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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
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
Coming Out

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes25Founded2 years ago
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Music

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

Latest Episodes

This week is a big one - we are celebrating the iconic The B52's. A band that paved the way for queer artists through their unapologetic on-stage identity and camp aesthetic. Their non-conformist attitude and unique sound has had a huge and lasting i... more

Joining Jake Shears for this episode are Abigail and Georgia from one of the most talked-about bands of the moment…The Last Dinner Party.

2024 was a huge year for them; they landed a deal with Island Records, released their critically acclaimed deb... more

Welcome to the second part of the legendary Billy Porter on Queer The Music with Jake’s Shears where we hear the Tony, Grammy and Emmy award winner talk about his queer musical influences, politics, Pose and how playing Pray Tell, the flamboyant Mast... more

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

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Billy Porter
Multi-award-winning actor and singer known for his role as Lola in Kinky Boots.
None
Episode: ‘Not My Father’s Son’ from Kinky Boots with Billy Porter Part 1
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 Part 1
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
Member of the Pet Shop Boys and music legend
Pet Shop Boys
Episode: 16 - 'It's a Sin' by Pet Shop Boys
John Cameron Mitchell
Acclaimed creator and star of 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch'
Episode: 14 - 'Midnight Radio' with John Cameron Mitchell
Jessie Ware
Singer-songwriter known for her contributions to dance music and queer culture
N/A
Episode: 13 - 'Free Yourself' by Jessie Ware
Big Freedia
Queen Diva of bounce music and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community
N/A
Episode: 12 - 'Explode' by Big Freedia
John Grant
A singer-songwriter known for his poignant lyrics and ability to tackle emotional themes.
Independent musician
Episode: 'Glacier' by John Grant

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 Kingdom9 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 States10 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 Kingdoma year 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
    Australiaa year 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 Statesa year 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
#77
United Kingdom/Music
Apple Podcasts
#139
Finland/Music
Apple Podcasts
#156
Brazil/Music
Apple Podcasts
#168
Ireland/Music
Apple Podcasts
#201
Hong Kong/Music
Apple Podcasts
#239
New Zealand/Music

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

‘My Lady of Mercy' by The Last Dinner Party
Q: What is the writing process with all of you? I'm really curious about that.
The writing process varies but often starts with Abigail doing a piano demo which the band then collaborates on.
‘My Lady of Mercy' by The Last Dinner Party
Q: What would you say the textures are like? How are they different from the first record?
The second album features a less opulent sound and references to artists like The Beatles and Oasis.
‘Not My Father’s Son’ from Kinky Boots with Billy Porter Part 2
Q: What do you say to LGBTQ+ people living in fear?
Porter emphasizes the importance of resilience and fighting back against fear, encouraging listeners to channel their anger into activism.
‘Not My Father’s Son’ from Kinky Boots with Billy Porter Part 2
Q: What have the personal costs been, especially in the last eight years?
Porter discusses the silence surrounding his political beliefs and how he has chosen to be outspoken in his fight for equality.
‘Not My Father’s Son’ from Kinky Boots with Billy Porter Part 1
Q: What is the significance of the song 'Not My Father's Son'?
The song holds deep significance both within the show and personally for Porter, resonating with his own experiences of fractured relationships with his fathers.

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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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Homo Sapiens
2. The Rest Is Entertainment
3. THE ADAM BUXTON PODCAST
4. Where There's A Will, There's A Wake
5. Talk ’90s to me

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 25 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. Billy Porter
2. Kae Tempest
3. Rob Halford
4. Holly Johnson
5. Neil Tennant
6. John Cameron Mitchell
7. Jessie Ware
8. Big Freedia

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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