Ethan Says

Ari Gold: 'Make My Body Rock' (New Video)

Just in time for Halloween, Ari Gold has released a new and provocative / vampire-themed video for "Make My Body Rock", the first single from his forthcoming 4th studio album, due out February 2011. Harder and more electronic than his his previous smooth R+B/dance flavored hits, MMBR brings on thick, layered harmonies and bold lyrical content and a hook-laden chorus that jumps out of the speakers. [ WATCH NOW ]

With styling by designers Marc Jacobs and Alexis Bittar, the video is a dark and twisted narrative that Gold describes as “a dreamscape; a True Blood meets Mad Men deconstruction of heterosexual marriage.” With a sleek, sexy and stylish look from director Colly Carver, the video will surely raise some eyebrows and perhaps get attention from Gaga fans, a base that seems perfect for Gold considering both artists penchant for dance-oriented soulful pop music with a gay twist. It’s long overdue for an openly gay artist like Sir Ari Gold to claim his rightful place in the pantheon of dance/pop and “Make My Body Rock” can do just that.

Mike Ruiz Caught in a Cheeky Moment

Mike Ruiz and Ari Gold are 'de-pantsed' in artist Paul Richmond's upcoming solo exhibit "Cheesecake," depicting gay male celebrities caught in cheeky moments of accidental exposure reminiscent of classic pin-up art from the 40s and 50s. Other featured models/celebs include Jesse Archer, Alec Mapa, Bobby Trendy, Perez Hilton, Darryl Stephens, James St. James, Bobbie Burlesque, Dale Levitski, Del Shores, Jack Mackenroth, and more. Preview MORE PANTSLESS CELEBS on the next page.

The opening reception of CHEESECAKE will be held at the Center on Halsted in Chicago, IL. on Friday, June 11 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm. To learn more about the show and see some of the work-in-progress, visit the event page on Facebook and/or click here to check out the artist's blog.

Giclee prints like those seen here, as well as other pin-up boys, are available in Paul's online store at www.paulypants.etsy.com.

Ari Gold Celebrates a Decade of Groundbreaking Pop

Before American Idol, before there were gay TV networks, before Justin Timberlake’s solo career, before Adam Lambert, when the only gay pop stars you ever heard of were the ones who came out, or were pushed out, after they were already famous, there was Ari Gold.

“I wanted to make the kind of music that I didn’t have growing up,” he said after the release of his eponymous debut album in 2000, a recording that boldly asserted the use of male pronouns in its lyrics.

Billboard Magazine, VIBE, HITS and virtually every local and national gay publication around the world documented a moment in pop music history, when a recording and performing artist wasn’t afraid to stand up for who he was both in his life and in his art. Gay icons and industry luminaries like Clive Davis, RuPaul, Boy George, and Whoopi Goldberg, soon took notice of Gold’s important voice for breaking down barriers without prior fame, “Idol” and without hiding in the closet.

KEEP READING: A Decade of Groundbreaking Pop

ARI GOLD WELCOMES BRANDY TO NAKED CITY

Ari Gold, the world's first "homofessional gaylebrity," isn't only bringing Eros back, he's also bringing back a new form of nakedness....recently welcoming R&B superstar Brandy (a.k.a. Moesha on TV) as the first guest to his new Naked City vlog on Logo's NewNowNext.  With both artists releasing tunage under the title "Human," the vlogisode makes for some interesting conversation.  CLICK HERE to watch.

In case you missed it: ARI GOLD IS ONLY HUMAN

ARI GOLD IS ONLY HUMAN

I have been waiting, and waiting for this - and it's finally here. Ari Gold's reworking of Human League's "Human" (one of my favorite songs of all time).  Ari's done an absolutely awesome job at transforming the Human League's 1986 #1 hit into a human rights anthem, taking us to a place "where Little Red Riding Hood and E.T. meet, where Narcissus doesn't drown in his image but makes art with it, and to a world where what makes us human is something more intangible and magical than anything we can imagine."  Watch above.

Also, watch for Ari's new VLOG on LOGO called Ari Gold's Naked City where his first guest will be pop superstar Brandy. It will be up on LOGOonline.com soon.

See also: ARIGOLD.COM  |  ARI GOLD @ ETHANSAYS.COM

WILL THE REAL ARI GOLD PLEASE STAND UP

Ari Gold, openly-gay Billboard Dance Artist, the musician behind LOGO's 2007 Video or the Year, and previously featured here for his album Transport Systems, has just penned a humorous and enlightening article about having to compete with two other "Ari Golds"...a character from Entourage and an actor. It's a lengthy read but I think you'll enjoy it. KEEP READING.

Transport Yourself with ARI GOLD

Go where the music takes you with Ari Gold’s groundbreaking third studio album, Transport Systems.  Smart, sexy and fun, Ari takes you on a very personal soulful ride to social awareness with music and lyrics that address topics like substance abuse (“Feeding the Fire”), human rights (“Human”), gender identity (“Transport Me”), gay relationships (“Good Relationship”)… even spirituality and forgiveness (“I Can Forgive You”).  Along for the ride are VH1’s afro-diva Sasha Allen on the lead single “Where the Music Takes You,” rapper Mr. Man on Ari’s rendition of  the Human League’s “Human,” and jazz saxophonist Dave Koz on “Love Wasn’t Built in a Day.”

In a video directed by Joe Phillips, pop star/superhero Ari Gold and his Afro-Diva cohort, Sasha Allen, set out on the discovery of a new world; a world in desperate need of some good music, color and, most of all, love. Can one kiss save this brand new world? Watch and discover.

Transport Systems: Available here.