Julien Baker and Torres have brought a unique blend of country music and queer culture to New York City with the release of their music video for “Sugar in the Tank.” The video, shot in collaboration with the queer dance collective Stud Country, adds a fun, vibrant twist to traditional cowboy culture, all set against the backdrop of the Big Apple.
The video, which features original choreography from Stud Country’s Sean Monaghan, showcases dancers from the collective as they line-dance and swing to the rhythm of the song. The two artists perform “Sugar in the Tank” live on stage, playing banjo and guitar while the crowd dances along. “We were really honored that the Stud Country folks were willing to have fun with us and prepare this line dance for the song,” said Baker and Torres in a joint statement.
For the artists, the experience of collaborating with Stud Country was especially meaningful. “For us, it’s particularly special to find someplace and some people to do cowboy shit with here in NYC,” they added. The dance troupe, whose work honors LGBTQ cowboy culture, also seeks to preserve the legacy of queer dance spaces, blending country with pop and disco elements in their performances.
Monaghan, one of the collective’s leading instructors, shared their excitement about the collaboration, noting, “We were so excited to cast people from our community, including Geo [Jedlicka], who has been dancing in NYC for three decades.” The video also resonated with Jae Cripe, a Stud Country regular and DJ, who reflected on the healing experience of reconnecting with their Southern roots in a safe, supportive space.
The Sugar in the Tank video is a joyful celebration of country music, LGBTQ+ culture, and community, offering a new perspective on cowboy life in the heart of New York City.
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