Queer the Music with Jake Shears

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.