For Pride Month, we’re celebrating some incredible, highly successful musicians from the LGBTQIA+ community. We’re only scratching the surface too. Musical history is filled with talented and loved artists who identify as LGBTQIA+
Let’s jump in and take a look:
SOPHIE – First up, we have SOPHIE. SOPHIE AKA Sophie Xeon sadly passed away in January 2021 leaving behind a strong body of work as her legacy. She was a highly celebrated producer who co-wrote or produced for acts such as Madonna, Charli XCX, MØ and even our ACC alumni, Let’s Eat Grandma.
Where to start with SOPHIE: Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides. Covering a breathtaking mix of genres and sounds, this album provides the best possible example of why SOPHIE made such a strong name as a producer.
Tracy Chapman – A Grammy Award, multi-platinum household name, well-known for her massive hits ‘Fast Car’ and ‘Give Me One Reason’, Tracy Chapman is one of those classic artists that should not be missed. Her music is a masterful lesson in songwriting and her music is filled with those singalong moments that bring people together.
Where to start with Tracy Chapman: Perhaps from the beginning with Tracy with her self titled debut, Tracy Chapman. In 36 short minutes, she showed the world who she was and gave us a masterpiece in production and songwriting.
Troye Sivan – Troye Sivan is a busy man. Not only is he an award winning, chart-topping singer-songwriter, but he is also an actor and a former YouTuber. On his music, Troye can only be described as the perfect soundtrack to summer. Throwing out the kind of music that wouldn’t be out of place at a nightclub, or on the speaker at your next barbecue or beach trip, his work is approachable, accessible and made for the mainstream market.
Where to start with Troye Sivan: His second album Bloom. Released to critical acclaim, he crosses genres and sounds with ease. Slipping from pop bangers to relaxed ballads, and even throwing in an Ariana Grande feature, this album is built for you to love it.
King Princess – King Princess is one of those names you may not recognise, but that you’re guaranteed to hear soon. Her music wouldn’t sound out of place on a playlist with MØ, Zara Larsson or even Lorde. Blending influences in Pop, Indie and Pop Rock, she pulls together a sound that is thoughtful, melancholic and deep, while also being warm, welcoming and cheerful all at the same time.
Where to start with King Princess: Cheap Queen. Written chronologically, the album track listing sets up a story of a person feeling a range of human emotion that anyone can relate to. Swinging from powerful, anthemic and Lorde-esque on title track ‘Cheap Queen’ to the slow building ‘Prophet’ that reminds the listener of that period in the early 2000s when The Beach released with its lazy, chilled, summery soundtrack. Get this album saved on your Spotify list right now. You won’t regret it.
The four artists mentioned above are only the beginning of an industry filled with incredible acts from the LGBTQIA+ community who have or are going on to accomplish amazing things and push our industry forward. Some more people to check out include:
– Serpentwithfeet
– Azealia Banks
– George Michael
– Frank Ocean
– Anohni
– Kim Petras
– Boy George
– Christine and The Queens
– Mykki Blanco
– Angel Haze
– Lil Nas X
– Tegan and Sara
This list is not exhaustive, and highlights one of the greatest parts of the global music industry. No matter who you are, what your background is or how you identify, there is something for you, both as a listener and as an artist. Music is a community that welcomes all.