Gay Music: In the Key of Q

This week, In the Key of Q welcomes Rita de Los Angeles, a country singer-songwriter whose journey has taken her from the streets of Los Angeles to rural Germany. With her unique blend of country, Americana, and indie folk rock, Rita has carved out a distinctive space for herself as a proudly queer artist in the international country music scene. Born to Arab immigrant parents who filled their home with country music, Rita's relationship with the genre has evolved through remarkable life experiences. At fifty-five, she's built a life in Germany with her wife of sixteen years, performs to sell-out shows, and has just released her Pride anthem, "Not Even a Little," dedicated to Dykes on Bikes. In this candid conversation, Rita shares stories of her early activism with Queer Nation and ACT UP, her forced migration due to unequal marriage laws, and how singing unexpectedly became her medicine during a period of debilitating panic attacks. Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:02:00] - Rita's stage name and life in Los Angeles [00:04:11] - Being a native Los Angeleno and immigrant families [00:05:51] - Egyptian parents' migration to the US [00:08:24] - Discussion on attitudes toward international conflict [00:10:24] - Early activism with Queer Nation and ACT UP [00:13:10] - LGBTQ+ environment in 1980s-90s Los Angeles [00:15:29] - Shutting down anti-gay church services [00:19:02] - Who are the Dykes on Bikes? [00:20:40] - Country music influences and family connections [00:25:48] - Ageism in the gay community [00:28:12] - Creating inclusive spaces through music [00:30:48] - The transformative experience of seeing diverse couples slow dancing [00:35:04] - The story behind "Home Is Where the Heart Is" [00:40:03] - Separation from family during COVID [00:42:32] - Discovering singing as therapy for panic attacks [00:46:48] - The fifteen-year-old self segment [00:51:13] - Two minutes on living your dreams [00:54:24] - Gateway track: "Not Even a Little" Featured Songs Slow DancingHome Is Where the Heart Is About Rita de Los Angeles Rita de Los Angeles is a country singer-songwriter now based in rural Germany, just outside Cologne. Born and raised in Los Angeles to Egyptian immigrant parents, Rita spent her early adult years as an activist with Queer Nation and ACT UP before building a successful career in film and television marketing. After meeting her German wife 23 years ago, Rita was forced to leave the US due to immigration laws that didn't recognize same-sex relationships. At age 55, Rita has reinvented herself as a musician, discovering that singing helped cure her debilitating panic attacks. She now performs regularly in rural Germany, including in churches—places she once protested against. Rita donates her streaming royalties to Immigration Equality, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ immigrants. Key Quotes "I was just an angry bird. And I wanted to put myself on the street and stop traffic and shut down these church services." - On her early activism "My heart is always in two places. When I go home to California, I miss my kids, I miss my wife. And when I'm in Germany, I miss my dad, I miss my...

Romeo from Brooklyn-based twin duo EHIRE offers a raw and moving account of finding his voice in the music industry while navigating the complexities of being a Black queer artist. From growing up in a Haitian household filled with music to experiencing religious trauma and homelessness, Romeo shares how these challenges strengthened his bond with twin brother Cameo and fueled their artistic expression. With refreshing candour, he discusses the importance of queer Black visibility in media and the revolutionary act of Black male love. Despite facing rejection from family and church, EHIRE has emerged with music that resonates with hope and self-acceptance, offering listeners not just songs but affirmations of queer resilience and joy. Timestamped Key Takeaways 00:00:5602:3103:5504:4109:2910:5911:4114:0520:1221:3524:5127:4332:07 Guest Bio Romeo Records is one half of the R&B duo EHIRE alongside his twin brother Cameo (Arie). The Brooklyn-born Haitian-American artists have been creating music since age nine. Their debut EP garnered over 200,000 streams, with music featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds R&B and Billboard Pride's Queer Necessities playlists. They were nominated by Pop Smash Radio for Best R&B Song by a Duo or Group. Resource List Prince - "When Doves Cry"RuPaul's Drag Race Call-to-Action Find the podcast on Apple,

