When you think “queer musician,” your mind might conjure images of glitter balls, tanned bodies and dance beats. Eric Terino walks a different path entirely. The New England-based songwriter crafts introspective folk music that defies easy categorisation—something he considers the highest compliment.
In this week’s episode of In the Key of Q, Dan welcomes folk artist Eric Terino to discuss his journey through music, mental health and the power of self-acceptance.
“What I strive to do as an artist and musician,” Eric explains, “is to make something that isn’t out there already.”
Eric’s third LP, Innovation of Grave Perversity, was created during lockdown and blends elements of Folk, Classical and alternative sounds. But perhaps more remarkably, the album became a means of connection during isolation. Unable to play the strings and horns he envisioned for the record, Eric reached out to musicians who were newly set up for remote recording.
“I really was able to use the process of making this record as a means of connecting with people in a way that I hadn’t done before,” he shares. “It was so tied into what the record is about, which is about this journey of trying to move beyond a place of isolation and to find a way to a new day.”
Navigating Mental Health as a Queer Artist
The conversation moves on as Eric discusses his struggles with mental illness, particularly agoraphobia. For him, walking to a corner shop can feel as daunting as jumping from an aeroplane. He reflects on how this condition may be connected to traumatic experiences, including homophobia encountered throughout his life.
“A big part of my fear of feeling unsafe out in the world is rooted in feeling homophobia from people,” he reveals, noting the anxiety that can come from something as simple as holding a partner’s hand in public.
Eric also speaks candidly about losing his best friend in a car accident nearly ten years ago—a pivotal moment that shaped his perspective on life’s fragility and contributed to his current mental health challenges.
Finding Self-Worth Through Music
Perhaps the most powerful moment comes when Eric discusses the theme of worthiness. Referencing a song by queer artist Mary Gauthier, he reflects, “Worthy. What a thing to claim. And it really is. It’s a very powerful idea to say to yourself, ‘I am worthy.’ And I think a lot of people in our community really struggle with that.”
This journey toward self-acceptance permeates his music, particularly in tracks like “A Snowfall at Dusk” from his new album, which explores coming out alongside his first boyfriend. The song concludes with the poignant line: “Maybe tonight I will survive the storm. My heart moves through. If only I could love myself the way I once loved you.”
Gateway to Eric’s Sound
For listeners new to Eric’s music, he recommends “Felt”—the opening track from his latest record—as the perfect introduction. The song encapsulates the themes that define his work: isolation, futility, finding hope in darkness, and examining emotions.
“If there’s one thing that I would label my music as, it’s examining emotions,” Eric says. “This song is about looking back on and thinking over all of the things that you have felt in your life.”
Listen to the full episode featuring Eric Terino now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star rating if you enjoy the show!
In the Key of Q features queer music, queer chatter, and queer stories from around the world. New episodes drop every Quesday.
Leave a Reply