welcome to wollenberg records,
home of richard cortez, singer/songwriter
The Welder & The Lark
Singer-songwriter Richard Cortez scores the last day of summer with the release of his seventh studio effort, The Welder & The Lark, partnered with one final music video—completing a suite of three— for “The Overture/Don’t Go, Not Yet.”
Cortez, known for having turned down a production deal when asked to present as “straight” in 2004, has been releasing independent, openly queer music on his record label, Wollenberg Records, for the past 15+ years.
The Welder & The Lark, recorded in just six days and co-produced by Jordan Hall (Boy Radio), pairs Cortez’ velvety, warm baritone voice and emotional and thoughtful songwriting with simple yet complimentary production. These 6 original compositions subtly tackle themes of intimacy, monogamy, mental health, and heartbreak—all in less than 15 minutes.
With three music videos filmed and directed by Chicago-based cinematographer Philip Campbell, each starring dancer/choreographer Christian Denice, The Welder & The Lark is a multimedia queer experience curated by an entirely LGBTQIA team—from music production and performance through album artwork and cinematography.
The final music video, “The Overture/Don’t Go, Not Yet.” pairs the opening track of the EP and an overture composed by Cole Witter that subtly marries melodies from each of the 6 songs from the project.
nobody's baby single
dope sick single
The Hurting
richard cortez’ sophomore literary effort, the hurting, unapologetically exposes the longtime songwriter’s struggles with childhood trauma and mental illness. the 36 poems are paired with the dark and emotionally dangerous illustrations of michael j hildebrand.
Summer Sale Peaches
summer sale peaches is the first literary effort made by longtime singer-songwriter, richard cortez. the 22 poems, varying in size from two lines to two pages, are accompanied by the macabre and haunting illustrations of brooklyn artist kevin william reed, warm and dream-like portraiture of richard taken by photographer cole witter, and a blackened copper bookmark handcrafted by sculptor sam waxman.
