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 Dancing" - A ballad inspired by seeing diverse couples slow dancing at one of Rita's performances in a rural German bar"Home Is Where the Heart Is" - A poignant reflection on being forced to leave the US due to unequal marriage laws"Not Even a Little" - Rita's Pride anthem dedicated to Dykes on Bikes, described as "country disco" with hip-hop rhythmsAbout Rita de Los AngelesRita 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 Takeaways00:00:56 - Introduction to Romeo and Cameo (EHIRE), twin brothers from Brooklyn who've been recording music since age nine, with features on 500+ playlists including Spotify's Fresh Finds R&B02:31 - Growing up in a Haitian household surrounded by music from Madonna, Anita Baker, and Whitney Houston, which deeply influenced their artistic development03:55 - Romeo discusses major musical influences including Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Lady Gaga04:41 - A thoughtful reflection on Prince's groundbreaking impact as a Black male artist who challenged gender norms through style, makeup, and flamboyance09:29 - The pivotal moment at age nine when seeing young R&B star Sammie on TV inspired Romeo and Cameo to pursue music creation10:59 - The significance of Lil Nas X as the first openly gay Black artist they've seen "pushing the envelope" fearlessly in their lifetime11:41 - The importance of queer visibility in media for mental health and preventing self-destructive behaviour among LGBTQ+ youth14:05 - Shocking account of experiencing an exorcism in his twenties when family members attempted to "cast out" his homosexuality20:12 - Discussion of the complex relationship with religion, faith, and the church after experiencing religious trauma21:35 - Reflection on the state of Black queer representation in America and the lack of Black queer male relationships portrayed in media24:51 - The unique bond with his twin brother Cameo, creating a "safe zone" where they never had to come out to each other and protected one another27:43 - Romeo's heartfelt advice to fellow queer artists about self-love, changing perspective, and living authentically32:07 - EHIRE's gateway song recommendation: "Let Go," a track about hope, love, and self-acceptanceGuest BioRomeo 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 ListPrince - "When Doves Cry" - One of Prince's most iconic tracks mentioned as influentialRuPaul's Drag Race - Mentioned as important queer representation on televisionCall-to-ActionFind 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 ListFeatured Artists and Their EpisodesKele Fleming -

SummaryIn 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 Takeaways00:00:50 - TIN reveals how he came to open for Bright Light Bright Light through connections with EQ Music00:02:11 - His EP "Sex, Cologne and Cigarets" performed well, with "Weasel" becoming an unexpected fan favourite00:06:14 - TIN shares the deeply personal story behind his vulnerable track "Dear Matthew," which explores racial privilege in the gay community00:10:30 - An important discussion about the additional obstacles faced by people of colour in queer spaces00:14:25 - TIN reflects on internalised racism and its impact on self-worth and relationship expectations00:17:02 - The origin story of TIN's new single "Trust Your Touch," originally written about a fantasy involving Troye Sivan and Olly Alexander00:19:57 - Behind-the-scenes challenges of filming the "Trust Your Touch" music video, including shooting cruising scenes in freezing Burgess Park00:23:33 - TIN discusses his evolution from primarily a performer to developing his skills as a recording artist00:25:02 - How entering the circuit party scene unexpectedly forced TIN to confront deep insecurities about race and body image00:31:35 - Upcoming releases including a Pride single called "Kid Pig" and remixes celebrating the one-year anniversary of "Dear Matthew"Guest BioTIN 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.ResourcesSex, Cologne and Cigarets EP - TIN's EP featuring the fan-favourite track "Weasel"Dear Matthew - TIN's personal song about racial privilege in the gay communityTrust Your Touch Music Video - TIN's latest release featuring Lost Child and JanisHouse of Air by Brendan Maclean - The NSFW music video about hanky codes mentioned in the podcastBright Light Bright Light - Artist TIN opened for on tourEQ Music - The collective that booked TIN for showsCall-to-ActionFind 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 albumAbout Eric TerinoEric 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 ResourcesEric 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 SummaryBen 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 Moments02:59 - Ben discusses his musical influences growing up, including Kate Bush, Pet Shop Boys, Tori Amos, and PJ Harvey07:47 - Reflections on growing up as a gay child in rural Britain during the Section 28 era09:35 - Ben shares his early songwriting experiences and how music became a form of escape16:46 - Discussion about representation and the importance of addressing songs explicitly to men22:46 - Ben speaks candidly about his experiences with depression and how it manifests24:44 - The evolution of Ben's work into audiovisual projects, including his concept album exploring gay men's lives throughout history28:32 - Details about his upcoming album "The Oblivion," inspired by Blade Runner and 80s sounds34:20 - Information about Ben's subscription service for fans to access exclusive musicGuest BioBen 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 Hours" included an accompanying visual narrative, and he's currently finishing his new album "The Oblivion."Gateway TrackBen recommends "Lead You Home," the opening track from his album "Wolf Hours," 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 TrackMinute 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.

In this captivating episode of "In the Key of Q," host Dan Hall welcomes Jon Ginoli, founding member of Pansy Division, the groundbreaking band formed in San Francisco in 1991. As the first openly gay rock band featuring predominantly gay musicians, Pansy Division challenged stereotypes and carved out a unique space in the music industry with their blend of pop-punk that explicitly addressed LGBTQ+ issues, sexuality, and relationships.Jon shares his journey from feeling alienated within the gay community due to his rock music preferences to forming a band that would tour with Green Day and influence generations of musicians and fans. The conversation explores the importance of representation, the impact of creating explicitly gay music during the AIDS crisis, and how punk rock's ethos of challenging norms provided a pathway for Jon's musical vision.Key Points:00:02:23 - Jon reflects on how Pansy Division's focus on sexuality differs from today's emphasis on gender issues02:32:24 - Jon discusses feeling alienated as a rock musician within the gay community in the 1980s04:14:08 - The genesis of Pansy Division and the band's formation in San Francisco06:03:23 - The social context of the AIDS crisis and political attacks on the LGBTQ+ community06:42:15 - How the band promoted safe sex through their music and even included condom instructions in album packaging08:24:00 - Dan shares his experience of finally hearing music that directly reflected his identity rather than having to "code switch"11:12:06 - Jon explains his approach to creating explicitly gay music that celebrated joy rather than misery11:54:01 - The unexpected popularity of Pansy Division among teenage audiences during their tour with Green Day13:57:03 - Green Day's decision to tour with Pansy Division and the mutual benefits of that collaboration15:47:21 - Jon discusses the influence of Chumbawamba and the importance of combining politics with sexuality20:40:24 - Thoughts on identity politics and representation versus ghettoization23:19:23 - The band's recent resurgence among young gender-queer fans following the pandemic25:31:24 - Jon shares his formative experience discovering punk rock through the Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK"30:01:11 - Reflections on what his 15-year-old self would think of his life and career today31:51:17 - Jon discusses "Femme in a Black Leather Jacket" as a gateway song into Pansy Division's musicGuest Info:Jon Ginoli is an Illinois-born singer-songwriter, guitarist, and founding member of the influential queer punk band Pansy Division. Since 1991, Jon and Pansy Division have released numerous albums, toured with iconic bands like Green Day, and been trailblazers for LGBTQ+ visibility in rock music. Jon currently lives in Palm Springs after spending 33 years in San Francisco.Links & Resources:Listen to Pansy Division.The first Pansy Division album was recently reissued on purple vinylTheme tune by Paul Leonidou from Unstoppable Monsters.Spotify playlist can be found

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.Spotify playlist can be found HERE.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.Spotify playlist can be found HERE.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.Spotify playlist can be found HERE.The podcast is on Instagram (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

In this episode of "In the Key of Q," host Dan Hall interviews the talented queer musician Roderick Woodruff. Roderick, a Brooklyn-based singer with roots in Detroit, shares his journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. He recounts his childhood in a musical, church-going family in Detroit, his experiences of homophobia, and his eventual rejection of the music world after a confrontation with a high school music teacher. This rejection led him to acting, and later, to embracing his identity as a queer artist, channeling his experiences into his music and plays, including his off-Broadway show "A Boy's Room."Roderick discusses his latest album "The In-Between," which was inspired by his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, a breakup, and his personal growth. He also touches on the significance of queer spaces and the empowerment found in embracing one's identity against societal norms. The episode wraps up with Roderick recommending "Have You Lost Your Mind" as an introductory song to his music, highlighting its deep personal relevance and catchy nature.Roderick on Instagram‎Roderick Woodruff - Apple MusicRoderick Woodruff | SpotifyIn the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music.Theme tune is by Paul Leonidou and many thanks to Moray for his continued support.The podcast can be reached on email with the main website here. Would you like to appear on the show? Or have an artist you'd like to recommend, please tell them to get in touch via email.Presenter and Producer Dan Hall is a documentary producer / director, and his showreel can be found here.

