Music & Concerts
Gaga goes low key for ‘Joanne’
Pop return is more subtle, reflective than previous efforts
Lady Gaga’s new album ‘Joanne’ is a stylistic change of pace. (Photo courtesy Interscope)
Three years have passed since Lady Gaga released her last pop album, “Artpop.” It was received tepidly by fans and critics and sold a fraction of her meteorically successful first pair of albums, “The Fame” (2008) and “Born This Way” (2011).
“Artpop” yielded only one Top 10 hit, “Applause,” along with a Top 20 duet with R. Kelly, “Do What U Want.” Gaga was still getting plenty of attention but the novelty factor seemed to be wearing thin and the album’s relatively lukewarm reception was widely noted in the press. Was Gaga mania fading?
There’s no question that the stakes were high and the pressure intense leading into “Artpop.” The situation is quite different now as she unleashes her fourth pop album, the surprisingly low-key “Joanne” (named for her late aunt). The last couple years have been good for Gaga’s career. Perhaps sensing that it was time to shake things up with some fresh projects and ideas, Gaga veered in some surprising but highly successful directions. Her duets album with legendary crooner Tony Bennett, “Cheek to Cheek” (2014), was a no. 1 hit and earned the duo a Grammy.
Gaga recorded “Til it Happens to You” (2015), a dramatic ballad with a powerful video that explores the horrors of violence and sexual assault against women, for the film “The Hunting Ground.” The song was widely acclaimed and earned Gaga an Emmy along with an Oscar nomination. She also successfully tried acting, winning a Golden Globe for her role in “American Horror Story: Hotel.” Now that Gaga has expanded her career successfully in other directions, she clearly feels she has has less to prove. She’s drifted off into less overtly commercial territory with her quirky new album “Joanne,” an entertaining and smart collection of fresh and idiosyncratic Gagaisms that opens a new chapter in her musical catalog.
This is clearly not an album where Gaga and Ronson tried to come up with a dozen of the most Top 40 radio-friendly tunes they could. The album is certainly melodic and accessible, but it’s also deeper and more compelling than almost anything found on the vast wasteland that today’s Top 40 has become. “Joanne” isn’t going to yield multiple Top 10 singles, but it seems clear that isn’t chief among Gaga’s list of priorities (although the album itself is certain to land at the top).
“Joanne,” was largely co-written and produced by the singer and arguably the decade’s most accomplished studio ace Mark Ronson, along with extensive contributions by dance/pop guru BloodPop. “Joanne” finds Gaga’s sound maturing with a confidence and sense of experimentation that is very different than anything she’s done before. Her voice has never sounded better and “Joanne” is by far her most stylistically diverse collection. First single “Perfect Illusion” is a bold slice of electro-rock with beaming synths and Gaga belting out like she’s been flipping through her Pat Benatar collection.
There’s a genuine feeling of personal investment in “Joanne” that seems far more real than “Artpop,” in which she seemed to be trying too hard and often missed the mark. Fans are going to be delighted, although it may take a few listens to fully sink in.
“Million Reasons” is a stunning ballad featuring a terrific vocal over a sparse acoustic guitar and piano accompaniment. The fun and funky upbeat country/dance concoction “A-YO,” a modern update on Shania Twain’s successful ‘90s pop/country hybrid formula, might be the most infectious earworm on the album.
The sweetly soulful duet with Florence Welch, “Hey Girl,” is a gleaming retro delight. There are flashes of big synths and electrifying dance-club kinetics as one would expect from Gaga, but then there are quiet moments like the reflective title track, a mid-tempo gem built on acoustic guitar that seems deceptively simple but put it on good headphones and check out the beautifully layered sounds and textures that speak to the careful attention to detail and thoughtfulness that went into every moment of this album.
“Joanne” closes with the haunting “Angel Down,” a chilling and gorgeously produced expression of sorrow over yet another victim of senseless violence.
“Joanne” is not just another mass-produced pop music product. While “Artpop” was a misstep, Gaga seems to be making all the right moves since then and that continues with “Joanne.” Is there any anthem as unforgettable as “Bad Romance”? No. Is there a pop delight as glistening as “Poker Face” or “Paparazzi”? Not even close.
Yet “Joanne” has more more heart than all of those songs combined, less glitz but more substance. It’s the most complete, accomplished, mature, and consistently powerful album of Lady Gaga’s career thus far.
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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