Being Queer in the music industry

Let's talk about Queer Music in the music industry !

«I’m very green to the music industry, but I think being a queer artist can be rewarding in many ways. I’ve been able to connect with so many artists, producers, and other industry professionals across the LGBTQ+ spectrum (both in person and virtually), and everyone is focused on lifting each other up and highlighting fellow artists within the community. It’s incredible to hear the diversity in life experiences and all all the different stories other queer artists have to share.

I do think being a queer musician can be difficult when you feel pigeonholed into highly specific narratives or sonic niches that the music industry prescribes for LGBTQ+ artists, especially queer women (e.g., diaristic sadcore that characterises a lot of today’s queer indie rock-pop).

That can feel a bit voyeuristic or overly commodified, when in reality, LGBTQ people have as diverse a range of stories and styles as any other artists! I’m excited to create a sound all my own and pave my own way in the industry as a queer artist»

Written by Abby Nissenbaum