Paris Munro is a nonbinary LGBTQ+ host on Gaydio Breakfast and is on the voting academy for the Brit Awards, TV & Radio Presenter.
What first got you into music?
Michael Jackson was the first artist I remember adoring! His albums ‘Thriller’, ‘Dangerous’ and ‘Bad’ were always playing as my parents were huge fans. Mum told me when I was 2 years old she took me to see him at Wembley Stadium and I was constantly blowing kisses to him while sitting on my dad’s shoulders – I don’t remember a thing as I was too young, but what a flex!
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
The internet has given artists all over the world the opportunity for global growth which is great, and fans of like minded music can easily search for particular genres online via playlists on Spotify, Apple and Deezer, etc. It’s all about social media these days, being consistent and posting creative content for everyone to engage with. For example, Tiktok has been the focus of new music, with influencers using music to promote the artist giving the artist further reach.
In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What’s the secret to making yourself noticed?
There’s so much competition out there but in my opinion consistency and being vulnerable with your fans seem to be what keep me engaged. Personality plays a part in this too. Lewis Capaldi is a great example of this, he’s hilarious and isn’t afraid to be himself, and with him being advertised as “The Scottish Beyonce” with a photo fresh out of the shower, who wouldn’t want to see his show, he’s a natural comedian. Lewis also recently opened up about having tourettes and ticks, likewise with Billie Eilish. I also have facial ticks too, and seeing people be so open really makes me feel seen.
NOAHFINCE is another incredible artist, he’s so punk, funny, and loveable and shared the most intimate part of his life online. Sharing his journey with his identity was inspiring to me, and this helped me with mine.
Who are your top two favorite artists of all time? Why those artists?
Ultra Naté would be one of them. Growing up in the 90s surrounded by MTV and dance tunes on the radio, her music and lyrics spoke to me in a way that was so refreshing. Can you believe the single “Free” has been around for 25 years? While I was trying to figure out who I was, my identity and my sexuality, her lyrics really gave me hope and the positive affirmation I needed to be me. It’s something I still do to this day and remind myself of.
The first artist I listened to that I can remember was MJ, and as my parents introduced me to him, I always linked Michel Jackson to the love I have for my family. When I was little, if anyone interrupted me while singing to “Beat It” I would be a bit of a diva and didn’t want anyone to take the spotlight from me, I loved him that much back then!
If we were to look at the artists you are listening to, who would be on your playlist?
It’s quite a mixture to be fair. Ashnikko, Willow, Pvris, Pale Waves, Life is Strange Soundtrack, Lizzo, Nova Twins, Megan McKenna, Arlo Parks, The Last of Us Soundtrack, Eliza Rose, Tyler The Creator, Billie Eilish, Lime Garden, and last but not least Ludovico Einaudi.
What’s next for you?
There are a few things in the pipeline at the moment which are exciting. I’ll be hosting some pride events this summer up and down the UK, attending more award shows such as The Diva Awards, Rainbow Honours, and Heavy Music Awards. I loved The Brits this year, so fingers crossed I’ll get back on the red carpet again soon! I’m also brainstorming some ideas for more podcast content too, so keep your eyes peeled!
What was the last series you watched on TV?
Have you seen The Last of Us? It has to be the best series I’ve ever seen. I’m a huge fan of the game and the soundtrack is absolutely incredible. They also captured the essence of the zombie apocalypse and environments from the game to a T! I’m loving Yellow Jackets at the moment too! It’s got a great cast and who doesn’t love Christina Ricci?!
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
Video games hands down! My first console was the Sega Mega Drive with Sonic The Hedgehog, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and Ecco the Dolphin. Then over to Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, and Resident Evil on the original PlayStation console. As well as music, video games are so much fun no matter how old you are, and some have incredible storylines too, especially in The Last of Us and Life Is Strange series.
Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?
I was never into jewelry that much, but nowadays I love wearing necklaces with crystals on, and really starting to get into crystals in general. I feel comfortable when wearing them, and tend to wear them for important dates, events, and job interviews. For luck for my first red carpet event at The Attitude Awards, I wore my puppy’s first collar as a bracelet.
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
Will I ever get a cameo in a video game in the future?
Always wanted to do voice acting for games!
If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?
A mixture of salty and spicy but it would have to be the combination of salty popcorn with a tub of jalapenos. This is my go to cinema snack, and it’s so good!
Gaydio radio presenter Paris (they/them) announces the launch of their brand new podcast ‘Queer & The Beat’, available on Spotify and Apple Music. The first episode will air on Wednesday 1 March and features special guest JP from Cash Cash.
With a focus on music, Season 1 will also feature House DJ Martin Ikin, pop artist Joesef, dance artist Ultra Nate, house artist HoneyLuv, alt-pop singer Caroline Rose pop queens Zara Larson and Bebe Rexha, and drag icon Bimimi. Expect a deep dive into the artists’ lives & inspiration behind their songs, with plenty of music & hilarious banter.
Speaking of the new podcast, Paris says, “Growing up, I struggled with parent abandonment and gender identity issues, so I turned to music as a form of escape. Music was a saviour for me in healing trauma. On my new podcast, I want to show you another side to artists that you’ve never heard before. So I’m curious to know how upcoming artists, to some of the biggest names in pop realised that music was their safety blanket too. I’m taking a deeper look so I can really understand the person behind the songs and I can’t wait for you all to hear it!
Based in Manchester, the queer nonbinary presenter currently hosts the Gaydio Breakfast show weekdays from 7am. They have a passion for music, and love being goofy with their guests on the show. As well as being on the radio, they also host events and stages during pride season, as well as interviewing artists on red carpets – most recently for Gaydio at The Brits. Also a member of The Brits and The Heavy Music Awards voting academies, Paris really wants to help pave the way for marginalised communities in music.
Paris has also joined forces with OUTCAST UK – The podcast bringing a mix of woke, LGBTQ+ chat, reporting, reaction and analysis of what’s going on in this crazy world for LGBTQ+ people.
QUEER & THE BEAT EPISODES 18.00HRS ON RELEASE DAYS
- WED 1ST MAR Episode 1 – JP FROM CASH CASH
- WED 8TH MAR Episode 2 – MARTIN IKIN
- WED 15TH MAR Episode 3 – JOESEF
- WED 22ND MAR Episode 4 – ULTRA NATÉ
- WED 29TH MAR Episode 5 – HONEYLUV
- WED 5TH APR Episode 6 – CAROLINE ROSE
- WED 12TH APR Episode 7 – ZARA LARSSON
- WED 19TH APR Episode 8 – BEBE REXHA
- WED 3RD MAY Episode 9 – BIMINI
Paris will be doing podcast specials from The Great Escape Festival in Brighton May 2023 and The Great Estate Festival in Cornwall in 2-4 June 2023.
https://www.greatestatefestival.co.uk/
PARIS MUNRO ONLINE
