Gay music acts on the verge of a breakthrough this spring

Gay music acts on the verge of a breakthrough this spring

AVAN LAVA

Fronted by out singer Tom “TC” Hennes, this Brooklyn combo is well-known locally for its high-energy live sets at diverse events, ranging from the arty CHERYL parties to the Brooklyn Museum’s Target First Saturdays.
File under: Modern retro, fusing classic funk and soul with current electronic influences
Recalls: Escort, Holy Ghost!, Prince
Listen to: “It’s Never Over,” a funky gem that will have even snobby indie-rock fans dancing
Spring gigs: Music Hall of Williamsburg (Sat 2; $12, advance $10)


Watch the video for "It's Never Over" by AVAN LAVA

Gay music acts on the verge of a breakthrough this spring

Bright Light Bright Light

The Welsh singer-songwriter (né Rod Thomas) already has a cultish following among the city’s gays, thanks to a handful of intimate gigs last year; this spring he temporarily relocates to NYC. His melancholy pop will find its way onto your next breakup mix—or the Girls soundtrack.
File under: Crying on the dance floor. Earnest, heartbroken lyrics and soaring vocals are paired with irresistible disco beats.
Recalls: Robyn, La Roux, Morrissey
Listen to: “Disco Moment,” a floor filler about a dead-end relationship
Spring gigs: Mercury Lounge (Mar 13; $10), Joe’s Pub (Apr 5; $14, advance $12) and deejaying at the Finally! party at Nowhere (Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9; free)


Watch the video for "Disco Moment" by Bright Light Bright Light

Gay music acts on the verge of a breakthrough this spring

JbDubs

The proudly outlandish JbDubs (a.k.a. James Whiteside, a soloist with American Ballet Theatre) has racked up more than a million YouTube views for “I Hate My Job.” But he’s no novelty act; His electro-rap-pop songs stand up to scrutiny.
File under: Seriously funny. The clever wordplay and rapid delivery are impressive and amusing.
Recalls: Kreayshawn, Das Racist, Peaches
Listen to: “Pantywaister,” maybe one of the gayest songs ever recorded, referencing manscaping and speculating about the size of Anderson Cooper’s junk
Spring gigs: JbDubs performs regularly at Susanne Bartsch parties—Catwalk at Marquee (Thu; $10) or Vandam at Greenhouse (Sun; free)—and at Sherry Vine’s weekly show at Industry Bar (Wed; free). His next local performance with American Ballet Theatre is George Balanchine’s Symphony in C at the Metropolitan Opera House (May 21; $TBA).


Watch the video for "Pantywaister" by JbDubs

Gay music acts on the verge of a breakthrough this spring

Hi Fashion

Formed in New York but now based in L.A., the duo of Jen DM and Rick Gradone won plenty of local fans with a handful of local appearances last year, showcasing their irony-drenched lyrics, wild stage shows and highly danceable beats.
File under: Good attitude. Jen DM's vocals alternate between diva yelps and drag-queeny quips.
Recalls: Scissor Sisters, the Ting Tings, Gwen Stefani
Listen to: “Amazing,” a bitchy, winky homage to high self-esteem
More info: Hi Fashion's Facebook page

Watch the video for "Amazing" by Hi Fashion

Gay music acts on the verge of a breakthrough this spring

Le1f

New York native Le1f (born Khalif Diouf) has already earned attention from Internet pop-culture vultures ranging from Pitchfork to Gawker for his 2012 mixtape, Dark York. The outlandish rapper and producer's latest offering, Fly Zone, is inching him even closer to the mainstream.
File under: Strangely sexy. Le1f's tracks are as hot as they are weird.
Recalls: Azealia Banks, the Knife, M.I.A.
Listen to: "Wut," a fleet-tongued, unabashedly queer earworm that was overshadowed by its viral-sensation video
More info: Le1f's official web site

Watch the video for "Wut" by Le1f