Here at Instinct Magazine we love sharing music by out and proud music artists.
Just today, we wrote about Kim Petras new releases, yesterday featured new music from the iconic Pet Shop Boys and the Shirtless Violinist.
And over the past few weeks we’ve featured a wide range of artists including Courtney Act, Sam Smith, Tom Goss, NIKO, and Joey Suarez.
Some have the backing of major labels, but many are emerging indie artists who need the exposure to get to that next level. As this writer has often stated, if we want the world to support our community, we have to support those worthy artists reflecting LGBTQ lives to the public.
Enter veteran radio host/producer Steve Sims who, inspired by his passion for LGBTQ artists, launched an entire online radio station that airs only out artists.
QLRadio (Quest of Life Radio) was launched on February 1, 2018, as a 24/7 station whose primary focus is music, music, music by LGBTQ artists.
As of December, listeners from 40 countries have visited QLRadio, including Russia, which is regularly in the top five countries of listeners.
I think the fact that LGBTQ folks in Russia can find and listen to out artists is amazing, especially when you consider the country has hideous laws that ban any so-called 'gay propaganda.' So QLRadio is a huge gift to people all around the world.
Now, to be clear, this isn't simply Broadway or cabaret music (which I love).
QLRadio plays contemporary pop, dance, hip-hop, classical, country and more. Don't dismiss this as some banal collection of sleepy music.
If you listen to Sirius XM stations like Utopia or Chill, you'll find a lot to enjoy on QLRadio.
The message of QLRadio is that music by LGBTQ artists chronicles the stories of our lives. As the QLRadio website states, “It inspires, communicates positive messages, gives courage, and hope.”
QLRadio is one part of Quest of Life Media & Broadcasting, a nonprofit organization which supports the creative process of LGBTQ artists. Founded in October 2016, the organization assists independent singer/songwriters/musicians with marketing, fundraising, tour planning and more.
In addition to the majority-music programming, the radio station also features 4 in-house produced programs:
• Classical Sunday Nights – Music from the LGBT classical community
• New Music Minutes – Daily segments with totally fresh, new LGBT tracks
• Saturday Alive – Foot tapping, head bobbing music to keep your Saturday nights ‘Alive”
And five syndicated programs:
• HomoRadio – LGBT variety show from New York’s capital region
• This Way Out – International LGBT New Radio Magazine heard on over 200 stations worldwide
• Inside Out LGBT Radio – Washington D.C.’s only LGBT talk radio show
• The Randy Report – LGBT politics, pop culture and entertainment news
• Democracy Now! – daily global independent news
I recently got to chat with Steve about reaching the one year anniversary of QLRadio, some of the challenges and surprises along the way, and what’s coming in the next 12 months for his organization.
Hit the play button below to listen to the chat, and click here any time of day or night to listen to QLRadio.
