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Queer Country Forever

Queer Country Forever

 Hey there, cowpokes.

It's been a while since we've had a podcast episode! I just took a break to see what I wanted to do with the podcast, which parts I really liked doing, which parts I don't. I put together an audition tape for an internet radio service, and I had a lot of fun doing it. So I'm thinking this is what I wanna keep doing with the podcast. I will keep doing artist interviews when the scheduling works out, but trying to find the time to do that every month wasn't working for me.

So, moving forward, it's gonna be like this:

  • one set of artists I've covered from the past 15 years of blogging, maybe people who didn't get the shine they should have when the album came out
  • one set of my personal favorites from the previous month
  • one set of music I'm excited about that's coming out in the future

In other words: queer country forever.

If you've already been subscribing to the Rainbow Rodeo podcast, this should push to your feed. If not, here's the new RSS feed for the podcast: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rainbow-rodeo

Paid subscribers, in the future, you'll get the episode a day early but life did not life for me the way I wanted it to this week!

Rainbow Rodeo Vol. 7

Buy it here!

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This Week on Rainbow Rodeo

INTERVIEW: Brogan Smith Rediscovers Queer Family in “Bloodline”
Brogan Smith always knew he wanted to share his music in Nashville. In our interview, the singer-songwriter shares how he developed such a sensitive and heartbreaking pen.
Rainbow RodeoRachel Cholst
C.C. Trubiak -- Jukebox in Exile
On Jukebox in Exile, C.C. Trubiak spins classic country gold with songs that are never too reverent for the past -- but instead connect us to those who came before, and those who will come.
Rainbow RodeoRachel Cholst

New Podcast!

We've got a new Podcast series out right now: Songs That Made Me Gay. Our first episode features Jessye DeSilva, and you'll need to subscribe for $5 a month or more to listen. :)

Rainbow Roundup

  • Do you wish Country Pride was a permanent channel on Sirius XM? Good news! Starting today, you can find it in Sirius XM XTRA on the app and web – and I'll be the voice of the station moving forward!
  • For No Depression, I reviewed Sophie Wellington's latest, Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still. They tapdance and sing and play guitar simultaneously! Very cool!
  • Lizzie No has announced that they've canceled their upcoming tour to take a break
  • Olivia Ellen Lloyd has cracked the code
Olivia Ellen Lloyd (@oliviaellenlloyd) on Threads
We are doing our series A funding right now get in on the ground floor
Threads

Fundraisers

  • So many of the artists we feature here rely on shows like Mountain Stage and Tiny Desk to get the word out. If, like me, you live in a major city with a large donor base, your station is probably fine. So maybe adopt a station that's had more than 70% of its budget slashed? I'm choosing Allegheny Mountain Radio just because it fits the theme.
  • Kamara Thomas, who is a co-organizer of Southern Soul Songbook, needs support as she recovers from Stage 3 breast cancer
  • Color Me Country is seeking to raise $202,000 to support BIPOC artists with travel grants and more. Donate here.

Need a Protest Song Mixed?

Artist and Rainbow Rodeo contributor Arend Lee Jessurun has this offer for artists:

I'm looking to get back into the production/mixing/mastering game since a bit of a hiatus for health. I'm starting to better manage my energy with fibromyalgia, and I'm a bit antsy to do more of the work I love. And I'd especially love to work with other queers!
Also, if you've got protest music for these times, I'd love to produce, mix, and/or master it for cheap, even for free if I can swing it. If you're unfamiliar with my work and studio, check it out here.

Need a Free Guitarist For That Protest Song?

Events

I make this list by scrolling through Instagram and Threads (and occasionally Bluesky when you all post there.) Feel free to send me events by replying to this e-mail!

  • 7/11 (Pittsburgh, PA) – Bonnie and the Mere Mortals headline the Fringe Country showcase
  • 7/13 (Austin, TX) – Sagebrush hosts a queer two-stepping night
  • 7/18 (Charlotte, VT) – Creekbed Carter and a bunch of my faves are playing this show I found out about on Reddit
  • 7/22 (Northampton, MA) – Melssa Carper plays Iron Horse!
  • 7/24 and 7/26 (Issaquah, WA and Portland, OR) – Zoe Boekbinder is playing two COVID-safer shows. (BTW Issaquah is apparently right outside of Seattle.)
  • 7/29 (New York, NY) – Lucinda's is hosting a fundraiser for LGBTQIA+ clinic Callen-Lorde, with performers TBA
  • 8/20 (Portland, OR) – Multnomah Arts Center hosts the Rodeo for Reproductive Rights
  • 8/20 (Austin, TX) – Meanwhile Brewing hosts OUTlaw Pride with live music from Rock Bottom String Band, Rebecca Patek Band, and Bad Luck Penny – there will also be vendors and the event is a fundraiser Trans Education Network of Texas
  • 8/23 (Pawtucket, RI) – River Shook and Olivia Ellen Lloyd hit The Met. Tickets here
  • 9/12 and 9/13 (Evanston, IL) – Evanston Folk Festival is sporting a killer lineup, including the Indigo Girls, Angela Autumn, Anjimile, Lucy Wainwright Roche, and She Returns From War
  • 9/18 - 9/20 (Lockhart, TX) – The Texas Women's Songwriter festival is back, and Rita Bliss is in the lineup
  • 9/25 - 9/26 (New Orleans, LA) – Black Americanafest returns for a second year in a row. Some of the queer artists featured are Joy Clark, Lili Lewis, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Denitia, Grace Givertz – and many more!
  • 10/8 - 11/12 (Great Britain) – Queer Cxntry hits the road across the jolly old England

Artist Resources

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