Gay Music: In the Key of Q

Carrington Kelso returns to In the Key of Q for his fourth appearance, bringing with him the wisdom of displacement and the courage to sit with grief. Three years after his debut on the podcast, this multi-talented singer-songwriter has relocated from Georgia to San Diego, launched Clara Rose Candle Co, and is preparing to release his most personal project yet: A Moment for Grief.

In this deeply reflective conversation, Carrington explores the complex emotions of choosing to leave everything familiar behind, the exhausting reality of code switching as a Black queer man, and why streaming alone isn't enough to support independent artists. His insights on building your own table rather than waiting for an invitation resonate with particular power, offering a blueprint for creative autonomy in an industry that often marginalises voices like his.

This episode serves as both a masterclass in artistic vulnerability and a call to action for listeners to financially support the queer independent artists whose work reflects our lives back to us.

• [04:39] Perfectionism in music production: Carrington discusses the struggle between excellence and perfectionism in his creative process

• [05:55] The courage to relocate: Why he left Georgia for San Diego despite the safety of familiar surroundings

• [12:29] Grief of your own choosing: How voluntary displacement creates a unique form of mourning that's no less real

• [15:08] Creating for the queer child within: The responsibility to provide representation for young LGBTQ+ people seeking their reflection in art

• [18:07] Building your own table: The power of horizontal networking rather than vertical ladder-climbing in the music industry

• [22:25] High-functioning anxiety from abandonment: How early paternal abandonment shaped perfectionist tendencies and people-pleasing behaviours

• [24:35] Code switching explained: The exhausting performance required of Black bodies in predominantly white spaces

• [28:22] What should a pop star look like: Challenging industry standards that favour lighter-skinned artists even within Black music

• [33:43] A Moment for Grief announcement: Carrington's upcoming album exploring the themes discussed in this episode

• [36:00] Supporting independent artists financially: Why streaming alone doesn't sustain artists and the importance of direct financial support

Carrington Kelso is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer and entrepreneur whose unique blend of pop, R&B, soul and electronic sounds creates powerful narratives for Black queer love and artistic freedom. Based in San Diego, he has released the acclaimed album First We Fall and launched Clara Rose Candle Co. His upcoming project A Moment for Grief promises to be his most personal work yet. Find him at carringtonkelso.com and follow his journey on social media @carringtonkelso.

• Beyoncé: Dangerously in Love (album) • Blondie: "Call Me" (single) • Carrington Kelso: First We Fall (album) • Carrington Kelso: "Eden" (single) • Carrington Kelso: "Can I Be the One?" (single)

• Beyoncé • Janet Jackson • Blondie • Madonna • George Michael • Britney Spears

• Clara Rose Candle Co - Carrington's candle business

• Read deep dives into our queer lives at the blog HERE.
• Check out the official podcast playlist on Spotify.
• Follow the podcast on: • Instagram • TikTok • Facebook
• See producer and presenter Dan Hall's other work HERE (subtitled version HERE).
• Listen to other episodes at here.

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.

[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"

• "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 rhythms

Rita de Los Angeles is a country singer-songwriter now based in rural Germany, just outside Cologne. Born and raised in Los Angeles to Egyptian immigrant parents, Rita spent her early adult years as an activist with Queer Nation and ACT UP before building a successful career in film and television marketing. After meeting her German wife 23 years ago, Rita was forced to leave the US due to immigration laws that didn't recognize same-sex relationships.

At age 55, Rita has reinvented herself as a musician, discovering that singing helped cure her debilitating panic attacks. She now performs regularly in rural Germany, including in churches—places she once protested against. Rita donates her streaming royalties to Immigration Equality, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ immigrants.

"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 sister." - On the inspiration behind "Home Is Where the Heart Is"

"I sang for three hours all these evergreen songs and it was the first time in weeks that I didn't have a panic attack—was when I was singing." - On discovering music as therapy

"Ironically, I now play my country music in churches. Instead of shutting them down, I'm... I swear, I swear." - On her journey from activist to performer

• Rita de Los Angeles' music on Spotify
• Immigration Equality - Organization supporting LGBTQ+ immigrants, where Rita donates her streaming royalties
• Learn more about Queer Nation and ACT UP
• In the Key of Q website
• In the Key of Q blog

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.

