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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
John Grant
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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes29Founded2 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

For this special episode of Queer The Music Jake is joined by the brilliant Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka Self Esteem. With a critically acclaimed new album, a concert tour and book under her belt this year, the pair have plenty to catch up on. Listen as J... more

It's our season finale and we're delighted to be joined by Roddy Bottum, best known as the keyboardist of Faith No More.

Back in 1990 Roddy found himself in the spotlight in the rock world as its first openly gay star. In this special episode Jake ... more

This week on Queer The Music we celebrate Grace Kelly - the debut single from Multi-platinum, BRIT Award-winning, and Grammy nominated global pop visionary Mika.

Listen to Jake and Mika's fascinating conversation about Mika's childhood, the struggl... more

This week's episode celebrates the anthemic song 'Queen' by Perfume Genius.

Singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas aka Perfume Genius first emerged around 2010, his music has been described as ‘dreamy and melancholic’, ‘grandiose yet intimate’ and over the... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Mike Hadreas
Perfume Genius, an influential queer artist in music
Episode: 'Queen' by Perfume Genius
Kate Pierson
Member of the B52s and influential musician
The B52s
Episode: The B-52s (with Kate Pierson)
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
The first openly gay metal singer and frontman of Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Episode: 18 - 'Raw Deal' by Judas Priest
Holly Johnson
Iconic lead singer of Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Episode: 'The Power of Love' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood - with Holly Johnson
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

Host

Jake Shears
Host of the podcast and frontman of the Scissor Sisters, known for his charismatic storytelling and insightful exploration of queer music.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 317 ratings
  • Great pod

    Can you do The Who, Queen and Faith No More

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Krishnadfgh
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • 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 Kingdoma year 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 Statesa year 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

Listeners Say

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

The podcast effectively combines education with entertainment, making it enjoyable while also raising awareness of important socio-cultural issues.
Jake Shears is commended for his interviewing style, which fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to share openly.
There is a strong sense of nostalgia for queer music, which resonates with many listeners who have personal connections to the songs and stories shared.
Listeners appreciate the engaging storytelling and emotional depth of the conversations, highlighting the relatability of both the host and guests.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#61
United Kingdom/Music
Apple Podcasts
#160
Australia/Music
Apple Podcasts
#93
Mexico/Music
Apple Podcasts
#228
Ireland/Music
Apple Podcasts
#240
Belgium/Music

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

'Grace Kelly' by Mika
Q: When did they start being your words?
I started to write songs really early, trying to replicate my feelings with others' repertoire.
'Grace Kelly' by Mika
Q: How did it feel in the moment when Grace Kelly hit number one?
It was a really strange experience, born out of frustration and a culmination of years of rejection.
'Queen' by Perfume Genius
Q: What does it feel like playing Queen now?
Perfume Genius feels that Queen is a song that energizes the audience, often leaving them amped up, and it's still his go-to song to end every set.
'Queen' by Perfume Genius
Q: Can you just talk to me about that song, Grid?
Perfume Genius describes Grid as an angry song and an exorcism of sorts, diving into a fully unhinged place of expression in his music.
'Queen' by Perfume Genius
Q: How does music fit into that moment then?
For Hadreas, music serves as a means of comfort amid societal fears and allows a connection to personal feelings, despite feeling indulgent sometimes in expressing those emotions.

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?

A vibrant exploration of the impact of music on queer culture, this podcast highlights pivotal songs and the stories of the artists behind them. Hosted by the charismatic Jake Shears, the discussions often center on the challenges and triumphs faced by queer musicians throughout history. With a focus on personal narratives, including coming out, identity formation, and the transformative power of music, each episode serves as both a celebration and an examination of how these anthems have influenced lives within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community. Unique in its approach, the series not only dives into the songs but also connects them to broader cultural conversations, making it a compelling listen for music lovers and advocates of queer repres... more

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1. Homo Sapiens
2. The Rest Is Entertainment
3. The Louis Theroux Podcast
4. Bad Gays
5. The News Agents

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this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 29 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. Mike Hadreas
2. Kate Pierson
3. Billy Porter
4. Kae Tempest
5. Rob Halford
6. Holly Johnson
7. Neil Tennant
8. John Cameron Mitchell

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