Trailblazing: 5 Trans Recording Artists in the Pop Field
Thank god for trans pop stars! They are gifts that keep on giving to the music landscape. Without them, music will never be what it is today, and it will also never evolve into what it could be for the future. Gamechangers, showstoppers, trailblazers, innovators—they are everything and so much more!
Today, a new generation of young trans women and are rising up and taking over the pop music game. We are witnessing a dawn of a more fortified, inclusive, and vibrant scene for music. From artists redefining the genre, to some of the best voices of their generation, trans pop stars are here to stay!
Here are five of our favorites trans pop stars that we have been listening to:
Kim Petras
It’s thrilling to see Kim Petras receive her righteous flowers. Her contribution to Pop music is undoubtedly immense. Fresh from being the first trans to win the Grammy for Best Pop Duo Performance, Petras proves to be the brightest star in music right now. But did you know that she has been around for years now?
Petras started making waves in 2017 after she released her debut single, I Don’t Want It All. The song went on to reach the Spotify Global Viral chart. The accompanying music video for the song premiered on Vevo, and featured a cameo appearance by Paris Hilton. After that, she went on to appear in Charli XCX’s Pop 2, and continued to release pop masterpieces. Her debut album TURN OFF THE LIGHT received critical acclaim, and her recent EP, Slut Pop, panned as a daring music move.
We can expect more from the pop star after her Grammy win. Her upcoming new album is slowly coming in the clear with singles life brrr and If Jesus Was A Rockstar.
Shea Diamond
A singer, songwriter and transgender rights activist, Shea Diamond captivated the scene with her debut single I Am Her. Her pop songs, while being melodically catchy, are also socially and politically charged, usually tackling identity and self-esteem in unabashed terms. Because of her powerful voice and empowering message, she was able to attract the attention of superstar producer Justin Tranter. Now, she’s on the road to showcase more and break molds.
GLAAD Media Award nominated Diamond in 2019. Her song I Am America was used as the theme song for HBO’s series We’re Here. With alluring songs like Stand Up, Presence of a Legend and Smile, her star is poised to rise even higher.
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez
Everyone might now her for her Emmy-nominated dazzling turn as Blanca Evangelista in Pose, but did you know Michaela Jae is a pop recording artist too? On June 2021, Michaela released her debut single Something to Say under the record label Access Records. The fun-as-hell disco and dance throwback party song shines as a perfect summer song. The song serves as lead single for her upcoming EP, seemingly going to be out soon.
Michaela was a vocalist long before she ever stood in front of a camera. She showcased some of her singing chops on Pose and Pasadena Playhouse’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. Her range is immense. Her upcoming EP will be packed with diverse styles, including a ballad, an up-tempo pop song, and funky R&B. With her single, it’s clear that Michaela’s music career will be as versatile as she is.
Teddy Geiger
Teddy Geiger made a career out of writing for some of the biggest pop stars. Now, she’s making a name for herself with her own music. After writing for acts like 5 Seconds of Summer, One Direction, and Shawn Mendes, she is now releasing her own music. In 2018, she released her third album, LillyAnna under the name Teddy <3. The album received some acclaim from the likes of New York Times, Paper, Billboard, and Rolling Stone.
Geiger’s music has evolved into a lovely dream pop sound, shedding new dimensions in each turn and song. She’s a proof that coming out and transitioning, while in the spotlight, has a power that could open musical chapters.
Ah-Mer-Ah-Su
Star Amerasu (also known as Ah-Mer-Ah-Su) is a black trans woman pop star, but with a focus on a different path, dreamy indie electronic pop. Her debut album, STAR, is not just saturated with beats to get down to, it is also full of wisdom. The album infused with words from cultural figures including Maya Mones, Saturn Rising, and Davia Spain.
On the other hand, Rebecca, Ah-Mer-Ah-Su’s first full-length EP, expands on themes like the white gaze of Blackness at the intersection of trans womanhood. It’s no denying that her music depicts a beautiful dream that is also filled with deep and relatable truths. Most of her songs tackle her hopes, fears and the strength she needs to embody in today’s society. Ah-Mer-Ah-Su will undoubtedly continue to be one of the most significant trans figures of today’s music scene.
As a new generation of trans artists are remaking pop in their image, music’s future is surely bright. We are at the dawn of an inclusive and diverse scene. Something to celebrate!
