Music & Concerts
Hat full of blues
Cyndi Lauper’s swampy, moody new album belies her sunny frame of mind
Cyndi Lauper (Photo by Ellen Von Unwerth)
Gays love La Lauper, ’tis no secret. And the feelings are mutual. In honor of her D.C. show Saturday at the 9:30 Club, she e-mailed her thoughts on the blues, her lesser-known albums, her inspirations and how it feels to be immortalized in Barbie doll form.
The new album is doing quite well — do you think this might become a regular genre for you (i.e. blues) where you may do several projects in this vein as Dolly Parton did with bluegrass when her “Grass is Blue” album sold solidly and spawned a trilogy?
I am not sure yet. Just living and enjoying this release right now. I am filming a live DVD in Memphis in a few weeks that will come out Spring 2011. Basically it’s the show we’ve been doing on the road since “Memphis Blues” has come out. It will include songs from “Memphis Blues,” my hits and a few new songs. We will see after that. Stay tuned.
You made some phenomenal albums like “Hat Full of Stars” and “Sisters of Avalon” that were largely overlooked. Hindsight is 20/20 (they say) — the material, songwriting and production were so good, why do you think they failed to catch on to the degree that your early albums did?
I honestly don’t know. I am very proud of those records and am often told by fans that “Sisters” or “Hat Full of Stars” is their favorite CD, so its nice to hear and I continue to perform songs from those CDs live so hopefully they can grow the old fashioned way on the road.
Did you overcut tracks for any or many of your ’80s and ’90s albums? Are there outtakes and alternate versions from the “Unusual” or “Colors” sessions just waiting for a box set someday?
No I didn’t. We didn’t do things like that back in ’80s and ’90s. Sony has put out so many, and in my opinion, too many greatest hits packages, something I have very little control over, and there are too much “greatest hits” packages, box sets, etc. out there already and I don’t think my fans need more of that. The only greatest hits I am proud of or had anything to do with was “12 Deadly Cyns.”
How would you summarize your philosophy of set list building? What makes an effective set list? Do you like doing covers or deep album cuts in concert to surprise the hardcore fans?
My set list is different with each show. As you can see, I love to mix some old into something new with each performance. You should hear how “Girl” sounds with this tour. I have to say it’s really good. Come to a show and you will know what I am talking about.
You’ve been such an outspoken proponent for gay rights in so many ways — was there any sense that you might come to be thought of largely for that? i.e. was the new album in any way a chance to do something unrelated to gay activism and perhaps stretch some different creative muscles?
No, I never thought that. I thought I have to do something to help my family and friends who deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and most importantly as equal citizens. Here in the United States where everyone is supposed to be free and have the same rights as the person next to you, it angers me that people are still singled out and told they are less than the rest of us. So, if by my speaking up and using whatever celebrity I have to tell it like it is has garnered me a reputation, then it means it is working and shows others when you speak up you can make a difference. I wanted to do an album that spoke to the nation’s mood right now, and blue definitely sums it up. From the economy to the wars to the fact that people are still not treated equally on many fronts. Blues music is a genre that the gay community, for those who haven’t already, should embrace because blues is about telling uplifting stories through overcoming the obstacles in one’s life. It is a message that everyone can connect to, but I think gay and transgender people can benefit from it even more given the times we still live in.
What did you think of the Cyndi Lauper Barbie doll that came out last year? Do you think it looked like you? Did you have to give permission for that?
I love it. They did a fab job, right? Yes as I had a lot of creative input. Hope you like it.
There were some years where it seemed like you went eons between records but now it feels like you’re back in a pretty regular groove of writing, recording and touring. There are probably a million reasons for that but any overarching factors that led to that?
Nothing really. I get bored very easily. Love new challenges. Maybe that’s why I am doing something different all the time.
You’ve made a lot of specialty records — a standards album, a Christmas album, an acoustic record and now a blues record. Is it artistically or commercially rewarding to go into a project with some theme in mind versus doing a straight-up studio project?
I just follow my spirit. I have no idea what’s next. Maybe a new studio CD, maybe a specialty record. Really the ideas for all of my albums have kind of come to me and then I focus and do the best I can each time out.
