Articles by Ray AJ
FRINGE REVIEW: At the Epicene
Makeup, glitter, showtunes and more. Welcome to Paul Diello’s new gender free world, through the lens of his hit Brighton Fringe show Epicene EPICENE – to be genderless. To have no discerning quality of male, female, or otherwise. To float outside of the binary. On a Saturday night, at the humble jam packed room of the Brunswick, we were introduced to a world where gender didn’t exist, a place where camp ruled, and the wonder of cabaret rippled through the walls. And it was Glorious.
PREVIEW: Drag and improv, in my city? It's more likely than you think.
The dragged up duo Dragprov Revue are making their Brighton Fringe debut –and you won’t want to miss it. IMPROV. Drag. What’s not to love? Making their Brighton Fringe debut this year at Komedia are a side-splitting dragged up double act that are guaranteed to have you chuckling – Dragprov Revue.
PREVIEW: The Queens of RuPaul's Drag Race take us to a galaxy far far away
With their upcoming Werq The World Tour, the Queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race are taking us to a galaxy far far away. GET READY to be transported to infinity and beyond, because the Queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race are coming to Europe with the official Werq the World Tour.
FEATURE: I have a phobia …and I'm not the only one. | Gscene Gay Magazine - What's on in Gay / LGBT Brighton
Ray A-J dives into the world of phobias, with help from Miss Autophobia and Star. FEAR. It’s all around. It’s everywhere, existing in the darkest depths of our minds. And when this fear takes over, takes hold of our conscious and consumes our very lives, it becomes a phobia. I’m a phobia sufferer, or was. I suppose I’m a phobia survivor really.
MUSIC REVIEW: Wake up and smell the Cherryade
London’s own LGBT+ bubblegum duo Cherryade explore the effects of the music industry on mental health, in their Indie anthem Shout Loud. “SHOUT LOUD,” cries a quirky London accent, full of cheek and anarchy. “Shout loud, but they still can’t hear you. I’m not breaking out,” the voice cries, as tectonic drums and swirling synths clap along to the cheerful beat.
PREVIEW : Pop songstress Dido teases her first album in five years, with new single Give you up
Pop songstress Dido returns to the scene with new break up anthem, Give You Up, from her first album in five years. ENGLISH Singer songwriter Dido teases new album with the release of her latest break up anthem Give You Up, on January 22. The single comes from the singer’s first album in 5 years, Still On My Mind, which is set to release on March 8. The singer described the track as: “a good break up song, where you’ve been hurt but feel strong.
MUSIC REVIEW: Wanna hear 2019's version of a heartbroken ballard?
In the run up to her fast approaching album’s release, we take a look at pop newbie Call me loop’s latest cheeky dance bop that celebrates breaking up, Silly Boy. LIGHT, playful vocals bounce along a line of synthetic drum taps as Call me loop introduces us to 2019’s incarnation of a heart-broken ballard.
MUSIC REVIEW: Are you an early bird, or a night owl?
Dark synth pop’s next Bjork, Ariana and the rose, will make you dance until dawn with her latest track Night owl.
PREVIEW: Hog warts…. You got a cream for that?!? @ Caroline of Brunswick | Gscene Gay Magazine - What's on in Gay / LGBT Brighton
It may be Christmas, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get a little spooky. So prepare to be whisked away to the wizarding world, full of magical mystery, with an enchanting show brought to you by the Bitter Sour team, Count addiction and Cherry Fakewell. YOU better practice your cackling now, because Count Addiction and Cherry Fakewell of Bitter Sour will be whisking us away to the school of witchcraft and wizardry, on January 5.
PREVIEW: RuPaul's Drag Race's Naomi Smalls has just teased 2018's answer to Vogue (featuring Kim Chi). | Gscene Gay Magazine - What's on in Gay / LGBT Brighton
Move over Vogue because RuPaul’s Drag Race’s fashion forward runner up Naomi Smalls is making us strike a Pose, with her soon to be released debut single (featuring bestie Kim Chi). THE FABULOUSLY leggy drag Queen of fashion Naomi Smalls teases us with a video for her upcoming single Pose, on December 16. The season eight runner up, who is currently battling it out for the crown on RuPaul’s Drag Race All stars four, originally debuted 2018’s answer to Vogue on the show last Friday.
