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Romeo from EHIRE: Prince, Persecution, and Pursuing Passion
Romeo from Brooklyn-based twin duo EHIRE offers a raw and moving account of finding his voice in the music industry while navigating the complexities of being a Black queer artist. From growing up in a Haitian household filled with music to experiencing religious trauma and homelessness, Romeo shares how these challenges strengthened his bond with twin brother Cameo and fueled their artistic expression. With refreshing candour, he discusses the importance of queer Black visibility in media and the revolutionary act of Black male love. Despite facing rejection from family and church, EHIRE has emerged with music that resonates with hope and self-acceptance, offering listeners not just songs but affirmations of queer resilience and joy.Timestamped Key Takeaways00:00:56 - Introduction to Romeo and Cameo (EHIRE), twin brothers from Brooklyn who've been recording music since age nine, with features on 500+ playlists including Spotify's Fresh Finds R&B02:31 - Growing up in a Haitian household surrounded by music from Madonna, Anita Baker, and Whitney Houston, which deeply influenced their artistic development03:55 - Romeo discusses major musical influences including Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Lady Gaga04:41 - A thoughtful reflection on Prince's groundbreaking impact as a Black male artist who challenged gender norms through style, makeup, and flamboyance09:29 - The pivotal moment at age nine when seeing young R&B star Sammie on TV inspired Romeo and Cameo to pursue music creation10:59 - The significance of Lil Nas X as the first openly gay Black artist they've seen "pushing the envelope" fearlessly in their lifetime11:41 - The importance of queer visibility in media for mental health and preventing self-destructive behaviour among LGBTQ+ youth14:05 - Shocking account of experiencing an exorcism in his twenties when family members attempted to "cast out" his homosexuality20:12 - Discussion of the complex relationship with religion, faith, and the church after experiencing religious trauma21:35 - Reflection on the state of Black queer representation in America and the lack of Black queer male relationships portrayed in media24:51 - The unique bond with his twin brother Cameo, creating a "safe zone" where they never had to come out to each other and protected one another27:43 - Romeo's heartfelt advice to fellow queer artists about self-love, changing perspective, and living authentically32:07 - EHIRE's gateway song recommendation: "Let Go," a track about hope, love, and self-acceptanceGuest BioRomeo Records is one half of the R&B duo EHIRE alongside his twin brother Cameo (Arie). The Brooklyn-born Haitian-American artists have been creating music since age nine. Their debut EP garnered over 200,000 streams, with music featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds R&B and Billboard Pride's Queer Necessities playlists. They were nominated by Pop Smash Radio for Best R&B Song by a Duo or Group.Resource ListPrince - "When Doves Cry" - One of Prince's most iconic tracks mentioned as influentialRuPaul's Drag Race - Mentioned as important queer representation on televisionCall-to-ActionFind the podcast on Apple,
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37:41
Pride 2025 Special: Tribes, Togetherness, and Tensions
In this special Pride Month episode, host Dan Hall explores the vital concept of "finding our tribes" within the Queer community through conversations with previous guests. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, discovering safe spaces has been about more than friendship—it's been essential for survival and self-acceptance in a world that often fails to see or understand queer experiences.These communities serve as places where Queer people celebrate triumphs and mourn losses together, but like any family, they can be complicated. Through intimate discussions with Queer musicians from around the world, this episode examines what community means to them, its imperfections, and how we might build more inclusive spaces. From hidden bars of decades past to the evolution of Pride from protest to celebration, these artists share personal stories that illuminate the ongoing journey of creating and maintaining vibrant queer communities.Timestamped Key Takeaways[00:01:00] Finding Our Tribes: Dan discusses how finding safe spaces in the queer community is often about survival and learning to be comfortable with who we are, finally seeing ourselves mirrored in a world that didn't always see us.[00:02:02] Historical Context: Looking back at previous decades helps us understand why queer spaces remain vital today, as openly queer living wasn't an option for many generations who had to carve out their own hidden corners of the world.[00:02:49] Kele Fleming's First Community: Singer-songwriter Kele Fleming shares how a gay club called Rumours in Victoria became her "community centre" and "life saver" in 1984, offering a space where she could be her authentic self despite family non-acceptance.[00:05:25] Creating New Spaces: Jon Ginoli of Pansy Division discusses founding a queer rock band in the early 90s when rock music wasn't considered "gay enough" within mainstream gay culture, helping pioneer the queercore music scene.[00:08:01] Global Perspectives on Safety: Brazilian musician Eric Lenfair speaks about the inherent cautiousness that many queer people develop growing up, while Eric Torino shares his experiences with fear of public affection even in supposedly accepting places like New York.