Queens Our City Radio Exclusive Q&A with the One & Only Martha Wash

Martha Wash is truly one of our legendary divas of dance music and, in my opinion, one of our finest female vocalists. In my exclusive Q&A with Ms Wash, she discusses her career, her new single ("It's My Time"), her latest album, Something Good (which is amazing) and much more.


Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: Hello, Ms Wash, and thank you for talking to me and everyone out here at Our City Radio. How was your Thanksgiving?

Martha Wash: Thank you very much for having me. My Thanksgiving was fine. I just relaxed the whole day. Texted my family and friends.

DBB: I mostly want to talk about your latest album, Something Good, which has been one of my faves of the year and is so inspirational. It's perfect music for the holiday season. But first, I've always been curious as to your work with Sylvester. Specifically, did you know Izora Rhodes beforehand or were you first put together as Two Tons of Fun?

MW: Izora and I used to sing in a gospel group called N.O.W. Singers (News of the World). We also sang in different community choirs that would have musicals together. I brought her in to audition for Sylvester when he wanted another large singer.

DBB: How does it feel to be a true survivor? To have sung through decades of music (mostly dance) as a solo artist and the voice of The Weather Girls, C&C Music Factory, Black Box, etc.?

MW: I'm just thankful that I'm still here to be able to perform for people and that they still enjoy hearing me. I'm amazed that it's been so many years. Time goes by really quickly.

DBB: Isn't that the truth? Martha, I think most people reading the Our City internet network will agree you are one of the great, influential voices throughout our lives. Was there ever a low point for you that you felt you'd quit the business and maybe do something else?

MW: I thought about quitting a few times over the decades. When I thought about what I would do in its place, I couldn't really come up with anything, so here I am still singing!

DBB: Something Good is well titled. Whose idea was it to name the album?

MW: My manager (James Washington) and I were going back and forth between Something Good and It's My Time. I liked both titles. We decided on Something Good because it encompasses all the songs on the album. Each song is something good.

DBB:Yes, every tack! On this album, you do an amazing job covering Aerosmith's "Dream On," the penultimate track. Now, I wouldn't ordinarily think of you doing this song, yet you do a boffo job of it! How did this all come about for you?

MW: James said I needed to record a cover song. I didn't want to necessarily. He started looking into some classic songs and came up with "Dream On." I knew the song and had liked it so I said okay, let's try it. I think it came out pretty good. We wanted to remain true to the song, but put my twist to it. 


DBB: "Pretty good" is an understatement in my opinion. Is there any song on Something Good that was particularly personal for you? And why was that?

MW: No, there's no particular one. Within all of these songs, at different points in my life I've experienced the good, bad, hope, disillusion, faith, loss, love, acceptance. I'm sure a lot of people who listen to the album could identify.

DBB:"It's My Time" actually brings tears to my eyes because it's so edifying and close to my heart. Plus it has a dancefloor touch to it. Might we ever hear mixes of this one?

MW: We have released remixes of "It's My Time" produced by DJ's Papercha$ers. Great mixes that everyone should check out. Everybody wanted remixes of the songs, so we're doing them a little at a time. They'll be more in 2014.

DBB: Martha, what music influenced you growing up?

MW: I grew up listening to gospel music only. That was the only music allowed in my house. When I became a teenager, I had a small radio that I would put under my pillow and listen to rock groups and the Motown artists. Aretha Franklin was my #1 favorite. 

DBB: Any shout-outs to your LGBT fans at Queens Our City Radio and my Blab It to Beaverhausen blog?

MW: I'd just like to thank them all for supporting me over the years and that I love them all. It's great to know that we're all still here!

DBB: You probably won't remember this, but we shared an awkward moment after your performance at BB King's NYC. You agreed to a pic of my kissing you on the cheek but my friend had issues getting my cell to take the photos. Consequently, my lips were on your cheek uncomfortably long. You called out, very diva-like: "work it!" And he did! How do you put up with fans like us?

MW: [Laughs] It doesn't bother me. It's part of the job. I don't have a problem meeting my fans, I welcome it. As long as everyone is respectful of each other, I'm fine.

DBB: Ms Wash, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and much more music to come from one of the great singers of our times. We are so grateful to your doing this Q&A. Any last words you'd like to add?

MW: I'd just like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous, loving, blessed New Year. I'm asking my fans to support me again with this album, Something Good, and the "It's My Time" Remixes by going to Amazon, ITunes and CdBaby. Indie Artists need all the support they can get. Hit me up on Facebook at www.themarthawash.com or @Martha_Wash on Twitter and let me know what you think.

Thanks so much again for this time.

Below, the official "It's My Time" video:

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Christmas Q&A with Sheena Rose, Gypsy Love & Leo Frappier

My first menage-a-talk! Bay Area's fabulous performers Sheena Rose, Gypsy Love and producer Leo Frappier are in the Christmas spirit with a new song, "Just Can't Wait"! Who said there's a war on Christmas? These three wise people tell us otherwise in my exclusive interview. Again, kudos to Barbara Sobel for arranging our awesome foursome!

