By Elio Wilder (they/them)
Small Indie LGBTQ+ Musicians to add to your playlist
Music. A creative artform, an outlet for self-expression, a medium to communicate and inspire. LGBTQ+ music has allowed me to connect with the community and explore my own identity both remotely and in-person. Music makes community accessible, facilitating cultural connections that transcend time and space.
In addition to staples like girl in red, Chappell Roan, and Clairo, the LGBTQ+ music scene is filled with a plethora of lesser-known artists that’ll be sure to scratch your brain too.
Below I share my current favourite smaller Queer musicians so you to support and enjoy them too.
1. Mia Wray
Seven years into a relationship with a man, Mia Wray had the realisation, ‘I’m gayer than I thought I was’, and her debut album hi, it’s nice to meet me is the sonic result.
Mia Wray, hi, it’s nice to meet me. Image used under fair dealing.
The album, produced by Georgia Flipo aka G-Flip, is a pop delight which tells the relatable story of coming into Queerness during adulthood. Soulful voice, confessional songwriting, and vibrant melodies combine for a joyous listening experience.
Oh, and the woman she wrote the album about – they’re together now!
First Listen: What If
Underrated Bop: Tell Her
For Lovers Of: Claud, Alessia Cara, Dora Jar, Julia Michaels
2. Philip Brooks
Philip Brooks, quite early one morning. Image used under fair dealing.
Brooks’ description of their music as ‘songs that feel like soft clouds floating in evening light’ is certainly accurate. Their discography primarily consists of gentle acoustic guitar combined with whisper singing, creating a peaceful, nostalgic atmosphere. The emotive aura is reminiscent of a solo walk through a forest just after rain; a feeling of calmness, clarity, and possibility.
Their collaboration, mountain songs, with runo plum is a triumph, filled with delicate tunes like creek and wait till u get home.
First Listen: spend some time alone inside my head
Underrated Bop: honey let’s just drive
For Lovers Of: beabadoobee, Shallow Alcove, Ezra Williams, runo plum
3. Katie Gavin
Katie Gavin, What A Relief. Image used under fair dealing.
After 10 years as the lead singer and primary writer for the band MUNA, Katie Gavin released her debut solo album late last year. Aptly titled, What A Relief, the album took 6 years to develop and feels like a release of complex emotions. Upbeat bops are punctuated by devastating ballads like As Good As It Gets (feat. Mitski) which depicts an unsatisfying romance and The Baton exploring intergeneration mother-daughter trauma.
First Listen: Aftertaste
Underrated Bop: Casual Drug Use
For Lovers Of: Julian Baker, Bess Atwell, Jensen McRae, Mitski
4. Sorcha Richardson
Sorcha Richardson, Smiling Like an Idiot. Image used under fair dealing.
Returning home to Dublin after a stint in New York sets the scene of Richardson’s second album Smiling Like an Idiot. As the title suggests, the songs are a vibrant, upbeat depiction of her journey across the world and back. More than a simple recount, her detailed story-telling immerses the listener in her indie folk-pop world.
Her debut album, First Prize Bravery, is stacked with infectious tracks that grow on you with every listen. Be warned: her melodies will be stuck in your head for weeks… but you won’t be mad about it.
First Listen: Ruin Your Night
Underrated Bop: Shark Eyes
For Lovers Of: Lizzy McAlpine, boygenius, Leith Ross, Amy Shark
5. Georgia Mulligan
Georgia Mulligan, Nothing Wrong. Image used under fair dealing.
Georgia Mulligan has a haunting voice that immediately draws you in. Every word feels so vital and alive, yet tender; it resonates with the soul. Beautifully melancholic, like flicking through an old family photo album from before you were born. In addition to serene atmospheric tracks such as Like Water, her discography also features indie soft rock moments such as Paper.
First Listen: Singing Stripe
Underrated Bop: Unheaven
For Lovers Of: Holly Humberstone, Gracie Abrams, Noah Cyrus, Phoebe Bridgers
6. Aleksiah
Aleksiah, Fern. Image used under fair dealing.
If Sabrina Carpenter was Aussie and Queer, this is what she’d sound like. Aleksiah is brain-scratching pop perfection, with catchy lyrics and vibrant dance beats. Her music describes universal Gen Z experiences of yearning, repression, and the oftentimes uncomfortable journey to adulthood.
Her debut album comes out this July.
First Listen: Fern
Underrated Bop: Clothes Off
For Lovers Of: Sabrina Carpenter, Peach PRC, Gracie Abrams, Pommelien Thijs
7. Saturn 17
saturn 17, could this be love? Image used under fair dealing.
Comprising of Nika Fazeli and Halsey Bousquet, saturn 17 is an indie pop/rock duo formed in LA in 2019. Catchy pop hooks meet soft rock instrumental with a celestial overture to create light, floaty tracks that are by no means lacking substance. The generally upbeat spirit is captured in both their lyrics and sonic style for easy listening.
Their lyrics explore Queer themes from a WLW crush (could this be love?) to the obsession with MLM relationships amongst a subculture of heterosexual women (magazine).
First Listen: could this be love?
Underrated Bop: tunnels
For Lovers Of: The Regrettes, The Booyah Kids, Beach Bunny, The Aces
8. Dorian Electra
Dorian Electra, fanfare. Image used under fair dealing.
Dorian Electra is the genderqueer (non-oppressive) Monarch of hyperpop. Boasting collaborations with icons such as Charli xcx and 100 gecs, their solo discography is arguably even more listenable. Their tracks range from overt social commentary (Manmade Horrors, Control) to satirical piss-takes (Career Boy, Give Great Thanks), united by electro-synth backing with a side of their signature whip-crack sound effect.
As a performance artist, their work can is enhanced by their visually striking music videos. Their experimentalism may come across as confronting to the uninitiated, but those that take the plunge will be rewarded with art beyond restraint.
First Listen: Man to Man
Underrated Bop: Mind Body Problem
For Lovers Of: Slayyyter, SOPHIE, Charli xcx, 100 gecs
9. Katie Pruitt
Katie Pruitt, Expectations. Image used under fair dealing.
Powerful, full-bodied, gritty, and utterly intentional describes Pruitt’s voice best. Her songs explore her experience as a Queer person raised Catholic in Nashville, Tennessee. Pruitt’s soaring vocals are matched by her equally compelling lyricism that capture hope in a hostile environment. Her Southern twang is backed by acoustic instrumentals that incorporate both alternative country and folk elements.
First Listen: Expectations
Underrated Bop: It’s Always Been You
For Lovers Of: Kasey Musgraves, Matt Maltease, Molly Tuttle, Jade Bird
10. Thelma Plum
Thelma Plum, I’m Sorry, Now Say It Back. Image used under fair dealing.
Known for her radio hits, Better In Blak and Clumsy Love, Plum followed this success with the release of her second album late last year, I’m Sorry, Now Say It Back. The Gamilaraay singer combines rich, velvety vocals with raw, honest storytelling of personal reflection and evolution. It’s a deeper dive into Plum’s psyche backed by soft folk beats and pop hooks.
First Listen: Better In Blak
Underrated Bop: Nobody’s Baby
For Lovers Of: Tessa Violet, Mallrat, Sycco, Liza Anne
11. The Aces
The Aces, Under My Influence. Image used under fair dealing.
Katie Henderson, McKenna Petty, and sisters Alisa Ramirez and Cristal Ramirez formed their band, The Aces, in Provo, Utah. Three out of the four band members are Queer, and their music explores their experiences being raised to a Mormon environment. Their alternative electric pop style is filled with punchy instrumentals; it’s uncomplicated dance music with catchy choruses that’ll have you immediately singing along.
First Listen: Volcanic Love
Underrated Bop: 801
For Lovers Of: MUNA, Paramore, The Beaches, FLETCHER
Happy listening!
Got a feminist opinion you want to share? We want to publish your work! Anyone can contribute to the OWP blog, no experience necessary! Find out more about being featured on our blog.