Snow/Luci/Leah/Nik (they/she)

Hyperpop is inherently queer music (imo). The genre features a lot of LGBTQIA+ individuals, including a lot of trans artists, and is extremely diverse in general. From early PC Music to the now genre-transcending landscape of hyperpop, trans people have always played a major part. Music that goes against the grain and takes stylistic convention to the extreme is unsurprisingly attractive to those of us that don’t fit in. I want to take the opportunity to showcase a few trans hyperpop artists who have influenced me as a queer musician.

We begin with the legendary Sophie Xeon (SOPHIE). SOPHIE was an integral part of the early PC music movement and has had a huge impact on where hyperpop is now. She worked with major artists like Charli XCX, Vince Staples and even Madonna! In 2018, she released her debut album Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides which is an absolute emotional rollercoaster. From the aggressive songs “Ponyboy” and “Faceshopping”, to the highly experimental “Whole New World/Pretend World”, SOPHIE is a maximalist electronic musician’s dream. With her unexpected death in 2021, we lost a true trailblazer. I’m sure she will be remembered for decades to come.

Dorian Electra is a genderfluid artist from Texas. Their music is unapologetically queer and includes a lot of social commentary. Their debut album Flamboyant comments on masculinity and its role in society. Songs like “Mr. To You” and “Career Boy” talk about traditionally masculine gender roles and society’s depiction of success. “Man To Man” talks about finding strength in vulnerability and the title track “Flamboyant” is about authentic, extravagant self-expression. Some of my favourite songs by Dorian include “Sorry Bro (I love you)”, “Edgelord (feat. Rebecca Black)” and “Daddy Like”.

Finally, we have the artist who called us little pissbabies, and whose cathartically powerful music makes us “feel so clean like a money machine.” Laura Les is 1/2 of 100 gecs alongside Dylan Brady. Here, intentional absurdity and unspeakably distorted bass reign supreme. Ever wanted to listen to ska-inspired hyperpop about someone losing their money on a horse race, beating up a jockey, and stealing their horse? Then “stupid horse” from their album 1000 gecs is exactly what you're looking for. I’ve heard their music described as hyperpop itself: a genre based on pushing sonic expectations and taking music to its extreme. Laura has also released a solo single called “Haunted”. She has said that she used to use her harsh, pitched-up vocal processing to deal with her vocal dysphoria. It’s from Laura that I got the idea to do this in my own music. Vocal processing removes a huge barrier to expressing my internal experience through lyrics. Being a trans artist, Laura Les really inspires me.

All three artists are examples of the success and creativity of trans people in music. I feel I can succeed too, and I know there is space in our fucked up world for me to express myself authentically through my art.

Immaterial Girls, Career Boys and a Stupid Horse