Born and raised in rural Iowa, Paisley Fields channels queer identity into a unique and authentic brand of outlaw country. Steeped in the style from an early age, he was drawn to the twangy sounds and dramatic storytelling the music had to offer. Despite his earnest and unabashed love for the genre, he recognizes that the broader cultural conception of country music was not always one of inclusivity. “I never saw anyone like myself in country music, so I want to be a person who can empower people, and let them know they belong.” He now sees himself as a part of a growing current within country music, creating a version of the music he loved that now includes queer people. This often puts Paisley Fields in punk-adjacent circles, sharing bills with punk bands and releasing music through Don Giovanni Records, a label primarily known for punk and pop-punk. Despite his queer identity putting him at odds with much of the country scene, Paisley Fields plays a fairly traditional country style, preserving the sounds that drew him to the music in the first place. Honky tonk pianos, shuffling snare drums and slide guitars create the foundation for cowboy anthems like “Stay Away From my Man” a