For Roadhouse Magazine Vol 2 I had a chance to sit down with Iris Marlowe, an up and coming country singer hell bent on rewriting the rules of country by blending queer and horror into one. Western twang, queer identity, and horror-inspired storytelling, Marlowe is slashing her way into a space where ghost stories and glitter coexist. We talked about everything from her grandfather’s influence to horror, religious hypocrisy, and the power of building queer community through music in this exclusive interview.
- Your latest album, Where the Devil Bid the Owl Goodbye, blends classic country with darker,
cinematic storytelling. What inspired the themes of revenge and old western danger in this
record?
When I started writing that record I wanted to have it be a piece of work my grandfather would
love. He introduced me to some of the great classic country western musicians and I grew up
singing along to the tunes in his old white Ford pickup truck. With my love of horror but also
classic country storytelling I fused those inspirations together to make something he’d be proud
of. - In the past you’ve cited influences like Johnny Cash, Sonny James, and shown admiration for
Beyonce and Britney Spears. How have these artists shaped your current unique take on
country music?
I truly love the pop icons and admire their talent and delivery of their work. I try to carry that
confidence with me throughout every performance or recording process. When it comes to my
version of country music I try to carry on the stage presence that a younger version of myself
would think is badass. - Your music has been described as “if Stephen King wrote country songs.” How do you
incorporate gothic or horror elements into your storytelling?
I have always been a horror movie fanatic and just a fan of the oddities of the world. I wanted to
create country stories that would interest the eccentrics of the world or folks that didn’t see
themselves in the country music landscape.
With my album ‘Where the Devil Bid the Owl Goodbye’ I tried to structure the horror elements to
a three part story based around a sinister entity that feeds on the souls of cowboys. I wanted to
create a cinematic experience with the storytelling and incorporate themes, lust, and elements
of horror that fit this three part structure.
The latest album is heavily inspired by the Evil Dead films. I’ve incorporated more gore into the
lyrics with heavier sounds and influences. This album has a lot of sinister themes to the
storytelling and less folksy takes on the country music genre. A lot of making this current album
I let my mind run wild with any subject I wanted to write about while still maintaining a dark
country feel to the music. - Your single Jesus Was a Communist challenges religious hypocrisy, particularly concerning
the LGBTQIA+ community. What inspired you to have these conversations through your music?
I grew up in a hardcore Catholic family. Most of my youth was spent in the church and the
confinements of their beliefs. When I was around 12 years old I began questioning my faith and
felt that the restraints of the church held me back from actually being a loving and accepting
person.
I struggled with my queerness as a child because of the guilt of accepting who I was.
Writing Jesus was a Communist was a way to speak out to those struggling with their faith or
the anti LGBTQIA rhetoric that can be spread by followers of the church. There is a lot of
hypocrisy spoken about ‘loving thy neighbor’ but not believing they deserve basic human rights.
‘Jesus loves you if you’re gay’ is a lyric I proudly sing even as a nonbeliever.
I hope the song brings solace to those who were ostracized by the church for being who they are. - Chicago has a growing queer country movement that you’ve been heavily involved in. How
has being part of this scene influenced your music and identity as an artist?
Being part of the queer country scene has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I truly
feel welcomed in the space and supported in a way I could have never imagined. It has made
me open up more about myself through my music and just life in general. I’ve accepted more of
my eccentricities and feel more comfortable with being who I am. To be able to bring joy through
country music, a genre not always welcoming of the LGBTQIA+ community, is never lost on me.
It has helped me continue my passion for creating art for them and being more authentic with
myself. - Justin and I have been obsessed with your previous album, “Where The Devil Bid the Owl
Goodbye” and can’t wait for your upcoming album in the works for 2025 that is inspired by
horror movies and classic country. Can you give us a preview of what we can expect?
My previous album was a mixture of country western homage meets David Lynch themes and
aesthetic. The upcoming album is an extreme rise in stakes, stories, and themes. There’s a lot
more variety of genre breaking music and storytelling. It’s less grounded in subject matter while
also having elements of horror that are more internal. The album is somehow out of this world
while also being my most personal songwriting yet. It’s a further journey to the pits of hell luring
you down with spaghetti western tunes echoing throughout the seven layers of the inferno. - What does your creative process look like? Do you have any specific Iris Marlowe rituals you
like to do to get you in the groove?
My creative process is truly writing what I want to write. Anything can be an amazing song if you
have the passion to back it up. I try not to ever be negative to myself when it comes to the
writing process. - You’ve performed at venues like Reggies Chicago. How does playing live in Chicago shape
your artistry, and what has been your most memorable performance?
Chicago truly has some of the most welcoming audiences. With each show we play in Chicago I
feel a support that just continues to fuel my passion. It’s the perfect city to perform my style of
country music in. It’s not classic but it’s something unique and I think the city is receptive to our
take on the genre.
My favorite performance was the Lavender Prairie Festival at Judson and Moore last year. It
was a queer country festival and I truly just performed without holding back. It was an honor to
be on the bill for it’s first year. - You recently designed a beautiful and unique western style jacket that features Simpsons
UFOs on both sides of the chest. Do you have any designs coming up that you’re excited about?
I became obsessed with chain stitching about a year ago. I’ve been saving up for an embroidery
machine but until then… decided to learn to do it by hand. It’s been a really fun way to create
my own looks for shows while learning a whole new skill set.
I have an entire pile by my desk of
upcoming western shirts and pieces I’m going to embroider. I will say… there will be horror
themed embroidery looks coming very soon! - If you could collaborate with any other artist within the Chicago music scene, who would it be
and what would your dream collaboration look like?
That’s such a great question! I admire so many local artists it’s almost hard to narrow it down.
The first that comes to my mind is Olivia and the Lovers. I’ve admired Olivia’s songwriting since
2019 and just think they are so damn cool and talented. I also adore Andrew Sa and their style
of country music. Andrew was one of the first local country shows I attended and was enamored
by their talent. They also have created a really wonderful local scene.Hell, it would just be really
cool for all the Chicago queer country scene to collaborate on a song!
As for non-country artists I saw Carnivore Mommy at Liar’s Club in October and haven’t gotten
over how amazing their music is. I would love to either work with them or share a bill with them.
To keep up to date with all of the latest projects Iris Marlowe is working on, you can find her on IG @iris.marlowe or via her website https://www.irismarlowe.com/
