Loki Karuna

Loki Karuna (formerly Garrett McQueen) is a New York City-based musician, producer, and activist whose work sits at the vital intersection of classical music, Black liberation, composer advocacy, and media. Described by The Star Tribune as a "classical agitator," Loki is the creator of the globally acclaimed podcast TRILLOQUY, a top-10 series recognized as "required listening" by the New York Times for its bold exploration of culture and equity. 

 A classically trained orchestral bassoonist, Loki’s performance credits include the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and the Louisville Orchestra. Driven by a mission to "decolonize" the industry, he transitioned into a powerhouse of public media, creating nationally syndicated programs including "The Sound of 13" and "Gateways Radio", reaching millions of listeners. His leadership extends into the administrative realm as the Executive Director of the American Composers Forum and President of TrillWerks Media. 

 Loki’s influence is backed by significant accolades, including the Sphinx Organization’s MPower Artist Grant and being named one of Musical America’s "Top 30 Arts Professionals of 2024." An public speaker at heart, he has guest lectured at elite institutions such as Yale, Cornell, and the Peabody Institute, challenging traditional arts ecosystems through equity training. 

 He holds degrees from the University of Memphis and the University of Southern California. A practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism and member of the Soka Gakkai International, Loki continues to reshape the future of the arts through dialogue and performance, enjoying life away from work with his partner, Dell.