The Miami-based pop music team, singer Joey Diamond and producer Jace M, made waves last year for their remake of *NSYNC favorite “Tearin’ Up My Heart”. Now, with the help of Toy Armada, they are taking on JLO, re-imagining her 1999 classic, “Waiting for Tonight”.
Diamond fondly recalls bopping along to Jennifer Lopez’s original as a child and credits the diva with empowering a young generation of people of color like him; encouraging them to have hope for the future. “The song is a huge inspiration as my goal, with both my covers and original tracks, is to see people vibing, dancing, and having the time of their lives on the dance floor,” he says.
Jace M and Toy Armada infuse lots of drums and full synths into the new version, but Jace feels it is Joey’s vocals that really drive the beat home. “Joey’s range is stunning and the passion he exudes in the song is intoxicating.”
Hear for yourself when Joey Diamond kicks off Miami Beach Pride Weekend with a performance of “Waiting for Tonight” at Palace Bar in South Beach on Friday, April 12. The show will take place in Palace Bar’s new lounge nightclub where DJ Cindel will be on the decks, spinning music from midnight to 5 AM.
We caught up with Joey Diamond at his Miami home to learn more.
How did you, Jace M and Toy Armada come together to re-make “Waiting for Tonight”?
JD: After the success of “Tearing up my Heart”, we thought it might be fun to do another nineties classic. We looked for something with an up-tempo Latin vibe that still had that nostalgic feel to it.
What did you think the first time you heard Jace M and Toy Armada’s production of the song?
JD: I’m convinced that Jace and Toy are actually warlocks and that every song they create is embedded with a spell that makes listeners crave chocolate pudding.
We’re excited to hear it at Palace!
JD: This will be my first-time performing Miami. I plan on serving some live, vocal realness. I won’t have dancers, but that’s okay because I’m pretty sure that we’re gonna have everyone in the crowd dancing with me.
Have you experienced Pride at Palace?
JD: I have not. But funny story, my fiancé worked at Palace during Pride 2009.
Wait, you’re taken?
JD: Yes, I have a really hot fiancé. We do subscription-based video content together where we document our travel adventures.
What are some of your favorite hotspots in Miami?
JD: I could linger at the beach all day long, every day. I especially love hanging out at Haulover nude beach. One of the best things about Miami is how close we are to the ocean and not just any ocean, but an ocean that’s pleasurable to dip your feet into. I’m from California. As beautiful as the beaches are there, they are not very enjoyable to go into.
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
JD: I binge eat the Unicorn ice cream from Walmart. It’s so delicious. I could go through a pint a day.
What book is on your nightstand?
JD: It’s been a hot minute since I’ve had the time to open a book for enjoyment but the last one was Dr. Michael Bennett’s F*uck Feelings.
Who is someone you follow online?
JD: I follow Bad Bunny. I love him and I’m super intrigued by his fashion.
Final question: who is your favorite queen at Palace?
JD: You know that I can’t choose just one! All the queens at Palace are super talented and exceptional at what they do. While the food is great, the queens are the reason that Palace is the hottest place to go to in South Beach.
Joey Diamond performs “Waiting for Tonight” at Palace Bar in South Beach on Friday, April 12. Visit Palacesouthbeach.com.
