Rainbow Rodeo

Queer Country Forever: July 2026

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:41:45 +0000

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

Artists in This Episode

Lavender Country
Coyote Grace
Karen and the Sorrows
Chris Houseman
She Returns From War
Reba McEntire ft. Lafemmebear
Melanie Walker and Mercy Bell
Fancy Hagood
Paisley Fields
Andrew Sa
Jessye DeSilva

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Episode 33: Weakened Friends

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0100

Indie rock band Weakened Friends join us to discuss their powerful album Feels Like Hell. The band is tighter than ever, and that's due in large part to lead singer Sonia Sturino coming out as non-binary and feeling more confident in their voice. Sturino and bassist(and partner) Annie Hand check in to talk about what an indie rock band is doing on a country podcast, approaches to songwriting and recording, and our millennial skin care routines.

Subscribe or sign up to hear more about the pair's approach to astrology, bad habits, and touring. (Check Weakened Friends' tour dates here.)

Songs

4:08 – "Bargain Bin" (excerpt) – Weakened Friends

5:03 – "Tough Luck (Bleed Me Out)" – Weakened Friends

24:27 – "Not For Nothing" – Weakened Friends

28:20 – "Torn" – Weakened Friends

46:26 – "Pancho and Lefty" – Paisley Fields ft. Laura Stevenson

50:17 – "Kind of Girl" – MUNA

54:44 – "Weightless" – Weakened Friends

Episode 33: Issue 6 Preview with Allison Russell, Vandoliers, Willi Carlisle and More!

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Want to buy a copy of Rainbow Rodeo Issue 6 but too scared to pull the trigger?

Don't worry! Rachel is here to guide you through the zine. You'll hear from Allison Russell about Hadestown, Josh Friedberg talks us through his essay about Beyonce winning the Best Country Album Grammy, Vandoliers, Glen Meadmore's glory hole, and more!

Subscribe for $5 or more today and you'll also got nyan cats, lavender coasts, and boisterous stage banter! Plus – a reminder about your FREE zine codes!

Purchase your copy of the zine here.

Song List

Willi Carlisle -- Cryin' These Cocksucking Tears (2:25)
Low Cut Connie -- I Can't Shake the Stranger Out of You (6:54)
Luisa Lopez -- Tired (11:02)
Vandoliers -- Life Behind Bars (14:50)
Hayden Stern, Elise Snoey, and Ezra Jane Landsman -- "Jig to Reel With Twin Fiddles and DADGAD Guitar" (20:42)
Allison Rusell and Hadestown Cast -- "Livin' It Up" (24:11)
Jeremy Dion -- "Bend in the Middle" (28:20)
Glenmeadmore -- "Glory Hole" (30:39)
Jake Blount and Mali Obamsawin -- "What's Ya Gonna Do When the World is on Fire?"
Riggings -- "Big Box Black Dress" (38:56)

Episode 31: Vandoliers

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, this episode was delayed a bit -- but we're so happy for you all to hear my interview with Jenni Rose and Corey Graves of the Vandoliers. You can read excerpts of the interview in Good Country. Our discussion weaves from the Vandoliers' many influences to Jenni's newfound sobriety -- and how her extremely public coming out has energized her and the rest of the band.

Never miss out on queer country music -- subscribe to our free newsletter or become a paid subscriber at RainbowRodeoMag.com!

Songs in This Episode

1:44 -- "Life Behind Bars" (Vandoliers)

25:22 -- "Dead Canary" (Vandoliers)

57:46 -- "Bible Belt" (Vandoliers)

1:02:02 -- "Broken Horses" (Brandi Carlile)

Episode 30: Girls on Grass

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 02 May 2025 14:58:00 +0000

Girls on Grass is a scrappy garage/country/cowpunk/whatever band from New York City that fearlessly follows their own arrow. Barbara Endes guides us through the creative process of the band's upcoming EP Stages, playing with a B-bender guitar (and what that is), and why writing about politics an her friends is her happy place.

