LGBTQ+ Music to Keep an Ear Out for in 2024

2023 saw LGBTQ+ musicians breaking records and breaking boundaries. From Miley Cyrus earning the highest streamed single of the year with ‘Flowers’, to Troye Sivan donning a drag alter ego during the release of his new record, LGBTQ+ musicians continue to change the landscape of music and deliver empowering messages. 2024 is no different, with the queer community continuing to be a driving force in the music industry, and various talented musicians expected to produce new, engaging music.

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Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X has been a recent prominent figure in both the music industry (holder of the longest running number one song record), and a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community (simply watch the music video for Call Me By Your Name). Known for pushing boundaries and fearlessly expressing his identity, he constantly demonstrates his unapologetic approach and artistic versatility.

He recently announced his new track J Christ, posting the caption “"MY NEW SINGLE IS DEDICATED TO THE MAN WHO HAD THE GREATEST COMEBACK OF ALL TIME!", on Instagram. The new track will be released globally on 12th January 2024, launching us into an inevitably queer new year.

Lady Gaga

Another artist to watch out for is Lady Gaga, an iconic and beloved figure who has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. From her classic records The Fame and Born This Way, all the way up to her most recent release, Chromatica, Gaga has built a devoted fanbase with her eclectic mix of sounds.

The 'Poker Face’ singer is set to captivate audiences once again with her upcoming releases, recently posting a photograph of her in the studio on Instagram. With the release of the ‘Joker’ sequel, in which she stars as Harley Quinn, we’re sure to be in for a very Gaga-centric year!

Megan Thee Stallion

Celebrated for her empowering lyrics and confident demeanor, Megan Thee Stallion has been an advocate for self-expression and individuality. Her music regularly references her sexual confidence, her queerness and her identity. Though only a few years into her career, Megan Thee Stallion’s contributions to the music industry already reflect authenticity and resilience, making her upcoming music a point of excitement for many.

The release of her recent single Cobra in 2023 was met with critical acclaim and a very positive response from her dedicated fanbase – hopefully 2024 will show if the follow-up album remains at the same level of popularity.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande, known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits, has also been an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community. Whilst not openly LGBTQ+ herself, she has an immense queer fanbase and her unwavering support for equality and inclusion has resonated with fans worldwide.

To her fans’ delight, she recently announced the release of her new single ‘Yes, and?’, releasing worldwide on Friday, January 12th. Whether she will harp back to her older days of R&B style pop, keep up the electronic based rhythms dominating the charts in recent years, or try something completely new remains to be seen.

Kali Uchis

Colombian-American singer Kali Uchis is known for her unique musical style, blending elements of R&B, soul, pop, and reggaeton. Born in Virginia, Uchis gained recognition with her debut studio album "Isolation" in 2018, which received critical acclaim for its eclectic sound and powerful vocal delivery. Her music often explores themes of love, identity, and empowerment, and she has collaborated with various artists across different genres, showcasing her versatility as a musician.

Uchis' distinctive voice and captivating stage presence have established her as a rising star in the music industry. Her exploration of personal experiences and identity has resonated with a diverse audience, positioning her as an artist to watch in the coming year – especially with the release of her new record ‘Orquídeas’ very soon.

Tsatsamis

An emerging talent within the LGBTQ+ music scene, this London-based artist, producer and songwriter is poised to make their mark with their unique perspectives and artistry. With lyrics focusing on sexuality, identity and queer culture in general, Tsatsamis continues to refine his craft, and his potential to shape the industry's landscape is an exciting prospect for pop music enthusiasts.

Recent singles Everybody Wants a Piece of You and Let Go promise a new range of music coming soon in 2024 – keep an ear out for this aspiring young artist on your playlists!

This year, the music industry can expect a surge in vibrant and diverse releases from LGBTQ+ musicians, encompassing a wide range of genres and narratives. Their collective impact serves as a testament to the enduring influence of LGBTQ+ artists and their contributions to the global music landscape. As audiences eagerly await new music from these artists and others, the evolution of the industry promises to be even more inclusive and captivating than 2023.