‘King’ by Years and Years with Olly Alexander

‘King’ by Years and Years with Olly Alexander

Author: Mercury Studios February 20, 2024 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. Jake is joined by Musician and Actor Olly Alexander, the then frontman of Years & Years. Olly is a huge champion of LGBTQ+ issues, proudly celebrating his queerness by writing inclusive songs, displaying queer love in his music videos and portraying lead character Ritchie in the hit TV show ‘It’s A Sin’. They discuss the making of 'King', Olly’s career, his influences and the struggles he’s faced as a Queer artist.  Good luck representing the United Kingdom at Eurovision Olly! (This interview was recorded last summer, so before the news was announced).  Thank you to our sponsors... Factor’s delicious, ready-to-eat meals make eating better every day easy. Head to factormeals.com/queerthemusic50 and use code queerthemusic50 to get 50% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 30

Queer The Music: Jake Shears On The Songs That Changed Lives
Podcast Episodes
The Greatest Bits From The Past 3 Seasons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Duration: 46:00
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The B-52s - with Kate Pierson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:38
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‘My Lady of Mercy' by The Last Dinner Party [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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

Duration: 46:48
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