Track Listing

Girls on Grass – Goth Punk Hillbilly Angel (1:19)
Kim Deal – Nobody Loves You More (11:45)
Girls on Grass – Don't Buy It (29:13)

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Episode 29: Angie K

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0100

Angie K and I scooch up to our mics to discuss her new self-titled EP. (Sorry for the horrendous audio quality on my end – I went out and got a better mic right after this interview.) We talk about Angie's incredible year: she got engaged, she's played the Grand Ole Opry twice, and Angie K was absolutely released on her terms. There's also stories of awkward teenage dating and talent shows – and she taught me about this freaky zodiac thing called Human Design.

Song List

Angie K – "Red Dirt on Mars" (1:24)
Angie K – "You And I" (14:47)
Angie K – "I'm Going Under" (17:26)
Angie K – "Games" (37:57)
Fancy Hagood – "American Spirit" (51:34)
Angie K – "Stay" (54:36)

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Episode 28: Girl In a Hurry - The Shelly Bush Story

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0100

We're 58% of the way to our fundraising goal! Join us over at Rainbow Rodeo for exclusive podcasts, art, zines -- and a mixtape of new and unreleased queer country music!

Ellen Angelico is one of my favorite people in Nashville – hands-down. They own the stage when they're absolutely shredding on guitar for artists like Brandy Clark and Cam. But everyone gets their start somewhere, and for Ellen that was on Nashville's Broadway in their legendary honky-tonks, led by a singer who was equally legendary: Shelly Bush. In Ellen's six-part series Girl in a Hurry, we learn more about Shelly, but also about the ecosystem that makes country music run: for every star headlining a stadium tour, there are hundreds of working-class musicians putting in the hours and the miles in the dreams of getting there. This is Shelly Bush's story.

Search for Girl in a Hurry to listen to the of the series!

To learn more about how the podcast was made, you can read my interview with Ellen.

Episode 27: Voices of Trans Strength -- Mya Byrne, Paisley Fields, Abigail Lucas, Flamy Grant, Adrian Blake Enscoe, She Returns From War

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:02:00 -0100

Howdy, cowpokes. I hope you're hanging in there.

This episode is a little bit different. Instead of interviewing one artist, I included excerpts from interviews for an article coming up in No Depression's Spring 2025 issue: how trans artists are drawing strength and preparing for the Trump administration. We hear from Mya Byrne, Paisley Fields, Abigail Lucas, Flamy Grant, Adrian Blake Enscoe, She Returns From War.

Subscribe to No Depression to read the full article in the Spring 2025 issue.

Subscribe to Rainbow Rodeo -- paid or free - to stay up-to-date on the latest queer country news and music!

This episode was sponsored by Post Transition media company -- you, too, can sponsor Rainbow Rodeo by clicking here!

Music

Mya Byrne and Paisley Fields -- "Burn This Statehouse Down" (04:31)

Flamy Grant -- "Revenge" (11:49)

Abigail Lucas -- "Black Me Out" (19:37)

Bandits on the Run -- "Back Home" (28:46)

She Returns From War -- "Ruthless" (33:29)

Episode 26: Rett Madison

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0100

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, Madison's musical roots, and taking a stand in the upcoming Trump regime.

3:09 -- "One For Jackie" (Rett Madison)

18:52 -- "Skydiving" (Rett Madison)

29:53 -- "Deep Feeler" (Liv Greene)

33:32 -- "Apocalyptic Folk Song" (Rett Madison)

Pre-order Rainbow Rodeo issue 5 here!

Subscribe to our free newsletter -- or get more stuff on the paid tiers -- on the NEW Rainbow Rodeo site!

Episode 25: Flamy Grant

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:29:00 +0000

** This month's episode is sponsored by Damon Beirne of Post-Transition Media Management Company. 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 based on purchases, not passive streams — so there are real people propelling these songs up the charts!

You can read my album review on No Depression.

Subscribe to Rainbow Rodeo on Patreon!

