Back with “the bEdRoom tapes”

Here’s an update on OUT, gay, Brooklyn rocker, Ariel Aparicio. You may remember him for his chart-topping rendition of “Pretty in Pink” (which retired after eighteen weeks on LOGO’s The Click List, ending the year as the #3 most requested video of 2009), and/or from his interview with gayagenda.com. Even if you don’t, you should know he’s back with his latest EP, the bEdRoom tapes, which is a throwback to the punk-rock mainstream legends of the late ‘70s and ‘80s yet maintains the infectious edginess of music today. Never to be confused as part of the mindless cookie-cutter rock saturating the radio today, Ariel meshes captivating tongue-in-cheek lyrics with energetic electric guitar, epitomizing rock and roll.

This is instantly apparent in his first single “Lucille” which debuted at #5 on LOGO’s The Click List, charting for over 8 weeks and reaching #1 in week 3. The video also remained in the top 30 most watched videos of MTVmusic.com for 3 days. Influenced by genius acts like Prince, New York Dolls, and ‘90s alt-rockers Elastica; “Lucille” is the intricately woven tale of two hapless souls succumbing to the relentless weight of the world, while at the same time discovering their own strength in “Lucille”- a figurehead unwilling to share their fate. The video features GLBT pop musician, Khalid Rivera; up-and-coming drag queen, Dallas Dubois; singer Ayanna Williams; and Twitter star, RingoStyleBaby.

Each year Ariel performs at numerous pride celebrations. This summer he played in Brooklyn, Baltimore, Queens, San Diego and Power of Pride. He was a featured artist at OUTMusic’s Stonewall: the 40th Anniversary Commemorative Concert & Benefit at the Nokia Theater and in celebration of National Coming Out Day in October 2009, Ariel was asked to perform exclusively for MTV Networks’ staff at their Out@MTVN event.

The video for “Lucille” can be viewed here:  Please support our out and open LGBT artist!

2009 OMA’s Were ‘OHM’ – One Hot Mess

On Tuesday of this week, LOGO sponsored the 2009 OMA’s (Out Music Awards) in NYC. The event was held at the Grand Ballroom of Webster Hall and was attended by some of NYC’s out recording artist.

Looking at the list of ‘nominees’, it would appear that I’m a little more familiar with out artists than perhaps the sponsors of this event are. Where’s Bry’Nt, Scottie Gage, Ariel Aparicio, TimPermanent, JayBezz, TJ Cass, QB of Da Midwest, Gaye Adegbalola? Hell, where’s any of our talented, out gay artist?  Many of the mentioned live right in NYC!

Well, I’m glad I didn’t leave the warm sunshine of South Florida for this one.

According to a very reliable source (name withheld to protect the guilty):

“This was a hot mess!  I went, only stayed for a few minutes… mics didn’t work, presenters didn’t have nominee lists, the main screen stopped working, the open bar liquor sponsor didn’t show…yes, a HOT MESS.”

My source also stated it was “the same faces you always see”.

Why is it, when there’s more and more ‘out’ artist, who are really good, they’re simply just not recognized?

Well, for all those who weren’t nominated, I give a nod!  Thanks for providing the LGBT community with some great music in 2009.  Maybe next year the OMA’s will get it together??

This is really to bad because it was a GREAT opportunity missed. Here’s the perfect opportunity to show the world the LBGT community in a positive light and it was simply under-publicized, under-planned and yes, I’m throwing it under the bus. Events like this are what our community needs, not only to show the world that we’re here, but our contributions, our seriousness, our better side. Gay prides are great too, but let’s make ourselves visible in the mainstream. We are in the mainstream everyday, let’s get that recognition too!

OMA’s….wake up and get it right next year!

Think Pink! Download for a Cause!

During the entire month of April, OUT rocker Ariel Aparicio’s song “Pretty In Pink” will serve as encouragement for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. From April 1st-30th, Ariel will donate his proceeds of $.54 cents from each iTunes sale of his take on the Psychedelic Furs’ 1980s classic to the Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure ®.

This campaign was inspired by Celeste Orangers- Ariel’s extremely close friend of over 20 years (they met the very first day Ariel checked into NYU’s Weinstein dorm) who was diagnosed in May 2005 with stage III breast cancer, and today can call herself a survivor. While recording his uplifting, violin-laden version of the song, Ariel decided he wanted to utilize the track as a vehicle for spreading optimism and hope amongst women battling the disease. By partnering with Komen Greater NYC, Ariel was able to utilize the song as a tool to raise money to be put towards the advancement of breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment to eradicate breast cancer as a life threatening disease.

