Jean’s studio was a squat between a shuttered bakery and a laundromat. His latest pieces lay stacked against the wall—cylinders of rust and wire wrapped with copper coils, each humming faintly when the light hit just right. Damien touched one and felt a prickle run up his arm. It was as if the sculpture remembered electricity.
Jacques shrugged. “Close enough. He poked into places he shouldn’t. Asked questions about the new cores. Said they were ‘more than metal’.” Jean’s studio was a squat between a shuttered
Damien waited for the metaphor, but Lucien’s eyes went distant, as if replaying a vision. “They call it drilling the hole,” he said. “Not just in rock. In the mind.” It was as if the sculpture remembered electricity
Jean Franko shifted uncomfortably. "Uh, just a little something we're working on, Damien and I. Nothing to worry about." He poked into places he shouldn’t
However, it was not until allegations began to surface that their careers took a drastic turn. In 2020, multiple men came forward with accusations of exploitation, abuse, and coercion against Crosse and Franko.
As a gay couple, Damien Crosse and Jean Franko bring a distinct perspective to their music. Their experiences and observations on love, relationships, and identity are woven throughout their songs. New-MEN's music serves as a platform for self-expression and a celebration of diversity.