It's a well known fact that LGBT+ artists have been pioneers of the music industry for decades.
And, that is no different in Wales, rightly known as the singing heart of the UK. From choirs that will make your hairs stand up on end to the unmistakable national anthem booming in stadiums, music is extremely important to our society.
South Wales in particular boasts an incredible array of queer talent which pushes boundaries and creativity to the next level. Here at WalesOnline, we thought we'd celebrate some amazing LGBT+ artists in south Wales that you can get listening to right now.
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These handful of individuals have released original material and have supported big names all over the UK. From millions of streams to gigs like no other, it's an amazing time to be both an artist and a music lover.
From pop, rock and the experimental side here are 6 of Wales' LGBT+ musicians you need to know.
1. HVNTER
Pop takes an energetic form with Pontypridd's own, HVNTER. An electronic singer-songwriter and an openly gay man, he found his love for music way back in the day by uploading self-taught acoustic covers to YouTube at the ripe old age of sixteen. During this time he began to craft his song writing abilities, finding his feet and surpassing 250,000 views in just 3 years.
Impressively his debut track 'Blood' quickly racked over 30,000 plays on Soundcloud, with the debut quickly catching the attention of BBC Introducing and Alex Thompson, the Managing Director of Clash Magazine.
Over the years, HVNTER has bloomed as a performer, supporting and performing with big names such as Bright Light Bright Light, Tinchy Stryder and Christ Stark to name just a few. HVNTER is currently working on his follow up single 'GOODBYE' from his EP, 'You Don't Know Love''.
Find out more about HVNTER: https://linktr.ee/iamhvnter
2. Dead Method
Born and bred in Cardiff, Dead Method is the alternative gay popstar of south Wales. Releasing his incredible debut album 'Queer Genesis' back in 2020 during the pandemic, it dealt with his identity as a queer person, prejudice the community deals with and the resilience of LGBT+ people.
Describing his music as "experimental pop with a dark twist", Dead Method is looking ahead to 2022 with plans to release a second album that is more polished and mature. Partially funded by HelpMusicians, the new piece of work is in collaboration with producer Edward Russell in an aim to amplify Dead Method as one of Wales' most exciting new pop stars.
Find out more about Dead Method: https://linktr.ee/deadmethod
3. Kitty
"I think the LGBT+ community in Cardiff and south Wales are killing it and I'm so proud to be featured amongst them." Those are the words of Parisian/Welsh pop sensation Kitty. Described as many on the scene as a pop presence to be reckoned with, Kitty is the singer-songwriter, producer and creative director known for her amazing visuals.
Working alongside her long-time creative partner, Dejan Visser, who is also queer, Kitty is inspired by the likes of LGBT+ pop legends such as; Lady GaGa, Kim Petras, Charli XCX and Dorian Electra.
"I identify as Queer. I came out later in life and I'm really proud to be out and to be able to represent LGBT+ experiences in my music," she said.
"My new song 'Candy Crush' is coming out on the 14 Feb, Valentines Day. It's pure camp, sugary sweet, guilt-free Pop music."
Kitty remains in a lane of her own with a signature sound consisting of sultry vocals and productions styles that incorporate her French heritage.
Find out more about Kitty: https://linktr.ee/urbabykitty
4. Mantaraybryn
Shifting from piano ballad to heaving dancefloor energy, Mantaraybryn is found at the intersection of Florence Welch and James Blake, weaving his experiences into modern emotional stories for audiences.
Settling in Cardiff and becoming a signature staple on the music scene, his latest EP 'Year of the Heron', is his first piece of work since coming out publicly about his sexuality. Hosting an impressive and formidable set of Spotify steams which are upwards of 20 million, Mantaraybryn is set to tour the UK from February this year with new work and fan favourite bops.
Find out more about Mantaraybryn: https://linktr.ee/mantaraybryn
5. TELGATE
"Our priority is to simply be our unfiltered selves," the band explained to WalesOnline.
"And in just being present as proud and loud queer people, there may be someone just like us in that audience who feels seen and represented. That's what matters most to us."
Describing themselves as having a "duty to start riots in 6" platforms", TELGATE are the fiercely androgynous Aggro-Glam band based based in Cardiff. Their major musical influences stem from early psychedelia, glam rock and post punk. Mixing all the elements together, TELGATE is the transgender and non-binary fronted band that aims to communicate LGBT+ liberation through music.
Find out more about TELGATE: https://linktr.ee/telgateuk
6. Frankie Parris
Frankie Parris is a musician and poet based in Wales' capital. Starting his musical journey due to a growing love of jazz, crooners and Leonard Cohen. Frankie returned to his love of music to get back to his love of playing the saxophone. Up to this point Frankie has been known as the lead singer of the indie band Rosehip Teahouse.
A proud queer trans man, recording his own material has let Frankie accept his now breaking voice, due to being 7 months into testosterone therapy. Frankie has described his musical and transitional journey as both "terrifying but beautiful".
Recently, Frankie released a bandcamp exclusive single 'Two Years On' that can be listened to here.
Find out more about Frankie Parris: https://frankieparris.bandcamp.com/
What other LGBT+ artists are you listening to? Let us know in the comments!
