skip to main content

Connected Sounds Podcast Focuses on Queer Conversation in Music

As part of Pride month we’d like to highlight resources for the LGBT+ community and allies in the music industry, including the second season of Come Play With Me’s podcast which focuses on queer conversations in music.

Published: 19 June 2023 | 2:01 PM Updated: 21 February 2025 | 9:55 AM
Microphone against a dark background with rainbow light
Pride month runs for the whole of June this year, and is dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Award-winning Leeds non-profit Come Play With Me have announced a second series of their ‘Connected Sounds’ podcast will launch to coincide with this year’s Pride month.

Focussing on conversations with queer musicians and music industry professionals, the first series of Connected Sounds featured Self Esteem, Kindness and producer Tom Aspaul (Kylie, The Sugababes) with guests announced for series two including Shamir, Crawlers, Bored At My Grandmas House and more.

Presented by Drag artist, journalist and radio presenter Alex Gibbon, soundtracked by Leeds DIY stalwart Katie Harkin (HARKIN, Sky Larkin, Sleater Kinney) and with visuals by Luci Pina, the second series of CPWM’s Connected Sounds will take place across seven episodes featuring informal conversations with forteen guests, delving into the intersectionality of queer identity across a wide-range of topics.

The podcast is available to stream from various platforms, you can find out more on Come Play With Me’s Linktree

Other resources for LGBT+ musicians and allies

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers
Tom standing in front of the door to Lio London cabaret (formerly the Café de Paris), in October, 2024.

Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)

Tom O’Connor, a talented drummer who performed in the West End, on multiple cruise ships and even at Queen Elizabeth’s garden party, passed away at the age of 89 in March 2026. He was a lifelong member of the Musicians’ Union for 68 years, having joined in 1958.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)
Diljeet, sat on stage with the panellists, speaking into a microphone.

Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026

At the 2026 Launchpad Conference in Leeds, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Dr Diljeet Bhachu, led a candid panel with Northern artists exploring identity, representation and the experiences of Global Majority and marginalised musicians in the UK music industry.

Published: 08 April 2026

Read more about Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026