dent on the collective consciousness of the music industry with hits such as You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real), Dance (Disco Heat), Can’t Stop Dancing, Sell My Soul, and I Need Somebody To Love Tonight, to name just a few.

Sylvester

This particular release includes the original You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) as well as a re-mix version. It’s also interesting in that it’s easy to see how influential the disco era has been on younger artists today working in the very cross-bred genres of Techno/Dance/House/Hip-hop/EDM. (For more information on Sylvester and this particular release, please check out the official Sylvester website.

KOKUMO

In October, TransVocalizers introduced the vocalist KOKUMO to our readers. A Chicago native, KOKUMOis also an actress, a well known speaker, an entrepreneur, and a dedicated transgender activist as well as being a trained vocalist. In November, a review of her debut EP There Will Come A Day was posted. Although this initial outing contains only five tunes, there are revealing of KOKUMO’s ability as a vocalist and an entertainer. She opens the project with the a capella The Circle. The CD also includes a cover of the 1983 Tears For Fear hit Mad World, written by Gary Jules. KOKUMO is accompanied by pianist D.M. Stoermer.

KOKUMO has plans for a full length album, but will probably release another EP by next year. Until then, KOKUMO’s debut There Will Come A Day is an excellent introduction to an artist who is worth watching.

Throughout the year, in this column and the companion Perpetual Change column, new music that’s hitting the dance clubs is also featured. While there’s not enough space to again review every new project that was mentioned throughout the past year, here is a short list of the better known projects released in 2013:

A Is For Alpine by Alpine
Planta by CSS
Behind The Candelabra-Music From The HBO Original Film
True by Avicii
This Is by Icona Pop

MORE STUFF TO LOOK FOR

San Francisco singer/songwriter/musician Shawna Virago who has been featured here before and was just recently interviewed back in August, is also working on a new project, but has yet to announce a release date. We’ll keep you posted when we know.

Another new project already out and mentioned her previously is the compilation CD House Blend. The project features music from 21 different artists, most of them transgender. Produced by J.D. Doyle, House Blend is a fund raiser for the Houston Transgender Center and Archives. For more information, and to purchase a copy, please check out the project website.

One new release that’s been anticipated for some time is Lady Gaga’s Artpop, which features the single Applause. While the project mostly contains what Lady Gaga is best known for — high energy dance tracks including the almost obligatory rap insertions — it does contain some surprises. The title track Artpop is more of a hybrid between techno and light rock; the tune Fashion follows along this vein as well; and the single Applause is a keyboard dominated techno groove.

Besides the single Applause, and Artpop, the one standout track for me was Dope. Compared to the rest of the album, it’s sparse-voice, piano, and a synth part. However, I’d like to make a prediction here. Long after the visual theatrics of the character of Lady Gaga become passé, the vocals, songwriting, and musicianship of Stefani Germanotta will survive.

ALSO THIS MONTH

Rev.Yolanda has a new film coming out. Check it out, along with all her CD releases on the Web.

David de Alba has released some video from his recent Onyx Theatre gig in Las Vegas. This can be viewed on YouTube, as well as on his own theatrical website.

Coco Peru also has a new YouTube video that she describes as “…an important issue I felt needed to be addressed, of course in a Coco way.” Check it out on YouTube as well as at Coco’s website.

IN CLOSING

Well, I hope this helps with some ideas for your Christmas shopping. I believe you can find some great music for all the fans and friends of transgender artists on your gift list. You’ll be sharing tunes for practically any taste, and supporting our own talent in the process.

And finally, really in closing this time, I’d like to thank all the readers. Thank you for giving TransVocalizers and TGForum another successful year. We couldn’t do this without you. Please — remember the reason for the season, and have a safe and wonderful time with family and friends.

Tags: featured, Foxx Jazell, Kokumo, music, Musician, Sylvester, Willam

Category: Music