Interview with Michael

Michael (they/them) is a queer musician and artist. I asked them about themself and their content, as well as content they’ve been enjoying recently. You can check out Michael at the links at the end of the interview.

1. What queer terminology do you use for yourself publicly? Do not feel pressured to come out as anything in your answer. Please only disclose whatever you’re comfortable with.
   • I tend to describe myself as queer, trans, and/or non binary but I’ve been spending some time lately trying to find a label that really fits for how i identity.
2. What non-queer demographic terminology do you use for yourself? Again, please only disclose whatever you’re comfortable with.
   • I’m white. I tend to label myself kinda broadly as just an artist rather than listing off all the things i’m working on so i guess i’d say that as well.
3. What projects are you involved in? This can be any type of content you’d like to promote.
   • My current biggest project is an emo pop-punk album i’m currently writing with my brother.
   • Although I’d say my music is probably my main project. You can find the album i just released earlier this year under the artist “Dressing Rooms” on bandcamp and any of the major streaming platforms.
   • I’m also working on putting together an art portfolio so i can start taking commissions.
   • I’ve also been slowly working on some game development when i get the chance.
4. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not creating content?
   • It’s been a little less enjoyable since the warm weather has brought back all the bugs but i do love going on walks through the woods and just getting a little time to myself. I’ve been stuck living at home since I graduated college at the beginning of the pandemic and those walks have been a great way to decompress after spending my day in a crowded house.
5. What does the queer community needs to do better about understanding, accepting, and supporting?
   • I don’t want to act like i know every facet of this issue because i’m only fairly recently out but I see a lot of policing on identity inside of the queer community that i don’t understand. Whether it’s people talking down about neo-pronouns or mspec lesbian identities i just don’t get why people can’t just identify themselves in the way that feels most true and comfortable for them.
6. What are you excited about going forward? Can be anything from creative projects, personal or professional milestones, etc.
   • I’m really excited about this album i’ve just started working on with my brother. I’ve been doing all of my music by myself for a long while now and while that’s really helped me learn things about making music, working with someone else is just so much more fun.
7. Are there any pets or plants in your life?
   • I’ve got a lovely jack russell and mystery mix pup named Piper. While i’ve been living at home my mom also has a couple of fish and a couple of hermit crabs that she keeps for her classroom.
8. What content / content creators have you been enjoying recently? This could be anything from books, to podcasts, to tutorial videos, etc. Anything you want other people to know about.
   • I’ll be honest i don’t get to enjoy as much content as i would like, especially over the past month or two but i have 2 that i can absolutely recommend to almost anyone.
     • First off is Glass Beach, they’re an incredible band. They also stream pretty often on twitch with a nice wide range of stuff.
     • If you’ve ever wanted to watch a bald canadian dad go on long anecdotes and make obscure 90s pop culture references while playing a random mix of indie games, then Northernlion is very nice for that. Or as good background noise when you’re getting ready to go to bed.
9. What is your favorite thing about yourself?
   • I like the fact that i’m getting better at working with other people on art. I used to get stuck in this kind of loop of embarrassment where i didn’t want to bring other people into what i was working on but now that i’ve started it feels great.

Michael can be found on twitter.

Michael’s latest album can be purchased at Bandcamp.