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Bear World Playlist Featured Artist: Tony Aye!

This week’s Bear World Playlist featured artist is Tony Aye!

Artist Name: Tony Aye!

Songs on Bear World Playlist: “Getaway” and “Specific”

Current City: White Marsh, MD

Hometown: Albuquerque, NM

Photo by Jazzy Studios (@jazzystudios)

Bear World Magazine: What can you tell us about the songs? 

Tony Aye!: “Getaway” is a tribute to my New Mexican roots as well as my love for Latin artists of my childhood like Shakira, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Enrique Igelsias, Jennifer Lopez, and Selena. It is fun, sexy, and makes you wanna dance and flirt. It’s all about being open to exploring every aspect and essence of a person physically, emotionally and mentally. Literally tonight your body is my vacation getaway and we are going to try everything.

The other song, “Specific,” is about a hook up! (laughs) It’s all about having friends with benefits, or just someone you know you’re with just for “right now.” It doesn’t take itself too seriously and that’s the beauty of it. I had so much fun writing this with Sly Jones & Warren Peace who feature on it. They are both straight so I love how they were open to being on the track as some of my closest friends and allies. 

Photo by Jazzy Studios (@jazzystudios)
BWM: You’ve had an interesting musical journey, can you tell us about it? Is it true you came up through the gospel scene?

TA: Yes! I started out as a gospel artist back in 2014. I saw a fair amount of success but every month I had someone ask me to lie about my sexuality or edit my music down or alter my image. I reached a point where I refused to hide who I was and eventually said F*** that!

I am so much happier now expressing all aspects of myself proudly. Since being true to myself I feel like my music has reached more ears, and most importantly I’m having a blast creating and performing in a way that is authentic to who I am on all levels. 

BWM: What are some common themes and ideas you like to explore in your lyrics? 

TA: My music is always layered in metaphors about life, love, acceptance and the growing pains of life. I tend to like my songs to have dual meanings but leave room for the listener to interpret it in a way that’s relevant to them.

“Getaway” for example is a flirty song about meeting someone and having an adventurous night with them, but it’s also about someone being your safe escape to a place where you can explore your fantasies without worry (like a vacation getaway). I also love creating visuals with my lyrics. 

Photo by Jazzy Studios (@jazzystudios)
BWM: Are you single, dating, or partnered? What do you find most attractive in a guy—physically and non-physically? 

TA: I am happily married to my husband of 10 years. We have been together for 15 years, and recently we have become polyamorus, which has brought us even closer and given me an immense amount of sexual confidence and liberation.

Personally, I love a stockier or more masculine build, my favorite body parts are chest, thighs, arms and butt, lol! Also, a nice smile. Non-physically someone who is confident, funny, protective and aggressive but secure enough to show a softness or vulnerability. I’m a Pisces so I feel safe and free to be myself around you and I’m hooked.

BWM: What songs do you have on heavy rotation right now? 

TA: It’s so hard when I’m recording, but I’d have to say as of late I’m enjoying “Physical” (Dua Lipa), “Young” (Sam Smith), “I Love Me” (Demi Lovato), and “Bad Bitch Tip” (LaLa Ri). On the indie circuit, I love Sneakyseabear’s “Scream Back,” “Bleu” (Bryce Bowyn) and “Feed My Ego” (Jaime Adrian, Velvet Code).

BWM: Are there any artists you’ve discovered in the bear scene that you admire or would like to collab with? 

TA: Homer Marrs is amazing and we have become great social media friends since I got into the bear scene. I haven’t collaborated yet but I would love too so you know hit your boy up. I don’t bite (laughs.)

BWM: Sounds like you have a sophomore album in the works. Can you tease us with what to expect (and when)? How would you describe the genre?

TA: It’s really the best of me packed into one album and I cannot wait to share it. It’s called Retrograde and it deals with all the emotional, physical, mental and sexual growth I experienced throughout the later half of the pandemic. It’s a true pop album with soul, funk, R&B, and gospel influences.

The album drops July 1st, but I’ll tell you all a secret. My next single, “Pompeii,” drops soon and if you thought “Getaway” was sexy just wait for this one. Every artist featured is LGBTQ+ or a strong ally and I’m so proud of this project. I’ll be sharing the album artwork and release information soon so be sure to follow me and look out for Retrograde.

Photo by Jazzy Studios (@jazzystudios)
Hear Tony Aye! And other woofy artists on the ever-changing Bear World Playlist!
Stream Tony Aye! on Spotify and other music platforms, and visit his website at tonyaye.com.
Follow Tony Aye on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, and become a patron on his Patreon!

BWM Staff

Our Staff Writing Team works hard to bring you great content and share news & events from the bear community and beyond.

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