get out! str8 magazine – issue 10 – july 2015 | jody watley

JODY WATLEY & Shalamar Reloaded

BY EILEEN SHAPIRO

interview / GET OUT! MAGAZINE >> GETOUTMAG.US

NATE ALLEN SMITH

JODYWATLEY

ROSERO MCCOY

JODY WATLEY & Shalamar Reloaded

Grammy winner, master of nearly all genres from pop to hip hop, R&B soul and even house, Jody Watley is considered to be one of music’s defining artists and musical mavericks. Beginning her career as a dancer on “Soul Train”, and then group member of Shalamar, Jody is best known for her hits “Real Love” and “Looking for a new Love” (Hasta La Vista Baby), and many more. She is also amongst Janet Jackson and Madonna as one of MTV Video Music Awards’ most nominated female A-Listers.

Besides her career as a song writer, dancer and pop artist, Jody has been considered as a fashion icon. She appeared in Harper

Bazaar’s “Ten Most Beautiful Woman” issue as well as several other high fashion publications, and is admired for her unique evolution of big hair styles from the 1960’s until presently. The beautiful, talented, vivacious superstar, recording artist and dancer Jody Watley returns to New York City on June 25th at Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing, an outdoor event, along with the devastatingly adorable “Shalamar” reloaded. I was once again privileged to speak with Ms. Jody Watley, probably the kindest, most sincere artist I have ever met and had a conversation with. Joining her on the phone later in the interview was Nate Allen Smith and Rosero McCoy the very emotional and animated “Shalamar”. I know you must have been excited being chosen to perform a few months ago, at one of the most prestigious gay charity events in the world, “Night of 1000 Gowns.” How does it feel being a gay icon? JW: I love it, I appreciate it – I love it, what’s not to love E- Right now you’re also touring JW: Yes, It’s with my full band. So yeah, it’s Jody Watley featuring Shalamar reloaded. I recently acquired the rights to Shalamar so I’ve reloaded it with new fabulous guys who sing and dance. It’s like two shows in one. You get Shalamar hits and Jody Watley so it’s like a complete musical journey. So we have a lot of fun. The new guys are Nate Allen Smith and Rosero McCoy who is a renowned choreographer. He’s worked on America’s best dance crew, “Shake it up”, he’s worked with Usher & Justin Timberlake. They’re younger than me, but they have to work hard to keep up with me.

I bet they do – and they’re hot. I saw pictures of them JW: Thank you, they’ll like that and they are nice guys. Most of all they’re hot but they’re a pleasure and a joy to be around and that’s always good in any work situation. That’s exciting. Who inspires you musically Jody? JW: Over the years I really have a lot – it runs the gamut from Diana Ross, Grace Jones, to Tina Turner to Karen Carpenter – it’s just kind of all over the place, Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin – all of them. In fact I couldn’t believe it, though I’ve worked with her in the past as a teenager, my publicist told me that Aretha Franklin “The

Queen of Soul” wanted to speak with me. So I had the most

wonderful conversation with Aretha Franklin and I couldn’t believe it, she ended the conversation with that she was so proud of me, that she’s been following me, she said that ponytail in the “Real Love” video that went to the ground – she said “Girl, you did it”. She’s also one of my music heroes and for her

to compliment me… also many artists like Marvin

Gay, Stevie Wonder, James Brown and Michael Jackson

and the Jackson Five, just all over the place musically

I heard you’re doing house music JW: Dance music has been a part of what I’ve done, even starting in the mid 90’s when I did collaborations with David Morales, Louie Vega so over the years I’ve always done a bit of house music. From 2010 I started really going in more of that direction and I’ve worked with some really great people. On the current release “Paradise” I have Mark De Clive Lowe, who is very renowned not just in dance music, but as a jazz musician and remixer. I think there is a certain freedom in a soul that exists within house music and I really enjoy the collaborations that I continue to do with some of the DJ’s and some of the new up and coming talents as well Are you writing anything new? JW: Yes, writing songs

Yeah, songs JW: Oh yeah – the current EP release is “Paradise” and there is 7 new songs on that. One of my favorites is “Sanctuary” it’s beautiful. It has a groove to it and it’s inspired to creating an environment of love. But just the message of it, it’s a sexy song about the appreciation of your home. When you come home from whatever you’re doing. It’s just a really cool song. Like I said the past 10 years of this part of my career has been a combination of an underground mix I did a project called “Midnight Lounge” which came out in 2006 that was very well received critically and after that I did a project called “The Make Over” which were reimagined songs like “Borderline” which was recorded by Madonna but written by Reggie Lucas and I just totally made them over in an entirely new way and even on that project I wrote some new songs as well. So writing is in my blood and it keeps my creativity going. I’ve been working on a memoir that is a work in progress because I really want it to be in my voice. So that is something that I’d really like to see come true. I’ve been writing since I’m in Junior High, poetry, songs, short stories, novels – I just love writing. You’ve done so many things, I mean you’ve won Grammys, you write, you love fashion, is there anything you still wish to accomplish JW: Well I would like for the memoir to be a best seller and from that I would love for it to either be a film or a Broadway musical. I think it could work well in both. Those are still creative but also very entrepreneurial. I think

we should always create and do new goals and new dreams keeping things moving forward. What’s the one thing that you’d want me to know about you? JW: I think it comes across in my music that I’m a very positive person, a very strong woman. I have a wicked sense of humor, I laugh a lot. My friends say “You laugh all the time”. People are generally surprised about that because with my visuals they come off so fashionable, and powerful and so strong like I’m giving you attitude and most folks if they haven’t met me the think I’m very cold, the “Ice Queen” but I’m a very warm person… unless you cross me.

So Let’s meet

the rest of the group of Shalamar Reloaded. It is so much fun having all of you on the line at once,

Jody, Nate and Rosero

JW: This is our first group

phoner.