Don't miss a queer country beat when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Songs

Flamy Grant -- "Last Days" (01:59)

Flamy Grant -- "SPRKL" (23:06)

Flamy Grant -- "Revenge" (39:21)

Crys Matthews -- "Waking Up the Dead" (42:51)

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Episode 24: Liv Greene

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +0000

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 Patreon subscribers, we also get into a little astrology and a secret that's about a confession.

Pre-save or preorder Deep Feeler here. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here!

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)

Episode 23: Leah Song of Rising Appalachia

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +0000

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)" (15:55)
Amythyst Kiah -- "Love Will Tear Us About" (29:34)
Rising Appalchia -- "I Shall Be Released (Bob Dylan)" (32:24)

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Episode 22: Chris Housman

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +0000

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 -- "Dust Off Your Boots" -- Adam Mac

42:05 -- "Life Behind Bars" -- Chris Housman

Support us on Patreon!

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Episode 21: River Shook of Sarah Shook & The Disarmers

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 03:14:00 -0100

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 printing an excerpt of our conversation.

Check out John Rodney's Deers, Queers, and Carolina Twang playlist I mentioned at the end of the show.

Follow Rainbow Rodeo for news of our fundraiser (starts Monday) and support us by subscribing to our Patreon!

Episode 20: Queer Country Weekend Extravaganza!

Rachel Cholst — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0100

Howdy, 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

Support Rainbow Rodeo by subscribing to Patreon!

Episode 19 -- Cidny Bullens

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:02:00 -0100

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, TransElectric, 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 scene to his lows with struggling with addiction and losing his daughter and being in the closet as a trans person in the sixties and seventies without even really knowing what that meant or what the possibilities could be.

Cidny complemented the memoir with Little Pieces and put it out in 2020. So you can guess what happened there. That's why Kill Rock Stars signed Cidny and reissued the album earlier this month.

In this interview, Cindy and I talk about his life, intergenerational LGBTQ+ work, recording Little Pieces, and what's next for him.

Purchase your copy of Rainbow Rodeo right here! Don't forget to support us on Patreon and subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Track Listing

Cidny Bullens, "Little Pieces" (3:50)
Cidny Bullens, "Purgatory Road" (12:07)
Cidny Bullens, "The Gender Line" (25:36)
Mya Byrne, "Please Call Me Darling" (55:52)
Cidny Bullens, "Call Me By My Name" (1:00:00)

Episode 18 -- Jessye DeSilva

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0100

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 Nashville Scene. Remember to subscribe to the e-mail newsletter to get a weekly update on what's been going on down at the Rodeo! Catch us on Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Mastodon under @rainbowrodeomag, and at @rainbowrodeo on Bluesky. Song List 1:48 -- Jessye DeSilva -- "Let It Burn" (Renovations) 14:23 -- Jessye DeSilva -- "Queen of the Backyard" (Hover) 19:11 -- Jessye DeSilva -- "Dysphoria" (Renovations) 36:57 -- Allison Russell -- "Demons" (The Returner) 41:28 -- Jessye DeSilva -- "What I Know To Be True" (Renovations)

Episode 17: Jenny Owen Youngs

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +0000

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 been on my mind a lot lately. Read my review of Avalanche on No Depression. Subscribe to the Rainbow Rodeo Patreon here and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here! Music Time Stamps: Jenny Owen Youngs -- "Everglades" (1:58) Jenny Owen Youngs -- "Knife Went In" (11:49) Jenny Owen Youngs -- "Set It On Fire" (38:17) Trixie Mattel (ft. Orville Peck) -- "Jackson" (42:08) Jobi Riccio -- "Whiplash" (44:45)

Episode 16: Maia Sharp

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Hey there, cowpokes, and welcome back to Rainbow Rodeo! This month, I speak with veteran Maia Sharp about her album Reckless Thoughts, which came out in August. I also interviewed her for the Nashville Scene. In that interview, we discussed the divorce that caused her to move to Nashville and how she brought together a trusted band to create Reckless Thoughts and her previous album, Mercy Rising. The part of the conversation you'll hear is from when we were already 30 minutes in and switching gears for podcast mode. Maia had mentioned joining a softball league in Nashville, so we had to kick things off by discussing it, naturally.