Is your relationship with your gay fans symbiotic? How so?
I have had a long standing love affair with the LGBT community. My relationship with the community has been one of the greatest things that has come out of my music. The community has been there for me throughout my career and I will be there for the community until the end. My commitment is undying and everlasting.
Music & Concerts
DJ Chanel Santini is bringing the heat and some gender-fluid diversity to XBIZ Miami
Pool party celebrates most charismatic personalities, creative artists in adult entertainment
Chanel Santini has crossed over to being a DJ, performing at clubs all over the country. Now known as Santini, they will be making music and hyping the pool party, DJ-ing at XBIZ, the conference for adult creators and digital players, in Miami.
Taking place on Monday to Wednesday, the event honors the most charismatic personalities and creative artists in entertainment.
“I am honestly so excited — getting to DJ in Miami Beach is literally a DJ’s dream!” Santini told the Los Angeles Blade.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity because I haven’t been around my industry peers in a long time. It’s a great event to network and show off the new me!” said Santini.
While Santini is unsure what music they will be playing, they want everyone to have a good time. “My goal is to ignite the dance floor and play great music that everyone will vibe to. My sound includes house music, bass house, tech house, and I always like to throw a little bit of hip-hop in my sets.”
Santini loves how DJ-ing brings people together.
“Music really ignites us all! It is so universal, no matter what language you speak. I think it’s the best high in the world when you play a banger track, and everybody on the dance floor screams loudly. You can’t describe that feeling until you’re up there on that stage.”
Santini describes DJs as the “modern rock stars” in today’s world.
“I always feel like such a superstar when I’m up on that stage. The best feeling is after my set when I have people come up to me and say, ‘Thank you for sharing that amazing music.’ That’s how you know that you’re a good DJ — I love when I get those types of compliments!”
While sometimes it’s hard to please everyone’s musical tastes, Santini endeavors to try! “You just have to go out there and give it your all and be the best DJ that you can be,” he noted.
Santini, who had previously identified as transgender, recently decided to transition back to being gender fluid.
“It’s definitely been a journey, but I’m definitely happier in my own skin now than I was. I don’t go by he/him pronouns. I don’t go by they/them either. I guess I just really don’t have a preference. Whatever you see me as is your opinion. I’ve learned over the years that I’m not trying to be one specific thing. I’m just Santini. I’m just me.”
Santini acknowledged they felt respected more when dressed as a woman.
“I think it’s just because femininity runs the world. When I started to de-transition, I felt like I had to just be a boy all the time. But I’ve realized over the years that I don’t need to stick to one specific thing. I am always gonna be feminine, and that’s OK.”
Recently, Santini has been embracing their feminine side more.
“I definitely feel more comfortable in female presentation, and more powerful when I’m on stage dressed as Chanel. I love DJ-ing in drag because there are so many straight male DJs in the world. It’s almost like a superhero when he puts on his cape! I think it makes me confident and stand out more as an artist.”
And because Santini loves makeup and fashion, they can incorporate that into their sets. “I’m not just bringing you good vibes and good music. I’m bringing you a show/ production!”
Santini is already working on big plans for the future.
“I’m opening up for a huge Pride block party in my hometown, Albuquerque, N.M., on June 12 and 13. It’s a two day festival and I’m super excited for this opportunity. I’m even hiring backup dancers and a choreographer.”
Santini plans to go “all out” for this show.
“It’s gonna be the biggest crowd that I’ve ever played for,” Santini enthused. “I’m putting my heart and soul into this performance, especially because it’s Pride in my hometown, and that means so much to me. I know the younger me would be so proud.”
Santini remembers going to Pride when they were younger and telling themself they couldn’t wait to be up on that stage.
“I’m truly living my dream right now, and I’m so excited for the future. The last 10 years of being in the adult entertainment business have been great and have given me major success. But I always knew that I didn’t want to be in this industry for long.”
Santini acknowledged that, in the recent past, it was a struggle.
“I’ve been trying to find myself and figure out what I wanna do next with my life. Now that I’ve found this passion for DJ-ing, it makes me want to go far in this business.”
In addition to being a DJ/artist, Santini is starting college next semester.