• 00:00:56 - 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&B
• 02:31 - Growing up in a Haitian household surrounded by music from Madonna, Anita Baker, and Whitney Houston, which deeply influenced their artistic development
• 03:55 - Romeo discusses major musical influences including Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Lady Gaga
• 04:41 - A thoughtful reflection on Prince's groundbreaking impact as a Black male artist who challenged gender norms through style, makeup, and flamboyance
• 09:29 - The pivotal moment at age nine when seeing young R&B star Sammie on TV inspired Romeo and Cameo to pursue music creation
• 10:59 - The significance of Lil Nas X as the first openly gay Black artist they've seen "pushing the envelope" fearlessly in their lifetime
• 11:41 - The importance of queer visibility in media for mental health and preventing self-destructive behaviour among LGBTQ+ youth
• 14:05 - Shocking account of experiencing an exorcism in his twenties when family members attempted to "cast out" his homosexuality
• 20:12 - Discussion of the complex relationship with religion, faith, and the church after experiencing religious trauma
• 21:35 - Reflection on the state of Black queer representation in America and the lack of Black queer male relationships portrayed in media
• 24:51 - 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 another
• 27:43 - Romeo's heartfelt advice to fellow queer artists about self-love, changing perspective, and living authentically
• 32:07 - EHIRE's gateway song recommendation: "Let Go," a track about hope, love, and self-acceptance

Romeo Records is one half of the R&B duo EHIRE alongside his twin brother Cameo (Arie). The Brooklyn-born Haitian-American artists have been creating music since age nine. Their debut EP garnered over 200,000 streams, with music featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds R&B and Billboard Pride's Queer Necessities playlists. They were nominated by Pop Smash Radio for Best R&B Song by a Duo or Group.

• Prince - "When Doves Cry" - One of Prince's most iconic tracks mentioned as influential
• RuPaul's Drag Race - Mentioned as important queer representation on television

Find the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

And don't forget to check out the official podcast playlist on Spotify.

Producer and Presenter Dan Hall's other work.

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.

[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.

• Kele Fleming - April 2025 Episode
• Jon Ginoli (Pansy Division) - May 2025 Episode
• Eric Lenfair - April 2025 Episode
• Eric Torino - May 2025 Episode
• James Taylor Junior - April 2025 Episode
• Roderick Woodruff - April 2025 Episode
• Greg Hatem - April 2025 Episode
• Ben McGarvey (Minute Taker) - May 2025 Episode
• Travie Austin - April 2025 Episode
• MEL LENNON - Available from 15 July 2025
• TIN - May 2025 Episode
• Tomek Zdyb - Available from 1 July 2025

Read deep dives into our queer lives at the blog HERE.

Check out the official podcast playlist on Spotify.

Follow the podcast on:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook

See producer and presenter Dan Hall's other work HERE (subtitled version HERE).

Listen to other episodes at the homepage.

In this candid and compelling conversation, Australian pop artist TIN returns to In The Key of Q to discuss his musical journey since his previous appearance. From opening for Bright Light Bright Light to releasing deeply personal tracks that resonate with fans in unexpected ways, TIN offers a raw look at navigating the gay music scene as a person of colour. With characteristic wit and refreshing honesty, he unpacks the complexities of privilege, racism within queer spaces, and how his experiences have shaped his creative expression. Perfect for listeners seeking authentic LGBTQ+ perspectives on music, identity, and the sometimes absurd realities of gay nightlife.

• 00:00:50 - TIN reveals how he came to open for Bright Light Bright Light through connections with EQ Music
• 00:02:11 - His EP "Sex, Cologne and Cigarets" performed well, with "Weasel" becoming an unexpected fan favourite
• 00:06:14 - TIN shares the deeply personal story behind his vulnerable track "Dear Matthew," which explores racial privilege in the gay community
• 00:10:30 - An important discussion about the additional obstacles faced by people of colour in queer spaces
• 00:14:25 - TIN reflects on internalised racism and its impact on self-worth and relationship expectations
• 00:17:02 - The origin story of TIN's new single "Trust Your Touch," originally written about a fantasy involving Troye Sivan and Olly Alexander
• 00:19:57 - Behind-the-scenes challenges of filming the "Trust Your Touch" music video, including shooting cruising scenes in freezing Burgess Park
• 00:23:33 - TIN discusses his evolution from primarily a performer to developing his skills as a recording artist
• 00:25:02 - How entering the circuit party scene unexpectedly forced TIN to confront deep insecurities about race and body image
• 00:31:35 - Upcoming releases including a Pride single called "Kid Pig" and remixes celebrating the one-year anniversary of "Dear Matthew"

TIN is an Australian queer pop artist currently based in the UK. Known for his energetic performances, candid lyrics, and exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, TIN combines catchy pop melodies with raw personal narratives. Find his music and social media at TIN Official Music.

• Sex, 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 community
• Trust Your Touch Music Video - TIN's latest release featuring Lost Child and Janis
• House of Air by Brendan Maclean - The NSFW music video about hanky codes mentioned in the podcast
• Bright Light Bright Light - Artist TIN opened for on tour
• EQ Music - The collective that booked TIN for shows

Find the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

And don't forget to check out the official podcast playlist on Spotify.

Producer and Presenter Dan Hall's other work.

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.