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

This week, presenter Dan Hall catches-up with four previous guests and hears their latest tunes. Returning to the microphone are Billy Mick, Venn Smyth, Cory Stewart and Carrington Kelso.Billy talks about his imminent new album, and his development of a one-man cabaret show for the international cruise ship market. Cory discusses his brilliant community-focused Queerantine initiative as well as his cross-Atlantic collaboration with producer Edward Russell from the ‘Inside the Groove' podcast.Venn drops a special voicemail to listeners to introduce his new record ‘Sober' which in February 2023 raced to the top of the LGBTQ Music Charts. And finally Carrington chats with Dan about his new album and the joys of musically freeing himself from expectations. The podcast is on Twitter (@inthekeyofq), Insta (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).Queers Revisited Part 2 drops on 21 March 2023.

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Don+ is an independent artist and writer who has been writing and making music since 2013. He gained recognition with his first EP Raw Rhythm and Words (https://music.apple.com/us/album/r-a-w-rhythm-and-words-ep/1575238032 (Apple) / https://open.spotify.com/album/4iJjvlAv5JL04Sx9MSO19L?si=42a451c8b6454c13 (Spotify)), which debuted in the top 40 on the http://www.itunescharts.net/uk/charts/songs/rnb-soul/ (iTunes RnB charts). He grew up in a house surrounded by music, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNj9bXKGOiI (Luther Vandross) to gospel and learned to make peace with the https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/aug/09/dababy-steps-is-hip-hop-finally-conquering-homophobia (homophobia in some of Hip Hop). With loved artists such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-wBxMcBpSY (R Kelly) it was tough to separate the music from the man. Christianity and Islam were highly influential, not an easy combo for a Black kid growing up in America's South. Despite attacks from many religious sides, he went on to find peace in his own sense of spirituality. After testing HIV+ in what he thought was a monogamous relationship, Don+ took this news and ran with it. He became an advocate for people with HIV, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXBT6uzqQqU (giving lessons in schools) to fight ignorance and stigma. Additional MaterialDon+ on https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ok9PAC8jvEa4lyzwxtrw0?si=UhOCOByWRLyPOXr7wXCvKA (Spotify), https://music.apple.com/us/artist/don/1511800362 (Apple Music), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGYL_ev2L6N0DFdnzSu9Ztw (YouTube) Don+ on https://twitter.com/itsdon_music (Twitter), Facebook, https://www.instagram.com/itsdon_music/?hl=en (Instagram) Advice for newly diagnosed HIV-positive people from https://www.tht.org.uk/hiv-and-sexual-health/being-diagnosed-hiv/newly-diagnosed#:~:text=If%20you%20don't%20have,with%20HIV%20in%20the%20UK. (THT). Managing being https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvA5wMgKq3k (LGBTQ and Muslim). If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to https://player.captivate.fm/episode/80ab65df-042a-4eb0-a4b5-5c975b83e7ea (Blake Mundell). https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these playlists) with tracks selected by the artists themselves. CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at https://twitter.com/inthekeyofq (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Facebook). The podcast's forever home can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (here). Theme tune is by https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (Paul Leonidou). Press & PR by Paul Smith. Many thanks to Kaj and Moray for their continued support. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) is presented and produced by Dan Hall and made at Pup Media. Dan has recently produced the landmark BBC film, "Freddie Mercury: The Final Act" (dir. James Rogan) and is the producer of the podcast series https://btdtshow.com/ (Been There Done That). For audio or video production inquiries Dan can be reached here or at https://www.thetalentmanager.com/talent/156474/dan-hall (Talent Manager.) Would you like to appear on the show? Or have an artist you'd like to recommend, please tell them to get in touch via email.

Taylor Gray is this week's guest. He is an R&B artist based in Los Angeles and curator of the popular playlist "Flavor Waves" on https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/flavor-waves/pl.u-MDeJCJRNmo9 (Apple Music) and https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3CC4uQRDk8fBtHG5kj1h1D?si=4148636a16f34700 (Spotify), which has garnered the attention of artists such as Victoria Monét and Ro James.  (1:22) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7c85b45a-bb5f-446f-b5df-f2a13a14b7e8 (Highlight) - Gray talks about his childhood musical influences, growing up in a house playing neverending Prince, Chaka Kahn, Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton, Anita Baker and Luther Vandross. And of course the wonderful Miss Whitney Houston. (15:23) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7c85b45a-bb5f-446f-b5df-f2a13a14b7e8 (Highlight) - But childhood wasn't all perfect as Gray reveals the frequent bullying he experienced at school and how this affected his self-esteem even outside of the school gates.  (7:14) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7c85b45a-bb5f-446f-b5df-f2a13a14b7e8 (Highlight) - We chat about how mainstream music still wants “The Gays” to be either sex-crazed EDM dance-heads, or castrated shame-muffins. And how at the point of Black and Queer intersectionality there is often an outside fetishisation of race. Reference is made here to The IZM whose episode can be heard https://player.captivate.fm/episode/41f02736-d8b7-4902-8adf-b5183d4c8540 (here). (16:42) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7c85b45a-bb5f-446f-b5df-f2a13a14b7e8 (Highlight) - Anxiety and addiction are https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/lgbtq-alcoholism/ (disproportionately represented) within the LGBTQ community, and Gray discusses his relationship with both explaining how a recent journey into sobriety has already paid dividends in self-worth and musical creation. (23:42) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7c85b45a-bb5f-446f-b5df-f2a13a14b7e8 (Highlight) - In his platform piece, Gray talks about the importance of feeling like we belong in a family. And that family can be biological or logical.  (26.23) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7c85b45a-bb5f-446f-b5df-f2a13a14b7e8 (Highlight) - Hand-picked recommendations from within the Queer community for other artists for us to enjoy. Many of them can be found on Gray's playlist “Black & Queer AF” volumes 1 (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3bqGxqahNQ8jUeGGrwAZI2?si=58e8f167b673400f (Spotify)) and 2 (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7wiiCTFaksuNPUjEzCGUgz?si=e199b7135b19499f (Spotify)). Of course alumni FURILLOSTAR gets a mention, and you can hear his episode https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d9637d94-9907-4e32-911c-6f96236015bc (here). Here are some useful resources around bullying at school. Stonewall's https://www.stonewall.org.uk/system/files/getting_started_-_a_toolkit_for_secondary_schools.pdf (toolkit) for secondary schools (high schools) and https://www.stompoutbullying.org/lgbtq-bullying (STOMP Out Bullying). Support resources for anxiety can be found at the https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/anxiety-fear-panic/ (National Health Service) and https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/self-care/ (Mind charity) websites. The https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/ (National Health Service) also provide useful advice for alcoholism as does https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help-now (Alcohol Change UK). Author Armistead Maupin talks to The Guardian newspaper about the https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/sep/27/logical-family-by-armistead-maupin-review (importance of logical families). This is a weekly podcast of around 30-40 mins long publishing every Tuesday. I'm your host Dan Hall, and in each episode I chat with a gay / bi musician from anywhere in the world about their life and music.  Access exclusive interview content and support the production of...

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Billy Mick released his first single in 2019. He's performed at Pride and Gay Days events. And in America's pandemic lockdown continued to release songs and music videos. The autobiographical studio album Just Be came out in 2020, followed up by the long-player Levelling Up. Billy speaks openly in this episode about the challenges of growing up in a household with a father who was both a drug dealer and a bullying influence on the family home. Eventually, Billy escapes into adulthood and performing dinner theatre and on the stages of https://www.universalorlando.co.uk/ (Universal's theme park) in Florida. A surprise HIV diagnosis eventually leads to hospitalisation and a near-death coma. But emerging from this crisis point Billy's life begins all over again and he goes on to produce some amazing tunes. He is passionate about the queer community, embracing the ethos of https://www.manchesterpride.com/ (Manchester Pride) in the UK. Here he witnessed what he describes as a true community where sub-groups did not disappear into their own silos, and instead mixed and enjoyed each other's strength and power. It's how he feels out community should be. Additional MaterialBilly on https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LtraNbhR9byW6bSGipSKf?si=uXMnRXnqRlKNQ9ad1jIbhw (Spotify), https://music.apple.com/us/artist/billy-mick/1471376212 (Apple Music), https://billymick.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDhp85VTy9LqPc5KsxsLng?view_as=subscriber (YouTube), https://soundcloud.com/billy-mick?ref=clipboard (Soundcloud) Billyon https://mobile.twitter.com/billymickmusic1 (Twitter), https://www.facebook.com/BillyMickMusic/ (Facebook), https://www.instagram.com/billymickmusic/?hl=en (Instagram) Billy's https://www.billymick.com (homepage) If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ec383aa8-411e-4764-b886-678efe2052c2 (Daddy Dawg). https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these playlists) with tracks selected by the artists themselves. CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at https://twitter.com/inthekeyofq (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Facebook). The podcast's forever home can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (here). Theme tune is by https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (Paul Leonidou). Press & PR by Paul Smith. Many thanks to Kaj and Moray for their continued support. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) is presented and produced by Dan Hall and made at Pup Media. Dan has recently produced the landmark BBC film, "Freddie Mercury: The Final Act" (dir. James Rogan) and is the producer of the podcast series https://btdtshow.com/ (Been There Done That). For audio or video production inquiries Dan can be reached here or at https://www.thetalentmanager.com/talent/156474/dan-hall (Talent Manager.) Would you like to appear on the show? Or have an artist you'd like to recommend, please tell them to get in touch via email.

