Beabadoobee Queer Identity
Although the realm of entertainment cannot substitute for the fundamental liberties and entitlements that members of the LGBTQ+ community rightfully deserve, it is capable of bestowing a much-welcomed infusion of joy. Numerous musicians identifying as queer have unfurled some of their most comprehensive artistic creations and musical collections this year, spanning from unvarnished, fervent objections to prevailing societal structures to grand-scale productions embodying the escapism that many desperately yearn for.
Presented herein are YR Media's chosen selections of remarkable LGBTQ+ artists to immerse yourself in musically throughout this current season:
Arlo Parks
At the remarkably young age of twenty-one, Arlo Parks has already garnered considerable critical acclaim within the musical landscape. A significant portion of Parks' compositions delve into the experiences of homophobia encountered by herself and her significant other, a theme vividly illustrated in her track titled 'Green Eyes,' alongside her expressions of affection towards women, notably portrayed in her ballad celebrating friends transitioning to romantic partners, 'Eugene.'
Destin Conrad
Destin Conrad has evolved into a profoundly talented wordsmith and a captivating soulful performer. His inaugural extended play, 'COLORWAY,' provides listeners with an immersive journey into a realm characterized by alluring R&B melodies, transcendent synthesizers, and intricately layered vocal harmonies. This work chronicles the maturation of an individual prepared to embrace the subsequent phase of his existence.
Lil Nas X
When the 23-year-old Lil Nas X is not actively dismantling cultural conventions, he is actively engaged in the creation of viral content, thoroughly enjoying the process. Ever since the debut of 'Old Town Road,' Lil Nas X has pioneered new territory, achieving a Diamond-certified single that originated as a meme—all while remaining unapologetic about his artistic expression following his public declaration of being gay. Whether it involves making a striking appearance in a vibrant Atelier Versace gown at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards or sharing a tender moment with a male dancer during a live broadcast at the 2021 BET Awards, he is unequivocally committed to self-expression through any available avenue.
Beabadoobee
Beabadoobee, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter of British-Filipino heritage, has already garnered significant critical acknowledgement for her artistic contributions. The composition 'She Plays Bass' stands as a deeply affectionate tribute to a female bass guitarist who also happens to be a personal acquaintance. Beabadoobee expresses a poignant longing for the possibility of a romantic relationship with her bassist, coupled with a desire to embody qualities she admires in her.
Ambré
Hailing from New Orleans, Ambré emerges as one of the most promising R&B artists currently making waves in the music industry. This self-taught musician initially achieved recognition by uploading her early compositions to SoundCloud. Ambré's musical output is characterized by its soulful sincerity and emotional depth, and she has had the privilege of collaborating with prominent R&B figures of the present era, such as H.E.R. and Kehlani. For the two tracks she co-authored with the latter, she was honored with a Grammy award in the year two thousand nineteen. More recently, Ambré unveiled her latest extended play, titled '3000°,' which features contributions from artists including Jay Electronica, Destin Conrad, Beams, and others.