Music & Concerts
SPRING ARTS PREVIEW ALBUMS: Spring spotty for albums
Mya, Marina, Madonna and a bunch of maybes
It’s a big year for Madonna fans. Her album is out Friday and she plays the Verizon Center on Sept. 12. (Photos by Mert & Marcus)
Madonna releases her 13th studio album, “Rebel Heart” this week. She worked closely with Diplo to produce the album, along with several other collaborators such as Nicki Minaj and Kanye West. Her “Rebel Heart Tour” begins in August and the pop legend has been using Grindr to help promote her album and tour.
Before we get to the upcoming stuff, a few more just-out releases you may have missed.
Mýa, a gay rights and homeless LGBT youth advocate, released “Love Elevation Suite” on Feb. 14, her second Valentine’s Day EP, through her independent record label Planet 9. In the past, she has appeared in a NOH8 campaign and in Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors: Give A Damn PSA.
Kelly Clarkson released her seventh studio album, “Piece by Piece,” on Feb. 27. The lead single is “Heartbeat Song” and two of the album’s tracks were written in part by Sia. Clarkson is an active LGBT rights supporter.
RuPaul released “Realness,” his eighth studio album, on March 2, the same day as the season seven premiere of his show on Logo, “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
British R&B group Blue released “Colours” on March 2. Duncan James, a member of Blue, has identified as bisexual in 2009 and as gay in 2013.
Welsh singer-songwriter Marina and the Diamonds will release her third album, “Froot,” on March 16.
English folk singer Laura Marling will release “Short Movie” in the UK on March 23.
Björk’s ninth album, “Vulnicura,” was released Jan. 20 and “Björk: Archives,” a retrospective book on her career, will be released March 30. One of the album’s tracks features vocals by Antony Hegarty, a transgender English singer. An exhibition of Björk’s work will take place at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) from Saturday-June 7, and her “Biophilia” apps were featured as part of the museum’s permanent collection, the first app showcased in MoMA’s collection.
DC-native Wale will release “The Album About Nothing” on March 31.
Reba McEntire’s 27th studio album, “Love Somebody,” will come out April 14.
Deluxe reissues of Tori Amos’s first two solo albums, 1991’s “Little Earthquakes” and 1994’s “Under the Pink,” will be re-released in deluxe double-CD editions packed with B-sides, live cuts and other rarities on April 14. Both albums will also be issued on 180-gram vinyl for the first time in the U.S.
Shawn Mendes will release his debut album, “Handwritten,” on April 28. The teenage singer-songwriter will open up for Taylor Swift during the North American leg of her “1989 World Tour.”
Brandon Flowers will release “The Desired Effect,” his second studio album, on May 18. Along with his band, The Killers front man annually releases a Christmas-themed song and video to support Product Red.
Faith No More will release “Sol Invictus” on May 19, the band’s seventh studio album. Roddy Bottum, the band’s keyboardist, came out as gay in 1993. He’s said that as a gay teen, he never imagined he would play in a hard rock band.
Florence and the Machine will release their third album on May 29. In February, the band released “What Kind of Man,” the first single off of “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful.”
Several artists have announced the titles of their 2015 releases but have not yet announced release dates. Adam Lambert will come out with “The Original High” this year. Ciara will release “Jackie,” and Emeli Sandé will release “Who Needs the World.”
Lana Del Rey is coming out with “Honeymoon,” which will include a song called “Music to Watch Boys to” as well as a cover of Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.”
Still more artists have confirmed 2015 albums but have not yet announced release dates or album titles. Look out for new releases by Adele, Becky G, Britney Spears, Carly Rae Jepsen, Christina Aguilera, Demi Lovato, Duran Duran, Ellie Goulding, Gwen Stefani, Grimes, Haim, Iggy Azalea, Kylie Minogue, Macklemore, Rihanna, TLC, and more.
Singer Adam Lambert, on right, with guitarist Tommy Joe Ratliff (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
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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