Love Is Love (Part 2)

In Part 1 of our Love Is Love series, we explored some of the LGBTQ artists who were pioneers in their genres and helped open doors for today’s artists. As we continue our celebration of Pride Month, we take a look at some of today’s best new music from LGBTQ artists. Be sure to check out the Spotify playlist that features all of the artists covered this month at RPM!

 

Shopping – The Hype

The post-punk music of Shopping practices a defiant optimism that tackles queer issues while keeping the dance floor percolating. Imagine the B-52s and Gang of Four jamming at a Tiki party and you might get close to the irresistible fun of a Shopping concert. Vocalist and guitarist Rachel Aggs possesses a clean style on her Telecaster that allows the notes time to sink their teeth into your butt if you are trying to stand still.

 

Pillow Queens – Gay Girls

These Irish indie rockers are just getting started but they have already been nominated for a song of the year in Ireland with “Gay Girls”. Their lo-fi rock-n-roll fits into today’s scene somewhere between Mitski and Courtney Barnett. At a time when guitar bands are decidedly unfashionable, Pillow Queens are turning the amps up louder. Striving for authentic representation in every aspect of their art, Pillow Queens are ready to inspire the next generation of women in rock-n-roll.

Bang Bang Romeo – The Show Must Go On

Bang Bang Romeo are regulars to RPM. From their roof shaking live shows to a string of hot singles, Bang Bang Romeo is poised for world domination. About to depart on a stadium tour with P!nk, it would be such a thrill to hear Anastasia “Stars” Walker belt out this Queen gem in Wembley Stadium! Not only a powerful voice for the LGBTQ community, Walker and the band are a tidal wave about to slam into the music scene on a massive scale with their soon-to-be-released debut album, A Heartbreaker’s Guide To the Galaxy, arrives later this year.

 

GIRLI – Up & Down

Apart from the brilliance of Madonna and Lady Gaga, female pop stars from England are often more interesting and willing to challenge social norms (see: M.I.A.). GIRLI, the stage name of Milly Toomey, is the latest artist to shake us up. GIRLI embraces the responsibility of writing music that has something to say. Inspired by artists such as Tegan & Sara, GIRLI writes openly about being pansexual and is outspokenly feminist. She is punk. She is pop. She is rap. She is GIRLI.

 

Kim Petras – Sweet Spot

Recently nominated for the GLAAD Outstanding Music Artist award, Kim Petras continues to make perfect pop sound effortless. The German singer-songwriter keeps the focus on her music, rarely talking in-depth about her trans identity. She doesn’t need to. Her queer fans have embraced her unequivocally and mainstream success seems to be on the near horizon. The disco-tinged single “Sweet Spot” takes us back to the dance clubs of New York City in the 1970s where LGBTQ kings and queens ruled the night.