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Queer the Music with Jake Shears

Mercury Studios

Jake Shears’ award-winning podcast Queer The Music celebrates the music, artists and cultural moments that have shaped LGBTQ+ lives, also shifting politics, perception and popular culture in plain sight. Each episode, Jake Shears - musician, actor, writer, and all-round trailblazer - invites the viewer in, as he’s joined by those who continue to break ground and soundtrack Pop; from queer pioneers and beloved allies to the next generation of creators subverting the mainstream. This season, Queer The Music goes further still, pushing its format with legacy artist specials, authors, themed episodes, surprise co-hosts, and more stories behind those game-changing bangers you thought you knew.

Executive Producer: Alice Williams, Executive Producer: Dan Borrelli, Producer: Debbie Kilbride, Head of Production: Nikki Sopp, Director: Oisín Bickley, Director: Carissa Jumu, Project Manager: Claudia Mantle, Editor: Sam Atkinson, Production Coordinator: Lauren Baugh, Production Assistant: Esther Duckworth, Researcher: Karine Sebatware, Talent Booker: Oriana Storey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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29 episodes
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Avg 44 min
English

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S4 · E14
October 6 · 42 min
Horse Meat Disco’s Luke Howard on Queer Nightlife, Disco & Finding Your People | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
Season 4 of Queer the Music continues with Horse Meat Disco co-founder Luke Howard. Joining Jake Shears, he reflects on the beginnings of the legendary London club night, its journey from a Sunday party at The Eagle in Vauxhall to a global queer institution, and more than two decades spent bringing people together on the dance floor. The pair also discuss Luke’s early experiences of queer nightlife in Sheffield and London, coming of age during the AIDS crisis, the DJs and clubs that shaped him, and the enduring power of disco, chosen family and finding your people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E13
September 29 · 38 min
How Queer Artists Transformed Pop Music in 1984 | Ian Wade | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
Jake Shears is joined by journalist and author Ian Wade to discuss his book 1984: The Year Pop Went Queer and explore how one remarkable year became a turning point for queer visibility in pop. From the shock and sexuality of Frankie Goes to Hollywood and the radical visibility of Bronski Beat, to Madonna, Divine and the gay club culture breaking into the charts, they unpack a moment when queer music was reshaping the mainstream. They also look at how far queer representation in music has come since 1984, what has changed and why visibility still matters today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E12
September 22 · 1 hr 1 min
Why Tom Rasmussen Believes Being Different Is an Enviable Position | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
Jake Shears is joined by artist, songwriter and performer Tom Rasmussen for a wide-ranging conversation on music, identity and finding freedom through creativity. Together, they look back on Tom’s journey from growing up in Lancashire to finding queer community through drag, as well as the artists who shaped them along the way, from Madonna and Celine Dion to Goldfrapp and Bronski Beat. The episode also looks ahead to Tom’s new album, Make a Fist, a bold electronic record centred on visibility, desire, resistance and self-expression. Tom reflects on the experiences that shaped the record, the evolution of their identity as a performer, and why being different can be an enviable position. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E11
September 15 · 42 min
Ben Platt on Love, Queer Life and the Magic of Theatre | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
Season 4 of Queer The Music continues with Tony, Grammy and Emmy-winning actor and musician Ben Platt. In conversation with Jake Shears, Platt discusses the freedom of playing a queer character on stage in Midnight at the Never Get, his lifelong relationship with musical theatre and why performing live remains the place he feels most at home. He also reflects on bringing his sexuality openly into his songwriting, his marriage to fellow performer Noah Galvin and the importance of queer audiences seeing their own relationships represented in music. Elsewhere, Platt opens up about the uncertain future of theatre and independent filmmaking, the extraordinary long-term process behind Richard Linklater’s Merrily We Roll Along, and the lasting impact of his late friend and mentor Gavin Creel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E10
September 8 · 35 min
The Queer History of Lou Reed & The Velvet Underground | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
In This episode of Queer The Music, Jake Shears is joined by author and cultural critic Barry Walters to explore the queer history of Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground. Together, they discuss Andy Warhol’s radical New York underground, the influence of David Bowie, and theidentities and subcultures that helped reshape rock ’n’ roll. From ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ to ‘Perfect Day’, Walters and Shears unpack thequeerness at the heart of Reed’s work, how it became obscured from his legacy, and why his music continues to resonate with new generations today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E9
September 1 · 54 min
Jehnny Beth: “I’m In It For The Long Run” | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