Well then let’s have some fun with it. JW: So you all have to be gentle and we’ll all have a great time with it. So let’s talk about Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center – and your other tour shows outside NYC and the USA. JW: At the Lincoln Center, which is a huge deal Yeah JW: It’s a great event because there’s dance, they have the dance things going on before the concert. The whole series is great. It is summertime in New York, it will be hot, it will be humid, and we’ll all be sweaty….. NS: The way it should be

Exactly, can you tell us some of the songs you plan to perform on tour JW: Well, we don’t want to give it all away, but we will definitely sing the classics. You’ll hear “Take that to the Bank”, and “Second Time Around” and more. We put an all new spin on all of them. Rosero has come up with some wonderful choreography so were twirling around the stage and singing live, which is always a good combination and Nate brings his own flavor to the male leads on the songs. We performed in February at BB Kings and it was sold out. Everyone loved it, but we’ve gotten even better since then. We’ve made some tweaks and adjustments and we will continue to do so… Anyone want to add anything to that? NS: Everything’s been really well received and we’re having a ball. The main thing is were having fun on stage. I think that filters out into the audience they feel that we’re having a good time and they start having a good time and love the fact that Jody spoke of the fact that we add our own twist and our own vibe to it because we are definitely a group that is yelling on stage and coming together and adding new energy to the move and to the songs. I think the fans have really taken that in and love it and eat it up. They love the fact of change. It’s a new era with everything Well you guys are really hot, Nate and Rosero. Jody it’s got to be a blast working with these two. JW: It’s so hard for me to be around them I bet NS: We have our moments and then we usually open our mouths and say something silly. That’s usually Nate, but we love him for it. If you guys just stood there for a show, it would

be ok… You guys are probably amazing on stage all together. I can feel the energy over the phone. Will you be doing new material? JW: The first half of the show is Shalamar. The second half of the show is Jody Watley so, it feels like a music journey and there is also new material in my set from my current release “Paradise” but also Shalamar is a part of that because Nate comes out to sing the duet “Night Life” with me. Rosero comes out – so there’s that. Maybe by the Lincoln Center we will have added the Forthcoming Shalamar single “Slow Dance”. We’re going to Brazil, so I don’t know if we will get to rehearse it, but I would like to be able to debut it at Lincoln Center Jody – How did you find these guys? JW: Long story… The universe brought us all together. I’ve known Rosero since 1997. We met to work together on a single I had called “Off the Hook”. The video was directed by Billy Woodruff. I never have been big on working with choreographers, not that I have anything against them. They do come in handy for staging. I like doing my own thing, but Rosero was brought to me when we did the video “Off the Hook” and then we did a remix video. So we’ve worked together since then and we’ve become, I guess you can say we’re “friends”. I never would have thought that the journey would lead us to be working together in this particular capacity. Nate auditioned in Los Angeles where he beat out 1000 other young hopefuls, and he just has it all. He’s got the look, he’s got the voice, the charm, and he can dance his ass off. He was my pick right away. E- Good choice Jody. Now boys what is it like working with Jody. NS: For me it’s fantastic. It’s like… I have to literally

pinch myself on stage sometimes like “is this really happening”. I’ve only been with the group since January, but I feel like in that time frame from then to now, I’ve learned so much. It’s like a dream come true. It’s changed my life, my family’s life. It’s just been great. I can’t even ever ask for a better situation to be in right now. ever. RM: For me working with Jody has been everything! Jody makes you pull up on stage. I remember the first time ever working with Jody on stage, she wore us out. It was like ok –“we’ve got to pull up” and it has not stopped from then till now for me. Then the experience from being on stage is one that you can’t really explain. It’s a timeless experience, a journey that we’re going on with her that is the best journey I’ve ever had in my entire life. It’s been great. It’s great to call her my sister. It’s great to call her my friend, my family… it’s the best experience I’ve ever had, and to now allow me to be a part of Shalamar it’s the part of the journey, the part of my life that will definitely be a highlight to remember. I love it. I love it. Awwwww, that is so sweet RM: Yeah, I’m getting a little emotional JW: I am too! E- All of that love will become apparent right out on stage to your fans Jody. After Lincoln Center, what’s the next project? JD: We will continue to do more concerts, more music coming. “Slow Dance” will really be only a teaser to some of the other things that we have planned. There is a new video, more music… then on the Jody Watley end

“Dancer” is the next single from “Paradise” I feel ties in so much to Shalamar reloaded because it seems to be one of the catalysts of many that kind of got it going. NS: “Watch us work” … “Watch Us Bring It” that’s for sure JW:“Watch us bring it” which we will be doing this concert series and I can’t wait I feel like you’ve totally reinvented yourself. I’m so excited for you – I am JW: Thank You Your Night of 1000 Gowns was amazing. People are still talking about it and posting it on Facebook. JW: I was noticing that. You

know Princess Lookeroo was one of the

young ladies that danced with me. We have history together too. She has worked with me

before. She will be doing

waacking lessons on the

dance portion of the night. It’s going to

be great. It’s such a music based event. It’s about the respect of the music. To continue to be able to find new and exciting ways to deliver the music and perform the music live, connect with the people and make them feel good and happy – it’s such a gift. Jody Watley & Shalamar Reloaded will be ending the first leg of the tour, in Brazil, Washington DC, NYC, London, & Amsterdam the end of June. Please go to jodywatley.net or shalamarofficial.com for upcoming tour dates. Be sure to “like” Jody Watley & Shalamar on Facebook.

HoroscopesBY DAWN DANIELS (845) 548-8570 [email protected]

ARIES - You’ll have an easier time expressing your desires and needs to the important people around you. When the full moon is in your house of career, it’s time to keep your eye on the ultimate prize.

There’s nothing you can’t accomplish. Romance is what you make it. Money starts to flow toward you; this eases your stress. 1, 9, 13, 21, 25, 47

TAURUS - Mercury is in your house of income; explore how to turn a hobby into a profit. Talks with friends and colleagues could inspire you to take action. In the romance department, diplomacy and honesty

bring the best results. You may want to change your wellness plan; remember to break it down into small achievable goals. 2, 10, 14, 26, 33, 49

GEMINI - Mars is in your house of income; you’ll want to make bold moves to increase your bottom dollar. Be sure to talk over any moves with a mentor before you go forward. Venting to a loved

one about your frustration with your health regime will give you insights on how to make changes. Mercury is in your love zone influencing you to talk openly about your feelings and getting what you want. 3, 9, 12, 27, 31, 44

CANCER - You may be presented with a job change in the near future; embrace the shifting tide and you may be headed down a more rewarding path. You’ll feel blissfully comfortable in your own skin while

the confident sun is in your sign. Take some R&R time to regroup and put romance back in your life. Time to get back into a healthy regimen. 4, 10, 11, 28, 36, 40

LEO - Neptune is in retrograde in your house of emotional bonds; trust your gut when it comes to financial goals with your business partner. You feel your wellness routine needs to change. But there’s

no need for an overhaul: Small tweaks like 10-minute meditation, walks or dancing will make a huge difference. An impromptu trip with a friend will bring you a lot of joy and lead to new friends and business contacts. 5, 11, 12, 17, 29, 33

VIRGO - You’ll be on a creative trip with Mercury in your house of career. Pitch your big plan to higher-ups or investors. Join forces with close friends to get your fitness plan back on track. Mars is in your

house of networking. Sharing successes and shortfalls will make you feel more supported and confident. Don’t worry about a get together; everyone will have a great time, and you will get some relaxation. 6, 9, 15, 30, 45, 50

