The Future is Roger Kuhn

In his music Roger Kuhn sings about being a bi-racial, bi-cultural, Two-Spirit Indigiqueer artist. Born and raised in North Dakota, Mr. Kuhn calls Los Angeles home today. He will be in Boston on Friday, July 12 to perform songs from his new album, Running with this Dream, at Club Cafe.

Mr. Kuhn began writing Running with this Dream in July of 2023 while he was on an extended holiday with his husband. Songs were written in Mykonos, Positano, Sitges, New York, San Diego, and right here in Provincetown, MA.

“This is the fastest I have ever written and recorded an album, with start to finish in under one year,” the artist says. He was inspired to write the album after completing Somacultural Liberation, his self-help book about how culture shapes and informs bodily experiences. “I had taken a break from music and performing while I was writing the book and pursuing my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and then my PhD in Human Sexuality and clinical practice” Kuhn continues. His book encourages readers to follow their heart and live life as their authentic selves. He decided to do the same and embrace his love of creativity.

Songs explores the joy and freedom of liberation and its connection with sex, love, expression, activism and even capitalism. We spoke with Roger Kuhn from his home in Los Angeles.

Why did you name album, Running with this Dream?

Roger Kuhn: The title of the album comes from a lyric in the song ‘Come Alive’: “I come alive when I’m with you and I’m running with this dream”. The title is also a testament to never giving up on our goals and dreams. It’s never too late and we are never too old to go for it.

Songs explore everything from sex and love to capitalism and activism. Are these all things that are important to you as a person and artist?

RK: Activism has been central to my identity for a long time whether that is Indigenous rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, reproductive health, environmental concerns, and so many more. A part of activism is recognizing how interconnected all aspects of our lives are Our sexuality, our sexual behavior, what we buy, how things are marketed to us, who has control, and who gets the right to say what is or what isn’t offensive are all part of activism. Maya Angelous has a quote that I love “do your best until you know better, when you know better, do better”. I use my music and whatever platform I have to help spread messages of awareness of social injustice and the fight for equity and equality. If I know there is injustice in the world, I must do better and use my voice to advocate for change.

The first single from the album is “The Future”. Does it tell a bleak tale?

RK: The song states “the future is in the now”. This was my way of naming how our culture focuses on individuals over community, and profits over people. It is a reminder that if we continue down the same path our future will be bleak because we have lost what connects us with one another. The song also speaks to the power of love as a healing force.

Is it a stretch to admit that I sensed a Madonna influence in the song and visual?

RK: I’m glad you see the Madonna influence. She has been one of my greatest artistic inspirations. I appreciate how Madonna is not afraid to make music that questions authority and challenges conventional idealism all while providing a great beat and catchy lyrics. She was a big influence on this song and the entire album.

What do you hope fans take away from the visual?

RK: I wanted to tell a story with the visuals. While I am naming the damages that come when we give in to capitalism, greed, and individuation, I am also saying that I am not immune to these issues and I struggle just as much as the every one else. If we return to our truth, we can heal from our pain.

You're releasing the album through an indie dance label. Can you speak on your decision to do that rather than through a major label?

RK: My primary reason for going with So Fierce Music, an indie label focusing on 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, was because I did not want to have to hide any parts of myself in order to appease the corporate heads. I wanted to work with an indie label that understood my message, and also had a message of acceptance, celebration, and championing diversity. So Fierce Music does just that and gives back to the community by providing opportunities for marginalized artists to make their dream come true. I am honored to be on the roster of incredible artists that are part of the So Fierce Music label.

The song and album are releasing during Pride season.

RK: They released on the same day, which does happen to fall during Pride month and yes, it was intentional. My album is about joy and liberation, two important aspects of Pride. The album is also about making it through challenging times and advocating for those in need, also very important aspects of Pride. I wanted to give a community that I love and am proud to be a part of one more reason to celebrate and dance.

Do you have a message for Pride?

RK: My message for Pride is love, liberation, and empathy are the keys to unlock life’s mysteries and rainbows are possible if we make it through the rain!