LIVE REVIEW: Don't let Razorlight leave the stage @ Concorde 2
You might as well just glue indie rock legends Razorlight to the stage here at concorde 2, because we are not ready to let them go. “JOHNNY you’re a legend, I f*cking love you man,” bellows a rather expressive individual, clearly empowered by wonder and liquid bravery, to the unabashed man on stage.
PREVIEW: BABYTEETH come out of their Cocoon with tour alongside Adam Ant, and new track. | Gscene Gay Magazine - What's on in Gay / LGBT Brighton
Ahead of an upcoming show alongside eighties legend Adam Ant, the alternate five piece BABYTEETH release their third dark and twisting single. AHEAD of their spot supporting eighties legend Adam Ant, on December 19, London’s own five piece BABYTEETH are set to drop their third single on December 14.
LIVE REVIEW: Tis the season to be Mary @ Brighton Dome
The girls from RuPaul’s Drag Race welcome us into a winter wonderland, with a performance that’s “Gayer then a but plug snowglobe,” at the Brighton Dome. “THIS is gonna be Gayer then a but plug snowglobe,” laughs the cheeky Bob the drag queen, as the campest Christmas show around transforms the Brighton Dome into a winter wonderland.
LIVE REVIEW: The Wonder of MIMAH @ The Prince Albert
Hip-Hop fused newbies MIMAH introduce us to a new genre of melodical wonder, at their debut show. “WHO wants to see me do a shoeie,” screams the tall singer, to a chorus gleeful roars from the audience. “Right, I’ll need a beer and a shoe then. Anyone got one?” Sure enough a shoe – contaminated with who knows what, and a warm beer, appear from the bellowing audience. And then, honestly the weirdest thing i think I’ve ever witnessed happens.
MUSIC REVIEW: Global warming is taking over disco
Get ready to catch some rays of beauty from Sam Dickinson’s latest track Wild Sun. Be sure to wear some sun screen though – you don’t want to burn. Image edited by Ray A-J FOGGY. Everywhere is foggy. A thick smog suphocates the innocent land, steeling an essence of life from the air. Desperate rain drops plummet to the dreary ground below, with every splash offering small pockets of hope to the tired grass. But it’s not enough.
LIVE REVIEW: Sirens start a revolution @ the Brunswick
“For all those abusers not yet named, we warn you, you days are numbered,” challenge the all female eighties punk feminist band Sirens, as they stir us into a revolution with their catalogue of anarchistic anthems at The Brunswick. AH, THE EIGHTIES. A wonderful time full of punk-ass rebellion; an eclectic jungle of musical genres and looks.
LIVE REVIEW: Seeing things as Queer as Day @ Green Door store
Celebrating all that’s gloriously queer, DJ Vicki Cook (or Rebel Girl as she’s sometimes known) and Effie Fowler’s fabulous Queer as Day festival kicked off for the first time ever at the Green Door store. CONTENT WARNING – CONTAINS UNEDITED BAD LANGUAGE AND PUNK-ASS VIBES Have you ever walked into somewhere and just felt completely, inexplicably, safe? Ever entered a room and felt like you’ve just walked into the most heartwarmingly excepting place in all the world?
INTERVIEW: Andrea Di Giovanni - “I shouldn’t have to explain my identity”
STANDING outside a London café, with busy people buzzing about the place, it hit me. We’re so lucky. As I walked over to meet, and receive a warming hug from, the bubbly Pride’s got talent finalist and dark pop musician Andrea Di Giovanni in Soho (or the gayest part of London, as she tells me), I saw a barrage of wonderful rainbow flags dotted about the streets.
PREVIEW: Popular Musical.ly singer, Houssein releases new single.
YOUNG pop artist Houssein released his latest single Summer Night, via streaming sites Spotify, and Apple music, on July 27. The London-based artist has broken away from his routes at video posting app Musical.ly, where he garnered 1.5 million followers and the title of number 1 solo male artist, with his latest song.
MUSIC REVIEW: Obsession never sounded so good
THE INVOLMENT of politics in art is integral to creating change, a necessary evil, and especially for the LGBT+ communities, activism is key. With powerful musicians like Years and years’ Olly Alexander, Sam Smith, and the up-and-coming Andrea Di Giovanni, music is the perfect outlet for Queer people everywhere to have their say and make a difference. But not every song has to be so seriously politically charged, for the messages to break through.
