James Barker
Senior Writer James Barker is a PhD student at Newcastle University UK, currently writing a thesis on Dolly Parton. He wants academic work to be engaging and accessible to everyone and to have a real impact on the ground, not least changing country music to be more inclusive. Contact James at [email protected].
Posts by James Barker:
Jett Holden Takes the Spotlight
The Tennessee-based musician reflects on his creative history, how it feels to be on the rise, and the current state of country music.
The Queer Bro-Country of Brothers Osborne’s ‘Skeletons’
One year after its release — and eight months after T.J. came out — here’s a queer perspective on the Brothers’ fourth album.
Come Out Singing! 1: Queer Country’s Pre-History
By Chelsea Dawn A History of Shootin’ ‘em Straight When looking at the LGBTQ+ and country music communities, the stereotypical differences are obvious, like two incompatible marketing campaigns. One left leaning, tree hugging, believer in science wrapped in a rainbow; and one right leaning, free speaking, traditionalist covered in camo and plaid. No matter the […]
Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month with the ‘Come Out Singing!’ Series
We’ll be celebrating all October with thought-provoking pieces and free events that take a closer look at queer country history.
CMA Nominations 2021: Don’t Pretend the Deck’s Not Stacked
Despite some good individual nominees, as a collective the pool is poorer for all the country industry’s unnecessary gatekeeping.
Hayden Joseph Posts Emotional TikTok About His Experience with Country Industry Discrimination
2021: The year of Pride, or business as usual? by James Barker, Senior Writer Despite all the dazzle of rainbow logos and LGBTQ+ country playlists during Pride month, homophobia continues to fester in the country music industry. On August 12, artist Hayden Joseph posted an emotional TikTok detailing a recent experience where this became all […]