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Episode 15: Julian Talamantez Brolaski

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:44:00 +0000

Julian Talamantez Brolaski is a poet and country crooner but, above all else, is a careful curator of traditional country music. Brolaski's album It's Okay Honey comes out today, replete with yodeling, cowboy guitar and, of course, heartbreak. Brolaski was also on the ground floor of Brooklyn's queer country scene in the 2010s. They're too modest to say it, but that makes them an integral part of the current queer country movement.

Song List

2:40 -- "Goin' to Nashville" (Julian Talamantez Brolaski)

20:17 -- "Racing the Train" (Julian Talamantez Brolaski)

29:50 -- "You'll Have a New Body" (The Invert Family Singers)

36:00 -- "Gourd Flower" (Julian Talamantez Brolaski)

45:20 -- "Ain't a Day Goes By" (Melissa Carper)

48:52 -- "Just Like a Man" (Julian Talamantez Brolaski)

Episode 14: Beau Wheeler

Rachel Cholst — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 14:56:00 +0000

I'm excited to introduce you to Beau Wheeler. Beau's latest album, Flying Colours, reveals a huge generosity of spirit. They wrote these songs while they were undergoing cancer treatment -- and coming out as non-binary. We also discuss hacking it in the Canadian indie rock scene -- and, for Patreon subscribers, just what they would risk to go see Mavis Staples.

Read my review of Flying Colours on Rainbow Rodeo!

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CORRECTED Episode 13: Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer Discuss Their Musical All Wigged Out

Rachel Cholst — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 15:18:00 +0000

Hey there, cowpokes, and happy Pride! We are in a real treat this month with our conversation with Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, old time music legends.

In our interview, Cathy and Marcy said they haven't done much -- but they're just being modest. They have performed with Pete Seeger, Theodore Bikel, Tom Paxton, Patsy Montana, Riders in the Sky, and a wide range of musical luminaries. They have entertained the Queen of Thailand, been keynote singers for the AFL-CIO, appeared on the "Today Show" and on National Public Radio. Cathy & Marcy earned GRAMMY Awards for their recordings "cELLAbration: a Tribute to Ella Jenkins", and "Bon Appétit!: Musical Food Fun". Their CD's "Postcards" and "Banjo Talkin'" were GRAMMY Fnalists in the Best Traditional Folk Album category. Since we discuss it later in the episode, we'll kick things off with the song they co-wrote with Tom Paxton, "Don't Say Gay."

"Don't Say Gay" Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpjme3usL-0
Subscribe to the Rainbow Rodeo Patreon to get your copy of Rainbow Rodeo Issue 3 and more swag!
Listen to Rachel this month on Sirius XM's Country Pride -- Channel 105
Advertise on Rainbow Rodeo!

Episode 12: Mya Byrne

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Get to know Mya Byrne now, because she is going to become a household name. Her newest album, Rhinestone Tomboy, is out now on Kill Rock Stars Records. KRS is the legendary riot grrl record label, and Rhinestone Tomboy is the first record off its brand new Nashville imprint. As I wrote in my profile in the Nashville Scene, that's not the only first for this project: the video for "It Don't Fade" features a kiss shared between Mya and her partner, songwriter Swan Real. When the video was broadcast on CMT, it made them the first known transfemme kiss on broadcast TV. When the pair repeated their performance at the Love Rising Concert in Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, they became what is almost certainly the first openly transfemme couple to do so. Learn more about Brooklyn Transcore here. Learn more about Nashville Transcore here. Support Rainbow Rodeo when you subscribe for as little as $4 a year. You can also advertise on the podcast for a mere $15.

Bonus Episode: Batting Around w/ Rachel Cholst and Bryan Ruby

Rachel Cholst — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 13:54:00 +0000

Hey, cowpokes! This week I joined queer baseball podcast Batting Around to speak with Bryan Ruby. Bryan is the first professional baseball player to come out while actively playing. Now that he's getting ready to hang up his cleats, he's picking up his guitar and kick-starting his country music career!