“I’m gonna get my degree in audio engineering,” Santini enthused. “I can’t wait to start producing my own tracks. I especially can’t wait till the day I’m headlining a major festival! I know with a little bit of patience and hard work that I can get there! I just have to continue believing in myself.”
Santini wanted to thank all of their fans for their support. “Truly, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to fund my art in the way that I have. I’m truly grateful. And I’m excited for the future!”
Music & Concerts
Gaga, Cardi B, and more to grace D.C. stages this spring
Shake off your winter doldrums at a local concert
D.C. shakes off its winter blues this spring as the music scene pops off. We all know the big star is coming: Lady Gaga will perform at Capital One Arena on March 23. But plenty of other stars, big and small, will grace D.C. stages, including many LGBTQ and ally artists.
March
3/15, 9:30 Club, St. Lucia – Indie electronic music project known for its synth-pop sound, which blends ‘80s influences with electronic and indie rock elements.
3/31, Lincoln Theatre, Perfume Genius – Indie/pop singer/songwriter Mike Hadreas, also known as Perfume Genius, has toured with a full band, but he is stripping things back for this tour.
April
4/8, Capital One, Cardi B. Cardi B, from New York, unapologetic and proud, is the first solo female artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. This year, she’s on her Little Miss Drama Tour, in support of her second studio album, “Am I the Drama?”
4/13, Lincoln Theatre, The Naked Magicians. Australia’s The Naked Magicians are two performers who deliver live magic and laughs while wearing nothing but a top hat and a smile.
4/18, Capital One, Florence and the Machine. Longstanding indie rock back from Great Britain, much-loved for lead singer Florence’s powerful vocals. On their Everybody Scream Tour.
4/16, Capital One, Demi Lovato. Singer/songwriter from Texas, who came out as nonbinary, is traveling on her “It’s Not That Deep Tour.”
4/21, The Anthem, Calum Scott. Platinum-selling gay singer/songwriter Calum Scott released his latest project, Avenoir, last year. Scott rose to fame in 2015 after competing on Britain’s Got Talent, where he performed a cover of Robyn’s hit “Dancing on My Own“.
4/26, Atlantis, Caroline Kingsbury. American queer pop musician from Los Angeles. She released her debut album in 2021, and has two additional EPs. She’s played Lollapalooza 2025 and All Things Go 2025, as well as gone on a co-headlining U.S. tour with MARIS. Shock Treatment is her latest EP.
4/26, Anthem, Raye. This bisexual artist, known for her current chart-topping “”Where Is My Husband!” single, blends pop, jazz, R&B, and more.
4/30, Union Stage, Daya. This bisexual singer/songwriter is on her “Til Every Petal Drops Tour,” touring the album of the same name that was released last year.
May
5/1, The Anthem, Joost Klein. Eurovision comes to D.C. in Joost Klein: Originally a Youtuber, he was selected to represent the Netherlands at Eurovision in 2024 with his song “Europapa.” He released a new album on New Year’s Day.
5/1, Fillmore, MIKA. MIKA is on his Spinning Out Tour. Born in Beirut and raised in both Paris and London, MIKA sings in multiple languages and has co-hosted Eurovision.
5/7, 9:30 Club, COBRAH. Clara Christensen, is a Swedish singer, songwriter, record producer, and club queen, making electronic dance music.
5/19, Atlantis, Grace Ives. New York-born singer/songwriter, known for her high-energy synth/electronic, bedroom-pop-style music.
June
6/2, The Anthem, James Blake. English crooner got big from his self-titled debut album in 2011. He won two Grammys and just released his 7th album,Trying Times, in March.
Music & Concerts
Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program
‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned
The full Washington Master Chorale will return for its annual holiday concert tradition with “Thine Own Sweet Light” on Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (D.C.) and Church of the Epiphany (D.C.).
The concert will feature the rich sounds of the 50-voice, a cappella chorus performing lush, seasonal choral music inspired by the theme of light. Highlights include Edvard Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” and Christopher Hoh’s “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.” The program will also present a new work by Barcelona composer Josep Ollé i Sabaté, along with charming holiday folk songs and seasonal favorites.
For more details, visit the Washington Master Chorale website.
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