As he gears up for his most formidable musical undertaking up to now, Frankie Grande is fortunately touting his sister, Ariana Grande, as a sonic and stylistic affect.
“I think she’s the greatest artist of our generation,” he stated. “When it comes to telling a story lyrically and emotionally conveying a place or a time, I don’t think there’s anyone better than her. So in that way, I’m like, ‘Ariana, fuck, you’re incredible.’ She’s been my tutor and guide throughout this process.”
Frankie Grande will unveil “Hotel Rock Bottom,” his debut album as a solo artist, June 27. The album’s anthemic second single, “Boys,” was launched final week alongside with a steamy video displaying the actor and singer, who’s homosexual, stripping down in a locker room and below a bathe whereas embracing a pack of good-looking revelers.
Lili Skyler, Republic Data
The music is impressed by his first go to to Fireplace Island, New York’s premier LGBTQ+ seaside vacation spot, after getting sober greater than seven years in the past. One among his co-stars within the video is Laith Ashley, a transgender actor, mannequin and activist who additionally had a memorable look in Taylor Swift’s “Lavender Haze” video two years in the past.
“I’ve been to Fire Island many, many times, drinking and using and partying,” Frankie Grande defined. “But this time, I was just like, ‘I’m going to be free to wear no clothing, to see what the fuck happens.’ And it was one of the most liberating and beautiful experiences of my life, sexually and emotionally, because I was terrified that when I got sober, I would be boring. And I wanted to write a song that could be the soundtrack for that moment.”
The 14 remaining tracks on “Hotel Rock Bottom,” which embrace lead single “Rhythm of Love,” mirror Frankie Grande’s experiences in life and love, culminating in a “gay wedding song” that’s an homage to Hale Leon, his husband of three years.
Kevin Mazur through Getty Photographs
“Hotel Rock Bottom” is Frankie Grande’s first to be launched below a brand new deal with Republic Data. Followers, nonetheless, could also be stunned to be taught he’d by no means recorded a full-length album earlier than, on condition that he’s been a tv fixture since showing on “Big Brother” 11 years in the past and has starred in quite a lot of stage musicals, together with Broadway’s “Rock of Ages” and the off-Broadway smash “Titanique.”
At 42, he’s additionally older than most up-and-coming pop artists ― which he finds creatively releasing. “I’m not going to be taking a picture with an American flag, not during this administration,” he stated, seemingly alluding to the divisive cowl of singer Benson Boone’s forthcoming album. “I don’t have to deal with the bullshit that these teenagers who are performing onstage and being like, ‘Well, my label told me that I have to appeal to women, so I can’t come out [as gay].’ My heart breaks for those people and I’m so grateful I’m not one of them.”
Kevin Mazur through Getty Photographs
Along with his sister, Frankie Grande cites David Bowie, George Michael and Madonna as amongst his influences. He’d additionally wish to collaborate with fellow LGBTQ+ artists Olly Alexander, Kim Petras and Troye Sivan, noting: “They’re iconic. There needs to be more people standing right next to them at that level ― and I do believe I should be one of them.”
“For me, it’s not about fame ― I’ve got that. It’s not about money,” he continued. “I just wanted to provide an album that feels like a safe space, and to get my message to as many people as humanly possible … I hope and pray that it is played on loop on Fire Island, or any place that is a loving, open queer community, this summer for Pride because that’s what it was designed for. And that’s the way I wish to be of service through music.”
Watch Frankie Grande’s “Boys” video right here.
