In the Key of Q
Dan Hall
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Conversations with Queer musicians from around the world.
Available episodes
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1 day ago
Rebel Will
‘I felt isolated. I also felt like I had to obey because it was better to obey and be in a space that I knew than to branch out and touch unchartered waters.”
This episode contains references to suicide. Please https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/help-for-suicidal-thoughts/ (click here) for help and advice.
Rebel Will hails from Toronto in Canada. He has a number of singles out including, ’Til the Sun Comes Down’, ‘Better’, and the 2021 release ‘Rocky’. Waiting in the wings ready for an Autumn release is the album, ‘Rebel Futurism’. He works for the LGBTQIA charity It Gets Better Canada and is a spokesperson for Pride Toronto.
In this episode, Rebel Will discusses the pressures of being marketed and told that his authentic self had no commercial value. And how the pressure of this led him into a depressive spiral. He reveals his very personal journey through a domestically abusive relationship and its climax in a suicide attempt. And how empowering it is to see other Black, Queer artists gaining traction in the music scene.
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.
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Jun 14, 2021
Emmet Michael
‘Even if you are living your truth, you still fear that people won’t accept you for it.’
This episode contains references to suicide. Please https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/help-for-suicidal-thoughts/ (click here) for help and advice.
In 2019 Emmet released his first EP, ‘I Feel Like I Just Woke Up’ and followed this up with the 2021 release, ‘I Hope You’re Home’. The title track of the album deals with his close friend whose own internal struggle ended in suicide.
Emmet writes beautiful, soulful Folk-influenced songs. In the episode he speaks honestly about drink and drugs addiction, the psychological trauma caused by a homophobic, religious upbringing and his empowering journey transitioning.
Emmet’s homepage can be found https://emmetmichaelmusic.com/ (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.
Support this podcast
Jun 7, 2021
FURILLOSTAR
‘There’s probably another little black boy somewhere in Flint, Michigan that feels unrepresented. He feels that he can’t really be himself because it’s not there. He can’t see it.’
Please note this episode contains a discussion about a young person's murder. Support can be found by https://samm.org.uk/ (clicking here. )
In 2018 FURILLOSTAR released his first EP, ‘Pride’ and has since then released a series of catchy R&B singles and the 2020 6-track EP, ‘Flame’. Most recent is his 2021 release, ‘Vibe With You’ a duet with his sister Brelia Renee.
In the episode, FURILLOSTAR talks about his frustration at using female pronouns in his love songs and his admiration for artists such as Lil Nas X pushing the boundaries for Queer artists. He discusses the love he has for his belittled hometown of Flint and the decimation of its education system. He also reveals his ultimate plans to create community spaces for those in his hometown that he feels are being left behind.
FURILLOSTAR’s linktree can be found https://linktr.ee/Furillostar (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.
Support this podcast
May 31, 2021
Black and Queer: Part 2
‘As hard as we work, nobody attacks us as Black, gay artists the way other Black, gay men do.’ (Sampson McCormick)
In the Key of Q has so far published several episodes featuring American artists who identify as Black and Queer. These include https://www.inthekeyofq.com/episode/ty-mckinnie-in-the-key-of-q (Ty McKinnie (episode 2)), https://www.inthekeyofq.com/episode/sadboy-in-the-key-of-q (SADBOY (episode 5)), https://www.inthekeyofq.com/episode/wuhryn-dumas-in-the-key-of-q (Wuhryn Dumas (episode 7)) and https://www.inthekeyofq.com/episode/the-izm (The IZM (episode 10)). There was a consistency of messaging coming out from these musicians about the unique (and often ignored) experience they encountered as Black, gay men living in America. These special bonus episodes were commissioned on the back of this.
The two-part special is guest presented by Carrington Kelso, a Chicago-based Black, Queer singer whose own episode will drop on 20 July. He discusses this unique Queer identity with three guests: Ty McKinnie, The IZM and award-winning comedian Samson McCormick who is making his first appearance on the podcast. Each of the men provides a passionate, intelligent and truly individual perspective on the subject.
Carrington Kelso homepage: http://www.carringtonkelso.com/ (www.carringtonkelso.com)
Ty McKinnie on Twitter: @TyMcKinnie
The IZM on Twitter: @The_IZM
Sampson McCormick on Twitter: @OfficialSampson
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.
