Why? A pioneer that shaped the sound of R&B in the 1960s (esp. the Toronto Sound), helped cultivate Toronto’s early queer community, and influenced glam rock and funk.
Where to start?
“Sticks and Stones” probably sums up her ethos best, as a trans woman who lovingly presented her queerness on stage. https://youtu.be/u00HYZXxxOA
“Walking the Dog” is one of the few video recordings of her performing that’s widely available. You can get a taste for her style, all the more impressive because she was out and proud at time when it was illegal for her to dress the way she did. That said, the descriptions others give, and the impression you get in the only live recording of a concert of hers is that she was a unforgettable and divine presence.
Boosting the glorious Jackie Shane for #BlackFriday
I shared about her on #TransMusicMonday this week. An R&B singer from the 60s who shaped the Toronto Sound, she left the segregationist South in the US to be an unapologetically beautiful presence in night clubs in Toronto and LA. Give her a listen today in the thread above if you haven't had the chance before.
Many of Jackie’s most beloved performances are covers making them entirely her own. “Any Other Way” is her most famous single. She has a smoldering and heartfelt voice feels like it’s singing just for you. The lyrics take on a double meaning for Jackie, living far away from her mother who she cared dearly for:
“She wants to know how I feel
Tell her that I am happy
Tell her that I am gay
Tell her I wouldn't have it
Any other way”
When you look at comments on Jackie’s songs, people come out of the woodwork to say how unforgettable she was. Sadly, the wider world neglected her legacy after she retired in 1971. This may have been in part due to her unwillingness to compromise with the queerphobic and exploitative music industry, as well as wanting to take care of and be close to her mother in the US.
Why? Mykki might be described as hip hop with riot grrrl edge and queer joyous exuberance. Her lines and sampling remind me of the best of 90s hip hop, while pushing past genre into something wonderfully fresh.
Where to start?
The GucciGig video highlights how fluidly they move between brilliant rap and into melodic ballad and hip-hop, with rapturous artistry abounding. https://youtu.be/TXqSIs-i_h8
She first blew me away with the video for “Wavvy,” just all the gender and music in a hardcore edge. Stick through the whole video, because they own the old masculine rap kayfabe and then blow it out of the water with her unapologetic transfemininity.
Also, want to mention how her “High School Never Ends” keeps hitting me hard, as someone who carries too many lost friends left back in a time that never seems to end now. The video is also poetic, moving, and troubling.
Welcome to the first Trans Music Monday! Need something fun or cathartic to ride into the weekend? Don't have enough trans genius in your playlists? I got you!
Artist: Dorian Electra (Genderfluid, they/them)
Why? You need to have your brain exploded by multimedia genius. Burning edge of hyperpop and playing with genre. Can invert your presumptions on gender and sexuality on a whim.
Where to start?
I suggest their song, "Career Boy"
From there, I think their first album, "Flamboyant" is the most approachable and just plain fun and gay. Starting here: https://youtu.be/3GkLpu2kSOU
Their second album, "My Agenda," is a drag king hyperbole of incel culture and right-wing conspiracies. The music goes harder and might be less approachable for those not interested in hyperpop. Starting here: https://youtu.be/AOgI5qsAB4w
Artist: Lucas Silveira and the Cliks (trans man, he/him)
Why? Lucas was probably the first open trans guy to sign with a major record label as the lead singer of the Cliks. His lyrics are poetic and his guitar is heartfelt and slaps. Great for moody indie rock moods.
Where to Begin?
The song of his that first grabbed me was Savanna, with it's more gentle pace and gravely voice
He had to change up his style and mode of expressing himself again when he started experiencing severe hearing loss. This led him to shift to acoustic only to preserve his hearing as long as he can. And he's found yet another beautiful musical mood that still feels very much him.
Part of what I love about Lucas as an artist though is that he has adapted his style over and over again as his embodied experience has changed, bringing a human creativity and soulfulness to it all.
When he first got big, his voice hadn't yet shifted from T, and I love the sound and energy of his vocals on songs like "Complicated"
Why? Want some heartfelt country or folk? What about lyrics that will hit you deep about the strange moments of queer times and places. Also, so really good guitar pieces to boot!
Where to start?
I think the song of his that hits me hardest is "A Guy Named Joe" about that day when you just wake up in your life as yourself and don't know what comes next
There's a live show he played that was recorded that featured several trans folk and country singers that I often enjoy, especially on hikes and long drives
Why? Glenn’s talent may have been a part of your childhood, as he composed, wrote, and acted in Sesame Street and Mr. Dressup. His 1986 self-recorded album, Keyboard Fantasies, has been placed on top 100 lists, a pioneer in electronic music.
Where to start?
I rather like this minimalistic, calming piece, “Sunset Village,” recorded in 2020. https://youtu.be/3I6wffi4P-U
I realized that I didn’t know many Black trans men artists, so decided to search! Discovering Glenn-Copeland was an absolute treat and I knew I wanted to share his music during #BlackHistoryMonth.
Articles point to how jazz, folk, and R&B influenced him, but the first thing that struck me was his composition reminds me of Japanese pieces I have heard on the koto and shamisen. He actually identifies traditional Chinese music and his Buddhist faith as an influence.
Why? Today is a day where I am finding my fight again, and Greer's music is for remembering our power as a people. I first saw their music described as "riot folk" and picket line music. She is the kind of songwriter we need for the moment we find ourselves in.
I also suggest checking out her more recent music on "Spotify is Surveillance and the work she's doing as Director for Fight for the Future. Great thing is you can also follow them on the fedi: @evangreer !
I definitely suggest the entire "she/her/they/them" album. When I was at a crossroads in my transition, struggling with dissociation and dysphoria, I would put it on and go hiking to reconnect with my body and my power. https://evangreer.bandcamp.com/album/she-her-they-them
Why? Today is wet and cold, and Shea Diamond’s voice is the hearth that is warming my soul. Her singer/songwriter talent is undeniable, taking her from prison to the national stage overnight. Her lyrics are so approachable and yet brilliantly resonant, her voice will make your hair stand on end.
Where to begin?
The song she sung from her prison cell that made prison guards weep, “I am Her:” https://youtu.be/gghr_52h8LQ
You can compare the above acapella version to the studio version, and honestly I can’t help but prefer her acapella and acoustic performances they are so beautifully real. https://youtu.be/4_zOOnvB7K8
“American Pie” is another one that just makes me want to sing along, I feel it so hard. This is a great acoustic performance of it. https://youtu.be/30bEI4oqsgc
I also really encourage people to check out this great interview with Shea by Imara Jones on the TransLash podcast. She gives so much with her story and her thoughts, I just appreciate having her in this world and being given the flowers she deserves.
Why? What kind of music can you make when you combine Enka, the genre of Japanese ballads and classics, with rock music? Whether you feel melancholy, nostalgic, or joyful, Nakamura's music will fit the mood. Also, Nakamura's lyrics are wonderful.
The song that made her famous that’s more in classic Enka style is “Song for a friend” (友達の歌) about a friend she was in love with but he couldn’t really see her because she hadn’t transitioned yet.
Why? Because my Trans Music Monday stumbled into a Tuesday, I need catharsis and energy to bring my ADHD back around into the here and now. Molly Noise's music hits this wonderful infusion of older industrial noise into something a bit more cyberpunk-y/synth-y that is plugging me in.
@MollyNoise I should also note, Molly Noise makes the music for "Sophie from Mars," one of my favorite video essayists! It's great atmosphere for writing to as well
Why? I've needed some music that just makes me feel good and can ride with me through my day, especially while I write. Rachel's joy exploring and playing around in electronic music comes through in just that perfect dose. Also, she's my friend!
Where to start?
She just put out her new album recently! It's a great piece of #TransJoy in dark times