Michael's Musings

My Doppelganger
Michael Shinafelt

My doppelganger brings all the boys to the yard...

What's new pussycat, whoa, whoa, whoa! Seriously what's new? I am curious yellow please do tell, or not. Whatever...I made it to the gym for the first time in two months on Tuesday. Me and my boot, hey it was made for walking, at least that bloody cast is off and I can now wash my right foot. "Yes" I said goodbye to right foot odor this week, Yay!

Now about that other issue, that one time at band camp when my doppelganger took over...

I draw inspiration from the meta, don't judge me 

The 21st record breaking season of one of my favorite TV shows, Law & Order: SVU premieres tonight, woot!

Keep others afraid of you by calling Fall "the harvest"

Remember it's head spinning season, spin it like a record baby!

The Emmy's happened this past weekend. The Kardashians presenting on them got laughed at like Carrie. I Tweeted about it and Entertainment Tonight used my Tweet in their post Emmy write-up. Here is the link: https://www.etonline.com/did-kim-kardashian-and-kendall-jenner-get-laughed-at-while-presenting-at-2019-emmys-132923

You say Label, I say Whore = Label Whore

The Impeachment process against Trump has been implemented. Let the cartoons begin!

On that note enjoying someone's public downfall does not pay your bills, stay focused

Woman Crush of the Week - Erika Jayne she'll be giving plenty of moxie as Roxie

If I told you once, I told you twice, I'm obviously not going to say it three times fast, duh

Mary Wilson of the Supremes was the first to go on Dancing With The Stars, in case you care

The best advice I can give you? Never give unsolicited advice

Are you a FOMO-sapien?

If you can't fly in the big leagues, stay off the broom

Soon I will be spread eagle somewhere, join me at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt

"Not Here To Play" Ada Vox

Vox, Vox, Vox...!!!

"I'm not here to play with anybody. I'm here to chase my dreams and make them come true." 

Ada Vox isn’t messing around. She put judge Katy Perry, and America, on notice: she is in this life to win it!

A San Antonio based drag queen who sang her heart out on ABC's "American Idol," Ada became a Semi-finalist, something that would have been unheard of several years ago. Her appearance marks a first for the show, and people still talk about her performance of The Animals “House of the Rising Sun” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofdSsBKW6NU as one of the stand-out auditions of the season.  Ada has released her first single, “Because of You” via Cleopatra Records.  The song was written by Janice Robinson (Kristine W., Deborah Cox) and produced by Bimbo Jones (Rihanna, Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga).  Click here to listen to the track:https://open.spotify.com/artist/47AqqDOAI8wPNY752aY5Hj?si=gBckf3n1SHigtgPTBTyEcA.  

Ada’s excited to share it with all the people (#Voxies) who embraced her on this go-round of American Idol and to brand new audiences as she continues to tour the globe. “Because of You” is available through all digital retailers:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/because-of-you-feat-bimbo-jones/1433817304?i=1433817509

Rewind five years to 2013 when Ada Vox auditioned for Fox’s American Idol back  when she was known as Adam Sanders.  In one of his Season 12 performances, he got a standing ovation from three of the four judges with his performance of Etta James's “I'd Rather Go Blind.” Despite this, he not only got eliminated after Hollywood week, but had to endure taunts, teasing and threats from people on social media. Ada revealed on this year's show that “People attacked my weight, my sexuality, telling me that I was horrible, that I sucked, that I don't deserve to be here, that I shouldn't be who I am. And I let it get to me in a wrong way. It killed me inside...I was contemplating lots of things that I shouldn't have.”

Ada did not let that deter her from her dream and when she heard the show was coming back to ABC, she decided to audition again as Ada Vox, a person with a lot more confidence and an innate belief in herself. “I was an OK singer as Adam. But I'm a hundred times better now than I ever was then. I'm vocally better, I'm a better performer, I'm a better entertainer, I'm more prepared as an adult to take on the challenges that come with a competition like this.”

The 24-year-old University of Texas graduate was born in San Antonio, TX, and had worked at a restaurant by day and been a drag queen by night.  Ada lists her influences as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle (with whom she got to perform with on Idol - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UQHF9My1NQ) and other strong women who project an inner self-confidence with their stage personas.  In fact, her performance of Jennifer Hudson’s “I am Telling You I am not Going”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3r_puQXbJA as a Top 10 finalist brought the house down.

Even though Ada didn’t make it to the top, she made history as the first-ever Drag Queen to make it as an American Idol Top 8 finalist. Upon her departure, none other than superstar judge Lionel Richie said, “Listen, I want to say – you have to know how special this is to have you on this show. You are a movement unto yourself. I am telling you, I’m so proud of you, keep it up my dear, it’s fantastic.”

What’s next for Ada? The sky seems to be the limit.

“I'm not waking up tomorrow morning/And finding that there's nobody there/Darling, there's no way.”

