Craving more music from queer artists? Here’s who should be on your radar

Randa, UMI and YaYa Bey to name a few

The past few years have served up a musical feast for the queer community. Groundbreaking singles like Billie Eilish’s “LUNCH”, Clairo’s first-ever music video for “Juna”, and the anticipated posthumous LP from SOPHIE have made it feel like we’ve truly been spoiled.

As a music lover, it’s exhilarating to see the industry finally starting to reflect the diversity and brilliance of our community. From the anthems we scream in the club to the ballads we cry to in the car, queer music artists are dominating our playlists - and we’re so here for it.

The numbers back it up. According to ‘The Power of LGBTQ+ Music’ report, queer music fans are more likely to spend money on music, whether physical albums, merch, concert tickets or more, it’s at a higher rate than other averages would suggest.

When it comes to genres, Pop is predictably leading the way in queer representation, with R&B/Hip-Hop and Rock following closely behind, and the majority of these queer artists performing in one of those genres.

We’re more than halfway through the year which means it’s almost time for Spotify Wrapped. Don’t worry - there’s still time to discover and overplay your next obsession. Dive into this list of our favourite queer artists you need to have on your playlist.

1. Randa

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Listen while…On a summer road trip or at the beach (preferably with SPF 30 and an ice cream in hand)

About the artist: Randa, a non-binary rapper from New Zealand, brings a refreshing approach to rap. Their clever lyrics and catchy beats will have you hooked from the first listen. Awarded the 2014 Critic’s Choice title, their music is perfect for an uplifting vibe. "Heatwave" and "Lifeguard" are perfect tracks for a sunny day.

2. Urias

Genre: Pop/Electronic

Listen while…Getting ready for a night out or power walking through the streets of London (pretend you’re in a music video, we won’t judge)

About the artist: Brazilian powerhouse Urias combines her powerful vocals with a mix of electronics and blues/jazz influence. Whether you’re in the mood for something introspective like “Foi Mal” or a banger like “Cuntelectual”, she’s got you covered. Her advocacy and representation of trans issues in mainstream media have made her a significant star in Brazil's pop scene.

3. Mykki Blanco

Genre: Hip-Hop/Alternative

Listen while…Defying the norms at an underground club or while channelling your creative outlet

About the artist: Mykki Blanco has an experimental approach to hip-hop and performance art that captivates diverse audiences. She has an impressive list of accolades, including features with Charli XCX, Teyana Taylor and Blood Orange. Dive into “Free Ride” and “I’m In A Mood” to enjoy their unique sound.

4. Claud

Genre: Indie Pop

Listen while…Daydreaming on the bus home or during a cosy reading session (with a cup of something warm)

About the artist: Claud, the first artist signed to Phoebe Bridgers’ label, offers indie pop so sweet it should come with a dental warning. Their debut album Super Monster has been praised for its honest lyrics and dreamy production. Songs like "Wish You Were Gay" and "Soft Spot" are perfect for reliving those first crush moments.

5. UMI

Genre: R&B/Soul

Listen while…Practising your evening skincare routine, a new makeup look or DIY nail art

About the singer: UMI’s soothing voice and soulful sound make her a must-add to your playlist. Starting in the Soundcloud scene with covers, her original songs promote self-care, peace and spirituality. Her nostalgic tracks like “Love Affair” and addictive tunes like “High School” are perfect for winding down or getting lost in your thoughts.

6. Ezra Furman

Genre: Indie rock

Listen while…On a high-speed train, long tube journey or private concert in your room

About the singer: Ezra Furman’s energetic and eclectic style makes her a standout in the indie rock scene. Her music tackles themes of identity, love and our favourite - rebellion. Known for her activism and vocal support for LGBTQ+ rights, check out older tracks like “Take Off Your Sunglasses” and her cover of “I Can Change” for a dose of empowerment.

7. YAYA BEY

Genre: Soul/R&B

Listen while…Perfecting yoga stretches or cooking for a dinner party

About the singer: Yaya Bey’s music is a beautiful blend of soul, jazz and R&B influences, ideal for a chill-out session. Her songs like “You up?” and “September 13th” showcase her unique style and lyrical depth, staying true to her Brooklyn roots. Bey’s music often draws from her personal experiences, with her recent album Ten Fold written in mourning of her father, rapper Grand Daddy IU.

8. Ian Isiah

Genre: R&B/Rap

Listen while…Getting ready for a romantic evening or scrolling through dating apps

About the artist: Ian Isiah, also known as Big Shugga, brings a fresh and bold approach to our senses. Dubbed ‘babymaking’ music, he fuses classic soul with contemporary R&B, delivering a mix of versatility and charisma. Known for his magnetic presence in the underground NYC scene, we guarantee you’ll eat up his tracks “Killup” and “N.U.T.S”.

9. Raveena

Genre: Soul/R&B

Listen while…Reading at the coffee shop or eating at a picnic in the park

About the artist: Dreamy, ethereal and spiritual are just a few of the words we can think of to describe Raveena’s honey-like voice. Still exploring her style and self, Raveena has been known to blend modern soul and R&B with her South Asian roots. Tracks like “Petal” and “Headaches” will have you floating on cloud nine, making her the perfect addition to your soul playlist.

10. Elliot Lee

Genre: Alt Pop

Listen while…Taking a long park walk or visiting an art gallery

About the artist: Elliot Lee’s genre-blending sound means you’re excited for each listen to a new song. Unapologetically themselves, Elliot projects true ALIEN vibes by not worrying about fitting into society. Their dark pop melodies are hard to get out of your head, with standout tracks like TikTok hit “Pink (Freak)” and the new catchy tune “Alive, Not Well”. 

Luminate’s ‘The Power of LGBTQ+ Music’ data confirms what we’ve always known: queer-made entertainment doesn’t just influence mainstream culture - it reshapes it. Take RuPaul’s Drag Race as an example; songs featured in the iconic lipsyncs see a staggering 138% boost in streaming the week after the episode airs. Our impact is anything but small.

These artists offer just a glimpse into the rich diversity and talent thriving within the LGBTQ+ music community. So give them a listen - your playlist, and your ears, will thank you.

Got a favourite queer artist or track that you constantly have on repeat? Drop it in the comments below - I’m all ears.