In this special Pride Month episode, host Dan Hall explores the vital concept of "finding our tribes" within the Queer community through conversations with previous guests. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, discovering safe spaces has been about more than friendship—it's been essential for survival and self-acceptance in a world that often fails to see or understand queer experiences. These communities serve as places where Queer people celebrate triumphs and mourn losses together, but like any family, they can be complicated. Through intimate discussions with Queer musicians from around the world, this episode examines what community means to them, its imperfections, and how we might build more inclusive spaces. From hidden bars of decades past to the evolution of Pride from protest to celebration, these artists share personal stories that illuminate the ongoing journey of creating and maintaining vibrant queer communities. Timestamped Key Takeaways [00:01:00] Finding Our Tribes: Dan discusses how finding safe spaces in the queer community is often about survival and learning to be comfortable with who we are, finally seeing ourselves mirrored in a world that didn't always see us. [00:02:02] Historical Context: Looking back at previous decades helps us understand why queer spaces remain vital today, as openly queer living wasn't an option for many generations who had to carve out their own hidden corners of the world. [00:02:49] Kele Fleming's First Community: Singer-songwriter Kele Fleming shares how a gay club called Rumours in Victoria became her "community centre" and "life saver" in 1984, offering a space where she could be her authentic self despite family non-acceptance. [00:05:25] Creating New Spaces: Jon Ginoli of Pansy Division discusses founding a queer rock band in the early 90s when rock music wasn't considered "gay enough" within mainstream gay culture, helping pioneer the queercore music scene. [00:08:01] Global Perspectives on Safety: Brazilian musician Eric Lenfair speaks about the inherent cautiousness that many queer people develop growing up, while Eric Torino shares his experiences with fear of public affection even in supposedly accepting places like New York. [00:11:12] Exclusion Within the Community: James Taylor Junior discusses feeling left out of the queer community due to factors like ageism and racism, highlighting that the LGBTQ+ community isn't one unified entity but complex and diverse. [00:13:14] Specific Spaces for Specific Needs: Brooklyn-based singer Roderick Woodruff explains the importance of spaces specifically for Black queer individuals where he doesn't have to "perform" or diminish himself to make others comfortable. [00:15:19] Artistic Communities: Baltimore musician Greg Hatem describes how supportive queer ecosystems allow artists to thrive and create work that connects with people from all backgrounds. [00:19:46] The Evolution of Pride: Various artists reflect on how Pride has changed from its origins as a protest movement to becoming more commercialized and mainstream, questioning what this means for its political message. [00:24:33] Internal Community Challenges: James Taylor Junior and others discuss damaging stereotypes within the gay community, from body image pressures to racism experienced by queer people of color within LGBTQ+ spaces. [00:29:23] Hope for the Future: Polish singer-songwriter Tomek Zdyb shares his vision for what community can achieve through mutual support and education, emphasizing respect and human connection. Resource List Featured Artists and Their Episodes

Summary In this candid and compelling conversation, Australian pop artist TIN returns to In The Key of Q to discuss his musical journey since his previous appearance. From opening for Bright Light Bright Light to releasing deeply personal tracks that resonate with fans in unexpected ways, TIN offers a raw look at navigating the gay music scene as a person of colour. With characteristic wit and refreshing honesty, he unpacks the complexities of privilege, racism within queer spaces, and how his experiences have shaped his creative expression. Perfect for listeners seeking authentic LGBTQ+ perspectives on music, identity, and the sometimes absurd realities of gay nightlife. Key Takeaways 00:00:5000:02:1100:06:1400:10:3000:14:2500:17:0200:19:5700:23:3300:25:0200:31:35 Guest Bio TIN is an Australian queer pop artist currently based in the UK. Known for his energetic performances, candid lyrics, and exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, TIN combines catchy pop melodies with raw personal narratives. Find his music and social media at TIN Official Music. Resources Sex, Cologne and Cigarets EPDear MatthewTrust Your Touch Music VideoHouse of Air by Brendan MacleanBright Light Bright LightEQ Music Call-to-Action Find the podcast on Apple,