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: Hey, gang! How was your Thanksgiving/Hanukkah holiday?

Sheena Rose: It was wonderful, I had a chance to finally meet, and share my niece's first Thanksgiving with her. My dad and brother made a deep fried Cajun turkey, and that was a first for me. We all have busy schedules, so getting to spend Thanksgiving with them was very special.

Gypsy Love: Wonderful, thank you!

Leo Frappier: Great, thank you. It was simple and quiet which was a nice respite. Gets us ready for the mad rush of the December holidays!

DBB: You have a Christmas single out, "Just Can't Wait (til Christmas)." Is it true that you just can't wait?

GL: Yes! It's one of my favorite times of the year. Family, friends, and lots of performing.

LF: We truly love Christmas, the lights, the tree, the presents. It can get stressful mid-month getting everything done, but in the end it’s always lovely

SR: Yes. I love Christmas songs, movies, presents, lights, and decorations. Christmas truly is a special time of the year where you get to celebrate with family, and friends. 

DBB: I love listening to this number! It has a sort of rockabilly flavor to it, I thought. How did this all come about and how long ago was this song written? Recorded?

SR: It's a cover of a really obscure 2005 song by RuPaul. I always loved the song and thought it would be a great addition in my shows and something for the fans. I really love the way it turned out, I put my own stamp on it while still keeping it pretty much true to the original.

LF: Sheena had this great idea to cover this campy RuPaul song from a few years back. She gave it her own spin. She asked about the gospel backing vocalists and I told her that Gypsy Love has the power and soul to track all the parts and create a mini-gospel choir. And Gypsy nailed it!

GL: I was invited to be a featured vocalist by Sheena Rose and Leo Frappier. Leo and I have collaborated on many successful singles, like "Beautiful Thing", "Gypsy of Love", and "Wish", and I've seen Sheena perform around San Francisco and have always liked her style. When they approached me to do vocals on this Christmas track, I couldn't resist.

DBB: Tell us, who live in other parts of the country and throughout the world, what Christmas in San Francisco is like.

GL: Christmas in San Francisco is sparkly, gay, and full of play!

SR: Union Square is the center of all things Christmas in San Francisco, From the Holiday Ice Skating Ring, to the Huge Christmas tree in the center of Union Square overlooking the many fancy holiday window displays, and fancily decorated hotel lobbies. My favorite window display however has to be the SF SPCA holiday windows at Macy's. They feature adoptable shelter cats and dogs that will just melt your heart.

LF: Well firstly it does get cold, and you have to bundle up to stay warm outside. But it doesn’t snow, or at least very very rarely. The downtown Union Square area is already lit up with lights and trees. They go all out!

DBB: Any live gigs set up for the holiday season? And will you be singing your new Christmas song at them?

SR: Yes, you can see me perform my new Christmas song at Aunt Charlies Lounge on December 7th, 11th, 13th, and the 21st.

GL: This time of year is always filled with the most private party performances. Holiday parties are a blast. I'm especially excited to perform for all the major SF Pride sponsors at their annual Holiday event December 17th. As a Main Stage headliner at this year's SF Pride, I look forward to celebrating the holidays with a performance that honors the spirit of SF Pride and the philanthropic warmth of our city.

DBB: How do you plan to spend Christmas?

LF: Well, we’re starting to decorate the house, and will stay local and just send out some Christmas cards to those out of town.

SR: I'll be here in San Francisco with my husband and family. I'll be eating great food, and getting lots of great presents, because I'm spoiled that way.

GL: Family, friends, food, and fun times shimmying with my fellow love makers.

DBB: What's your personal favorite holiday song or carol ~ ~ outside of "Just Can't Wait"?

GL: Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas." Gets me shaking and shimmying every time.

SR: "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt is the quintessential showgirls' Christmas song.

LF: Well I do confess to love both of the Glee Christmas albums. Festive, always.

DBB: Besides chestnuts roasting on an open fire, what helps to make your season bright?

LF: A turkey and some mistletoe

SR: Family, friends, and my fans.

GL: Making Love.

DBB: Any New Year's Resolutions for 2014?

SR: I have a few upcoming song projects next year. I also plan to perform more outside of San Francisco, and hopefully around the country to promote my other two singles "Make Me Over" and "Queen of Clubs"

GL: I don't believe in taking something away at the New Year. I believe in adding something. This year, I plan to continue the love with new Dance music collaborations, and also experiment with a ballad that's been brewing in my heart.

LF: To keep on making some great music for everybody

DBB: What do you like to add to your egg nog?

LF: I used to like eggnog, but if I go for something like this, it’d be Bailey’s or good brandy.

SR: Brandy, rum, and bourbon. I like it to have a nice kick!

GL: A dash of Love...oh, and Brandy!

DBB: I hope you all enjoy the holiday season. Stay safe, warm, healthy & happy! Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

LF: You as well!!

GL: You too!

SR: Happy holidays to all!