We live in a grindset culture in 2025 – a world where working is considered the foremost state one can occupy. Few embody that tireless work ethic more than local rap icon Mama Duke, who from her first album, Ballsy, has been putting in time, sweat, and solid lyrics to get to her current musical Mount Everest. So, what comes next – after the grind?
Well, for Mama Duke, what comes next is opening your eyes. With new pop-centric piece You Can Open Your Eyes Now, muscles and mind relax to the synth serenades dotting this nine-song album inspired by the artist looking around at her accomplishments. “[We] spend so much time clenching and bracing for impact,” says Mama Duke. “Sometimes you have to look around and realize that this is the life you’ve dreamt of for years … The air is finally clear. Well, at least a hell of lot less thicker than it was. There’s no more “grind” … it’s now just – your life.”
The album title, however, doesn’t just originate in the artist’s career journey; Mama Duke also claims its words as a message for the queer community. “There’s a lot happening in the world right now, and queer folks are feeling it from all sides,” she says. “We’re on high alert because we have to be – we’ve spent so much time holding our breath, hoping, bracing for impact, fingers crossed while we peek out to see if it’s safe.” An out and proud lesbian, she says the title isn’t just a statement but a call to action – because just surviving isn’t enough anymore.
“[We’re] standing firm, taking up space, and moving with intention,” Mama Duke explains. “No more waiting, no more wondering. It’s time to face forward, fully aware, fully present. That’s the energy in this album. It’s fearless, it’s honest, and it refuses to look away. Take me as I am.”
Having spent the past years growing her brand and position within the industry – let us not forget this Chronicle cover star’s also a member of the Recording Academy – this album has Mama Duke visiting new genre spaces. “Rap is the water I’m made of – it’s always gonna be there, running through everything I do,” she writes in our email interview. To move into more pop territory doesn’t mean the base elements of her music’s changed, which she compares to mixing a pitcher of lemonade or – more Texan of her – sweet tea. “The foundation doesn’t change,” she says, “but the flavor does.”
For that flavor, she pulled inspiration from fellow genre-hopping artist the Weeknd, whose music Mama Duke “marinated in while I was in London” – the city where she wrote a majority of You Can Open Your Eyes Now. “[It’s] dark, it’s pop, it’s catchy, a little heart-breaky (lol) but not settling in the feeling of loss too long,” she says of her new album’s tracklist, filled with what she calls “light at the end of the tunnel break-up songs.”
“Cause I be sad!” Mama Duke acknowledges. “But I don’t be miserable. Lol! If it’s one thing we gone’ do is put it all in the music.”
In the new album is a challenge from Duke to her listeners to accept this shape-shifting moment – to explore new experiences with the same dedication given to the old.
“This shit should be fun!” Mama Duke says. “Let’s get back to that! Paint some shit and sell it. Or don’t. Keep it, hang it up! Post your art! Did it get 32 likes? You gone’ take it down now weirdo? Nahhhhh! We are trying shit out in real time! Take the pressure off of yourself! The highest point of a rollercoaster is always the most nerve wrecking, scary, thrilling! But look at that view! You Can Open Your Eyes Now!”
Glamp, Glamp: Hearts & Farts Valentine’s Edition
Thursday 13, Lynny’s
Back in time for hearts to flutter, Lynn Metcalf and Erica Nix host a Valentine’s edition of this experimental queer performance open mic. Stage time is limited to six minutes, so time it right or you’ll be chased off by a giant tampon – literally!
Get Lucky with Glaze
Friday 14, Cheer Up Charlies
Austin-based art zine Glaze invites all lovers to roll the dice at their Valentine’s extravaganza, where in addition to drag & burlesque on stage and DJ Beaujolais behind the decks there’ll be karaoke, a glam station, a photo booth, vendor market, and a real Vegas-style wedding. Woah, mama! as the King once said.
Husky Pup & Critters Night: Puppy Love
Friday 14, the Iron Bear
For the fifth addition of their Puppy Love event, these critters are raising funds for their Iron Pet 25, with opportunities to bid on silent auction items as well as a mosh and Jell-O shots. Reminder to all attendees from the hosts: “[Your] headspace and body pawsitivity matter.”