Support this podcast
May 31, 2021
Black and Queer: Part 1
‘As hard as we work, nobody attacks us as Black, gay artists the way other Black, gay men do.’ (Sampson McCormick)
In the Key of Q has so far published several episodes featuring American artists who identify as Black and Queer. These include https://www.inthekeyofq.com/episode/ty-mckinnie-in-the-key-of-q (Ty McKinnie (episode 2)), https://www.inthekeyofq.com/episode/sadboy-in-the-key-of-q (SADBOY (episode 5)), https://www.inthekeyofq.com/episode/wuhryn-dumas-in-the-key-of-q (Wuhryn Dumas (episode 7)) and https://www.inthekeyofq.com/episode/the-izm (The IZM (episode 10)). There was a consistency of messaging coming out from these musicians about the unique (and often ignored) experience they encountered as Black, gay men living in America. These special bonus episodes were commissioned on the back of this.
The two-part special is guest presented by Carrington Kelso, a Chicago-based Black, Queer singer whose own episode will drop on 20 July. He discusses this unique Queer identity with three guests: Ty McKinnie, The IZM and award-winning comedian Samson McCormick who is making his first appearance on the podcast. Each of the men provides a passionate, intelligent and truly individual perspective on the subject.
Carrington Kelso homepage: http://www.carringtonkelso.com (www.carringtonkelso.com)
Ty McKinnie on Twitter: @TyMcKinnie
The IZM on Twitter: @The_IZM
Sampson McCormick on Twitter: @OfficialSampson
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.
Support this podcast
May 24, 2021
Vincent DiGeronimo
‘There was not a day that went by that I was not called fairy, queen, faggot. The typical slammed into lockers and all that stuff. Food thrown at me. People saying that they wanted to hit me with their trucks or their cars.’
Vincent has a beautiful lo-fi feel to his music, as can be heard across his two albums ‘Not Again’ (2009) and ‘Think. Strings. Machines.’ (2015). His 2020 single ‘1950’ is a thoughtful lament on his father and mid-twentieth century living in New York City.
In the episode Vincent talks about the incessant bullying that he faced in school, and how threats of physical harm forced him to finish high school with a tutor and completely miss his prom and graduation; the challenges of growing up queer amongst FFA (Future Farmers of America) peers and the overwhelming guilt of growing up Catholic. And he shares thought on the pain of the passing of his father and the subsequent complicated grief (aka “persistent complex bereavement disorder”)
Vincent can be found on Twitter, https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Og1pxwWXWHil67hvXTX5J?si=ydYDUGyeRGKc2NgaHFujYA (Spotify) and https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/vincent-digeronimo/318500310 (Apple Music).
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May 18, 2021
The IZM
‘I was so scared to say “he”, “him”. I was making reference to pussy that I’ve never even been involved with. So it was like, I can’t keep doing this anymore.’
IZM writes deeply personal beats striking at themes of self-acceptance, sexual rejection and toxic masculinity.
In the episode he challenges the homophobia he perceives within Black American culture; his recovery from sexual trauma and abuse; and the challenges of coming out as one of Hip Hop’s first openly gay performers. His intelligence and passion on the topics of social justice are an inspiration and carry beautifully into his music.
The IZM can be found https://open.spotify.com/artist/1tzmAlOsyCtLTmG0EsoK87?si=liDFFlGZSj2TZopwgG7ZlA (Spotify), https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/the-izm/407047810 (Apple), https://twitter.com/The_IZM (Twitter,) https://www.instagram.com/the_izm3000/?hl=en (Instagram) and https://theizm.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp)
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
Support this podcast
May 10, 2021
Paul Andrews
‘I want so much of gay life to be normalised. Where it’s just part of everyday living.’
Paul writes and performs complex, beautifully produced records with a touch of maturity and even melancholy. His 2019 album Light and Dust is a testament to love, loss and living.
Paul talks about his experiences writing and remixing for artists such as Madonna and Phyllis Hyman; he reveals how the murder of a friend inspired him back into music; his theories on reincarnation and his almost all-consuming love for his husband, Tom.
Paul can be found https://open.spotify.com/artist/2o6QzQ3bJDOKI0EnpDYzNK?si=9mGI_LFdQ06Dwug1hm2G6g (Spotify), https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/paul-andrews/1460373241 (Apple), https://twitter.com/VolleyPaul?s=20 (Twitter,) https://www.instagram.com/paulandrewsproducer/?hl=en (Instagram) and at his https://paulandrews.org/albums/light-and-dust/ (online home.)
