Gay Agenda
I love Shamir. I think that he sounds like the future (much like Sophie) and the way gender, gender expression and queerness intersect in this video was perfect for me. I like that Shamir literally dances to his own drum. After putting out Ratchet, his debut album, he was dropped by his label for not staying with the path THEY had drawn for him. Today he runs his own indie label, has dipped his toe in the clothing business with a (sold out) collection and has even written a book. Yeah, I feel like I didn't do shit during the pandemic.
We have to remember that even though we have Queer Eye and Drag Race, We still need queer representation in music. The neoliberal fantasy that we do not need semantics is that: a fantasy. Queerness needs to be visible and tangible. And Shamir is here to demonstrate that. Not your cup of tea? Move on. But for those of us who like our artists queer, he's a welcome voice.
I also like the faun-like creature he seems to be embodying (maybe a nod to his being non-binary?) and it goes great with the not-pop lyrics he's singing. This is not cotton-candy pop. It's darker and a little bit angrier. He's publicly spoken about being Bipolar and has opened a much needed space for queer people and queer people of color to unload their sadness. What other artist is doing that right now? Go ahead. Name them. I have time...
XOXO
P.S. and appropriately, taking into account the fuckery that 'don't say gay' brings here's also this:
I immediately notice his horns!! Pan and the fauns had horns! This unconsciously throws us into a wild dimension that resides within us.
ReplyDeleteLove this interpretation!
DeleteA faun clicked but Pan! That's really cool, Xersex.
XOXO
he does seem quite horn-y and hoof-y.
ReplyDeleteHahaha
DeleteJust the way I like 'em...
XOXO
Shamir is a fantastic success story, thanks for sharing. He had a traditional record label, but didn’t like their direction? “Thanks for playing, I can do better on my own.” Then he exploded? That’s awesome. Break the mold and make your own!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, babe.
XOXO 👨🏼❤️💋👨🏽
I know, right?
DeleteHis Bye Felicia moment with the record company was epic. And then he succeeded. Sweet.
XOXO
I assumed the antlers just meant he's horny!
ReplyDeleteLOL
DeleteWell.... Yes.
XOXO
The horns and the hoofs draw attention, but will it stay if they disappear?
ReplyDeleteI think it will.
DeleteVulture, Billboard, Rolling Stone and several more music publications are profiling him. Years after he LEFT his record company because they wanted to put him in a mold. I think the attention will stay put...
XOXO
As Xersex said, Pan and the fauns had horns and hooves. It's a great representation. If one can break out as an indie, so much the better, right? Less hassle, that's for sure. It takes money, though. So if you like his stuff - support it as you are by buying and promoting.
ReplyDeleteI will say, though, that queer has been represented in the music industry for ages upon ages. Sir Elton, George Michael, Liberace and Johnny Mathis (though both heavily closeted), Boy George.... Granted not displaying the sadness that comes with being marginalized, but....
XOXO
I thought it was very unusual for a musician to draw from that.
DeleteAnd being an indie darling has tons of advantages. Not the money Gaga is making, but there's only one Gaga.
I've bought even his one-offs. I love Ratchet. And I agree about some queer artists being there, but were they OUT when they were at their most famous? Nope. None of them.
And Shamir definitely brings other things to the table....
XOXO
Cher could pull this look off. It reminds me of bdsm slave drawings of ponies and cart pulling. He sure does get your attention!
ReplyDeleteWhat's funny here is I wasn't aware of him till about a years ago....and thought the name sounded familiar from a bar here called The Milk Boy. One of my favorite places. EXCELLENT indie groups...and even better cocktails and delish food!!!! All three worlds collide. I was just in this weekend and saw the poster for him this week.
ReplyDeleteOMG you did?
DeleteMaddie! Oh, can you imagine us listening to him over some cocktails while checking out the boys? GIMME!
XOXO
You would LOVE Milk Boy.
DeleteLove the song... "then you're not for me." What a powerful statement and one a lot of young gays need to hear. Enjoyed everything about this... except it was too short! Again, thanks for shining a light. You have your fingers on the pulse of what is going on, and I appreciate that (I'm a bit stuck in the past.) Wishing this artist great success. You're the best, dear. Kizzes.
ReplyDeleteI loved it too!
DeleteSo with it. So perceptive. His music is not for everybody (or his lyrics) but he's super good IMHO. Thanks for listening, Upton!
XOXO