On Thursday, Jan. 31 the Rainbow Alliance will be sponsoring a free concert by independent artists Julie Loyd and Steph Taylor in the Common Grounds of the CAVE in the D.P. Culp University Center. It will begin at 7 p.m. with a question-and-answer session about being “out” lesbian musicians. Refreshments will also be provided.
The Rainbow Alliance’s objective is to encourage the understanding and equality of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) population.
Each artist will be bringing her own experiences and talents to showcase this at the event.
Questions and answers are provided by Nate McConnell, president of the Rainbow Alliance.
Q. How and when did you come “out?”
Loyd: I came out to my father when I was 19 and had never even kissed a girl at that point, but shortly thereafter I set out on my wild lesbian dating adventures. Not really, I ended up being with my first girlfriend for three years. Oy, I’m such a lesbian.
Taylor: I came out to both my parents when I was 14.
Q. Wasa it hard for you to decide whether to cater to gay/lesbian audiences?
Loyd For a while I thought being a household name in my own gay community would be enough for me and I found myself naturally gearing my music towards queer audiences. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized that I’m a musician first, and that’s colored by my sexual identity, not defined by it.
Taylor: There really was no decision for me to make, it felt natural to share myself with the LGBT community, because their support has been there from day one. I think the message in my music is very universal and can appeal to a wide variety of folks.
Q. What is the hardest part of being a performer/gay performer?
Loyd: The moment when music becomes work and not play. It’s still fun, but having to drive five hours a day and then play a show can feel more like an obligation than a joy at times. It’s important to take a lot of time for yourself when you can. I have to remind myself that there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.
Taylor: I would say the hardest part is measuring up to the many expectations put on me by all people. Instinctively, I want to please everyone, but realistically, that’s not possible.
Q. Are your parents supportive of your career/personal life?
Loyd: My mother died when I was in high school, before I started playing guitar or came ‘out.’ My dad has always been wonderful. He rarely misses a show when I play in my hometown and never gives me a hard time for paying for a $200,000 college education. He’s a good guy
Taylor: Yes, they are so supportive and come out to a lot of shows. I feel so fortunate to have their trust and support in the way that I do.
Q. Who inspired you to get into the music business?
Loyd: Maybe Ani DiFranco. I sort of looked at her career as a dare. If she could do it on her own at 19, then I was going to do it on my own at 18 and I did.
Taylor: Ani Difranco has been an inspiration to me in both a musical aspect and from a business perspective. Everything she has, she built from a grass-roots level. She has her hands in everything that she does and she has the freedom to do anything she wants. She is a fantastic role model to a lot of us ‘Indies.’
Q. Are you single? How does our profession impact relationships?
Loyd: I’m engaged to a wonderful woman, but this career impacts our lives every day. Between the financial strain of the starving musician, the touring schedule and the endless temptations on the road, it is hard to keep a relationship strong. It takes a lot of trust and a lot of understanding; mostly on her part. What a trooper.
Taylor: I am in a relationship. It can be difficult to navigate any kind of relationship from far away, but I think it really depends on the way you communicate with the people you love. Being a touring musician is fun for my girlfriend because she gets to visit me in cool cities. Also, it allows us to really appreciate the time we get to spend together.
Q. What are your future plans? What is the next step for you or are you pleased with where you are now?
Loyd: I’m coming out with a new album this spring, where I play a lot of banjo in addition to my guitar playing. I am venturing into the folk world a little more, and I’m really excited about this new adventure.
Taylor: Currently, I am recording my third album, Day of Abandon, and will be releasing it by next fall.
For more information, check out Taylor and Loyd’s Web sites www.stephtaylor.com or www.myspace.com/stephtaylormusic and www.julieloyd.com or www.myspace.com/julieloydmusic .

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