When it comes to positive LGBTQIA+ representation in the music industry, it’s difficult to look past the example of Cub Sport.
The Australian indie pop group – comprised of Zoe Davis, Tim Nelson, Sam Netterfield and Dan Puusaari – is not only proudly part of the queer community but continually shares insight into gender and sexuality within their songs; they also heavily campaigned for marriage quality way before it became legal in Australia.
And who could forget the heartwarming photos of lovers and bandmates, Nelson and Netterfield tying the knot with their adorable dogs back in 2018? The newlyweds famously raised over $1,300 for the Australian LGBTIQA+ youth organisation Minus18 by requesting donations instead of wedding presents.
So, representing the LGBTIQA+ community at Sydney’s first-ever WorldPride is understandably a big deal to them – as it should be.
And this year isn’t just Sydney’s first WorldPride – it’s also the first time that the acclaimed event has been held in the Southern Hemisphere and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the first Australian Gay Pride Week, as well as the 45th anniversary of the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. That’s a lot of historical significance in one event.
The event sees 17 days of free and ticketed events spread across the city, and Cub Sport will be taking part in the popular Mardi Gras parade this Saturday, February 25th.
Ahead of the highly anticipated event, Rolling Stone AU/NZ chatted to Tim Nelson rfom Cub Sport about what WorldPride means to them and also asked about their upcoming album, Jesus At The Gay Bar.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: What does it mean for you to be part of WorldPride?
Tim Nelson: I’m excited!! Going to a Pride event and feeling the love of the LGBTQIA+ community kind of gave me that last bit of encouragement I needed to come out back in 2016, so to be part of this is really special.
How did the inclusion for WorldPride come about this year?
Johnnie Walker reached out about us being involved in their Walk Proud campaign and we were keen! It’s great to partner with a brand who are invested in celebrating and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community by creating this space throughout WorldPride.
What’s your favourite thing about the Mardi Gras parade?
I think my fav thing is getting to see so many people expressing themselves freely and celebrating queerness. It’s really powerful having a safe place for people to be free and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
How do you prepare for a massive event like the Mardi Gras parade?
Hydrate!
Do you get nervous before such a big event?
Not really – if we were performing I might get nervous but just going along and being part of the parade is pretty chill.
What can attendees expect from you at WorldPride?
We DJ’d Johnnie Walker’s Walk Proud at Kinselas on opening night, playing our fav songs from queer artists and icons as well as previewing some tracks from our new album Jesus At The Gay Bar – it was super fun!
Are there any other artists you’re looking forward to checking out at WorldPride?
I think the artist I’m most excited for is Kim Petras. It’s so cool to see a trans artist having a major global rise and crossing over to the mainstream.
You’re gearing up to release your fifth studio album, Jesus At The Gay Bar, how would you describe this album?
In the context of the Cub Sport discography, Jesus At The Gay Bar is the party album. It has the heart and emotion that’s been the connecting thread through every era of Cub Sport but there’s a new energy in this album… it feels energising and uplifting.
Would you say the new album is reminiscent of your previous albums, or completely different?
I feel like the whole Cub Sport discography has been all different chapters of the same story and this feels like the natural continuation of that. Our albums have felt like somewhat of a healing journey, and Jesus At The Gay Bar feels like the celebration on the other side of that.
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