LIBRA - Nothing can keep you from finishing an ambitious project with Mars in your sign. When you need a break or feedback, lean on close friends or mentors. A family get-together feels very stressful;

talk to friends about your concerns, and you’ll work out all the problems and have a great time. You have some health concerns. Talk these out with mentors, and use your intuition to figure out your best health regimen. 7, 9, 13, 31, 44, 49

SCORPIO - It’s time to connect with old colleagues from previous jobs. This will help you to reconnect and also bring you more work than you can conceive. You may not realize how highly you were held by

colleagues, bosses and higher-ups. Your family has been through a lot of difficulties. It’s time to celebrate life and enjoy what is here. Money worries ease up. A surprise awaits you! 8, 11, 15, 30, 40, 50

SAGITTARIUS - When the moon is full, you’ll finally see the fruits of your labors. An unexpected payoff will help you get money concerns under control. Romance is very clear this week when you receive many different

offers. It’s time to play a game of chance: Take the rewards and have fun. Many of your fitness goals will be met in the next few months. Be kind to your elderly family members. 9, 13, 21, 33, 39, 50

CAPRICORN - It’s time to brainstorm your ideas with friends and mentors. Go with your gut, and pitch your ideas to investors or bosses. Mars is in your house of partnership. It’s time to be honest with your

mate or go out and find a romantic link. Make plans with friends for a weekend getaway; it will be fun and restful. 9, 10, 22, 34, 45, 49

AQUARIUS - Money has been very tight; it has been on your mind all the time. Take time to reflect on how you can make extra cash or cut corners, but make sure you can live with your decision. Take your concerns to loved

ones as they have great ideas. Take time out to enjoy the weather with close friends. Let romance in, and it will make everything more enjoyable. Be open to help from friends and family. 9, 11, 13, 23, 35, 47

PISCES - A new opportunity comes your way to boost your cash flow. Time to plan a few weekend getaways to beat the heat and get some rest. Be sure you include everyone so feelings aren’t hurt. Romance takes a great turn, and

you get closer to a loved one. Be open to suggestions on how to improve your lifestyle; they only want what is best for you. It will only take a few changes! 11, 15, 24, 36, 41, 50

The publications of MJT/GOOTH Magazine, getoutmag.com or any related print or Web publications or social media accounts, their images, quotations or articles, should not be construed to be an indication of the sexual orientation of anyone portrayed

therein. All content © 2015 MJT/GOOTH Entertainment LLC.

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Pam AnnRuling the airways, Australian comedian and actress Pam Ann (aka Caroline Reid) has developed cult-like following bestowed upon her by her huge following, including fans such as Madonna. Most of her shows and humor encompass airline-related topics, as she identifies many of the bizarre and unexpected traits of some of the major international airlines. She also brings to light many of the well-known stereotypes of flight attendants as well.

How did you begin your career? I didn’t really set out to be a comic.

I wanted to be a fashion designer to be honest, but that clearly wasn’t going to work, because I couldn’t sew. Believe it or not, but I was incredibly shy growing up, so I took up acting classes to help me come out of my shell. Well, as you can see, it worked. I began acting in dramatic roles. I thought I wanted to be a serious actor until I played the role of a mute revolving door, which ironically opened the door to comedy for me. The play was so long and boring, my mute revolving door was a relief for the audience as I made fun of all the actors walking through me. I also hated auditions. They petrify me to this day, so I thought the only way I can do acting or showbiz is if come up with my own character, and that is how Pam Ann was born…through vodka and fear. Famously, “everyone needs a gimmick.” How did you get your name, and why did you pick the airlines as a theme? Pam Ann was born out of

vodka. It was at my James Bond-themed birthday party. I dressed as a Pan Am airhostess, the chicest airline ever, and James Bond only ever flew Pan Am. It was at this party the name Pam Ann was born, because my friends were calling me Pan Am but after 50 vodkas it sounded like PAM ANN. Try it now; say Pan Am 10 times. See? It sounds like PAM ANN. As for the airline theme, I love the style and glamour of the Golden Age of flying. It inspired me creatively on so many levels. Do you travel often? 95% of the year I am on a plane flying somewhere. I am a plane geek. I know every plane, airline and airport in the world. Well, I like to think so. I even had Richard Quest from CNN visit me at my New York apartment to discuss

airline travel for his series Business Traveler. Richard is the only other person who I know travels as much as me. Can you imagine our conversation? No one else can get a word in. People hate us when we are together. What is your least favorite airline? Ryan Air and Easy Jet in the U.K., or any budget airline for that matter. Any airline that allows passengers to go barefoot I won’t

BY EILEEN SHAPIRO

travel on. The quality of the passengers reflects the

airline: CHEAP.

Give me a brief bio of yourself: where you come from, where

you were raised, etc.

I grew up in the Eastern

suburb of Vermont in Melbourne,

Australia. I was raised by a very glamorous mother and workaholic

father who eventually divorced when I was 12 years old. I dropped out of high school at 16 years old

and became a club kid

with the gays and trannies, who

raised me through my ‘20s. I was a new romantic Goth kid back then, obsessed with fashion and clubbing. I worked in the clubs at night: Chasers and The Lounge in Melbourne, and during the day I worked in a shop called Scanlan

Theodore, which sold incredibly off-the-wall fashion back then. I also had my own club night I promoted called

Purveyors with DJ Nemo Adam, a hip hop DJ. I would create themes every

week; for example, I had a Scarface night. I put huge

trays of “cocaine” (sugar) at the bar, I had machine guns hanging from the ceiling and I dressed as Michelle Pfeiffer’s character Elvira Hancock donned in a white suit, blonde wig with cocaine

residue around my nose. It was through these club nights that gave me an outlet to create characters and environments. Then one day the PR girl from The Lounge was going away overseas for six weeks and asked me if I could fill in for her doing the PR for the club. I said sure, and it was through this job I got to know the owner Carlos, and I eventually asked him if I could do a show in the club. He said yes, and the rest is history. Pam Ann was born. What is your favorite thing since sliced bread? I love tall, sexy black men with huge, hard dicks. If you could change lives for a week with anyone, who would you choose and why? I would like to be a tall, sexy black man from New Jersey with a huge dick and fuck whores for a week. Who inspires you? Joan Rivers (the only time I will ever say #toosoon), Louis CK and Shark Tank. Someone just wrote the story of your life. What is it entitled? “PAM ANN: BEHIND THE GALLEY CURTAIN”, “The Woman Behind the Man.” What do you think you will be doing in 10 years? Married to a tall, sexy black man with five kids, living in Newark! Are you working on any new projects? Tell us your performance schedule for the summer. I am performing in Provincetown, Stockholm for Pride and vacationing in Mykonos before embarking on a five-week run on London’s West End and a tour throughout the U.K. in the fall. I am also working on a Pam Ann film and TV series and in 2016 Pam Ann’s 20th Anniversary global tour. So watch this space. Exciting things ahead!

pamann.com

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David Hernandez

“American Idol” Season 7 finalist David Hernandez performed this past weekend in Long Island. I found him to be very sensitive, intensely romantic, candid and very sweet after our conversation, covering almost everything important in life.