This episode goes more into his time in baseball and being queer in the sport, though of course we talk music, too. Bryan's career is fascinating, and a great look at the sport for the vast majority of its fans and players -- those who operate outside of the MLB and the US in general.

Also, I made a playlist of the music Bryan and I reference here.

Learn more about Bryan here.

Learn more about Batting Around here and subscribe on your favorite app!

And, of course, you can support Rainbow Rodeo here.

Episode 10: Zoe Boekbinder

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Howdy, cowpokes! This month I speak with Zoe Boekbinder about their recent songs, "Cut My Heart In Two," and "I Am Yesterday." Both of these songs were produced by Gracie and Rachel, whom I interviewed on my previous podcast, Adobe and Teardrops. Zoe Boekbinder is a veteran, singer songwriter, born in Canada and raised in a string of Buddhist communities on the West coast they have a unique outlook on life. Their latest album Shadow was self-produced and released in November of 2018, but as we'll hear, Zoe has more music on the way. From May, 2010 to December, 2014, Zoe volunteered as a performer and teacher at New Folsom Prison. This music culminated in the album long time gone by the Prison Music Project. In our interview, we talk about the backstory behind the song "I Am Yesterday," confrontation within community, its relation to incarceration, and what really defines queer country music. Zoe's pup makes a special appearance as well, but first, I want to thank the following new Patreon subscribers. Welcome, Michelle, Elliot, Lori Beth, and Claude! You too can support Rainbow Rodeo when you subscribe for as little as $4 a year. You can also advertise on the podcast for a mere $15. SONG LIST "Cut My Heart in Two" -- Zoe Boekbinder (2:18) "I Am Yesterday" -- Zoe Boekbinder (9:23) "Long Time Gone" -- Prison Music Project (ft. Princess Shaw and Zoe Boekbinder) (19:55) "Haunted" -- Zoe Boekbinder (31:42)

Episode 9: February Check-In w/ Sunny War, John-Allison Weiss, Terry Blade, Jaimee Harris, Izzy Heltai, Tina and Her Pony, Tami Hart

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0100

Howdy, cowpokes! Thanks to an audio snafu, this month's interview did not go as planned but that means I get to LARP as an NPR DJ! This month's episode reviews the fantastic queer country releases from February, as well as a preview of what's to come this spring.

Sunny War, Anarchist Gospel, "Swear to Gawd"
John-Allison Weiss, The Long Way, "Different Now"
Terry Blade, Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper, "Won't Be Around"
Jaimee Harris, Boomerang Town, "Good Morning, My Love"
Izzy Heltai, "Running Out" (Single)
Tina and Her Pony "Beautiful Mess" (Marigolds)
Tami Hart, "Thanks For Saying Hi" (Thanks For Saying Hi)

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Episode 9: Mariel Buckley

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0100

I interviewed Canadian alt-country singer Mariel Buckley back in August. And you can tell this was a few months ago because we talked a little baseball -- little did we know how badly the Blue Jays would implode. Buckley's album Everywhere I Used To Be is a distinct departure from Buckley's acclaimed Driving in the Dark. The sound is more spare, more melancholy. We dig into that as well as Mariel's experiences with extended vocal rest, gender identity, and growing up queer in a small town. Since we mention it, you can read my review of the album in No Depression here. Support queer media and subscribe to our Patreon! Keep up with Rainbow Rodeo with our free weekly newsletter!

