Out Artists on the Rise

Hip-hoppers to country crooners, this year’s up-and-comers are here, queer and ready to entertain

Malcolm Rollick

When singer/songwriter Malcolm Rollick recalls performing with musician Kimya Dawson (formerly of The Moldy Peaches), her face lights up. Kimya, she believes, inspired her to be honest in her work.

Honest is the best way to describe Rollick’s music. She prefers improvising; spontaneity feels most genuine. “When I’m improvising,” says Rollick, “I can say things I don’t have the guts to say otherwise.”

Music has always been a substantial part of Rollick’s life. She recalls a childhood filled with music—family members bringing out their guitars and playing folk songs on holidays. In 2003, Rollick graduated from SUNY Purchase with degrees in both music and literature. “When I hear someone bring literature into their music,” she laughs, “I’m totally geeked out and excited.”

As an out musician who wants to express herself without being pigeon-holed, Rollick has respect for indie musicians that care about the music, not about the musician’s personal life.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with a lot of indie-rock artists,” Malcolm says. “If you can sing, they want to work. No one wants to talk about who you’re sleeping with.”

“All the stuff I’ve been working my ass off for is coming down the pike now,” Rollick says. “A lot of responsibilities come with that.” Among those responsibilities is the completion of her second album, which she hopes to finish before the end of the summer. Beginning on August 16th, she will tour from Michigan to Durham, North Carolina, and will eventually tour the U.S. Be sure to look for her in your city.

Go to malcolmrollick.com for more details. –TM


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