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Levi Kreis is a multi-award winner. Having gathered himself awards from https://criticscircle.org.uk/ (Critic's Circle), Out Music, and most excitingly, the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHrFrqB48wk (Tony's). Born in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba9mWXtGU4g (Oliver Springs), Tennessee his music features a fusion of styles influenced by gospel, country, bluegrass, and even rockabilly. He says of his career, "I've always believed that our mess is our ministry. I may be more candid than the next guy about my obstacles and struggles. I am not interested in painting a perfect picture for the world to see not when people all around me need to know how to turn their pain into personal power. The driving force behind all that I do is narrow and define. I want to heal." Even as a kid Levi had an eye for business. When offered a dollar to sing in the church for God, he suggests off the bat that given two he'd sing for Jesus as well! His deep relationship with the church and his amazing voice he was offered a lucrative gospel record contract. The contract vanished when he was outed by a betrayal within the church. Maybe it wasn't a bad thing as from the age of eight it taught him that his queerness was "detestable in the eye of god". Falling into a domestically abusive relationship, Levi's mother works out that his violent "flatmate" is actually his lover. Whilst she appears to rescue him from harm's way, she resolves the 'rescue' with a promise that his devilish homosexual ways will lead to https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv (an AIDS diagnosis and death). In search of community Kreis falls into the artificial comfort of https://www.aidsmap.com/news/feb-2013/crystal-meth-and-london-gay-men-examining-evidence (crystal meth), and as his addiction grows he somehow manages to win a Tony Award in 2010. Eventually breaking free from addiction he makes beautiful peace with his mistakes, his demons and wrong turns. "The truth is every pain brings you to power. Every mess is your voice to the world, and we need your voice." He is a true believer in the nature of things; the pattern of life. His career has since continued to grow including https://soundcloud.com/enrichedrecords/rich-b-vs-levi-kreis-ft-qboy-2 (a duet with alumni QBoy) and a lead role in the US touring production of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INqi7_7PlCs (Hadestown). Additional Material Levi on https://open.spotify.com/artist/3MxSB2qv4d11PSgSVCSzJG?si=ELkPwRSwRSGTc5yLZFVn1w&nd=1 (Spotify), https://music.apple.com/us/artist/levi-kreis/128687046 (Apple Music), https://tidal.com/browse/artist/4954512 (Tidal), https://levikreis.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp), https://www.youtube.com/levikreis (YouTube) Levi on Twitter, https://www.facebook.com/LeviKreis/ (Facebook), https://www.instagram.com/levikreis/ (Instagram) Levi homepage Domestic abuse help from https://galop.org.uk/get-help/helplines/ (GALOP) the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. Help with chemsex addiction from the pioneering team at https://www.dean.st/chems/ (56 Dean Street). QBoy's episode of https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5948fa4c-5c52-450e-812a-f0df5b941927 (In the Key of Q). If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4a7602d9-9e5d-4fd9-9c61-fe43b98196c1 (Oli Spleen). https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these...

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Sonicfluxx was born and raised in Florida in the United States. And in January 2020, his first single https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guYvYLmA9gk (Nothing Will Ever Be the Same) debuted at number two in the https://lgbtqmusicchart.uk/ (UK's LGBTQ charts). Quickly following this success was the release of his debut EP, Nostalgia. His premier performance on stage was at only one-month-old playing Jesus - a tough opening act to follow! Growing up in https://www.melbourneflorida.org/ (Melbourne, Florida) just a stone's throw from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-83aWpiRt28 (Cocoa Beach) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYSQzITMQoc (NASA's) HQ he grew up seeing launch after launch into space. This was a town where people didn't dream of becoming doctors or lawyers, they aspired to the stars. The https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccX4SEv-Hl8 (1980s sound) is hugely appealing to Sonicfluxx, even through he was only a nipper during its reign. The simpler synth sounds appeal to him more than today's complex, multi-layered some might say over-produced tracks. He speaks candidly in the episode about his music helps him manage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQC2eRUilUM (depression) and https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/ (mental illness), and how very important it is for queer people to see themselves reflected back in art forms. As with many of us, he cites Russell T Davies' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK9fkf7N33g (Queer As Folk) as a fixed point in time of seared identity. Sonicfluxx's https://www.sonicfluxx.com/store (stylish merch store) has also launched, and lucky listeners of this podcast get a 20% discount when entering the discount code INTHEKEYOFQ. This deal does not expire and can be used again and again! Shipping is free worldwide. Additional MaterialSonicFluxx on https://open.spotify.com/artist/2tyeVPOF8H42CpeBQW2cUB?si=ABxDd8zPR7qTU-9A-Ix4mg&nd=1 (Spotify), https://www.bandsintown.com/a/14855144 (Bandsintown), https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sonicfluxx/1493253843 (Apple Music), https://www.youtube.com/c/SonicFluxx (YouTube), https://tidal.com/browse/artist/9403128 (TIDAL) SonicFluxx on https://twitter.com/sonicfluxx (Twitter), https://www.facebook.com/sonicfluxx (Facebook), https://www.instagram.com/sonicfluxxofficial/ (Instagram) SonicFluxx homepage SonicFluxx https://www.sonicfluxx.com/store (merch) (remember to use discount code INTHEKEYOFQ). If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9e6bff81-0cd4-4766-87d3-457761be6121 (Neyon). https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these playlists) with tracks selected by the artists themselves. CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at https://twitter.com/inthekeyofq (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Facebook). The podcast's forever home can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (here). Theme tune is by https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (Paul Leonidou). Press & PR by Paul Smith. Many thanks to Kaj and Moray for their continued support. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) is presented and produced by Dan Hall and made at Pup Media. Dan has recently produced the landmark BBC film, "Freddie Mercury: The Final Act" (dir....

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Xantheartist counts an impressive hundred thousand streams on Spotify. He's only three years into his music career, but has already secured a number one record with his cover https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k8YciWlzpc (Hapsburg Lippp). Before transitioning to a man, he served in the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk6YJiVsxUE (US military) and went on to make a considerable name for himself on the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CldnNvIDj6M (drag king circuit). He grew up in a household with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvana_(band) (Nirvana), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Collins (Phil Collins), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Edition (New Edition) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luther_Vandross (Luther Vandross) pumping from the family hifi. The home was of military stock, and during his childhood his father was deployed in the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmwYNS97EbE (first Iraq war). The strict household and challenges around gender identity dropped https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_n9qegR7C4 (PTSD) on Xan, which is being worked through today with counseling. Accidental encounters showed Xan that he was an excellent performer, both as a rapper and drag king. He increasingly felt the drag king persona was closer to his genuine identity and went onto transition, female-to-male. He speaks eloquently about the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iKHjl5xAaA (importance to avoid mis-gendering), and the hurt this can cause. He speaks passionately about the importance of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSe4tY6nVCM (self-denfence for the LGBTQ community) and especially within the https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=qpoc (QPOC) community. 'You can walk with your head high and confidently knowing that you can defend yourself against anything. ' Additional MaterialXantheartist on https://open.spotify.com/artist/6orEk0B4jR6HnZlpmQXNN1 (Spotify), https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/xantheartist/1489560585 (Apple Music), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ZqvX8YwfmqnDwbo9P6-tw (YouTube) Xantheartist on https://twitter.com/xantheartist (Twitter), https://www.facebook.com/Xantheartist/ (Facebook), https://www.instagram.com/xantheartist/ (Instagram), https://www.tiktok.com/@xantheartist (TikTok) Xantheartist https://aaothebrand.bigcartel.com/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linktree&utm_campaign=xantheartist+merch (merch) Xantheartist https://linktr.ee/Xantheartist (homepage) If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to https://player.captivate.fm/episode/50141916-5c20-46d1-83b9-f4009555df25 (Ryan Cassata). https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these playlists) with tracks selected by the artists themselves. CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at https://twitter.com/inthekeyofq (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Facebook). The podcast's forever home can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (here). Theme tune is by https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (Paul Leonidou). Press & PR by Paul Smith. Many thanks to Kaj and Moray for their continued support. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) is presented and produced by Dan Hall and made at Pup Media. Dan has recently produced the landmark BBC film, "Freddie Mercury: The Final Act" (dir. James...

