We were lucky to catch up with Emily Burnett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

At Queer Music Agency, one of our core values is prioritizing authentic queer representation over profit-driven decision-making, setting us apart from typical industry standards. Unlike most agencies, our approach centers on creating an inclusive platform for queer artists, where they are valued for their unique voices and creative integrity rather than strictly their market potential.

This is demonstrated in how we represent each artist. Instead of pressuring them to conform to popular trends, we encourage them to remain true to their artistry, even if that means taking unconventional paths. For example, we’ve booked shows for artists in smaller, queer-owned venues that might not have the audience reach of bigger venues, but provide invaluable connections within the LGBTQ+ community.

Our commitment to diverging from industry norms has an impact both for our artists and the broader community. By creating a space where queer talent is celebrated in all its form, we’re able to uplift authentic voices and create a sense of belonging, which has helped reinforce the values that make QMA unique.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Emily Burnett and Aliya Bloom are cofounders of Queer Music Agency’s US Branch, the first global agency solely representing queer artists. QMA’s mission is to give queer talent the visibility and support they deserve, particularly in an industry where LGBTQ+ representation is often sidelined or reduced to niche markets.

We both have a deep love for music and a commitment to ensuring queer artists have the platform they need to succeed without having to change or dilute their unique perspectives. Both having worked in the music and events industry, we saw firsthand the limitations queer artists face and knew there was a better way to support them.

QMA offers booking and strategic support for LGBTQ+ musicians and DJs who range across genres and styles. Our artists have performed at major venues like the Amazon Rooftop, Elsewhere, and Webster Hall, as well as queer spaces like 3 Dollar Bill and Henrietta Hudson. We book shows, facilitate collaborations knowing that for queer artists, there’s an added layer of needing spaces and representation that respect their identities.

What sets QMA apart is our community-driven approach. Unlike traditional agencies that prioritize profit and marketability, we prioritize authenticity and the impact of representation. We’re committed to building lasting relationships with venues, brands, and talent buyers who genuinely support our values.

We are most proud of the community we’ve built – seeing our artists connect with audiences and grow their careers without compromising their identities is incredibly rewarding. We’re not just an agency—we’re here to change the way queer talent is recognized through passion, community, and commitment to every artist we represent.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Our team of interns and volunteers is crucial to our success. However, managing a team with interns requires a balance of structure and flexibility to keep morale high. At QMA, we encourage interns to take ownership of their projects, allowing them to lead initiatives and develop campaigns. This gives them a sense of purpose and autonomy and when they see results, can be very motivating.

We make sure that each intern knows how their work contributes to the agency’s larger goals and is aligned with their own interests, so they feel their efforts matter. We also strive to create an open environment where interns feel comfortable asking questions or sharing ideas. By allowing interns to bring their unique perspectives and skills to their roles, they feel valued and more connected to our mission.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Aliya Bloom and Frederik Diness Ove connected over their shared passion for queer representation in music. Frederik, based in Denmark, had the foresight to name Queer Music Agency with SEO in mind, making it easy for people searching for a music agency that exclusively represents queer artists. This is exactly how Aliya, a proud queer individual with a background in the music industry, discovered the agency. Intrigued by its unique mission, she reached out to Frederik to learn more, and in the summer of 2023, they began collaborating on booking.

Aliya saw the potential to expand Queer Music Agency’s reach by establishing a US branch. Driven to make it happen, she put out a call on the LGBTQ+ social platform Lex, looking for passionate collaborators. This is where she met Emily Burnett, who brought a music marketing background and a shared vision for what QMA could become. Aliya and Emily teamed up in October 2023 and quickly began building the US roster, growing it to multiple artists and DJs within months. In March 2024, they celebrated with a launch party in New York City, marking a new chapter for Queer Music Agency in the US.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://queermusic.agency
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queermusic.agency_us/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/queer-music-agency/posts/?feedView=all , https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyburnett121/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliyabloom/

Image Credits

Erynn Wakefield, Emily Tindol, Andrew Giraldo, Audrey Roloff, Hunter Astrid