In an effort to build a space for queer people like myself, every Tuesday I’ll be posting opinion pieces, listicals, reviews, and more focused on the LGBT community. Welcome to the first post for Queerly Not Straight! Enjoy and leave a comment below if you have a suggestion for what I should cover next.
Itching to get to know some new artists? Sick and tired of the same old stuff on your Spotify recommendations? Looking for some girl on girl action that you can relate to that doesn’t mock or use the women as sexual objections? Maybe a little men loving men that focuses on the intimate beauty that is such a relationship? Well I’ve got the artists for you!
Below are some insanely talented queer artists/bands that have started to redefine what it means to be an artist and what kind of music can be created for an ever changing and more accepting world.
Here are 7 queer artists you should be listening to!
Troye Sivan
Why You Should Listen: In the last year alone Troye has embraced his sexuality and given us music that is pushing boundaries of what we’re “used” to hearing. He’s gone from cute Youtube star to headliner at awards ceremonies and created songs that make you take pause because you’re not sure if you actually heard that. For example, “Bloom” is definitely not a song about a flower blooming. It’s about trusting your partner and the intimate nature of having sex between two men. It’s beautiful, private, and just the tip of Troye’s talent.
Other Songs You Should Check Out: My My My!, Youth
Follow Troye Sivan on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Hayley Kiyoko
Why You Should Listen: This former Disney star has turned musician, director, and writer of some of the most unapologetic and sensual songs about having feelings for another woman. She’s not talking about kissing a girl and liking it. Oh no. We’re past that. Hayley is all about the intricacies of attraction and feelings for other woman while seducing us with her moves and body language. Excuse me while I play this song all over again.
Other Songs You Should Check Out: Feelings, Gravel to Tempo
Follow Hayley Kiyoko on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Adore Delano
Why You Should Listen: Former American Idol and Ru Paul’s Drag race super star doesn’t fall into the same old stereotype of auto-tuned music with crazy visuals that entertain you but leave your memory as soon as you stop listening. She sticks! Adore talks obsession, love, and loss while having a good time and entertaining you with her creativity, voice, and style. There’s truly no other drag queen like her.
Other Songs You Should Check Out: Hello I Love You, Negative Nancy
Follow Adore Delano on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Zolita
Why You Should Listen: What I love about Zolita’s music is her ability to enter into unexplored territory and leave you breathless with her bravery. She’s explored happiness, the pain of fighting but continuing to do so, and shame, in her music and the videos that accompany it. “Holy” is one of my favorites because it’s like if The Handmaid’s Tale had a baby with a highschool AU. Utterly terrifying but somehow still beautiful.
Other Songs You Should Check Out: Fight Like a Girl, New You
Follow Zolita on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Mary Lambert
Why You Should Listen: My favorite thing about Mary Lambert is how vibrant and brave her music is. She’s pushing boundaries and facing her fears whereever she can. Also, you know all those meet-cutes you see heterosexual couples have and that you wish you’d see between two women? MARY HAS THOSE and they are creative, adorable, and without a doubt, make you want to have your own and believe that you can actually have one in the first place.
Other Songs You Should Check Out: She Keeps Me Warm, Know Your Name
Follow Mary Lambert on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Conchita Wurst
Why You Should Listen: This is the one artist I don’t want to spoil because…Conchita is an experience. Just press play and trust me when I say that she is a vision and incredible talent who blew everyone away at Eurovision and paved the way for change and continues to do so today.
Other Songs You Should Check Out: Heast as Net, The Show Must Go On
Follow Conchita Wurst on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
MUNA
Why You Should Listen: MUNA’s lyrics create portraits and tales that I would like to read multiple volumes of. This dark pop band is comprised of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson. Plus look at the lead vocals hair cut. You know that’s a risk taker who doesn’t care what others thinks and it shows in the music and every empowering lyric MUNA puts out.
Other Songs You Should Check Out: In My Way, Crying on the Bathroom Floor
Follow MUNA on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Have any suggestions on artists that we should be listening to? Let us know in the comments below!
Queerly Not Straight posts every Tuesday with opinion pieces, listicals, reviews, and more focused on the LGBT community.