Hernandez is about to release his brand-new single “WTF” (there is a censored version called “What You Do”), which is slated to come out next week.

BY EILEEN SHAPIRO


So what was life like after “Idol”?Life after “Idol” has com-pletely changed my life. Before I was unknown; people didn’t know me for my talents. “Idol” gave me the platform for 35 million viewers every week. It just kind of changed life. I was anonymous before, and now people know me ev-erywhere I go. It was kind of a crazy thing to wrap your head around I guess. It’s different. It’s cool - a good different. You are so talented, but you left kind of early.I went home a little bit early. There’s a lot of speculation about why, but I’m just thankful that I was able to make it as far as I did, because I’ve still been working since that year. It changed my life. I’ve liter-ally been on tour. I put out an album, then another al-bum, “I Am Who I Am,” my original EP. It’s on iTunes

now. I’ve still been touring that album. A new album is in the works now, so it’s been really cool. Are you doing many Prides?I do a lot of different festivals. I do Pride and anything my booking agent gets me. Anything that comes my way that allows me to showcase my original music and covers and singing stuff like that. As long as it has energy and vibe. I do a lot of dif-ferent clubs in Vegas and New York. I was on tour for a while with a company called Ballroom With a Twist, which I am no lon-ger on tour with anymore. But that was a good 4 1/2 years of my life that I toured with them. Do you dance as well?I am OK at dancing. I’m not the best. I can learn some choreography, but it takes me twice as long to learn than the average

person. Tell me something about you.I was born in Phoenix, Ariz. I was raised by a single mother. It was amazing. I got to really know my dad when I was about seven, when I moved with him. At that point I acquired a step brother and half-sister that’s my dad’s daughter, and a step mom. It also switched up my life a little bit at a young age, because when I move with my dad I had this whole extended family that I didn’t know existed prior. That’s interesting.Yeah. You know, my mom wasn’t a huge fan of that, the move, but it all worked out for the better anyway. I started sing-ing in cover bands when I was 17. I wasn’t even old enough to get into the clubs. They would sneak me through the back door.

I would sing, and then I had to leave immediately. Then around like 19 or 20 I started writing my original music when I was in col-lege. I started singing in terrible venues, and then I boarded a cruise ship to sing in an a capella quartet when I was about 22. I did that for 6 months. Then after that I got off and lit-erally went to audition for “American Idol,” and that was that. I had a record deal prior to that though. It kind of failed a little bit. The label was psychotic, and the lady that ran it was a total bitch. She got all my original music that I wrote for that entire album. So now I’m very cautious about contracts that I get into. I learned the hard way at a really young age that things could be really cutthroat. It’s probably good that you learned young in-stead of waking up one day and realizing, “What did I do?”Right, exactly. People don’t really see that aspect of the industry. You show up, and it’s lights, camera, action – but there is a lot that goes into it, a lot of shadiness. I’ve seen things that are really terrible. That’s why I think a lot of people don’t make it in this industry, because they don’t have the heart and determination to get through all that shit. The music really has to be a driving force, because the industry is certainly bad. Besides touring, how do you make money with all those free downloads?Well that’s true, you can legally download music, but I still get checks off my last album and single that I released. Even from Rhap-sody and Spotify; they might be small portions, but they add up. We do still get checks, and that’s how we survive. Then the appearances and CD sign-ings. The touring I’ve been doing since 2008. That all helps fund the next record.When someone wins

on “Idol,” besides Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lam-bert, I feel that you don’t hear much from them. Why is that, do you think?Well you hear of Carrie Un-derwood, Fantasia. I mean, why is that? Yeah.Obviously, all the people are super talented. Adam is super talented. David Cook won that year; he’s super talented. You might not have heard a whole lot from him lately. I could just chalk it up to whomever is behind them. All they could do is write and sing. They could only do so much, and then they have executives, the radio. The people that are pushing them, maybe they are not on the same page. So you think it’s their team behind them?Yes, I do think it has a lot to do with the team. Hav-ing a good, amazing team is so crucial. It literally can make or break you. I would rather not have a whole team behind me, but only a small amount of people, so that I know what they are actually doing for me. I don’t know David’s situation or Adam’s situation, but from my experience, when I have bad people behind me, like that label I had a long time ago, it just doesn’t work. Things just didn’t jive. Where do you see your-self in 10 years?Still making music. Hope-fully supporting myself off of that. I would like to have a family. Maybe one kid is enough. I definitely am a romantic kind of person. I’ve been think-ing about it a lot lately, because I’ve been dating, but it’s really hard when I’m constantly on the road. A lot of people are super insecure, especially when I’m constantly on the road. These people think to themselves, “Oh, I’m sure you’re sleeping with everyone.” And I’m not. I think things would fall off if I literally slept with every-

one I talked to, but it’s hard to maintain a relationship, especially when jealousy gets in the way. Hopefully in 5 to 10 years I see myself with somebody, talking about a house together and that kind of stuff. You have a good look. You’re talented. You’ll get there.I mean, I hope the personal life fits in there some-where. So you aren’t dating any-one now?I was, but it fell through because of that. Because of the insecurities. I just can’t be bothered.There is so much more to worry about in life than stupid shit like that. So we ended it, and now I’m just single as ever. I’m not a huge fan of being single. I like those intimate moments.

Aww.We’ll see what happens. For now I’m enjoying not having to answer to anybody. Those obligatory phone calls are no longer happening, so we’re good. So is there anything else you want to say or pro-mote?The single is coming out really soon. It’s called “WTF.”

WTF?Yeah, like “what the fuck.” I like that.But the censored version is called “What You Do”. So I believe that they both come out at the same time, in a week. Then the album will shortly follow. People can follow me on Instagram and my social media. Instagram: officaldavidanthonyher-nandez Twitter: @dhernandezmusic Facebook: officaldavidanthony davidhernandezoffical.com

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Cheyenne Elliott, the beautiful and talented rising soul-inspired pop singer, is the granddaughter of legendary icon Dionne Warwick and cousin to the late Whitney Houston. Eliott has a new single and is currently making more new music. She was gracious enough to have a conversation with me and share her thoughts about her family and her journey.

