Las Vegas, NV — Broadcaster, entertainer, and songwriter Charles Karel Bouley II, known internationally simply as Karel, continues his multi-hyphenate success with major achievements in both media and music. His long-running news-and-culture podcast, The Karel Cast, is reaching new audiences while his latest musical collaborations are gaining worldwide attention — including a recent Top 5 single on the UK MusicWeek Club Play Chart with dance icon Thea Austin.
The track’s chart success marks a powerful return to the international dance music landscape for Karel, whose songwriting and vocal work have long blended social insight with infectious pop energy. “To see a song we crafted resonate across the UK club scene is incredibly affirming,” Karel says. “Music has always been another way for me to tell stories — to connect, uplift, and spark conversation.”
Now, Karel has released his next major project, “I Dance Because,” which dropped December 6 on Swishcraft Records.
The new single is a celebration of joy, resilience, and the freedom found on the dance floor. With high-energy production and remixes tailored for clubs and radio, “I Dance Because” arrives perfectly timed for the holiday and New Year season. Early listeners have praised the track’s emotional punch and undeniable groove, positioning it as one of Swishcraft’s standout releases of the year. With remixes by Leo Frappier (House of Frappier), Rafael M, Matt Moss, Robbie Carrigan, and famed Dirty Disco, there’s a mix for every dance floor.
“I wrote the song while dancing to Apple Fitness Plus — and crying,” Karel laughed. “When I work out to ’80s songs, I cry because I miss so many great men I lost to AIDS/HIV in the ’80s and ’90s — people like my late husband Andrew Howard, my BFF Lorenzo Braxton, and countless others. And then there are newer losses, like Daniel Charleston. I have danced for hours with each of them and miss them so much. So I realized: I dance now because we did then, and I still can — I’m still here. The song is a survival story.”
The single follows the massively beloved remake of Sylvester’s “Do You Want To Funk,” which also featured Jeanie Tracy on background vocals and original production by Leo Frappier and was released on Swishcraft Records. After “Funk,” Swishcraft released remixes of a song Karel wrote during the Harris campaign in the U.S. for dance icon Thea Austin (Snap! and solo projects), which went Top 5 in the UK — and now comes “I Dance Because.”
Karel’s musical success comes as The Karel Cast continues its momentum. Broadcast four days a week, the show combines sharp analysis, cultural commentary, and Karel’s signature wit, reaching audiences who want news that is honest, passionate, and unfiltered. From national politics to entertainment, economics, and LGBTQ issues, Karel’s voice remains one of the most distinctive in modern media.
“I’ve always believed that creativity is a spectrum — the podcast, the music, the writing — it all comes from the same place,” Karel says. “Right now is an incredibly exciting time. I’m engaging with audiences in more ways than ever.”
With a Top 5 UK hit, a new single just released, and continued growth across podcasting and social platforms, Karel enters a new chapter as one of America’s most versatile and authentic creative forces. He has been a dance-music presence since his first release, “Everybody, Get On Up,” followed by his tenure on Jellybean Benitez’s label with hits like “I Am” and “Take Your Heartache Away,” as well as the internationally charting Factory Team collaboration with Steve Bronski (Bronski Beat) on another Sylvester classic, “Don’t Stop.”
“I Dance Because” became available December 6 on all major streaming platforms via Swishcraft Records.
About Karel
Charles Karel Bouley II is an award-winning broadcaster, recording artist, songwriter, author, and LGBTQ trailblazer. Known for his fearless commentary and boundary-pushing creativity, he hosts The Karel Cast, a four-day-a-week podcast blending news, culture, entertainment, and personal insight. Karel has released multiple singles and collaborations, including work with Thea Austin, Morgan Mallory, and top dance producers worldwide.
