Out and About
Dragonette Supports LGBT Rights on Latest Album
Together since 2005, the JUNO award winning band (won Dance Recording of the Year for “Hello”) has been at the forefront of Canadian dance music. Collaborating with some of the most influential acts around, like Basement Jaxx, DJ Martin Solveig, Kaskade and more – they have carved out a special niche within the Canadian landscape. Fronted by the enigmatic Martina Sorbara, this new record (scheduled for a fall release) takes on a whole new dynamic due to the break-up of Martina and band-mate Dan Kurtz. It was amicable, and their musical kinship is tighter than ever, but the break-up still formed the creative foundation for their new tunes.
Famed electro-pop act Dragonette has teamed up with Belgium non-binary beauty influencer Sebastien Mua for the lyric video to their new single, “Darth Vader.” The song has a real driving message about discovering those places where we all retreat and fear within ourselves, and finding and turning on our super-powered self. “Darth Vader” is the band’s first single off their recently released album ROYAL BLUES.
Dragonette continues to unequivocally support equal rights for the LGBTQ community, who include members of their families, their wonderful fan base, and some of their closest friends. In the midst of President Trump’s revocation of landmark guidance to public schools letting transgender students use the bathrooms of their choice, the video is a welcomed celebration of transgender youth, and inspired them to team up with Mua. You can watch the full lyric video here.
Famed electro band Dragonette announces the release of the lyric video for the single “Darth Vader”, from their recently released album ROYAL BLUES. In the midst of President Trump’s revocation of landmark guidance to public schools letting transgender students use the bathrooms of their choice, the video is a welcomed celebration of transgender youth, with bubble fresh Non-Binary Beauty Influencer SebastienMUA at it’s centre.
“History shows that tolerance and accommodation for all of humanity is the direction we are headed for the future. History also shows that the resistance to this progress is the ugliest part of our past,” says Dragonette.
The video was being made as the news broke, and bandmates Dan and Martina felt that there was no better time than to show their love and support for the LGBTQ community, who make up their friends, fans, family and loved ones. The song has a real driving message about discovering those places where we all retreat and fear within ourselves, and finding and turning on our super-powered self. By having SebastienMUA collaborate with Dan and Martina on the video, it showcases this message in a special way.
As we’re trying to move forward for equality, people in power are trying to push us backward. They are taking away our right to be ourselves, to live without fear in a safe environment… [But] don’t be defeated. We can and we will continue to fight against hate. We will win! If you feel like you have lost hope, please reach out to others. You’re not alone. You’re valid and deserve respect. Don’t forget it. Listen to us. Fight with us. Because we can make a positive change if we come together.” – Sebastien
We all deserve to live as we are, free from shame, fear or discrimination. And all of us can help to bring this about by showing our support #protecttransyouth at glsen.org/100days.
ABOUT SebastienMUA
Sebastien is an 18 year-old makeup artist and influencer born in Brussels, Belgium. Sebastien identifies as non binary, and shares their experience of transitioning, as well as their makeup looks on social media platforms, hoping to inspire people to be and express themselves as they are, regardless of gender norms. Sebastien has always been interested in being creative with makeup, and started experimenting with makeup looks when they were about 13, first with special effects then moving to more artistic and beauty looks. Doing makeup has played a big part in discovering, and now expressing, their gender identity.
ABOUT DRAGONETTE
DRAGONETTE is a Canadian band, who has released 4 albums since their formation in 2005, as well as being featured in collaborations with Basement Jaxx, Martin Solveig, Kaskade, Galantis and Martin Garrixx. Dragonette continues to unequivocally support equal rights for the LGBTQ community, who include members of our families, our wonderful fan base, and some of our closest friends. “DARTH VADER” is from Dragonette’s current album, titled ROYAL BLUES.
About the Author
Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca