It’s a brand new single called “Take My Bow” produced by Laev (who has worked with artists like Mac Miller and Chance the Rapper). Yahoo! News called the song “a sexy new gay anthem.” (Three remixes are planned for release in the UK, produced by Paul Morrell, Morlando and Until Dawn. The US remix will be produced by house music legend Tommy Sunshine.)
During a recent conversation, Verraros, who resides in Chicago with her husband Sean Michael Buck, discussed “The Onion,” the meaning of “thirst traps,” and the meaning of being part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Note. This conversation has been edited for clarity and length.
Windy City Times: I was a little confused about this song because the title is “Take MY Bow,” but the lyrics say “take a bow.”
Jim Verraros: Yeah, there’s a bit of a mix there. First of all, I didn’t want to take anything from a classic Madonna song. I’ve mixed it up a little bit, but basically it’s the term “my bow,” which means it’s something for me personally to be ready for something now that the climate has changed for the queer community.
When I came out publicly in 2002, I was only 19. In the United States, we didn’t really have a framework for a gay pop singer. If my career had started 10 years later, I might have had a better chance. It’s more about timing and the placement of stars; with all this incredible exposure now, it felt like the right time (to release the song).
WCT: And I was wondering why you decided to release this song now.
JW: First of all, when you’re a creative person or an artist, I don’t think the “pilot light” ever goes off; what matters is whether you want to touch it. My husband is also musical and music plays in our house every day. During dinner, Sean immediately turns on the speaker. And I started thinking, “What would Jim do now?”
And I’m inspired by a lot of popular queer artists. Kim Petras finally got flowers now, after all these years. If you saw Sam Smith’s storyline, (they) fell in love with this unabashed love. Troye Sivan came on the scene 10 years after I came out; I love that he has such a powerful, weird voice. And then there are artists like Hayley Kiyoko, St. Vincent and Todrick Hall, who was also on Idol. All these performances made me feel good and safe. It made me think, “Jim, times are different. I think people will pay a little more attention to the music and not your sexuality or personality.”
WCT: And in the rap world there are people like Lil Nas.
JW: Of course. (Lil Nasx X) brought so much light to the gay community. He’s great. There are many more of them now than there were 20 years ago.
WCT: So (echoing Yahoo!), would you call this song a weird anthem?
JW: Perhaps. I co-wrote it with this incredible weird songwriter named Jace Green; he’s from Oklahoma City, he’s 23 or 24 years old—just a kid—but he taught me a lot. (Regarding the song) It was hard for me to say something political because we’re in such a shit show right now – or am I doing something that’s fun and brings joy to people?
I saw this video of RuPaul that came up on my Instagram newsfeed and she said that when it’s dark you can’t live there because it will just drive you crazy. The only thing we can control is what we put into the world, right? This really resonated with me because there are so many things to be angry about right now. So I decided to release something fun – something danceable and interesting to remix.
WCT: So you released this song. Is there an album coming?
JW: I don’t know how to answer that. The immediate plan includes three UK remixes and the aim is to get it into the charts overseas. If this happens, I think it will give me more confidence. American remix which I really like; Tommy Sunshine has worked with everyone from Nicki Minaj to Kim Petras and Harry Styles.
It would probably make sense to make a video. I’ve never done that and this song would fit that bill.
WCT: And you posted photos to promote the song, and some of them show a little skin. There is still an opinion that people who take photographs of thirst traps should not be taken seriously; however, there are also people who say: “Why not? Do what you want”.
JW: I see your point. For me, turning 40 this year was a revelation for (various reasons). I was focused on putting others before myself and trying to please people. So when I turned 40, I just said, “Screw it.” I am who I am, and I’m tired of trying to live up to expectations – be it image or perception. If you don’t want to look at me, you don’t have to; no one is forcing you to watch this.
