Courtesy photo
Washington, D.C., Mayor Adrian Fenty

By Gregg Shapiro

Contributing writer

As career trajectories go, Dylan Rice’s is rather impressive. In a short period of time the openly gay singer/songwriter from Chicago (via Utah) has released his first CD, 2005’s “Wandering Eyes,” which went on to win him an Outmusic Award for Outstanding Debut Disc. He caught the attention of out ex-Styx member Chuck Panozzo. Panozzo closes his newly published memoir, “The Grand Illusion: Love, Lies and My Life with Styx,” singing the praises of Rice. Most recently, Rice can be heard as a contributor to the “Revolutions” (Music With A Twist) compilation of GLBT artists.

Gregg Shapiro: What does it mean to you to have your song “The Lie” included on the Music With A Twist compilation “Revolutions”?

Dylan Rice: That’s a great question! I’m ecstatic. I’m so happy that it’s going to reach people that I haven’t been able to reach before, gay and straight and all across the board. I’m also excited about the company that I’m in. The talent is incredible—The Gossip, Kirsten Price, God-dess and She, Levi Kreiss.

GS: I’m glad that you mentioned that. The Gossip is probably the best-known act on the compilation, and I was wondering if you were familiar with any or all of the other artists on the compilation prior to its completion or did this also serve as an introduction to them for you?

DR: Most of them I did not know about, so it was an introduction. I didn’t know about Kirsten until very recently. I knew about Levi because we run in the same circles. I’d heard of K’s Choice, but I didn’t know Sarah Bettens (the out, former lead singer). It’s very exciting because most of them are independent, emerging, like I am, so I feel like I’m in great company.

GS: What was involved in the submission process?

DR: They solicited me to submit, but it wasn’t necessarily for the compilation. They had read an article (about me) in the Chicago Tribune. I was like, “Sure.” I didn’t know what exactly they had in mind (laughs). They also have a syndicated radio show called Radio With a Twist, and they played “The Lie,” and that was sort of like the entry. That was before I got the notice that they wanted to include it on the compilation.

GS: Were you pleased that that song was selected?

DR: Absolutely. I’ve gotten the most mileage out of that song. (Chicago radio station W) XRT has played it. Of course, there are other songs that I would like to have airplay as well, but I couldn’t be happier. It’s one of my favorite songs.

GS: You’re the only artist from Chicago on the compilation, right?

DR: Correct. I’m excited to be somewhat of an anchor here for getting CDs sold here and increasing exposure.

GS: You are an official representative of Chicago.

DR: I’m like an ambassador (laughs). I’m honored.

GS: As a gay musician, do you think it’s necessary to have a gay label such as Music With A Twist?

DR: It’s hard to say because there are so many different ways to become successful as a musician, gay or straight. For me, it’s kind of a relief because it does the job for me (laughs). The conversation has been had before I even need to (say something). They already know. Who cares? There is also gay content in my music. There is so much marketing and promotional power behind this. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, that’s how you get your music on the radio. But I’m also a firm believer that a live performance is equally as important, because I think that I’m a great live performer and I would hope that I can be compelling live as well as in the studio.

GS: It’s been three years since the release of your debut disc “Wandering Eyes…”

DR: Yes, I know, it has. I’m very aware of that (laughs).

GS: I’m sorry if I touched a nerve.

DR: No, no, no, no. I’m just teasing. As I’m sure you know, it’s a really slow process to record and write. There are a lot of songs that I think need some work, lyrics and melody and arrangements. The wheels are turning slowly, but they’re turning.

GS: Even before your inclusion on the “Revolutions” collection, you established your name as an independent gay musician, winning an Outmusic Award in 2005 for your disc “Wandering Eyes,” performing a song you co-wrote with Chuck Panozzo (of Styx) and the closing ceremonies of the Gay Games in 2007. What do you hope to accomplish with this?

DR: It kind of fell into my lap, so I basically jumped at the opportunity to do it. I’m hoping that some more doors open for me and that I get some more exposure nationally. They’re distributing it in other countries, as well. I’m looking to try and be a working musician, to find a way to be out there more.

Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, hosts the "Music With A Twist: Revolutions" CD release party featuring Dylan Rice Band and special guests, at 8 p.m. on July 22.