July 14th isn't just another day on the calendar; it's a day to shatter the binary and celebrate the glorious spectrum of gender. It's International Non-Binary People's Day, a moment to honor those who redefine what it means to be human, who challenge norms, and who show us that identity isn't a box to be checked, but a universe to explore.
And as part of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus's commitment to uplift LGBTQIA+ voices, we invite you to discover these non-binary artists from around the world who are making waves in the music industry. From genre-bending pioneers to fresh faces on the scene, these musicians are painting a musical landscape as diverse as the identities they represent. Their music spans genres, defying labels and expressing the full spectrum of human experience.
So plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, and get ready to discover your new obsession. This International Non-Binary People's Day, let the music guide you on a journey of love, acceptance, and pure musical bliss.
Dorian Electra
Hailing from Houston, Texas, Dorian Electra is a non-binary artist known for their boundary-pushing music and self-professed flamboyant style. Electra's work is a whirlwind of visual extravagance, often featuring elaborate costumes and hyper-stylized music videos. The pop sensation's music, a mix of hyperpop, electronic, and baroque influences, tackles themes of gender, sexuality, consumerism, and internet culture with a healthy dose of satire and social commentary.
Must-Listen Track: "Man to Man" – This song challenges traditional notions of masculinity, celebrating individuality and self-expression. Its catchy beat and tongue-in-cheek lyrics are sure to get you thinking and dancing!
2. yeule
Singapore-born, London-based Nat Ćmiel, known artistically as yeule, is a multi-faceted artist whose work defies easy categorization. They first entered the music scene as a teenager, self-releasing songs that laid the groundwork for their current status as a cult icon. yeule's experimental pop music delves deep into the emotional landscape of the outsider, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and self-reclamation. Their music range from cathartic punk riffs to ethereal electronics, all while incorporating elements of the classical canon, internet culture, and even academic theory.
Must-Listen Track: "Pocky Boy" - A hauntingly beautiful track exploring themes of mental health and isolation, showcasing yeule's ability to turn vulnerability into art.
3. Frances Forever
Frances Forever is a non-binary singer and songwriter from Massachusetts who burst onto the scene with their viral hit "Space Girl." Their music is a dreamy blend of indie pop and bedroom pop, often featuring catchy melodies and lyrics exploring themes of love, identity, and self-discovery.
Must-Listen Track: "Space Girl" is an upbeat anthem of self-acceptance, perfect for embracing your unique quirks and celebrating who you are.
4. Roxen
Romanian pop artist Roxen is known for their powerful vocals, emotional honesty, and unique sound that mixes melancholic ballads and upbeat dance tracks. Roxen's androgynous style and refusal to conform to traditional gender roles have made them a role model for young people who embrace fluidity. In interviews, they've openly discussed their mental health struggles and the importance of self-acceptance, further resonating with fans who relate to their openness and vulnerability.
Must-Listen Track: "Amnesia" - This evocative electro-pop ballad, Romania's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, explores themes of self-doubt, societal pressure, and ultimately, the importance of self-love.
5. Yves Tumor
Born Sean Bowie, the enigmatic artist known as Yves Tumor defies categorization. Raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, their musical journey took them to Los Angeles and later to Europe, where they honed their distinct sound in underground scenes. This genre-bending musician pushes the boundaries of rock, electronic, and psychedelic music, crafting soundscapes that are as experimental as they are emotionally evocative.
Must-Listen Track: Listen to their latest album, "Praise a Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)," for a wild ride. If you're looking for something specific, "Kerosene!" is a fiery and intense track that showcases Tumor's raw vocal talent and experimental approach to music.
6. Nxdia
Sudanese-Egyptian singer, songwriter, and producer Nxdia brings a fresh perspective to the UK music scene with their easy alternative tracks and relatable lyrics. Spending their early years in Egypt before moving to the UK at age 8, Nxdia found their voice through music, releasing their first single in 2021 after gaining a following on TikTok. Through their music, Nxdia aims to create a safe and welcoming community where everyone feels seen and heard.
Must-Listen Track: "She Likes a Boy," a song that explores the confusing experience of having a crush on someone who just isn't into you.
7. Adeem the Artist
Adeem the Artist is a force to be reckoned with in the alternative country and folk scene. From North Carolina, their music is both heartfelt and cutting, with lyrics that tackle social issues like poverty, class inequality, and queerness in rural America. With a voice as smooth as Tennessee whiskey, their heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies resonate with listeners who crave both vulnerability and a good dose of truth.
