The Queers to the Front Podcast: Recent Episodes
Queers to the Front
On the Queers to the Front Podcast, we invite marginalized artists and crew to discuss getting started in music, networking, accessibility and so much more. Tune in for new episodes every second Saturday! Graphic design by Luke Phillips (http://linktr.ee/lizard.phillips)
Queers to the Front is a touring agency focused on uplifting queer, BIPOC, and disabled artists. We create safer spaces, work to make tours safer and more inclusive, and promote accountability in the touring community. https://linktr.ee/queerstothefrontbooking
Meet Hollie Doherty - tour manager fo Maggie Lindemann. Maggie has accomplished a lot in her career despite just being 24 - tune in for a conversation on progressing careers in touring, and how sometimes losing one job opens doors to bigger opportunities you might not be seeing yet.
Hollie on Socials: @hollie_coffeetea
QTTF on Socials: @queerstothefront
For this episode, Jaclyn sat down with me for a chat about starting & running businesses in music and the difficulties juggling responsibilities between clients, employees, and private life. Very excited how informative and insightful this conversation came out.
Today's guest is Hanny J, bassist & backing vocalist in CLOWNS, and solo musician. Hanny has been around in the Australian & European music industry for a long time, and has probably played in more bands than you could count. Hanny & I talk about international touring, self-care, group dynamics in touring bands, and growing into your own as a musician & as a woman in a male-dominated field.
Hanny J: instagram.com/hannyjmusic/
CLOWNS:instagram.com/clownsband/
Today’s a special end-of-year episode: My good friend Iris Chang is joining me for a catch-up for what we decided to call The Glow-Up Episode. Iris is the first person to ever work with me behind the scenes of QTTF, and also the person that actually started this podcast with me over 2 years back – time flies.. Iris works in festival ticketing, and we chat about event safety and crowd management, as well what a day in the life looks like behind the scenes of big festivals. Iris has really worked their way up in very little time, and if you’re interested in working in the festival world – this one’s for you!
See ya in the new year, thanks for listening!
From veterinary nurse to music industry professional, Lauren has come a long way. These days she is known for both touring work as well as artist management, and even put together her own festival taking place the first time in 2023. Lean back and grab a beverage of your choice – let’s learn from Lauren and together.
Passion For Talent: https://linktr.ee/pftmgmt
Photo Credits: @megwelton
Joining us today is Jessi Frick - founder and owner of Father/Daughter records, and owner at Citrine Managemement.
Today’s guest is a music industry professional of many talents and professions – you may know Caeleigh as a musician, performing with the likes of Foxing and Saint Seneca, through hersolo project Mukiss, and as an audio engineer. Recently, Caeleigh also started working in touring crew positions, starting strong with a mons engineer position with Lucy Dacus.
For this conversation, Caeleigh took the time to describe her process of learning her worth in music, and embracing different roles and professions within music, all whilst staying creative and commited.
Hope you enjoy this one, and can also take away some learnings - i sure did!
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Photo Credits: @saladjockey
Caeleigh Socials: @mukissmusic
queerstothefront.com
Have you wanted to break into touring as a merch manager? Ever wondered what a day in the life looks like working merch on larger tours, handling dozens and dozens of boxes of merchandise? This is your chance to learn more - Lydia Tavera is a well-seasoned touring professional, working with artists like Earth Wind & Fire, and shared many great ways to break into the industry in this conversation. So let's learn together!
For today’s episode, I got to sit down with Lauren Denitzio, multi-profession artist, and most prominently lead singer in Worriers. Lauren & I got to chat about the impacts of the pandemic on the arts & freelancing, and how to juggle multiple jobs in the current economic climate.
So lean back, and grab a mug of your favorite beverage – and off we go.
Photo: Courtney Coles (@kernieflakes)
https://www.instagram.com/lauren_denitzio/
queerstothefront.com
Happy Trans Awareness Week! What better time to listen to a podcast of two badass trans women working in the music industry? Meet Ada Brumback, multi-profession touring professional, and most prominently backline/guitar tech for Phoebe Bridgers. Ada has once been described as the "Swiss knife of music" and think that's so true - she has worked a multitude of music jobs over the years that got her to where she is today. Her journey is nothing but inspiring.
So lean back, and grab a mug of your favorite beverage - let's learn about breaking into music touring!
