“Dark, electro synthpop — perfect for sex,” is how musician boyBitch (aka David Vanden Enden) describes his music.  

Vanden Enden’s journey has been a long one. As a young boy, he was driven to explore his identity and sexuality: “There was one particular day when I was 11, where I went to this boy-bitch place — I full-on dressed like a rock star.” But his rural, religious background made him feel compelled to repress his homosexuality, and he was forced down avenues that weren’t right for him.  

He got into a very wholesome, clean-cut style of music and won a 2008 David Foster Star Search competition in Calgary. His soulful rendition of “The Prayer,” accompanied by Foster on piano, can be found on YouTube. He had a strong chance at a career in that kind of music but felt aimless and doubtful. His repression also led him to marry a woman. His inability to commit to the Foster-style music was difficult, but his “13-year marriage was a pressure cooker for what’s coming out now.”

He changed course, rebelled against the life he’d felt forced to lead, and developed into boyBitch: “I’ve been life’s bitch, but I’m reclaiming  that.” Repression overcome, he’s facing his bitch status head-on and is developing into something better and happier. The boyBitch look is much like what the 11-year-old Vanden Enden went for: colourful, a bit of makeup, somewhat genderqueer. “It’s me coming back to and embracing that beautiful little fag.” — Jeremy Willard

boyBitch performs Thurs, Aug 16, 9pm at Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor St W. boybitch.bandcamp.com, leespalace.com