Diamond Rings Explores 'the Spaces Between' Genders at NXNE

If there was any one overlying comment about Diamond Rings' (John O'Regan's alter-ego) performance at the public Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto on Friday night (June 17), it was something about how O'Regan has more in common with David Bowie than most people initially thought.

Standing skinny and proud, the skyrocketing electro-pop multi-instrumentalist star sang his heart out for a crowd of devoted fans, casual onlookers and newfound revelers who had come out for the free NXNE performance.

At times, O'Regan burst into impromptu raps, such as on his track 'Show Me Your Stuff.' Other times, he'd vogue with arms flailing above his head, as if at an '80s gay disco, with drum loops rolling. His set was sure to impress -- and also confuse -- new audiences, as he was clad in his gender bending, gold and green-banded eye shadow, Nike high-tops and an Air Jordan jersey that hung off his lanky frame.

O'Regan played his most popular, ambiguous love ballads, including 'All Yr Songs,' where he confesses truisms in sing-a-long choruses and refrains like, "And if you ever wonder how we keep from going under/It's because we find another reason not to give in."

But when it comes to O'Regan's act, it must be remembered that, as he has stated in countless interviews, including one with Spinner, prior to NXNE, his interest is "not in identifying with any one gender in particular," rather, "exploring the spaces in-between." Mission accomplished.

Watch Diamond Rings Perform at NXNE
See Spinner's Complete Coverage of NXNE 2011
Follow @Spinner on Twitter | Like Spinner on Facebook