Photo: Emily Retsas
instagram.com/adabrumback/
queerstothefront.com
For this episode, Cathy Pellow - founder and owner of artist management company Sargent House - took the time to have a conversation with me and share her experience. Cathy has been in the industry for a long time and has seen many trends come and go, but one thing Sargent House always stood for is timeless, quality music with a heavy impact outside of the mainstream eye. Having developed artists the likes of Brutus, Russian Circles, and more, Cathy is a cornerstone of heavy music and i am honored she was willing to be a guest.
But lean back and discover for yourself - enter Cathy!
https://sargenthouse.com/
https://www.queerstothefront.com/
Photo: @ebruyildiz
The QTTF podcast is back - tune in for episode 2 with Jeanette Wall, US label manager for City Slang Records, artist manager, and fellow podcaster. Jeanette has worked in many different corners of the industry, growing from music blogger to managing artists the likes of Mitski, and eventually making it to her current position developing artists on both sides of the Atlantic. If you're looking for inspiration on kickstarting your own career, this one's for you.
The QTTF podcast is back! Joining me for the first episode of this new season is Avanthi Govender, seasoned tour manager & professional. Avanthi currently works as road manager for Phoebe Bridgers, and is known for tour managing artists such as Julien Baker & Boygenius over the years. I couldn't be more excited to share some of her wisdom & experience with you - now please sit back & relax, and enjoy this podcast.
Welcome back to the Queers to the Front Podcast, and welcome to Season 2. Our podcast is now Patreon-exclusive, please head over to our Patreon for the full version: https://www.patreon.com/queerstothefront
For this episode, I had the pleasure to sit down with Missy from Mannequin Pussy right before their EP release for "Perfect". Tune in to learn about Missy’s journey into music and video direction, the story behind the new EP, and most importantly what she really thinks of TikTok.
Welcome back to the Queers to the Front Podcast, and welcome to Season 2. Our podcast is now Patreon-exclusive, so we’d love for you to come join us over there: https://www.patreon.com/queerstothefront
For this episode, I had the pleasure to sit down with Missy from Mannequin Pussy right before their EP release for "Perfect". Tune in to learn about Missy’s journey into music and video direction, the story behind the new EP, and most importantly what she really thinks of TikTok.
Welcome back to the Queers to the Front Podcast, and welcome to Season 2. From here on, our podcast will be Patreon-exclusive, so we’d love for you to come join us over there: https://www.patreon.com/queerstothefront
For this first episode, I had the pleasure to chat to Shawna Potter – both known for her book “Making Spaces Safer” and her band War on Women. Tune in to learn about Shawna’s journey into music, War on Women’s new album “Wonderful Hell”, and how she ended up starting her own podcast mid-pandemic to her own surprise.
Welcome back to the Queers to the Front Podcast! For this episode, I had the pleasure to chat to Brian Walker. Brian is a musician under the name “A Day Without Love”, an author, podcaster, activist, and filmmaker. Tune in to learn about Brian’s journey into music and writing, how he stays inspired, and most importantly his favorite between Wawa and Sheetz!
Brian co-produced a documentary with Brianna Spause called "Safe and Sound" exploring the value of safer spaces in the US music scene. The trailer is out TODAY!
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Production: Maja Liv Groves
Promo Photo Credits: tbc
Logo Graphic Design: Luke Phillips
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A Day Without Love: https://adaywithoutlove.bandcamp.com/
Safe and Sound trailer: https://www.bsproductions.co/safe-sound-film/
Dreams Not Memes Podcast: https://www.adaywithoutlove.com/dreams-not-memes-podcast
Brian Socials: @adaywithoutlove
QTTF Socials: @queerstothefront
QTTF Website: https://www.queerstothefront.com/
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Song Used in Intro, Interlude, & Outro:
"Going" (feat. Samryebread), Brian Walker feat. Samryebread, 2019
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QTTF Podcast:
https://podtail.com/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/id1530882308
https://open.spotify.com/show/6nzsFmULG3kCB2giTovQRd
Welcome back to a one-off behind-the scenes special of “Meet the Artist behind the new QTTF Visual Branding”. Lucinda Livingstone is dual-career industry professional, both working as a graphic designer and musician. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on Lucinda’s journey into music and graphic design, the evolution of Cultdreams, and staying inspired.
