4 Queer Artists to Check Out in Austin

Austin, well-known for its live music, is also the home of a vibrant LGBTQ scene. Here are four queer artists to keep an eye out for around town.

Written by Aidan Comiskey

Carry Illinois

This five queer-membered band draws from the typical folk music of the traditional Austin music scene to create their unique pop-rock sound. Vocal powerhouse Lizzy Lehman leads the band, who released their first EP, Siren, in 2014 and have released three others since. Their lyrics focus heavily on the experience of growing up as LGBTQ youth. While the band isn’t playing shows currently, be sure to check them out on Spotify and look out for Lehman’s solo shows in Austin.

Vestite

If you’re familiar with the Austin queer scene, you may recognize the face behind the microphone but not the name. Vestite, the musical persona of local drag queen and artist Hentaii, overlays their brighter vocals on top of darker electronic backgrounds to create a quasi-electropop style perhaps best described as half-witchy, half-b-tchy. An up-and-coming musician, Vestite began working in 2018 and has had a productive year with two singles released followed by their EP, Dark Signal, just last month. Check out Vestite’s work online and around town as Hentaii.

Street Queer

You might have seen this San Antonio native and UT Austin student performing at a co-op in West Campus before. Dorian Delafuente, known by his stage name Street Queer, challenges the traditional notions of gender and sexuality commonly found in hip-hop. His music draws from dirty rap of the likes of Khia and CupcakKe, focusing on queer themes and creating flows that will keep you dancing. Look out for his performances at clubs downtown as well as at parties near campus. You can also find his music on Soundcloud.

P1nkstar

P1nkstar’s high-energy, techno-heavy music will have you feeling like you’re in a club no matter where you really are. These beats provide the background for her subversive lyrics that draw from existing queer pop aesthetics, celebrate queer individuals, and challenge the social hierarchies that disadvantage them. P1nkstar, who identifies as transfemme, has been heralded as a star in Austin’s queer nightlife scene, performing alongside the likes of LCD Soundsystem and Charli XCX. Check out her page to see your fav electro-star live.