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.