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Editing/Mixing: Maja Liv Groves
Promo Photo Credits: @gingerdope
Logo Graphic Design: Luke Phillips (http://linktr.ee/lizard.phillips)
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Cultdreams: https://cultdreams.bandcamp.com/
Nervus: https://nervus.bandcamp.com/
Bloodflower Design: https://www.bloodflowerdesign.com/
Lucinda Socials: @lucindalivingstone
QTTF Socials: @queerstothefront
QTTF Website: https://queerstothefront.com
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Song Used in Intro & Interludes:
"Brain Daze" (Instrumental), Cultdreams, Things That Hurt, 2019
Song Used in Outro:
"Born An Underdog, Still Living One", Cultdreams, Things That Hurt, 2019
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QTTF Podcast:
https://podtail.com/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/id1530882308
https://open.spotify.com/show/6nzsFmULG3kCB2giTovQRd
For episode #10, QTTF founder Maja sits down with Achan Malonda, musician and performer based in Berlin, Germany. Achan is a performer of many talents – from playing in a punk band as a teenager, to singing at weddings, to performing in “The Lion King”, to finally writing her own songs, she has a lot of stories to tell – tune in to learn about Achan’s journey into music, as well as her ways of finding balance and perspective in an unprecented time.
Editing/Mixing: Maja Liv Groves
Promo Photo Credits: Achan Malonda
Logo Graphic Design: Luke Phillips (http://linktr.ee/lizard.phillips)
MALONDA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmwGIhp-uZQ&ab_channel=FrauMalonda
Achan Socials: @fraumalonda
QTTF Socials: https://linktr.ee/queerstothefrontbooking
QTTF Podcast:
https://podtail.com/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/id1530882308
https://open.spotify.com/show/6nzsFmULG3kCB2giTovQRd
Welcome back for episode #9! This time, QTTF founder Maja sits down with Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani, Young Women's Music Project leader and musician under the name Despicable Zee. Grab a hot beverage and get comfy for an intimate conversation on single motherhood, 2020's global movements for social justice, tour drumming, and re-connecting with heritage.
Editing/Mixing: Maja Liv Groves
Promo Photo Credits: Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani
Logo Graphic Design: Luke Phillips (http://linktr.ee/lizard.phillips)
Young Women's Music Project: https://www.ywmp.org.uk/
Despicable Zee: https://despicablezee.bandcamp.com/
Zahra Socials: @DespicableZee
QTTF Socials: https://linktr.ee/queerstothefrontbooking
QTTF Podcast:
https://podtail.com/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/id1530882308
https://open.spotify.com/show/6nzsFmULG3kCB2giTovQRd
Song Used in Intro: 'Togetherness', Despicable Zee, tbc
Song Used in Outro: 'Counting Cars', 2019, Despicable Zee, Atigheh - عتیقه
Written and Produced by zhfatehrani.com
Mixed by francineperry.com
Mastered by katietavini.co.uk
Please note: Zahra is not the founder of Young Women's Music Project, but the current project leader; this was falsely stated in the intro sequence.
“The Beach Boys invented rock, the Beatles invented rock..” - How often have you heard that phrase? This week, QTTF founder Maja sits down with Lindsey Miller, New York-based artist manager and founder of Otherways Music and co-founder of Heathers Artist Management to discuss representation in music and the myth that white men invented rock and blues music. Also, Maja and Lindsey talk about artist management, how to get started and how to find the right connections. If you are an aspiring artist manager, or looking to get into this field, this episode is for you.
Editing/Mixing: Maja Liv Groves
Promo Photo Credits: Lindsey Miller
Logo Graphic Design: Luke Phillips (http://linktr.ee/lizard.phillips)
Heathers Artist MGMT: https://www.heathersartistmgmt.com/
Otherways Music: https://otherwaysmusic.com/
Lindsey Socials: @caulitacoqueen
QTTF Socials: https://linktr.ee/queerstothefrontbooking
QTTF Podcast:
https://podtail.com/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/id1530882308
https://open.spotify.com/show/6nzsFmULG3kCB2giTovQRd
This week, QTTF founder Maja sits down with Mimi Jasson and Janey Starling from Dream Nails, one of the most exciting bands in the UK right now that’s just starting to gain fans on the other side of the Atlantic too. Sit in on a lively conversation on how to stay connected with fans in 2020, disrupting white supremacist urgency culture, and what a music industry that’s actually run by musicians could look like.