Episode 8: Adeem the Artist

Rachel Cholst — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 17:51:00 -0100

Hey, there, cowpokes. It's episode 8 of Rainbow Rodeo and I'm speaking with Adeem the Artist. We spoke two days after the release of their breakout album White Trash Revelry. This episode is a little odd because we were both in kind of weird headspaces and spent a looong time talking about the music industry and how Adeem feels about hitting their stride. Adeem really lays out, step-by-step, how they got to where they are now. I left most of that in the cut for the Patreon version -- which you can listen to for a mere $4 a year! To learn more about Adeem's story, you can find our June 2021 interview on my previous podcast, Adobe & Teardrops. As a reminder, you can keep up with your favorite queer country artists by subscribing to the weekly Rainbow Rodeo newsletter! SONG LIST "For Judas" -- Adeem the Artist (1:38) "Books and Records" -- Adeem the Artist (21:25) "Heritage of Arrogance" -- Adeem the Artist (43:07) "Take Me to the Water Prayer" -- Jake Blount (49:49) "Going to Hell" -- Adeem the Artist (53:25)

Episode 7: Patrick Haggerty of Lavender Country

Rachel Cholst — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0100

Hi, everyone. I'm popping in with a sort of mini-sode here. Patrick Haggerty, the lead singer and songwritier of Lavender Country, passed away on Halloween. I meant to post this shortly after his death, but between my midterms and the holidays, I just didn't get around to it. The real reason, though, is once I post this, well...then it means he's really gone. We recorded this interview in 2018 when I was writing my first major article ever. This was only the second or third time I'd interviewed someone I didn't know personal and I think you can hear my discomfort. The setting was Branded Saloon, home of Karen Pittelman's Queer Country series. Patrick, James Wilson of Paisley Fields, Barbara Endes of Girls on Grass, had just come from a rehearsal space around the corner and were doing soundcheck before the show. I mention Karen and Patrick mentions James, who now goes by Paisley. You can hear some of that soundcheck going on in the background as I recorded this directly to soundcloud with a Chromebook, yet the sound quality is better than this intro. Figure that one out. I think this interview shows Patrick's complexity. He was really, really, REALLY good at talking himself up. He had a LOT of anger and intensity stored up. In my opinion, some of his statements here are a bit grandiose but, at the same time, they're right on the money. After this, Patrick and I became friends and he was insistent that my wife and I come visit him on his ranch; that never happened. Hit the subscribe button for next week's interview with one of Patrick's spiritual successors, Adeem the Artist. Patrick Haggerty obituary in The Boot Wide Open Country article Subscribe to the Rainbow Rodeo newsletter!

Episode 6: Violet Bell

Rachel Cholst — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 03:00:00 -0100

Hey there, cowpokes! I just got hitched, which meant I got a liiiittle behind working on the podcast. But, I think this interview with Violet Bell is well worth the white. The North Carolina duo, consisting of Lizzy Ross and Omar Ruiz-Lopez, just released their gorgeous new album, Shapeshifter. The album retells the ancient story of the selkie from many perspectives. Not only is the album beautiful musically, but Violet Bell use the story to make connections to dysphoria, power, imperialism, and liberation -- all from an old fisherman's tale. The bad news is the duo got COVID right after when the album was released, but the good news is you still have time to see their rescheduled album release show in December, so check out their website to find out where you can catch them. Support Rainbow Rodeo by joining the Patreon, and get early access to the podcast for as little as $4 a year! SONG "All The Stars" -- Violet Bell (1:35) "Mi Gente" -- Hector Lavoe and the Fania All Stars (16:03) "Fisherman's Daughter" -- Violet Bell (20:32) "I Am a Wolf" -- Violet Bell (34:53) "Free Leonard Peltier" -- Joe Troop (50:54) "Mortal Like Me" -- Violet Bell (56:40)

Episode 5: Whitney Fenimore

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 04:00:53 +0000

This month, we're going to hear from Whitney Fenimore as she tells us about her EP, Leaving Ashwood, which came out on September 23rd. Whitney's story starts out familiar: she grew up in Oklahoma, devoted to church life in spite of the psychic pain it caused her. But not everyone in that situation moves on to sing in The Voice, or to marry an Olympic athlete they met through casual "likes" on Instagram. Before we get into the interview, remember to round up your social media algorithm and like Rainbow Rodeo on Instagram and Twitter at @rainbowrodeomag. You're going to want to stay tuned because I have a big announcement in January! And be sure to support Rainbow Rodeo on Patreon for bonus content, swag, and zines! SONG LIST "Holding Hands" -- Whitney Fenimore (1:47) "I Wanna Love You" -- Amy Grant (21:50) "It's Not Me" -- Whitney Fenimore (24:51) "Portland" -- Marielle Kraft (45:31) "Stay A Little Longer" -- Whitney Fenimore (48:40)

