.gay + Treefort 2024 Featured Artist Profile: Talon Smartt

visibility .gay Music LGBTQIA+ Treefort

Liz Achanta
February 28, 2024
2 min. to read

This year .gay is thrilled to be partnering with Treefort Music Festival again to highlight incredible LGBTQIA+ acts playing the fest!

We’ll be publishing interviews with out Treefort bands ahead of the festival, then on site bringing you all the action on socials during.

To kick things off, we caught up with Talon Smartt. Check out our chat below.

Talon Smartt sitting in a blue velvet chair with bandmates trying to lift it.

Why do you feel it is important to be out and proud as an artist?

We feel it’s important to be out and proud as an artist so that there are artist out there to look up to, to inspire, and support one another within the LGBTQIA+ community.

What does LGBTQIA+ visibility mean to you?

4 individuals with heads propped on hands but eyes whited out

It means being heard/seen in a world where many of us are silenced and hidden.

Why is LGBTQIA+ safety and support in the music industry important in 2024?

Many of us in the past have been put in unsafe situations. The industry has come a long way but just like anything, it’s not perfect. That’s why it’s good to raise awareness and to keep pushing into the right direction until everyone can create, work, and thrive in a safe environment.

Tell us about what brings you to Treefort? Have you been to Idaho before?

This will be our 2nd time playing Treefort!

If you could tell Queer and Trans youth one thing, what would it be?

Be true to yourself and never let anyone tear you down. You are seen. You are heard. You are powerful.

Anything else you would like Idaho’s LGBTQIA+ community to know, hear, or feel as they discover your band at the festival?

We love each and every one of you that comes out to support us. Our shows are safe spaces for you to be yourself, be free, & to have fun!

Four band members all sitting in blue velvet chairs at different angles

Learn more about Talon Smartt HERE

See you at Treefort! Passes available HERE

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