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Artwork for Queer The Music: Jake Shears On The Songs That Changed Lives

Queer The Music: Jake Shears On The Songs That Changed Lives

Mercury Studios
LGBTQ+ Rights
Queer Culture
LGBTQ+ Community
Standing In the Way Of Control
Pop Music
Years & Years
Glacier
Mental Health
Punk Rock
Gossip
Little Richard
Olly Alexander
1950
Tutti Frutti
George W. Bush
Fast Slow Disco
Seattle
Rock and Roll
LGBTQ+ Anthems
Peaches

Jake Shears celebrates the anthems that have dominated dancefloors and shaped queer lives. Throughout the history of popular music, queer artists have made huge contributions - often at great expense and risk to themselves personally and professionally. This podcast shines a spotlight on those who trailblazed paths towards self expression. Join Scissor Sisters’ frontman Jake Shears and his guests ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes22Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Music

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Artwork for Queer The Music: Jake Shears On The Songs That Changed Lives

Latest Episodes

Queer The Music this week celebrates the multi-award winning actor, singer and activist Billy Porter.

Billy is the first gay Black man to win an Emmy Award in any lead acting category and in 2020 Time magazine included him in their list of 100 most... more

Kae Tempest joins Jake Shears to talk about his song 'Statue In The Square'.

With two Mercury nominations and the Ted Hughes Poetry Prize under his belt, Kae Tempest is a celebrated and prolific artist. His new album, Self Titled is his most person... more

This episode is the second part of Jake's interview with The Metal God himself, Rob Halford - frontman of legendary rock band Judas Priest ….Last time we learnt about the pressures on Rob to keep his sexuality secret, the risk he took writing a song ... more

Welcome to Series 3 of Queer The Music! We're kicking off with an absolute icon from the world of rock - Rob Halford.

Rob has spent half a century fronting one of heavy metal's biggest and most influential bands, Judas Priest.

The first openly gay... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Kae Tempest
Celebrated musician, performer and poet, known for their personal storytelling and exploration of queerness in music.
Self-released artist
Episode: 'Statue In The Square' by Kae Tempest
Rob Halford
Iconic singer of Judas Priest and pioneering figure in heavy metal music
Judas Priest
Episode: 'Raw Deal' by Judas Priest - with Rob Halford
Holly Johnson
Lead singer of Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Episode: 17 - 'The Power of Love' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Neil Tennant
Lead vocalist of Pet Shop Boys, a legendary pop music duo
Pet Shop Boys
Episode: 'It's a Sin' by Pet Shop Boys - with Neil Tennant
John Cameron Mitchell
Creator and star of Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Episode: 'Midnight Radio' with John Cameron Mitchell
Jessie Ware
A celebrated British singer-songwriter known for her contributions to the dance and pop music scenes.
Episode: 'Free Yourself' by Jessie Ware
Big Freedia
Queen Diva of Bounce music and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights
New Orleans Bounce Music
Episode: 'Explode' by Big Freedia
John Grant
A brilliant musician known for his emotionally powerful songs and unique sound.
Musician and Songwriter
Episode: 11 - 'Glacier' by John Grant
Beth Ditto
Frontwoman of Gossip and influential musician.
Gossip
Episode: 'Standing In The Way of Control' by Gossip - with Beth Ditto

Host

Jake Shears
Host of the podcast and frontman of Scissor Sisters. Known for his engaging interview style and deep connection to queer culture and music history.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 310 ratings
  • Love this, love Jake!

    Finally a podcast host who understands how to host! Jake doesn’t hog the mic, doesn’t interrupt and keeps completely away from dramatically trying to steal the limelight. The show is a pleasure to listen to.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ptwy8
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • Late to the party, but it’s still going!

    I found this after the end of season 2, which has given me a wealth of interviews to listen to. It’s so fantastic! I love learning the layers behind each song and delight in the storytelling of these interviews. Fingers crossed Jake keeps going! I’d love to hear episodes on I’m Coming Out, Lunch by Billie Ellish, Pynk by Janelle Monet, and anything by David Bowie. 🌈💗⚡️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alabama Heather
    United States9 months ago
  • It’s A Sin

    Neil Tennant was, as always, a truly magnificent guest. Could listen to him talking for hours. What an orator and storyteller. The definition of legend.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ROBBIEHAMILTON
    United Kingdom10 months ago
  • It’s a Sin

    Absolutely loved this episode with Neil Tennant. I’ve loved PSB since childhood in the 80s in Australia and still haven’t seen them live! The rapport between Jake and Neil created a fascinating, personal conversation which was no doubt a trip down memory lane for us oldies, but also offered one of the queer classics to younger generations who may not have tunes in to PSB before. Great podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Miss Grange
    Australia10 months ago
  • Jake is a great interviewer

    I probably listen to at least some of the episodes no matter what because I’m a huge Scissor Sisters fan, but it turns out that Jake is really good at this! I really enjoyed the conversations with Jessie Ware and Big Freedia so far.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    algno
    United States10 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The podcast successfully captivates audiences with a mix of entertainment and insightful discussions, emphasizing cultural history and identity.
Listeners appreciate the engaging and knowledgeable interview style of the host, often praising his ability to keep conversations flowing and meaningful.
Many reviews highlight the nostalgic and educational value of the stories behind the songs, creating deep personal connections.
Some listeners express a desire for a broader range of topics beyond the queer theme, although this is a minority opinion.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#106
United Kingdom/Music
Apple Podcasts
#175
Netherlands/Music
Apple Podcasts
#211
Ireland/Music
Apple Podcasts
#244
New Zealand/Music

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

'Statue In The Square' by Kae Tempest
Q: Can you describe the concept for the Know Yourself video?
It represents a conversation between my present self and my younger self, reflecting on the journey of creativity and self-discovery.
'Statue In The Square' by Kae Tempest
Q: What was that first little speck of light that you saw?
I remember it was when I cut my hair, which felt like a significant change for me.
'Statue In The Square' by Kae Tempest
Q: Is Statue In The Square a case where it's almost like the chorus could have been three times as long in a way?
Yes, initially the verse was about three and a half minutes long, but through the writing process, the chorus became more refined and clear.
'It's a Sin' by Pet Shop Boys - with Neil Tennant
Q: What do you think this song would have sounded like if Stock Aiken and Waterman had produced it?
Tennant explained their desire for a more epic sound while reflecting on their collaboration with Bobby O and how it shaped the unique sound of "It's A Sin."
'It's a Sin' by Pet Shop Boys - with Neil Tennant
Q: How did AIDS change your outlook at this time?
Tennant shared a personal story about a friend who had AIDS and how it affected him both personally and professionally, emphasizing the emotional contrast of being a pop star while witnessing the impacts of the epidemic.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Engaging with the vibrant intersection of music and queer culture, this podcast focuses on the impactful songs that have shaped and influenced the LGBTQ+ community. Each episode features conversations between a seasoned host and various notable guests, including musicians and performers, as they explore personal stories and the historical significance behind iconic tracks. Themes often reflect on issues of identity, social justice, and the resilience of queer artists as they share behind-the-scenes experiences and the emotional weight of their music. This podcast stands out for its commitment to celebrating the artistry and profound contributions of queer musicians, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in the cultural narrati... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Where There's A Will, There's A Wake
2. The Louis Theroux Podcast
3. The Rest Is Entertainment
4. Desert Island Discs
5. Comfort Eating with Grace Dent

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 22 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Kae Tempest
2. Rob Halford
3. Holly Johnson
4. Neil Tennant
5. John Cameron Mitchell
6. Jessie Ware
7. Big Freedia
8. John Grant

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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