I.L. “Is there anything you’d like to share that I haven’t touched on?” Mykal “I don’t know, you’ve been very thorough! (chuckles) I guess the only thing that I would add is that I want to see more queer people, especially queer people of color when its time to think about who represents ‘us’ as queer folk. During Pride season, at GLAAD, and in these spaces because I love all the big pop girl groups but when it comes time to find your headliners and the stars of Pride I want to see more queer (POC). These are spaces where we should feel safe but we should also feel elevated, not just safe, not just ok, we should feel GREAT! We should feel seen, powerful, and hopeful, especially in this post-pandemic world we’re able to do community in a way where we’re seeing each other as not just good but as great, let’s be great together, that’s something that’s important to me.” I.L. “We have all your socials, you are @MykalKilgore everywhere, what’s your parting remark?” Mykal “Just that I’m headed to the studio. Thank you for everyone, thank you for waiting for me, but new music is coming!”
who is Mykal Kilgore? Mykal Kilgore’s artistry cuts through traditional barriers and represents the hope of gospel, the soul of R&B, and the vulnerability of country. The singer/songwriter’s debut album, A Man Born Black was released in 2019 and was an exploration of faith, loss, the stumble and spills on the way to maturity, and the beauty of hope and love. Now, in 2021 Kilgore will release his new single “The Man In The Barbershop” (via Affective Music,) a story told from a Black Gay man’s perspective about his and many other’s experiences at the neighborhood barbershop where people gather and gossip about their community and the world. “The Man In The Barbershop” is the first single from Kilgore since his GRAMMY-nominated single “Let Me Go,” from his A Man Born Black album. There, at the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards, Kilgore made history as the first openly gay artist to receive a nomination in the “Best Traditional R&B Performance” category. “The Man In The Barbershop” was produced by Jamison Ross, Cory Irvin, and John Michael Rouchell and Executive Produced by David S. Hargrett. A born and raised Floridian, Mykal moved to Nashville, TN as a hopeful singer and songwriter after attending Florida State University. Eventually, his voice caught the attention of Tony® and GRAMMY® Award winner, Billy Porter during an audition. Porter’s careful mentorship opened lanes for Kilgore to move to New York City and to enter the Broadway world. To date, his credits include Motown the Musical, The Book of Mormon, and Hair. Mykal has consistently chosen roles that elevate the positive representation of people of color including The Wiz Live! (NBC) and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert (NBC). Most recently, he appeared in Songs for a New World, Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods and The MUNY’s Smokey Joe’s Cafe. With the release of “The Man In The Barbershop,” Mykal has once again stepped into the forefront to share his unique perspective with the world. As a Black queer man, Mykal uses his platform to serve as a change agent for civil rights as well as issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. His instrument is guaranteed to educate, entertain and elevate the lives of all who have the luxury of experiencing his unmatched sound. Mykal is eager and hungry to share his new creations as his star continues to shine brighter and brighter in the postpandemic world.
@mykalkilgore everywhere
