Today we’d like to introduce you to Beau Briar.
Hi Beau, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Being raised by two musician parents, I lived my whole life singing and playing piano, in addition to always writing music. I took an interest in jazz specifically when I got to college. After an interesting few years – changing schools and majors, I found myself studying jazz piano while professionally working as a jazz vocalist back in my hometown. Some life changes came around; early 20’s happenings, and I moved to Austin to pursue being a professional jazz musician. At this point I’d dropped out of school. My situation when I moved to Austin helped me discover how important my queer identity was to my presentation just as a civilian, but also in my music. I got curious about the history of queer culture and how it intersected with jazz, and eventually started an ongoing research project on queer jazz musicians. Today, I call myself a jazz vocalist and a researcher. I’m in the process of going back to school to finish my jazz piano degree, eventually get a Masters in vocal jazz performance, and hopefully down the line get a PhD studying queer jazz. I play with my band – the Beau Briar Band – where we specifically feature the music of queer jazz musicians, especially lesser known songs. I recently also gave a lecture where I presented my research on queer jazz musicians and their history. I’m very fortunate to be where I am.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been easy. Facing tribulations as a queer person has caused its own grief – I’ve been cold-shouldered and downright belittled for my identity and how that comes across in the work I do. I’ve also greatly struggled with mental illness which has stalled some of my progress, especially with school. Mental health issues are the main reason I needed to drop out of school. It’s only been in my recovery that I’ve felt able to finish my degree.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I write original music and transcribe/arrange the music of queer jazz musicians.
I specialize in the research of queer jazz.
I’m known for being a transgender jazz vocalist.
I’m exceptionally proud of my little growing audience – “queer jazz” are not words I’ve ever heard put together besides my own projects and it pleases me greatly that other people are excited about it, too.
I’m set aside from others by being the only transgender vocalist in Austin, to my knowledge. I’m very loud about my identity and use it to perpetuate myself around town, and again have found lots of supporters along the way. I have a mission with my music – my music is very research based, and I have a sociological purpose behind it.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Lots of people, despite my efforts, still don’t recognize that I’m transgender. They don’t understand how integral that part of my brand is to my mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beaubriarmusic.wixsite.com/thebeaubriarband
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaubriarmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beaubriarmusic
