No
Minimal
Frankie Grande
Into the Multi-hyphenate
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Multi-hyphenate performer, singer, songwriter, actor, and activist Frankie Grande is amplifying the Pride vibes this June with the release of his first album, “Hotel Rock Bottom.” We interviewed Frankie ahead of the release to discuss the new album and the buzz it is already generating, and how he found his voice as a newly minted pop star.
With your career already spanning so many different genres, “Frankie Grande, pop star” has a nice ring to it.
It’s so cool. It’s starting to become more and more real. Even as we talk about it now, it’s just like, wow, she’s been right under the surface the whole time, just waiting to come out. She’s been waiting and biding her time, which is important, because I needed to be seven and a half years sober, otherwise this would not be possible. So, I’m glad everything happened, and when it was supposed to. I’m just so grateful.
It must be incredible to get so much buzz around your new music even before the album is released. I mean, you were a Rainbow Spotlight on Race Chaser!
Yes, I know. I love Willam and Alaska. Good Judy and good sis.
What prompted you to start exploring the musical side of Frankie Grande?
Being on the board of GLAAD made me realize the importance of being as gay as humanly possible in so many different areas of media. And I was like, “I think another place where I can make an impact during these next four years of this administration in a big way is through music.” So, it kind of came out of a place of necessity. And then it kind of came out of a place of realizing, wow, I have so much to say, so much of my story to tell. I’ve accomplished a lot, but I have also been through a lot and failed so much in my life that I feel like I have several albums inside of me that need to come out. This is the first, but I don’t think it’ll be the last, because I really enjoyed telling these stories, and I’m excited that they’re finally going to be out there for the world to see and learn about a different side of me.
You have always been so open and honest, which is really relatable, but seeing you stand up for yourself and being yourself so authentically is also just so delightful, and something we can all learn from. And this musical venture fits right into that.
Exactly. And I’m glad that you’ve seen that, because I think a lot of people in this world don’t know that about me. I think they see only surface. I think they see the gifs and the memes, on social media. They see the gay clown, and they’re like, oh, that’s what Frankie Grande is. And I was like, but did you click on the video? No, probably not. So. I’m allowing people to experience the true authenticity and the full picture of who I am, all in one project. We cover a lot of ground, you know, we covered 20 years of my life in one album,
which is really, really awesome.
Did you get any help or encouragement from your sister, who also happens to be a very famous pop star?
She’s been unbelievable. None of this made it to her ears until I had several songs done. I never wanted it to be like ‘Hey, I want to be a pop star. Can you help me?’ I didn’t tell her anything, and then we were at my apartment with a friend, who asked if I had played her any of my music, and she was like Huh, what? So, I ended up finally playing her one of my songs, and she started crying. Then she told me that I had to keep going, that I had to do this because the world should know this person in the song. She’s been such an incredible inspiration, and she’s been such a support. And it’s really fun to get to have somebody like her to ask questions about music, and about hooks, and about mixing, And practical stuff like getting custom in-ear monitors for live performances. She’s been incredible.
It seems like she listened to your music at a perfect time, when you’re also having a pinnacle moment.
Yes, I’ve been preparing for this moment my whole life. I just didn’t really know. And now that I’m being gifted with these incredible opportunities, I have to show up. I’m so grateful that I’m fucking sober because this amount of pressure, this quickly, not in sobriety? I would be fucking drinking, and using and missing gigs, and I would have already been dead. I’m grateful that this didn’t happen earlier, because this is the time, and this is when I can handle it, and this is when I’m excited to get to show up and to work my ass off.
From the go on your first single “Rhythm of Love”, you have incredible collaborators –Prince Fox, Alex Chapman (Kim Petras, Charli XCX, Troye Sivan), and NOVDOR (Troye Sivan, Charli XCX) – how did those come about?
I met Prince Fox through my manager, who is the executive producer of my album. He has been in the music industry for many, many years and knows a lot of people. Bonnie McKee, who is on the album, has worked with Katy Perry. Bonnie has 10 number ones or something and came into the writing room with us. I wanted the music to sound like everything that I grew up listening to, but it’s also the future.
And you wanted to keep being unapologetically yourself.
Yes, and that was also really scary in the beginning. I didn’t know what my voice would sound like on a record. And so, finding who that person was, and how to dip into that performance character inside of a booth, which is so foreign to me, was all new. I’m used to performing for thousands of people on Broadway every night, but here I have to give a performance with no one in the room. Having people like Prince, Kate Morgan, and Bonnie McKee in the room with me and believing in me on my debut album, with no
proof of concept, is huge.
So, current single “Boys” – tell us about it.