Cheyenne Elliott

BY EILEEN SHAPIRO

What is it like being the granddaughter of Dionne Warwick? It’s amazing. I’m very blessed. I was talking to her yesterday about having an amazing family full of legends. It’s just incredible. When did you actually start singing, and how were you introduced to the entertainment industry? I used to go to the studio with my dad and listen to him while he laid down tracks. Then when I was 12 years old, I went to a concert at Coney Island with my grandmother. I’d been watching her my entire life. So I decided to go one night because it was close to where I lived, and she was going to bring me up on stage to sing “That’s What Friends Are For,” and from that moment that’s when it kind of started, my musical journey. That’s when I decided, “Oh, I love this!” The energy on stage was amazing. That’s such a

young age to really be taking that all in and experiencing it. I fell in love with the stage; I fell in love with the crowd. So really about 11, 12 is when I really started doing what I want to do. That’s almost like a fairytale. How often do you speak with your grandmother? Quite often. I talk to her when I can. Recently I’ve been talking to her a few times a week. She calls me to check in. I call her to just check in and see how she’s doing. We talk business, but most of the time we talk about what’s going on. I talk to her all the time. She’s always available for me, and I love that about her. She makes the time. That is so sweet. You’re also the cousin of the late Whitney Houston. I am, yes. What was it like growing up with a second icon as a

cousin? Did you

see her a lot? I got to see Whitney quite a lot. She was so busy. But I saw her at family holidays, family gatherings. She kind of knew that I wanted to sing. She always encouraged me to keep going and pursuing. She was very encouraging and inspiring as a young girl. Now what are you up to, as far as your new single and everything else that you’re working on? We are working on new music. We’re working on a full-length project. The song “With You” is a dance track, and I’m getting really great feedback, but my new music is more…we like to call it “soul-inspired pop.” Soul-inspired pop. I like that. It’s more of a John Legend [style]. It’s still mainstream, but there is definitely that soul sound. That’s what


Cheyenne Elliott, the beautiful and talented rising soul-inspired pop singer, is the granddaughter of legendary icon Dionne Warwick and cousin to the late Whitney Houston. Eliott has a new single and is currently making more new music. She was gracious enough to have a conversation with me and share her thoughts about her family and her journey.

Cheyenne Elliott

BY EILEEN SHAPIRO

What is it like being the granddaughter of Dionne Warwick? It’s amazing. I’m very blessed. I was talking to her yesterday about having an amazing family full of legends. It’s just incredible. When did you actually start singing, and how were you introduced to the entertainment industry? I used to go to the studio with my dad and listen to him while he laid down tracks. Then when I was 12 years old, I went to a concert at Coney Island with my grandmother. I’d been watching her my entire life. So I decided to go one night because it was close to where I lived, and she was going to bring me up on stage to sing “That’s What Friends Are For,” and from that moment that’s when it kind of started, my musical journey. That’s when I decided, “Oh, I love this!” The energy on stage was amazing. That’s such a

young age to really be taking that all in and experiencing it. I fell in love with the stage; I fell in love with the crowd. So really about 11, 12 is when I really started doing what I want to do. That’s almost like a fairytale. How often do you speak with your grandmother? Quite often. I talk to her when I can. Recently I’ve been talking to her a few times a week. She calls me to check in. I call her to just check in and see how she’s doing. We talk business, but most of the time we talk about what’s going on. I talk to her all the time. She’s always available for me, and I love that about her. She makes the time. That is so sweet. You’re also the cousin of the late Whitney Houston. I am, yes. What was it like growing up with a second icon as a

cousin? Did you

see her a lot? I got to see Whitney quite a lot. She was so busy. But I saw her at family holidays, family gatherings. She kind of knew that I wanted to sing. She always encouraged me to keep going and pursuing. She was very encouraging and inspiring as a young girl. Now what are you up to, as far as your new single and everything else that you’re working on? We are working on new music. We’re working on a full-length project. The song “With You” is a dance track, and I’m getting really great feedback, but my new music is more…we like to call it “soul-inspired pop.” Soul-inspired pop. I like that. It’s more of a John Legend [style]. It’s still mainstream, but there is definitely that soul sound. That’s what

my album sounds like. I love a dance song, I do, but you’re going to hear a new, different side of me, and I’m excited. That’s really who I am. Are you going to tour in support of your new sound? Not just yet. Once more music is released. Right now, this summer, I’m going to be touring with the new single. We’ll be doing performances in different clubs around the city. Probably other states as well, but once more music is released and put together we’ll be working on a full-blown tour. Cheyenne, you’re wearing a warning label. What does that label say? Oh, no, a warning label. I think of myself as a sweetheart, but I don’t know, that’s a good question. “Get ready for some fun!” I kind of like fun, and I kind of like energy. That’s who I am, and I always want to have a good time. Perfect. Is your glass half empty or half full? Half full. I have to live life that way. You just have to look at it like what are the positives in my life at all times. There’s always going to be amazing things. There’s always going to be bad things. But if you focus on those amazing things, that will keep you going. You seem like a really happy person. I am. I’m young, I’m happy, I’m alive, I’m healthy. Why not, you know? And very beautiful. Thank you. What makes you angry? I mean, you don’t seem like you’d ever get angry, but if you did, what would it be

about? When I see people pick on celebrities in the media about their personal lives. That makes me angry. Just because they are in the public light doesn’t make them any less human. It makes me sad more than anything that people take jobs so easily like it’s nothing. People tell me all the time: “You know, Cheyenne, you’re walking into that. Are you ready for this?” I’ve grown up in a family that has taught me how to deal with the media, taught me to proceed with caution, to handle everything. I’m really blessed. But it still bothers me when they tear them apart, when they don’t even really know them.

That’s a really good answer, one I so totally agree with. The media can be powerful. It is very powerful. They can make you or break you. They really can. You want

to present yourself in a good light.

Well, you answer my questions as if you’d rehearsed them, and I know you couldn’t have possibly. You’re smart, talented, pretty. You’ve got the whole package going on there. Oh, thank you. You were just on Andy Cohen’s show right? Yes, that was an amazing experience. It was so exhilarating to me being on live television like that. I haven’t done anything like that before. Was he fun? Oh, so fun, so nice, and the crew was so nice.

