Jake Shears has launched Season 2 of his Queer The Music podcast with Beth Ditto as the first guest

Jake Shears has launched Season 2 of his podcast series, Queer The Music.

The new season begins with Shears discussing Gossip's 'Standing In The Way Of Control' with Beth Ditto. The song, written in response to the Federal Marriage Amendment in the US, is explored in the context of current civil liberties debates.

Other upcoming guests include John Grant, Big Freedia, and Jessie Ware. The series will also feature a live episode recorded with Nick Grimshaw at London's The Phoenix Arts Club on 5th November, with special guests to be announced. Proceeds from this live recording will support akt, a charity for LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness.

Shears comments on the new season: "What a joy this season of QTM has been. So excited to share these interviews with some of my favorite artists of all time, including some very special episodes filmed in New Orleans. Big Freedia, Beth Ditto… John Grant? I mean, it doesn't get any better!"

The first season included discussions with artists such as Self Esteem, Andy Bell from Erasure, Olly Alexander, King Princess, and St Vincent.