Dance tracks, gay clubs and PRIDE celebrations have long been inherently associated with gay culture, so it is not surprising that artists like former adult film star Colton Ford and the dragtastic RuPaul have found fame in GLBT circles with their dance music.
Possibly a bit more surprising is Nashville's country music industry's interest in releasing dance tracks to the gay circuit. From Leann Rimes (who scored a #1 dance hit in 2009 with "What I Cannot Change") to remixes of huge country hits such as Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" and Jason Aldean's "She's Country," the country music recording industry has found value in courting the GLBT audiences' affinity to dance.
Wynonna has been cranking out club hits for nearly a decade. In 2004, Wynonna achieved her first notable spin on dance radio with a cover of the hit Foreigner track, "I Want To Know What Love Is." The track peaked at #12 on Billboard's Hot Dance Airplay Chart in early 2005. Once again, Wynonna made an impact on the dance charts, this time at #4, with a remix of the 2009 track "Sing."
Well, Wynonna is back in a big way. Wednesday June 5, the same night as the CMT Music Awards and just mere hours before the four day CMA Music Fest takes over downtown Nashville, Wynonna will appear live at PLAY Dance Bar to release the remix of her latest single "Something You Can't Live Without."
Her schedule Wednesday appears full as she walks the red carpet and attends the CMT Music Awards and plays an after party at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville. However, Wynonna gushed about the chance to drop by and visit GLBT fans. "I have some dance mixes that I can't wait to play for everyone. I am so excited about Wednesday night," said Wynonna.
Todd Roman, a co-owner of PLAY, also shared his excitement for her appearance and choice of venue. "PLAY has been voted the best place to dance in Nashville since we opened in 2004. PLAY has a loyal, energetic and extremely diverse customer base. We are excited about Wynonna's personal appearance and release of her new dance hit. It should be a fun event."
Wynonna's new dance remix has sparked immense interest in Nashville from many country music fans, regardless of sexual orientation. "I think the release of a dance track makes sense, as the original single she recorded has tons of extra effects on her voice, already," said Nashville's Amber Michelle.
PLAY is located at 1519 Church Street. Doors open Wednesday at 9 p.m.. For more information, visit PLAY online. Play mates perform at 11 and Dance floor starts at 11. Admission: $5. 18+ to enter. Under 21 not admitted after 11pm.
O&AN First Listen:
Although the original version of "Something You Can't Live Without" had yet to crack our top 10 playlist in 2013, its remix features pulsing beats, strong digitized sparks and repeats, and those notes that Wynonna's signature voice vibrates--which is one of our favorite things about her, that, plus her hair! That voice is quite possibly memorable enough to be the country-Cher to gays?!?
The track is probably not the #1 dance hit set to propel her to have that arguable gay-icon status many feel she may deserve, but this dancing country queen (Dancing With the Stars - Season 16) returns to her leather and glitter-loving, dancing audience. Regardless she's an icon in Nashville's GLBT community because of her long-standing support of HIV/AIDS awareness and fundraising.
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