INTERVIEW: Flawless’ Marlon: “I’ve sort of shot myself in the foot, by calling the group flawless.”
“IT’S A ROLLER-COASTER journey,” dancer Marlon ‘Swoosh’ Wallen exclaims when i ask about his dance troupe Flawless‘ upcoming tour Chase the dream: the reboot. It was at least thirty degrees and, despite the heat, the 2009 Britain’s Got Talent alumni was practicing relentlessly for his dance crew’s latest crazy tour. “You’re gonna be happy, excited, inspired,” he enthuses, with an infectious glee tingling in his voice.
PREVIEW: Queer as Day festival is coming to the Green Door Store
Brighton’s own Queer As Day festival is coming to the Green Door store, celebrating all thats good and gay in the queer music scene. BRIGHTON’S OWN Queer as Day festival is coming to the Green Door Store, November 3rd. Celebrating all that’s queer in the music scene, the event will go on from 2pm and will feature acts such as: Zand, itoldyouiwouldeatyou, Wolf Girl, Byenary, El Morgan and the Divers, Jemma Freeman and The Cosmic Something, IRN Brunette, Psychofag, and Bee and Jackrabbit.
MUSIC REVIEW: Social media is taking over
“WE ARE DIGITAL,” cry dystopian electronica band 10 O’clock chemical as the chorus of the second track from their debut E.P Favours for the Wicked draws to a close. The sci-fi inspired band lavishly decorate driving tectonic beats with a hazy mirage of bizarre aliens figures, dressed to the nines, in a space age club, as the track known as We Are Digital continues.
MUSIC REVIEW: #Just Saying
FROM behind a 1920s upright piano, the shy whisper of singer-producer Tiny Eyes emerges, as his solemn single Just Saying touches the listeners ears. Almost as though they were wooden puppets on their last old, worn down strings, each note from the piano seems to limp into the limelight of his voice, with them, carrying a sinking feeling of remorse.
News: Virtuoso artist Joan Armatrading releases latest single
MULTI AWARD winning singer-songwriter, Joan Armatrading released her latest single Loving what you hate, on June 4. The popular blues artist has also announced an upcoming UK tour, which will see her perform at thirty three locations across the UK, from September 10. Armatrading describes the track’s intentions as a song to celebrate onself and eradicate insecurities.
MUSIC REVIEW: Tygermylk - What God Would Keep Us Apart?
BRIGHTON Pride was only a month or so ago, and we’re still not quite over it. From the legendary Britney Spears’ performance (even if she did momentarily forget where she was) to the always inspiring parade, and huge turn out, it proved to be a wonderful part of #Twenty-gayteen. But one act on the Queer Eye Stage reminded us of the struggles we, as gay communities, are still facing, even today. Their name? Tygermylk.
Phobia column: Sleep is for the week
Night falls. All around, the ghostly voice of the wind circles my ears, tumbling from the open window. Slowly the darkness tiptoes into my surroundings, kissing anything in view. “Argh!” goes the sound of my own voice, as I wrestle with the growing weight of tiredness – a yawn beginning to fall from my face. I can’t. I won’t. I mustn’t. “Don’t,” goes the desperate shriek of my whirling conscious, willing me not to do it. Not to fall asleep. I try to hold my eyes open, but it’s already too late.
INTERVIEW: Yuhua Hamasaki: Can you feel the shade?
SO Rupaul’s drag race (the best show in the history of TV, to be honest) was in full swing this year, with All Stars Three airing in late January, and season ten just coming to a close. The concept? Fourteen drag Queens are pitted against each other in tumultuous tasks that test their tenacity.
Poetry
@Ray A-J Journalist | Poet | Musician | Ocassional Artist
MUSIC REVIEW: ‘Plus size men are beautiful’ says Tom Goss in his latest song
FIVE YEARS AGO, a groundbreaking songwriter shone the spotlight on some unsung beauties. With a wonderful song all about his sweet, sweet love for a specific kind of guy, a Bear, the singer offered us a look at a different side of beauty. Needless to say, it was a hit with Gay men across the UK, and found its way into countless clubs. And with his new track, soulful singer-songwriter Tom Goss has taken down society’s narrow view on beauty once again.
