These Rising Queer Artists Are Trailblazing The Music Industry
Happy Pride Month! We’re celebrating rising queer artists that have been defying stereotypes and giving us amazing music to listen to.
Chappell Roan
If Chappell Roan isn’t on your radar, she should be!
Roan has amassed a huge following since her debut single “Pink Pony Club” in 2020 and opening for fellow singer Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour. Her music delves into themes of intimate love between women as Roan identifies as a lesbian and reaches the hearts of the community who feel the same. From the hit song “Good Luck Babe!” to her old YouTube videos, fans all around are loving her vibe and dancing along while she’s on her Midwest Princess Tour. She’s already accomplished so much, including performing at Coachella, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and NPR Tiny Desk!
Roan has made it a priority for herself to always credit any queer inspirations such as her reference to Sasha Colby on her catchphrase: “I’m your favorite artist's favorite artist.” Her on-stage looks are always carefully intricately detailed, pulling from drag queens and theater, with many fans drawing a comparison of Roan to Lady Gaga. This is just the beginning for Roan and we’re so delighted to see what’s next for her!
Kaytranada
Funk, R&B, Dance, EDM, Hip-Hop — Kaytranada does it all!
Kaytranada is soaring through the music industry as an openly gay and Black artist. His music not only captivates listeners with its infectious grooves, but also challenges traditional genre boundaries, pushing what electronic and dance music can encompass. In 2021, Kaytranada won his first Grammy for Best Dance Recording for his single “10%” and Best Dance/Electronic Album for Bubba.
With collaborations ranging from Pharrell Williams to Pink Pantheress, Kaytranada is gaining a massive following in the dance scene. Ginny & Georgia, Love Island, Sing 2, Dancing Queens, and The Bold Type are among the few projects where his songs are featured.
Towa Bird
Towa Bird is a queer rockstar with her guitar-shredding skills that gained her a newfound stardom.
Bird started using TikTok to showcase not only her amazing guitar skills, but her voice as well. The British-Filipino artist’s covers landed her with the title as the Internet’s designated girlfriend. Since then, she’s been working non-stop on building her audience, performing with Reneé Rapp and even in Olivia Rodrigo’s documentary Driving Home 2 U (A Sour Film).
As she navigates her fame, Bird has announced the release of her debut album American Hero with a clever TikTok of her at a bar. The album is set to release on June 28 on all platforms.
Troye Sivan
OG YouTube fans may recognize Troye Sivan, a South African-born Australian singer, songwriter, and actor, who rose to stardom during 2013.
He gained millions of subscribers and built a welcoming community after posting song covers and collaborations with other famous YouTubers. In 2014, Sivan posted a heartwarming coming out video that garnered nine million views and a year later announced his debut single “Happy Little Pill.” Since then, Sivan has released three albums with multiple singles charting the Billboard Hot 100. His songs have also been featured in Love, Simon, Boy Erased, and The Thing About Harry. Along with this, Sivan has broken into the acting world with roles in Trolls Band Together and The Idol.
Sivan's impact on the music industry and the LGBTQ+ community is profound, as he continues to challenge stereotypes and break barriers. His openness about his sexuality and personal journey has contributed to greater representation and inclusivity in mainstream media.
Ethel Cain
One of my personal favorite emerging artist is none other than Ethel Cain!
Her distinctive sound and introspective lyrics resonate hard with younger and older audiences. Hailing from Georgia, Cain's musical journey began in 2017 with two EPs released in 2019. After releasing her debut album Preacher’s Daughter, her anti-war pop song “American Teenager” found a home in everyone’s heart on social media. With themes of identity, spirituality, and personal growth, audiences are immersed into her inner world and the complexities of human experience.
Cain has also embraced her identity as a transgender woman since she came out on her 20th birthday. She has successfully fostered a sense of community and empowerment among LGBTQ+ listeners who see themselves reflected in her music and story and we love to see it!
Phoebe Bridgers
Raise your hand if “Scott Street” by Phoebe Bridgers was your anthem back in 2017. Is it raised? ‘Cause mine is!
Bridgers has solidified herself as a standout figure in indie folk and rock music for her ethereal voice. Her debut album Stranger in the Alps in 2017 catapulted her into fame. Loss and vulnerability are among the themes presented in her music that will probably make you cry and wonder for hours.
As a bisexual woman, Bridgers continues to grow her LGBTQ+ audience and speak out on political issues that resonate with her community. Bridgers’ latest projects include Sloppy Jane’s “Claw Machine” featured in I Saw The TV Glow and “Motion Sickness” featured in Dakota Johnson-led film Am I Ok?.
Omar Apollo
Indie pop has been around for years with well-known artists such as Clairo, fun., Rex Orange County, and The Marias. Queer Latino artist Omar Apollo has emerged as a rising star in the music industry where his eclectic mix of R&B, funk, and indie pop quickly garnered attention.
Apollo’s music often explores themes of love, identity, and personal growth, reflecting his own experiences and cultural heritage with some verses sung in Spanish. In addition to his musical talents, Omar Apollo has embraced his identity as a queer Latino artist, using his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. His openness about his sexuality and cultural background has resonated deeply with fans, particularly within marginalized communities, offering a sense of empowerment and visibility.