This week, In the Key of Q welcomes Eric Terino, a folk musician and songwriter from New England. Eric's music blends elements of folk, classical, and alternative sounds to create something uniquely his own. In this candid conversation, Eric discusses his journey as a queer artist who doesn't fit the stereotypical image of LGBTQ+ musicians, his experiences with agoraphobia and mental health challenges, and his path to finding self-worth. Eric's latest album, "Innovation of Grave Perversity," was recorded remotely during lockdown and explores themes of isolation, connection, and self-acceptance. Throughout the interview, he shares profound insights about living a life that hasn't followed expected paths and learning to extend the same kindness to ourselves that we offer others. Timestamps [00:00:28] - Introduction [00:02:12] - Eric introduces himself and his musical style [00:03:21] - Discussion of stereotypical queer musician image [00:04:23] - Eric explains folk music as a storytelling medium [00:06:03] - Dan and Eric discuss queer representation in music [00:07:42] - Conversation about "gay icons" who remained closeted [00:09:21] - Eric shares his coming out story [00:13:12] - Discussion of family acceptance [00:15:49] - Eric opens up about his mental health and agoraphobia [00:19:15] - What it feels like to experience anxiety [00:20:40] - Conditional acceptance of queer people [00:21:00] - Fear of public affection with same-sex partners [00:23:17] - The parallels between victim-blaming women and gay men [00:24:53] - Reflections on queer relationships and success [00:26:21] - Discussion of Eric's new album created during lockdown [00:30:08] - Eric's two minutes to speak on any topic (self-worth) [00:35:30] - The fifteen-year-old self segment [00:36:43] - Gateway song: "Felt" from latest album About Eric Terino Eric Terino is a folk musician and songwriter from New England whose work blends elements of folk, classical, and alternative music. His third album, "Innovation of Grave Perversity," was recorded remotely during lockdown in 2020-2021. Eric describes his approach to music as "earthiness, textures... naturalism rather than gloss," setting him apart from more mainstream queer artists. His work is explicitly queer without being ambiguous, as he believes in the importance of authentic representation in music. Living with agoraphobia, Eric has adapted his creative process to work within his limitations, collaborating remotely with other musicians and finding connection through his art despite physical isolation. Key Quotes "I never wanted anything to be veiled in ambiguity, purposefully, for the sake of making it palatable to somebody who is uncomfortable with an LGBTQ perspective." "If you asked me to drive to the corner shop a mile down the road to me, that would feel like you're asking me to jump out of an airplane... the level of anxiety is so high it feels like you're doing something wild." "Just because you don't have the life that you envisioned for yourself and the life that you expected... it doesn't mean that it's the wrong life for you. It doesn't mean that it is in any way invalid, you know, not valuable." "Worthy. What a thing to claim. And it really is. It's a very powerful idea to say to yourself, I am worthy. And I think a lot of people in our community really struggle with that." Links and Resources Eric Terino's musicIn the Key of Q websiteIn the Key of Q blog

In this episode of In the Key of Q, Dan Hall speaks with Ben McGarvey, who performs as Minute Taker. Ben's music is characterized by a signature blend of retro synth-pop, haunting piano melodies, and emotionally charged lyrics that explore the depth of human experience. Episode Summary Ben opens up about the origins of his stage name "Minute Taker" – a reference to his former day job that created an ironic contrast with his artistic identity. He describes it as "simultaneously mundane and otherworldly," reflecting the dual nature of his creative life. The conversation traverses Ben's musical evolution from a teenager in the 90s who was drawn to 80s synth music to his current work creating atmospheric, emotionally resonant songs. Ben reflects on how living in rural Shropshire as a young gay man shaped his relationship with music as a form of escape and self-expression. Throughout the episode, Ben courageously discusses his experiences with depression and how this has informed the melancholic quality of his music. Rather than viewing this melancholia as something negative, he explores how it can be "so beautiful" and serves as a connective tissue between artist and listener. Key Moments 02:59 - Ben discusses his musical influences growing up, including Kate Bush, Pet Shop Boys, Tori Amos, and PJ Harvey 07:47 - Reflections on growing up as a gay child in rural Britain during the Section 28 era 09:35 - Ben shares his early songwriting experiences and how music became a form of escape 16:46 - Discussion about representation and the importance of addressing songs explicitly to men 22:46 - Ben speaks candidly about his experiences with depression and how it manifests 24:44 - The evolution of Ben's work into audiovisual projects, including his concept album exploring gay men's lives throughout history 28:32 - Details about his upcoming album "The Oblivion," inspired by Blade Runner and 80s sounds 34:20 - Information about Ben's subscription service for fans to access exclusive music Guest Bio Ben McGarvey is a Manchester-based musician who performs under the name Minute Taker. His work blends retro synth sounds with piano and emotional lyrics to create atmospheric, often melancholic music. Beyond traditional albums, Ben has expanded into audiovisual projects that explore LGBTQ+ experiences throughout history. His most recent album "Wolf Wallflowers" included an accompanying visual narrative, and he's currently finishing his new album "The Oblivion." Gateway Track Ben recommends "Lead You Home," the opening track from his album "Wolf Wallflowers," as the perfect introduction to his music. The song encapsulates his recent musical direction with its melancholic, synthy, and atmospheric qualities while remaining catchy. The accompanying music video alternates between scenes set in the 1980s and 1918, telling the story of two World War I soldiers. Gateway Track Minute Taker website. In the Key of Q celebrates queer musicians and their stories. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, or email us at intheKeyofQ@gmail.com. Theme music by Paul Leonidou at Unstoppable Monsters.

