KEVIN AVIANCE

A CONVERSATION WITH CHEF SCOTTISH FRANCIS
By Chef Scottish Francis

On the set of the vibrant new music video for his upcoming fourth album Hippopotamus, nightlife icon Kevin Aviance sat down with Chef Scottish Francis to talk Beyoncé, queer nightlife and the healing power of dance music.

Francis: We’re here shooting the debut music video for your upcoming album and I thought I would ask you a few questions. First off — Kevin Aviance, the legend, the myth, the superdiva of Divas. First question — well, more of a statement… BEYONCÉ!

Kevin: Beyoncé. I live for her.

Francis: In 2022, the world was graced with Renaissance, Beyoncé’s Grammy Award–winning album. Your legendary house track “Cunty” was sampled on the song “Pure/Honey.” Describe the moment when you first found out and how it felt.

Kevin: So the first time I heard about it, I was sleeping really badly. I woke up and my friend happened to be over. We started listening to the album, loved it so much and then we came down to the song — and I heard my voice. I passed out.

Francis: Did you know beforehand? Does she call you up and go, “What’s up Kevin?” and beg you to let her use it?

Kevin: No, I did not know.

Francis: Madonna also called you to the stage for her tour. The last few years have really positioned you for world domination in 2025.

Kevin: I don’t know about domination. I mean, it’s kinda like — you know — being in the right place at the right time, I guess. I’ve been in New York a long time, girl. I’ve been doing a lot of work here.

Francis: Your new album Hippopotamus — your fourth studio album — is so exciting! Please tell us more about it and what inspired it.

Kevin: Hippopotamus is a collective of tracks under the dance umbrella. There are several different types of dance music on this album — freestyle, ’90s dance house, disco, rock dance. I love every song so much. It’s uplifting, it’s sexy, it’s fun. There’s even a gospel track on it.

The name Hippopotamus represents a lot to me because it’s odd — and sometimes being odd is the most interesting thing. 

I wanted something that would catch people’s eye, make them wonder. It’ll be exciting to see how people react to it.

Francis: We sat in your art studio in Jersey City, where you played me some of your favorite parts of the album — it was truly incredible. Hearing new music from you is always so special for me. I remember being at Earth and Roxy, hearing your voice over the speakers and getting chills — and I got those chills again. What are some of your favorite songs from Hippopotamus?

Kevin: I love them all! Every song, I love. I worked with some really great people. “That Part” is definitely one of my favorites. “Body” is one of my favorites. “Possible” is one of my favorites. “Greatness” is one of my favorites. I love the whole album so much. There’s something for everybody on this album, definitely.

Francis: You are working with the maestro DJ Gomi on the album. What has that been like? Have you worked together before?

Kevin: One of the biggest choices for this album was working with DJ Gomi. He’s one of the most skilled, passionate engineers and musicians I’ve ever met. He’s actually the first person I ever worked with in music. We’ve had a long, long relationship.

I feel so at home working with DJ Gomi. He’s always ready to hear my ideas and bring them to life. We went back and forth on the songs — I think I even cried a couple times! He’s a thoroughbred. A beast when it comes to music production. I thank God for him every day. He’s an absolute sweetheart — and a genius.

Francis: When does the album drop?

Kevin: I would say July or August. Definitely this summer.

Francis: What advice do you have for the LGBTQ+ community right now?

Kevin: Keep doing you. Stay current 

with what’s going on in the world, but don’t stop being yourself. Volunteer, help out somebody, give back a little bit. Be there for your fellow LGBTQIA+ person.

Art is so important right now — so if you do art, do your art. Do it, do it, do it!

Francis: Tell us about your upcoming shows!

Kevin: Every Tuesday night, I’m at The Animal in Brooklyn, DJing for a party called Dance Class. And I’m doing a major performance for Hippopotamus at LPR (Le Poisson Rouge) on June 26 — that Thursday night before Pride Weekend.

Francis: Final question — did you sample Beyoncé on your album?

Kevin: (laughs) lol

Francis: That’s not a no! (both laugh)