Covering just about EVERY aspect of Kaoz’s life (poetry, rap, songwriting, acting, activism, coming out, drugs, sex, HIV/Aids, and more), the interview lasted just over 3 hrs.  The show repeats at random times throughout the week, but replays for sure at 8pm on Thursday Dec. 9th and Friday Dec. 10.  You can check out the show and submit your music to Papi Chulo by going to www.papichuloradio.com

Also, make sure you read more and keep up with all the latest OUT Hip-Hop news where this came from: OutHipHop.com!

I’ve walked on fire for love, and I’ve had it crumpled and thrown in my face. I sacrificed my entire life to care for my family, and I have absolutely nothing to show for it to this day. If I’m not wrestling with someone else’s misconception, I’m bound to someone else’s control. Nobody ever truly asks what I want without having the answer thought up already. I live my dreams under blankets and in the catch of the darkest rum. As these words reach your eyes, I have not one thing I can write “only mine” on.

Read more where this came from: Saint’s Crossing – A Blog By Christian St. Croix, an openly gay blues singer-songwriter.

Of course, we’re talking about the awesome power of Chris Willis, the artist, who, as singer, songwriter and producer, is now manifesting love and joy to audiences around the world with his new solo single, the Billboard club smash, “Louder (Put Your Hands Up).” The video for the song, which has held the distinction of being the #1 most viewed video on YouTube in 19 countries, has Willis center stage, soaking up the light and beaming it straight to his fans.

Much has been said of the musical collaborations between Willis and world-renown producer and DJ David Guetta. Together, the two have created some of the most memorable club hits of the last several years, including “Love is Gone,” Love Don’t Let Me Go,” and their most recent global hit “Gettin’ Over You,” featuring Willis on vocals along with Fergie and LMFAO. Much has also been said about Willis as an in-demand session singer, songwriter and backing vocalist, who’s worked with such talent as Quincy Jones, Kelly Clarkson, Ricky Martin, Kelly Rowland, Dusty Springfield, Dolly Parton, and Brooks & Dunn.

But now, on the cusp of a larger, much-deserved notoriety–and on the eve of the release of his new solo album–it is time for Willis to tell us more about himself in his own words. Here, the singer talks about his exciting musical journey as a solo artist, his devotion to the art form known as dance music, and the impact of his sexuality on his personal and professional life.

Q: You’re putting out your own album after being part of other people’s recordings for many years. How do you like being the one in charge?

A: Well, I’ve put out music before on my own, but this feels like my first. It’s coming out on my own label, and it’s my own brand–it feels like a full circle moment. It’s another one of my dreams to reach a mainstream audience, and I feel like this is the beginning of that dream.

Q: How much creative input did you have in the making of the album?

A: Basically, I’ve was involved in all of the writing, which I had already been doing with David [Guetta] for many years. I wrote all the lyrics and the melodies.  Most of the other work I’ve done was part of collaboration with other artists, mostly for their projects. It’s really about me this time. It’s a chance to put a really cohesive theme together.  I’ve been living with a lot of these tracks that I’ve collected over the years during the process of working with various DJs around the world. Some of the songs were written just for fun. Some were written off the top of my head, as a way to express the feelings I was having right at that moment. There are songs from both the past and the present.

Q: What inspirations do you draw from in your songwriting?

A: The thing that inspires me most is love—having love, losing love, dreaming of love, praying for love. Another one of my muses is the dance floor. I always like to imagine what it would be like if I was on the dance floor, and I saw someone that I liked. I’d start out feeling afraid and insecure—what would I say to them? Then all of the sudden, with the help of the music, I’d develop this confidence in myself, and I’d know what to say. Or what if I was in a relationship that was on the verge of ending—what would I say to save it?  I like expressing these kinds of feelings when I’m onstage because I know there are people on the dance floor who feel the same way.

Q: Has being out front and on your own as a solo artist brought a whole new set of pressures to your career?

A: There is definitely an intimidation factor, but I’ve had a lot of successes and failures in my career, so I draw on all of that to help me. I’ve been in the business many years, and there are always pressures and deadlines. I’m kind of accustomed to that kind of stress, having had to pull it together to perform after flying 8 hours over the water. I like that pressure—it’s my job, it’s my lifestyle. But I’m not doing this in a bubble either—I’ve got an incredible team behind me.

Q: How was it working with Fergie and David Guetta on the “Gettin’ Over You” video?

A: The thing about videos is they are one of the most grueling elements of working in the business. And Fergie and David made it seem so effortless. I realized in that situation, I was the rookie. But I was just glad to have some face time alongside them and get a chance to watch them do what they do. I really learned a lot from being there.

