Queer Control Records

The mission of Queer Control Records (QCR) is to provide charitable assistance to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and questioning (LGBTIQQ) musicians. Emerging from DIY, Alternative, Grunge Rock, Riot Grrrl and Queercore music scenes, QCR was founded 2007 to benefit the music and musicians of the greater queer community. With volunteers and supporters from all over the world, QCR headquarters currently resides in San Francisco, CA.

Support and Resources for Musicians:
In addition to the typical challenges faced by new musicians trying to gain exposure, experience, and the support of a record label, emerging LGBTIQQ artists often face discrimination from mainstream record labels and the music industry at large. Every 12-18 months, QCR selects a new class of “Resident Artists.” By providing funding and technical support to underprivileged and underrepresented LGBTIQQ musicians and bands, QCR helps artists gain exposure and success that might otherwise be difficult to come by. Current Resident Artists include Pariah Piranha, Once A Pawn, Shenandoah Davis, Box Squad and Nancy FullForce. Alumni Resident and Distribution Artists include Fruit Punch, 8 Inch Betsy, Princess and the Criminals, and Tough Tough Skin.

Concerts and Special Events:
QCR organizes and sponsors events involving the public performance of LGBTIQQ musicians in order to help promote and increase awareness of queer music. Events that QCR has supported in the past include LadyFest Toronto (Toronto, Canada), Fabulosa Fest (Russian River, CA), National Queer Arts Festival (San Francisco, CA), the 4th Annual Queer People of Color Conference (Davis, CA), and Homo A Go Go (San Francisco, CA). In 2008, QCR also organized two West Coast tours: Pass the Torch (Summer 2008) and LezFest 2008 + Ginger Bear (October 2008).

“QCR is invaluable in its ability to represent my values to the greater music communities and has offered us experiences it would be near impossible for us to access otherwise. I'd be proud to sign with them for any kind of music I was making.”

-Radford Bishop, former drummer/vocalist of Alumni Resident Artist Tough Tough Skin

“This label simply puts out good music, by a not-so-coincidental roster of all-queer bands inspired and influenced by Riot Grrrl politics and indie/DIY process … Because of its modest roster, the label can focus on and raise up its artists … Rad all around.”

-Ashley Brittner, bitch magazine

"Queer Control Records embodies everything that a politically aware and artistically ambitious record label should. Like the punk rock ideals of legendary labels like DC's Dischord Records before it, Queer Control knows its audience and gives it what it needs without forgetting that there are new minds to activate out there as well."
- Josh Bloom, Owner, Fanatic Promotion, Inc.

“There’s something queer happening on the queer scene. And if [QCR’s bands are] a surprise to you, the names unfamiliar and enticing, good God, kids. Hop on the anti-bandwagon and treat yourself to some of these delectable sounds. It appears good, ole’ fashioned Indie-driven music of the past isn’t long gone, and may in fact be the very future. Whether the Butchies and Tribe 8 just weren’t enough for you, or you’re harboring concerns that riot grrrl and queercore today just isn’t what it used to be or that it’s deserted the underground scene altogether, there’s good news for us yet.”

-Liouxsie Dee, Danger!Hole zine

“San Francisco is 7 x 7 miles of interlocking music communities, and local label Queer Control Records specifically looks after the LGBTIQQ segment of the noise-making population – acts both here and abroad … Great stuff …”

-Jennifer Maerz, SFweekly.com

“Punk may not be dead, but it is queer … [QCR] was started in an effort to give more exposure to smaller bands. It also functions as a non profit built around community development, with many of their shows taking place at youth centers in places where there isn’t much support for the LGBT youth.”

-Cristian Vargas, University of California, Riverside Highlander

Marlene Melendez
CEO/President
marlene@queercontrol.com

With mad skills in web design, sales, and management, Marlene oversees the day-to-day operations of QCR, manages artist relations, and keeps an eye on the big picture at all times. A musician herself, Marlene helped to dream QCR into existence, as one of the label’s original founders. She is the one and only full-time Queer Controller – that’s right, she is crazy enough to do this 24/7. Why, you say? Because there is someone else out there who is just as crazy and loves QCR just as much that they are willing to sport a QCR shirt in the Bible Belt… God Bless the Queers! Can’t live without QCR in your life? Marlene’s to blame, and she’s damn proud of it.

Jocelyn Wong
VP, Development and Finance
jocie@queercontrol.com

With a degree in Political Science and LGBTI Studies from the University of California, Riverside (UCR… woot woot!) and a professional background in fundraising, Jocelyn works hard to advance the label’s capacity to fulfill its mission – and most importantly – keeps QCR from going broke! She has worked for several nonprofit organizations throughout California as a fundraiser, grant writer, program manager, and development professional.

Amber Charlick (Director) skip@queercontrol.com	A Special Ed. teacher by day, Amber – more fondly known as just “Skip” – is one of QCR’s most willing and able volunteers. A graduate from the University of Central Florida, Skip has exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and possesses the “can-do” attitude that every young organization needs most. During her time with QCR, Skip has helped out with numerous projects including artist prospecting, artist relations, distribution, research, and program development.
Jeremy Alva (Director) jeremy@queercontrol.com	The magical Jer-Bear has been a longtime cheerleader for the queercore scene. He helped run the now-defunct QueerPunks.com and also briefly fronted the Washington-based band Apropos. Having written for various queer outlets, he's covered topics from queer punk, to queers of color, and queers in geek culture. He doesn't believe in the outright sexualization of media, but rather the incorporation thereof, to represent the world’s true demographics. He is a leo-rat, wears size eleven-and-a-half shoes, and offers his writing and design skills to QCR all the way from his current digs in the Los Angeles area.
Amy Motta	Pic and Bio's Coming Soon!
You?!?!	Pic and Bio's Coming Soon!

Interested in volunteering your time and skills to support QCR?
Email us at info@queercontrol.com to learn more about becoming a member of our board of directors.