Music & Concerts
Trixie continues forging new musical vistas on third LP ‘Barbara’
‘Drag Race’ alum eschews formula most show vets embrace
For anyone worried that drag has gone too mainstream, RuPaul hosting “Saturday Night Live” last weekend may well be the nail in the coffin. But now that there is a minimum of one drag queen per public library — or so it seems — the queens are also much less constrained by old stereotypes. Trixie Mattel, whose new album “Barbara” is out this week, is at the forefront of pushing the bounds of what drag queens can do in the mainstream.
RuPaul’s pioneering shadow has long set the tone for the kind of songs drag queens produce. Certainly an artist in his own right, RuPaul’s 1992 hit “Supermodel (You Better Work)” paved the way for later drag queens, largely under the guises of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” who have released music, such as Alaska Thunderfuck, Sharon Needles, Shea Cole, Courtney Act and others. The show serves as testing ground through various musical competitions for new performers, as well as publicity for Ru’s own music. The club-ready, joke-heavy music produced by “Drag Race” contestants could almost be classified as its own genre. Trixie Mattel has opted instead to chart her own path.
As a contestant on season seven of “Drag Race” and winner of season three of “Drag Race All Stars,” she has done an excellent job of marketing herself after her apperances, co-hosting the raucous and consistently hilarious Youtube series “UNHhhh” with fellow “Drag Race” alum Katya. Mattel is currently on an international comedy tour. Most expected, however, was the release of her first album,“Two Birds” (2017), a genuine work of country/folk music that carried her appeal far beyond “Drag Race” devotees. The album is a delightful little folk wonder, which even included a clever Bluegrass song about inclusion: “And I knew that I got lucky/In the bluegrass of Kentucky/But bluegrass, you don’t love me after all.” The following year saw the release of her follow-up, “One Stone,” which only solidified the seriousness of Mattel’s musical endeavors.
Just as “Two Birds” and “One Stone” were two parts of a single whole, she has divided the new album into an A-side and a B-side. And like the last two, the album length runs just under 25 minutes. With “Barbara,” Mattel turns over a new leaf, venturing into pop-rock with a laid-back ’90s feel for the first half of the short record. The delightfully crisp, catchy tunes buzz from beginning to end at lightning pace and before you know it, you’ve listened to the album three times through.
The lead single and opening track “Malibu” is bouncy, light rock anthem — it’s a beach song that glows with warm nostalgia. It’s something akin to the trick mastered by Ben Folds on his 2001 album “Rockin’ the Suburbs.” Not so far off from Folds’ “Zak and Sara,” Mattel conveys nostalgia, but makes it cheery, swirly, great fun.
Still on the vibrant, up-tempo side-A, “Jesse Jesse” shows how Mattel’s wit as a drag queen and comedian comes into play in her music. It’s a light rock love anthem for handsome and underrated actor Jesse Eisenberg (“Zombieland,” “The Social Network”). But in the chorus, she turns it into a play on Rick Springfield’s 1981 hit (and straight karaoke favorite) “Jesse’s Girl.” It creates a funny, charming effect that doesn’t detract even slightly from the catchy tune: “Jesse, Jesse, take my hand/You can meet me in Zombieland/You know inside every clam’s a pearl/I could be Jesse’s girl.”
Side B presents us with a softer side of Mattel, something more akin to her previous two albums. But it flows seamlessly with the first half. And it is here that Mattel showcases her storytelling abilities. “Gold” is a beautiful, metaphorical country song about love, with a simple, lovely chorus: “Where do you go when the gold is gone, when the old front lawn’s turning gray?/Will you grow from those cold blood wrongs when those old love songs start to play?” Trixie Mattel is at the top of her game with this album and it’s a wonderful thing to hear.
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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