Gay Music: In the Key of Q

Discover “In the Key of Q”: A Celebration of Queer Music and Stories.

Join host Dan Hall on “In the Key of Q,” a podcast celebrating LGBTQ+ artists and stories from around the globe. Tune in for queer music, charts, and diverse voices, and join the conversation using the hashtag #queermusic.

This week, welcomes singer-songwriter and pianist Tophy Dye. A self-taught musician from Leeds, Tophy released his debut album “Skeletons” in 2021, exploring themes of love, identity, and self-acceptance. With plans for a second album, Tophy continues to champion visibility and representation for the LGBTQ+ community.

The episode delves into Tophy’s unique story, from his complicated relationship with his alcoholic late father to his musical evolution. Learn how Tophy’s experiences have shaped his sound, and how his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community demonstrates his commitment to inclusivity and representation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover Tophy’s captivating world and the transformative power of his music. This is a journey you won’t want to miss.

“In the Key of Q” is more than a podcast – it’s a platform for artists to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Support the podcast by subscribing to our Patreon page or simply spread the word to fellow music lovers. Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant musical landscape.

SUPPORT:

National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) - http://www.nacoa.org.uk/

NACoA is a UK-based charity that provides information, support, and resources for children of alcoholics and others affected by a parent's alcoholism.

Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire - https://www.al-anonuk.org.uk/

Al-Anon offers support to family members and friends of alcoholics, including those who grew up with alcoholic parents. They provide meetings, literature, and a supportive community in the UK and Eire to help members find strength and hope.

Anti-Bullying Alliance - https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/

The Anti-Bullying Alliance is a UK-based organization that aims to create a world without bullying through education, support, and resources. They provide guidance on how to deal with bullying at school and online.

Childline - https://www.childline.org.uk/

Childline is a free, confidential helpline for children and young people in the UK, offering support and advice on various issues, including bullying and coping with an alcoholic parent. They provide phone, chat, and email support.

Stonewall - https://www.stonewall.org.uk/

Stonewall is a UK-based LGBTQ+ organization that offers resources and support for those dealing with bullying related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. They provide guidance on how to report bullying incidents and access local support services.

In the Key of Q is a weekly 30-40 minute podcast publishing every Tuesday. I’m your host Dan Hall, and in each episode, I chat candidly with a gay/bi musician about their life and music.

Access exclusive interview content and support the production of this podcast by heading over to Petreon and making a small donation.

Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to

London, UK. In the Key of Q is a music podcast, gaining popularity with its diverse content and engaging discussions. Hosted by Dan Hall, this week’s show features Lorrakon, a queer, non-binary, self-described “oversexed atheist” who discusses their experience growing up in Los Angeles and the stereotypes and misconceptions associated with the city and its people.

During the conversation, Lorrakon shared their views on identifying as “straight-acting” and reflects on their journey as a Queer child finding solace in the arts. The discussion also delves into the significance and politicisation of sex within a heteronormative world.

In the Key of Q provides a platform for Queer voices to be heard and celebrated. Listeners can support the show on Patreon and access exclusive content. The podcast is on Twitter (@inthekeyofq), Insta (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

The next episode drops on 2 May 2023 and features Jxckson.

This week, presenter Dan Hall meets with Melbourne-born Australian non-binary singer-songwriter, Max Lawrence.

Lawrence talks about their musical background and how they began writing songs at 16. The episode explores Lawrence’s creative journey as well as their personal journey of gender expression, rejection and acceptance in the suburbs of Melbourne.

They discuss in adulthood the freedom of expressing themselves through clothing and the challenges faced by gender non-conforming people due to Australia’s societal prejudices and stereotypes.

Welcome to the latest episode of In the Key of Q, a podcast that shines a light on the LGBTQ+ community and their stories.

In this episode, Conleth Kane talks to Dan Hall about his journey growing up gay in working-class Northern Ireland during the Troubles. He shares his personal struggles with violence and bombings in his hometown and the challenges he faced when seeking acceptance within the anti-gay right-wing Democratic Unionist Party.

Conleth also discusses a mysterious cancellation on a BBC programme that was to feature an MP from the Democratic Unionist Party, shedding light on the ongoing segregation between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland.

Conleth opens up about the trauma of his mother’s illness clashing with an important album launch and tells us about his famous London night spot at the Above the Stag Theatre in Vauxhall.

Make sure to follow the podcast on Twitter (@inthekeyofq), Instagram (@inthekeyofq), and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q) to keep up with the latest news and updates.

Don't miss the next episode, set to drop on April 18, 2023, featuring Max Lawrence. Thank you for listening.

This week, presenter Dan Hall meets with artist, producer, composer and DJ Bright Light Bright Light.

Although living now in New York, he was brought up in Neath in Wales. And since rising to fame has toured and recorded with some of the best names in Pop history, including Cher, Sir Elton John, Erasure and Scissor Sisters.

In the episode he talks about the isolation and suffocation growing up in picturesque Wales, despite its beauty. How the Conservative government had abandoned the coal-mining valley in which he was raised. He defends snobbish attacks against Pop music and the pretensions of ‘earnest’ tunes that present themselves as unpackaged. And finally makes a plea for the LGBTQ community to better support each other.

The podcast is on Twitter (@inthekeyofq), Insta (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

The next episode drops on 11 April 2023 and features Conleth Kane.

Dan Hall hosts “In the Key of Q,” a show that features queer music, chat, and stories from around the world. The show’s guest, Jxckson, is a pop artist from Austin, Texas.

