Singer/songwriter Brian Falduto has been making waves in the world of country music thanks to releasing vulnerable songs for the ones that aren’t always represented. Now, the queer country artist is continuing the movement with the release of the deluxe version of his album Gay Country, which Celeb Secrets readers can hear before it hits music streaming platforms tomorrow (June 7).
Channeling classic late 90’s sound filled with topics that reflect being apart of both the LGBTQ+ and country music communities, the deluxe version of Gay Country is a soft introduction to where his music is headed.
“My intention with this deluxe project is two-fold. I have so many songs I’ve written that I want to record and put out but not all of my future releases will be in a lane as specific as my initial 2023 project ‘Gay Country’ was, which I’d describe as very late 90’s country influenced. However, my album had such a warm response to it and brought a lot of new listeners to my music so I wanted to use the Deluxe Edition as an opportunity to soft intro people toward where my music is headed,” Falduto tells Celeb Secrets exclusively. “The other contributing factor was that I had leftover creative inspiration that I wanted to use up. For example, I’ve always heard my song ‘Skip the Step’ as this upbeat, country-rock track in my head .. but I’ve also heard it as this gentler, more intimate rendition. I thought, ‘Why not release both?’ Similarly, with ‘Kiss You Back,’ the studio version we recorded in Nashville is a lot different than the version my band and I perform live. I love them both so now both will be out there.”
Mentioning that the project’s larger intention was to hope it brought people “some joy, laughter and some sense of belonging,” Falduto tells Celeb Secrets that Gay Country (Deluxe Edition) “did that for the little kid inside of [me] who grew up on Country music and longed to see himself in it.”
Fans got a taste of what they could expect from the album extension with “Skip The Step (Alternate Version)” featuring Presidio. The track, which premiered on Celeb Secrets last month (May 10), gives the heartfelt anthem new life while still reminding the listener that tears are not just a step to be skipped, but a crucial part of the healing process.
“Working with Presidio was exciting and I love this new version of the song,” Brian shares with Celeb Secrets in an exclusive statement.
Musically, “Skip The Step (Alternate Version)” is a masterpiece of simplicity, with acoustic guitar and vocals that intertwine in perfect harmony. It’s a testament to Falduto’s artistry that he can evoke such powerful emotions with minimalistic instrumentation, allowing the beauty of his message to shine through. In a world where authenticity is often overshadowed by bravado, the track is a gentle reminder to honor our emotions and allow ourselves to feel deeply. It’s a song that invites listeners to lean into the discomfort of heartache, knowing that true healing lies on the other side.
For those who don’t know, Falduto first came onto the scene when he played the role of Fancy Pants in Jack Black’s cult classic School of Rock. The intense focus on the effeminate mannerisms he displayed as an adolescent would have a major impact on his coming to terms with his sexuality as a teen and young adult. After coming into his own, Brian released an essay about his sexual awakening in The Advocate and now travels the country performing and speaking at Pride events, sharing himself vulnerably and offering hope to people in the early stages of their coming out.
On the music side, Brian made his debut in the world of country music last year with his track “Same Old Country Love Song.” It was greeted with a flood of positive encouragement and excitement and would become and LGBTQ+ country anthem. Currently, Brian is on his 2024 Pride tour, where he is performing at major festivals such as Memphis Pride and New Jersey Pride.
Listen to Gay Country (Deluxe Edition) below and let us know what you think of it by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
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