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He is a gay icon and a role model for gay youth (something he did not have growing up); but more importantly he is a perfect example of how a child actor and singer can grow up in the lights of a celebrity and not be tainted by it all.

On October 2 singer and songwriter Ari Gold released his third studio album "Transport Systems". When writing Ari took to heart the mantra spouted to all writers, write what you know. For Ari that means writing songs about life ad love through the eyes of a gay man.

While "Transport Systems" is not a concept album, it is thematic. All of the songs on the album deals with transportation and moving forward whether it be literally or figuratively. The first single "Where the Music Takes You" was released before the album. The futuristic animated video debuted on the MTV owned channel LOGO on New Now Next. The groundbreaking video features a kiss between two men. And for those too young to know, before CDs there were albums and singles were released on a seven inch record called a 45 because it played at 45 revolutions per minute (RPM). The center of the 45 had a large hole that required a little plastic disc so it would fit on the record player. The spinning object on the space ship seen throughout the video is one of these plastic inserts used on 45s.

While "Where the Music Takes You" is filled with references to modes of transportation, Ari also reminds us that we can travel without leaving home when he says, "of the places you'll go when you find you've been there all along." Ari said that the song title is how he has followed his career going where ever the music took him.

Known primarily as a dance and R&B artist many of the songs on "Transport Systems" are fast paced dance tunes but there are a couple of surprises as well; a bonus hidden track that is an instrumental title simply "Out" and the last listed track on the album "Love Wasn't built in a Day" a beautifully written piece on love taking time to evolve. Appearing on the song is multi Grammy winning artist Dave Koz. Ari said that having Dave Koz on the album was icing on the cake of an album Ari called a labour of love. A labour of love in which Ari Gold has put part of himself into every song even the cover tunes "Human" which was made popular by the group Human League in the eighties.

The child actor has grown up to be a pop star singer but he is still the same Ari Gold in many ways talented and grounded secure in who he is. In speaking with Ari, he is kind, friendly, and a joy to talk with. Ari Gold is an openly gay role model; but even more he is a talented singer and songwriter whose talents are pushed to the back burner while his identity gets the attention. "Where the Music Take You" is an excellent display of talent and ability- yet to be seen or heard by the masses.

To hear the first single from Ari Gold's new album "Transport systems" "Where the Music Takes You" go to Ari's My Space page at www.myspace.com/arigoldthearti st. To learn more about all of Ari's music go to Ari's website at www.arigold.com.

Learn more about this author, Sherrill Fulghum.
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