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
'Standing In The Way of Control' by Gossip with Beth Ditto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:29
We're back with Season 2 of 'Queer The Music' and what better way to kick off this series with the brilliant Beth Ditto to talk about the anthem that is Gossip’s ‘Standing In The Way of Control’. The powerful and absolut…
'Fast Slow Disco' by St Vincent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:39
We have a bonus episode for you! Join us as we are celebrating the brilliant ‘Fast Slow Disco’ the up-tempo reworking of ‘Slow Disco’ by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Annie Clark, who goes by the stage nam…
'Going To A Town' by Rufus Wainwright [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:23
For our last episode of this current series we celebrate the brilliant 'Going To A Town' by singer, songwriter Rufus Wainwright. The song, which was the first single from Rufus’s 2007 album 'Release the Stars', has garne…
'1950' by King Princess [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:36
The hit '1950' is the focus of this week's episode - Jake speaks to American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mikaela Straus, better known by her stage name King Princess, about the making of the song, queer…
‘King’ by Years and Years with Olly Alexander [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:39
This episode celebrates a hit from 2015 that went straight to the top of the UK Charts and was named song of the year by Time magazine. It’s the compulsively danceable ‘King’ by electro-pop then-trio Years and Years. Jak…
'Fuck The Pain Away' by Peaches [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:08
Cult feminist musician and artist, Peaches exploded onto the music scene in 2000 with her punky, electroclash album The Teaches of Peaches and it’s standout hit 'Fuck the Pain Away'. She’s been pushing the boundaries eve…
‘A Little Respect’ by Erasure with Andy Bell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:47
Andy Bell was out and proud from the get go, fronting synth pop duo Erasure who sold over 20 million albums and had an incredible 17 Top 10 singles. This episode celebrates the most enduring of all their records, the 198…
‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) by Sylvester with Jeanie Tracy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:00
This episode celebrates trailblazing diva Sylvester James and his iconic disco anthem ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)’. Black, gay and gender fluid (before that was even a term), Sylvester’s uncompromising attitude paved…
'I Do This All The Time' by Self Esteem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:13
Since leaving her Indie band ‘Slow Club’ and going solo Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem) has been releasing patriarchy-smashing anthems and shining a spotlight on the under-represented experiences of queer women. In…