All American glossy glam rocker and rebel with a cause, Ricky Rebel, bares all in conversation with Ray A-J, tackling Trump, gender politics, and bisexuality, all while donning white cowboy boots.
He glided onto the pop scene in the mid-90s upon the four-wheeled bike of boyband No Authority, and now he’s finally ready to tell his tale of girls, glitter and glory.
In an insightful interview with the defiantly fabulous pop star, we delved right into the heart of LGBT+ artists in the industry, and what it means to be a man in 2017.
From boyband sensation to Glam rock star, Ricky Rebel is a dynamic and diverse singer and has performed alongside the likes of Britney Spears and My Chemical Romance.
He first joined the industry as part of teen pop crew No Authority, signed by Michael Jackson’s label, and has since shot straight to the top 30 in the billboard dance club charts as an out and proud bisexual artist.
So without further ado lets meet the man behind the makeup:
Your moniker is really interesting and eye-catching. What lead you to choose the name “Rebel”?
I wanted to choose a name that encompassed my personality. I have always been a Rebel. Growing up, I used to ask many questions in school, not trusting authority. I drove my teachers crazy.
You have been described as a Glam rock artist, is art and fashion important to your musical career?
Absolutely. A lot of what I do is informed by my love for fashion. I even wrote a song on The New Alpha called Life Is A Runway with one of Rupaul’s Drag Race alumni, Vivacious. When I wear certain clothing it possesses a type of magic that transforms me into something larger than life.
In three words, how would you describe your image?
Bold, beautiful, and sexual.
How would you describe your new songs?
My new songs are sexual, fun, and thought-provoking. I like to make people think with my music. ‘The New Alpha’ challenges people’s idea of what it means to be a man. Real men can can feel absolutely comfortable wearing woman’s clothing because clothes and makeup have no gender.
Any influences behind your new album?
I think Prince’s early work influenced this record. He was very sexual. I wanted to bring that back. ‘Magic Carpet’ is one of my favourite tracks because I am being very open about my sexual fantasies. Not very many male artists have the courage to be honest and open about that.
The 2016 election has a lot to do with this record. I don’t think any artist can cut a record these days without getting a little political.
“The industry tried to stuff me in the closet”…….
What is the story behind ‘time’? What was the story behind the music video?
I have always had this fascination with ‘Time’ and how we are all on a finite time-table. We never really know when we are going to die. It’s fascinating. It’s terrifying. I think we are all running away from death in one way or another. The role I play in ‘Time’ is me in the future. I have everything that I ever dreamed of, money, fame, etc. but I do not have that person that I love with all of my heart so in the end it is lonely and empty. Fame and money are something that I strive for but I have to remind myself every day to appreciate my health and the people who I love that are still alive.
If you don’t mind me asking, what was it like in the industry when you came out?
The industry tried to stuff me in the closet. In the 90’s it was not cool to be gay at all. Agents, managers, lawyers and the record company that I was signed to Michael Jackson’s label gave us straight acting media training so that we did not appear gay in interviews. I was terrified of telling my fans or being ‘found out’. It was also ten times harder for me because I also like women.
Was it difficult after the split of the band? Would you still perform with them now?
The split was hard because it was tough starting over again on my own. I had to learn how to produce, play the guitar, and handle all of the things that the label handled for us. I talk to them every now and then. I’d release a track or two with them but it’d have to be with the right producer. I’d also be in charge of getting them into tip shape. Cardio baby!!
“I have always been a Rebel”…….
So far, what has been your favourite performance?
When I opened for My Chemical Romance and opened the show as the character ‘Showpony’.
Gerard Way the lead singer of My Chemical Romance cast me as ‘Showpony’ and I starred in a couple of their videos. The fans knew Ricky rebel was ‘Showpony’. They went absolutely insane when the spotlight turned on. I get chills just thinking about it. I felt like Michael Jackson.
I remember touring with Britney Spears. Those were the best. We had the number 2 most added record in the country ‘Can I Get Your Number’ and we were touring with someone I admired. I still love Britney to this day.
“The industry is still homophobic”
Any crazy stories whilst touring?
I remember after a show that we did in London, the girls starting rushing after us. We needed security to hold them back in order to get into our tour bus. Once inside we couldn’t move because we were surrounded. They started banging the tour bus pushing it back and forth begging us to come out. It was scary and awesome at the same time. There was also the time I woke up with a girl in my bed who had hid herself in the closet. Totally freaked me out.
With the recent election of Donald Trump and Brexit, the social climate is seemingly more difficult to navigate. What are your feelings on this new age of strictly enforced political correctness and the election of Trump?
I do not like political correctness. The PC police use being offended as a means of shutting down opposing views. My last name is Rebel not Conformity. It’s become a nightmare because people can not respect other people who have differing views. Trump and Brexit were voted upon by the people and democratically elected. Until people grow up and stop taking things so personally, I am not going to talk about it in-depth.
Is it difficult living in America with the recent election of Trump?
I’m proud to be an American. America is doing very well you wouldn’t know it by the mainstream media. It can be difficult at times if you’re like me and refuse to follow the crowd. I am not a sheep.
Your previous hit Boys and sometimes Girls was incredibly popular. What lead you to create that song, and why do you think it was so well received?
It was a hit because I was just speaking through my experience bluntly and candidly. Sexually, I go both ways and I think a lot of people can relate at some level. I had a really good time writing and singing ‘Boys & Sometimes Girls’ in the studio. It’s a great song to workout to. I’m proud of the fact that It hit number 28 on the Billboard Dance Club Charts.
Could you tell me about The Blue Album and the backdrop of its creation?
‘The Blue Album’ was written before, during, and after a difficult breakup. I documented it all in my music. The Blue Album sounds like a happy record but that’s because I was laughing to keep from crying. “The New Alpha” sounds more like an angry confrontational record at times but it comes from a giddy, naughty, and rebellious place.
“My last name is Rebel not Conformity”…….
What does the industry need or is there anything missing from modern music now, given the current social climate?
Political Correctness has killed artists. A lot of them are playing it so safe. Many mainstream artists are afraid to be real, afraid of upsetting people, afraid to do something different from what is accepted of them, and afraid of losing their fans. Another big problem for artists like me is that the industry is still homophobic. Certain parts of the world still do not accept and embrace gay people.
Currently how important is solidarity amongst the LGBTQ+ community, with increasing Gay marriage rights but lack of support for transgender rights?
LGBT+ rights are human rights in my mind. We need to fight for our rights while at the same time not be solely defined by these labels. Some people’s whole identity is wrapped around being gay, their gender, being trans, or whatever the particular label is. Being LGBT+ is not who you are, it’s a part of your identity.
Where’s your next gig and how are you feeling about it?
I am performing December 17 at The 27 Club, December 18 at Mau Mau, December 19 The Hope And Anchor. It’ll be my first UK Tour as a solo artist!
And a bit of an odd question, but to sum up, what’s your favourite biscuit?
I’m going to be looking forward to trying my first biscuit while in the U.K. on ‘The New Alpha’ tour. I have a feeling that peanut butter biscuits will be my favourite.
Nutty and rich just like Ricky!
Be sure to catch Ricky on his first UK tour: The New Alpha.
You must be logged in to post a comment.