Music genre-stretching genres like disco, house and bass often originate in marginalized communities; however, their LGBTQ influence remains less well documented.
Multiple queer artists are making waves in the electronic music scene, serving as sources of inspiration for other members of the LGBTQ community.
Jlin
LGBTQ people are having an immense effect on culture, with music playing an instrumental part. From hip-hop to indie, nearly every genre has had some kind of queer influence – but the most influential are bands using their platforms to address issues affecting LGBTQ communities – from coming out as trans to singing about porn – these LGBTQ bands are shifting music’s landscape by challenging norms and empowering listeners.
Jlin is a multidisciplinary artist who blends footwork with experimental electronic music. Her works explore themes of identity and self-expression influenced by her experiences as a black woman in an industry predominantly dominated by white men. Jlin has achieved notable success despite facing discrimination and bias; her music often serves as a direct reflection of her experiences while her openness about her gender has contributed towards greater acceptance and inclusivity within the music industry.
Jlin was raised in Gary, Indiana with an intense passion for music. Her musical influences included Sade, Luther Vandross, Phoebe Snow and Miles Davis; though neither her parents were musicians themselves they both shared an appreciation of jazz and soul music.
Jlin is widely recognized for her outstanding electronic works and collaborations with orchestras. Her latest release ‘Perspective’ serves as the musical counterpart to Third Coast Percussion’s 2020 performance piece of the same name, featuring recordings from marimbas, xylophones, vibraphones, ankle bells and wood blocks that come together to form an eclectic soundscape.
Perspective is an exploration of the transformative potential of human voice, reflecting intersectionality and its necessity in today’s political climate.
Octo Octa is a transgender female DJ and producer who uses their music to advocate for gender equality and awareness. Their blend of deep house and breakbeat has earned critical acclaim; many in the LGBTQ community have found inspiration from Octo’s authenticity and willingness to share stories; they have been driving forces behind creating an inclusive music scene.
Moore Kismet
Omar Davis, more commonly known by his stage name Moore Kismet, has made waves in the LGBTQ+ music world as an EDM pioneer and pioneered other Black and Brown LGBTQ+ artists to break through into music. Davis’ unique sound and strong sense of self has won over many music enthusiasts all around the world; he has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues and festivals including EDC Las Vegas and Lollapalooza.
Davis is known for her distinctive “beautifully controlled chaos” sound, which her fans have described as an exploration of human emotion. From soothing, melodic swells to discordant, jarring sequences that push the boundaries of bass music – these elements give Davis her own sound reminiscent of both R&B and hard electronic.
Davis continues to struggle on their journey towards stardom despite their music’s success, from schoolwork and producer work, as well as creative projects like DJing. Unfortunately, they have also experienced online bullying and racism; yet remain determined to use music as an avenue for social change through music.
As a non-binary and trans person, they strive to craft music that is authentic and powerful. Their music can bring hope and empowerment to those still unfamiliar with LGBTQ+ communities; furthermore, they wish to demonstrate that individuals from marginalized communities can make their dreams a reality.
Moore Kismet stands out among bass music producers with their innovative sound and powerful message, especially those made up of predominantly male producers. Their debut album UNIVERSE will be out later this year and they have collaborated with Torr and Tate McRae among many others. Additionally, they are working on projects aimed at increasing representation for LGBTQ+ people within media – one such animated series being Stargazers with an LGBTQ+ cast and exploring mental health, body image issues and gender identity.
Wreckno
Even as we celebrate the black influence on disco, house, and bass music, it should also be acknowledged that queer POC culture has had an enormous influence in shaping electronic music history – inspiring creativity while inspiring resistance against oppressive cultures. Queer POC culture’s impact goes far beyond mere entertainment – it serves as a powerful means for change and understanding.
Queer culture has an influence in all styles of dance music, yet EDM stands out as being particularly relevant in this regard. Queer artists are revolutionizing electronic music history with more inclusive and diverse compositions; some are even out as lesbian, bisexual, transgender or non-binary artists rewriting its history anew! Their music serves as an outlet to express themselves freely while celebrating diversity by lifting other queer communities along the way.
Born and raised in Manistee, a small town in northern Michigan, Brandon Wisniski (also known as Wreckno) never felt at ease with society until age 15. That year he began working with his older brother 7UDO on creating music using FL Studio to craft beats with funk-influenced bass lines that reflected their hometown.
Wreckno is an increasingly prominent name on the bass scene, known for his genre-bending production and DJ sets that bring revelry, dancers, and technicolor visuals into his shows. Wreckno has become an inspiration to LGBTQ communities everywhere – providing safe spaces where there has historically been lack of representation in such genres as bass music.
Wreckno’s rider requires venues to post posters promoting “Safe Space” policies which prohibit racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia and body shaming while encouraging fans to support one another. They also advocate for anti-racist activism within the music industry by sharing their experience as white allies of queer communities.
Saeleen Bouvar has long been recognized for championing equality and inclusiveness within the music industry. As one of its pioneers of electroclash music, she has spearheaded initiatives promoting diversity within club scenes such as hosting an LGBTQ-oriented DJ academy in Berlin as well as hosting events to teach newcomers how to play together and build connections among themselves.
GRiZ
Grant Richard Kwiecinski (also known as GRiZ) is an esteemed DJ and producer. GRiZ brings jazzy, upbeat vibes to electronic music with his distinctive style of production that blends elements of hip-hop, reggae, and other styles with electronic bass bass production. As part of social evolution GRiZ uses music to promote love, positivity, and important messages representing marginalized communities within his songs – most recently “A New Day”, an emotional track highlighting his personal struggles
GRiZ is also an active advocate for the LGBTQ community and works hard to build acceptance within hip hop culture for LGBT artists. He’s worked with iconic rappers like Snoop Dogg to support Dan Savage’s It Gets Better foundation, performing at numerous Pride events, and being an inspirational force both musically and globally. GRiZ truly stands as an exemplar in both fields.
Honey Dijon, born Meagan Rodriguez, is a pioneer of the queer electronic scene. Her unique musical style has helped pave the way for other transgender and non-binary musicians in this genre, described by some as an amalgam of Chicago house and Detroit techno music. Honey has collaborated with notable producers like iLL Gates and Jlin.
Eris Drew is an influential figure in electronic music who hails from Brooklyn. Her dynamic and transformative DJ sets have left an indelible mark on dance floors everywhere she has performed; furthermore she has written books and given presentations at conferences about her journey as an LGBTQ artist in the music industry.
Discodromo, composed of Giacomo Garavelloni and Giovanni Turco, are another LGBTQ-inclusive electronic music artist. Their vibrant blend of disco, house, and techno showcases their diverse musical tastes. Furthermore, they founded CockTail d’Amore party series dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ culture while creating safe spaces within club culture; furthermore they have contributed significantly to queer dance movement by working alongside other LGBTQ inclusive DJs.