Dan welcomes Pansy Division co-founder Jon Ginoli, whose pioneering queer punk band formed in San Francisco in 1991 as the first openly gay rock group featuring predominantly gay musicians. Jon discusses forming Pansy Division during the AIDS crisis, deliberately creating pro-sex music with explicit queer content when rock wasn't considered "gay music." He recounts touring with Green Day in 1994, exposing their teenage audience to unapologetically queer music—a risk that benefited both bands. The conversation explores Jon's punk influences, including the Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK" providing a glimpse of possibilities beyond his Midwestern upbringing. John reflects on the evolution of queer representation in music, from the coded language of artists like Marc Almond to today's diverse landscape of openly queer musicians. Jon recommends "Femme in a Black Leather Jacket" as his gateway track—the first song he wrote for Pansy Division, exploring desire in a way that remains universally relatable. Find Pansy Division's music on streaming platforms, including their recently reissued first album on purple vinyl. Spotify playlist can be found HERE. The podcast is on Instagram (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

Dan welcomes multi-instrumentalist Greg Hatem from Baltimore, who plays in four different bands while also operating a curiosity shop selling natural history items and oddities. Greg discusses Baltimore's unique appeal as an artistic community, describing it as a fertile creative ground where "the weird cousin" to nearby cities offers both big-city opportunities and small-town connections. The conversation touches on John Waters' influence on the city and Greg's curiosity shop's new Ouija board exhibit. The episode explores Greg's Catholic school upbringing, his perspectives on Queer music existing beyond exclusive scenes, and his process of musical collaboration, which sometimes leads to transcendent moments of synchronicity. Greg shares strong views on trans rights, emphasising the importance of allowing people to express their true selves before judgment. His gateway track recommendation is "Planet," originally written for a charity compilation benefiting trans youth. Find Greg at gregsaudionetwork.com and on streaming platforms. Spotify playlist can be found HERE. The podcast is on Instagram (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

This week, Dan welcomes Chicago-raised singer-songwriter and producer Travie Austin, whose catchy pop hooks blend with funk, rock, soul and "more than a touch of homo" coursing through his music. Travie discusses millennial identity and how 90s/2000s divas like Destiny's Child and Whitney Houston shaped his confidence. The conversation explores toxic masculinity, with Travie arguing that masculinity and femininity should exist in harmony, and that toxic masculinity stems from the need to prove oneself to others. The episode delves into Travie's upbringing on Chicago's South Side, where he discusses the harmful fetishisation of "the hood" in media and music. Travie shares his journey of discovering his Queer identity and how pornography initially shaped his understanding of Queer Black identity in harmful ways. His gateway track recommendation is "The Juice," which combines blues, rock, funk and soul elements. Find Travie at @iamtravieaustin on social platforms and streaming services. Spotify playlist can be found HERE. The podcast is on Instagram (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

This week, Dan welcomes folk-rock and synthwave singer-songwriter Kele Fleming from Victoria, BC, whose single "In My Dream Alone" has reached 100,000 Spotify plays. Kele shares her experiences growing up in 1980s Victoria and finding community at the local gay club "Rumours." She reflects on living a "shadow self" before wider LGBTQ visibility and her complex relationship with Pride's evolution from protest to corporate-sponsored celebration. The conversation explores Kele's experiences as a female frontwoman facing sexism in the music industry and how songwriting sometimes feels mysterious, with melodies appearing almost magically. She cites varied influences from protest folk to pop masterpieces like ABBA. Kele recommends "Vanishing of Bees" as her gateway track, which explores the dual perspectives of childhood wonder and adult environmental concern. Find Kele at tinforest.com and on Instagram @tinforestpix. Spotify playlist can be found HERE. The podcast is on Instagram (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