Your Favorite Cuzins
Saturday 15, ColdTowne Theater
Jose Da’Hype plays host to this packed house party of hilarious comics for the second of this annual stand-up showcase, with Halima Abshir, Ke’Juan Moses, Mohamed Yual, Dedrick Flynn, and Best of Austin winner Rochelle McConico on the lineup. Plus: Kyai Simone as musical guest.
Sexy Single DJs Want to Party with You
Saturday 15, Cheer Up Charlies
DJs Killgxrl and Kshal spin all the best beats that they “definitely didn’t pirate!!” at this cyberpirate-inspired sapphic rave. Dress code asks you dress either high seas or high CSS vis-à-vis pirate garb.
Lez Prom
Saturday 15, 29th Street Ballroom
According to event host Faye Fearless’ Linktree, this sapphic soiree is over 80% sold-out – which is typical for the annual formal dress event that’s been sweeping sapphic Austin since the 2010s. If you’re itching to wear a corsage or boutonnière, you better hit the buy tickets button quick!
Sanrio Drag Show
Saturday 15, Cheer Up Charlies
Kino Kino and Munster Mash host this cute overload where each drag performer salutes a member of the Sanrio fam, plus a costume contest and vendor market. Fingers crossed for the rare Big Challenges tribute!
Professional Headshots with QBWA
Saturday 15, Createscape
Queer Black Women Alliance offers sliding-scale priced headshots for Alliance members and allies. Make sure to RSVP before attending.
Next of Kin & Creekbed Carter
Saturday 15, Cactus Cafe
Cult country trio Next of Kin serenade this campus hot spot on its 45th anniversary – and official reopening – alongside roaming queergrass strummer Creekbed Carter, who promises to play only “unreleased bangers & labor songs.”
Queer Crafts
Saturday 15, Cheer Up Charlies
As host Miche puts it, “cheer up charlie’s in the daylight?!…well yes!” Head over to Chups while it’s still light out with a friend, snacks, and a creative spirit to decorate one of three gay-ass objects: a lighter, picture frame, or carabiner. Supplies provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own as well.
Valentine’s Ho-Down
Sunday 16, Rocky’s Bar at the Austin Motel
Okay, okay: So it’s two days past V-Day – this party-hardy scored by DJ Boi Oribison’s queer country still warms the heart with drag, Erica Nix’s Squeer Dancing, and plenty of sweet sips.
Women, Transgender and Nonbinary Kickball Open Play
Sunday 16, Govalle Neighborhood Park
Calling all sportos, jocks, and the atheletic aspiring: Local Queer ATX and Stonewall Sports join forces for this free session of kickball chaos.
Full of Love
Sunday 16, St. Elmo Brewing Co.
Las Ofrendas puts their heart where their markets are by throwing this community event featuring a know-your-rights workshop, free mental-health sessions, loteria, and – of course – a Frida Friday ATX market.
Sapphic Singles
Sunday 16, Cabana Club
Hosts Erin Camp and Areesha Singh welcome all queer women, sapphics, trans & nonbinary peeps in need of a drink, a friend, or possibly a lover to hang out at this low-pressure meetup.
Sad Girls Only
Monday 17, Swan Dive
Start your week with a communal cry at hosts Louisianna Purchase and Ruby Knight’s downcast drag show, featuring karaoke, DJ Sad Dad, and cake along with perfectly melancholy performances.
Regional Advocacy Training
Tuesday 18, Do512 Lounge
Local Queer ATX, the Little Gay Shop, and Equality Texas form a throuple for one night only to provide education and empowerment to all those curious about the current queer civic state. RSVP to not only learn about Texas politics and how to advocate at the Capitol, but also join a postcard party to write to YOUR representatives.
Boyz of Austin: Are the Straights Okay?
Wednesday 19, Elysium
No, but really: Are they? Austin fave gender-diverse drag king troupe answers all our most pressing questions about heterosexuals on stage. Dress in rainbows or, as the Boyz say, “completely gray scale tones, we don’t judge either way!”
Crafting as Resistance
Wednesday 19, CRAFT
Get creative while making community connections with BIPOC queer org allgo at their open craft night.
Highland Vogue Nights
Thursday 20, Highland Lounge
House of Lepore goes big by bringing a weekly mini-ball to Austin’s tri-story gay club on every third Thursday. The Legendary Natalie Lepore emcees with Father Mazzi Lepore co-hosting, and DJ Scam Likely keeps it in the family behind the decks. Cover costs $7.
This article appears in February 14 • 2025.