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.
Support this podcast
May 3, 2021
Jsky
‘People are allowed to make mistakes. I make mistakes every day. I think we just need to be more open to the idea of growing as people.’
Jsky is known for his brilliantly inventive outfits, charismatic personality, and celebrity-filled address book. He fronted Channel Four’s controversial reality series Naked Beach and featured in the long-running series, First Dates. He has released two 6-track Eps, Reality in 2019, and this year’s Á La Mode.
But don’t be fooled into thinking this singer is a typical reality-TV show fayre. Behind the public face is a thoughtful man with much to say on issues such as body image, cancel culture, and the racism and homophobia he has faced in Manchester’s night-time economy.
Jsky can be found https://open.spotify.com/artist/6soSzadGH5iaAa79894QVg?si=_O4ex31KQO-CO1rafNH81g (Spotify), https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/jsky/988006158 (Apple), https://twitter.com/jskychat?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/jskychat/?hl=en (Instagram), and at his https://worldofjsky.com/ (online home).
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.
Support this podcast
May 3, 2021
John Kehl - Song Surfing Podcast
You've heard the trailer in the episodes, now find out more about the https://songsurfingpodcast.com/ (Song Surfing Podcast) from the presenter and producer, John Kehl.
These are not paid ads! I think his is a great show and would be of interest to those who subscribe to IN THE KEY OF Q. I hope you think so too!
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.
Support this podcast
Apr 26, 2021
Wuhryn Dumas
“It is possible to be this entity, this identity, this fearless Black, Queer person.”
Wuhryn Dumas was born in Atlanta, Georgia and makes beautifully positive music. His style is a blend of funkadelic Pop, R&B, House, Jazz and not to forget an undertone of Soul. His first six-track EP, ‘Glitter On Fire’ was released in 2020 after 2018’s premier single, ‘Chemistry’.
Topics covered in the episode include the power of Androgynous identity; the unfortunate absence of joy in Urban Music and Hip Hop; growing up Black and Queer in Atlanta, Georgia (yes the dolls and wearing shirts for wigs!); toxic masculinity with the traditions of the barbershop; the masks that we all wear in life and the magic of Prince and Michael Jackson.
Links:
Our https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq (Patreon page) and https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ (forever home).
Say hello at https://twitter.com/InTheKeyOfQ (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/inthekeyofq/ (Instagram), https://www.facebook.com/In-the-Key-o…
Apr 19, 2021
Brendan Maclean
“Music is healing for queer people because we find codes and messages that are hidden within songs, and we hear ourselves in them. And we see that caught in other people’s eyes.”
Sydney-based singer-songwriter joins Dan Hall to talk about growing up gay in the Christian suburbs of Australia, singer-songwriter John Grant, the power of performance and his complex relationship with his commercial hit single, House of Air.
Links:
Episode https://www.dropbox.com/s/hrzzunckxzpyn0g/KQ_0106mt_Brendan_Maclain.pdf?dl=0 (transcription)
Brendan’s https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4cnex9VKRDzkY3DD9SUGGK?si=TDINyLr9TZeQxFoS5s2Ljg (Spotify playlist) featuring his songs from this episode and his five tracks to save from Armageddon.
Brendan’s at https://brendanmaclean.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp).
Alan Jones and the https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-02/tribunal-rules-alan-jones-incited-hatred/4292052 (Cronulla beach riots) via ABC News.
John Grant at the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgkyZz…
Apr 12, 2021
SADBOY
“Drake really opened the door for Rap to get that vulnerability.”
Hip Hop singer SADBOY shares with us his upbringing, his blinding work-ethic and of course his percussive and deeply atmospheric tunes.
Links:
Episode https://www.dropbox.com/s/rmb4l5b5xd1ulnf/KQ_0105mt_SADBOY.pdf?dl=0 (transcription)
SADBOY’s https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2NAPAS4liFCR0whvb8VXlG?si=8K-B9JCcSNWREqedvFQsUg (Spotify playlist) featuring his songs from this episode and his five tracks to save from Armageddon.
SADBOY‘s forever home https://solo.to/saidthesadboy (online).
