ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DOUGLAS KILLINGTREE
Author and illustrator Douglas Killingtree (Reynolds) started writing and illustrating picture books in 2015 with the dream of providing stories to kids who are often overlooked and under-represented in mainstream children's media.
Growing up gay in small-town Alaska, Doug is intimately aware of many of the specific challenges facing LGBTQ youth. He wrote his first book, A Normal Turtle, as a gift to his nieces and nephews in the hope that, with the fantastic support of their parents, it will help teach them empathy for others and acceptance of themselves as they are.
His second book, An Actual Family, further explored expansive ideas of what defines a family and the bonds that transcend biological relationships. His third book, Don’t Say Gator, is releasing on October 3rd, 2023!
Doug also works as an independent design contractor. He has provided queer-related media for Deschutes Brewery, the Portland Pickles, and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Doug lives in Portland, Oregon with his fiancé Calvin and their boxer-ridgeback, Harper.
ABOUT Don’t Say Gator Music
Music by
CORINNE SHARLET
With bone-deep lyrics and a magnetic, haunting voice, Corinne Sharlet’s music captures the imagination like the high deserts of Central Oregon where she was raised. Drawing comparisons to Lana del Ray and Anais Mitchell, the Portland based singer/songwriter writes striking songs that delicately balance unusual chord progressions with ethereal nostalgia. For Corinne, songwriting is a way to connect with the beauty in the world. “I think art is how we deal with all the uncertainty and difficulty of life; we can take painful experiences and transform the pain into something different. I find that beautiful.”
Based on her lyrical themes, it comes as no surprise that Corinne also works as a psychotherapist, trained in pioneering voice work called Voice Movement Therapy. Founded by famous voice teacher, Alfred Wolfson, who discovered how to use singing to help people heal from PTSD after WWI, Voice Movement therapy teaches people how to explore the depths of their own voice to heal from trauma and other mental health struggles. “I used to be afraid of sharing with people who listen to my music that I am also a therapist because I was afraid my music wouldn’t be taken as seriously. Then I decided that I don’t want to hide it or make it a secret because I want to normalize people being more than just one thing. I love being a therapist and I love being a musician, both are incredibly important aspects of who I am. Now, I’m finding my own way of doing both.”
Corinne’s songs exemplify the power of music and the human voice to express both the darkness and light that we each carry inside.
Listen to Corinne on Spotify.
Produced & Performed by
LYNX DEMUTH
Lynx DeMuth is an innovative queer/non-binary producer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based in Portland OR. At 37 Lynx has been breaking new ground in both the live and electronic music scenes for over 15 years, playing events all over the world including the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. Performance highlights include appearances at Coachella, SXSW, Austin City Limits Festival, Boom Festival, and opening for Alanis Morissette. Lynx's music combines elements from multiple genres including americana, electronica, psychedelic folk and indie rock. Their music intertwines raw, melancholy melodies with infectious hooks and intimate sounds that switch from folky to cutting edge.
In addition to their own music, Lynx is hard at work in the studio lending their music production and songwriting skills to select up-and-coming artists. Lynx’s recent work with former pro-snowboarder Luke Mitrani on his debut album Walk On the Moon has garnered millions of plays on Spotify. Lynx has also worked as lead composer for Season 1 of New York Magazine’s podcast, Cover Story: Power Trip, and they are currently freelance composing for Snap Judgment Studios whose NPR and PRX affiliated podcasts include Snap Judgment and Spooked.
From large commercial studios to their home studio Lynx can do it all. They are just as at home strumming their Telecaster or composing a string section as they are making beats in Ableton Live. As one of the few queers on the production side of the industry, Lynx seeks to help a diverse array of artists bring their own strong voices to the world of music.
Listen to Lynx on Spotify.
Where is Jeremy Morales VII?
That’s a good question. Despite being credited in every copy of Don’t Say Gator as our animator, Mr. Morales chose to disappear on us without notice. His last-minute choice not only cost us money but also caused a major delay in release. We wish him well but unfortunately cannot recommend his services.