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Nov 13, 2024
Are your Spotify playlists seriously lacking when it comes to trans and queer artists? Tired of the same old sound? It’s time to shake up your playlist!
We’ve got you covered with our recommendation of trans artists who are redefining music and bringing unmatched authenticity. These artists are unapologetically themselves and creating music that just hits differently.
Trust us, they’re worth a spot on your playlist, and their voices bring the kind of vibe you didn’t even know you were missing. Let’s dive in and check out the songs by trans artists that we think you shouldn’t sleep on 🏳️⚧️✨
Arca is a groundbreaking artist and producer, reshaping the music landscape with her bold and experimental sound. Born in Venezuela, Arca is best known for blending elements of electronic, hip-hop, and avant-garde style, creating a musical sound that’s entirely her own. Her work goes beyond music, pushing boundaries in fashion and art. With musical collaborations with icons like Björk and FKA twigs, Arca has become a force in redefining what it means to be a modern artist. She’s not just making music, she’s creating entire worlds.
Our song recommendation: El Alma Que Te Trajo by Safety Trance featuring Arca
Honey Dijon is a DJ, producer, and fashion icon whose name is synonymous with style, rhythm, and energy. Born and raised in Chicago, Honey grew up immersed in the city’s iconic house music scene, which has deeply influenced her signature sound- a fierce blend of house, techno, and disco. Honey has spun at some of the world’s most legendary clubs and fashion shows, and she’s collaborated with both top artists and designers. She is a cultural powerhouse, bringing together music, fashion, and community with a style and swagger that’s all her own.
Our song recommendation: Work – Honey Dijon featuring Dave Giles II, Cor.Ece & Mike Dunn
Villano Antillano is a Puerto Rican rapper whose powerful lyrics and fearless style are lighting up the Latin music scene. Known for her fierce flow and unapologetic authenticity, Villano performs about everything from gender and identity to social justice with a raw honesty that resonates with fans worldwide. She’s breaking down barriers in the male-dominated world of Latin rap and reggaeton, showing that trans women have a place at the center of the conversation. Villano’s music isn’t just catchy, it’s a movement, a testament to resilience, and a call for everyone to live their truth.
Our song recommendation: Cáscara de Coco by Villano Antillano
Ethel Cain is an American singer and songwriter whose hauntingly beautiful music often explores themes like identity, faith, and family, set against a backdrop of Southern Gothic storytelling. She was born and raised in a small town in Florida, which helps to give her sound that southern, small-town, slowcore vibe. Ethel’s music blends dark, dreamy melodies with lyrics that dig deep into personal, as well as generational, trauma. Her work feels almost cinematic, with each of her songs inviting you into her world of small-town life and inner turmoil. If you’re like us, you picture little music videos in your head while you listen, and Cain’s work is perfect for just that occasion.
Our song recommendation: American Teenager by Ethel Cain
Ela Melo is the outspoken lead vocalist of the indie rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise, where she’s known for her raw and powerful stage presence. As part of Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Ela blends folk, rock, and alternative genres. She creates songs that explore vulnerability, personal growth, and the complexities of human experience. As a trans woman, Ela’s music is deeply influenced by her journey of self-discovery and the challenges she’s faced along her journey. We can definitely relate to this! Through her work with Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Ela has become a voice for both the LGBTQ+ community as well as anybody who is searching for strength through music. (And if you get the chance to see them live, we HIGHLY recommend it. They’re incredible and have such a good stage presence).
Our song recommendation: Devil Like Me by Rainbow Kitten Surprise
One popular question from Google is “Is Kim Petras a trans woman?” and yes, no article about trans pop stars would be complete without Kim Petras. Kim came out as a trans woman in 2017 and has become an iconic role model for many young trans people since.
While Kim Petras has been out here making music since 2016, she exploded into the mainstream music scene in 2023 with the smash hit “Unholy”, a collaboration with nonbinary artist Sam Smith.
She’s an unapologetic pop sensation whose music is catchy beyond belief. As a trans woman, she’s been a hugely influential voice in the music industry by being her authentic self, creating anthems about self-expression and empowerment that we can’t get enough of.
Her fanbase is incredibly dedicated, and we count ourselves among them and cannot wait to see what she does next.
Our song recommendation: Demons by Kim Petras
Noahfinnce is an up-and-coming trans artist whose unique pop-punk sound is starting to gain a new, wide group of fans. Originally making music and covering songs on his Youtube channel, he uses his music as a platform to explore themes of identity, love, and personal transformation. His sound is as fluid as his own journey and offers listeners a mix of catchy beats and storytelling. We also recommend following him on Youtube, where he posts not only music but also videos about the trans experience.
