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| Singer Skott Freedman took his bisexual activism on the road with lectures and
now offers a compilation CD with songs from popular gay, straight and bisexual
artists. (Photo courtesy of Vy Records)
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HOME > SOVO SCENE > MUSIC
By: ARJAN TIMMERMANS
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SKOTT FREEDMAN IS a man with a mission. The singer/songwriter and bisexual activist
believes there is still a great deal of ignorance about bisexuality, and he wants
to use music to create a wider acceptance.
"I want to make people understand that there is more to the GLBT community
than just gays and lesbians," Freedman says.
Freedman put his music where his mouth is when he compiled "Bi The People," a
collection of songs by bisexual artists and friends benefitting the Bisexual
Foundation, a national nonprofit organization based in San Diego, Calif.
The CD marks the first time Freedman, 24, produced an album.
"My objective was not necessarily to pick the best songs," Freedman
says. "I had to pick songs that would create a nice overall balance on
the record. I wanted a variety of styles, from rock to jazz and from punk to
pop."
"BI THE PEOPLE" INCLUDES a range of different emotions that capture
the spirit of earnest songwriting. Stand-out tracks are Freedman’s heartfelt
ballad "The Price You Paid," the raw and radical "Secret Candy" by
Bitch & Animal and Melissa Ferrick’s introspective "Fighting
Chance."
Other contributors are Laura Love, Pansy Division, Rachel Sage and violinist
Ashley MacIsaac, as well as Jim Verranos, who was one of the finalists on the
first season of "American Idol."
The track "Dick and Jane" by Australian Laya Fisher best represents
the album, Freedman says.
"It is a very bi-specific song and expresses pride about being bisexual," he
says.
Aside from producing, Freedman is also an accomplished vocalist. He put out
three records that received critical-acclaim in the gay media, including his
independent debut "Swimming After Dark" in 1999 and "Anything
Worth Mentioning" in 2002.
It was very important for Freedman to include gay and straight musicians as
well as bisexual artists like himself on "Bi The People," he says.
"I believe in inclusiveness," Freedman says. "The whole point
was to include artists that support the cause no matter what their sexual orientation
is."
Often, bisexual people are overlooked or not taken seriously, he says.
"Even in minority communities, there are minorities that exist within
that community," Freedman asserts. "We are all part of the same movement,
the same GLBT group, and we need to pull together to achieve our goals in terms
of equal rights."
THE SINGER TAKES his mission on the road, speaking to college crowds and others
about stereotypes with his lecture "Battling Biphobia and Bringing Bisexuals
Back to Both Communities."
Music played an important role in Freedman’s life. He initially came
out as bisexual at age 18.
"I think Ani DiFranco has really inspired me," Freedman says. "A
lot of her lesbian fans let her down after she married a man. She taught me
that is okay to be who you are no matter what."
Freedman does not care if his own music career is affected by his bisexual
activism, he says.
"My sexuality works for and against me," he explains. "I have
a lot of GLBT fans who love my music. Big record companies will sign me to
their label if they have an opportunity to make money no matter what sexuality
or fan base I have."
In the end, "Bi The People" is a reflection of human nature, the
artist says.
"We are all diverse and different, Freedman says. "That should be
celebrated and not conformed."
'Bi The People' is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and other retailers.
Various Artists
VY Records
http://www.vyrecords.com
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