It’s the best song I’ve ever heard in my entire life. I love this song so much. “Boys” is a celebration of sexual freedom, a celebration of the queer community, a celebration of a time in my life when I just I went to Fire Island, and I was sober, and I was like, I am just going to go and live my truest gay fantasy, and wear as little clothes as humanly possible. I wish that this song was playing in the club when I met my 7,000 boyfriends that weekend. I really hope that it’s just as fun and liberating for Pride. Just wait for “Boys” as the next Pride anthem! I did it in that order on purpose, because I wanted “Rhythm of Love” to be a great introduction to me as an artist to the world. And then I wanted “Boys” to just be gay for Pride, and I can’t wait for it to be blasting all over the country and the world. Fuck it. Let’s go.
Also, it’s perfect timing for your album release on June 27! Listening to “Hotel Rock Bottom,” it really does have a new sound. Can you tell us more about the vibe of the album?
It really does have a new sound. It’s like space dance rock-pop. So yeah, I’ve leaned into this new genre and sound. I think Billboard should immediately create a space dance rock-pop chart, where I shall appear as the only artist for several years. Honestly, I’m just hoping that people love the sound as much as I do. I just took all the influences from my growing up from the eighties and nineties, and even dipped my toe into the seventies, because my mother raised me on music from the seventies. Put it into a blender with all of the sounds I’m currently listening to –and out came “Hotel Rock Bottom.”
Obviously, you have a singing background, but how did you find your voice for this project?
Because I am portraying my authentic self, I wanted to make sure not to leave the personality out. I wanted to make sure that I pull in my ability to do voices and my character performances, and really just put myself in those different situations from my life, and then find that sound. But then overall make it cohesive. You’ve got songs like “Oasis” where I’m just like singing my face off, screaming at the top of my lungs, giving you a journey. And then you have songs like “Messy,” where I’m giving you character. And in “Boys” my rap section is very camp-ish. I wanted to make sure to bring all those colors, but also show off my ability as a singer, because I am a vocalist, and I’m very well trained in singing. I don’t want to sound like anyone else, which is really cool and also very scary.
So what’s next now that you have added pop star to your impressive resume?
You know, I would love to return to Broadway. I want to play Frankenfurter. I want to play Hedwig. I want to play the MC in Cabaret. I want to play Seymour. I also want to go on tour with this album, because I am such a sucker for live audiences, and just love performing live. I want to tell this story visually with cool staging, lights, and dancing. I am also an actor, so I always leave that door wide open to TV and film – and reality TV is always fun. I’m lucky to live in a time where the multi-hyphenate is being celebrated because that means I don’t have to pick a lane, and for that, I am so grateful. Because I don’t want to!
Frankie Grande’s new album “Hotel Rock Bottom” will be out on June 27. Frankie on Instagram and TikTok @frankiejgrande.
MoNoga-MEH
By Cator Sparks, Life Coach
Dear Coach-
I love my partner, but we have different kinks and fetishes. I would love to open up our relationship. I’m not sure if I want to dip my toe into triple territory just yet, but do you have some pros and cons of opening up our relationship?
Thanks! Monoga-meh.
Dear Meh-
I hear you! Monogamy isn’t for everyone. My partner and I have been open for a few years, and it has been wonderful for both of us to explore kinks that the other isn’t interested in. It’s also broadened our friend group. Sex is called ‘The Gay Handshake’ after all. I do appreciate that we were monogamous for a few years. It helped us get to know each other before we opened up. But of course, every couple is different.
Here are a few pros and cons. Let me know how it goes!
Pros:
Sexual Variety and Exploration
experiences without ending their core relationship.
Personal Freedom
Encourages individual autonomy and can reduce feelings of possessiveness or control. This is a key part for me. I have been in controlling relationships in the past, and knowing that my partner loves me, cares for me, and encourages me to do my own thing is amazing.
Reduced Pressure on One Partner
No single person is expected to fulfill all emotional, intellectual, and sexual needs. If your partner isn’t into Daddy/Son roleplay, you can find that somewhere else!
Honest Communication
Successful open relationships always require a high level of trust, honesty, and open communication.
Girl, have fun! Openness allows partners to explore different desires, orientations, and
Continued Growth
Some find that navigating multiple relationships helps them grow emotionally and develop stronger relationship and communication skills.
Cons:
Jealousy and Insecurity
Despite agreements, feelings of jealousy or inadequacy can still arise and be challenging to manage. See ‘Honest Communication’!
Complicated Emotions
Love or attachment to other partners can create emotional confusion or tension in the primary relationship. If this happens, ahem, come talk to me!
Time and Energy Demands
Managing multiple relationships requires significant time, emotional labor, and scheduling effort so don’t overwhelm yourself with dick dates.