Editing/Mixing: Maja Liv Groves
Promo Photo Credits: Chloe Newman
Logo Graphic Design: Luke Phillips (http://linktr.ee/lizard.phillips)
Dream Nails s/t: https://dreamnails.bandcamp.com/album/dream-nails
Dream Nails Socials: https://linktr.ee/dreamnailsband
QTTF Socials: https://linktr.ee/queerstothefrontbooking
QTTF Podcast:
https://podtail.com/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/id1530882308
https://open.spotify.com/show/6nzsFmULG3kCB2giTovQRd
Song Used in Outro: ‘Kiss My Fist’, Dream Nails s/t, Dream Nails 2020
All songs produced, mixed and recorded in Liverpool, UK by Tarek Musa at Bungalow Beach Studios. Additional backing vocals recorded in London, UK by Alex Mackenzie at Rainy Studios. Mastered by Mike Cave at Loft Mastering.
All songs written and recorded by Dream Nails. Dream Nails are: Janey Starling (lead vocals), Anya Pearson (guitar, vocals), Mimi Jasson (bass, vocals) and Lucy Katz (drums, vocals).
Artwork by Genie Espinosa
This album has been supported by the PPL Momentum Music Fund. PPL Momentum is managed by PRS Foundation, with support from PPL, Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales, Welsh Government, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Invest NI, with additional funding and support from Spotify. prsfoundation.com #PPLmomentum
prsfoundation.com/funding-support/funding-music-creators/next-steps/ppl-momentum-music-fund/
For this episode, Queers to the Front Booking founder Maja sits down with Martin, mostly known as @gingerdope, UK-based touring photographer and videographer, widely known for her work with artists such as Cultdreams, Perkie and Petrol Girls. Maja and Martin talk about capturing movement in motion and still picture, finding work in the music industry, and also time travellers from the future and how in Maja’s mind it’s definitely their fault 2020 is so messed up because every time they try to fix the current version the resulting causality chain makes it even worse.
Editing/Mixing: Maja Liv Groves
Promo Photo Credits: Martin (@gingerdope)
Logo Graphic Design: Luke Phillips (http://linktr.ee/lizard.phillips)
Martin: @gingerdope
Recent Motion Picture for Perkie’s “The Storm”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez6ZVz8fY9Q&ab_channel=PerKie
QTTF Socials: https://linktr.ee/queerstothefrontbooking
QTTF Podcast:
https://podtail.com/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/id1530882308
https://open.spotify.com/show/6nzsFmULG3kCB2giTovQRd
“I’m just excited to see a bunch more gay, queer girls in cheerleader uniforms” – a chat with Mia Berrin from Pom Pom Squad.
In this week’s episode, Queers to the Front Booking founder Maja sits down with Mia Berrin for an intimate and personal conversation ranging from the evolution of Pom Pom Squad and the powerful re-appropriation of the cheerleader as the archetype of American White Femininity, to developing artistic vision and growing as an artist, and staying connected throughout, in Mia’s words, “this garbage dump of a year”.
Editing/Mixing: Maja Liv Groves
Promo Photo Credits: Mia Berrin
Logo Graphic Design: Luke Phillips (http://linktr.ee/lizard.phillips)
Song Used in Outro: ‘Heavy Heavy’ by Pom Pom Squad, Ow, 2019
Written by Mia Berrin
Guitar/Vocals: Mia Berrin
Lead Guitar: Alex Mercuri
Bass: Mari Alé Figeman
Drums: Shelby Keller
Produced by Tommy Ordway and Pom Pom Squad
Engineered by Tommy Ordway
Mixed by Petey Mix
Mastered by Rachel Lightner
Special thanks to Raechel Rosen for her vocal booth
Pom Pom Squad: https://pompomsquad.bandcamp.com/
QTTF Socials: https://linktr.ee/queerstothefrontbooking
QTTF Podcast:
https://podtail.com/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/id1530882308
https://open.spotify.com/show/6nzsFmULG3kCB2giTovQRd
For this week’s episode, Queers to the Front Booking founder Maja Liv Groves sits down with Rachel Dispenza, one half of Philadelphia’s Coping Skills and tour manager for artists such as Mannequin Pussy, Worriers, and more. Tune in to hear about Maja and Rachel discussing best practices for tour and merch management, crop tops, selling merch, and adapting to the pandemic.