News: Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross to release music together?
POPULAR actor and singer husband and wife duo Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross have released their new single I want you, on October 5. The performers, known collectively as Ashlee + Evan, will follow up their single with the release of their self titled E.P, on October 12.
Can your phobia ever really disappear?
Fear has left me With battle scars for comfort A mere memory of a face That once haunted my brain Tormented my head Filled it with worry and dread Forms the breaks in my skin There forever Reminding me to stay away Despite not feeling the same pain That scared me stiff Made me cry, wailing tears Eyes full of mist, I still look away, Feel my mind draw me to safety Each time a film he has graced Appears on the screen, Not from fear Mind But from distaste and disfavour I know, the idea is still...
LIVE REVIEW: Drag You Under The Bus Cabaret
“YOU KNOW what my three favourite things are?” a small figure demands, with a nervous ferocity. “P*ssing on individuals, f*cking in public… and baking,” they declare before stripping off, and peeing into a cup. Donning just a black leather jacket, emblazoned with the words ‘Cool dad‘, denim short shorts and bare chest, the figure begins to weave themselves into the rowdy crowd, kindly offering up their glass of excretion. “Here, have it. Do you want it?
MUSIC REVIEW: A sexy blonde talks about a white horse in a bathtub?
QUIRKY jangling guitars chime in between each unrelenting beat. Right before you, a snazzy slap bass crackles and pops to the charmingly weird sounds. Each slide from note to new bendier note seems to reverb with its own little hum. Out of nowhere a voice drones: “a sexy blonde talks about a white horse in a bathtub,” pulling you in further and further until you can’t stop the sounds from worming their way into your thoughts. “What am i listening to?” you ask, perplexed by the music’s complexities.
Music reviews
With her breathtaking performance at The Brighton dome just last week, we take a deeper look at the virtuoso’s fabulous new album Not too far away. A WEEK AGO, something magnificent happened. Legendary MBE and Ivor Novello award winning musician Joan Armatrading bared her soul to the stages of Brighton. Clasping her guitar, the acclaimed singer songwriter bled the entirety of her latest album Not too far away to the awestruck audience in the Brighton Dome.
MUSIC REVIEW: LoveBN1 Fest’s Ariana and the rose has done it again
HER performance at Brighton’s very own LoveBN1 Fest earlier this year was electric. Trippy disco beats and spaced out synths filled the stage, doused in plenty of emotional lyricism. A renditions of her 2017 hit Supercool, floated about the audience, leaving behind feelings of cheerful relaxation. And now, the artist known as Ariana and the rose has woven all of that infectious energy and wonderful optimism into her new music, with track Lonely Star.
Joan Armatrading - Not too far away
With her breathtaking performance at The Brighton dome just last week, we take a deeper look at the virtuoso’s fabulous new album Not too far away. A WEEK AGO, something magnificent happened. Legendary MBE and Ivor Novello award winning musician Joan Armatrading bared her soul to the stages of Brighton. Clasping her guitar, the acclaimed singer songwriter bled the entirety of her latest album Not too far away to the awestruck audience in the Brighton Dome.
Photography
@Ray A-J Journalist | Poet | Musician | Ocassional Artist
INTERVIEW: Sirens – “We’re pushing the boundaries again.”
INTERVIEW: Sirens – “We’re pushing the boundaries again.” After a thirty year break, popular all female feminist eighties band Sirens are back performing together, as radical as ever. THE five piece rockers talk to Ray A-J about reforming and the time they were almost beaten up before a gig in an Amsterdam car park. “We feel very accepted, and very easy, to be back on the Brighton music scene again,” a strong, charming lady known as Jude beams as she hands me a warming cup of tea.
LIVE REVIEW: Just Joan @ Brighton Dome
“IT’S the silence that hurts most, more than the shouting,” Joan cries to us, through her stripped back rendition of track Still waters, from latest album Not too far away. It’s just her up there, bearing her vulnerable soul with pedal board at her feet, grand piano waiting in the wings, trusty Ovation guitars (her favourite brand), and a bright red Nord keyboard to keep her company.