Our song recommendation: LIFE’S A BIT by Noahfinnce
Dreamer Isioma is an LGBTQ+ artist whose music feels like an open conversation: vulnerable, honest, and deeply personal. Her sound blends soulful vibes with reflective lyrics. Dreamer’s music is a window into her own journey as a trans woman, offering both a sense of healing and celebration. With each and every track she creates, she invites listeners to embrace their own truth, creating a musical listening party where authenticity is everything. Dreamer Isioma isn’t just making music, she’s sharing a part of herself that connects us all on a very real level.
Our song recommendation: Valentina by Dreamer Isioma
Teddy Geiger is a stand-out singer and songwriter. She’s making headway into the heart of the music industry writing for major pop stars including One Direction, Maroon 5, and Lizzo. Geiger co-wrote the hit song “Stitches” for Shawn Mendes — which became a massive success and helped launch Mendes’s career.
Her debut single, “For You I Will (Confidence)” — about being there for someone you care about and doing whatever it takes to make them feel loved — will grab you by the heartstrings. This still remains one of her most popular songs.
In 2017, Geiger came out as transgender in a reply to a fan on an Instagram post saying, “Okay… because u [sic] asked nicely… I am transitioning. I started talking about it with a couple of my close friends and family about a month ago and it’s given me the courage to start the process. I feel like the next step is to tell all y’all. So here goes. Love it or hate this is who I have been for a looooong time. I love u [sic] guys. Talk sooooon byeeee.” She has shared her journey publicly and continues to be an inspiration to many in the LGBTQ+ community.
This Scottish musician and producer started making experimental pop music in the early 2010s. Sophie’s music — which pioneered the hyperpop style — is boldly experimental. She played with heavy electronic and dance influences, innovative sound design, unconventional song structures, and unapologetic themes around gender identity and expression. She’s known for songs like “Bipp,” “Lemonade,” and “It’s Okay To Cry,”
After coming out in 2017, SOPHIE used her platform to advocate for trans rights and visibility. She collaborated with the fashion brand COS to release a limited-edition t-shirt collection in 2018. All proceeds supported the nonprofit Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund.
SOPHIE’s sudden death in January 2021 sent shockwaves through the music industry and the LGBTQ+ community. As a trans woman herself, SOPHIE’s music and presence served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many in the trans community — making her death all the more devastating. Trans people took to social media to share their grief and pay tribute to SOPHIE’s legacy. Her music helped so many people come to terms with their own gender identities. And her loss created a seismic shift in the community.
Anohni is an English singer, composer, and visual artist who came out as a trans woman in 2016. She is known for her distinctive and haunting voice, which has been compared to singers like Nina Simone and Billie Holiday. Her soulful, emotional, and introspective music captures the complexities of human emotions.
One of Anohni’s most popular songs “Hopelessness” gives voice to the darkness that lurks in the hearts of so many members of the trans community.
Some of Anohni’s most popular songs include “Hopelessness,” “4 Degrees,” and “Drone Bomb Me.” Her music often deals with social and political issues — including climate change, war, and gender identity. Anohni has won several awards, including the Mercury Prize and the BRIT Award. Anohni was the first openly transgender performer nominated for an Academy Award with her song “Manta Ray” from the film Racing Extinction.
The title of First Trans Pop Star belongs to Wendy Carlos, a pioneering electronic musician. She transitioned publicly in the 1970s when trans people were even less accepted than today. Wendy is best known for her groundbreaking album “Switched-On Bach,” which ushered her into the music world. She was an electronic music pioneer, known for her use of the Moog synthesizer. She even wrote the soundtrack to the classic Stanley Kubrick film “A Clockwork Orange,” if that’s not the most iconic thing you’ve ever heard of then I don’t know what is.
Wendy Carlos has three Grammy Awards and was the first openly trans Grammy winner. A queen. In the early days of the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement, she made her voice heard for trans people everywhere. Carlos has inspired countless others to break down barriers and pursue their own dreams.
The music industry has long been dominated by cisgender artists, but these groundbreaking trans singers are changing that.
They’re breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes making space for trans voices and stories to be heard. The future is bright for trans artists in music, and with these incredible singers leading the way, the possibilities are endless.
Let us know what trans artists you’re listening to and what artists we should add to our recommendations. We’re always looking to expand our LGBTQ+ playlists!
Chicago-based community manager, content writer, and professional cupid who’s still in her emo era. When she's not hosting HER virtual events, you’ll find her creating oddly specific playlists on Spotify and hitting up way too many concerts with her partner. Catch her where the music’s loud, the food is cheesy, and the eyeliner’s smudged just right!