Season 4 of Queer The Music continues with Jehnny Beth. She and Jake Shears discuss her journey from discovering Bowie and Patti Smith to forming Savages, finding her voice as an artist and embracing her bisexuality. The episode explores sobriety, identity, depression and the challenges that followed Savages, alongside her solo career, collaborations and move into acting, including her role in Anatomy of a Fall. Beth also reflects on creativity, collaboration and what it means to keep making art on your own terms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E8
August 26 · 1 hr 12 min
Why Josh Homme Challenges the Rules of Rock | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
Season 4 of Queer The Music continues with Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme. In this special extended edition, he and Shears discuss everything from their shared love of The Cramps to vulnerability, masculinity and outlier status in rock music. Homme also reflects on growing up alongside his gay brother and how this shaped his rejection of homophobia and bigotry. The episode notably explores the queer spirit behind Queens of the Stone Age, with Homme revealing that even the band’s name was deliberately chosen to challenge the overt machismo of rock culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E7
August 18 · 44 min
Meek on Music, Survival, and Finding Her Voice | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
Season 4 of Queer The Music continues with acclaimed pop sensation Meek for a frank and riotous conversation with Jake Shears about finding your voice, trusting your instincts and refusing to write by anyone else’s rules. Meek opens up about the brutal realities of years spent songwriting for other artists, from international writing camps and major cuts to the frustration of seeing deeply personal songs disappear onto albums. Shears and Meek also dig into the creative chemistry behind a great writing session, the importance of having fun, and why authenticity is ultimately the most powerful songwriting tool. From performing to a hairbrush as a kid to discovering her own musical identity through a gloriously eclectic mix of pop, punk and rock, Meek’s story is one of persistence, defiance and finally being heard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E6
August 11 · 42 min
What Happens When Queer Spaces Disappear? | Jeremy Atherton Lin | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
Season 4 of Queer The Music continues with acclaimed writer Jeremy Atherton Lin. Joining Jake Shears, the author of Gay Bar: Why We Went Out and Deep House explores the history and evolution of LGBTQ+ nightlife, reflecting on the cultural importance of queer spaces, the changing nature of community, and how music has soundtracked identity, activism, desire, and belonging. Together, they discuss everything from London's disappearing gay bars and club culture to dating apps, generational shifts, and why the messy, unpredictable magic of queer nightlife still matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E5
August 4 · 44 min
How ‘Yes’ Became a Queer Anthem | David McAlmont | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
Season 4 of Queer The Music continues with singer-songwriter David McAlmont. Joining Jake Shears, he reflects on breaking through with McAlmont & Butler’s iconic hit Yes, navigating Britpop as an openly queer Black artist, and the industry pressures to hide his identity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E4
July 28 · 40 min
Baby Queen on Ego Death, Therapy & Starting Over | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
On this episode of Queer the Music we have indie rock darling Baby Queen. Joining Jake Shears, she reflects on the creative and personal journey behind her deeply honest new album, I Hope You Don’t Remember Me. They get deep on topics such as ego, rejection, therapy, queer identity and the pressure of life in the music industry. She also talks about how stepping away from expectations helped her rediscover her voice and create her most personal record yet. It’s a great episode, be sure to tune in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E3
July 21 · 44 min
How Jodie Harsh Built London’s Biggest Queer Party | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
On this episode of Queer the Music we’re featuring DJ, promoter and nightlife icon Jodie Harsh. Joining Jake, she traces her journey from sneaking into London’s legendary gay clubs as a teenager to building one of the capital’s biggest queer parties. Together they discuss drag, addiction, sobriety, the evolution of queer club culture, and why creating spaces for joy has never been more important. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E2
July 14 · 45 min
Tove Lo on Body Confidence, Bisexuality & Pop Music | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
Season 4 of Queer the Music continues with Swedish pop trailblazer Tove Lo. Joining Jake Shears, she reflects on the song that changed everything, Habits (Stay High), the freedom of becoming an independent artist, and her journey from Stockholm songwriter to one of pop’s most fearless voices. The pair also discuss bisexuality, body confidence, queer club culture and the power of radical honesty in songwriting, alongside the making of her bold new album, Strut. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E1
July 7 · 54 min
How Brian Molko (Placebo) Redefined Rock | Queer the Music with Jake Shears
Season 4 of Queer The Music launches today in discussion with Placebo’s iconic frontman Brian Molko. In this special, extended edition, he and Shears discuss everything from their mutual love of David Bowie to outlier-status in alternative music and media. The episode also notably marks the 30th anniversary of Placebo’s radical breakout hit, ‘Nancy Boy’. Originally written in reclaim of a slur, ‘Nancy Boy’ explores themes of sexuality, gender and identity: it is now widely regarded as a defiant act of protest that continues to resonate with new audiences today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 6 · 1 min
Queer the Music returns for season 4!