Celeste Orangers’ treatment included chemotherapy, mastectomy, radiation, and what was then a brand new gene therapy- an IV drug treatment called Herceptin. In April 2005, Herceptin was just approved as a wonder drug in treating breast cancer, and Celeste was one of her doctor’s first patients to receive it. “I believe I am here today because of that new protocol. Without the fundraising done by organizations like Susan G. Komen For The Cure ®, Herceptin would have been many years off, and I probably would not be here,” says Orangers.

Richard Butler (lead singer of The Furs), heard Ariel’s cover and reached out to say- “I loved the version… well done!” “Pretty In Pink” just hit #4 on MTV Logo’s “The Click List” for the second week in a row and with continued fan support is on the rise to the top. Ariel’s previous single, “Life and Times” held the #1 position for 5 weeks in a row. While “Pretty In Pink” was released as a digital single only, Ariel released a full-length album, All These Brilliant Things in the Fall of 2008. The album received praise from the likes of The Deli Magazine, Skope Magazine, Out Impact, Gay Agenda, New England Blade and After Elton. Ariel’s sound and musical style has been compared to David Bowie, The Stooges and The Strokes. His next live performance is set for Friday, April 24th at 8:00pm at Public Assembly in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded in 1990 and has raised over $45 million to date. The organization is devoted to its local community, disbursing up to 75 percent of net income to local breast health programs in the five boroughs of New York City, on Long Island and in Westchester and Rockland Counties. In 2008, Komen Greater NYC awarded close to $3.2 million in grants — $2.3 million will support 38 community-based organizations that provide breast health programs to underserved women, $225,000 will increase capacity of local researchers to enroll women in breast cancer trials, $45,000 will help fund local breast cancer conference and education programs, and $1.3 million will go for research. For more information, visit the Komen Greater NYC Website, www.komennyc.org.

For a direct link to purchase “Pretty In Pink” on iTunes, please visit: www.arielaparicio.com/komen

For more information on Ariel Aparicio and to watch the “Pretty In Pink” music video, please visit www.arielaparicio.com or www.myspace.com/arielapariciomusic.

What The Press Are Saying:

“Ariel, whose debut release established him as a force to be reckoned, has expanded his scope on this new record…a bit of Bowie… with an edge sharpened by true rock and roll grit.” – THE DELI

“A big, welcome breath of fresh air.” – AMPLIFIER MAGAZINE

“Dig Lenny Kravitz? Then get into our Cuban-born Brooklynite Ariel Aparicio’s cool, lyrically thoughtful new release, which rocks out with plenty of, yes, brilliant moments.” – NEW ENGLAND BLADE

“Ariel Aparicio, a man who flat knows rock and roll” – LOCAL VERTICAL

“His music is generated by pure adrenaline and is kinetic in the same way that made David Bowie a presence on the stage. When Ariel Aparicio lets loose with the primal force inside his soul, sharing his music, it sears you to the core and cauterizes you with his guitar licks…His lyrics ring true with the studied substance of an artist aware of where he’s standing and especially where he’s been and anxious about where he’s going.”
– AMBIENTE MAGAZINE

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Olin, Two Sheps That Pass
646-613-1101 T
rachel@twoshepsthatpass.com

Ariel Aparicio: Isn’t He “Pretty in Pink”!

You may remember the interview we had with HOT and out-rocker Ariel Aparicio, but even if you don’t I would like to update you on his latest work. Ariel is back with a new single, “Pretty In Pink” – his take on the Psychedelic Furs’ 1980s classic. Richard Butler, lead singer of The Furs says, “I loved the version! Well done.” The video for “Pretty in Pink” just premiered on MTV Logo’s New, Now Next. You might also remember Ariel’s previous single, “Life and Times,” which hit #1 on Logo’s ‘The Click List’ this past Fall, and stayed strong for 4 weeks.

You can check out the brand new video for “Pretty In Pink” here:

“Pretty in Pink” now available on iTunes!

Check out more about Ariel by clicking here, or visit his myspace page by clicking here.

GA Interviews “OUT” Rocker Ariel Aparicio

Meet “Out” rocker Ariel Aparicio.  Born in Cuba, and raised in the North Miami region of Carol City Florida, Ariel always knew music would be his future. “I grew up around music.  From the time I awoke in the morning, until the time I went to sleep at night I was listening to music.  Whether it was my mother singing, my father playing the congas or the radio, music was a constant in my life.”  He said.

After graduating high school, Aparicio moved to New York, where he still resides with his partner of 15 years, 2 &1/2 year old son and 3 dogs. “New York was, and has been a great change for me.  When I was growing up, and still yet today, the rock genre wasn’t very popular in Miami, and New York has been a great place for me to pursue my music career.” He said.

Ariel, which artists have inspired you most? “Rock bands of the 70’s & 80’s like Led Zeppelin and Queen. And I love Fleetwood Mac, the Pretenders, X and the Ramones.  There were a lot of great groups that my older friends listened to when I was growing up that I really took interest in.  Rock has always been my favorite.”