Other Idol performances:

“Creep” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP6zLZmVnfo

“Feelin’ Good” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TueJ-f9AqVw

“Defying Gravity” with Lea Michele - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D04ogdPt4EY

Follow Ada Here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adavox/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdaVoxOfficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdaVox

Visit Ada Vox’s online Store

https://shop.bandwear.com/adavox

Watch Ada talk with Entertainment Tonight about her future: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfMztjjXFs4

Catch Ada performing live in these cities:

Friday, Sept. 28^th

Ada at Legends Nightclub

Raleigh, NC.

Wed, Oct. 3rd

Ada at  the Park Nightclub

Phoenix, AZ.

Sunday, Oct. 7^th

Ada at Jacksonville Pride

Jacksonville, FL.

Sat. Oct. 13^th

Ada at the Diversity Center Gala

Santa Cruz, CA.

Sunday, Oct. 14^th

Ada at Atlanta Pride

Atlanta, GA.

Sat. Oct. 20^th

Ada at Hawaii Pride

Hono., Hawaii

Sunday, Oct. 21^st

Ada at Las Vegas Pride

And at Charlie’s Nightclub

Las Vegas, NV.

Wed. Oct. 31st

Ada at Georgi’s Alibi Halloween festival

Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Thursday, Nov. 1^st

Ada at Martinis Nightclub

San Diego, CA.

Sat. Nov. 3^rd

Ada at Zeldas Nightclub

Palm Springs, CA.

Saturday, Nov. 10^rd

Ada at B-Bobs Nightclub

Mobile, Alabama

Friday, Nov. 16^th

Ada in Necto Nightclub

Detroit , MI.

Sweet Release - Amethyst Journey

Release
l-r
Jeremy & Alaska
Photo: Magnus Hastings

And the sky was made of amethyst...

ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT PREMIERE’S DEBUT SINGLE & VIDEO “ALIENS”

  https://www.etonline.com/rupauls-drag-race-star-alaska-debuts-surreal-new-aliens-music-video-108110

WORLDWIDE TOUR DATES RUN THRU 2018

  World Famous drag star Alaska Thunderf*ck’s new musical group Alaska and Jeremy have officially released their debut album Amethyst Journey today via PEG Records, the LGBT-focused label of Producer Entertainment Group (PEG).  Alaska and Jeremy is the collaboration with her long-time musical partner Jeremy (Mikush).

Amethyst Journey is available via all digital retailers as well as Alaska and Jeremy’s website:  alaskaandjeremy.com

Amethyst Journey was meticulously crafted and molded with love and patience alongside producer Markaholic.  “Jeremy and Ihave been making music together for over 9 years. After taking a retreat into the woods of the Russian River Valley to write, reflect, and commune with nature and one another, Amethyst Journey was born.  

The album is a collection of songs that are a combination of our outlook and inspirations-- a response to current issues and the state of our planet.  We believe the LGBTIA+ community has a unique position to bridge collective misunderstandings and create positive change for humanity.  

All of the songs were recorded in downtown Los Angeles with producer Markaholic.  We worked together along with Mark to craft and mold each track with love and patience.” said Alaska. 

Entertainment Tonight premiered the first single & video, “Aliens” https://www.etonline.com/rupauls-drag-race-star-alaska-debuts-surreal-new-aliens-music-video-108110 today.  “Aliens,” the album’s overture, is a folk music-based lullaby written for the people of Earth that asks the questions: What is the future we want?  Does the idea of extraterrestrial visitors come from a Savior complex... or an Armageddon complex?

North To Alaska
Alaska
Photo: Magnus Hastings

Amethyst Journey: Track by Track commentary:

Aliens

The album's overture, "Aliens" is a folk music-based lullaby written for the people of Earth that asks the questions: What is the future we want?  Does the idea of extraterrestrial visitors come from a Savior complex... or an Armageddon complex?  

Truth in the Light

This song was originally released by Jeremy on his solo album, Somewhere In Between, and we re-recorded it together.  It's a song that addresses what happens when relationships grow and mutate.  Can we grow distant, yet still maintain some kind of heart connection?  

So Far Gone

Being on the road and being away from our family and our loved ones is one of the most challenging parts of our work as artists.  The pain and release from those feelings of distance and longing and isolation is the inspiration for this song.  

The Wind

This song is a pagan prayer and is an invocation that calls forth the four elements-- Air, Earth, Water, and Fire. 

Son of a Mother

We all possess an X chromosome. What binds us all is that every one of us has a Mother.  This song worships the Divine Feminine, and cautions those who abuse or disrespect her power.

The End of the World

In our current climate of instant gratification, humanity needs perspective on large-scale change.  We've created a heavy metal theme song for the Apocalypse, drawing upon ancient perspectives on cosmic cycles. It leaves the door open and asks the questions:  Is this truly end of the world...  Does it have to be?

Ascension

Originally inspired by the visual experience of being elevated and beamed up by an extraterrestrial space ship, "Ascension" evolved to become a sonic exploration of the ups and downs of the evolution of consciousness and spiritual transformation--it's a cosmic download!

