Adam Lambert has never been known for his subtlety. From his early days on “American Idol” to his provocative performance at the 2009 American Music Awards, Lambert has always pushed boundaries. His AMA performance, during which he walked a man across the stage on a leash, sparked national controversy. The ex-“American Idol” contestant felt pressure from the music industry to tone down his image. Despite this, Lambert found mainstream success, becoming the first out gay musician to debut at the top of the Billboard charts in 2012 and being chosen as Freddie Mercury’s successor as a touring vocalist with Queen the same year.
The Road to Afters EP
Recently, Lambert has started feeling more comfortable letting his walls down and incorporating more of his outré proclivities back into his art. He often likes to “beat [his] face for the heavens” and “wear weird clothes” for nights out. Lambert shared his journey over Zoom, expressing a career-altering realization: “Why am I not doing that in my art? Why am I toning it down?”
Enter the singer’s “Afters” EP, released on July 19. Consisting of six songs that seem ready-made for blasting at a circuit party, the EP represents Lambert’s boldest work yet, with raunchy lyrics and an unapologetic celebration of queerness. “Be a real good boy and lube it up,” he sings over a fist-pumping techno beat on the aptly named “LUBE,” capturing the hedonistic pleasures the EP sought to portray.
“I’ve experienced a lot, and I know what I know,” Lambert says of his time navigating an often turbulent industry. Despite the backlash he faced at the beginning of his career, he expresses pride and admiration for fellow queer musicians like Chappell Roan, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and Lil Nas X, the latter of whom has similarly been criticized for his own super gay awards show performances.
Musical Inspirations and Creative Freedom
Lambert’s musical inspirations behind the songs on the EP come from a diverse playlist he has curated over the years. He mentions being a big fan of tech house music and artists like Slayyyter. His pivot towards more explicit music felt natural, driven by a sense of creative freedom and a desire to break free from past constraints.
“I think in the past I felt like I had to behave more,” Lambert reflects. The 2009 AMA performance and its ensuing controversy left a lasting impact, with industry figures doubting the commercial viability of a gay man in pop. Lambert felt a collective gasp from the industry side, leading him to play by the rules to regain trust and stay in the game. However, changing his team and embracing a new perspective allowed him to feel more in control creatively.
“I feel very free right now. I feel very much in the driver’s seat creatively. I feel like I’m not having to compromise nearly as much as I used to have to do,” Lambert asserts. The evolving pop landscape, where queer artists find mainstream success, has also inspired him. He proudly notes the increasing visibility and acceptance of queer musicians, emphasizing the impact of social media and streaming platforms in bypassing traditional gatekeepers.
Reflecting on the AMAs Performance
Lambert acknowledges the significance of his 2009 AMA performance, a moment that remains formative for him. Despite the backlash, he remains proud of the performance, seeing it as a bold statement of his identity. “I just wish I had sung it a little better,” he jokes, recalling the nerves and pressure of the moment.
Fast forward to today, Lambert revels in the progress made in the pop landscape, where songs about explicit gay sex are now mainstream. He expresses frustration at the double standards that once plagued his career, noting the freedom enjoyed by straight cis artists in exploring sexual themes. “If you tell me not to do something, that might charge me to do it even more,” Lambert says, embodying a rebellious spirit.
Resilience in the Face of Homophobia
The resurgence of right-wing homophobia in American pop culture reminds Lambert of past struggles. However, he finds strength in the collective energy of the queer community. Participating in Pride events and experiencing a growing sense of camaraderie, Lambert feels a renewed sense of unity. He observes a positive shift in attitudes towards femininity and queerness within the community, highlighting the increasing visibility and acceptance of diverse identities.
Lambert’s message to his 2009 self would be one of reassurance and faith. Reflecting on the pressures of newfound fame, he would remind his younger self that success is earned and deserved. Despite the ups and downs, Lambert emphasizes the importance of persistence and faith in the universe, believing that there will always be another opportunity.
Chappell Roan’s Ascent
Chappell Roan is another artist making waves in the music industry, and Lambert is one of her biggest fans. Roan’s rise to prominence is a testament to the shifting landscape of pop music, where queer artists are celebrated for their authenticity and boldness. Lambert’s admiration for Roan reflects his pride in the progress of queer representation in music.
Roan’s music, much like Lambert’s, is unapologetically queer and challenges societal norms. Her ascent in the industry is marked by a fearless approach to her art, creating music that resonates with a diverse audience. Lambert’s support for Roan and other queer artists underscores a sense of solidarity and mutual inspiration within the community.
Embracing Authenticity
For Lambert, embracing his true self in his art is a continuous journey. The “Afters” EP is a culmination of his experiences and a bold statement of his identity. It represents a departure from the need to conform to industry expectations and a celebration of his queer identity.
Lambert’s journey is not just about personal expression but also about paving the way for future queer artists. By challenging norms and pushing boundaries, he hopes to inspire others to embrace their authenticity. The music industry, once rife with gatekeepers and double standards, is gradually becoming a more inclusive space where artists can thrive without compromising their identity.
Looking Forward
As Lambert continues to evolve as an artist, he remains committed to pushing boundaries and challenging norms. His journey is a testament to the resilience and creativity of queer artists in the face of adversity. With the release of the “Afters” EP, Lambert invites listeners to join him in celebrating queerness, freedom, and the power of authenticity.
In conclusion, Adam Lambert’s journey from “American Idol” to the release of the “Afters” EP is a story of resilience, creativity, and unapologetic self-expression. His admiration for fellow queer artists like Chappell Roan reflects a sense of solidarity and mutual inspiration within the community. As the music industry continues to evolve, Lambert’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations of queer artists.
