Jason Antone is a triple threat: not only is he an accomplished vocalist, he is also a songwriter and producer.

This Chicago native first came to the music world’s attention with his first single “With You” which was a breakout at #3 on the Billboard Dance Charts.

His current ditty, “Be Free” (co-written with Georgie Porgie) is in rotation on Logo and has been on the Sirius Out Q chart at #4 for months. The song also peaked at #23 on the Billboard Dance Charts. Let’s check in with Jason and hear in his own words what it’s like to be an openly gay independent artist who has it going on!

AfterElton.com: Hey Jason, your voice really caught my ear when I heard your track “Be Free” ... you stand out in a generic world.

Jason Antone: Thanks, the problem with most music today is you really do not have to sing anymore, all you have to do is go “ah” into the microphone and they can do anything with that.

AE: Yeah, I have this spin instructor who drives me crazy as she keeps raving about the new Britney album, uh, I could have sang that with her team of producers.

JA: I know, and that whole CD sounds like you could have too, it is so over produced. It is catchy and whatever, but….I am always disappointed when I go to see people live and it sounds so different from the CD. It’s so disappointing, you think: “Oh, they are so great I can’t wait to see them” then it’s a huge let down.

AE: You have, and this is meant as a compliment, a real Karen Carpenter quality to your voice.

JA: Totally! I do!

AE: Glad you understand what I mean by that! Her voice was pure, like a clear line to her soul.

JA: I get what you mean by this, I definitely express myself more when I am singing. Singing to you I could say more than talking to you. There is a complete honesty when I am singing.