Episode 26: Rett Madison
Rainbow Rodeo
A Note on Audio: Sorry that I sound so weird; I sat way too far away from my mic for this one. But Rett really does talk that fast -- faster than me! So much for the stereotype about fast-talking New Yorkers! It's hard enough to be in your 20s, but Rett Madison had to do it all without her mom. One More For Jackie is the deluxe re-issue of Madison's debut album last year, this time with a few extra songs but the same core of love, grief, and dedication to her mother, who died by suicide in 2019. In our interview, we discuss making the album, the making-of documentary that came with it,...
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Episode 25: Flamy Grant
Rainbow Rodeo
** This month's episode is sponsored by Damon Beirne of . Damon can clean up your media files for $300 per terrabyte -- mention Rainbow Rodeo for a 75% discount! ** Flamy Grant is a Christian drag queen. Now, at Rainbow Rodeo, we know to revel in the contradiction of gloriously queer life and traditional expectations, and Flamy certainly embodies that. Her first album Bible Belt Baby hit #1 on the iTunes Christian chart and her new album, CHURCH, which we’ll be talking about today, is currently in the top 10 of the iTunes country chart. This is a big deal because iTunes charts are...
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Episode 24: Liv Greene
Rainbow Rodeo
Liv Greene checks in about her album Deep Feeler, out on October 18th. We also discuss how her coming out process has reinforced her artistry, moving past imposter syndrome, and putting down roots in Nashville. For subscribers, we also get into a little astrology and a secret that's about a confession. Pre-save or preorder Deep Feeler . Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter ! Music Liv Greene -- "Katie" (2:25) Liv Greene -- "Deep Feeler" (14:23) Liv Greene -- "Flowers" (25:30) Brittany Ann Tranbaugh -- "We Could Be Comets" (36:16) Liv Greene -- "Wild Geese" (41:10)
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Episode 23: Leah Song of Rising Appalachia
Rainbow Rodeo
Rising Appalachia has always been a mission-driven, social justice-focused band. On their recent album Folk and Anchor, however, the band decided to take on a more light-hearted project. The sister duo of Leah Song and Chloe Smith went back to their roots and picked out a collection of songs that influenced them -- including some that might surprise you. Leah and I spoke about how the band settled on this project, the songs they chose, and what it means to finally take a break. Music Rising Appalchia -- "On And On (Erykah Badu)" (2:05) Rising Appalachia -- "Texas Hold 'Em (Beyonce)"...
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Episode 22: Chris Housman
Rainbow Rodeo
Hey, there cowpokes -- remember when I did podcasts? Me, too. So...I'm thrilled that I get to interview Chris Housman for episode 22! Chris's new album Blueneck is a raucously fun and aggressively queer pop country album. Chris has been in Nashville for 16 years, and we talk about how it's been to be a queer artist in the mainstream country machine, as well as how Chris got his start and why he loves making the catchy music he does. Song Timestamps 2:51 -- "Drag Queen" -- Chris Housman 21:59 -- "Bible Belt" -- Chris Housman 35:33 -- "Backwoods Proclamation" -- Jett Holden 39:08 --...
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Episode 21: River Shook of Sarah Shook & The Disarmers
Rainbow Rodeo
Hey there, cowpokes! This time around I interview River Shook about their new album with Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Revelations. What’s that now? Well, we get into River coming out as nonbinary, changing their name…and still touring under their given name. We’ll also talk about their growing confidence as they continue into sobriety, taking the helm as a producer for their own projects as well as Izzy Rider’s, and why their latest album Revelations kicks so much ass. Thanks to the Nashville Scene for . Check out John Rodney's Deers, Queers, and Carolina Twang playlist I . ...
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Episode 20: Queer Country Weekend Extravaganza!
Rainbow Rodeo
Howdy, cowpokes! This is a special bonus episode of Rainbow Rodeo to celebrate two different queer country shows next week. The , which is pay-what-you-can. It's a great weekend of conversations and concerts that celebrate radical intersectionality in country music. On Friday March 15th from 12 PM - 5 PM IN AUSTIN, Meanwhile in Music presents a featuring Creekbed Carter Hogan, Secret Emchy Society, Ever More Nest, Paisley Fields, Jared Deck, and Austin Lucas. Please note I misread the poster and said it was from 5 PM to midnight!!! Then, on Sunday March 17th IN NEW...
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Episode 19 -- Cidny Bullens
Rainbow Rodeo
Cidny Bullens is not just a rock'n'roll lifer -- he's a survivor. He toured with Elton John and Bob Dylan and was nominated for two Grammys for his own solo work. If you've listened to the Grease soundtrack, you've probably heard him -- but this is all before he transitioned. Cid's been through quite a bit as well, and not just a rock and roll lifer, but also a survivor. And his recent memoir, , Cidny talks about his journey from growing up in rural Massachusetts to New York to LA back to New York... and eventually Portland, Maine, and all the obstacles along the way: flying high In the music...
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Episode 18 -- Jessye DeSilva
Rainbow Rodeo
This isn't Jessye DeSilva's first Rainbow Rodeo! The non-binary singer-songwriter was the very first guest on this podcast, and we're thrilled to have them back. In this episode, we talk about how DeSilva is setting intentions and seeing them through, their album Renovations as a document of coming into their own, and what's next as they tackle being an artist in a post-lockdown world. As I mention in the intro, I interviewed Jessye and others about the transphobic events at this year's Americanafest -- and how music festivals could become safer spaces for artists in the future -- in the ....
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Episode 17: Jenny Owen Youngs
Rainbow Rodeo
Howdy, cowpokes, and welcome back to Rainbow Rodeo! This month, I interview artist and podcaster extraordinaire, Jenny Owen Youngs. I think you can hear in the interview that I’m a little bit starstruck, but of course Jenny was a pro. (We’re on a first-name basis now.) We talk about her return to solo music with her new album, Avalanche, and how it’s been to work in the co-writing and music licensing space in LA for so long. We also get a little silly with fandoms, but also get down to business to discuss queer artists and the anxiety around pigeonholing, and idea that’s...
info_outlineHowdy, cowpokes!
This is a special bonus episode of Rainbow Rodeo to celebrate two different queer country shows next week.
- The online festival Country Soul Songbook, which is pay-what-you-can. It's a great weekend of conversations and concerts that celebrate radical intersectionality in country music.
- On Friday March 15th from 12 PM - 5 PM IN AUSTIN, Meanwhile in Music presents a queer country showcase featuring Creekbed Carter Hogan, Secret Emchy Society, Ever More Nest, Paisley Fields, Jared Deck, and Austin Lucas. Please note I misread the poster and said it was from 5 PM to midnight!!!
- Then, on Sunday March 17th IN NEW YORK CITY, join me at Penny Jo's at 163rd and Broadway for the very first Rainbow Rodeo Live! The show will feature The Locksmiths, Cactus Rose/Kandia Crazyhorse, Brian Falduto, and Jackfruit
You can read more about what I've been up to on the Rainbow Rodeo newsletter
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