Rising star Jake Wesley Rogers has released a new song and video for Pride Month in which he pays homage to LGBTQ+ luminaries Marsha P. Johnson and Oscar Wilde, and even Peter Pan.
The arresting video, shot in black-and-white, depicts a journey of sorts with a procession en route to a crucifixion with Rogers on the cross.
"'Momentary' is a funeral and celebration of life. As a queer person, I think it's important to recognize the complex tapestry that began before I was here and will continue after I'm gone," Rogers says in press notes. "In the song, I pay respect to my heroes, both fictional and actual, from Marsha P. Johnson to Peter Pan, who didn't get a chance to grow old."
"In the music video by Se Oh, I boldly sing in fishnets and a loincloth while being crucified on a cross, a powerful representation of the impermanence of love and life. Everything truly is momentary," Rogers continues.
Rogers's soaring vocals and glam style caught the attention of Grammy-nominated songwriter Justin Tranter, who signed him to Facet Records/Warner Records in 2020. He is currently working on an EP to be released later this year. His previous EPs are Evergreen (2017) and Spiritual (2019).
To help The Advocate celebrate its Champions of Pride 2021, Rogers shared a performance of his celebratory "Middle of Love" during our virtual event. The entire special can be viewed below.