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The New Sound Karaoke (2008–2015) was a Queer expanded-cinema karaoke project that unfolded across clubs, galleries, and alternative spaces in New York City and beyond including Art In General, Tandem Bar, Canada Gallery, DIA, The University of Southern California and more. Conceived and performed by Bobby Abate and JJ Chinois as their alter egos Bobby Service and Black Waterfall, newly “converted” newlyweds turned televangelist turned karaoke hosts, the project reimagined karaoke as a site of escapism and performative disruption.
Part installation, part nightclub, part live broadcast, the events combined karaoke with multi-channel video projections and participatory performance. Artists working in any medium were invited to occupy pop songs by creating karaoke visuals and rewriting lyrics.
Participating artists included Patty Chang, Martha Colburn, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Tracey MacCullion, Ben Coonley, Jeanine Oleson, Jesse McClean, Frankie Martin, Larin Sullivan, Emily Landon, Tara Mateik, Jeanne Liotta, Douglas Martin, Cat Tyc, Danny Balgley, Lauren Seigal, Ashley Huizinga, June Fagley, Khaela Maricich, Michael O’Neill, and so many more.
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