Frankie Grande shares how a liberating visit to Fire Island inspired her new song

While preparing for his most ambitious musical project to date, Frankie Grande is happily promoting her sister, Ariana Grande, as a sonic and stylistic influence.

“I think she is the best artist in our generation,” he said. “When it comes to telling a story that lyrical and emotionally transmits a place or a moment, I do not think there is anyone better than her. So, I say, ‘Ariana, fuck, you are incredible.’ She has been my tutor and guide throughout this process.”

Frankie Grande will present “Hotel Rock Bottom”, his debut album as a solo artist, June 27. The second single hymn of the album, “Boys”, was launched last week along with a smoking video that shows the actor and singer, who is gay, stripping himself in a costume and under a shower while hugging a package of revealing appetizers.

Lili Skyler, Republic Records

The song is inspired by its first visit to Fire Island, the first LGBTQ+ Beach destination in New York, after being sober more than seven years ago. One of his co -star in the video is Laith Ashley, a transgender actor, model and activist who also had a memorable appearance in the video “Lavender Haze” by Taylor Swift two years ago.

“I have been in Fire Island many, many times, drinking and using and partying,” Frankie Grande explained. “But this time, I thought, ‘I’m going to be free not to wear clothes, see what happens.’

The remaining 14 tracks at “Hotel Rock Bottom”, which include the main “Rhythm of Love”, reflect the experiences of Frankie Grande in life and love, culminating in a “gay wedding song” which is a tribute to Hale Leon, her three -year -old husband.

Kevin Mazur through Getty Images

“Hotel Rock Bottom” is the first of Frankie Grande to be launched under a new agreement with Republic Records. Fans, however, may be surprised to know that he had never recorded a long -lasting album before, since it has been a television game since he appeared in “Big Brother” 11 years ago and has starred in a variety of musicals on stage, including “Rock of Ages” of Broadway and the “Titanique” Smash out of Broadway.

At 42, it is also older than most promising pop artists, which considers that it is released creatively. “I’m not going to take a photo with an American flag, not during this administration,” he said, apparently referring to the divisive version of singer Benson Boone. “I don’t have to deal with shit that these teenagers who work on stage and that they are like, ‘well, my label told me that I had to attract women, so I can’t go out [as gay]. “My heart breaks for those people and I am very grateful that it is not one of them.”

Kevin Mazur through Getty Images

In addition to his sister, Frankie Grande cites David Bowie, George Michael and Madonna among their influences. He would also like to collaborate with other LGBTQ+ OLLY ALEXANDER, KIM PETRAS and TROYE SIVAN artists, pointing out: “They are iconic. There must be more people standing next to them at that level, and I think it should be one of them.”

“For me, it’s not about fame, I have that. It’s not about money,” he continued. “I just wanted to provide an album that feels like a safe space, and transmit my message to as many people as humanly possible … I hope and pray that it is reproduced in Loop in Fire Island, or anywhere that is a loving and open community, this summer for pride because for that it was designed. And that is the way I want to be service through music.”

Watch Frankie Grande’s “Boys” video here.