Tom Goss Takes Us to Gay Church

Like an outlaw hymn for him and him, love is rebellious and revelatory. It is a barn burning, earthshaking, all-consuming ascension into the queendom of gawd, and Tom Goss is its most passionate padre.

Over five million fans have streamed his searing, visceral video for Son of a Preacher Man, and Goss will be packing the proverbial pews at The Roost’s Nest Fest the first weekend of March. We caught up with the heavenly singer/songwriter to ask him all about inspiration and inclusion. Take us to church, Tom!

Your music is a wonderfully unique mix of soulfulness and playfulness – what can audiences expect from your live show?

Exactly that! They can expect good stories, laughter, and when they least expect it, to be moved. For me, performance is about connecting with the audience and having a shared experience.

On the flipside, what do you get from the audience?

Audiences do not realize that they are what makes a show good. Not me. I get the magic necessary to create and maintain that shared experience from the audience itself. They provide the energy that is necessary to feel joy, laughter, connectedness, and even love, in that moment.

How does your stage persona differ from and/or mirror your studio aesthetic?

It’s bigger. I really work hard to be authentic in whatever moment I’m in. So me, in the studio, is me in person, is me performing. But remember that energy from the last question? That energy really uplifts me and allows me to expand, like a flower, at the most opportune time.

Could you share a fun/fierce/freaky anecdote from your musical journey thus far? Anything particularly memorable or weird – we’d love to hear it!

I mean, this life is so strange… I’d say one of the weirdest moments was in the first year of performing. A drunk audience member tried to get a wheelchair bound audience member to walk. He [was] screaming at her, grabbing her, and invoking God, like a tent revival. I stopped the show and made sure he left her alone for the duration of the night. It was so strange and offensive.

Who/what are your creative muses?

I can’t deny that my husband has been my greatest muse. He’s the reason I am here, happy, thriving, complete. How can you not sing about that? I am a prolific writer. I used to think I had run out of ideas, melodies, chords, but I don’t think so anymore. The other day I was chatting with a friend, who was fascinated by songwriting. I told him to give me a concept, he said “CPAP machine.” Ten minutes later I had a song. I really like the song!

Your videos have delved into the realm of politics and religion, but they succeed in going beyond the surface and into core emotions. How do you balance your themes and messages so elegantly?

THANK YOU! What a wonderful compliment. For me, I don’t shy away from the vulnerability necessary to connect with people. It is not dissimilar to the questions you ask about live performances. I speak directly from the heart. I don’t concern myself with “being cool,” I concern myself with being authentic. As a result, I can tell stories that a lot of people are afraid to. My goal is to connect with an audience deeply, not to tap into a trend and generate fame for the sake of being famous.

What does it mean to be a successful LGBTQ+ performer in the year 2023?

I am so very grateful for the career I have, and have had. I have been out my whole career. I could never dream of not being authentic to the love I share with Mike. I am so grateful that my music, and my message, have resonated with an audience. I don’t exaggerate when I say they have become my closest friends and family over the years.

Could you discuss your involvement with NEST FEST?

I am always excited to be a part of a festival and collaborate with other artists. I know, and have shared the stage with some of these artists. It is such a great lineup! I love what everyone brings to the table. I am excited to bring my unique perspective, performance, and positivity to the festival. It’ll be impossible to leave my show without a smile.

How familiar are you with Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and The Roost Lounge specifically? Feel free to give shout-outs aplenty!

I love Cat City and Palm Springs. Several of my best friends and closest collaborators live in the area (Deven Green, Ned Douglas, Jeremiah Clark, Gregory Douglass). One day I will have a home there. Additionally, I’m so excited to perform at The Roost Lounge. I love what Jeffrey has built there, the energy is so positive and familial. My 2022 show at The Roost was canceled because I got Covid, so I’ve been anticipating this show for almost a year!

More broadly speaking, what does community mean to you?

EVERYTHING! The whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.

What’s next for Tom Goss?

I am releasing a new record in the next couple of months. I’m at the point where the record is done and I’m just working on cover art. I am extremely excited.

What do you want our readers to know right damn now?

You are valuable, interesting, beautiful and I want to meet you!

Closing thoughts: any words of wisdom or whimsy you’d like to share?

Always be authentic to yourself. If you do that, you’ll find love and community essential to happiness.

Coincidentally enough, love, community and happiness are all on the menu at this year’s Nest Fest, so get your tickets now!

FOR NEST FEST INFO CLICK HERE