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With his follow-up, Blake Lewis might’ve skipped the sophomore slump and headed straight…err, gay-friendly toward graduation. Runner-up on American Idol’s sixth season, Lewis’ dance-flavored melodies and beatboxing from his debut album, Audio Day Dream, earned him a spot in our hearts. Two years, a few Pride performances and one NOH8 photograph later, Blake Lewis is opening up his heart on Heartbreak On Vinyl.
Instinct: How’d you decide on the album title?
Blake Lewis: Heartbreak On Vinyl is about my love for indie record stores, the fact that they’re closing down. Also, I had just gotten out of a huge relationship with the woman I loved. This record is very personal to me. It’s about that relationship.
Speaking of relationships, you’ve had to come out as straight, in a way, because of persistent rumors regarding your sexuality. Was that difficult for you?
No. I’ve gotten “gay” since high school or junior high. I’m straight. If people think I’m gay, that’s cool, whatever. It’s not a big deal to me. I’m a very open and honest person—maybe that’s why I’m embraced by the gay community, because you all are very honest and open, too. So no, it didn’t really bother me.
Why else do you think you appeal to the GLBT community?
My music’s just fun. It’s about losing your inhibitions, especially dance music—it’s not predominantly gay, but definitely embraced by the gay community. I’ve been doing raves and electronic music since I can remember, like ’93 or ’94. I was getting into techno and R&B-driven house music with diva vocals, trance music and drum and bass. I love it all, but so does the gay community! [Laughs]
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Yes, most of us do! You must have gained firsthand knowledge of this while performing at a few Pride events over the summer. How was your Pride experience?
It was fun! Any audience that respects my music and digs it, I’ll perform for. I don’t really care about anyone’s sexuality. You are prideful people, and it’s all about having a good time and being open and honest. I love that. That’s something about the gay community that I wish ignorant America would openly take hold of, which is being free and honest with each other.
You’ve made plenty of “hottest guy” lists, including a spot on AOL’s rundown of the 10 Sexiest American Idols. What’s it like being a pinup boy for gay boys and straight girls alike?
I block all that stuff out and do my own thing. It’s flattering that people find me attractive, I guess. It’s great, though I’m here to communicate with people, so hopefully the music comes first.
Heartbreak On Vinyl is available now. For more of our interview with Blake Lewis, be sure to pick up the December 2009/ January 2010 issue of Instinct Magazine.
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