Q:  What’s it like for you to perform live in front of club audiences all over the world?

A: I really love performing. I call myself a show off. I love being onstage, love being in the light, love having all of those eyes on me. I feed a lot on the audience. They give me energy, which makes me want to give more. Each song is an opportunity to give from my soul. To have the opportunity to do that all over the world gives me a feeling I can’t really put into words.

Q: Do you have a favorite city that you like to perform in?

A: I really love everywhere I get to play. But Russia and Brazil are probably my favorite places to go. The Russians and the Brazilians really respond to my music. I feel like Michael Jackson when I go to those countries.

Q: How does your sexuality as a gay man impact your music, if at all?

A: It’s definitely a part of my personality that’s very real. But it’s not something I focus on. I don’t think it has as big an effect on me as it did when I was younger. In the past, I focused on it so much that I felt I could be crippled by it. I spent most of those years doing what I could to disarm the fears, doubts, and self-hatred that can come with being gay. I had to come to terms with myself so when I step out on stage, I can be honest, open, compassionate, and vulnerable. I don’t focus on it so much now. I focus on the band, on the enthusiasm of the audience, on just trying to make it a great night. For the people that come to see me, it doesn’t matter what my sexuality is. It’s all about the party.

Q: For many years, to be a dance artist was to sing in a kind of pop ghetto. But now, dance music is providing the basis for many of the biggest hits on the charts. With that in mind, would you call yourself a dance artist or a pop artist?

A: I’m of the persuasion that dance music and pop music are the same things. I started out as a gospel artist, and that was what I was most passionate about at the time. In many ways, I was singing gospel as a way to release fear. I felt if I wasn’t singing gospel, I was going to hell—literally. But I had all this other music in my soul, and I thought it would be shame not to pay homage to all the other kinds of music that I loved. I like pop, country, soul, rock. But then dance music came out of nowhere. I found dance, and it found me. It was a window of opportunity that I leaped through. Dance music has allowed me to be so many things. I intend to explore this art form as long as there’s a taste for it. I love it.

Q: Being a solo artist means you are styling yourself in a certain way. You don’t have to compromise to someone else’s view of what you should look like or dress like. Is that fun?

A: I love fashioning my own image. One of my original ambitions was to be a fashion designer because I absolutely love fashion. I really keep up with what’s going on and always have my face buried in the latest fashion magazine. Being my own artist and creating my own brand has given me the chance to focus on fashion even more. When I was doing gospel, that was harder to do. In gospel music, the image that you’re creating is one that reflects Christ. With the music I’m doing now, I get to be different characters, tell stories, and create all kinds of fantasies with both my music and my image. Mainstream music has given me the permission to really push the envelope and be who I am.

Q: Your struggle to be who you are makes me think about all of the gay kids who are trying to transcend the bullying that’s going on right now so they too can be who they are without fear of violence or persecution.

A: I’m very passionate about the struggle to put an end to the bullying of gay teens and have sent out many messages on Twitter and Facebook in support of these kids. All of this bullying makes me think of a Dr. Seuss quote that’s had particular resonance for me over the years: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

• Courtesy of Blue Streak Consulting!

Time: November 12, 2010 at 3pm to November 14, 2010 at 1:30pm Location: Widewater Retreat Center Organized By: Dj SirRah Event Description: Spoken word artist, rapper, and HIV/Aids educator Kevin “Kaoz” Moore is the guest performer and seminar present for the UMC Healing Weekend in Toledo, Ohio. Doing a “teaser” performance Friday evening, doing an hour long educational workshop Saturday afternoon, and doing a full scale performance Saturday night, Kaoz definitely has his hands full this weekend. Healing Weekends are for all people living with HIV/AIDS as well as their partners, friends, families and caregivers.GOALS FOR THE WEEKEND: Create a Family Affair- Realizing that the spiritual and emotional healing is more effective when it involves those we love, we strongly encourage you to bring your family members and your friends. There is something for everyone! Create a Spiritual Atmosphere - Spirituality transcends religion. We recognize that the Spirit of God is all around us and in every one of us. We try to create a spiritual web by encouraging a connection to every person at the Healing Weekend. We do this through small healing groups, a Sunday church service and the availability of a meditation room. Educate- . Through presentations and workshops, each person has an opportunity to gain information on HIV/AIDS issues and to learn some other life-enhancing tools. Create Opportunities for Friendship - We all have at least one thing in common, HIV/AIDS affects our lives in some way. At this weekend you will be in a safe environment with others who care about this issue as much as you do. You will have an opportunity to bond with others during scheduled programs, mealtimes and informal social time in a relaxing atmosphere. For more information click here

http://gaymusicrevolution.ning.com/events/event/show?id=2924050%3AEvent%3A17992&xgi=0WVcDQ1mbmDgaJ&xg_source=msg_invite_event

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a best selling writer or wondered how you could finance your film or other creative endeavors, da Vinci’s Waking Dream gives you interviews with people who are where you want to be. Not only will you learn about their successes, you’ll also hear about their challenges.

