Arts & Entertainment
Lauv releases long-awaited debut album
Lauv, who has made a name for himself by racking up billions of streams for his independently-released music, has finally dropped an album.
The highly anticipated debut album from the rising pop visionary, titled “~how I’m feeling~,” features the previously released hit singles “i’m so tired…” with Troye Sivanand “fuck, i’m lonely” with Anne-Marie, alongside nineteen other tracks – including his most recent single, “Modern Loneliness, which debuted on February 2.
The anthemic new power ballad is described as “both a statement and a commentary on our current society, where we are increasingly ‘alone together.’ It has garnered over 15 million streams in only two weeks, and has reached #48 at Top 40 radio after being the most added song its first week of impact. On the heels of its success, Lauv made an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” Friday night, and is scheduled to appear on “Good Morning America” on Thursday, March 12.
Lauv has managed to become one of pop music’s brightest rising stars without ever releasing an album, issuing his music independently and writing songs for some of the biggest stars in the world while simultaneously selling out shows all over the world as a headliner
Of his long-awaited debut album, the artist says, “I can’t believe this day has come. ‘~how i’m feeling~’ began from a dark time in my life when I was depressed and having a bit of an existential crisis. I wasn’t sure if I would ever actually be able to make an album. But it marks my journey from my rock bottom at the beginning of 2019 to a stable place of happiness, full self-expression and self-acceptance. This album is everything to me and I hope the world loves it as much as I loved making it.”
The album includes 11 previously unreleased tracks, and features several highly anticipated collaborations. Lauv paired up with the biggest group in the world, K-Pop sensations BTS, for the track “Who,” as well as with Alessia Cara on “Canada” and with Sofia Reyes on “El Tejano.”
Discussing the the collaborations, Lauv said, “With everybody I’ve worked with…Each situation shows me something new about the process of creation and how different artists work.” On working with BTS specifically, he added, “It was a fucking dream! I met them at their show at Wembley Stadium and we got a chance to talk. They had a playlist of a bunch of my songs. So we were mutual fans, and I played them a song they really loved. The process was actually super-easy, especially for a group that’s so massive musically and culturally.”
According to publicity materials, a central theme of “~how i’m feeling~” is “accepting and celebrating the multiple facets of ourselves.” Lauv has been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression and has taken action on the issue with his Blue Boy Foundation, an organization supporting programs “that help young people feel more comfortable reaching out for help with mental health.” In 2019, he launched the “My Blue Thoughts” initiative, a community building mechanism for fans to anonymously write down or record whatever is on their mind, as a way to engage with people around the world who may be having similar experiences.
The artist has also announced dates for his upcoming world tour.
You can listen to “Modern Loneliness” below.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
The Washington Blade held its 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Friday, May 16. Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer spoke along with State Sen. Russ Huxtable, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey, Blade Editor Kevin Naff, and Clear Space Theatre Managing Director Joe Gfaller. The event raises funds for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which was awarded to AU student Abigail Hatting.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
In some fowl fiction foreshadowing, a gay-owned chicken joint has come home to roost on U Street, taking a page from the chicken window subplot on the HBO show “Looking.”
Last Friday, Lucky Pollo – much more than just a takeout window – stretched its wings atop the busy nightlife corner of 14th and U Streets NW.
Behind the poultry production place is Zach Renovátes, a D.C.-based nightlife operator and managing partner of LGBTQ venues Bunker and District Eagle, as well as the LGBTQ event production company KINETIC Presents.
Renovátes opened Bunker in February 2023 and District Eagle in January of this year. Lucky Pollo is the third in his growing gay empire, though this time there are noshes.
“Lucky Pollo was meant to be fun and a little provocative,” Renovátes said.
Based around its Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, Lucky Pollo is a quick-service restaurant boasting a small menu of poultry and sides. Renovátes says that the dishes are deeply rooted in Peruvian culinary tradition, “a playful experience alongside seriously good food.”
Lucky Pollo’s signature chicken is steeped in a dozen-plus-spice marinade for 24 hours. The meat is then slow-roasted, rotisserie-style, over oak-wood charcoal. Chicken options include quarter, half, and whole.
Helming the kitchen at Lucky Pollo is Chef Luis Herrera, who brings Peruvian recipes passed down through three generations, including his grandmother Laura’s original creations.
Beyond the full bird, the menu features Peruvian-inspired sides like yuca fries (“I personally love these,” says Renovátes) and fried plantains, as well as comfort classics such as mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, and bowls, wraps, and salads. Herrera oversees development of the multiple sauces (including staff favorite, the “secret green sauce”), crafted in-house using traditional Peruvian ingredients.
Lucky Pollo, in its streetside perch, is an independent concept from District Eagle, open to the public and staying open late (3 a.m. on weekends) to serve both nightlife guests and the wider U Street crowd hungry for late-night bites. However, just beyond the kitchen, tucked in the back lies a vintage 1950s candy machine—labeled “Out of Order,” which serves as the door leading to subterranean District Eagle.
Renovátes notes that when District Eagle is open, security staff will maintain a strict two-line policy, ensuring that those seeking meat to eat will not get entwined with those looking to gain access to District Eagle.
Lucky Pollo unites the need for sustenance with the idea of a bit of fortune, given its motto, “Get Lucky” and the whimsical brand mascot: a leather-booted chicken perched on a horseshoe. Renovátes and his District Eagle business partner had always been interested in opening a restaurant, and the Lucky Pollo space was indeed lucky: It already came with a functional kitchen. Plus, he says, the nearby fast-casual places around 14th and U streets “don’t offer a lot of quality options,” so opening the chicken spot “was a no-brainer.”
The space, designed by NYC creative Jasin Cadic, blends theatrical street-art-style vibes with Keith Haring-inspired wall prints, neon signs, and ceiling-hung chicken figurines —”some edgy, some sweet,” says Renovátes —creating an immersive, playful atmosphere. Lucky Pollo and District Eagle maintain separate amenities for their respective customers.
Lucky Pollo opened last week with a competition to devour a whole rotisserie chicken in the fastest time, with the winner earning $1,000 and a framed spot on the restaurant’s “Wall of Fame.” The opening also featured other games and prizes, and a full crowd spilling out the door.
“We want it to be a great place to eat, but also serve as a playful front for something completely unexpected.” Renovátes says.
On weekends especially, he jokes, the motto will be, ‘Come for the chicken, stay for the cock.’”
Let love and compassion guide our response to Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis
D.C. Black Pride 2025: Events, parties, and empowerment
Cuban lawmakers to consider simplifying process for trans people to change IDs
Frank Kameny’s legacy lives on
