Listen Now: Levi's Latest

He's as gorgeous as he is talented -- and his new CD proves it.  Take a listen right now to six of Levi Kreis's new songs, right here on AmpedOUT.  Let us know what you think...

Sam Sparro "Black & Gold" -- Alternate Versions!

(Getty Images) There's hardly a doubt that openly gay artist Sam Sparro was one of the biggest electro-pop success stories of 2008 -- and now that we've launched our snappy music blog, it's time to get the party started in our Electronic Video category with some alternate footage of his existential smash hit, "Black & Gold".

Devendra Banhart speaks out

(courtesy Getty Images)
In the past few days, there's been a lot of press circulating about Natalie Portman's ex man Devendra Banhart (pictured left).  Those who know the neo-folk artist and respect his musical contribution understand that there's more to the artist than his recent break-up or his beard or the recent nude photos of him from a Megapuss photo shoot with band member Greg Rogove (Priestbird) posted on PerezHilton.com.

Learn your ABC

(courtesy ABC)
If the bar mitzvah is the Jewish boy's equivalent of a coming out ball, then Athens Boys Choir's latest disc "Bar Mitzvah Superhits Of The 80s 90s And Today" is as close as sole member Katz will ever get to this 13-year-old moment in the minds of most Jews. That's because Katz is a trans man.

Check it OUT Live: Josh Klipp and friends

If you're a fan of the talented Josh Klipp, he'll be performing live in New York in mid October with some very special friends.  Check out the info below and also check out the hot flyer after the jump...

Thursday Oct. 16th, SIRIUS Radio's Derek and Romaine Show, 8pm:
Josh goes on the show and brings his queer artist friends - Jen Urban and Jason
Ewald - along for some big gay fun with Derek and Romaine.

Quick Pick: Jes - "Imagination" Kaskade Remix

(Getty Images) Jes Brieden's star continues to rise with a splendid new remix package and video for her latest single "Imagination" from the 2007 "Disconnect" album.

The Tiesto and Michael Moog versions are pretty good, but house hero Kaskade (aka Ryan Raddon) shines the brightest with a deep and pulsating rework that perfectly compliments Jes's lush and breathy vocals. Check out the video on the next page, which is a combination of live concert footage and her posing inside a rather fabulous house in the L.A. hills.

"Gay for play"

(Universal Motown)
The whole "gay for play" thing as evident by this year's Folsom Street Fair line up is great on one hand, but still mystifying, nonetheless. 'The gays supported us from the beginning' is the most common explanation I hear (translation: they have all that disposable income to spend on music and concert tickets). But it seems that this time each act has a unique reason for taking part.

Shiny Toy Gun blasts Pete Wentz for "gay" reveal

(Getty Images)
"It's quite exploitative," keyboardist/bassist Jeremy Dawson of electro-rock outfit Shiny Toy Guns told Gay.com about fellow musician Pete Wentz (pictured above)'s decision to come out as a make-out queen in recent press interviews. 

Costume Contest: Madonna vs. Kylie

(Getty Images) The reigning queen and princess of pop are blowing the windows out of concert venues around the world with the "Sticky & Sweet" and "KylieX" tours. There are many obvious artistic differences between them that we could debate about from now until Lourdes's 18th birthday. But, we couldn't help but notice that both tours resemble some striking similarities when looking at the latest images. Its time for a showcase showdown!

Rufus Wainwright plays Recovery Rally

(Getty Images)
On Saturday Sep. 27, thousands of former addicts and their supporters from across the country will band together to form a human chain for recovery across the Brooklyn Bridge, before marching to a demonstration at Lower Manhattan's City Hall Park. Called "The Recovery Rally," the event will feature notable non-profit and political figures, celebs and a special performance by singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, himself a former meth user.