Jake Shears’ hit Queer The Music podcast returns for its fourth season. Kicking off with an episode featuring Placebo’s Brian Molko, this follows a double win for the number 1-charting podcast at the prestigious Webby Awards (including ‘Best Music Podcast’), with guests for Season 4 already set to include Swedish pop queen Tove Lo plus DJ, alt-pop artist Baby Queen and drag royalty, Jodie Harsh. Entering its biggest and most ambitious season to date, Queer The Music celebrates the music, artists and cultural moments that have shaped LGBTQ+ lives, also shifting politics, perception and popular culture in plain sight. Stay tuned for a new episode dropping every Wednesday at 6pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E12
Dec 23, 2025 · 42 min
The Greatest Bits From The Past 3 Seasons
Christmas has come early as Jake selects some of his favourite bits from the last 3 seasons. Really just a reminder to go back and listen to the episodes you've missed - there have been some brilliant conversations - wishing everyone a Happy New Year and thank you for listening to Queer The Music in 2025! We'd love to hear from you - get in touch via instagram @queerthemusicpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E11
Dec 16, 2025 · 40 min
A Queer Year In Music with Self Esteem
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 Jake and Rebecca discuss their highlights of the year in queer music, answer questions from listeners, reveal what 2026 has in store for them and tell us who they’ll be kissing under the mistletoe. We'd love to hear from you - let us know who you would like to hear on Queer The Music - you can get in touch via instagram @queerthemusicpodcast or leave us a review See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E10
Nov 18, 2025 · 52 min
"Epic" by Faith No More with Roddy Bottum
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 and Roddy celebrate Faith No More's breakthrough hit 'Epic' and they discuss what it was like to be the only out queer in rock, on tour with Guns N' Roses and Metallica, his important friendship with Courtney Love and Curt Kobain and his brilliant memoir 'The Royal We'. Thank you for listening to Series 3 of Queer The Music! Keep an eye out for some special bonus episodes dropping next month... We'd love to hear from you - let us know who you would like us to feature on Queer The Music ⁠@queerthemusicpodcast⁠ via Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E9
Nov 11, 2025 · 46 min
'Grace Kelly' by Mika
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 struggles he faced, how he found sanctuary through music, his creative process and how he created the hit single Grace Kelly which shot to the top of the UK charts and stayed there for 5 whole weeks. Mika's new single Modern Times is out now We'd love to hear from you - let us know who you would like to hear on Queer The Music - you can get in touch via instagram @queerthemusicpodcast or leave us a review See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E8
Nov 4, 2025 · 49 min
'Queen' by Perfume Genius
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 course of seven studio albums he continues to shapeshift while still sounding completely himself. He joins Jake to talk about the making of the song, the video, his creative process, influences and his brilliant latest album 'Glory'. Perfume Genius is currently on tour in the UK before heading to Australia. He is playing at the Roundhouse in London on the 11th of November - check his website for other shows. https://perfumegenius.org/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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