Music That Shocked Our Twitter Feed — In a Good Way

Chad Lewine has been on our radar for the past year, ever since his music video about “don’t ask, don’t tell” circulated on Twitter. It’s hard to describe Lewine as anything more specific than “artist,” because he is into pretty much everything that falls under the creative umbrella.

The musician takes pride in his lyrics, is also a painter, and appeared as a model in a campaign for the new fashion label, Toyoil. A dream for this multi-tasker, he says, would be to paint on stage to one of his songs. His music is truthful, current and making a difference. Lewine spoke with us about his aspirations and about averting labels.

Gay.Net: Before we get into what you have been doing for the past year, give everyone some background on who you are.
Chad Lewine: I'm an artist. I write lyrics, make music, and perform it. I'm 22 with big dreams. I lead my life as transparently as possible. Everything you see on my Facebook and Twitter is real. It's me. I invite you to find me on Facebook and read my timeline - it's the ultimate biography. I want to convey a 100% truthful image. I don't need pop-star mystique to build a fan base. It's just not my style. I want fans to feel like they can come up to me on the street and have a conversation.

I'm just a guy with the gift of art. That gift is wasted if I keep it to myself, so I want to share it with the world. For the past year, I have been working to stabilize myself and attain independence. I stopped writing once I released the first album but quickly realized that writing is an emotional release and something I can't live without.

You once described your music as neo-pop. Is that still an accurate description?
I used Neo Pop because I thought I needed something to set my music apart. I recently dropped the "neo," so now it's just pop. Pop means popular, right? All I want is for my music to be popular. Let the fans decide what the genre is. If I happen to make good pop music, it's all good.

We first met when you released your single and video concerning “don't ask, don't tell.” After seeing that, I contacted you on Twitter, wanting to know more. That single was a huge defining moment for you, wasn't it?
It was a great experience. I learned a lot from making the video. I'd like to record a song that supports our military in general. I supported the repeal of DADT, and now we are beyond that. I support our troops, not only our LGBT troops. 


So tell me about what's been going on in your life over the past year. I know there was a big move to New York, right? How's the city treating you?
I moved to Brooklyn in June 2011 and worked in NYC until September. I can't explain how much I love living in Brooklyn (Williamsburg). It is like no other place I've lived. I have made it my new home. 

It’s a great city. Great place for artists for sure. What's your album situation like? How many are there and where are they available?
I released my first album, The Human Link, right before I moved to Brooklyn. I just put out an EP of my Kaossilator freestyles for free on BandCamp. It's a lyrical journal of the past eight months and produced in my fifth-floor walkup apartment. 

You're a good looking guy. What's the dating situation like in NYC? Anyone in your life worth mentioning?
I'm currently single. I dated a few guys when I moved to NYC but recently I've been working on myself. I have to be 100% at peace with myself before I try to share with anyone else. I'm no longer chasing love, I'm letting it come to me naturally. It's all about attraction. One of the songs I just finished includes the lyric "I am in love with the man coming to me." I know he's out there and I'm patiently waiting for the moment.

Are you working on new material? Any single release dates?
I have a six-track EP ready to record — just need to acquire the funds or attract a producer/studio that wants to work with me. No release date yet, but when I start recording it, we'll send one out. 


Let’s talk about your shows. From videos I have seen, they are usually pretty high energy. Are there any upcoming shows?
Half of my “thing” is my stage performance. I'm the same guy on stage, I just let go of all thoughts and focus on connecting with you via music. My next show is at Fluid Nightclub in Philly on Thursday, August 16th at 11 p.m. This is my nightclub debut, so folks don’t want to miss it. [Check out the Facebook event with ticket info,$10.]

So what does the future hold for you?
Well, I could tell you a lot about the future. I could tell you I'll have hit singles and sold-out tours. But now, I realize that I already have what I need to be successful. Coming up slowly I gotta do it right. This is the beginning, got a ticket for my flight. Sun shining down, future is bright, only a start and I'm out of sight.

Watch the DADT video below:

Listen to "An Exciting Part," with Chad Lewine singing about a guy lover, below.