Jxckson, a Black and LGBTQ+ musician, talks about his experience of growing up and realising that race and sexuality have an impact, and now he proudly identifies as a Black artist. In his music, he aims to provide a sense of belonging to his listeners and promote confidence and self-love whilst also dealing with themes of loss, longing and depression.

Jxckson’s experience shows the importance of representation and self-acceptance in identity formation. He struggled with societal expectations but ultimately found the courage to embrace his true self and share his experiences through his music.

The podcast is on Twitter (@inthekeyofq), Insta (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

The next episode drops on 4 April 2023 and features Bright Light Bright Light.

This week, presenter Dan Hall catches-up with four previous guests and hears their latest tunes. Returning to the microphone are Paul Andrews, Nick Vaan, Vincent DiGeronimo and TIN.

Paul talks about the challenges of developing Bell’s Palsy and his movement towards a more beat-driven sound. Nick discusses his upcoming new album, ‘Magnificent Obsession’ and how post-pandemic he is reconnecting with his lost creative self.

Vincent drops a special voicemail revealing he was voted Number 1 in the Bear World Magazine Top 21 of 2021 and how inspired he has been by Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper’ series . And finally TIN chats with Dan about his three bottles of poppers, life in sleazy Vauxhall and his permanent settlement in London from Australia.

The podcast is on Twitter (@inthekeyofq), Insta (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

Support the show over at Patreon. Many thanks! - https://www.patreon.com/inthekeyofq

This week, presenter Dan Hall catches-up with four previous guests and hears their latest tunes. Returning to the microphone are Billy Mick, Venn Smyth, Cory Stewart and Carrington Kelso.

Billy talks about his imminent new album, and his development of a one-man cabaret show for the international cruise ship market. Cory discusses his brilliant community-focused Queerantine initiative as well as his cross-Atlantic collaboration with producer Edward Russell from the ‘Inside the Groove’ podcast.

Venn drops a special voicemail to listeners to introduce his new record ‘Sober’ which in February 2023 raced to the top of the LGBTQ Music Charts. And finally Carrington chats with Dan about his new album and the joys of musically freeing himself from expectations.

The podcast is on Twitter (@inthekeyofq), Insta (@inthekeyofq) and Facebook (search: In the Key of Q).

Queers Revisited Part 2 drops on 21 March 2023.

Welcome to In the Key of Q the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music.

Don+ is an independent artist and writer who has been writing and making music since 2013. He gained recognition with his first EP Raw Rhythm and Words (Apple / Spotify), which debuted in the top 40 on the iTunes RnB charts.

He grew up in a house surrounded by music, from Luther Vandross to gospel and learned to make peace with the homophobia in some of Hip Hop. With loved artists such as R Kelly it was tough to separate the music from the man.

Christianity and Islam were highly influential, not an easy combo for a Black kid growing up in America's South. Despite attacks from many religious sides, he went on to find peace in his own sense of spirituality.

After testing HIV+ in what he thought was a monogamous relationship, Don+ took this news and ran with it. He became an advocate for people with HIV, giving lessons in schools to fight ignorance and stigma.

Additional Material

• Don+ on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
• Don+ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
• Advice for newly diagnosed HIV-positive people from THT.
• Managing being LGBTQ and Muslim.

If you enjoyed this episode why not take a listen to Blake Mundell.

In the Key of Q is a weekly 30-40 minute podcast publishing every Tuesday. I’m your host Dan Hall, and in each episode, I chat candidly with a gay/bi musician about their life and music.

Access exclusive interview content and support the production of this podcast by heading over to Petreon and making a small donation.

Enjoy the music of previous guests by listening to these playlists with tracks selected by the artists...

Taylor Gray is this week’s guest. He is an R&B artist based in Los Angeles and curator of the popular playlist "Flavor Waves" on Apple Music and Spotify, which has garnered the attention of artists such as Victoria Monét and Ro James.

• (1:22) Highlight - Gray talks about his childhood musical influences, growing up in a house playing neverending Prince, Chaka Kahn, Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton, Anita Baker and Luther Vandross. And of course the wonderful Miss Whitney Houston.
• (15:23) Highlight - But childhood wasn’t all perfect as Gray reveals the frequent bullying he experienced at school and how this affected his self-esteem even outside of the school gates.
• (7:14) Highlight - We chat about how mainstream music still wants “The Gays” to be either sex-crazed EDM dance-heads, or castrated shame-muffins. And how at the point of Black and Queer intersectionality there is often an outside fetishisation of race. Reference is made here to The IZM whose episode can be heard here.
• (16:42) Highlight - Anxiety and addiction are disproportionately represented within the LGBTQ community, and Gray discusses his relationship with both explaining how a recent journey into sobriety has already paid dividends in self-worth and musical creation.
• (23:42) Highlight - In his platform piece, Gray talks about the importance of feeling like we belong in a family. And that family can be biological or logical.
• (26.23) Highlight - Hand-picked recommendations from within the Queer community for other artists for us to enjoy. Many of them can be found on Gray’s playlist “Black & Queer AF” volumes 1 (Spotify) and 2 (Spotify). Of course alumni FURILLOSTAR gets a mention, and you can hear his episode here.

Here are some useful resources around bullying at school. Stonewall’s toolkit for secondary schools (high schools) and STOMP Out Bullying.

Support resources for anxiety can be found at the