2021 was a memorable year for music, and it saw some LGBTQ+ artists topping the charts throughout the year. The likes of Lil Nas X, Elton John, Kehlani, and Halsey had back-to-back hits. But if you’re in search of some new and probably unheard LGBTQ+ artists, here is a list of ten artists from the community who have released music this year and are killing the game!
Fletcher – Girls Girls Girls
Most people are familiar with the iconic 2008 no. 1 hit single “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry. The lyrics are questionable but it remains to be a staple track for the community. Fletcher’s “Girls Girls Girls” samples “I Kissed a Girl” in the chorus, with much-needed and coming of age rework to the lyrics. “I kissed a girl and I liked it/Sipped her like an old fashioned,” croons Fletcher. The rest of the song represents Fletcher’s signature tune to a T. It is catchy, melodic, with insane singing and relatable lyrics – a concoction evident from her discography.
LEOPOLD – Letter
LEOPOLD is an up-and-coming singer & performer belonging to a new generation of LGBTQIA+ artists. He recently released “Letter” from his upcoming debut album titled “Unattractive”. “Letter” talks about the anxiety and struggle faced by LEOPOLD growing up as a gay kid. He shares his experience of feeling isolated and his will to survive, in hopes that the song resonates with listeners sharing the same feeling.
VINCINT – All Over Again
Vincint Cannady, better known by his stage name VINCINT, is a pop singer who has already gathered many accolades since his short time in the music industry. He was a finalist on the FOX singing competition show “The Four” and recently released his track “Be Me” featured in season 5 of Queer Eye. Vincint’s “All Over Again” is a vulnerable, 80s inspired synth-pop track about grief. The singer says, “It’s about cherishing the moment and most importantly loving on your people while they’re still here.”
Wrabel – nothing but the love
wrabel is best known for his 2017 single “Village” whose accompanying five-minute music video depicting the struggle of a trans teen left quite an influential mark in the LGBTQ+ community. He released his latest single ‘nothing but the love’ off of his debut album. A soulful ballad with a choir-esque climax, ‘nothing but the love’ is a song that celebrates love and all its emotions.
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Sarah Proctor – Lost
2021 saw British singer/songwriter Sarah Proctor releasing back-to-back songs about queer relationships. Her single ‘Lost’ talks about the escapist love between partners or friends. Despite debuting only in 2020, Sarah’s discography is rich with beautiful, melancholic songs that resonates vulnerability and tenderness of relationships.
Kelechi – dance in the mirror
Rising star Kelechi has a catalog brimming with upbeat, pop music that makes you want to sing at the top of your voice and dance alone in your bathroom, which so happens to be the artist’s aim while he records his music. With ‘dance in the mirror‘, kelechi took heartbreak and transformed it into a ‘breakthrough song’, not a breakup song. The singer calls it ‘a glimpse into his love life.’
LP – Angels
‘Lost On You’ by LP (Laura Pergolizzi) was a smash-hit track of 2017 amassing over 800 million views on its live version on Youtube. Since then, she has gone on to release numerous singles and albums. Her latest addition “Angels” is from her new album titled “Churches”. Not only does she have a phenomenal career writing and recording her tracks, but LP has also written for some the iconic Rihanna, Cher, Céline Dion, and Christina Aguilera, and more!
Saro – Boy Tears
Alt-R&B-pop artist Saro is one to look out for! His latest single ‘Boy Tears’ off of his upcoming debut album, channels his signature sorrowful lyrics masqueraded by danceable beats. According to Saro, the track is “about an insatiable hunger for what flows from a guy’s eyes when they’re in fear, duress or deep sadness. We wanted this song to feel like an industrial, underground dance party in Gotham at 4 am, but make it queer”.
Gloria Groove – BONEKINHA
Gloria Groove, the drag persona of Daniel Garcia Felicione Napoleão, is one of Brazil’s most trailblazing LGBT artists. ‘BONEKINHA‘ was an instant in Brazil and made listeners anticipate Gloria’s forthcoming album. It’s a funk, rock, and trap song, the diffusion of which is deemed as the reason for ‘BONEKINHA’ to go viral.
