This debut single by HNTR ALLN boldly celebrates raw gay identity. The message is clear. “DTF” draws inspiration from the sexually charged atmosphere of LA’s gay bars, late night hook-ups, the dark corners inviting an exploration of our fantasies. With explicit lyrics and suggestive imagery, HNTR ALLN delivers a gritty electro house track that is, as you may expect, strictly NSFW. In an unapologetic expression of his erotic aesthetics, DTF lays out who this artist is and what we should expect from him in the future.
Needless to say HNTR ALLN is an artist unafraid to push boundaries. But, it wasn’t always like this. Growing up in a conservative, Christian household in Robinson, IL, a young Hunter Allen breaking free of the expectations of church and community led to a journey of liberation and an exploration of identity. It was his immersion in the vibrant queer community of Los Angeles that was the ultimate inspiration for HNTR ALLN to embrace his authentic self and channel his experiences into his music.
Now he draws on that journey, and his long-standing admiration for the work of artists like Tom of Finland, to create his music. HNTR ALLN’s sound builds upon the flamboyance of Lady Gaga, the vulnerable soulfulness of Sam Smith, and the fearless authenticity of Kim Petras. Standing firmly on the shoulders of these trailblazers to create his own artistic statement.
Uninhibited. Unrestrained. Simply, DTF.
Who is Hunter and how do you identify?
Hey, I’m HNTR ALLN (he/him) – a gay artist who’s not afraid to push boundaries. My music is all about capturing the gritty, real-life experiences of gay nightlife. Picture Tom of Finland’s art coming to life in sound – that’s my music. I’m all about putting the leather community and the wilder side of gay fetish culture out there. No filters, no apologies – just raw, honest representation of queer life that doesn’t always get the spotlight.
When did your career start and how has it evolved?
While ‘DTF’ marks my debut as HNTR ALLN, my journey in music started much earlier. I’ve been performing on stage since my teenage years, but the music never quite resonated with who I truly am. It took relocating to Los Angeles (from a small rural town in Illinois) and experiencing life to find my authentic voice.
Now, with ‘DTF’ and my upcoming tracks, I feel that my songs are not only a part of queer culture but are also capturing the conversations that I have (or sometimes wished I had) in my local leather gay bar, The Bullet in North Hollywood – which played a pivotal role in my ‘coming out’ journey. Coming out both personally and as an artist.
It’s certainly a dramatic shift from my days in the Christian choir. These days, I’m crafting raw, sexually-charged electro tracks that would likely shock most pastors.
What does “DTF” mean to you?
It’s the sound of my sexual desires. “DTF” bottles the intense energy of the leather gay bar, the butterflies of late-night hookups, and the freedom to explore my deepest fantasies. It’s not just a song – it’s my manifesto.
Who are your inspirations?
Tom of Finland’s erotic art, Lady Gaga’s style and theatrics, and the gritty realness of my local leather bar with a nod to Kim Petras, who I’d love to collaborate with soon!
Apart from a musician and artist, what else best describes you?
Fashion’s my playground, and I like to keep it edgy. I’m all about DIY – cutting up old shirts, bleaching them, then piecing them back together with safety pins. Sometimes these creations make it into my music videos, other times they fall apart on me!
I’m not shy about showing off and I’m obsessed with makeup (Glitter!). Basically, I’m the kind of guy that makes conservative aunts uncomfortable! I’m always down to expand my gay family circle. You could say I’m a bit of a social butterfly – always buzzing around, making new friends in the scene.
How would you describe your aesthetics?
Again, think of Tom of Finland directing a music video in the dark back room of a leather bar. It’s raw, it’s overtly sexual, it’s unapologetically queer. My sound and visuals are a love letter to the grittier and kinkier side of gay culture… and of course the ripped one-of-a-kind bleached shirt!
What shall we expect from you in the future?
More tracks that’ll make you sweat on the dance floor, turn you on, and make my family think I’m going to hell. I’m on a mission to keep pushing the envelope, celebrating every facet of queer identity – especially the parts that some people would rather keep in the shadows!
YASS Magazine 