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. This week's guest is from https://exploreedmonton.com/ (Edmonton, Alberta in Canada). His music combines personal experiences, passion, and is inspired by artists as varied as https://vanessacarlton.com/ (Vanessa Carlton), http://johnmayer.com/ (John Mayer) and https://www.ilovemetric.com/ (Metric). He is an educator, a model, and an actor. He's sung since the age of two and has written songs since he was 12. Despite being a shy kid, Matthew couldn't stop his love of the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNa2Fr6CA0E (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) from escaping out. And he'd tell anyone who'd listen about https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo_(Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles) (Leonardo), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_(Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles) (Raphael), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donatello_(Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles) (Donatello) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo_(Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles) (Michelangelo) - those heroes in a half shell. And of course, he'd run around the house singing the theme. His home was beautifully musical with Soul, Hip Hop, Rap and R&B blending with the tunes of Abba's https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj_9CiNkkn4 (Waterloo), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQsjAbZDx-4 (Fernando) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvChjHcABPA (SOS). As an adult, he is frustrated how the gay community can be bad at looking after its own. And how we can often be blind to the silencing of https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bipoc-meaning-where-does-it-come-from-2020-04-02/ (BIPOC) of LGBTQ voices. He out and proud music most definitely moves towards that, even more so with the release of his new album https://matthewandthekeys.bandcamp.com/ (Victory) (Produced by https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Reed (Brett Reed)). Additional MaterialMatthew on https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mk9UWr2VGXGH6Qch19GJY?si=JRe-pOwjRy-GUVSyS_QDIw (Spotify), https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/matthew-and-the-keys/1575113264 (Apple Music), https://matthewandthekeys.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp), YouTube Matthew on https://twitter.com/mathekeys (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/mathekeys/ (Instagram) Matthew's homepage If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6bb0c518-3782-4302-aa01-db3fa0b47d0b (Andy Pisanu ("Memory Flowers")). https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these playlists) with tracks selected by the artists themselves. CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at https://twitter.com/inthekeyofq (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Facebook). The podcast's forever home can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (here). Theme tune is by https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (Paul Leonidou). Press & PR by Paul Smith. Many thanks to Kaj and Moray for their continued support. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) is presented and produced by Dan Hall and made at Pup Media. Dan has recently produced the landmark BBC film, "Freddie Mercury: The Final Act" (dir. James Rogan) and is the producer of the podcast series https://btdtshow.com/ (Been There Done That). For audio or video production inquiries Dan can be reached here or at https://www.thetalentmanager.com/talent/156474/dan-hall (Talent Manager.)

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Lloyd Best performing as Dead Method is an alternative pop artist based in https://www.visitcardiff.com/ (Cardiff, Wales). They started a solo career in 2018 and they've gone on to support https://65daysofstatic.com/ (65 Days of Static) and https://www.publicservicebroadcasting.net/ (Public Service Broadcasting). In 2020, their debut album https://deadmethod.bandcamp.com/album/queer-genesis (Queer Genesis) was released, an exploration of queer culture and identity. The sceptre of https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/cacc0b40-c3a4-473b-86cc-11863c0b3f30 (Section 28) hung over his upbringing as merciless homophobic bullying went unchecked in his Welsh Catholic school. Despite the comfort and support of a loving home the experience and failure of teachers to act https://www.legalchoices.org.uk/dictionary/in-loco-parentis#:~:text=Latin%20phrase,and%20responsibilities%20of%20a%20parent. (in loco parentis) still scar him today. Despite growing up in the country's capital city of Cardiff he faced narrow-minded attitudes towards his sexuality. Perhaps surprisingly these were present in the city's music industry too which left him feeling small and silenced. Thankfully he found his tribe as so many of us do, which allowed him not only to blossom as a musician but also as a queer man. This is shown no better than in his empowering and catchy new album release, https://www.audiofemme.com/dead-method-unpacks-generational-trauma-on-debut-lp-queer-genesis/ (Femme). Additional MaterialDealing with homophobic bullying at school from https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/ten-steps-tackling-homophobic-biphobic-and-transphobic-language-your-school (Stonewall). Dead Method on https://open.spotify.com/artist/3B3cVlhfVXbKGC5YXlmUCn?si=M5A_VSWERNGLOXMyuAM8iA (Spotify), https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dead-method/1111993076 (Apple Music), https://deadmethod.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRMeyXAPaGLi9tM4DAOJFUA (YouTube) Dead Method on https://twitter.com/DeadMethod (Twitter), https://www.facebook.com/deadmethod (Facebook), https://www.instagram.com/deadmethod/ (Instagram), https://www.tiktok.com/@deadmethod (TikTok) Dead Method https://www.deadmethod.co.uk/ (homepage) If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to https://player.captivate.fm/episode/da743736-934f-4d95-92d3-b4ac0596e17d (Daniel Versus the World). https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these playlists) with tracks selected by the artists themselves. CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at https://twitter.com/inthekeyofq (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Facebook). The podcast's forever home can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (here). Theme tune is by https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (Paul Leonidou). Press & PR by Paul Smith. Many thanks to Kaj and Moray for their continued support. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) is presented and produced by Dan Hall and made at Pup Media. Dan has recently produced the landmark BBC film, "Freddie Mercury: The Final Act" (dir. James Rogan) and is the producer of the podcast series https://btdtshow.com/ (Been There Done That). For audio or video production inquiries Dan can be reached here or at...

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Gentleman Reg hails from Toronto in Canada. He's a singer songwriter, drag artist, DJ and makeup artist. He has released seven full-length albums with various bands, including https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_lRbqGuNlw (Light Fires), and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VArVTO0OB9I (Regina Gently). A former member of the group https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3Vca2JLG_o (Hidden Cameras), Reg has also sung is also sung with https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrV14ujN4pw (Broken Social Scene) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G-cqAehehA (Owen Pallett). Intriguingly he also had a cameo in the film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSvrb9h2huc (Shortbus), which this year sees a rerelease. Reg had a nomadic upbringing. With a military pilot father, he grew up in both Germany and Canada. Eventually settling in the small town of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taC9a7gdvto (Guelph) he found himself surrounded by music, not least because of the indie-celebrating festival, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillside_Festival (Hillside). Eventually releasing his own music, he worked with many different bands and guises including the highly popular Hidden Cameras. He has a https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Farts-crafts.ca%2Fartists%2Fgentleman-reg.html&psig=AOvVaw2SPN3ChHPxa2gy6Tcc9HBc&ust=1644938109762000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCLjmu5C-__UCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD (striking look) with white hair and pale skin, and eventually learned to embrace people's wrong assumption that he was albino. And as the effeminate kid in school, from an early age he learned to roll with is Otherness. Gentleman Reg embraced online living during the pandemic and found himself not only entertaining his old audience but swathes of new people who never usually visited bars. He is an advocate of the alternative side of the queer scene, and this was a natural extension of that, reaching audiences for whom mainstream queer living mostly ignored. Additional MaterialGentleman Reg on https://open.spotify.com/artist/4c8kfEGVYPmMAijqIm6L2Y?si=0My2_ZzZR1yrAzbIfA3rjg (Spotify), https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gentleman-reg/205752528 (Apple Music), https://gentlemanreg.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp) Gentleman Reg on https://twitter.com/gentlemanreg (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/gentleman_reg/ (Instagram) Gentleman Reg https://gentlemanreg.bandcamp.com/ (homepage) If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7bd70726-57e7-4749-9f0e-c3952bb4280e (Nick Vaan). https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these playlists) with tracks selected by the artists themselves. CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at https://twitter.com/inthekeyofq (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Facebook). The podcast's forever home can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (here). Theme tune is by https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (Paul Leonidou). Press & PR by Paul Smith. Many thanks to Kaj and Moray for their continued support. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) is presented and produced by Dan Hall and made at Pup Media. Dan has recently produced the landmark BBC film, "Freddie Mercury: The Final Act" (dir. James Rogan) and is the producer of the...

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. A-Natural founded https://www.naturalcitymusic.com/ (Natural City Music) recording label and has himself won two international independent music awards. He's opened for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBrRBZy8OTs (T-Pain) and has written and produced for multiple major artists. In 2020 he released the album, 'https://open.spotify.com/album/3XEhQ8Bfh632eE4bUQaWpf?si=8gAosREPT9SKWdFWKwxjew (Kwame)', a seminal autobiographical piece in 12 tracks. Gospel church music has been hugely influential on A-Natural with the church being very present throughout his upbringing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqDSxuxGx-g (B Slade) (formerly Tonex) is mentioned as a particular inspiration - a "gospel Prince"! Coming into college A-Natural discovered new kinds of music and went into writing and performing his own material. But the task is not easy, and as a friend of his said, musicians sacrificed their lives so that everyone can have a soundtrack to theirs. He faces the challenges of being Black, American, Queer and Christian helped particularly by the book https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conversations_with_God (Conversations with God) by Neale Donald Walsch. He tells us, Faith doesn't just have to be about God. Faith is about understanding that the things that you want for your life can come to pass. If you just believe. After a period of homelessness he gets onto his feet, but is raped on the night he loses his virginity. It's a traumatic memory that has laid dormant until viewing the BBC show 'https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000jyxy (I May Destroy You)' by https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/sep/05/michaela-coel-you-ask-the-questions-misfits-personal-manifesto-interview (Michaela Coel) in which the character Kwame experiences a similar experience. He goes on to plea for musicians to give themselves time and space to be creative; to allow themselves to make their art and not just 'content'. He says with sadness, We're demanded to be these caricatures of ourselves. And we get exhausted and burnt out trying to please an algorithm that really doesn't know who we are. Additional Material A-Natural's homepage. A-Natural on https://twitter.com/Anatural4Ever?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/anatural4ever/?hl=en-gb (Instagram). A-Natural on https://open.spotify.com/artist/2YjQ3m0XlKoyx2PY9OnryA?si=AA8EoqRUSEaznljWcMAGqQ (Spotify) and https://music.apple.com/us/artist/a-natural/201657418 (Apple Music.) https://www.sexualhealthwirral.nhs.uk/media/1076/sexual_violence__men.pdf (Leaflet) providing assistance to those affected by sexual violence. Help after rape and sexual assault from the https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/help-after-rape-and-sexual-assault/ (NHS). If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8499f3af-4a24-4f54-bb87-ff4048758eb8 (Wuhryn Dumas). https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these playlists) with tracks selected by the artists themselves. CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at https://twitter.com/inthekeyofq (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Facebook). The podcast's forever home can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (here). Theme tune is by...

