9 2SLGBTQ+ Canadian musicians to listen to in 2023
Leith Ross, Chinese Medicine and more are making impassioned, queer music
2SLGBTQ+ musicians have been making waves in many different genres for years, creating music that spans everything from polished pop to uptempo EDM. While music fans are likely familiar with established Canadian artists such as Tegan and Sara or Orville Peck, this Pride month we're spotlighting new, up-and-coming talents who are making names for themselves.
These artists have been open about their queer identities in their music, expressing themselves authentically through each song. Whether you're a fan of fiery punk rock or dreamy folk music, they have songs to soundtrack any moment. Several of them have just released their first-ever projects this year, and deserve a spot on your playlist.
No matter how you celebrate Pride, below are nine queer musicians to listen to in 2023.
Debby Friday
Debby Friday's debut album, Good Luck, was released in March, and is fluid, bold and delightfully introspective all at once. It's a stunning release from the Toronto-based multi-hyphenate, who experiments with wailing guitars, bouncy bass and echoing synths. Friday's music beckons listeners to the dance floor, transports them to raves and commands that they listen for the trippy, acid instrumentation that permeates each song.
Jaco
Montreal singer Jaco makes music that pokes fun at heteronormativity while remaining addictively catchy. His latest single, "Come to Daddy," is as funny and charming as it is upbeat. With influences ranging from opera to video games, Jaco subverts expectations through playful lyrics, creating shiny, dance floor-ready pop. His music videos are also very engaging, with colourful imagery that champions being your boldest, brashest self.
Chinese Medicine
Toronto punk band Chinese Medicine is fronted by vocalist and guitarist Tai Wong-Clayton, who is a trans woman, and much of the band's electrifying music focuses on the BIPOC, queer experience. Listeners can dig into these themes on the group's rumbling, must-listen EP, Die Aspora. The band describes Die Aspora as "a hard-hitting, side-splitting f--k you to society's corrupt systems while exploring life and self-actualization," and each fiery track demonstrates this ethos in spades. Each spirited track is urgent, commanding and impassioned.
Mnd3gma
Pronounced "man-di-rig-ma," this indie pop duo is the project of Gossip Girl actress Jordan Alexander and her partner, DJ Sakina Garcia. The couple's first-ever single, the summery "Tayong Dalawa," was released on June 2, and it's only a taste of the hypnotizing sounds to come from the pair. With pulsating synths and silky vocals, the tropical track is a celebration of relationships that also honours Garcia's Filipino heritage. The bold instrumentals combined with Tagalog lyrics are instantly hypnotizing, making for a glittering listen from start to finish.
Jade LeMac
Vancouver singer Jade LeMac's dreamy brand of pop explores love in a number of songs, spanning the early days of butterfly-inducing crushes and final moments of heartbreak. Her diaristic debut EP, Constellations, arrived in February 2023, evoking sounds of fellow Canadian pop singer Tate McRae. With poignant lyricism, LeMac's songs embrace the beauty of vulnerability. The soaring, anthemic track "Car Accident" is a standout that demands to be blasted at full volume, and is the perfect cathartic release for anyone who has ever been cheated on.
Leith Ross
For trans, non-binary singer-songwriter Leith Ross, vivid storytelling is entrenched in every song. The Winnipeg-based musician demonstrates a knack for penning tender lyrics on their debut album, To Learn, which is filled with layered and complex songs including "Guts" and "Ask First." As they've explored their sexuality, they've encouraged fans to embrace who they are as well, telling Exclaim!: "My main dream has always been to help people, and if I can do that with music, that's the ultimate goal." They're currently on tour, playing a number of sold-out shows and festivals with big-name artists including Fred Again.
Pillow Fite
Alt-folk band Pillow Fite is comprised of trans singer-songwriter Art Ross and rocker Aaron Green. The Halifax-based pair began writing songs during the COVID-19 lockdowns over text message, and released their first EP, Flutter, last year. Pillow Fite's sound is a mix of dreamy acoustic guitar and ambient electronics that — despite sounding calming and melodic — aim to disrupt. In an interview with the Coast last year, Ross explained that there's nothing about the band that is binary: "I think that we play with different genres, we play with different looks and different gender representations," they said.
Jules Is Dead
Non-binary musician Jules Is Dead is making emo/punk music that recalls the early days of Avril Lavigne. The 17-year-old Barrie, Ont., singer has amassed millions of views on TikTok, and recently released their first entrancing single, "Red is My Favourite Colour," a few months ago. They are still in high school and don't have an album out yet, but they've already signed with Atlantic Records and shared the stage with acts including Three Days Grace.
The Kaptain
The Kaptain is an Anishinaabe and Inuk Two-Spirit artist and DJ making electrifying mixes that are perfect for concerts and clubs. Their latest mix is a fusion of EDM and Latin music that's filled with hip-swaying summertime grooves. Winnipeg-based music fans can catch them at sākihiwē festival this summer, where they'll be performing and spinning tracks on June 24.