Liz Achanta
Get ready for a rainbow explosion because for this week's .gay Music Monday Feature, we scored an interview with the fabulously talented Michigan artist, Furillostar.
He spills all the colorful details on his latest hit, "Crazy Kinda Love," which is all about owning your true self and self-worth.
Don't miss out on the fun, read our chat below with this mega superstar.
What inspired you to start playing and making music?
Growing up, I was surrounded by music, my dad was a singer and a DJ, and my mom was a professional dancer. So I don’t think there ever was a time music wasn’t being played in the house. So with that being said, we’re all huge fans of music and pop culture. My mom would always record live events on VHS tapes, and I remember watching a Michael Jackson concert. I remember seeing the crowd scream and cheer his name, and people started passing out lol I was like, “OMG, what is this ?” He sang, and he danced, and I was hypnotized I think right there, I found my calling to be an entertainer. I was like 6, maybe 7. I was like yup, I wanna do that!
What do you like most about playing music?
I love making people feel something, music really touches your soul and can make you feel connected to someone you don’t even know. The fact that music can make you dance, sing, cry, and laugh, it can also motivate you to get out the bed or motivate you in bed *wink wink* LOL. It’s just so powerful. And it’s honestly an indescribable feeling that I get connecting with people on that level. True happiness indeed.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I would describe my music as a colorful, vibrant, exciting bowl of cereal. I love to dance, so that aspect of my music is very clear, I love pop music and R&B and funk and soul. And I enjoy putting all those in a pot and letting it brew into something fantastic.
Why do you think it’s important to be out and proud in the music industry?
For me, and it’s so important to be out, I feel like saying this is like beating a dead horse or whatever the saying is, but REPRESENTATION does matter. And it’s very important for kids and not only kids but, well, human beings in general ti see themselves. It’s like giving you permission to be yourself because many people don’t know you can. I wish I had an out black, gay, or queer artist to look up to growing up. I’m thankful for what I did have, I learned so much from them. But a lot of trauma and uncertainty could have been avoided if I did. I hope to be that for these kids I really want to be able to show them you can be exactly who you are, the weird, loud, colorful, GAY kid you are!
As an LGBTQIA+ artist, what do you want to convey with your music?
Happiness, confidence, and self-worth. In my new single “Crazy Kinda Love” there’s a line where I say “can’t nobody tell me who I can love” it’s so powerful to me, every time I hear I get goosebumps, and it makes me wanna get up dance and kiss a random stranger (not without consent though) lol but because why the hell not? Who can tell me who I can love?
Liz Achanta
The colder months bring with them a slower rhythm. Holidays, family traditions, and social media feeds full of cozy group photos can create the illusion that everyone is surrounded by love and laughter; but for many LGBTQIA+ people, this season is also a time when loneliness can surface more sharply.
Liz Achanta
Queer joy isn't just a hashtag or a rainbow-colored marketing campaign: it's a radical act of resistance against a world that has historically tried to erase, pathologize, and silence LGBTQIA+ people. In a society that often narrates Queer stories through the lens of tragedy, choosing joy is revolutionary. This blog post explores why celebrating Queer happiness matters, how it challenges oppressive systems, and why it's essential for creating a more inclusive future.
Liz Achanta
While Pride Month brings visibility and celebration to the LGBTQIA+ community with parades and events worldwide, authentic pride isn't limited to just 30 days a year. In our digital world, there are countless creative ways to celebrate, support, and express LGBTQIA+ pride every day of the year. This article explores how individuals can cultivate meaningful digital pride experiences that transcend the calendar and create lasting impact.
Liz Achanta
The business world is evolving beyond traditional gender binaries, with nonbinary and genderqueer entrepreneurs creating innovative ventures that challenge conventional thinking. These trailblazers aren't just building successful businesses –they're reshaping industries while bringing their authentic selves to entrepreneurship. In this spotlight, we celebrate the unique perspectives, challenges, and triumphs of nonbinary and genderqueer business leaders within the broader LGBTQIA+ community.