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Benjamin Stewart has been making music for over 10 years and has written and recorded since the age of 12. They define as non-binary. Living an authentic life in America's Mississippi state. In November 2021 they released the album 'Spaces', a dystopian electronic eight-track instrumental work. Benjamin is constantly inspired by the everyday, accidental rhythms around them such as the weekly fire alarm test in their complex. These lead to the creation of their long, complex instrumental pieces that are both edgy and relaxing. Listen with headphones! The music will take you into another world. Further inspiration is taken from within as Benjamin talks about https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK3SfNxbK3Y (lucid dreaming) and the remarkable way that they have managed to teach themselves the skill to regularly achieve it. It's all about habit, hands and a candle! And tied in with this is Benjamin's celebration of rest, and a plea to the world to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYzuqhBU0Ic (allow itself time-out.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVe8wpmH_lU (Narrow definitions of gender) are very much not their bag. Benjamin talks about their own journey, delighting in the freedom granted by being freed from gender expectations. Additional MaterialBenjamin on https://www.instagram.com/benjamin_james_stewart/?hl=en-gb (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073334365846 (Facebook). Benjamin on https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK21KYnbD4ik3X9wl1sGDsGrJW4swrfkb (YouTube), https://open.spotify.com/album/3PvFOb9h5lUtj6ttoCu4YU?si=dKl5Mqh-SG2GZONJs9t4CA (Spotify), https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/benjamin-james-stewart/1425560739 (Apple) and https://projektrecords.bandcamp.com/album/spaces (Bandcamp). A great article celebrating https://www.hrc.org/news/celebrating-the-diversity-of-the-non-binary-community-for-international-non (non-binary living) and great ways to be a https://www.stonewall.org.uk/about-us/news/10-ways-step-ally-non-binary-people (tip-top ally). The Guardian newspaper asks https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/nov/14/can-lucid-dreaming-help-us-understand-consciousness (Can Lucid Dreaming Help Us Understand Consciousness?) Fans of Benjamin's work might like to hear music from the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QbmZDG_0B8&list=PLGoZY3QbnoT2PuohOX8GIOqApwGmgvIWX (BBC Radiophonic Workshop), one of the pioneers of the genre. This week's cross-promotion comes from the wonderful https://songsurfingpodcast.com/ (Song Surfing Podcast.) If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to https://player.captivate.fm/episode/68fbaf21-2a5d-4a20-9503-36ad9882bfd8 (Dhorin Fireheart). https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these playlists) with tracks selected by the artists themselves. CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at https://twitter.com/inthekeyofq (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Facebook). The podcast's forever home can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (here). Theme tune is by https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (Paul Leonidou). Press & PR by Paul Smith. Many thanks to Kaj and Moray for their continued support. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) is presented and produced by Dan Hall and made at Pup Media. Dan has...

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. This week's guest is Brandon James Gwinn, a https://www.livenation.co.uk/ (Live Nation) touring artist and Billboard number one indie music producer. He won the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Rodgers_Awards_for_Musical_Theatre (Richard Rogers award) for musical theater writing. Previous winners include such illustrious alumni as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGciEYSshrQ (Rent's) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Larson (Jonathan Larson). His most recent album https://open.spotify.com/album/3n3ifoQrHhiEHY94v6WgOw (Bullit) is a rock delight with glorious splashes of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWI6E8gdBzk (Hedwick), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H5I6y1Qvz0 (Scissor Sisters), and musical theatre. Lock two gay men on a call and it is inevitable that within a minute they mention https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEMaMPkYmPc (Bernadette Peters). But not to be outdone we also get https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTOzR1sSfFs (Better Midler), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6UmO8K6pJY (Katherine Hepburn) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_KOoYClwgw (Moss Hart) in there too! Brandon talks about the creatively restrictive living of smalltown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXMnkqDjh1U (Murfreesboro, TN). But despite this, his parents and grandfolks managed to fill the family home with https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJzNZ1c5C9c (REO Speedwagon), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ1RP84QLdY (the Eagles), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPn0KFlbqX8 (Eighties Pop), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vOUYry_5Nw (Glenn Miller) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp349H8G0XQ (Billie Holiday). With such a gorgeous mix of inspiring music is it any surprise that their boy headed to the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1gMQ_q3FSM (bright lights of New York and the dreams of Broadway!) Despite a modest schooling, talented Brandon beat all the odds and made it into NYU training to write for musical theatre. He's a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv3GxVeZ5Xc (real-life Gabe)! Of course, by this point, we've discovered a shared love for the movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R94MIJXMjB8 (Trick) and hope that the COVID-delayed https://www.out.com/popnography/2018/8/11/director-jim-fall-talks-trick-2-and-20-years-original (sequel) will still materialize. He talks about connecting with https://trixiemattel.com/ (Trixie Mattel), and how touring together inspired his Bullit album. And how he's learned to lean on good chums in times of depression. Or to put it better https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWpzwsg2f6M (he quotes the great Bette herself!) Episode highlights: Brandon's links: homepage, https://www.instagram.com/brandonjamesg/?hl=en (Insta), https://www.youtube.com/user/brandonjamesgwinn (YouTube), https://music.apple.com/us/artist/brandon-james-gwinn/1370791771 (Apple Music), https://open.spotify.com/artist/3I9T5AgjwclSl9nR6VAIi5 (Spotify) Gateway song: https://open.spotify.com/track/0SitASdFfwGFesYwsWGi7G?si=c9a5928cbe96454d (Bullit) I totally love this video for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nKZu5KHSiY (Cristal Conners) possibly because Brandon looks such a dish in it. If you enjoyed this episode, I suggest taking a listen to https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6388204c-33f3-4bfd-8c1c-cd6073f4b4a6 (Matthew Presidente). https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these...

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. This week's guest is https://www.qboymusic.com/ (QBoy). Born Marcos Brito he is a DJ, music artist, producer, rapper, and dancer. He was raised in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basildon (Basildon), Essex and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Gomera (La Gomera), Canary Islands, being of half-British, half-Gomeran descent.  He has five independent releases under his belt, he has helped lead the way for diversity and inclusion within the LGBTQ community and hip-hop. At present, he is co-promoter and DJ at popular club night 'https://www.randsheclub.com/ (R & She: The Queens Of Hip-Hop)' which now in its 8th year has featured sets by https://www.instagram.com/djspinderella/?hl=en (DJ Spinderella) of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCadcBR95oU (Salt-N-Pepa) and https://www.instagram.com/melanieblatt/?hl=en (Mel Blatt) of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVNdTXEJv1A (All Saints). QBoy also has a weekly residency at London's megaclub https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVNdTXEJv1A (Heaven) and also plays regularly for https://www.thened.com/ (The Ned and Ace Hotel )London. In the episode, QBoy chats about his love of rapping, how he loves that it carries the visceral energy of youth. We touch on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk8YrrMVAaY (Section 28) and the negative impact it had on his schooling as he experienced the dark cloud of classroom homophobic bullying. Passions for music and dancing carried him through those tough times, as did indeed a love of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QnpyVzigng (Five Star) and the wonderful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFI5Jl_IqsE (Victoria Wood.) Launching himself into the hip hop scene of the early 2000s, QBoy chats about joining gayhiphop.com and finding himself at the centre of a Queer hip hop collective with the likes of https://soundcloud.com/kisumandntt/mister-maker (DJ Mister Maker). He was part of that first generation of https://myspace.com/discover/artists (MySpace) musicians, able to use the then-new technology of the internet to connect to audiences. QBoy was self-producing and self-releasing content at a time when it was an unusual thing to do. Because he's a https://www.romeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Thumbnail_Qboy_sexy.jpg (sexy-looking pup), QBoy managed to get hip hop onto the world's pride stages. They were happy to hire a cute white boy, but not his Queer black counterparts. QBoy talks about his frustration on this and his attempts to redress the balance pushing artists like the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNXDquAtOxE (Deep Dick Collective) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl1hpM-ieMo (Tori Fixx). As with so many of the Queer generation, QBoy's life was touched by HIV and for years he battled with the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiU8nQ_-q9s&t=28s (stigma and shame) around his status. He speaks passionately about https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU163mygEUs (positive shaming on Grindr and Scruff,) and his irritation behind people crowing on apps about their negative status. Additional Material Basildon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vmUm3YTSlc (BBC rebranding), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvBtJ5DTRrM (New Town Utopia (Trailer)) Assistance for people with HIV: https://positivelyuk.org/ (Positively UK) (standing up for the dignity and rights for people with HIV); https://www.nat.org.uk/ (National AIDS Trust) (securing rights and stopping HIV); https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/living-with/ (NHS Advice on Living with HIV) (UK health service); https://www.tht.org.uk/ (Terrence Higgins Trust) (landmark UK-based HIV charity). Gateway Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqHvmSp5PDo (Q.B.O.Y. (Is Just So Fly)) If you enjoyed this episode, I suggest taking a listen to...

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. This week we're taken over by the https://songsurfingpodcast.com/ (Song Surfing podcast)! It's a music discovery podcast showcasing the best indie music from around the world!  Hear an eclectic mix of music spanning many genres and discover your next favorite artist. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these playlists) with tracks selected by the artists themselves. CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at https://twitter.com/inthekeyofq (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Facebook). The podcast's forever home can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (here). Theme tune is by https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (Paul Leonidou). Press & PR by Paul Smith. Many thanks to Kaj and Moray for their continued support. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) is presented and produced by Dan Hall and made at Pup Media. Dan has recently produced the landmark BBC film, "Freddie Mercury: The Final Act" (dir. James Rogan) and is the producer of the podcast series https://btdtshow.com/ (Been There Done That). For audio or video production inquiries Dan can be reached here or at https://www.thetalentmanager.com/talent/156474/dan-hall (Talent Manager.) Would you like to appear on the show? Or have an artist you'd like to recommend, please tell them to get in touch via email.

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Featuring new material made public for the first time, LGBTQ singer Paul Andrews discusses his five favourite songs plus the one track that he'd chosen as a gateway song into his catalogue. Series 2 of In the Key of Q is scheduled to appear on 15 March 2022. Please https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4758e68d-d3c2-4bfa-9432-8258875150d9 (click here) for more information regarding the delay. Additional MaterialPaul on https://twitter.com/VolleyPaul (Twitter), https://www.facebook.com/officialpaulandrews/ (Facebook), https://www.instagram.com/officialpaulandrews/ (Instagram) Paul's https://paulandrews.org/ (homepage) https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these playlists) with tracks selected by the artists themselves. CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at https://twitter.com/inthekeyofq (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Facebook). The podcast's forever home can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (here). Theme tune is by https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (Paul Leonidou). Press & PR by Paul Smith. Many thanks to Kaj and Moray for their continued support. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) is presented and produced by Dan Hall and made at Pup Media. Dan has recently produced the landmark BBC film, "Freddie Mercury: The Final Act" (dir. James Rogan) and is the producer of the podcast series https://btdtshow.com/ (Been There Done That). For audio or video production inquiries Dan can be reached here or at https://www.thetalentmanager.com/talent/156474/dan-hall (Talent Manager.) Would you like to appear on the show? Or have an artist you'd like to recommend, please tell them to get in touch via email.

A message from presenter and producer Dan Hall about series 2.

Welcome to https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Just one week until the launch of Season 2 with https://www.qboymusic.com/ (QBoy)! But until then pull up a chair and listen in on TyMcKinnie and I talking gentrification, COVID and dating, not dating, dating, not dating, definitely not dating, but sort of dating... :-) Additional MaterialHear Ty's original episode https://player.captivate.fm/episode/492b004a-5c0c-4196-8715-5bfe4e2eca33 (here)! Ty guests on the pod's two Black Queer America specials: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/92ce250c-6fc7-4909-9f44-7d66fc59d21e (Part 1) & https://player.captivate.fm/episode/520e56c0-8996-4a2e-a229-dae9120e00b4 (Part 2). Ty on https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HVyXlLQIqjf3lJWZIVF3E (Spotify), https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/ty-mckinnie/1194361663 (Apple Music), https://tymckinnie.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp), https://www.youtube.com/TYMCKINNIE (YouTube), https://tidal.com/browse/artist/8428744 (TIDAL) Ty on https://twitter.com/tymckinnie (Twitter), https://www.facebook.com/tymckinnie/ (Facebook), https://www.instagram.com/tymckinnie/ (Instagram), https://www.tiktok.com/@tymckinnie (TikTok) Ty's https://tymckinnie.com/home (homepage) Ty mentions queer artists in this episode. Take a listen to their episodes - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/41f02736-d8b7-4902-8adf-b5183d4c8540 (The IZM) and https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d9637d94-9907-4e32-911c-6f96236015bc (FURILLOSTAR). https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (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 https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Petreon) and making a small donation. Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to https://linktr.ee/inthekeyofq (these playlists) with tracks selected by the artists themselves. CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at https://twitter.com/inthekeyofq (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Facebook). The podcast's forever home can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (here). Theme tune is by https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (Paul Leonidou). Press & PR by Paul Smith. Many thanks to Kaj and Moray for their continued support. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (In the Key of Q) is presented and produced by Dan Hall and made at Pup Media. Dan has recently produced the landmark BBC film, "Freddie Mercury: The Final Act" (dir. James Rogan) and is the producer of the podcast series https://btdtshow.com/ (Been There Done That). For audio or video production inquiries Dan can be reached here or at https://www.thetalentmanager.com/talent/156474/dan-hall (Talent Manager.) Would you like to appear on the show? Or have an artist you'd like to recommend, please tell them to get in touch via email.

Featuring new material made public for the first time, LGBTQ singer Jsky discusses his five favourite songs plus the one track that he'd chosen as a gateway song into his catalogue. Series 2 of In the Key of Q will begin on 1 March 2022. Links: Episode https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hbQ9KUtI3pwOSaAoL7i7YPPYGeveg7lJ/view?usp=sharing (transcription). Jsky's choices: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deniece_Williams (Deniece Williams), https://www.pavarottiofficial.com/ (Pavarotti), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jocelyn_Brown (Jocelyn Brown), http://alleviatedrecords.com/ (Larry Heard) Jsky's https://worldofjsky.com/ (homepage). Jsky's https://jskychat.com/blog/ (blog). Jsky on https://twitter.com/jskychat (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/jskychat/ (Insta), https://www.facebook.com/jskychat (Facebook) and https://www.youtube.com/jskychat (YouTube). Jsky's https://open.spotify.com/show/1iPYrzRRylSB6og5f1DUj6 (podcast). In the Key of Q composer Paul Leonidou'shttps://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ ( online home). Please subscribe to the podcast, rate and review. And spread the word! You can find us onhttps://twitter.com/InTheKeyOfQ ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ ( Instagram) and join the community over onhttps://www.facebook.com/In-the-Key-of-Q-104781968301237 ( Facebook).

Featuring new material made public for the first time, LGBTQ singer Wuhryn Dumas discusses his five favourite songs plus the one track that he'd chosen as a gateway song into his catalogue. Series 2 of In the Key of Q will begin on 1 March 2022. Links: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VJh3-LDPbJmUhUyvxCjIhUIYM9gwGHC6/view?usp=sharing (Transcript). Wuhryn's https://www.wuhryndumas.com/ (homepage). Wuhryn on: https://open.spotify.com/track/3v5xsVnpZWBj1TP9qBzllh (Spotify), https://geo.music.apple.com/gb/album/_/1533571100?i=1533571104&mt=1&app=music&ls=1 (Apple Music), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y8EiGHr8W8 (YouTube), https://soundcloud.com/wuhryndumas/2u-single (SoundCloud), https://music.amazon.com/albums/B08KCW71CL?trackAsin=B08KD32H3G (Amazon Music), https://listen.tidal.com/track/156813384 (Tidal), https://napster.com/track/tra.520482195 (Napster). Wuhryn's choices: https://www.beyonce.com/ (Beyonce), https://www.michaeljackson.com/ (Michael Jackson), https://www.prince.com/ (Prince), https://www.wuhryndumas.com/ (Wuhryn Dumas), https://solange.blackplanet.com/ (Solange.) Wuhryn's gateway track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmj4dXGkONg (2U). In the Key of Q composer Paul Leonidou'shttps://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ ( online home). Please subscribe to the podcast, rate and review. And spread the word! You can find us onhttps://twitter.com/InTheKeyOfQ ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ ( Instagram) and join the community over onhttps://www.facebook.com/In-the-Key-of-Q-104781968301237 ( Facebook).

Featuring new material made public for the first time, LGBTQ singer Brendan Maclean discusses his five favourite songs plus the one track that he'd chosen as a gateway song into his catalogue. Series 2 of In the Key of Q will begin on 1 March 2022. Links: Show https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UJa77IXX5oW0mlEyOZcGhqtQjvYuV8Ce/view?usp=sharing (transcript). Brendan at https://brendanmaclean.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp), https://www.facebook.com/brendanmaclean (Facebook), https://twitter.com/macleanbrendan (Twitter), https://open.spotify.com/artist/7bFb3qT35kK9wSeZZ7pwCj?si=MB8r7dFpQQSScyCQ0FAthA&nd=1 (Spotify), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZPzB7otCsw (YouTube). Brendan on https://www.patreon.com/macleanbrendan (Patreon). Brendan's choices: https://rufuswainwright.com/ (Rufus Wainwright), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9j_IreT5yI (Moloko), https://blonded.co/ (Frank Ocean), https://yearsandyears.com/ (Years and Years). Other references: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuTMWgOduFM (Common People) (Pulp), http://www.champagnecharliemusic.co.uk/ (Champagne Charlie) (“Champagne!”), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ljchJv3PMs (Ode To a Gym Teacher.) Brendan's Gateway Song, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hww3n1cqnM (Stupid). In the Key of Q composer Paul Leonidou'shttps://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ ( online home). Please subscribe to the podcast, rate and review. And spread the word! You can find us onhttps://twitter.com/InTheKeyOfQ ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ ( Instagram) and join the community over onhttps://www.facebook.com/In-the-Key-of-Q-104781968301237 ( Facebook).

Featuring new material made public for the first time, Hip-Hop artist SADBOY discusses his five favourite songs plus the one track that he'd chosen as a gateway song into his catalogue. Series 2 of In the Key of Q will begin on 1 March 2022. Links: SADBOY‘s forever home https://solo.to/saidthesadboy (online). Episode transctiption. SADBOY's artist choices: https://www.tinashenow.com/ (Tinashe), http://robyn.com/ (Robyn), https://www.lykkeli.com/ (Lykke Li), https://www.daftpunk.com/ (Daft Punk). SADBOY's chosen gateway track, https://open.spotify.com/track/3LGOWuW8B7Jtan7tDPhGRL?si=0256eabed8fc4348 (AM To PM). In the Key of Q composer Paul Leonidou's https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (online home). Please subscribe to the podcast, rate and review. And spread the word! You can find us on https://twitter.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and join the community over on https://www.facebook.com/In-the-Key-of-Q-104781968301237 (Facebook).

Featuring new material made public for the first time, LGBTQ singer Blake Mundel (aka Courier) discusses his five favourite songs plus the one track that he'd chosen as a gateway song into his catalogue. Series 2 of In the Key of Q will begin on 1 March 2022. Links: Blake's http://therealcourier.com/ (forever home) online. Show https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N5N66arp-CGvq7r-CbMLaFhWhTAxwrXT/view?usp=sharing (transcript). Blake (as Courier) and his video in which “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okGDwxRfnJY&t=100s (a black man can go out for a jog and make it home)”. https://www.casino.org/blog/top-10-gay-nfl-players/ (Inspirational gay NFL players) at Casino.org. Blake's chosen artists: https://www.beyonce.com/ (Beyonce), https://www.paulsimon.com/ (Paul Simon), https://music.sufjan.com/ (Sufjan), https://www.jamestaylor.com/ (James Taylor), https://www.chanceraps.com/ (Chance the Rapper) Blake's chosen song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hWf8RstqjE (San Francisco). In the Key of Q composer Paul Leonidou's https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (online home). Please subscribe to the podcast, rate and review. And spread the word! You can find us on https://twitter.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and join the community over on https://www.facebook.com/In-the-Key-of-Q-104781968301237 (Facebook).

In this bonus mini-episode, Flint-based alumni Furillostar introduces his new single, DWNLD which drops today. And as ever, a London shout-out to Mamma Star! Episode transcription https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X14T9pn9miLpZuoijYWwTI2A8pwpoMyd/view?usp=sharing (here). FURILLOSTAR's linktree can be found https://linktr.ee/Furillostar (here.) His full Key of Q interview can be found https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d9637d94-9907-4e32-911c-6f96236015bc (here). In The Key of Q publishes every Tuesday (‘Quesday') and is available at inthekeyofq.com, on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, Gaana, TuneIn, Overcast, PlayerFM, Deezer, Saavn and most other podcast platforms. Its social media homes are on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Series 2 of In the Key of Q drops in March 2022.

Featuring new material made public for the first time, pop singer Aruan Duval discusses his five favourite songs plus the one track that he'd chosen as a gateway song into his catalogue. Series 2 of In the Key of Q will begin on 1 March 2022. Support the podcast at our https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Patreon page) for as little as £3 per month. Transcript https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N4RgyDcY8HdQM5bofLLjccA7U1Y65bnz/view?usp=sharing (here). Aruan's band Furiku on https://open.spotify.com/artist/6uJvv7JQmnDJqRBS5JVTq9?si=cL5TqUW1Rm6Nca_0hc7CKA (Spotify) and https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/furiku/362159060 (Apple Music). Aruan on https://open.spotify.com/artist/6uJvv7JQmnDJqRBS5JVTq9?si=tn_G6YRaRfS9D8aRUX1jUQ (Spotify) and https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/furiku/362159060 (Apple Music). Aruan's chosen artists: https://www.prince.com/ (Prince), https://www.davidbowie.com/ (David Bowie), http://www.steviewonder.net/] (Stevie Wonder), https://www.arethafranklin.net/ (Aretha Franklin), https://www.madonna.com/ (Madonna) Aruan's gateway song, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xcynaciw2w (Go-Go). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_ui701za0w (“A Brief History of Prince”) from The Beat Goes On In the Key of Q composer Paul Leonidou's https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (online home). Please subscribe to the podcast, rate and review. And spread the word! You can find us on https://twitter.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and join the community over on https://www.facebook.com/In-the-Key-of-Q-104781968301237 (Facebook).

Featuring new material made public for the first time, singer Ty McKinnie discusses his five favourite songs plus the one track that he'd chosen as a gateway song into his catalogue. Series 2 of In the Key of Q will begin on 1 March 2022. Links: Ty's forever home https://tymckinnie.com/?fbclid=IwAR1LjoHtWxRpCPRQkMdrqNZXh_MQbcvSd1UsQ4pB--7ancqxwxEAtIMm1nk (online). Transcription https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mlm7f5eVhwFVy3Gsvy5ReQq4neXdtS9Z/view?usp=sharing (here). https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI18hyPTMwQPA62yvMiXTWo5sXI88NKJN (Me. Him. Us.) A sexual health awareness project for gay and bisexual men from Black, South Asian and other ethnic minority communities. Ty's chosen artists: https://4everbrandy.com/ (Brandy), http://www.torikellymusic.com/ (Tori Kelly), https://www.whitneyhouston.com/ (Whitney Houston), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat_King_Cole (Nat King Cole), https://www.beyonce.com/ (Beyonce) Ty's gateway song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXqvxQEblaM (Mutual). In the Key of Q composer Paul Leonidou's https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (online home). Please subscribe to the podcast, rate and review. And spread the word! You can find us on https://twitter.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and join the community over on https://www.facebook.com/In-the-Key-of-Q-104781968301237 (Facebook). Support this podcast

Featuring new material made public for the first time, pop rock singer Matt Fishel discusses his five favourite songs plus the one track that he'd chosen as a gateway song into his catalogue. Series 2 of In the Key of Q will begin on 1 March 2022. Transcription is available https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MiKW5tBGy9KqWI9Uxvkv-z-s-1ZUehrI/view?usp=sharing (here). Matt's https://www.mattfishel.com/ (forever home). Matt on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoEN65PAvCJkuxQXxSUmpzA (YouTube), https://www.facebook.com/mattfishelofficial (Facebook), https://www.twitter.com/mattfishel (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/mattfishel (Instagram). Matt's chosen artists: https://www.madonna.com/ (Madonna), https://www.manicstreetpreachers.com/ (Manic Street Preachers), https://www.prince.com/ (Prince), https://www.petshopboys.co.uk/ (Pet Shop Boys), http://www.seal.com/ (Seal) Matt's gateway song, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogsbUiSY2TU (Radio Friendly Pop Song). In the Key of Q composer Paul Leonidou's https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (online home). Please subscribe to the podcast, rate and review. And spread the word! And do keep your eyes peeled for Matt's new album that's on the way. You can find us on https://twitter.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and join the community over on https://www.facebook.com/In-the-Key-of-Q-104781968301237 (Facebook).l Support this podcast

This week, presenter Dan Hall welcomes back a Santa sack of guests, each with an exclusive musical treat for listeners. The singing festive elves are: Ty McKinnie (ep 2), Aruan Duval (ep 3), Paul Andrews (ep 9), The IZM (ep 10), Vincent DiGeronimo (ep 11), Matthew Presidente (ep 22), TIN (ep 25), Tommy Atkins (ep 31), Venn Smyth (ep 32), Mr Slade (ep 35) plus special guests London performers Derek and Orla presenting their Christmas single.   Useful links:   Support the pod at http://patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Patreon) and gain access to exclusive interviews with every guest. Let's chat about #QueerMusic on https://twitter.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ/ (Facebook). Feeling lonely at Christmas? It's nothing to be ashamed of. Links that might help: https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-when-you-are-alone-at-christmas-3024301 (Very Well Mind), https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/the-challenge-of-christmas/ (Campaign to End Loneliness), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJK9Vv9f9T4 (Mind) and https://www.redonline.co.uk/red-women/blogs/g25583455/feeling-lonely-christmas-how-to-help/ (Red Online). Spotify links for guests: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HVyXlLQIqjf3lJWZIVF3E?si=39tkMoybQKSQQcdcexKO0g (Ty McKinnie), https://open.spotify.com/artist/6uJvv7JQmnDJqRBS5JVTq9?si=9np8vBtXRxegeZz53g9TUw (Aruan Duval), https://open.spotify.com/artist/2o6QzQ3bJDOKI0EnpDYzNK?si=RBWklYENS_-xTWI7FWpa6Q (Paul Andrews), https://open.spotify.com/artist/1tzmAlOsyCtLTmG0EsoK87?si=m5F4iAS2QTugTFO7gwIYSw (The IZM), https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Og1pxwWXWHil67hvXTX5J?si=eFAmcDPMTDGpsa-GhWQRfQ (Vincent DiGeronimo), https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ahZVKtqkJw9KA5j3JOmSN?si=hqZFqyy5SButOgV1qhgxUA (Matthew Presidente,) https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hn7scWH7kk9GKBk16ALiw?si=gD6BL37yTbyIdAfUh5pJlg (TIN), https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oJxd0R3hdsN9XJrTJrHPu?si=DpjAI_s0QveZ1CdeUqy4aw (Tommy Atkins), https://open.spotify.com/artist/7MVN873BWXp8uv51LdKfM1?si=EJRGlssdSlKdrLfCqsbR7g (Venn Smyth), https://open.spotify.com/artist/2TqQ9VJggVOUwAGXYt19QL?si=2U7V0MI3QhWjX2dK5M_zYQ (Mr Slade) and https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qDstFDOetm7rKWUeyqzHn?si=SkZurph7THWyxKpQ5Uj4iQ (Derek and Orla). More Queer artists with Christmas cheer! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qlpnt-6HQZo (Steve Grand), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd2pwo2QImE (Kevin Yee), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FFY-I7r1OA (Tom Goss). KoQ favourite Christmas advert this year, for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDLumk_rQQw&t=16s (Posten Norway). So nice to see that us gays are allowed to be over 30! This is the final episode of Season 1, with a new series beginning on 1 March 2022 with a two-part special featuring British rapper, QBoy (https://open.spotify.com/artist/3O2hoSIQ1irZqay1C1buOI?si=UZOgpp9rRhafhLvwcVFjzQ (Spotify)).   Dan Hall is a TV, film and audio producer whose credits include the podcast series ‘Been There Done That with Susan Osman', ‘Cher and the Loneliest Elephant' and ‘Freddie Mercury: The Final Act'. Support this podcast

This week, presenter Dan Hall welcomes back a Santa sack of guests, each with an exclusive musical treat for listeners. The singing festive elves are: Ty McKinnie (ep 2), Aruan Duval (ep 3), Paul Andrews (ep 9), The IZM (ep 10), Vincent DiGeronimo (ep 11), Matthew Presidente (ep 22), TIN (ep 25), Tommy Atkins (ep 31), Venn Smyth (ep 32), Mr Slade (ep 35) plus special guests London performers Derek and Orla presenting their Christmas single.   Useful links:   Support the pod at http://patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Patreon) and gain access to exclusive interviews with every guest. Let's chat about #QueerMusic on https://twitter.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ/ (Facebook). Feeling lonely at Christmas? It's nothing to be ashamed of. Links that might help: https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-when-you-are-alone-at-christmas-3024301 (Very Well Mind), https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/the-challenge-of-christmas/ (Campaign to End Loneliness), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJK9Vv9f9T4 (Mind) and https://www.redonline.co.uk/red-women/blogs/g25583455/feeling-lonely-christmas-how-to-help/ (Red Online). Spotify links for guests: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HVyXlLQIqjf3lJWZIVF3E?si=39tkMoybQKSQQcdcexKO0g (Ty McKinnie), https://open.spotify.com/artist/6uJvv7JQmnDJqRBS5JVTq9?si=9np8vBtXRxegeZz53g9TUw (Aruan Duval), https://open.spotify.com/artist/2o6QzQ3bJDOKI0EnpDYzNK?si=RBWklYENS_-xTWI7FWpa6Q (Paul Andrews), https://open.spotify.com/artist/1tzmAlOsyCtLTmG0EsoK87?si=m5F4iAS2QTugTFO7gwIYSw (The IZM), https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Og1pxwWXWHil67hvXTX5J?si=eFAmcDPMTDGpsa-GhWQRfQ (Vincent DiGeronimo), https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ahZVKtqkJw9KA5j3JOmSN?si=hqZFqyy5SButOgV1qhgxUA (Matthew Presidente,) https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hn7scWH7kk9GKBk16ALiw?si=gD6BL37yTbyIdAfUh5pJlg (TIN), https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oJxd0R3hdsN9XJrTJrHPu?si=DpjAI_s0QveZ1CdeUqy4aw (Tommy Atkins), https://open.spotify.com/artist/7MVN873BWXp8uv51LdKfM1?si=EJRGlssdSlKdrLfCqsbR7g (Venn Smyth), https://open.spotify.com/artist/2TqQ9VJggVOUwAGXYt19QL?si=2U7V0MI3QhWjX2dK5M_zYQ (Mr Slade) and https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qDstFDOetm7rKWUeyqzHn?si=SkZurph7THWyxKpQ5Uj4iQ (Derek and Orla). More Queer artists with Christmas cheer! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qlpnt-6HQZo (Steve Grand), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd2pwo2QImE (Kevin Yee), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FFY-I7r1OA (Tom Goss). KoQ favourite Christmas advert this year, for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDLumk_rQQw&t=16s (Posten Norway). So nice to see that us gays are allowed to be over 30! This is the final episode of Season 1, with a new series beginning on 1 March 2022 with a two-part special featuring British rapper, QBoy (https://open.spotify.com/artist/3O2hoSIQ1irZqay1C1buOI?si=UZOgpp9rRhafhLvwcVFjzQ (Spotify)).   Dan Hall is a TV, film and audio producer whose credits include the podcast series ‘Been There Done That with Susan Osman', ‘Cher and the Loneliest Elephant' and ‘Freddie Mercury: The Final Act'. Support this podcast

‘What have you got to be depressed about?' is like saying, ‘What have you got to have a cold about?' In this episode, Paul discusses his Greek Cypriot roots, his battles with depression and suicidal thoughts, and his own journey into authenticity. Useful links: Support the pod at http://patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Patreon) and gain access to exclusive interviews with every guest. Let's chat about #QueerMusic on https://twitter.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/InTheKeyOfQ/ (Facebook). Paul's homepage can be found https://www.unstoppablemonsters.com/ (here). Alumni Andy Pisanu is mentioned, and his episode can be found https://www.inthekeyofq.com/episode/andrew-m-pisanu-memory-flowers (here). Click https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/help-for-suicidal-thoughts/ (here) for help with suicidal thoughts. Coming next Quesday is the second of our two-part specials in which previous guests return to deliver exclusive audio gifts to our listeners! TRANSCRIPTION: Dan 00:00 Hello and welcome to the first in two Christmas special episodes of In the Key of Q, the guest in this week's episode is, well, one of the family, really. He composed our theme tune and has been a brilliant supporter of the podcast. Please be aware, though, that there was extensive discussion of depression and including some references to suicide. So listener discretion is advised. As ever, there will be support links provided in the show notes. Paul 00:27 Well. I remember the first time I was depressed, seven years old. And my answer to me? What's wrong with you? I said, I'm depressed and she goes, Oh, seven, how can you be depressed? I was. It was this sense of someone dims the screen and your lens of perception, and everything feels heavy. Dan 00:52 This is In the Key of Q featuring musicians from around the world who inspire my queer identity. Everybody is welcome to the conversation, whatever beautiful identity pleases you. Music helps us feel connected and know that we are not alone. This program is made possible thanks to the financial support of listeners like you over at hatred on dot com slash in the key of queue, and remember to join the conversation across socials using the hashtag queer music. I'm Dan Hall. Come on in, sit down and be heard. You've been hearing this week's guests since episode one. He composes and sound designs for advertising and short films and studied music technology at the University of West London, as well as a composer. He's also a singer performing and releasing under the name to D Loono. So a big, big welcome to the horribly talented and very, very lovely Paul Leonidou. Paul 01:45 Hello. Hello, Daniel San. I was born in North London, which is a bit of a cliche if you're Greek Cypriot. I remember my mum telling me that at about a year and a half old, the first sign that she saw that I loved music was that I was watching Bugsy Malone with my milk bottle. I was lying on my back with my legs crossed, swinging my leg and kind of learning every single word that musical. And I remember being so small that I didn't get that they were kids. They were like grown ups to me, you know, in terms of context. So and then I started singing a bit of Tallulah, and then she got a bit worried was going to be warning signs. Dan 03:02 You should be singing The Boxer! Paul 03:05 Yeah, exactly. I sang that to a saying all of them. Yes, the thing I embrace, the more indiscriminately. Dan 03:10 What was your upbringing like? Paul 03:13 I had a very vivid imagination, and you know, I would talk to things and beings that weren't there. And I was so in my own world and kind of music being this intangible thing that's just surrounding you, I just get swept up into music. I remember. I remember my mum playing Phantom of the Opera on vinyl, playing a really... Support this podcast