I was listening to your new release, “All These Brilliant Things” and one track in particular entitled “The New World” grabbed my attention. What was your inspiration behind that track? “Well, it’s really a reflection of what’s going on today, along with all that I’ve been through. Although the lyrics are a bit ambiguous, it’s really about how if you can get over the obstacles life puts in your way, things will get better.  It also reflects my overall positive outlook that life is good, and good things will happen if you work for them.”

You’re an “out” musician.  How has being openly gay affected your career? “In a very positive way. The gay community and gay media have been my biggest supporters.  My sexuality has never presented an issue for my career.  As I said, if anything, it has helped it.  I feel very fortunate for that as I know, that’s not the case for everyone.”

How old were you when you came out? “Somewhere in my first or second year of college.  I started college early, so I was around 17 or 18 years old.  I really felt like I had to leave Miami to come out.  I had been keeping it from my friends and family and wanted to go somewhere I could start fresh.  I had more issues with it (coming out) than others did.  I found most people would be very accepting and say something like, “Oh, that’s great” and just kind of move on like it was no big deal. I feel fortunate about that.  I know not everyone has had it so easy.

Do you feel it’s more difficult for Latinos to come out than perhaps white people? “Well, it always depends. My mom and I have a great relationship, but she did seemed shocked when I told her even though she said she always knew.  I asked her if she always knew, why was she so shocked?  But it really goes back to there is still a lot of machismo in the Latin community.  That alone can make it more difficult.  But, more so, people are accepting if someone has been more flamboyant their entire life.  It’s the one’s who people don’t suspect that’s harder to get used to.

Have you ever faced discrimination because of your sexual orientation? “Not really. The only things I’ve really had to endure are the things I’ve put on myself.  I’ve had the same fears of rejection that we all face, but nothing has ever happened.  I’m blessed.”

What do you feel is the greatest disconnect within the GLBT community? “I would have to say the gender gap.  Guys and girls never really hang out together.  Even when you go to a pride event, the guys are usually grouped together and so are the girls.  There’s not a lot of interaction between them.  It’s really too bad to.  Think of how much stronger our community would be if we all came together.”

How do you feel we can best combat homophobia? “It starts by being honest with ourselves, being out and open.  If everyone would just be totally open with who they are, people would see us for who we are and most homophobia would be abolished.”

What is your greatest attribute? “I’m able to wait for things.  I keep my focus on how if you work hard and ride out the tough times, things will be good in the end.”

And on the opposite side of that coin, what is your greatest weakness? (With a big laugh) “Lack of patience.  I know its contrary to the question I just answered, but we live in a world of instant gratification.  When we want something, we want it now.” (With another big laugh)

What one thing are you most thankful for? “My son.  He is truly a gift from God.  There is nothing better in the world.”

What’s the best compliment you have received from a fan? “Well, a fan recently left a message for me on MySpace telling me I have nice legs.  I thought that was pretty hot!”

What has been your greatest triumph or accomplishment in your career? “My new record.  It’s the one I always wanted to make.  I’ve very fortunate my last couple sold well enough to provide me with the money needed to produce this one.  I was able to bring in more musicians and more instruments.  The songs are all very special to me.  Its what I’ve always wanted for my music.”

Again, on the other side of the coin, what has been at was your greatest defeat? “Well, that comes from a personal side of my life.  I was never able to come out to my Father.  I’m sure he new, but he passes away a couple years ago, and I never got to say it (I’m gay) to him.  I really wish I would have had the time to sit down with him one on one and really express how I feel and who I am.”

What do you do in your spare time? (Again a big laugh) Well, with a husband, a child, 3 dogs, my music and the two restaurants my husband and I own in Brooklyn, to be honest I don’t have free time.  Sometimes we will spend time in the park playing, but really that’s about it.”

So, do you have any thoughts on the upcoming U.S. election? “I am obsessed about this election.  I hope and pray for Obama to become elected.  Culturally, spiritually, socially and economically I feel very strongly he is what this country need right now and is the only candidate who really represents change.”
What about your thoughts on Gay Marriage?  “I don’t get that.  I mean I feel as though it’s fine because we are moving forward, but I don’t understand the resistance.  I think in 20 years we’ll look back on this almost in disbelief it was ever an issue.  I do have to say however, I don’t like to add the word “gay” to marriage, because it’s just marriage.”

If you could deliver one message to the world, what would that be? “Acceptance!  We learn from each other, and the more we do that, the better it will be for everyone.  It’s easy to find fault in people, but it really takes character to accept each other’s faults.”

Thanks Ariel…I really appreciate you time and it was great to speak with you.  Best of luck with your music and future.  You’re a true role model and inspiration for all young artists, especially the gay ones.

Find out more about Ariel Aparicio and check out his music by clicking here.