Homoground stands in solidarity to condemn the tragic murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many others at the hands of police. This is a continuation of the systemic racism pervasive in our country since its inception.
We are committed to standing against racism in all its forms. We believe that to be silent is to be complicit. We believe that Black lives matter. We believe that Black lives are more important than property. We believe that we have a responsibility to use our platforms to speak out against this injustice whenever and wherever we are witness to it.
In creating digital media we have amassed a community of listeners who tune in episode after episode and we will use our voice to speak against anti-blackness and police brutality, and we encourage our listeners to be educated, engaged, and to take action. #podcastersforjustice
Some websites we’ve been following for specific actions and to make donations are the Movement for Black Lives and Black Lives Matter. Some podcasts by POC creators we've been listening to are: How to Survive the End of the World, The Colored Girl Beautiful, Start Within, The Gayly Prophet, and Dreams Not Memes. To find more podcasts made by POC creators check out the Podcasts in Color podcast directory and support their patreon.
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Below are the artists featured in this episode in order of appearance. Their artist name, location and song featured is listed beneath their photo. Please click on their photo or name to be directed to their website and social media accounts.
vincethealien - Los Angeles, California - "Easy Bake"
Vincethealien is an outsider with a meaning to be on the inside. Desperately trying to understand people, love, sex and pain - while desperately seeking to find freedom through it all. His music is the record of his mission to find a planet, a people, or just a person, to connect with.
"I think homoground is really important, specifically now in us being quarantined and separated. Connecting and sharing our stories and experiences right now, especially as queer people, is an amazing resource for us to get through this together and remind each other that we're not alone. Sharing can also bring about some reflection and hopefully some healing as a result"
GESS - Los Angeles, California - "Digital Romance"
"I’ve always been an over-sharer when it comes to my emotions. It’s scared a bunch of people away but turns out it’s a great quality to have as a songwriter.
As an indie artist my main challenge is access to resources that would allow me to create my ideas at an elevated level. There are a lot of gatekeepers in this industry that hold onto their resources until they deem you worthy or relevant in their eyes. As someone who does almost everything alone, it can feel like an uphill battle sometimes."
Sammyd - Ohio - "Summer Song"
Sammyd is on a mission to spread love, light, and unity across the globe.
"Music saved my life and I just want to reach the people in my community that might need to hear my perspective the most. We don’t have a lot of media representation and podcasts like this one are changing that.
Currently I’m anxiously waiting to start testosterone. I am also waiting to start new job that will allow me to begin investing in my music and take my mission to the next level. I’m also learning to maneuver the insanity and of uncertainty of the world being a black trans man in America where it just does not feel safe to be me right now."
Bentley Robles - Brooklyn, New York - "Petals"
"Exposure is obviously the biggest issue I face as an indie artist. It can be so difficult to stay motivated when the industry is so challenging."
Theo Tams - Toronto, Ontario, Canada - "Strangers"
"Like the rest of the world, the quarantine has been really challenging. It's been hard to be productive and stay positive but also important to take it one day at a time. I think the biggest challenge I face in my career is being from the Idol franchise, there are many people high up in the industry that continue to discredit my talent and my writing because I came from a talent show. I knew going in that Canadian Idol would be a stepping stone, and it has definitely been that, but I certainly wasn't expecting to constantly have to prove myself over and over simply because I came from a reality show. But I'm not going anywhere, and will continue to break down doors; I'm not afraid of the challenge :)"
Maddy Street - Paris, France - "Still Yours"
"I find it hard to promote my music which is inherently queer, especially in the French scene, Queer podcast are simply not a thing here. I want this as an opportunity to broadcast my music on a platform made for Queers by Queer people. I love the platform you provide for emerging queer artists.
Due to confinement, it's hard to develop my project and prepare for the release of my EP. I also manage everything myself, which is gratifying but requires a lot of energy.
On the personal side, my gf, who is Australian had to fly back to Australia (I am in France) and so we are forced to stay apart due to the border restrictions at the moment."
Young Kaii - Providence, Rhode Island - "Speechless"
"My life as an artist has been impacted tremendously due to COVID-19. I'm an artist who is used to traveling and performing at gigs over the summers.Now, my shows have been limited due to COVID-19. On May 1st I was tested positive for COVID and I am currently in isolation. Not only did it effect my music life but physically as well."