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

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

Author: Mercury Studios Language: English Episodes: 30
In Queer The Music: Jake Shears On The Songs That Changed Lives, the Scissor Sisters frontman hosts a series of intimate and revelatory conversations that go far beyond a simple playlist. This Mercury Studios podcast is built on a powerful premise: that certain songs aren't just hits, but lifelines and cultural turning points. Jake Shears sits down with fellow artists, writers, and cultural figures to explore the specific tracks that provided a soundtrack for survival, defiance, and joy within the queer community. Each episode digs into the personal and historical context behind these anthems, uncovering the often-hidden stories of the queer artists who created them, frequently at great personal and professional risk. Listeners will hear passionate breakdowns of musical craftsmanship alongside deeply personal testimonies about how these songs provided courage in closeted times, forged connections in underground clubs, and ultimately helped shape identities. The discussions are as much about social history as they are about melody, offering a rich, song-by-song excavation of how music can build a world where you finally feel seen. It’s a celebration of resilience and the enduring power of a perfect beat, hosted by someone who has lived that journey both on the dancefloor and the stage.
Episodes
The Greatest Bits From The Past 3 Seasons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:29
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 - wis…
A Queer Year In Music with Self Esteem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
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 plen…
'Epic' by Faith No More - with Roddy Bottum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:29
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. I…
'Grace Kelly' by Mika [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:00
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 M…
'Queen' by Perfume Genius [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:05
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’, ‘grandios…
The B-52s - with Kate Pierson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:38
This week is a big one - we are celebrating the iconic The B-52'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 sou…
‘My Lady of Mercy' by The Last Dinner Party [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:30
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 th…
'Statue In The Square' by Kae Tempest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:48
Kae Tempest joins Jake Shears to talk about his song 'Statue In The Square'. With two Mercury nominations and the Ted Hughes Poetry Prize under his belt, Kae Tempest is a celebrated and prolific artist. His new album, Se…