In this captivating episode, host Dan welcomes Greg Hatem, a multifaceted musician, composer, and producer from Baltimore, Maryland. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Greg discusses his prolific musical career spanning multiple bands and genres from post-punk to avant-folk, alongside running a curiosity shop specializing in natural history items. The conversation explores Greg's experiences growing up queer in Baltimore, the city's vibrant artistic community, and his thoughts on creating art that transcends identity while remaining authentically connected to it.

Key Topics:

• Greg's musical projects across multiple bands and genres
• Growing up queer in Baltimore and Catholic school experiences
• The unique artistic environment of Baltimore's music scene
• The relationship between queer identity and creative expression
• Finding community and authentic connections
• The significance of representation in music
• Greg's curiosity shop and Ouija board museum
• Creative processes and emotional connections in music
• Thoughts on trans rights and inclusivity in the arts
• Creating your own artistic world as a form of empowerment

Episode Timeline:

00:00:13 - Introduction to the show and host Dan Hall

00:00:39 - Introduction to Greg Hatem and his Baltimore background

00:01:44 - Greg's current musical projects and curiosity shop

00:02:22 - Childhood experiences growing up in Baltimore

00:03:17 - Finding supportive people and navigating identity

00:04:47 - Thoughts on inclusive music scenes and accessibility

00:05:15 - Early connections between queerness and music creation

00:07:17 - The importance of representation in queer music

00:08:31 - Experiences in Catholic school and family support

00:09:55 - Discussion of Baltimore's unique artistic environment

00:11:48 - Connections to John Waters and Baltimore's character

00:15:03 - Overview of Greg's various bands and music projects

00:17:06 - Advice to his 15-year-old self about patterns and growth

00:18:47 - Reflections on pursuing music as a career path

00:19:29 - The Ouija board museum exhibit in Greg's shop

00:21:59 - Discussion of Greg's gateway track "Planet"

00:26:18 - Perspectives on trans rights and artistic freedom

00:28:14 - Message to listeners feeling disconnected or isolated

00:29:15 - Where to find Greg and his music online

Resources Mentioned:

• Greg's Audio Network (Greg's website)
• Greg's bands: Natural Velvet, Moth Broth, Curving Tooth, and Lawsuit Choir
• Upcoming album from Natural Velvet
• Moth Broth's remix collaboration with Shoo Shoo
• "Planet" - Greg's recommended gateway track
• Curving Tooth's album "Crank Me Up"
• The Bazaar curiosity shop and Ouija board museum (3534 Chestnut Avenue, Baltimore)
• John Waters' film "Pecker" (discussed in relation to Baltimore)

Guest Information:

Greg Hatem is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer based in Baltimore, Maryland. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he creates and performs music across multiple genres including post-punk, avant-folk, and experimental rock. Greg plays in four different bands - Natural Velvet (drums), Moth Broth (electric autoharp), Curving Tooth (arrangements), and Lawsuit Choir - while also producing solo material. In addition to his musical endeavors, Greg owns and operates The Bazaar, a curiosity shop in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood featuring natural history items, antiques, and a museum dedicated to the history of the Ouija board, which was invented in Baltimore in the 1890s.

Connect & Support:

• Visit Greg's website at Greg's Audio Network
• Listen to Greg's music on Spotify and other streaming platforms
• Check out his bands: Natural Velvet, Moth Broth, Curving Tooth, and Lawsuit Choir
• Visit The Bazaar curiosity shop and Ouija board museum at 3534 Chestnut Avenue in Baltimore
• Contact the podcast at inthekeyofq@gmail.com
• Visit inthekeyofq.com for all previous episodes
• Subscribe and leave a five-star review to help others discover the show

Spotify playlist can be found HERE.

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