Risk of Miscommunication
Boundaries, expectations, and definitions of openness can be misunderstood or change over time, so it may be healthy to have occasional check-ins with your partner on how you both are feeling.
Do you have questions about mental health/wellness? Send them to cator@davidatlanta.com and check each week to see if your question was selected. Don’t worry, we won’t share your name.
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By Dr. Zachary LaVigne, B.S., D.C.
Radical Joy Is Resistance: What It Means to Be Well During Pride
InJune, cities across the country fill with rainbow flags, music, and laughter. People dance in the streets, march together, and celebrate openly. Even if Atlanta doesn’t have its main Pride celebration until October, it’s hard to miss the energy of Pride Month all around us. For many outside the LGBTQ+ community, these June parades might just look like giant parties. For us, joy is something deeper. It’s resistance, protest, and survival. It’s also medicine.
Queer joy isn’t an extra or a luxury, it’s essential. Every celebration sits on top of a long history of exclusion, secrecy, and trauma. We’ve learned to always be alert, to watch how we speak, dress, and move. This kind of constant vigilance is exhausting. It wears on our sleep, digestion, hormones, and immune system.
That’s why joy isn’t a small thing. It’s a powerful way to heal. When you laugh, dance, connect with friends, or just let yourself be, your body releases chemicals that fight stress. Dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin kick in. These don’t just make you feel good, they support your heart, immune system, and brain.
Most of the conversation about LGBTQ+ health focuses on what’s wrong: higher rates of depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic illness. These are real problems, caused by real social pressures and harms. However, what is often overlooked is how joy, pleasure, and community contribute to our recovery and overall well-being.
Think about those who came before us, queer elders who built spaces to dance, to celebrate, and to be
themselves, even when it wasn’t safe. They found ways to turn pain into movement and sadness into moments of connection. Without formal language for it, they understood something that modern medicine now confirms: our bodies heal best when we feel safe, accepted, and free.
So, even if Atlanta is waiting until October for the big parade, let yourself feel free this Pride Month. It doesn’t need to be about posting the perfect photo or keeping up appearances. Find what brings you real joy. Maybe that’s going to a celebration in another city, dancing at home, walking your dog, spending time with people you love, or even just taking a quiet moment for yourself. Whatever helps you honestly reconnect with your body, that’s what matters.
Let your joy be your protest, especially when systems still try to shame or erase you. Laugh when you can. Rest when you need to. Take care of your body with food that fuels you, movement that feels good, and sleep that restores you. Attend a yoga class, meditate, get a massage, and ensure your foundation is solid. You can’t show up for yourself or anyone else if you’re running on empty.
If you’re not feeling joyful right now, that’s okay. Pride doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it starts as a quiet breath, a sense of safety, or a conversation with someone who really sees you.
Your joy is yours alone. In a world that still tries to police our bodies and restrict our rights, choosing to feel joy is one of the strongest statements you can make.
So this June, whether you’re traveling to a parade, resting at home, connecting with friends, or just getting through the month, do it with joy. Joy isn’t a distraction from what matters. It’s part of the work itself.
NEW ONLINE CALENDAR
BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE
X MIDTOWN xmidtown.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
WESTSIDE
MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
840ATL 840 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd
ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE TRIPPS fb: tripps-bar 1931 Piedmont Cir NE EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE
DINING
MIDTOWN
CASA ALMENARA 991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com
OLIVE BISTRO olivebistro.com 1050 Juniper St NE #4
LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com
900 Monroe Dr NE
TUK TUK THAI FOOD LOFT TUKTUKATL.COM 1745 Peachtree Rd NW
DEKALB
LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
RETAIL
MIDTOWN
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A
ANSLEY
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com
1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbody tness. com
500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE
GRAVITY FITNESS gravity tnessatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW
SOUTHERN NIGHTS
2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
CELEBRATE PALS WITH FOOD, DRINKS, MUSIC AND DANCING
PARK TAVERN - PIEDMONT ARK - AUGUST 23 - 7 PM
We all have those moments of ‘wait, did they just say that?’ Lucky for you, we compile the best of the best right here on this page. Want to join in on the b*tch session? Submit your own nuggets to info@davidatlanta.com.
Whoever named it semen instead of Diquid really missed out on that one.
Me questioning going to work when there’s someone out there selling farts in a jar for $50 a toot.
I think it’s time we start making unhealthy choices. I don’t want to live until I’m 100 in this messed-up world.
Renaming sexual tension to bangxiety, because honestly? Hits.
Hate it when big chain supermarkets ask for a donation to end child hunger at checkout. Youʼre billion-dollar corporation, you f*cking end it!
Replying “catching up to you” next time someone asks me if I gained weight.
My biggest flaw? I think I’m sober until I black out.
I feel like no one is ge ing slizard nor fly like G6 anymore.