Dan connects with classically trained vocalist James Taylor Jr, who discusses his upcoming Pride album and the continuing importance of Pride as both celebration and protest. The conversation explores Queer history, including the often-overlooked persecution of gay men during the Holocaust and Germany's destroyed legacy of gender and sexuality research. James reflects on his Catholic school upbringing and the complex journey of coming out to his parents at age 12. James and Dan share a fascinating discussion about why The Wizard of Oz and "Over the Rainbow" resonates so deeply with young Queer children, with James noting how the song embodies the universal Queer longing for acceptance and belonging. His recommended gateway track is "Pride (Stripped)," which beautifully bridges his musical past and future. Find James at jamestaylorjuniormusic.com and on social media platforms linked from his website. The podcast is on Instagram (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

This week, Dan welcomes Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Roderick Woodruff, whose catchy track caught Dan's attention on Spotify. Born in Detroit and raised in a musical family, Roderick shares his journey from church choir to Off-Broadway success with his show "A Boys Room." Roderick discusses his transformative Easter Sunday experience when a pastor's sermon targeting his appearance became a catalyst for embracing his authentic self. He explores the importance of dedicated Queer spaces and his musical influences, including his dream of becoming "the Black Elton John." The conversation delves into Roderick's evolution as an artist during COVID isolation, which birthed his latest album "In Between." His gateway track recommendation "Have You Lost Your Mind" showcases his ambitious, radio-friendly pop sensibilities. Find Roderick on all streaming platforms and social media @itsrickynasty. The podcast is on Instagram (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

Dan chats with singer-songwriter Erik Lenfair from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who's working on his first album after a four-year hiatus. Erik discusses his songwriting process, revealing how his approach has evolved from discovering songs to deliberately composing them, though knowing when to stop remains challenging. He shares his relatively smooth coming out experience while acknowledging Brazil's complicated relationship with LGBTQ+ rights. The conversation explores how Erik's songwriting has transformed since experiencing love for the first time at age 25. He defends pop music against critics who dismiss it, explaining its value in offering escapism and creating platforms for other expression. Erik discusses the creative freedom he finds in music despite being naturally shy and candidly addresses ageism in both the music industry and Queer community. His recommended gateway track "Candy Shop" marks his first explicitly Queer composition since coming out to his parents. Find Erik on streaming platforms and social media. The podcast is on Instagram (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

Discover “In the Key of Q”: A Celebration of Queer Music and Stories. Join host Dan Hall on “In the Key of Q,” a podcast celebrating LGBTQ+ artists and stories from around the globe. Tune in for queer music, charts, and diverse voices, and join the conversation using the hashtag #queermusic. This week, welcomes singer-songwriter and pianist Tophy Dye. A self-taught musician from Leeds, Tophy released his debut album “Skeletons” in 2021, exploring themes of love, identity, and self-acceptance. With plans for a second album, Tophy continues to champion visibility and representation for the LGBTQ+ community. The episode delves into Tophy’s unique story, from his complicated relationship with his alcoholic late father to his musical evolution. Learn how Tophy’s experiences have shaped his sound, and how his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community demonstrates his commitment to inclusivity and representation. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover Tophy’s captivating world and the transformative power of his music. This is a journey you won’t want to miss. “In the Key of Q” is more than a podcast – it’s a platform for artists to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Support the podcast by subscribing to our Patreon page or simply spread the word to fellow music lovers. Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant musical landscape. SUPPORT: National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) - http://www.nacoa.org.uk/ NACoA is a UK-based charity that provides information, support, and resources for children of alcoholics and others affected by a parent's alcoholism. Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire - https://www.al-anonuk.org.uk/ Al-Anon offers support to family members and friends of alcoholics, including those who grew up with alcoholic parents. They provide meetings, literature, and a supportive community in the UK and Eire to help members find strength and hope. Anti-Bullying Alliance - https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/ The Anti-Bullying Alliance is a UK-based organization that aims to create a world without bullying through education, support, and resources. They provide guidance on how to deal with bullying at school and online. Childline - https://www.childline.org.uk/ Childline is a free, confidential helpline for children and young people in the UK, offering support and advice on various issues, including bullying and coping with an alcoholic parent. They provide phone, chat, and email support. Stonewall - https://www.stonewall.org.uk/ Stonewall is a UK-based LGBTQ+ organization that offers resources and support for those dealing with bullying related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. They provide guidance on how to report bullying incidents and access local support services. In the Key of Q is a weekly 30-40 minute podcast publishing every Tuesday. I’m your host Dan Hall, and in each episode, I chat candidly with a gay/bi musician about their life and music. Access exclusive interview content and support the production of this podcast by heading over to Petreon and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to