Vox’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlPwTMMhGGI (short) on Afrofuturism.
Alyssa Jerome’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U4dyQQMkFc (short) on Neo Soul.
Destiny’s Child https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqeIiF0DlTg (Lose My Breath).
Felix Howard in Madonna’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snsTmi9N9Gs (Open Your Heart video).
Real Talk – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCGBpuxBN1g (Black Boys Don’t Cry) (Mental Health…
Apr 5, 2021
Blake Mundell
“So much of my journey with not just my sexuality, but my spirituality, has been returning to a childlike version of myself.”
WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS REFERENCES TO SUICIDE.
Blake Mundell speaks about his highly personal journey through Faith and the clash with his Queer identity.
He discusses his fear of coming out as an NFL employee, a shame that drew him to attempt suicide, and the emergence of the empathetic musician we see today.
Links:
Episode https://www.dropbox.com/s/77n3l4klhz43le9/KQ_0104m_Blake_Mundell.pdf?dl=0 (transcription)
Blake’s https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1uWMYjwWrBjzBKdqW4tRzn?si=SxNhf2A1SaGrOIiLgeDJyQ (Spotify playlist) featuring his songs from this episode and his five tracks to save from Armageddon.
Blake’s http://therealcourier.com/ (forever home) online.
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-…
Mar 29, 2021
Aruan Duval
“It was just as well he was pretty because he wasn't very smart!”
WARNING: This episode contains a discussion about a real-life extreme violent event.
https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/hco/hate-crime/how-to-report-hate-crime/ (Metropolitan Police) – reporting hate crime.
http://www.galop.org.uk/ (GALOP) – the LGBT+ anti-violence charity.
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/types-bullying/homophobic-bullying/ (Childline) – homophobic bullying
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/advice-for-life-situations-and-events/mental-health-support-if-you-are-gay-lesbian-bisexual-lgbtq/ (NHS) - lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (LGBTQ+) mental health support.
Aruan Duval talks about his accidental outing at school and his lifelong music love of David Bowie, Prince… and Bucks Fizz!
Other subjects include the Russell T Davies HIV / AIDS drama, “It’s a Sin” and the homophobic murder of Jody Dobrowski.
A big thanks to our new Patreon subscri…
Mar 22, 2021
Ty McKinnie
“Where’re the black people? Where are they?”
Smooth crooner Ty McKinnie chats about being an impossibly happy kid growing up Gay and Black in America’s religious South.
He discusses first boy-kisses, Queer shaming in the home and the invisibility of Black Queer artists in Queer spaces.
Links:
Episode https://www.dropbox.com/s/xtm3efjj6l7kqy6/KQ_0102m_Ty_McKinnie.pdf?dl=0 (transcription).
Ty’s https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2PfoosTGBMOqqO8ZnYsfWR?si=CajD2r_cRlGqE-9GQVVLXg (Spotify playlist) featuring his songs from this episode and his five tracks to save from Armageddon.
Ty’s forever home https://tymckinnie.com/?fbclid=IwAR1LjoHtWxRpCPRQkMdrqNZXh_MQbcvSd1UsQ4pB--7ancqxwxEAtIMm1nk (online).
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.
Mental Health America links providing support for bullied LGBT Youth.
https:…
Mar 22, 2021
Matt Fishel
Pop Rock singer Matt Fishel discusses British Queer Suburbia and his own upbringing in Nottingham which featured its fair share of bullying, sex, Nirvana and Prince.
He shares his thoughts on the loss of his first boyfriend, Queer culture’s obsession with youth and the music industry’s insistence that he silence the Queer messaging in his music.
Links:
Episode https://www.dropbox.com/s/5ocuackps48jh2t/KQ_0101m_Matt_Fishel.pdf?dl=0 (Transcription).
Matt's https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4vrWRSyftgn4ArewMhkSGa?si=4593a9104e154e8d (Spotify playlist) featuring his songs from this episode and his five tracks to save from Armageddon.
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).
Support for those encountering bullying: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/48…
Mar 6, 2021
Exclusive Preview!
In the Key of Q is a new show launching on Tuesday 23 March 2021, where you can find conversations with international Queer musicians.
Say hello to us at pod@inthekeyofq.com - it'll be great to hear from you!
Dan Hall (Producer / Presenter)
Support this podcast