LGBT Track of the Day: MIKA – “Good Guys”

Leave it to the Lebanese-born singer to make a true statement about the lack of gay pop stars in the music industry. Since having released his acceptance anthem “Grace Kelly” in 2007, MIKA has on more than one occasion produced terrific and thought provoking jams. From Life in Cartoon Motion to his last release, The Origin of Love, MIKA has written songs that find listeners empowering themselves with tracks such as “Big Girl You Are Beautiful” and “We Are Golden.” The latest from his upcoming album, No Place In Heaven, sees more of an autobiographical approach towards his songwriting.

In a touching and symbolic video, the singer is restrained by dancers who seek to control his movements. As the video progresses, MIKA find himself dressed as an astronaut, adorned with crown and cape, a straight-laced businessman, and a prisoner with the dancers acting as a human shackle, all of the fictitious personas still being controlled like a puppet. While singing, he ponders about the popular gay individuals from years past that helped leave a mark on the world and who have shaped his life. He thanks Rufus Wainwright, Alfred Kinsey, and a slew of others for helping pave the way for LGBT individuals becoming visible. The questioning of “where have all the gay guys gone” (gay later replaced with good signifying gay is good) reflects on the lack of high profiled LGBT stars. And it’s a rather true and somber note. The dreary and haunting nature of the track plays off of it but its not-so-subtle way of approaching is a gentle reminder of what’s been lost and what needs to change.

No Place In Heaven is available June 16th!