London, UK. In the Key of Q is a music podcast, gaining popularity with its diverse content and engaging discussions. Hosted by Dan Hall, this week’s show features Lorrakon, a queer, non-binary, self-described “oversexed atheist” who discusses their experience growing up in Los Angeles and the stereotypes and misconceptions associated with the city and its people. During the conversation, Lorrakon shared their views on identifying as “straight-acting” and reflects on their journey as a Queer child finding solace in the arts. The discussion also delves into the significance and politicisation of sex within a heteronormative world. In the Key of Q provides a platform for Queer voices to be heard and celebrated. Listeners can support the show on Patreon and access exclusive content. The podcast is on Twitter (@inthekeyofq), Insta (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q). The next episode drops on 2 May 2023 and features Jxckson.

This week, presenter Dan Hall meets with Melbourne-born Australian non-binary singer-songwriter, Max Lawrence. Lawrence talks about their musical background and how they began writing songs at 16. The episode explores Lawrence’s creative journey as well as their personal journey of gender expression, rejection and acceptance in the suburbs of Melbourne. They discuss in adulthood the freedom of expressing themselves through clothing and the challenges faced by gender non-conforming people due to Australia’s societal prejudices and stereotypes.

Welcome to the latest episode of In the Key of Q, a podcast that shines a light on the LGBTQ+ community and their stories. In this episode, Conleth Kane talks to Dan Hall about his journey growing up gay in working-class Northern Ireland during the Troubles. He shares his personal struggles with violence and bombings in his hometown and the challenges he faced when seeking acceptance within the anti-gay right-wing Democratic Unionist Party. Conleth also discusses a mysterious cancellation on a BBC programme that was to feature an MP from the Democratic Unionist Party, shedding light on the ongoing segregation between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. Conleth opens up about the trauma of his mother’s illness clashing with an important album launch and tells us about his famous London night spot at the Above the Stag Theatre in Vauxhall. Make sure to follow the podcast on Twitter (@inthekeyofq), Instagram (@inthekeyofq), and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q) to keep up with the latest news and updates. Don't miss the next episode, set to drop on April 18, 2023, featuring Max Lawrence. Thank you for listening.

This week, presenter Dan Hall meets with artist, producer, composer and DJ Bright Light Bright Light. Although living now in New York, he was brought up in Neath in Wales. And since rising to fame has toured and recorded with some of the best names in Pop history, including Cher, Sir Elton John, Erasure and Scissor Sisters. In the episode he talks about the isolation and suffocation growing up in picturesque Wales, despite its beauty. How the Conservative government had abandoned the coal-mining valley in which he was raised. He defends snobbish attacks against Pop music and the pretensions of ‘earnest’ tunes that present themselves as unpackaged. And finally makes a plea for the LGBTQ community to better support each other. The podcast is on Twitter (@inthekeyofq), Insta (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q). The next episode drops on 11 April 2023 and features Conleth Kane.

Dan Hall hosts “In the Key of Q,” a show that features queer music, chat, and stories from around the world. The show’s guest, Jxckson, is a pop artist from Austin, Texas. Jxckson, a Black and LGBTQ+ musician, talks about his experience of growing up and realising that race and sexuality have an impact, and now he proudly identifies as a Black artist. In his music, he aims to provide a sense of belonging to his listeners and promote confidence and self-love whilst also dealing with themes of loss, longing and depression. Jxckson’s experience shows the importance of representation and self-acceptance in identity formation. He struggled with societal expectations but ultimately found the courage to embrace his true self and share his experiences through his music. The podcast is on Twitter (@inthekeyofq), Insta (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q). The next episode drops on 4 April 2023 and features Bright Light Bright Light.

This week, presenter Dan Hall catches-up with four previous guests and hears their latest tunes. Returning to the microphone are Paul Andrews, Nick Vaan, Vincent DiGeronimo and TIN. Paul talks about the challenges of developing Bell’s Palsy and his movement towards a more beat-driven sound. Nick discusses his upcoming new album, ‘Magnificent Obsession’ and how post-pandemic he is reconnecting with his lost creative self. Vincent drops a special voicemail revealing he was voted Number 1 in the Bear World Magazine Top 21 of 2021 and how inspired he has been by Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper’ series . And finally TIN chats with Dan about his three bottles of poppers, life in sleazy Vauxhall and his permanent settlement in London from Australia. The podcast is on Twitter (@inthekeyofq), Insta (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q). Support the show over at Patreon. Many thanks! - https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq