If you have Spotify on for all or most of the day, we're kindred spirits. I listen to so much music on a daily basis that I no longer do even basic tasks like folding laundry or washing dishes without it. Listening to tunes instantly makes my day better, especially if there's queer bands in the rotation. If you're looking to expand your taste in music or just want to try something new, check out these seven artists I've been listening to non-stop.
1. King Princess
She’s the king of this list. With a relatable sadness to her and a serious rock-and-roll vibe, this gay artist uses her husky voice to sing through infatuation, love, and heartbreak-the whole cycle. King Princess is literally the coolest 20-something around. And with songs featuring hazy, swingy rhythms and tons of bass and electric guitar, I'm hooked.
Notable songs: "Talia", "Prophet", "1950"
2. Hayley Kiyoko
Of Lemonade Mouth fame (iykyk), this unapologetically gay singer is most known for her song, "Girls Like Girls." Her songs have similar badass, queer themes to King Princess's but have a totally different sound. Kiyoko's songs are somewhere between upbeat and dark pop. Because of this, her sound is pretty varied and features tons of catchy synthesizer beats.
Notable songs: "Feelings", "What I Need", "Palm Dreams"
3. BORNS
This artist doesn't identify one way or another, but his androgynous looks and sound deserve a shoutout. His haunting voice mixed with eclectic rock/pop music-which I can only assume he made when he was high-is pure magic.
Notable songs: "Fool", "Holy Ghost", "Sweet Dreams"
4. Kehlani
I probably don't need to introduce you to this Oakland, CA native. She's a badass rapper and singer in her own right. Kehlani writes songs about being queer and an empowered feminist, much like Hayley Kiyoko and King Princess. Her raspy vocals and genre-spanning work make her a versatile artist. Not to mention, she just has super catchy songs.
Notable songs: "Nights Like This (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign)", "Honey", "Good Thing"
5. P!ATD
This is a band I've listened to since I was a teenager, and I've never regretted it. Their frontman, Brendon Urie, came out as pansexual a few years back. Many think the song "Girls/Girls/Boys" is a nod to his sexuality, aside from being a great song. The band's sound evolved from emo/rock to a poppier sound, especially with the advent of their most recent album, "Pray for the Wicked."
Notable songs: "Girls/Girls/Boys", "LA Devotee", "Miss Jackson (feat. LOLO)"
6. FLETCHER
This newly minted queer pop queen sings mostly about regrets and heartbreak with a kind of raw honesty. She also incorporates progressive attitudes to love in her music, like in her song, "Forever," where she sings about how she puts herself and her desires above being tied down in relationships. Her songs are all very relatable and have major pop vibes.
Notable songs: "Bitter (feat. Kito)", "Undrunk", "Forever"
7. MIKA
If you like whimsical pop, MIKA's your guy. His work ranges from slow-tempo ballads to upbeat, peppy songs. With just a touch of theatrical flair, MIKA draws listeners in with his sass and positive attitude. That's not to say he doesn't have his fair share of contemplative or serious songs.
Notable songs: "Blame it on the Girls", "Popular Song (feat. Ariana Grande)", "Celebrate-
Pharrell Williams"
*Photo sources linked in images
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