They made me feel very comfortable. The live audience was great. I had a great time. I just tried to keep it fun and fresh. Being raised amidst such a famous, talented family, did you ever feel pressured into becoming a performer, or did you just want to? Definitely, if any pressure was there, it was not coming from my family. They wanted me to find my own destiny and my own path, and it just happened to be music. That’s what I love. It was really in my blood. From society, of course, there’s gonna be pressure. I have huge shoes to fill. If we could see what’s in your heart at this very moment, what would we see? That’s a great question: my love for music, my love for my family, the passion that I have, the drive, determination, a lot of positive energy. That’s the state that I’m living in, and that’s where I wanna stay. What do you think your best quality is? I think I’m a very loyal person: loyal to my family, loyal to my friends. When I love you, I love you hard, so I’m there for you through the good, through the bad. facebook.com/officialcheyenneelliot

Legendary Dionne Warwick & Cheyenne Elliott, her granddaughter

Late Superstar Whitney Houston with Cheyenne Elliott and cousins

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The GlamzBY LOVARI

MEGAN ALLEN, EMMA CRAIG, TINA JENSEN, AND KENYA

MORRIS are four soul sisters determined to take the world by storm. After working together for over two years in a previous group, their love of music and respect for one another banded them together to form their very own super group. Megan, Emma, Tina, and Kenya are strong, fearless, ferocious, and brave warriors busting out their own brand of dance moves, incomparable vocals and harmonies, and lead with a message of self love and acceptance. From New York City to San Francisco, these women have hit the road with their official 2015 Pride Tour and just opened for En Vogue at Milwaukee’s PrideFest and werked the runway performing for Full Figured Fashion Week in New York City. @gogoglamz

Does the group collectively write songs together? Tell me about the process. Tina: Currently, I arrange all the music for the group, but we are lucky to have an amazing crew of songwriters and producers who work with us. Because the four of us are so different and unique from one another, we all have a voice when it comes to putting together a piece. Michelangelo Sosnowitz, who wrote and produced our first single, “Movie Star,” was a champ working with us, taking our ideas and bringing them to life. Each girl in the group inspires me in so many ways, so when I get new material, I am always thinking, “Wow, this part would sound amazing on Kenya! What if Emma did this?! How cool if Megan threw her stank on this lick, and, ooohhh, I have to do this!” We are super collaborative and always working to fine

tune our parts and make sure each person’s part makes them shine the brightest! There is no lead singer in this group; we are all Beyonces. Which celebrity or personality has come to you personally to say they are a fan or show support? What was the more surreal experience with that? Emma: I’ve had so many fangirl moments since I joined The Glamz. Working with Bianca Del Rio was such a dream, because I never thought that I in a million years would ever have the opportunity to work with her. She was nothing but supportive and positive and truly wonderful to work with. #girlcrush I also geeked over getting to meet Harvey Fierstein, Thelma Houston, Anthony Rapp, Debbie Harry and Fred Schneider from the B52’s. Megan: One year after


getting off stage, one of the other performers came up to us in tears and began to share with us a struggle she was going through, and wanted us to know how much she admires what we do and to say thank you for helping her feel confident and beautiful in her body. That right there meant the world to know we had impacted someone and gave them confidence and strength. To truly know our message was clear and going out there for love, acceptance and body empowerment! Tina: I think the most emotional experience for me was when Melissa Etheridge surprised everyone at Albany Capital Pride last year and did a pop-up a capella performance. I really had that moment of, wow...here we are...on the same stage...in front of the same audience...impacting all of these beautiful people. It was a very humbling experience, one of those quiet, special moments I’ll hold with me forever. But honestly, for me, it’s not about the celebrities, it’s more about the fans that come up to us afterward: when they come up to us, pull us aside, in tears because we have changed and touched their lives in some way. That. That makes it all worthwhile, and I still pinch myself when I find myself in those powerful moments. I greatly admire the fact that your group flaunts your confidence and sexiness by not being shy about your curves and encouraging women to embrace themselves for who they are, which as we all know doesn’t have to be a size 1. That being

said, have you ever faced adversity in regard to this? Kenya: Thank you! We all as a group have been teased about our weight, people saying we can’t make it because of how we look. When I was in middle school/high school people would say to me, “You can’t be a star being that size,” and I remember feeling really bad about myself. When I discovered The Glamz I was amazed, because I never saw this type of group before. They were confident, sexy and curvaceous! I said to myself, if those girls can be sexy and confident on stage, I can too! Now I get messages from random people, friends and family telling me I inspire them, and they get inspired from The Glamz. They see a group of curvy girls doing what they love with confidence and rising above how society says we should look. I’m so grateful to be a part of a group like this.

Emma: Woo! I feel

like I have this conversation almost every day, because adversity is still something that I deal with on a regular basis. It’s

not necessarily adversity that I find

from the outside world; it’s the adversity I

find from myself. I still have to fight the voice inside my own head telling me no. So now, I’m so happy to be a part of a movement that encourages human beings to be themselves, because I feel like I have to fight that fight so hard everyday. I’m not perfect, nor do I want to be. I just want to let other people know that your struggle is OK. It’s worth it. It makes us better. Tina: The moment I discovered that I don’t have to ask anyone’s permission to be me was life changing. It was a

game changer! The minute I gave up that power I was finally able to be free. There will always be people that don’t like what I look like, sound like and act like. But I am not doing this for them. I am a forever work in progress. Sometimes I mess up, but that’s OK. I am learning! We all are! We are human. It’s hard in today’s age because everyone hides behind their computers, and somehow that gives people courage to be assholes. Well, I don’t have time for that! I can’t give in to it. We just have to push forth with our message of positivity, and hopefully it will spread like wildfire worldwide! Tell me some of your entertainer influences (i.e., singers, actors, etc.). Tina: My American idol is Bette Midler. End all. Be all. But I have been seriously influenced by female singer songwriters of the past like Carole King and Joni Mitchell. I love a strong female point of view. Emma: My biggest influence is absolutely David Bowie. All the girls know this. Everyone knows this. It’s no secret. I love David Bowie, because I truly felt like he was ahead of his time. I feel like what he did 30 years ago is still innovative. His music was complex, his sense of style was out of this world and he attempted and accomplished things that I am still afraid to do to this day. Megan: There are so many people who influenced me from Doris Day, Michael Jackson, Adele, Whitney Houston of course, Tina Turner, and so much more. I am inspired by those who work hard and break the mold of what people think the norm is. And, performance wise, who delivers every time right now: Beyoncé, hands down. Also, Celine Dion. I can’t with her. And from