[00:11:12] Exclusion Within the Community: James Taylor Junior discusses feeling left out of the queer community due to factors like ageism and racism, highlighting that the LGBTQ+ community isn't one unified entity but complex and diverse.[00:13:14] Specific Spaces for Specific Needs: Brooklyn-based singer Roderick Woodruff explains the importance of spaces specifically for Black queer individuals where he doesn't have to "perform" or diminish himself to make others comfortable.[00:15:19] Artistic Communities: Baltimore musician Greg Hatem describes how supportive queer ecosystems allow artists to thrive and create work that connects with people from all backgrounds.[00:19:46] The Evolution of Pride: Various artists reflect on how Pride has changed from its origins as a protest movement to becoming more commercialized and mainstream, questioning what this means for its political message.[00:24:33] Internal Community Challenges: James Taylor Junior and others discuss damaging stereotypes within the gay community, from body image pressures to racism experienced by queer people of color within LGBTQ+ spaces.[00:29:23] Hope for the Future: Polish singer-songwriter Tomek Zdyb shares his vision for what community can achieve through mutual support and education, emphasizing respect and human connection.Resource ListFeatured Artists and Their EpisodesKele Fleming -
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36:50
TIN: Privilege, Parties, and Pop Positivity
SummaryIn this candid and compelling conversation, Australian pop artist TIN returns to In The Key of Q to discuss his musical journey since his previous appearance. From opening for Bright Light Bright Light to releasing deeply personal tracks that resonate with fans in unexpected ways, TIN offers a raw look at navigating the gay music scene as a person of colour. With characteristic wit and refreshing honesty, he unpacks the complexities of privilege, racism within queer spaces, and how his experiences have shaped his creative expression. Perfect for listeners seeking authentic LGBTQ+ perspectives on music, identity, and the sometimes absurd realities of gay nightlife.Key Takeaways00:00:50 - TIN reveals how he came to open for Bright Light Bright Light through connections with EQ Music00:02:11 - His EP "Sex, Cologne and Cigarets" performed well, with "Weasel" becoming an unexpected fan favourite00:06:14 - TIN shares the deeply personal story behind his vulnerable track "Dear Matthew," which explores racial privilege in the gay community00:10:30 - An important discussion about the additional obstacles faced by people of colour in queer spaces00:14:25 - TIN reflects on internalised racism and its impact on self-worth and relationship expectations00:17:02 - The origin story of TIN's new single "Trust Your Touch," originally written about a fantasy involving Troye Sivan and Olly Alexander00:19:57 - Behind-the-scenes challenges of filming the "Trust Your Touch" music video, including shooting cruising scenes in freezing Burgess Park00:23:33 - TIN discusses his evolution from primarily a performer to developing his skills as a recording artist00:25:02 - How entering the circuit party scene unexpectedly forced TIN to confront deep insecurities about race and body image00:31:35 - Upcoming releases including a Pride single called "Kid Pig" and remixes celebrating the one-year anniversary of "Dear Matthew"Guest BioTIN is an Australian queer pop artist currently based in the UK. Known for his energetic performances, candid lyrics, and exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, TIN combines catchy pop melodies with raw personal narratives. Find his music and social media at TIN Official Music.ResourcesSex, Cologne and Cigarets EP - TIN's EP featuring the fan-favourite track "Weasel"Dear Matthew - TIN's personal song about racial privilege in the gay communityTrust Your Touch Music Video - TIN's latest release featuring Lost Child and JanisHouse of Air by Brendan Maclean - The NSFW music video about hanky codes mentioned in the podcastBright Light Bright Light - Artist TIN opened for on tourEQ Music - The collective that booked TIN for showsCall-to-ActionFind the podcast on Apple,
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33:48
Eric Terino: Folksongs, Fear and Finding Worthiness
This week, In the Key of Q welcomes Eric Terino, a folk musician and songwriter from New England. Eric's music blends elements of folk, classical, and alternative sounds to create something uniquely his own. In this candid conversation, Eric discusses his journey as a queer artist who doesn't fit the stereotypical image of LGBTQ+ musicians, his experiences with agoraphobia and mental health challenges, and his path to finding self-worth.Eric's latest album, "Innovation of Grave Perversity," was recorded remotely during lockdown and explores themes of isolation, connection, and self-acceptance. Throughout the interview, he shares profound insights about living a life that hasn't followed expected paths and learning to extend the same kindness to ourselves that we offer others.Timestamps[00:00:28] - Introduction[00:02:12] - Eric introduces himself and his musical style[00:03:21] - Discussion of stereotypical queer musician image[00:04:23] - Eric explains folk music as a storytelling medium[00:06:03] - Dan and Eric discuss queer representation in music[00:07:42] - Conversation about "gay icons" who