She’s fresh, fresh… exciting! The song could be about the singer/songwriter her- er…himself. Adam Joseph is both.

After graduating Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, Joseph became one the first openly queer artists to sign with Sony BMGs all-gay label, Rainbow with a Twist. When the label folded, Joseph ventured out on his own with smooth R&B grooves like “You’re Mine” and “Flow with My Soul.”

But it was the music video to his campy track, “Faggoty Attention,” that shined the brightest spotlight on the young artist. A little bit Michael Jackson “The Way You Make Me Feel,” a little bit Madonna “Music” (at least the part where she is dancing in her limo), the video depicted Joseph and his gaggle of ladies luring a vulnerable straight boy. It was a YouTube hit, especially with young gay men, but also managed to ruffle some feathers, which some called, “glamorizing the word, ‘faggot’.”

This month, Adam Joseph hopes to attract more attention with a unique cover of Kool and the Gang’s 70s disco hit, “Fresh.” He’ll perform the single, along with “Faggoty Attention,” at San Diego IndieFest V in North Park on Saturday, March 28.

Gay & Lesbian Times: What made you decide to cover ‘Fresh’?

Adam Joseph: I’ve always loved the song. Plus, I wanted to bring something old school back into the mix.

GLT: How is your ‘Fresh’ different from the original by Kool and the Gang?

AJ: My ‘Fresh’ uses elements from Kool and the Gang’s original version but is more current sounding. I’m also working with dance-floor remixers to take the track to an even more futuristic place.

GLT: Is your ‘Fresh’ sung to a guy?

AJ: No. It’s sung to a beautiful lady, if you know what I mean.

GLT: Will the music video for the song be as campy as ‘Faggoty Attention’?

AJ: The video features some of the loveliest working girls in NYC. We were going for a very sexy and chic vibe, with a wink. It’s pretty fierce.

GLT: What have you learned from the success of ‘Faggoty Attention’?

AJ: To not take myself too seriously. The first time I put my guard down and did a crazy song, the fans came rolling in. My older music had a much more serious tone. The success of “Faggoty Attention” reminds me to keep it fun and playful; that’s what people seem to respond to in the end.

GLT: Did you like all the attention you received from the track?

AJ: Sure! I’m always glad to be pointed out as the faggot in the room.

GLT: Do you take issue with media that wants to lump you in the same musical box as queer artists Jonny McGovern and Cazwell?

AJ: I don’t care what lump I’m in as long as people are listening. However, people should know I don’t only do tongue-in-cheek gay-themed music. I explore other sides of my persona through my music.

GLT: ‘Faggoty Attention’ was a sharp departure from the smooth R&B sound of previous tracks like ‘You’re Mine.’ Did any fans take issue with the campy gay track?

AJ: Most fans recognized the humor and appreciated it. I did read some less than desirable comments about the video, but, as an artist, I hold firm to the belief that as long as people are watching and talking, I’m doing my job.

GLT: How have fans of ‘Faggoty Attention’ responded to your more serious music?

AJ: Truthfully, I’m not sure they get it. People tell me they like the music, but I can’t help but notice that when they come up to me after a show, they always want to talk about ‘Faggoty Attention.’

GLT: Where does ‘Fresh’ fall? Is it more ‘Faggoty Attention’ or smooth R&B?

AJ: It’s the perfect combination of the two. It has a great beat for dancing in the club but still has that great funky soul vibe.

GLT: You were one of the first openly gay artists to be signed to a major label. Was your desire to pursue the ‘faggoty’ tracks the reason you decided to leave the majors and sign with an independent label?

AJ: With the major label, it always felt job-like. The record company loved you as long as you were selling. They really don’t care at all about the music. Would you leave your baby with someone trying to make money off of it? I learned though my experience with Sony that I appreciate the indie way of releasing music.

GLT: So are you finished completely with the majors?

AJ: Not really. I am actually working on my second major-label release right now. It’s a feature on super-producer Bob Sinclar’s next album.

GLT: What do you hope to achieve?

AJ: World domination! But if I can make people smile or cry, that’s OK, too.

GLT: What’s next?

AJ: I’m working on the finishing touches of my second solo album. (Laughs) Plus working on my dance moves.

GLT: Will this be your first time in San Diego?

AJ: Yes! I’m looking forward to sampling what San Diego has to offer.

GLT: Will you be incorporating any of the fun Kool and the Gang dance steps into your act?

AJ: Oh, trust, there will be steps!

Adam Joseph performs Indiefest V in NorthPark on Saturday, March 28 at 4 p.m. For more information, visit AdamJosephMusic.com or www.sdindiemusicfest.com