the dancers and choreographers, people that I would just love to share the stage with or have the opportunity to be a part of their magic and creativity would range from Mia Michaels, Mandy Moore, Twitch, Derek Hough, Ciara, Chris Brown and so on and so forth. Kenya: Growing up I listened to oldies, reggae, R&B, pop, hip hop, jazz, blues and country music. I Iove any type of music that touches my soul, like Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Etta James, Dinah Washington, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and The Pips, etc. Their music touches me. Whitney Houston was like my vocal coach, and I love Tina Turner and Beyonce. I’m just always amazed of what they do on stage. They have so much energy and sex appeal and attitude. I always try to keep that in mind when I perform. They definitely inspire me to always be a better performer, because they can work a stage and sing their butts off! Each of you tell me something about

yourselves that our readers might be surprised by. Tina: I have been professionally working in musical theatre for 20 years. I grew up in the theatre, and thank God for it. It saved my life! I am also obsessed with social media and the bridge it builds to our fans and followers. If you ever tweet us or message us, know I will always respond and keep the dialogue going!! Kenya: I’m the youngest in the group and come from a Jamaican background. Both parents are from Jamaica. So I love trying to put on an accent like I was born there, and I love to dance to dancehall music! Megan: One of my passions is to work with kids from troubled backgrounds/rough neighborhoods, just helping them see the light at the end of the tunnel, giving them courage and hope to keep going.

Letting them know that anything is possible, and you have to believe in

yourself. Emma: I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. I moved to China when I was 18 to teach English before I went to college for political

science, and then moved to New York. And the rest is future history. I love animals and the color yellow. I’ve always wanted to be famous in Korea and have my own daytime talk show. Will you be releasing an album anytime soon? Tina: Ah! We are so excited! We are about to embark on an exciting journey working with the fiercest of songwriters and producers to bring you our debut album. Check our website for official updates and announcements. We can’t wait to finally announce! It’s gonna be EPIC!

theglamz.com

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Princess Lockeroo“WAACKING” AT LINCOLN CENTER

I met Princess Lockeroo at Night of 1000 Gowns while she was performing with Jody Watley as one of her fabulous dancers. She impressed me with her outgoing personality, her impressive dance moves on stage and her beauty as well. I later found out through another interview, and through Ms. Watley, that she was extremely accomplished in the art of “Waacking”. Fascinated and intrigued by this form of dance called Waacking I jumped at the chance to speak with Princess about it.

On June 25th Princess Lockeroo will be performing at Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing, along with Jody Watley and Shalamar.

BY EILEEN SHAPIRO

So Princess, what exactly is “Waacking?” Waacking is a freestyle club dance that originated in the early 1970’s in

California. It came out of gay clubs and was originated to classic, imported disco music. Imported meaning from Europe. There was a particular DJ by the name of Michael Angelo who played the Disco music which inspired whacking. He would play the entire record including the breaks of this disco song. He played the music at a much faster tempo up. The dancers were inspired by movie stars like Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Marlena Dietrich. It was all about elegance and class and feeling fabulous. When it began, it had no real name, it had no real vocabulary, but the most important thing about it is having elegance; performing the dance almost the way a drag queen performs a song. They’re right on top of the music. The pulling out of the vocals, the melodies and the beats within the music so that when a person is watching another person WAAC, they can literally hear what they’re seeing with their eyes. All of the originators of Waacking, dies

Princess Lockeroo“WAACKING” AT LINCOLN CENTER

of Aids. My generation knows the history thanks to Tyrone Proctor. I’m also going to be performing waacking to my new disco single “Dance Dance Dance” which I produced along with my artist development adviser Mario Spinetti. So you are going to be teaching this dance at Lincoln Center? That’s right. I’m going to be teaching a waacking class at Lincoln Centers Midsummer Night’s Swing series, featuring Jody Watley and Shalamar reload. It’s actually very interesting because Jody Watley was one of the very first female waackers and we both have the same waacking teacher, Tyrone Proctor, who is a legendary “Soul Train” dancer. He danced on Soul Train for about 10 years, which is where he met Jody. It’s thanks to him that there’s been a major resurgence of waacking all around the world. I have been to over 23 countries teaching this dance. It’s caught wild fire and everybody is doing it, and everybody is appreciating disco music again. Actually I will be teaching a workshop which is going to introduce people to the dance and I’m also going to be performing waacking to a new song that I produced. It’s called “Dance, Dance, Dance.” The music came first, the music is what inspired the dance. It made me want to bring back a new disco style in order to inspire the new generation to appreciate this music and this dance. Jody mentioned that you and she had a history. That’s right, because of Tyrone Proctor. He was the one who taught Jody how to waack on “Soul Train”. She was on staff there since she was 14 years old.

I met Jody through Tyrone and performed with her at BB Kings. She saw me dancing and then she invited me to go on tour with her in Japan. It was an incredible experience. There is no other artist I’d rather dance for. I really love dancing with her. She’s one of my idols. I look up to her, I respect her so much. Tell me a little about Princess. Princess Lockeroo is a multi-faceted performer who has been doing everything to spread waacking around the world for the past 10 years. I have a background in musical theatre and opera and I discovered the dance totally by chance. I was really just trying to get in shape after my first year of college. I started taking dance lessons at “The Broadway Dance Center”. That’s where I met my first teacher Brian Footwork Greene.There really wasn’t a lot of waacking at the time. In 2003, 2004 you couldn’t go online and see waacking. There was no YouTube. Brian Footwork Greene introduced me to Tyrone and so yeah, the dance team really changed my life – saved my life. I became completely health conscious and vegan conscious. I began taking care of my body. and I believe that dance and self-expression is the most important training that we can do as human beings. It’s one of the things I really want to share with the world. So one of my newest ventures has been beginning a new entertainment company. Our mission is that we believe that urban expression deserves to be held with the same amount of respect and dignity as classical art forms like ballet or contemporary. Emphasizing the ingenuity of the culture and history is extremely important to me because what those

dancers did on “Soul Train”, they’re the reason why I have a career today. Without all those dancers who danced for free – a lot of people don’t know that they danced for a piece of chicken and CocaCola – they paved the way for the entire global dance community. I am providing a new channel of entertainment that celebrates enlightenment, eloquence and sensuality without objectifying or modifying the intentions of the artist. A lot of the mainstream urban music and dance that is popular today, is inappropriate for children. It is disrespectful and doesn’t have intelligent lyrical content. This is not where “black music” began. Disco, Funk, Soul & Hip Hop music is classy, sophisticated and intelligent One of the reasons why I love disco and WAACKING is that it’s so sensual and beautiful, but it’s about being classy not trashy. It’s a feeling. In the future I plan to put a Broadway show on with dancing and with the music of the 70’s. Is there anything you’d like to promote that’s coming up for you? I teach whacking at the Broadway Dance Center weekly Tuesdays and Fridays. On August 22nd in New York City I’ll be holding THE WAACK DOWN, the World Waacking Championships. This competition will feature dancers from all over the world. There are three categories.. Patriotic Performance, where contestants get to perform a waacking piece to the music of their own culture. we have the Waackography contest, and the one on one battle. It’s going to be hosted by Bob the Drag Queen – NYC’s top drag queen performer. It’s going to be super exciting.