Website publisher and podcast host Will Norman interviews gay and gay-friendly musicians, filmmakers, artists, writers like Amazon best selling author Nick Nolan and award-winning animator and comic book artist Brad Rader. Published every Thursday on the Queers on the Verge website, iTunes podcasts, and other distributor venues, da Vinci’s Waking Dream provides its audience with intimate access to gay professionals.

The podcast is for beginners, those seeking to promote their work, and for individuals ready to take their career to the next level. Da Vinci’s Waking Dream is also a great place for gay musicians, writers, filmmakers, content producers, and artists to promote their latest projects.

Listeners get a look at the behind-the-scenes of working gay music artists and entrepreneurs: how they promote themselves and monetize their brand. Guests freely give advice and discuss their latest projects. But listeners come away with so much more since da Vinci’s Waking Dream rises above mere Q&A. You also get to know a little about the person offering advice, which makes listening to the podcast that much more enjoyable. Many times, the guests on da Vinci’s Waking Dream are quite funny, but unlike so many gay podcasts, this show is not striving for humor. Straightforward advice and tips that will help listeners take their dream to the next level is the show’s aim.

One of the perks of da Vinci’s Waking Dream is that you don’t have to be gay to walk away with something from the podcast. All you need is a goal, a receptive ear, and the determination to make your Web 2.0 dreams come true.

Contact:
Will Norman
Ph: (323) 206-7110

More at: Queers On The Verge!

Join DJ SirRah as he speaks with the Bad Boy of The Muse Cafe, O*Day.

Born and raised in The Chocolate City (Washington, DC), Clarence, or as you know him O*Day, was destined to be star. Growing up was always a challenge for little Clarence; while all the other boys where off playing and flirting with girls, Clarence always wanted to play with the girls hair and barbie dolls. He knew he was special and he wanted to show the world. At the the age of 5 Clarence was sent to acting and musical theatre summer camps. Over the next 7 years he studied and performed with the best D.C. had to offer. Clarence grew up listening to all types of music from country, jazz, gospel, pop, and hip-hop. He gets his passion for music from his parents who played nothing but old school records to enlighten him to where todays music originated from. When Clarence was 13 he saw a video that would change his life; It was Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love.” He participated in local talent shows and open mics, doing anything to get noticed. He knew with him being an openly gay artist it would be difficult, but that never stopped Clarence. When he turned 17, Clarence adapted the name O*Day . He believed the name was unique and matched his personality.

Clarence has come a very long way and has no plans on stopping. He is currently working to release his first album entitled “ALONG CAME O*DAY.” O*Day explains his sound to be a mix of R&B, POP,and SOUL. He worked on the album for 6 months with producer Loren Jamal. The album has spawned 3 singles, “Cyberboy,” “Follow Me,” and “Closer.” Along Came O*Day showcases a very vunerable side of O*Day that he hopes everyone will relate to. He is also a part of an upcoming mix-tape project featuring other local LGBT artists. You can also check for O*Day every Thursday night at 9pm on Muse Thursday only on BlogTalkRadio.

See more details and RSVP on Gay Music Revolution!

O*Day

He continues to establish himself as a fearless artist whose appeal extends to listeners across the musical spectrum.

A gay anthem grabbing the #1 spot on both charts is an unlikely phenomenon—Reggae music has unleashed much homophobia, while Out and Proud music celebrates the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community. But it is not the first time for Nhojj. His gay music video “Love” hit the #1 spot on the mainstream MTV Music Top 100 chart earlier this year. And last year BET/Centric congratulated him on being a “a gay history first!”

Read more on this at the source: Billboard Publicity Wire

Also, check out the video below and give a listen to Nhojj being interviewed by gayagenda.com by clicking here!

Featuring his first single, “Wasted My Whole Life”, Metamorphosis is sure to bring you a welcome change in your musical world, presenting a fresh new sound that combines soul and smooth like never before.

You can hear what Loren has to say about his music and get a preview by listening to his interview gayagenda.com’s Blog Talk Radio show and download his album at the links provided at: gayagenda.com.

Loren Jamal has a sultry sound that will immerse into a musical bliss!  It’s time to get excited about the “Metamorphosis” that’s about to take place!

More at:Zane Maxwell!

More about Anye here, here and/or here!