For the past month, I have searched the Internet far and wide to find the best, most interesting musical talent. I have scoured Reddit, tweeted to every lesbian/bisexual celebrity I know, and Facebook stalked a few hopeful musicians that peaked my interest. It all comes down to these 15 amazing women. You will find a variety of one-woman shows, punk-metal beats, and hypnotic dance tunes. It’s all in there. Let’s take a look at these women to watch.
1. Tish Hyman
If you’ve never heard of Tish Hyman, think Lauren Hill collaborating with Missy Eliot. She’s got a raspy, rasta tone with sexy guitar riffs and a heart of gold. Hyman writes from her soul and you can feel it pierce through yours. Listen to “All That I Can Do.”
2. Hayley Kiyoko
Hayley Kiyoko is the sort of musical writer that takes three words and turns them into something totally unexpected. Who knew music could stay in your head for weeks at a time? Prepare to bob your head and dance to her rhythmic beats. You’re in for a treat. Check out, “Girls Like Girls” and “Sleepover.”
3. Muna
Take one of the best lesbian haircuts ever and catchy harmonic melodies and what do you get? Muna. Imagine HAIM and Imogen Heap hooked up one night and decided to go the opposite of mainstream. This would be Muna. Also, her music videos are a must see. Listen to “I Know A Place.”
4. Daphne Willis
Daphne Willis may look tough on the outside but on the inside she’s all sweet and soothing. Although her traditional sound resembles Brandi Carlile or Beth Ditto, she’s going in a completely new direction with her new single, Dopamine. We like where you’re headed Daphne.
5. Mary Lambert
Mary Lambert is the sort of artist that takes traditional female singer songwriting and throws it out far out of the window. She is the master of spoken word and piano and she happens to be a big deal. Remember the song, “Same Love” by Macklemore? Yeah, she wrote that.
6. Tash Sultana
Tash Sultana is a 23-year-old Aussie and she’s completely re-writing what it means to be a solo performer. If you think watching one person perform electronic music on stage sounds boring, you’ve never seen Sultana. Watch her Tiny Desk performance and prepare to be blown away.
7. Christine and The Queens
Héloïse Letissier, known by her stage name, Christine and The Queens is the kind of artists that performs because that’s what she was born to do. She isn’t faking her creativity and that’s exactly what makes her magnetic. If you haven’t already heard it, listen to the song, “Tilted” and zone out.
8. Keeana Kee
Sit back, relax and pretend you’re on a tropical island. Keeana Kee is about to take you there. This sexy, lesbian reggae queen channels Shakira with her voice and with her curves and we’re not mad about it. Listen to Coconut Rum and Coke.
9. Hannah & Maggie
This acoustic-folk-pop duo is just so damn cute. They’re like the lesbian sisters you wish you always had but they also sing like angels and play the guitar like it’s a part of their body. Watch out for them, they aren’t going away anytime soon.
10. The Harmaleighs
Photo: joe Caliva
Haley Grant (lead vocals, guitar) and Kaylee Jasperson (bass, harmonies) are the lesbian dream team. Their voices fit together like they were born to collaborate, and they also happen to be in love. This Indie-Americana duo is the perfect band to play on a rainy day. Listen to “Birds of Feather.”
11. Weakened Friends
Pop-Punk band, Weakened Friends is not messing around. This band’s serious metal undertones and whiny-punk lyrics create utter chaos in all the greatest ways. Listen to their new single, “Hate Mail,” and try not to bang your head.
12. Lindsay White
Songwriter’s Marketplace
Singer songwriter Lindsay White encapsulates the sound of beauty. Her magical guitar picking and quiet calming voice belong in your speakers. Her songs, “Lights Out” and “Surrogate,” make it obvious she’s both a talented writer and guitar player.
13. Lucy Whittaker
This UK based artist, Lucy Whittaker is the real deal. She spent her entire summer headlining various Pride events like LFest, and Manchester Pride, and made BBC Radio’s 1’s pick of the week. Her infectious song, “I’m Not Ever Coming Back Again” put Whittaker on the map, and it’s the perfect song to listen to with all your windows down on a hot summer day.
14. Liv Lombardi
Liv Lombardi knows a thing or two about playing guitar. This folk master will have you smiling, dreaming and in awe over her musical talents. Listen to, “With Love, From Berlin,” and keep an eye out for her new upcoming EP, Freedom Girl.
15. Lots Holloway
Lots Holloway is one cool chick. She’s got a fierce sound, powerful melodic hooks, and catchy chords. The critically acclaimed song, “World’s On Fire” is not one to miss and her new single, “Stay A Little Longer” mixes pop with thought compelling lyrics and we’re totally into it.
Now go out there and listen to all of these artists, my friends. It will empower the lesbian in you.