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DeShawn D. Thompson: An Introduction to the Multifaceted Talent

BY LOVARI

review/ GET OUT! MAGAZINE

DeShawn D. Thompson was raised in Brooklyn. His passion for modeling and acting began when he first appeared in the Mary J. Blige video “Family Affair.” Since then he has modeled in national print work for top brands such as Reebok and Speed Stick. In addition to modeling, he has ventured into the acting world, including co-starring roles in the Off-Broadway plays U-Turn and Sketches of a Man. His television acting credits include Discovery ID’s “Dates From Hell” and MTV’s “Girl Code.” His most current venture is hosting his own radio show, Da-Ave, on FloEmpireRadio.com. It airs every Saturday from 8-10 p.m. and can also be seen broadcast live online at UStream. DeShawn is also one of the hosts of the entertainment talk series “The Buzz.” Look out for much more from this multifaceted talent!

PHOTOS BY JAMESON MARQUEZ

music/ GET OUT! MAGAZINE >> GETOUTMAG.COM

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Alicia MadisonEDM artist Alicia Madison not only has a voice like an angel and the energy of a tiger, but a humorous, vivacious, animated personality as well. Her new single “I Surrender” was released. Very well known in the EDM scene, Madison has just came off of attending the Trevor Project Spring Fling and will be performing at Chicago Pride.

I am in love with your new song, “I Surrender.” How long have you been sing-ing?You mean literally, the first time I belt out a song?

Sure.I would say 14 years old is probably the first time I sang in public, or, I mean, in front of my mom, and her eyes were closed.

Were you shy?I was very, very shy.

What inspired you, being so shy, to choose the en-tertainment field?

Actually, I sang the National Anthem at the local base-ball field, and a guy came up to me, and he ended up being a band leader for a wedding band, and he asked me to join his wed-ding band. So I ended up doing weddings and bar gigs starting at like 16 years old, which was probably too young. I started doing that for like eight or nine years. It kind of pushed me in front. I thought I had to get out there and start singing or I’ll never get noticed.

So it is something you always wanted to do?Oh yeah, there’s nothing else that I would do or want to do. Do you sing in front of gay crowds?I’m singing in front of my first gay club, Boots and Saddle.

That’s for the Get Out Awards.Yeah, so it’s my first ever at a gay club.

You are going to love it.I’m excited.

BY EILEEN SHAPIRO

PHOTO BY

NADIA ITANI

STYLING BY

HOLLY TAYLOR

It’s so much more fun than the straight clubs.I don’t even want to go to straight clubs anymore, to be honest. I just want to be surrounded by gay guys all the time, have drinks with them.

That’s my life.Exactly. I want to marry one.

Exactly. So you’re ready for this, I can tell. You will love the Get Out Awards.I’m really excited.What’s coming up for you?Well, [my] song [came] out called “I Surrender.”

That’s the song I heard - it’s amazing.That [came] out May 11. I have so many records coming up this summer out of Russia, out of Italy. My main focus is trying to promote the songs, do as many shows as possible. I’m performing in Chicago for the Gay Pride festival - I’m really excited. I wanna do that all the time, every weekend, and I might even be doing that.

Where are you going to be in 10 years?I see myself touring. I see myself enjoying myself. I hopefully will have tons of success by then and have enough money to do the things I want to do and keep making music.

You look like you’re a little girl.I feel like a 15-year-old girl. Ever since I started juicing I feel 17 years old every morning when I wake up.

Do you just juice or do you eat as well?Gurllll, do I eat. I’m Italian. I eat all the time.

Where are you from origi-nally?I was born in Brooklyn.

If you could wear a warning label, what would it say?Asshole: Beware or Stay Out!

If you had to do without one thing in your life - for

example, your cell phone, your friends - what would you choose to leave be-hind?Well, it wouldn’t be my cell phone. I would throw away my heels, even though I love to wear them for like an hour. If it’s past an hour I’m in pain.

What sign are you?I’m a Gemini. I basically have multi-personality disorder.

What’s the most fun to you when you’re performing?I think the most fun is get-ting the audience’s energy coming right back to you. I think that’s what gives one so much energy when I go on stage, feeding off the audience. I think in the EDM scene there is so much energy, and there is so much craziness. The adrenalin just pumps through my veins.

What’s the funniest or most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you live?There’s so many. I don’t know if it’s the most em-barrassing, but we were having a family party at my house, and I stepped out to get a coffee. When I came back I felt something on my leg. So I jiggled my pant leg - they were baggy pants I was wearing - and a cricket leg came out. The reason why I knew it was a cricket leg was my friend was there, and she said her cat ate dead crickets, so she knew it was a cricket leg. I was like, where’s the rest of the cricket? She told me to pull my pants down, so literally in front of my entire family I had to pull my pants down. I was freaking out. There was this dead...it wasn’t even dead, it was a half-alive cricket hopping out of my pants.

I would not have liked that. If you could pick any celebrity to sleep with, who would you pick?Channing Tatum. It’s so cliche and so stupid, but I saw a recent movie with him, and he’s hot.

I’m sure at least half of my readers would agree with your choice.Perfect!

Is your glass half full or half empty?Half full.

If you could chose two ce-lebrities to be your parents, who would they be?Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and I would also want to be their birth child so I’d be just as pretty as they are.

Do you believe in love at first sight?Yes.

Are you available, are you single, are you married?I am not married and not thinking about getting married. I am dating.

What’s the one thing about yourself that you’d want me to know?It’s really stupid, but it’s the only thing that popped into my head. The one thing that people don’t know about me is I eat my cereal with my baby spoon from like when I was three years old.

You’re a new addition to the crayon box.What color are you?I would be leopard fuschia.

I love that color, best an-swer yet.That’s cause I’m staring at my leopard shoes and my fuschia heels.

Well, I’m looking forward to meeting you at the Get Out! Awards, and I hope you enjoyed the interview.This is probably the best interview I ever had.

Thank you - and by the way, you have a really beautiful voice. I meant to tell you that.Thank you, that means a lot.

facebook.com/ AliciaMadison aliciamadisonofficial.com

get out! str8 magazine – issue 10 – july 2015 | jody watley

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