Episode 4: Sylvia Rose Novak

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 04:00:45 +0000

Sylvia Rose Novak hates expecations. That's why they've torn down their Americana image and set stakes in the alt-rock world with their blistering album A Miss/A Masterpiece -- not coincidentally, breaking out of the Americana genre has coincided with Novak coming out as non-binary. We talk about the album, Novak's coming out experience, and how they've trained their audience to adjust to a different sound. Subscribe to Rainbow Rodeo on Patreon, and learn about Sylvia's unexpected run-in with Lucinda Williams! SONG LIST "Man I Used to Be" -- Syvlia Rose Novak (1:24) "Bad Luck" -- Sylvia Rose Novak (7:46) "Fallout" -- Syvlia Rose Novak (11:23) "Futures" -- Jimmy Eat World (24:18) "Dizzy" -- Syvlia Rose Novak (28:15) "Jackson (feat. Orville Peck)" -- Trixie Mattel (44:10) "Howl" -- Sylvia Rose Novak (46:42)

Episode 3: Queer Country With Shana Goldin Perschbacher

Rachel Cholst — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 04:00:43 +0000

Heya, cowpokes! I got a little off-schedule thanks to vacation, so we'll have two episode this month! (Yeehaw!)

This time around, I interview Shana Goldin-Perschbacher, author of the book Queer Country. It's the first scholarly work about the genre and it gets into the history of queer country -- as well as what it all actually means.

You can get almost 50% off the book Queer Country using this code: F21UIP

And you can support Rainbow Rodeo on our Patreon for as little as $4 a year!

SONG LIST

"Guy Named Joe" -- Coyote Grace (2:06)

Episode 2: Alex Riggs

Rachel Cholst — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 04:00:38 +0000

Alex (formerly known as al) Riggs and I spoke in early June about their latest album, themselves, right when it was released. We discussed the current situation in the queer country scene, the anxieties of releasing a record and receiving little press, and how coming into herself has changed her approach to music.

Two days later, themselves got a review in Pitchfork and rocketed to the top of Bandcamp's charts. Listen today to find out why!

And remember to subscribe to the Patreon for as little as $4 a year (yes, you read that right) and listen to Alex recall the time she met Dave Chapelle, and how she feels about astrology.

SONG LIST

"The Bardo" -- Alex Riggs (2:07)

"Pekar on Letterman" -- Alex Riggs (14:54)

"No Moral" -- Alex Riggs (33:58)

"Where the Lavender Grows" -- Mya Byrne (50:48)

"Spalding Gray" -- Alex Riggs (54:04)

Episode 1: Jessye DeSilva

Rachel Cholst — Fri, 27 May 2022 04:00:28 +0000

Howdy and welcome to the very first episode of Rainbow Rodeo! I'm your host, Rachel Cholst.

In this episode, we talk with Jessye deSilva about their debut album Landscapes, growing up non-binary in a Christian household, discovering Elton John, Jessye's work teaching vocal pedagogy at Berklee College of Music, and so much more!

Learn more about Rainbow Rodeo here. Subscribe to the Patreon here. Follow Rachel on Instagram here and on Twitter here.

SONG LIST

"Siren Song" -- Jessye DeSilva (2:31 - 7:08)

"Amoreena" -- Elton John (19:21 - 24:11)

"Hibernate" -- Jessye DeSilva (24:11 - 27:35)

"Devil in New Jersey" -- Jessye DeSilva (42:35 - 46:51)

"Womyn Who Bartend" -- Adeem the Artist (52:06 - 54:30)

"Reclaim My Name" -- Adeem the Artist (54:32 - 58:34)

"Family Tree" -- Jessye DeSilva (58:35 - 1:02:31)