The next generation of LGBT musicians are here and here is a complete list of the ones you should keep an eye out for:
LP
Genre: Indie-Rock, Indie-Pop
Favorite Songs: Levitator (Forever For Now 2014) Lost On You (Death Valley 2016)
Quick Tip: Don't fall in love with LP. It'll be hard not to fall in love with LP (Laura Pergolizzi)'s voice and poetic meaningful lyrics. I first heard LP’s when I watched South of Nowhere and I have not turned back since.
Her music means so much than just words on paper, such as her most recent songs, "Strange" and "Lost On You." If you love a woman who will sooth your soul, LP is your go to.
Troye Sivan
Genre: Dance-Pop, Electronic
Favorite Song: Fools (Blue Neighborhood 2015)
Troye Sivan, A YouTuber and musician came out as gay in a 2013 YouTube video that has been viewed over seven million times. In the video, Sivan tells fellow fans, “It’s not something I am ashamed of and it's not something that anyone should have to be ashamed of.”
Sivan also goes on to say that: “this could kind of change everything for me and it shouldn't have to.”
Yeah, a lot has changed for Sivan—years later, Troye Sivan is making catchy hits and beautiful music videos that have over 18 million views.
The Internet (Syd The Kyd)
Genre: Alternative, R&B
Favorite Song: Girl (Ego Death 2015)
The Internet - a Grammy Nominated group formed by Odd Future members Matt Martians and openly gay artist, Syd the Kyd. They started The Internet in early 2011. The group is fronted by Syd The Kyd who in 2011 came out in the music video titled Cocaine. In an interview in La Weekly, she was asked why she decided to do it in the public eye, she responded with, “I decided to do it because I wish I had someone like that [an openly gay female artist] while I was coming up.”
Syd The Kyd has then been an inspiration to fans since her coming out. Syd The Kyd voice is pure joy to the ears and The Internet is definitely to be kept on your radar.
Grizzly Bear
Genre: Indie Rock
Favorite Song: Two Weeks (Veckatimest 2009)
Grizzly Bear, not a “gay band” but fronted by Ed Droste, who identifies as a gay man, is an an amazing Indie band whose music should be immediately purchased. Their sound varies from their last album, "Shields," but it's not a reason to check out their much older albums such as Horn of Plenty, Yellow House, and Veckatimist.
Every album from the very first to Shields grows more and more with pure genius.
Tegan and Sara
Genre: Pop, Alternative-Folk
Favorite Song: Back In Your Head (The Con 2007)
Tegan and Sara are not new to music. Canadian twin sisters Tegan and Sara released their first album Under Feet Like Ours in 1999, although their sound has changed dramatically this does not change the fact that these sisters have “queered mainstream” and are making a name for themselves.
Recently having released their new album, "Love You To Death," this year, Tegan and Sara are currently on tour and bringing back nostalgia with old and new songs.
Shura
Genre: Pop, Electropop
Favorite Song: Touch (Nothing's Real 2016)
Shura who is currently touring with Tegan and Sara gives life back to your heart and feet. "Nothing's Real" includes great tracks from beginning to end but the highlights of the album are What's It Gonna Be, Touch, Indecision, and Kids ‘N’ Stuff.
Her tracks What's It Gonna Be and Indecision will make you want to dance. Then there are tracks such as Touch and Kidz ‘N’ Stuff that will wish you weren't driving because you might end up driving to your ex's house - Don't Shura and Drive. Her music videos are a must watch as well, especially Touch, with over 25 million views.
Frank Ocean
Genre: R&B
Favorite Song: Sierra Leone (channel ORANGE)
Frank Ocean has been trending on all social networks while numerous people wait for his new album to drop. Since the dropping of his album "channel ORANGE," Ocean has gained a very dedicated fan base.
With over millions of YouTube views and over three million listeners on Spotify, Frank Ocean does not fail to make an impression on dedicated and new fans alike.
This is only a small list of the many LGBT musicians that I recommend. There are many more to be on the lookout for.
From punk to pop to electronica to classical, they are out there. Keep your eyes peeled for future LGBT artists who are making a name for themselves.
