Billy Mick: Cocaine, Toxic Masculinity & Dinner Theatre

<p>Welcome to <a href="https://www.inthekeyofq.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">In the Key of Q</a> the weekly podcast where I chat with inspiring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music.</p><p>Billy Mick released his first single in 2019. He's performed at Pride and Gay Days events. And in America's pandemic lockdown continued to release songs and music videos. The autobiographical studio album Just Be came out in 2020, followed up by the long-player Levelling Up.</p><p>Billy speaks openly in this episode about the challenges of growing up in a household with a father who was both a drug dealer and a bullying influence on the family home. Eventually, Billy escapes into adulthood and performing dinner theatre and on the stages of <a href="https://www.universalorlando.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Universal's theme park</a> in Florida.</p><p>A surprise HIV diagnosis eventually leads to hospitalisation and a near-death coma. But emerging from this crisis point Billy's life begins all over again and he goes on to produce some amazing tunes.</p><p>He is passionate about the queer community, embracing the ethos of <a href="https://www.manchesterpride.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Manchester Pride</a> in the UK. Here he witnessed what he describes as a true community where sub-groups did not disappear into their own silos, and instead mixed and enjoyed each other's strength and power. It’s how he feels out community should be.</p><h2>Additional Material</h2><ul><li>Billy on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LtraNbhR9byW6bSGipSKf?si=uXMnRXnqRlKNQ9ad1jIbhw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/artist/billy-mick/1471376212" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple Music</a>, <a href="https://billymick.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnDhp85VTy9LqPc5KsxsLng?view_as