At the End of the Day

The sister song to Alaska's "It Is What It Is," also from Jeremy's Somewhere in Between, it can be simultaneously played with "It Is What It Is" to create a symphonic experience influenced by Renaissance choral music and contemporary a cappella artists.

In addition, Alaska will continue touring throughout the world for the remainder of the year.  Tour Dates

Aug 18 2018 – London, UK - DragWorld

Aug 19 2018 – London, UK - DragWorld

Aug 22 2018 – Nottingham, UK - Glee Club

Aug 23 2018 – Amsterdam, NL - Melkweg

Aug 24 2018 – Brighton, UK - Revenge

Aug 25 2018 – Leeds, UK - O2 Academy

Aug 27 2018 – Essex, UK - CTZN

Sep 06 2018 – Phoenix, AZ - Charlies

Sep 07 2018 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL - The Manor

Sep 08 2018 – Brooklyn, NY - Bushwig

Sep 09 2018 – San Francisco, CA - Beaux

Sep 14 2018 – Ann Arbor, MI - Necto

Sep 15 2018 – Champaign, IL - 51 Main

Sep 20 2018 – Canberra, Australia - Canberra Theatre

Sep 21 2018 – Sydney, Australia - Max Watts

Sep 22 2018 – Melbourne, Australia - Chasers

Sep 25 2018 – Auckland, New Zealand - Bruce Mason Centre

Sep 27 2018 – Brisbane, Australia - Family

Sep 28 2018 – Adelaide, Australia - Mary's Poppin

Sep 29 2018 – Perth, Australia - Connections

Oct 02 2018 – Singapore, Singapore - Shrine Auditorium

Oct 04 2018 – Toronto, Canada - Danforth Music Hall

Oct 05 2018 – Louisville, KY - Play

Oct 13 2018 – Atlanta, GA - The Deep End

Oct 14 2018 – Bogota, Colombia - Sutton Club

Oct 20 2018 – Las Vegas, NV - Charlies

Oct 23 2018 – Newcastle, UK - "Heels of Hell!"

Oct 24 2018 – Birmingham, UK - "Heels of Hell!"

Oct 25 2018 – London, UK - "Heels of Hell!"

Oct 28 2018 – Manchester, UK - "Heels of Hell!"

Oct 29 2018 – Glasgow, UK - "Heels of Hell!"

Oct 30 2018 – Dublin, Ireland - "Heels of Hell!"

Nov 02 2018 – Melbourne, Australia - Chasers

Nov 03 2018 – Sydney, Australia - The Roundhouse

Nov 04 2018 – Brisbane, Australia - Eight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaThunder/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alaska5000

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlyalaska5000/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alaskatron5000

A "Braver" Kind Of Meat Loaf

Smell What Meat Loaf Is Cooking!
Photo: Martin Hausler 

Meat Loaf, with a side of music...the perfect combo!

If you watch TV, read magazines, listen to the radio or browse the web, chances are you’ll be seeing and hearing Meat Loaf in the coming weeks. To celebrate the release of his highly-anticipated new album Braver Than We Are(available Sept. 9 in Europe and Sept. 16 in the US and the rest of the world), the Grammy Award-winning musician and acclaimed film, TV and stage actor will make appearances on numerous TV shows, including NBC’s TODAY and AOL Build on Sept. 12, Fox & Friends on Sept. 13, ABC’s The Chew Sept. 14, Oprah’s Where Are They Now, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, The Big Interview with Dan Rather, PBS’ Metro Focus, CNBC’s Closing Bell and many more, as well as multiple shows on SiriusXM and The Alan Colmes Show on Fox News Radio. Additionally, interviews with Meat Loaf will appear in upcoming issues of People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Closer Weekly and Parade Magazine, as well as on Billboard and Huffington Post.

"People won't believe us but we're more excited about this album than we were Bat 1 and I'm thrilled to be finally sharing it with the world," Meat Loaf stated.

In a career spanning over four decades, Braver Than We Are is Meat Loaf’s fourth album featuring songs exclusively written by Jim Steinman. With a painting featuring Meat and Jim together for the first time gracing the cover, the album hearkens back to the hugely successful Meat-Steinman collaborations Bat Out of Hell (1977) and Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell (1993), which together sold over 67 million units. Braver Than We Are is a testament to Meat’s artistic rapport with Steinman. The songwriter’s strikingly vivid style matched with Meat’s incomparable talents not to mention his wit and grandiosity, results in the two successfully connecting with audiences on an epic scale. 429 Records will release Braver Than We Aredigitally, on CD and vinyl in Europe on Sept. 9 and the US and rest of the world on Sept. 16.

To Purchase “Braver Than We Are” visit:
iTunes Bonus Edition including ‘Going All The Way’ radio single
hyperurl.co/ilyydm

CD with Bonus ‘Making of’ DVD
hyperurl.co/fqqb9o

CD with 3 Exclusive Bonus Tracks
hyperurl.co/qdn48r

Bundles of CD, LP and t-shirt
meatloaf.tmstor.es/

meatloaf.net.