Queer voices have always existed within music, even if they haven’t always been openly recognised or celebrated. However, in recent years, a flourishing landscape of queer artistry has brought these diverse identities and narratives to the forefront and mainstream. Here are ten of Indiependent’s favourite queer musicians — from rising stars to legendary icons — whose impactful contributions should be celebrated this Pride Month.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s latest album, Hit Me Hard And Soft, released back in May, has already made waves within the industry, hitting number one spot on the Official Albums Chart and ten songs from the album debuting in the Billboard Top 40 within the first week of release. Celebrated for its introspective lyrics, catchy beats, and sense of authenticity and openness, particularly in the context of Eilish’s recent public coming out, it resonates deeply within the community and offers a powerful reflection of shared queer experiences and emotion.
Troye Sivan
Though Troye Sivan gained initial fame as a YouTuber, his involvement in the music scene dates back to 2015. His 2023 album, Something To Give Each Other, not only features catchy summer tunes but also examines themes of queerness, mirroring Sivan’s personal journey since his widely-viewed coming out video in 2013. In his viral music video for ‘One of Your Girls,’ Sivan embraced full drag, continuing the narrative of his online presence. With his multifaceted talents and impactful storytelling, keeping a tab on Sivan this month and beyond is a no-brainer.
Clairo
Clairo’s eagerly awaited return to music with her latest single ‘Sexy to Somebody’ aligns perfectly with Pride Month, making it a playlist essential. Renowned for her lo-fi, bedroom pop style, Clairo often alludes to the themes of romance, longing, and emotional vulnerability through her music. Her candidness about her feelings, both romantic and otherwise, has resonated deeply with the queer community, particularly queer women, who find her relatable and inspiring. Start your Clairo journey with ‘4EVA’ and ‘Sofia’, and stay tuned for her upcoming album, Charm, due to be released on 12 July 2024.
MUNA
MUNA’s powerful pop hits are infused with messages of empowerment and inclusivity. This queer trio continues to deliver music that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQIA+ experience, whilst characterised by their fun, upbeat, and danceable sounds. Tracks like ‘Solid’ and ‘What I Want’ are typical of their playful yet punchy sound, making them essential additions to any anthemic playlist designed to get you moving.
Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks soared to fame with her 2021 debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams, showcasing her soulful voice and poetic lyrics. Her anthems, delving into bisexuality, mental health, love, and loss, offer crucial representation of intersectional queer identities in modern indie/alternative music. Parks’ vulnerability and honesty have garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following, as well as collaborations with the likes of Phoebe Bridgers. She has since delved further into the themes of queer love in her latest poetry book, The Magic Border, which is also accessible as an audiobook for convenient digital listening this Pride Month!
The Pet Shop Boys
The Pet Shop Boys, often associated with the 80s music scene, prove their ongoing relevance in the queer music community with their latest album, Nonetheless. The release boldly confronts societal issues, as evident in the album’s title track, which delves into themes like homophobia and the contemporary queer experience. For danceable, alternative house-techno inspired classics, check out the duo’s 1988 release, Introspective.
The Japanese House
Amber Bain, most commonly known as The Japanese House, creates music that is both solemn and idyllic, woven with ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery as a queer woman. Bain’s openness about her sexuality adds a layer of depth to her music, resonating with queer listeners who find solace in her poeticism and unfiltered accounts. If you’re interested in discovering her mellow, queer ballads, her latest album, In the End It Always Does, is the perfect place to start.
Chappell Roan
Hailing from Missouri, Chappell Roan has recently shaken up the queer music sphere with her debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. As an emerging talent, she crafts campy, unapologetic, synth-pop hits celebrating queer love and identity. Her music dives into themes of self-love, sexual awakening, and female desire. Roan’s vibrant tunes and bold, drag-inspired appearance have swiftly propelled her to prominence in both the queer music scene and social media, with her viral ‘HOT TO GO’ dance routine captivating audiences worldwide.
Ethel Cain
While not a newcomer to the scene, Ethel Cain has experienced increased success and prominence since the release of her 2022 album, Preacher’s Daughter, earning recognition at esteemed festivals such as Primavera, All Points East, and Coachella. Her music, haunting and evocative, explores themes of trauma, self-discovery, and liberation from suffocating environments. With personal and raw lyrics, she establishes herself as a notable figure in the trans music community, offering a unique and powerful voice in the alternative scene.
David Bowie
As the ranks of emerging queer talents grow, Pride Month remains a tribute to the queer icons who laid the foundation for greater representation in the mainstream. David Bowie stands tall among them, through his track record of elevating visibility by embracing androgynous, gender non-conforming looks and identities. His impact on the community endures, evident in songs like ‘Jean Genie’, which is often interpreted as a track that celebrates and acknowledges gender fluidity and ‘othered’ forms of self-expression.
Words by Ruby Brown
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