Editing/Mixing: Iris Chang
Promo Photo Credits: Chris Sikich (@countfeed)
Logo Graphic Design: Luke Phillips (http://linktr.ee/lizard.phillips)
Song Used in Outro: ‘I Don’t Feel Good About This’ by Coping Skills, 2020
[For the detailed history of the last 6 years of this song, check out the More Talk, Less Rock podcast episode about it: tinyurl.com/moretalklessrock-2-9]
Coping Skills: https://copingskills.bandcamp.com/
Rachel Dispenza: @agita_online
QTTF Socials: https://linktr.ee/queerstothefrontbooking
QTTF Podcast:
https://podtail.com/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/id1530882308
https://open.spotify.com/show/6nzsFmULG3kCB2giTovQRd
Notes & Further Reading:
The author mentioned throughout the episode was wrongly named “Rachel Solnit”. The correct name is Rebecca Solnit. The quote that was referred to (“The future is dark, which is the best thing the future can be, I think") is a quote by Virginia Woolf that Rebecca Solnit uses as a starting point for her essay ‘Woolf’s Darkness,’ in ‘Men Explain Things To Me.’
The article that was referred to is: “American democracy dies in 60 days”, Umair Haque, Sep 5th, 2020, Eudaimonia & Co. - Link: https://eand.co/american-democracy-will-die-in-60-days-54ce25626c1c
This week, Queers to the Front Booking founder Maja Liv Groves joins with solo artist Efa Supertramp, fellow QTTF booking agent, and half of the infamous UK rave punk duo Killdren. Efa is known for being a political songwriter and activist that doesn’t hold back, who one time even accidentally made international news for getting uninvited from Glastonbury Festival after pissing off conservatives. From hitchhiking for shows to impossible tour routings to losing your voice, Efa and Maja have a lively conversation on the Do’s and Don’ts of being a touring musician.
Efa Supertramp’s long-awaited new album “Apocalipstick Blues” is coming out in just a week on October 2nd.
Editing/Mixing: Iris Chang
Promo Photo Credits: Hold My Pint Photography
Logo Graphic Design: Luke Phillips (http://linktr.ee/lizard.phillips)
Song Used in Outro: ‘The Scars’ by Efa Supertramp, Apocalipstick Blues, Afiach Records 2020
Written and performed by Efa Supertramp
Recorded, Produced + Mixed by Nick Ronin
Mastering by Matt at MOA Mastering
Artwork by Joe Baines Jackson @potatws
Backing vocals on ‘The Scars’ by Nick Ronin
Killdren: https://killdren.bandcamp.com/
Efa Supertramp: https://afiach.bandcamp.com/album/apocalipstick-blues
QTTF Socials: https://linktr.ee/queerstothefrontbooking
QTTF Podcast:
https://podtail.com/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/id1530882308
https://open.spotify.com/show/6nzsFmULG3kCB2giTovQRd
This week, Queers to the Front Booking founder Maja sits down with fellow QTTF booking agent and Long Neck vocalist/guitarist Lily Mastrodimos to talk about booking tours, playing in shitty high school bands, staying connected with their audience and self-releasing “World’s Strongest Dog” during the pandemic.
Editing/Mixing: Iris Chang
Graphic Design: Luke Phillips (http://linktr.ee/lizard.phillips)
Long Neck: https://longnecklass.bandcamp.com/album/worlds-strongest-dog
Lily Mastrodimos: @Lily_Mastr0
QTTF Socials: https://linktr.ee/queerstothefrontbooking
QTTF Podcast:
https://podtail.com/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/
https://podcasters.spotify.com/podcast/6nzsFmULG3kCB2giTovQRd/overview
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-queers-to-the-front-podcast/id1530882308
Our first ever podcast! Featuring our Queers to the Front team members, Maja Liv Groves (founder / booking agent / tour manager) and Iris Chang (booking agent / music festival freelancer). Tune in to chat with them about getting started in the music industry, going from DIY to professional work, and how to make DIY shows safer and more inclusive!
Editing/Mixing: Iris Chang
Graphic design: https://linktr.ee/lizard.phillips