My Five New Favorite WLW Artists
Photo courtesy of Daphne Bryant
For me, coming out unlocked a whole new world of music. I am not saying that only queer people can listen to queer musicians, but I finally felt safe enough to express myself and broaden my music taste to include bangers of the sapphic variety when I came out. Throughout my journey, I’ve been collecting artists like Pokémon and sharing the uniqueness of artists (that sound like no other) with anyone I can. For anyone else looking for their next favorite (and very underrated) WLW artist, look no further: this roundup list has got you covered.
1. Gia Ford
Photo courtesy of @melony.lemon
Gia Ford, a musician and producer hailing from the U.K., is the hot alternative pop artist you’ve been searching for. I especially enjoy Ford’s deeply profound voice, catchy, heartfelt choruses, and the instrumental experimentation she indulges in her music. Listening to her work is like escaping into a whole other atmosphere. Honorable note: Ford is constantly serving visuals with each new release, maintaining a certain theme or aesthetic.
Favorite Songs: “Anywhere You Are!” and “TURBO DREAMS”
2. kezia
Photo courtesy of @k333zia
Based in California, 22-year-old kezia is a force to be reckoned with. Her R&B-influenced music has a bubblegum bedroom pop sound with an edge that makes listening a smooth, satisfying experience. With new singles dropping later this year, you should be sure to add more of her discography to your playlist – I just love to see Black musicians winning.
Favorite Songs: “SAPPHIRE” and “megan fox”
3. Vetta Borne
Photo courtesy of @shotography
Maribelle Añes, an Australian vocalist and songwriter, got her start working for others. She loved supporting and performing for artists like Carmada and George Alice, but her career transition into the effervescent Vetta Borne is what really gave her the industry voice she was looking for. Her nostalgic pop beats, Y2K aesthetic, and fun lyrics always make me want to get up and dance!
Favorite Songs: “Girls” and “Sad Girl”
4. Devon Again
Photo courtesy of @maxtchristiansen
Denver-born Devon Again is unforgettable. Her style and personality, which is eclectic, playful, and candid, always seeps into her music in the best way. Recognizable by her bright blue hair and relatable lyricism, Devon Again is the kind of stand-out staple artist you can listen to whether you’re feeling like a bad bitch or a sad one.
Favorite Songs: “Suburbia” and “Broke Mine Too”
5. Ambar Lucid
Photo courtesy of @sophiajuliette
Mexican-Dominican Ambar Lucid, known also as Estrella, began singing at the early age of five and is entirely self-taught on everything from piano to ukulele. Growing up, she utilized YouTube and would upload covers, eventually dropping out of high school to move out to L.A. and pursue music. At just 22, she’s amassed over 555,000 monthly listeners. With Spanglish lyrics and a fantastical atmospheric sound that radiates from every track, Lucid cites Kali Uchis and Willow Smith as her musical inspirations. It’s hard not to feel like you’re ascending to another dimension when you turn on an Ambar Lucid track, and I can’t wait to see what other magical music she releases in 2023.
Favorite Songs: “girl ur so pretty” and “Questioning My Mind”