Podcast: Steve Sims Of QLRadio - 24/7 Radio Dedicated To LGBTQ Music Artists

In this episode of The Randy Report, I chat with Steve Sims of Quest of Life Radio, a 24/7 radio station dedicated to LGBTQ musicians.

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.

Direct link to listen to QLRadio.

Now, to be clear, this isn't simply Broadway or cabaret music (which I love).

QLRadio plays current 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.”

I listen to QLRadio all the time. Fun dance remixes, chill music, great vocals... it's all in there.

QLRadio is one component 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 3 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
• Democracy Now! - daily global independent news
• The Randy Report - LGBT politics, pop culture and entertainment news

You may have noticed that last entry there. Yep, that's me in that list of well-respected/syndicated radio shows. I know, I know... they must have made a mistake :)

Some months ago, Steve approached me about airing my podcast as part of the regular schedule for QLRadio. I was flattered, and said yes.

No fees or sponsorship were involved in this interview. I wanted to chat with Steve because, as regular readers of The Randy Report know, I have a passion for sharing and promoting out musicians as well :)

p.s. You can hear The Randy Report podcast on QLRadio Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:30 p.m.

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.

Please kick back and listen as I talk with Steve Sims of Quest of Life Radio.