Must-Listen Track: "Carolina" is a deeply personal and moving anthem about growing up queer in the South.
8. NoSo (Baekhyun Hwong)
NoSo (Baekhyun Hwong):
A multi-talented Korean-American artist hailing from the suburbs of Chicago, NoSo creates heartfelt indie-folk music that delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of the Asian-American experience. Their acclaimed debut album, "Stay Proud of Me," is a powerful testament to self-discovery and acceptance. As an openly non-binary artist, NoSo's music resonates deeply with those navigating similar journeys, offering solace, validation, and a sense of community through shared experiences.
Must-Listen Track: Listen to "Suburbia," the opening track of "Stay Proud of Me," for a taste of their signature melancholic yet hopeful sound.
9. Bambie Thug
Representing Ireland at Eurovision 2024, Bambie Thug isn't your average pop star. This Irish singer-songwriter mixes industrial metal, pop, and electronica into a sound they've dubbed "ouija-pop." Their music is as eclectic as their personal style, and their Eurovision entry, "Doomsday Blue," made waves with its unique sound and theatrical performance. As an openly non-binary artist, Bambie Thug's visibility on a global stage is a win for representation, proving that creativity and identity know no boundaries.
Must-Listen Track: Check out "Doomsday Blue" or dive into their EPs "Psilocyber," "High Romancy," or "Cathexis" for a full dose of their creativity.
10. Tash Sultana
This Australian multi-instrumentalist is a one-person powerhouse, effortlessly weaving together looping, beatboxing, and diverse musical styles to create a unique musical experience. Their soulful vocals and virtuosic skills on guitar, keys, and various percussion instruments have garnered them a devoted global following. As a non-binary artist, Tash Sultana's music transcends traditional labels and speaks to the power of embracing individuality and following your own creative path.
Must-Listen Track: Their breakout hit "Jungle," or "Notion" are a great starting point to explore Tash's music.
11. Mal Blum
With a heart full of wit and wisdom, Mal Blum is a New York-based singer-songwriter known for their infectious energy and sharp lyricism. Having cut their teeth on the DIY scene, Blum's music has evolved into a potent pop-punk sound that tackles complex emotions with honesty and humor.
An openly non-binary artist, their experiences inform songs that touch on queerness, mental health, and navigating life's ups and downs. Their live shows are legendary for their mix of witty banter and heartfelt performances.
Must-Listen Track: "Better Go!" is an upbeat, empowering anthem about leaving behind toxic situations and relationships. It's the perfect song for anyone who's ready to move on and embrace a brighter future.
12. Hikes (Nay Mapalo/Adobo)
Hikes, led by the multi-talented Nay Mapalo, defies genre boundaries with their nature-inspired experimental rock sound. Under the moniker Adobo, Mapalo creates deeply personal and emotive songs rooted in Ilokano folklore, pop composition, and intricate guitar work. Whether performing solo or with the full band, Hikes' music explores a wide range of experiences, from the ethereal and hopeful to the raw and vulnerable. Their collaborations with other artists and dynamic live shows continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Must-Listen Track: Explore their album "Lilt" or the Adobo EP "Backdrop"with The Kraken Quarter. Both projects showcase Mapalo's lyrical depth and instrumental prowess.
13. Elliot Sumner
Born into music royalty, this English singer-songwriter and actor is the child of musician Sting and actress Trudie Styler. They first gained recognition under the moniker I Blame Coco with their debut album "The Constant" in 2010. Since then, they have embraced their own name and explored a more alternative rock and indie pop sound, with heartfelt lyrics and a distinctive voice. Their music and acting career continue to evolve, with a notable role in the upcoming Netflix series, Ripley.
Must-Listen Track: "After Dark" - - A recent single that infuses Sumner's rock roots with electropop. You can hear their father's musical legacy can be heard in Sumner's vocals, but their sound is distinctly their own.
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These 13 non-binary musicians are just a glimpse into the vast spectrum of talent and creativity within the LGBTQIA+ community. This International Non-Binary People's Day, let's celebrate the power of music to break down barriers, challenge norms, and create spaces of belonging for all.
As we listen to these artists, we not only discover new sounds, but we also expand our understanding of gender and identity. Their music reminds us that there is no one way to be, no single story to tell, and that the beauty of the human experience lies in its infinite possibilities.
