As rainbows bounce off of every corner of the world and flags fly high, we should be reminded that Pride is to be celebrated year-round. In our Sofar communities, we continue to bear witness to the power of performance, as people show us their joy and resilience by standing in the power of their truths.
Hear These Artists
Artists from across the world have graced our stages, sharing their stories with vulnerability, honesty and strength. Let’s revisit some of the incredible queer artists that have brought their stories to life through sound.
1. N A E (She/Her)
Baltimore-based Nae Bailey has the perfect, melty blend of neo-soul and indie-synth that makes you fall in love with her vocal tone before you even absorb the lyrics. Her musical projects manage to create a sense of something nostalgic juxtaposed with that longing for some new new. And if you haven’t fallen yet, N A E is also a filmmaker and artist —a true definition of multifaceted.
2. Treya Lam (They/Them)
Treya has the innate ability to give anyone the permission they seek to be authentically themselves. A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, their complex identity is a foundation to masterful storytelling and cinematic, instrumental movements. Treya is an active member of the Resistance Revival Chorus and has their song “Dawn” featured on their debut album This Joy.
3. N3ptune (He/Him)
A proudly queer singer/songwriter, producer, dancer, model, actor, and director, N3ptune is a unique voice within Denver’s already one-of-a-kind music environment. N3ptune’s soulful, electro-tinged pop music pays some homage to his early days weaving church music into RnB, Gospel and Blues. N3ptune’s roof-blowing powerful voice will get you on your feet and ready to stand alongside the march for what’s right.
4. Polimana (She/They)
Polimana (a Hopi name, meaning “Butterfly Maiden”) is an up-and-coming independent singer/songwriter who uses Earth inspired lyrics and psychedelic indie-rock to uplift the very states of being that make us human. Polimana shares their soul with such purity and honesty through music that is just simply a coming home to self.
5. Obii (He/Him)
Sensuality oozes through Obii’s genre bending music, whimsical lyrics and soulful voice. From tutelage in Italy and London, Obii has one of the most adaptable vocals for any genre. Catch him on a trap beat with soulful melodies or with a guitar bringing you the blues, it is evident that Obii’s genre-agnostic, childhood influences shine through.
Polimana performing Sofar San Diego, photo by Sarthak Duggal
Support This Community
Celebrations will take place across the world this June, but how can we as a community celebrate, uplift and make a meaningful difference for the LGBTQIA+ artists?
1. Follow and Share Artist Work
One of the simplest ways you can support artists is by following their socials and amplifying their voices by sharing their work. It takes very little effort and has the potential for high impact visibility. If you haven’t already, check out our LGBTQIA+ Voices playlist, featuring more dynamic Sofar artists from our community. Remember: no matter your sexuality, gender, race, age, etc., you’re always welcome at Sofar.
2. Support Young LGBTQIA+ Performance Programs
Start young! Whether you are a young, queer performer, or are a lifelong ally, support programs that enrich and support performance opportunities for young artists. You can look at programs like the LARA, or within larger organizations, like The Marsha P. Johnson Foundation.
3. Buy Merch
Use this Pride to buy merchandise from your favorite queer artists and support them instead of buying more rainbows from large businesses this season.
Words by Neha Gandhi
Photo credit: Treya Lam performing Sofar NYC, photo by Deb Carlin
