Tony and The Kiki rise as queer glam rock icons in NYC music scene
UNPUBLISHED
9 Lounges Team
8/4/2025
Genre-Bending and Gender-Defying
Frontperson Tony Alfaro is the vocal spellcaster of the group. Their voice doesn’t just hit notes; it casts spells, ricocheting between octaves and emotions. More than a vocalist, Tony is a visual and musical shapeshifter — effortlessly smashing the binaries of gender, genre, and expectation.
New York has always been a city of reinvention, and in 2025, one band embodies that truth better than anyone else: Tony & The Kiki. Fusing the sass of glam rock, the energy of disco, and the heart of soul with unapologetic queer expression and Latinx flavor, Tony & The Kiki are not just a band — they’re a cultural force.
From NYC Underground to Global Recognition
Tony & The Kiki have captivated audiences in underground clubs and on international stages. Their tracks have landed on major platforms like ESPN, as well as the acclaimed Australian TV show Colin From Accounts, proving their crossover appeal is more than just sparkle — it's substance.
Critics and fans alike are paying attention. They've received praise from global media and high-profile names, bridging the gap between rock and modern pop culture. With a presence that blends Broadway-level showmanship and dive bar grit, they are built for the arena.
A Cosmic Collision of Sequins and Sound
Founded in 2021 by longtime collaborators and friends Tony (Anthony Alfaro, vocals) and The Kiki (keys), Tony & The Kiki formed in the heart of New York City — and the city’s rich underground scene runs deep in their sound. Think David Bowie’s theatricality, Prince’s funk, and Janis Joplin’s raw soul, thrown into a kaleidoscope of modern rebellion.
Their music doesn’t politely knock on the door of the mainstream — it kicks it open in six-inch heels and velvet pants. With high-voltage live shows, spellbinding vocals, and glam-laced riffs, they’ve created a sonic universe as inclusive as it is electrifying.
A Movement, Not Just a Band
Tony & The Kiki are more than entertainers — they are leaders in a cultural movement. Their rise is a testament to how authenticity, identity, and passion can shift the paradigm in music. They are part of a vibrant wave of artists bringing back the spirit of theatrical rock while infusing it with modern messages of inclusion and joy.
In 2025, Tony & The Kiki aren’t just performing; they’re redefining what it means to be a rock star in a new era.
Also Read
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
