Pictured Rufus Wainwright is up for an award—he's also at Ravinia later this month.
by Jason Victor Serinus
The fourth annual OutMusic Awards take place in New York City's The Knitting Factory on June 13. The ceremony celebrates excellence in lgbt recording, songwriting, and cultural activism. Thanks to Ed Mannix and Dan Martin for holding OutMusic together as a true volunteer labor of love and devotion.
In their short history the OMAs have mainly spotlighted groundbreaking, independent artists who have proudly proclaimed their deviant identity. This year's nominees, however, also include such high-profile, major label artists as Janis Ian, Rufus Wainright, and Danish duo Junior Senior. In all, 100 artists from the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe submitted more than 500 songs for consideration.
The importance of the OMAs cannot be overstated. Residents of major U.S. metropolitan areas and those with internet savvy may have increasing access to mainstream and alternative LGBT media and content, but those in rural areas or under the influence of repressive religious institutions, governments, and (in the case of youth) parents and school boards do not. Suicide rates among LGBT youth remain alarmingly high, and homosexual humiliation seems acceptable and perhaps officially promoted by U.S. invaders of Iraq. The more attention given to LGBT-affirming artists, especially those whose music challenges gender, racial, and sexual stereotypes, the better.
2003's OMAs were dominated by singer/songwriter Mark Weigle, who received an unprecedented five nominations and three awards. Though Weigle is absent from this year's nominees, perhaps because his latest CD features superbly crafted cover songs rather than his own creations, 22-year-old soul singer and Berklee College of Music graduate Adam Joseph takes Weigle's place with three nominations for his CD How I Seem To Be: OUTSTANDING NEW RECORDING in both the MALE and DEBUT MALE categories plus an OUT SONG nomination for 'Flow With My Soul.'
Other male multiple nominees include Minneapolis-based hip-hop artist Johnny Dangerous, whose Dangerous Liasons is nominated for both MALE and DEBUT MALE; DreamWorks recording artist Rufus Wainwright, whose Want One is eligible in both MALE and OUTSTANDING SONGWRITER categories; and Miami-based Steven Franz, who receives a DEBUT MALE nomination for The One You Choose plus an OUT SONG nomination for 'Double My Wardrobe.'
Female double nominees include Arizona-based Namoli Brennet, whose Welcome to the Afterglow may receive OUTSTANDING NEW RECORDING—FEMALE. Brennet's 'We Belong' is also up for Out Song of the Year, Boston-based Catie Curtis has double hopes for NEW RECORDING—FEMALE (Acoustic Valentine) and OUT SONG ('Honest World').
Musical diversity abounds with Chicago punk rockers Super 8 Cum Shot, who may score OUTSTANDING NEW RECORDING—BAND (Super 8 Cum Shot Volume II) plus OUTSTANDING PRODUCER (Jinx Titanic). San Francisco's all-transgender Transcendence Gospel Choir gets the double nod for OUTSTANDING CHOIR RECORDING (Whoever Believes) and OUTSTANDING PRODUCER (Ashley Moore).
There are several returning nominees. Kentucky-based folk-duo Wishing Chair, double winners in 2003, team up with Kara Barnard to vie for OUTSTANDING NEW RECORDING—DUO or GROUP (Dishpan Brigade). New York jazz composer Drew Paralic, a 2002 winner, could receive OUTSTANDING NEW RECORDING—INSTRUMENTAL (Midnight At a Time). Ari Gold, last nominated in 2001, is up for OUTSONG OF THE YEAR for his joint creation 'He's on My Team.' Alix Olson, last nominated in 2001, is up for OUT MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR.
While most OutMusic nominees and recipients are chosen by music critics, producers, and other industry professionals, OUT MUSICIAN and OUT SONG are chosen by OutMusic members. Since OM's membership is dominated by New Yorkers, it will be interesting to discover how artists from other parts of the globe fare.
OUT MUSICIAN Skott Freedman receives recognition for years of bisexual activism and contributions to LGBT centers. Likewise, Freddy Freeman earns accolades for fundraising efforts and such LGBT music events as Bearapalooza. Kris Landherr gets the nod for promoting queer-friendly music events in NYC, fundraising, and AIDS-prevention work; Robert Urban for active promotion of LGBT musicians, community fundraising and lobbying; and Alix Olson for her progressive queer activism that serves as a role-model for 'independent queer voice, spirit, and courage.'
Skipping a whopping nine OUT SONG nominations plus the equally worthy remaining single nominees, attention turns to the highlights of the awards ceremony. Venerable British rocker Tom Robinson hosts the event and graces transgendered punk-rock diva Jayne Country with the OUTMUSIC HERITAGE AWARD. Music journalist Larry Flick receives kudos for OUTSTANDING SUPPORT, and women's music pioneer Maxine Feldman (who wrote the first openly lesbian song) and LGBT Christian music activist Marsha Stevens earn Special Recognition awards.
For tickets to OMA 2004, including the June 12 nominee performance and June 13's award ceremonies and special benefit performances, see www.outmusic.org .