When conversation turns to LGBTQ+ music artists, you might think about Lady Gaga or respond by singing Macklemore’s “Same Love” at the top of your lungs. But whom else do you think about?
In a world where “Talk Dirty” by Jason Derulo is the only song played on the radio, it’s understandable that people know very little about queer musicians. But don’t worry – we’re here to show you that there’s a whole world of cool LGBTQ+ artists apart from Adam Lambert and Melissa Etheridge just waiting for you to give them a listen!
1. Tegan and Sara
The first spot must of course go to openly gay twins and indie-rock goddesses Tegan and Sara. With their infectious beats and feel-good music, Tegan and Sara prove that you don’t need to be a cookie-cutter pop star to make in the business. In fact they’ve performed with Taylor Swift, they had their song “Closer” featured on Glee and they’re even set to open for the third leg of Katy Perry’s Prismatic World Tour! It’s nice to know that while Katy Perry might have kissed a girl and liked it, openly gay artists like Tegan and Sara are here to remind music moguls that the public is a lot more receptive of LGBTQ+ artists than you might think.
Must-listen song: “The Con”
2. Brendan Maclean
Brendan Maclean first captured the attention of the world when his hit video “Stupid” was published on Buzzfeed. For the most part, the openly gay Australian is rather unknown outside of his home country, but with his silky voice, emotionally charged pop songs and quirky aesthetic, he’s well on his way to becoming a gay superstar. What’s even better is that his second album, Population, is obtainable with a “name your price” payment here.
You may end up recognizing his face more than his music, however, considering the fact that he played the fabulously coiffed pianist Klipspringer in The Great Gatsby last year. If you like the flamboyance of Mika and poetic charm of John Mayer, Brendan Maclean is an artist for you!
Must-listen song: “Winner”
3. Mary Lambert
Most people just know Mary Lambert as the female vocalist on Macklemore’s gay anthem “Same Love.” What they don’t know is just how immensely talented Mary Lambert is a solo act. Her beautiful vocals, akin to Sara Bareilles’, and folk style, reminiscent of Jewel, make her a breath of fresh air in an industry of cookie-cutter pop stars. From recounting her experience growing up as a lesbian to penning songs about self-esteem and body image, Lambert’s music is painstakingly honest and heartfelt. She even wrote a spoken-word song, “Body Love,” that explores her own experience with sexual assault and self-esteem with the hopes of inspiring conversation. What makes Lambert such an incredible artist is the intimacy and rawness of her performances. In fact, she says her concerts are safe spaces where it’s okay to cry. Don’t mind if we do!
Must-listen song: “She Keeps Me Warm”
4. Angel Haze
In an industry dominated by street cred and homophobia, it’s incredible to have a rapper as vocal about LGBTQ+ identity, rape and other social issues as Angel Haze. A self-described pansexual, Haze has used her music to tackle certain issues. In fact, through her cover versions of songs like Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s “Same Love” and Eminem’s “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” Haze has shared her experiences with homophobia and acknowledged her own history of sexual abuse to spark conversation.
With the release of her debut album, Dirty Gold, Haze has brought inspiring and original material to the forefront and continues to challenge the structure of rap and hip-hop.
Must-listen song: “Battle Cry” (feat. Sia)
5. Adore Delano
Since appearing on season seven of American Idol, Danny Noriega (aka drag superstar Adore Delano) has made waves on the gay music scene. After tying for second place in the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Delano has gone on to release Till Death Do Us Party, a dance-pop album even Miley Cyrus would throw down to. The album debuted at no. 59 on the Billboard 200 and no. 3 on the Dance/Electronics chart, an indicator that gender non-conforming musicians and drag performers can find success in the music industry despite gender and sexuality discrimination.
Must-listen song: “I Adore U”
6. CocoRosie
When discussing queer music artists, it’s impossible not to bring up Sierra and Bianca Casady, the two sisters who make up the “freak folk” duo CocoRosie. The duo, who is known most for their cross-dressing, gender-bending and use of unorthodox instruments such as windup toys, use their music to voice their stances on several issues.
Bianca, who identifies as queer, explained the role of her sexuality and gender identity in an interview with AfterEllen.com: “My sexuality is explored in my work… [but it’s] more my gender than my sexual preference… it’s about being yourself in a patriarchal, heterocentric, heteronormative, monotheistic world.”
Their musical style, which can be seen as a blend of artists like Antony and the Johnsons and Bjork, often focuses on CocoRosie’s extreme political stances on issues ranging from the war in Iraq to environmental decay.
Must-listen song: “Lemonade”
7. The Knife
The Knife, another family duo consisting of Swedish siblings Karin Dreijer Andersson and Olof Dreijer, has always operated outside of social norms. They rarely make public appearances, refuse to attend award shows and have been known to wear long-beaked bird masks during interviews. When asked by The Guardian why she and her brother wear masks, Karin responded by saying that the two are “always playing a role.” The Knife has been heavily influenced by queer theory and uses their music to criticize the idea that some music is more authentic than others.
While they may have ventured from their Arcade Fire/Bjork routes into more synth-pop territory, The Knife is here to show that you can make great music while staying true to your beliefs.
Must-listen song: “A Tooth For An Eye”
From queer-theory-inspired synth pop to intimate ballads, it’s clear that LGBTQ+ artists can satisfy any and all music urges. And while some LGBTQ+ artists like Elton John and Melissa Etheridge may have more visibility, these artists are ones whose music you definitely don’t want to miss out on!
Are we missing any of your favorite musicians? Let us know your opinion in the comments below!