remained closeted[00:09:21] - Eric shares his coming out story[00:13:12] - Discussion of family acceptance[00:15:49] - Eric opens up about his mental health and agoraphobia[00:19:15] - What it feels like to experience anxiety[00:20:40] - Conditional acceptance of queer people[00:21:00] - Fear of public affection with same-sex partners[00:23:17] - The parallels between victim-blaming women and gay men[00:24:53] - Reflections on queer relationships and success[00:26:21] - Discussion of Eric's new album created during lockdown[00:30:08] - Eric's two minutes to speak on any topic (self-worth)[00:35:30] - The fifteen-year-old self segment[00:36:43] - Gateway song: "Felt" from latest albumAbout Eric TerinoEric Terino is a folk musician and songwriter from New England whose work blends elements of folk, classical, and alternative music. His third album, "Innovation of Grave Perversity," was recorded remotely during lockdown in 2020-2021.Eric describes his approach to music as "earthiness, textures... naturalism rather than gloss," setting him apart from more mainstream queer artists. His work is explicitly queer without being ambiguous, as he believes in the importance of authentic representation in music.Living with agoraphobia, Eric has adapted his creative process to work within his limitations, collaborating remotely with other musicians and finding connection through his art despite physical isolation.Key Quotes"I never wanted anything to be veiled in ambiguity, purposefully, for the sake of making it palatable to somebody who is uncomfortable with an LGBTQ perspective.""If you asked me to drive to the corner shop a mile down the road to me, that would feel like you're asking me to jump out of an airplane... the level of anxiety is so high it feels like you're doing something wild.""Just because you don't have the life that you envisioned for yourself and the life that you expected... it doesn't mean that it's the wrong life for you. It doesn't mean that it is in any way invalid, you know, not valuable.""Worthy. What a thing to claim. And it really is. It's a very powerful idea to say to yourself, I am worthy. And I think a lot of people in our community really struggle with that."Links and ResourcesEric Terino's musicIn the Key of Q websiteIn the Key of Q blog
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43:55
Minute Taker: Melancholy, Music and Masculinity
In this episode of In the Key of Q, Dan Hall speaks with Ben McGarvey, who performs as Minute Taker. Ben's music is characterized by a signature blend of retro synth-pop, haunting piano melodies, and emotionally charged lyrics that explore the depth of human experience.Episode SummaryBen opens up about the origins of his stage name "Minute Taker" – a reference to his former day job that created an ironic contrast with his artistic identity. He describes it as "simultaneously mundane and otherworldly," reflecting the dual nature of his creative life.The conversation traverses Ben's musical evolution from a teenager in the 90s who was drawn to 80s synth music to his current work creating atmospheric, emotionally resonant songs. Ben reflects on how living in rural Shropshire as a young gay man shaped his relationship with music as a form of escape and self-expression.Throughout the episode, Ben courageously discusses his experiences with depression and how this has informed the melancholic quality of his music. Rather than viewing this melancholia as something negative, he explores how it can be "so beautiful" and serves as a connective tissue between artist and listener.Key Moments02:59 - Ben discusses his musical influences growing up, including Kate Bush, Pet Shop Boys, Tori Amos, and PJ Harvey07:47 - Reflections on growing up as a gay child in rural Britain during the Section 28 era09:35 - Ben shares his early songwriting experiences and how music became a form of escape16:46 - Discussion about representation and the importance of addressing songs explicitly to men22:46 - Ben speaks candidly about his experiences with depression and how it manifests24:44 - The evolution of Ben's work into audiovisual projects, including his concept album exploring gay men's lives throughout history28:32 - Details about his upcoming album "The Oblivion," inspired by Blade Runner and 80s sounds34:20 - Information about Ben's subscription service for fans to access exclusive musicGuest BioBen McGarvey is a Manchester-based musician who performs under the name Minute Taker. His work blends retro synth sounds with piano and emotional lyrics to create atmospheric, often melancholic music. Beyond traditional albums, Ben has expanded into audiovisual projects that explore LGBTQ+ experiences throughout history. His most recent album "Wolf Hours" included an accompanying visual narrative, and he's currently finishing his new album "The Oblivion."Gateway TrackBen recommends "Lead You Home," the opening track from his album "Wolf Hours," as the perfect introduction to his music. The song encapsulates his recent musical direction with its melancholic, synthy, and atmospheric qualities while remaining catchy. The accompanying music video alternates between scenes set in the 1980s and 1918, telling the story of two World War I soldiers.Gateway TrackMinute Taker website.In the Key of Q celebrates queer musicians and their stories. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, or email us at [email protected] music by Paul Leonidou at Unstoppable Monsters.
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40:49