Queer Musicians you Need to Know (If you Don’t Already!)
Engaging with art from different communities is a great way to better understand and support underrepresented groups. If you’re looking to listen to some new, queer music, here are four artists you should check out! Their music ranges from trap to funk to psychedelic pop so there’s sure to be something for any mood or occasion.
Omar Apollo
Image courtesy of Vanity Fair
You might know him from his song Evergreen, which blew up on TikTok. Openly gay musician Omar Apollo already has a rich discography at the age of 25. His genre-bending music combines elements of soul, funk, hip hop, bedroom pop, as well as nods to his Latin heritage. Apollo has cited Prince as a major influence in his music and has even collaborated with popular artists like Daniel Caesar and Pharrell. His debut album, Ivory, earned him a nomination for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. And, if that’s not enough to get you interested, he’s an incredible dancer and live performer.
For a Latin-infused trap cut off his newest album, Ivory
For a midtempo, nostalgic track from his 2020 mixtape, Apolonio
II. Rina Sawayama
Image courtesy of The Atlantic
Japanese-British artist Rina Sawayama has been dubbed a “musical chameleon” for her versatile and unique style. Although hard to define, her music can be described as art pop, rock, and electropop, which reflects her own unique, multicultural perspective. Her songs also cover a variety of topics, tackling themes like family (and chosen family), technology, and cultural identity. Sawayama identifies as pansexual and has spoken in depth about how being both queer and Asian impacts her life. Apart from her music, she is well-known for her experimental fashion and style, having been featured in many fashion publications and gracing the cover of Vogue Singapore.
For a dance-rock song about healing from her most recent project, Hold the Girl
For a nu-metal cut from her debut album, Sawayama
III. Dreamer Isioma
Image courtesy of Ones to Watch
Nonbinary Chicago-based musician Dreamer Isioma seamlessly blends funk, R&B, and psychedelic pop to create music that is uniquely theirs. Isioma’s international upbringing, including the US, Lagos, Nigeria, and the UK, grant them a distinct perspective that shines through in their music. Their music also serves as a platform to reach out to others that feel isolated and build community. They also have garnered an online community through documenting their journey with gender expression on Instagram and continue to talk openly about their struggles with gender norms.
For a song that takes a cosmic, free-spirited approach to life
For a track you might already know off their Sensitive EP
IV. Ryan Beatty
Image courtesy of Variance
27-year-old singer-songwriter Ryan Beatty has collaborated with many popular artists including Tyler, the Creator and Brockhampton, but his talent really stands out in his solo work. Beatty writes music about love, heartbreak, and coming to terms with your sexuality. His songs take a raw, honest approach to the queer experience, talking about high school dances and crushes on boys. Dream pop and R&B influences add to the nostalgic and bittersweet tone, resulting in music that is deeply vulnerable and resonant.
For a track that talks about young, queer love from his debut album, Boy in Jeans
For one of his best features
