When I first came out, it was the winter after Hayley Kiyoko’s “Girls Like Girls” music video came out, and I quickly latched on to her music as a way to feel connected to music and more connected to myself. Since then, I can’t tell you the amount of time I’ve spent scrolling through Spotify, searching for more artists that I’d love just as much as I love her. Over the years I’ve cultivated a list of women whose music fit that criteria perfectly. Obviously, Hayley is always going to be a go-to, but here’s a few more suggestions for when you’ve exhausted all her music.
1. St. Vincent
St. Vincent is one of those names that you probably recognize, but I’m firmly of the belief that no one is listening to her enough. To be perfectly honest, I found out about her first because she was dating Cara Delevingne, but now I’m obsessed. Her music is poppy and a little dark, and I love it. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I would die for Annie Clark.
2. Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe has taken the world by storm the past few years: in 2016, she was in Moonlight and Hidden Figures, both of which were very critically acclaimed. This year, however, she released the latest installment in her world of android stories. Dirty Computer is a beautifully queer album, and the accompanying movie features a romance between Monáe and Tessa Thompson–both of whom came out after its release.
3. King Princess
King Princess is killing the indie pop scene right now, and every release of hers is gayer than the last. Her latest single, “Pussy is God,” is about as gay as it gets. If you listen to anything within that genre, you’ve probably heard some of her earlier stuff, which means exploring it a bit further will be a pleasant surprise
4. Marika Hackman
I found Marika Hackman’s music before her second album came out and fell in love with her haunting sound. Her second album, though almost stylistically opposite, is equally incredible and unabashedly gay. I, for one, am excited to see what else she does.
5. Japanese House
Japanese House is the work of solo artist Amber Bain, who just so happens to be the ex-girlfriend of Marika Hackman. (Even the celebrity wlw world is as small as the non-celebrity one!) She’s worked closely with The 1975, so if you like their sound you’ll probably like her.
6. The Greeting Committee
Though the lead singer is the only woman in this band, The Greeting Committee has some beautiful queer love songs among their repertoire, such as “Elise” and “Hands Down”. They just released their first album, and it’s everything I hoped it would be.
7. Girlpool
Girlpool is the OG angsty queer girl music, and though I have to be in the right mood for most of it, I’ve always loved their stuff. About a year ago one of the band’s members, Cleo Tucker, started transitioning, and in an interview with i-D stated that they identify as non-binary. The sound has changed a bit since then, but I have to say that I’m enjoying their new stuff just as much–if not more–than the old.
Go forth and listen to queer ladies sing about more queer ladies!