New & Up-And-Coming LGBTQ artists to watch out for

With the huge LGBTQ+ artists like Chappel Roan, Ethel Cain, and Arlo Parks taking over the biggest stages, to the likes of ROMY, I. Jordan, Sherelle, and more dominating the dance space, queer musicians are showing that they no longer need to conform, or tone down their queerness to thrive. 

But whilst those at the top are undoubtedly thriving, we want to take a minute to look at those on the up, both new and ready to break into the spotlight. From artists cross-genre to DJs who are sending clubs into a frenzy, scroll down and check out Skiddle's list of LGBTQ+ artists that need to be on your radar. 

Atalaya Fuego

A heavyhitter in the Manchester queer scene, Atalaya Fuego fuses reggaeton, hard dance, and latin beats within their energetic sets. Moulded from an upbringing that spans both Spain and the UK, Atalaya’s culturally rich background bleeds into their musical endeavours, which includes a bimonthly residence at CROP Radio and a show on Steam Radio dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming trans and queer artists. 

Mya Mehmi

Eclectic and globe-spanning artist Mya Mehmi is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Based in London, the Punjabi trans artist’s singles ‘Pain 4 U’ and ‘Haldi’ juggles confessional lyrics with 2000s hip hop beats, all while being a prolific club organiser and community figure. 

Mehmi’s place in the London queer scene is unmatched thanks to her work as co-producer of cult club night Pxssy Palace. If you’re after music that winds back the years and tackles pressing matters, all while keeping your body moving, Mehmi’s the one for you. 

Danny Roach

Another rising star based out of the North West, Danny Roach’s brand of deep grooves and tribal rhythms has made him a regular behind the decks in recent months. Taking inspiration from vintage noughties techno and hard house, Roach has curated a style all his own, and his sets are always fizzing with endless energy. 

You can catch this emerging talent in either London or Manchester, and is a regular at hostposts like The DBA and Stage & Radio with his event series Hotline, curated in collaboration with fellow rising star Deventi. 

NMSS

Genderfluid Afropean artist Sidney, better known as NMSS, sits at a crossroads. Born from a blend of French and Ivorian lineage, NMSS first began organising events and releasing music in the French border town of Strasbourg before relocating to Brussels to create Flat Earth Records.

With residencies at the likes of Rinse France, Kiosk Radio, and Noods Radio to their name, NMSS’ sets fuse Afro-Caribbean beats with the grit and glamour of UK bass and electronica. NMSS’s summer schedule is packed, and you can expect much more to come from this multifaceted talent. 

Bollibubbles

Reform Radio resident and music curator Bollibubbles is a non-binary Manchester-based talent with Nigerian roots, whose euphoric sets cherish individuality, connection, and the power of dance. No stranger to either side of the DJ decks, Bollibubbles’ stock is only rising, and any over of queer raving and club culture will be right at home at one of her sets, which can see her spinning everything from Chicago house and tech house to disco and gospel. 

CITYTRONIX

CITYRONIX is the moniker of Drew Holliday, a trans-female experimental electronica artist who dabbles in the visual and programming medium just as much as the musical. Hailing from an industrial town in Kent, CITYTRONIX has been hard at work making music since 2016, with an eclectic catalogue of tracks that flit between the ambient and the industrial. 

Aside from the music, CITYTRONIX’s talents have also been lent to the art world, including exhibition works and installations. 

PEPPA

A boundary breaker and dancefloor favourite, PEPPA’s music mixes pulse-shattering sounds with a powerful stage presence, featuring a bit of jungle, techno, and everything in between. 

The Birmingham DJ has been a resident for Jungyals n Gays and Sigil Radio Birmingham, alongside monthly show PEPPA & The People, which dedicates itself to promoting diverse voices and soundscapes. Art aside, PEPPA’s advocacy for the marginalised and dedication to crafting spaces for everyone make them one of the scene’s most admired promising talents. 

JASSS

Silvia Jimenez Alvarez, better known as JASSS, is a multi-media talent hailing from Asturias in Northern Spain. The DJ and music producer has had skin in the game for a hot minute, dropping an acclaimed debut, Weightless, in 2017 and has continued to bring out genre-pushing material ever since. 

Jimenez’s 2020 track ‘Turbo Ole’ was a favourite of Pitchfork’s during lockdown days, and we hope her legion of fans keeps growing. 2025 sees Jimenez embarking on a new challenge with their audiovisual project AWOS, incorporating some of her past collaborations with new material. Industrial, apocalyptic, and experimental, JASSS’ art is one of a kind. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.