But on the other hand, it was quite liberating. I’m working my ass off in the gym and I feel really good right now. If this leads to downloads or awareness, I hope people will appreciate the scope of my career and what I was doing at 19 rather than a shirtless photo. I’ve never posed like that on a shoot; My good friend literally had her five month old baby strapped to her while she oiled up my ass. It was hysterical.
WCT: When I last interviewed you in 2020, I asked you what 37-year-old Jim Verraros would tell 18-year-old Jim Verraros about life, and you responded, “Success doesn’t mean fame.” Do you still feel the same?
JW: I think that’s very true, but I might change it a little and say, “Success is not a tangible thing; it’s how you feel.” I’ve been through a lot in the last two decades of my life, and at 40, I think I can say I love my job even though it’s corporate, and to have this passion project on the side and be in this great relationship . and owning a house (these are signs of success).
I came from this world that said, “You need to be as successful as other idols and get a record deal like Kelly.” I had to work a lot harder because I wasn’t as famous as them and I was openly gay. I didn’t do too badly with what I had to work with. But I think success is really a feeling: it’s a strong relationship, a great partner, bills paid, good friends. I think success is different for each person, but don’t deny or compare. I think comparison is the thief of all joy.
WCT: So if Hollywood came calling, what would your answer be?
JW: I don’t know. I think I would be open, but it would depend on the circumstances. We’ve come a long way in queer entertainment. When I think about the films I made in the early 2000s, they were campy, but there were also moments of representation that I think are very important. I think I would be open to it, but it would depend on the project. Never say never.
WCT: You also seem to be quite politically aware. Have you ever considered running for office?
JW: Oh, I have too many skeletons in my closet. It’s a completely different world; I’d rather support someone. We live in Chicago; It’s a shit show right now, so whoever steps into the role of mayor is going to have a really hard time. Running this city is not easy.
I am very strong in my beliefs. I don’t want to be the only voter, but I have to care about my life as a member of a couple in Chicago. I want safety for everyone in Chicago, just like so many other people.
WCT: So you mentioned Kelly Clarkson recently. What are the chances that you will appear on her show and perform your song?
JW: Oh, that’s a good question. It’s funny that you say that because of the writers’ strike (which has now been resolved). I know she moved her show from Los Angeles to New York. If it ever became possible, I’d like her to sing it with me – she could sing the second verse. I wonder if she’ll ever do a remix with me – maybe go somewhere else, because she’s the best vocalist of our time, or at least of this generation, that’s for sure.
I’ve loved her since I first met her 21 years ago, even though I haven’t seen her in a couple of years. I feel like she’s better now than ever, and I didn’t think that was possible. I love seeing her journey and all the accolades she has received not only as a singer but also as a talk show host. I’m waiting for her to sing the next James Bond song and it got me thinking about Jennifer Hudson and all the successful idols: Kelly, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert (who I’m a big fan of), David. Archuleta (also left). But you also have David Hernandez, Mikala Gordon – all the weird idols that came out of the other seasons were very inspiring. It’s amazing where we are.
WCT: And you have Adore Delano and others.
JW: Adore talked about living in secret on Idol; It’s interesting to see how much she’s really grown now. She is great; I’d like to do something with it too.
WCT: My final question is one I’ve asked others this year: What is it like for you to be part of the queer community in America today?
JW: Oh God, I think the word for me is “inspired.” The younger generation is so unapologetic in their own skin and it’s wonderful to see. I didn’t have anyone to look at or look at and say, “There’s a place for me, too.”
But the queer community is constantly evolving because we are evolving as people. This is why there are more letters (to describe) a community and why sexuality and identity are more fluid. Experience can lead to discoveries about yourself.
We are always on a constant journey to find our true essence. I know things are not going well politically, but this is nothing new for us and we will have to continue to fight this battle. I hope I inspired people when I came on stage; now I’m inspired. It’s very full circle.
To listen to “Take My Bow,” visit www.youtube.com/watch. The song is available on all major online stores such as Apple Music.