INTERVIEW: Dardelica - An intergalactic exploration of Johny Dar
A BLEAK street, gushing with the hustle and bustle of a Monday evening, was where this journey began. Before me, a black nondescript door loomed. To us, the general public, the Dick Tom and Harrys, this door would have merely been another in a street of houses and shops. We would have just walked past (heck, I almost did) unaware of the exclusive world that lie beyond the gateway. But, with the promise of an interview with a legendary designer turned artist, for one night I was granted entry.
MUSIC REVIEW: SIGALA - Just Got Paid
SIGALA’S latest addition to his “Summer of Sigala” kicks of with a symphony of celebratory strings, bringing with them the iconic hum of pop singer Ella Eyre.
INTERVIEW: Too many Zooz - “Beyonce saw some videos of us in the subway and she decided to get us in the studio,”
FROM SUBWAY to stardom is not the usual tale for a musician, but for Brass house trio Too Many Zooz that tale has become a wonderful reality. The New York buskers began as simple street performers, playing for tips on the subway. They created fabulously energetic remixes of the most loved pop songs, all with a jazzy dance ready twinge. Then along came the power of YouTube, propelling them into viral fame in 2014, and eventually leading to their collaboration with Queen bee Beyoncé herself.
News: Tis’ the season to be Mary!
QUEENS from popular TV extravaganza RuPaul’s Drag Race have announced a new Christmas tour and album, set for November. Dubbed Christmas Queens, the Europe tour will begin with a show in Birmingham on November 29, and will be supported by release of The Christmas Queens 4 album.
MUSIC REVIEW: Joan Armatrading – Not too far away | Gscene Gay Magazine - What's on in Gay / LGBT Brighton
With her breathtaking performance at The Brighton dome just last week, we take a deeper look at the virtuoso’s fabulous new album Not too far away. A WEEK AGO, something magnificent happened. Legendary MBE and Ivor Novello award winning musician Joan Armatrading bared her soul to the stages of Brighton. Clasping her guitar, the acclaimed singer songwriter bled the entirety of her latest album Not too far away to the awestruck audience in the Brighton Dome.
PREVIEW: Tis' the season to be Mary!
RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni get into the Christmas spirit with a November tour and album QUEENS from popular TV extravaganza RuPaul’s Drag Race have announced a new Christmas tour and album, set for November. Dubbed Christmas Queens, the Europe tour will begin with a show in Birmingham on November 29, and will be supported by release of The Christmas Queens 4 album.
INTERVIEW: Dardelica – An intergalactic exploration of Johny Dar | Gscene Gay Magazine - What's on in Gay / LGBT Brighton
Welcome to the mysterious world of renowned artist and designer Johny Dar. Image created by Ray A-J A BLEAK street, gushing with the hustle and bustle of a Monday evening, was where this journey began. Before me, a black nondescript door loomed. To us, the general public, the Dick Tom and Harrys, this door would have merely been another in a street of houses and shops. We would have just walked past (heck, I almost did) unaware of the exclusive world that lie beyond the gateway.
LIVE REVIEW: Joan Armatrading goes solo @ Brighton Dome
Sporting just her guitar, legendary singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading introduces us to the entirety of her new album, with an intimate performance at the Brighton Dome. “IT’S the silence that hurts most, more than the shouting,” Joan cries to us, through her stripped back rendition of track Still waters, from latest album Not too far away.
PREVIEW: Jools Holland and Marc Almond team up on new album and tour
Renowned performer turned presenter Jools Holland is set to release a new collaborative album and tour this year, alongside 80s legend Soft Cell singer-songwriter Marc Almond. ACCLAIMED presenter and artist Jools Holland has teamed up with legendary 80s singer-songwriter Marc Almond, in new album to be released on November 23. In support of the album, dubbed A Lovely Life To Live, the duo have also announced an Autumn/Winter tour which will begin on October 20.
INTERVIEW: Too many Zooz – "Beyonce saw some videos of us in the subway and she decided to get us in the studio," | Gscene Gay Magazine - What's on in Gay / LGBT Brighton
Leo Pellegrino, of Brass house trio Too many zooz, gives us the load down on how their song became the Official Pride single, making the move from busking to performing at the CMA awards, and collaborating with the likes of Beyoncé and Jess Glynne. FROM SUBWAY to stardom is not the usual tale for a musician, but for Brass house trio Too Many Zooz that tale has become a wonderful reality. The New York buskers began as simple street performers, playing for tips on the subway.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Ray
Contact Ray, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack