Gay Music: In the Key of Q

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).Support the show over at Patreon. Many thanks! - https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq

In 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.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 (Apple / Spotify), which debuted in the top 40 on the iTunes RnB charts.He grew up in a house surrounded by music, from Luther Vandross to gospel and learned to make peace with the homophobia in some of Hip Hop. With loved artists such as 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, giving lessons in schools to fight ignorance and stigma.Additional MaterialDon+ on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTubeDon+ on Twitter, Facebook, InstagramAdvice for newly diagnosed HIV-positive people from THT.Managing being LGBTQ and Muslim.If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to Blake Mundell.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 these playlists with tracks selected by the artists...

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 Apple Music and Spotify, which has garnered the attention of artists such as Victoria Monét and Ro James. (1:22) 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) 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) 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 here.(16:42) Highlight - Anxiety and addiction are 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) 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) 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 (Spotify) and 2 (Spotify). Of course alumni FURILLOSTAR gets a mention, and you can hear his episode here.Here are some useful resources around bullying at school. Stonewall’s toolkit for secondary schools (high schools) and STOMP Out Bullying.Support resources for anxiety can be found at the a...

In 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.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 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 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 Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, YouTube, SoundcloudBillyon Twitter, Facebook, InstagramBilly's homepageIf you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to Daddy Dawg.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 these playlists with tracks selected by the artists themselves.CreditsThe podcast can be reached on email and on social media at Twitter, Instagram and a...

In 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.Levi Kreis is a multi-award winner. Having gathered himself awards from Critic's Circle, Out Music, and most excitingly, the Tony's. Born in 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 an AIDS diagnosis and death.In search of community Kreis falls into the artificial comfort of 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 a duet with alumni QBoy and a lead role in the US touring production of Hadestown.Additional MaterialLevi on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Bandcamp, YouTubeLevi on Twitter, Facebook, InstagramLevi homepageDomestic abuse...

In 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.Sonicfluxx was born and raised in Florida in the United States. And in January 2020, his first single Nothing Will Ever Be the Same debuted at number two in the 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 Melbourne, Florida just a stone's throw from Cocoa Beach and 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 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 depression and 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' Queer As Folk as a fixed point in time of seared identity.Sonicfluxx's 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 Spotify, Bandsintown, Apple Music, YouTube, TIDALSonicFluxx on Twitter, Facebook, InstagramSonicFluxx homepageSonicFluxx merch (remember to use discount code INTHEKEYOFQ).If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to a...

In 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.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 Hapsburg Lippp. Before transitioning to a man, he served in the US military and went on to make a considerable name for himself on the drag king circuit.He grew up in a household with Nirvana, Phil Collins, New Edition and Luther Vandross pumping from the family hifi. The home was of military stock, and during his childhood his father was deployed in the first Iraq war. The strict household and challenges around gender identity dropped 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 importance to avoid mis-gendering, and the hurt this can cause. He speaks passionately about the importance of self-denfence for the LGBTQ community and especially within the QPOC community. 'You can walk with your head high and confidently knowing that you can defend yourself against anything. 'Additional MaterialXantheartist on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTubeXantheartist on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTokXantheartist merchXantheartist homepageIf you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to a...

In 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.This week's guest is from Edmonton, Alberta in Canada. His music combines personal experiences, passion, and is inspired by artists as varied as Vanessa Carlton, John Mayer and 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 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from escaping out. And he'd tell anyone who'd listen about Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and 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 Waterloo, Fernando and 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 BIPOC of LGBTQ voices. He out and proud music most definitely moves towards that, even more so with the release of his new album Victory (Produced by Brett Reed).Additional MaterialMatthew on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, YouTubeMatthew on Twitter, InstagramMatthew's homepageIf you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to Andy Pisanu ("Memory Flowers").a...

In 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.Lloyd Best performing as Dead Method is an alternative pop artist based in Cardiff, Wales. They started a solo career in 2018 and they've gone on to support 65 Days of Static and Public Service Broadcasting. In 2020, their debut album Queer Genesis was released, an exploration of queer culture and identity.The sceptre of 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 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, Femme.Additional MaterialDealing with homophobic bullying at school from Stonewall.Dead Method on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, YouTubeDead Method on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTokDead Method homepageIf you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to Daniel Versus the World.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...

In 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.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 Light Fires, and Regina Gently. A former member of the group Hidden Cameras, Reg has also sung is also sung with Broken Social Scene and Owen Pallett.Intriguingly he also had a cameo in the film 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 Guelph he found himself surrounded by music, not least because of the indie-celebrating festival, Hillside. Eventually releasing his own music, he worked with many different bands and guises including the highly popular Hidden Cameras. He has a 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 Spotify, Apple Music, BandcampGentleman Reg on Twitter, InstagramGentleman Reg homepageIf you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to Nick Vaan.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...

In 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.A-Natural founded Natural City Music recording label and has himself won two international independent music awards. He's opened for T-Pain and has written and produced for multiple major artists. In 2020 he released the album, '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. 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 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 'I May Destroy You' by 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 MaterialA-Natural's homepage.A-Natural on Twitter and Instagram.A-Natural on Spotify and Apple Music.Leaflet providing assistance to those affected by sexual violence.Help after rape and sexual assault from the NHS.If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to a...

In 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.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 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 allow itself time-out.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 Instagram and Facebook.Benjamin on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and Bandcamp.A great article celebrating non-binary living and great ways to be a tip-top ally.The Guardian newspaper asks Can Lucid Dreaming Help Us Understand Consciousness?Fans of Benjamin's work might like to hear music from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, one of the pioneers of the genre.This week's cross-promotion comes from the wonderful Song Surfing Podcast.If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to Dhorin Fireheart.In the Key of Q is a weekly 30-40 minute podcast publishing every Tuesday. I’m your...