Indiana Queen

Indiana Queen is an alt country band that resides in Nashville, TN. Fronted by openly queer Kevin Thornton, the band is blazing a new path in a traditionally conservative genre. Their upcoming album “Indiana Queen (Self-Titled)” was produced by longtime collaborator Enoch Porch and was recorded entirely in Pythagorean tuning or 432 Hz, which is also called the “God note.” The controversial tuning is thought by some to have healing powers. Other consider the tuning simply a more “natural” feel. This Fall marks the 10 year anniversary of “Had A Sword” which was the first collaboration between Thornton & Porch. The album won a Nashville Scene Award in 2004. The duo toured extensively in the mid 2000′s and finally disbanded near the turn of the century. “People still tell me they listen to that record (Had A Sword),” says Kevin Thornton. “I think it’s unusual for local indie records to stand the test of time.” The album was “…at once strange and touching,” said Columbus Alive Magazine. “Fascinating individualism,” said Music Row Magazine. “There was a period in our early Nashville days where it seemed like we were really going to hit,” says Kevin Thornton. “We were getting a lot of attention when (Had A Sword) was released. We got on the road and worked very hard, but It was a time when the industry was changing so fast.” The group was following the DIY- road warrior work ethic of a young REM in an age when Youtube and iTunes were rapidly reinventing how people consumed entertainment. On the evening of August 22, 2005 the road-weary band was leaving Houston heading for New Orleans. “We almost drove straight into Hurricane Katrina,” says Porch. The group cancelled the remainder of their tour and returned to Nashville. “We were just exhausted.” That event led the group to ultimately part ways. The new album by “Indiana Queen” takes country roots and spins them from an usual perspective. “I have no interest in pretending to be someone else. I don’t care if Nashville isn’t ready for it.” says Thornton in reference to his sexuality. “The album is country, but let’s be serious there is nothing traditional about Indiana Queen.” There are traces of Hank Williams. The pulse of “Jolene.” Chord progressions that originated in the Baptist Hymnal. However these influences meet at an unexpected crossroads with Antony and The Johnsons, Roxy Music and Tom Waits. Thornton & Porch recently finished tracking the new album in their home studio and are currently in search of label support. Indiana Queen is a queer alt country band in Nashville.