The other Melissa
Lesbianism could be a commercial bonanza! The South Florida
Express Gay News featured an interview this month (that I can't find on the website) with Massachusetts-based singer/musician
Melissa Ferrick, who came out for her second album, released in '95. "Ferrick's good friend, Chastity Bono, wrote a story about Ferrick for The Advocate. Ironically it was the record label that pushed her to open up about her sexuality.
"'Honestly, it was a publicity play,' Ferrick says. 'It was what the record label wanted at the time because of the press I could get. They thought we could sell more records and narrow down the audience. I'm sure you are aware the gay market is definitely a market people try to exploit. Looking back now, I think it was a business ploy rather than a heartfelt thing.'
"Ferrick was relieved not [to] have to answer questions about her personal life in a vague, upside down manner. But on the flip side, she was working with the label using her sexuality to sell records, which felt somewhat dirty, she says. Still, kd lang was out, Melissa Etheridge was out, and it was the thing to do, Ferrick says."
For those interested in the music, Ferrick describes her style as Ani DeFranco shaking hands with Dave Matthews. There's a
crabby review here.