A raft of Australian talent has been named on Vogue’s latest list of LGBTQ+ musicians to listen to, with the likes of Keiynan Lonsdale, Wafia, and Miss Blanks receiving the honours.
Released in the midst of Pride Month, the list sees the publication naming eight of the “very best new queer artists setting their solidarity messages to song”, with Aussie artists making up close to 50% of the final product.
Arguably the most notable of the names on the list is the Sydney-born Keiynan Lonsdale, who despite having a career going back 13 years, released his debut album only weeks ago. An actor, dancer, songwriter, and musician, Lonsdale’s acting credits include the likes of medical drama All Saints, The Divergent Series, and more recently, the critically-acclaimed Love, Simon.
Focusing on the release of his self-confessed “Queer AF & Black AF” debut album, Vogue name tracks such as “Rainbow Dragon” and “Gay Street Fighter” as picks that cement Lonsdale’s “future at the forefront of queer culture”.
As the list continues, Dutch-born Wafia is praised for her musical output, which reflects her “intersectionality as a globe-trotting queer Arab Muslim woman, delving into identity, sexuality, politics and, of course, love”.
Having released her first EP back in 2015, Wafia has found fame with tracks such as “Bodies” and “I’m Good”, with her work alongside Ta-ku and Louis The Child helping her reach a wider audience in recent years. With “Pick Me” serving as her latest single, a new EP is expected to be released sometime within the coming months.
Finally, the Australian representation on the list is rounded out by the inclusion of Miss Blanks. Described as an “Australian-born Samoan Dutch rapper and activist”, the artist’s status on the local scene is well-known, with artists such as Charli XCX singing the praises of Blanks on the international circuit as well.
Having released the Diary of a Thotaholic EP in 2017, Miss Blanks’ recent moves have seen singles such as “Tommy” and “This Bitch” helping to not only continue her status as one of the country’s most promising musicians, but also helping the world see her as one of Australia’s most notable LGBTQ+ musicians.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhk64cs8l7I