[00:00:28] - Introduction

[00:02:12] - Eric introduces himself and his musical style

[00:03:21] - Discussion of stereotypical queer musician image

[00:04:23] - Eric explains folk music as a storytelling medium

[00:06:03] - Dan and Eric discuss queer representation in music

[00:07:42] - Conversation about "gay icons" who remained closeted

[00:09:21] - Eric shares his coming out story

[00:13:12] - Discussion of family acceptance

[00:15:49] - Eric opens up about his mental health and agoraphobia

[00:19:15] - What it feels like to experience anxiety

[00:20:40] - Conditional acceptance of queer people

[00:21:00] - Fear of public affection with same-sex partners

[00:23:17] - The parallels between victim-blaming women and gay men

[00:24:53] - Reflections on queer relationships and success

[00:26:21] - Discussion of Eric's new album created during lockdown

[00:30:08] - Eric's two minutes to speak on any topic (self-worth)

[00:35:30] - The fifteen-year-old self segment

[00:36:43] - Gateway song: "Felt" from latest album

Eric Terino is a folk musician and songwriter from New England whose work blends elements of folk, classical, and alternative music. His third album, "Innovation of Grave Perversity," was recorded remotely during lockdown in 2020-2021.

Eric describes his approach to music as "earthiness, textures... naturalism rather than gloss," setting him apart from more mainstream queer artists. His work is explicitly queer without being ambiguous, as he believes in the importance of authentic representation in music.

Living with agoraphobia, Eric has adapted his creative process to work within his limitations, collaborating remotely with other musicians and finding connection through his art despite physical isolation.

"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."

• Eric Terino's music
• In the Key of Q website
• In 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.

Ben opens up about the origins of his stage name "Minute Taker" – a reference to his former day job that created an ironic contrast with his artistic identity. He describes it as "simultaneously mundane and otherworldly," reflecting the dual nature of his creative life.

The conversation traverses Ben's musical evolution from a teenager in the 90s who was drawn to 80s synth music to his current work creating atmospheric, emotionally resonant songs. Ben reflects on how living in rural Shropshire as a young gay man shaped his relationship with music as a form of escape and self-expression.

Throughout the episode, Ben courageously discusses his experiences with depression and how this has informed the melancholic quality of his music. Rather than viewing this melancholia as something negative, he explores how it can be "so beautiful" and serves as a connective tissue between artist and listener.

02:59 - Ben discusses his musical influences growing up, including Kate Bush, Pet Shop Boys, Tori Amos, and PJ Harvey

07:47 - Reflections on growing up as a gay child in rural Britain during the Section 28 era

09:35 - Ben shares his early songwriting experiences and how music became a form of escape

16:46 - Discussion about representation and the importance of addressing songs explicitly to men

22:46 - Ben speaks candidly about his experiences with depression and how it manifests

24:44 - The evolution of Ben's work into audiovisual projects, including his concept album exploring gay men's lives throughout history

28:32 - Details about his upcoming album "The Oblivion," inspired by Blade Runner and 80s sounds

34:20 - Information about Ben's subscription service for fans to access exclusive music

Ben McGarvey is a Manchester-based musician who performs under the name Minute Taker. His work blends retro synth sounds with piano and emotional lyrics to create atmospheric, often melancholic music. Beyond traditional albums, Ben has expanded into audiovisual projects that explore LGBTQ+ experiences throughout history. His most recent album "Wolf Hours" included an accompanying visual narrative, and he's currently finishing his new album "The Oblivion."

Ben 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.

Minute Taker website.

In the Key of Q celebrates queer musicians and their stories. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, or email us at [email protected].

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.

• 00:02:23 - Jon reflects on how Pansy Division's focus on sexuality differs from today's emphasis on gender issues
• 02:32:24 - Jon discusses feeling alienated as a rock musician within the gay community in the 1980s
• 04:14:08 - The genesis of Pansy Division and the band's formation in San Francisco
• 06:03:23 - The social context of the AIDS crisis and political attacks on the LGBTQ+ community
• 06:42:15 - How the band promoted safe sex through their music and even included condom instructions in album packaging
• 08:24:00 - 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 misery
• 11:54:01 - The unexpected popularity of Pansy Division among teenage audiences during their tour with Green Day
• 13:57:03 - Green Day's decision to tour with Pansy Division and the mutual benefits of that collaboration
• 15:47:21 - Jon discusses the influence of Chumbawamba and the importance of combining politics with sexuality
• 20:40:24 - Thoughts on identity politics and representation versus ghettoization
• 23:19:23 - The band's recent resurgence among young gender-queer fans following the pandemic
• 25:31:24 - 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 today
• 31:51:17 - Jon discusses "Femme in a Black Leather Jacket" as a gateway song into Pansy Division's music

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.

• Listen to Pansy Division.
• The first Pansy Division album was recently reissued on purple vinyl
• Theme tune by Paul Leonidou from Unstoppable Monsters.

Spotify playlist can be found HERE.

The podcast is on Instagram (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

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 [email protected]
• 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.

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).