Brian Justin Crum seems on the fast track to becoming America’s gay sweetheart. The wholesome boy-next-door type emerged into the public last year when he competed on America’s Got Talent. He won us over with his covers of Michael Jackson, Queen, and Radiohead.

In his latest video, the singer sheds that innocent image for something raw and intimate. “Wild Side” expresses a side of the artist his fans have yet to see. Tied to a chair, he’s subjected to flashes of various sexual scenarios, ultimately exploring themes of sexuality, sensuality, and consensual submission.

We recently spoke to Crum about his inspirations for the video.

INTO: The song seems to come from a vulnerable place. Is there a real person or relationship that inspired it?

BJC: It really is more about the relationship I have with myself. My struggle to let go and explore my wants and desires without shame. I feel as long as sexual exploration is consensual between adults everyone should give themselves permission for that adventure. “Wild Side” gave me permission to celebrate my sexuality.

There are a lot of interesting visuals in the video. What does it say about submission and sexual shame?

BJC: There is something beautifully empowering about consensual submissiveness. I wanted to empower people to explore their Wild Side and be proud of it! We have been told since we were children that our bodies and sexuality are something to be embarrassed by. As adults I feel it’s time we own it without shame.

It also appears to have themes of conversion therapy. How does that play into it?

BJC: I wanted to show and celebrate how far the LGBTQ community has come even though we still have a ways to go. LGBTQ people were once considered mentally ill perverts and locked away in psychiatric wards, insane asylums, or prison simply for loving another human, so it’s important that we not let those people be forgotten. We must always look back with appreciation for all those before us who fought against all odds so that we can be ourselves.

It’s definitely a darker side than what we’ve seen of you. How do you hope the video and the song portray you as an artist?

BJC: It’s important for me to be a well-rounded human being. I love sharing my vulnerable side, my pain and my fears. I’m also a sexual being with wants and desires. I want to share all sides of myself. I don’t want people to think they are alone because we are all a little bit wild… and we can celebrate that side of ourselves safely, honestly, and consensually.

Brian Justin Crum’s “Wild Side” is now availableonline. Watch the video below: