Emerging DC Queer Artists

Emerging DC Queer

Artist Playlist on Spotify

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Ekko Astral

Ekko Astral is a trans-fronted noise-punk band from Washington, D.C., known for unleashing cathartic punk energy with a flamboyant queer twist. Embracing a self-described “mascara moshpit” style, Ekko Astral combines gritty hardcore punk with glam and art-rock sensibilities, creating music that’s as theatrical as it is ferocious. Frontwoman Sami
(who is a transgender woman) leads the charge with screamed vocals and bold lyrics that channel trans angst and defiance. After making a splash in the D.C. DIY scene with singles like “TBABY” – an explosive track capturing the experience of coming out during the “Transdemic” (the pandemic era of trans self-realization) – Ekko Astral released their debut album Pink Balloons in 2024 to local acclaim. The album delivers raw sound and powerful themes of identity and survival, resonating strongly with LGBTQ+ punk fans. Ekko Astral is active on the live circuit, thrashing at venues like Comet Ping Pong and house shows, and they often collaborate with other queer bands (members of Ekko Astral have been known to play with Pretty Bitter as well).

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Be Steadwell

Be Steadwell is a queer, gender-apathetic singer-songwriter from Washington, D.C., who creates "queer pop" music blending R&B and electronic elements. Their work often explores themes of love, identity, and community.

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Tom Goss

Tom Goss is a gay singer-songwriter who began his music career in Washington, D.C. His work often addresses LGBTQ+ themes, and he is known for heartfelt ballads and pop tunes.

Tezrah

DJ Tezrah is an award-winning DJ and music producer from the Washington, D.C. area, known for energizing dance floors with her eclectic mixes. A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Tezrah (Theresa Treszczak) has been spinning in D.C.’s club and event scene for over a decade. She specializes in Top 40, electronic dance music, hip-hop, and throwback tracks, seamlessly blending genres to keep crowds moving. Tezrah has become a go-to DJ for queer events around town – she’s headlined Pride parties, women’s nightlife events, and even won “Best DJ” in Washington Blade’s Best of LGBTQ DC awards. Currently at work on her first original album, Tezrah is transitioning from remixing hits to creating her own dance tracks. You can catch her live at clubs and community events across D.C. and Northern Virginia, or listen to her DJ mixes and new releases on SoundCloud.

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The CooLots are a dynamic D.C.-based band that personifies intersectionality in music. This Black queer-led ensemble merges rock, funk, soul, and R&B influences into a powerful “mélting pot” of sound. Hailing from the Washington area, The CooLots have been crafting original “rock & soul” tunes since 2011 and are beloved in the local scene for their high-energy performances and socially conscious anthems. Their music embodies sincerity and musicality, blending raw rock riffs with soulful grooves and even hip-hop elements. Influences range from N.E.R.D. and Me’Shell Ndegeocello to System of a Down, reflecting the band’s eclectic style. The CooLots have played many prominent D.C. venues – including the 9:30 Club, The Fillmore Silver Spring, and the Howard Theatre – often appearing at Pride events and feminist music festivals. Tracks like “Blessed” and “Doors” showcase their empowering lyrics and genre-blending talent, and their latest single “BLK GLD”(2021) celebrates Black pride and resilience. Music from The CooLots is available on Spotify and Bandcamp, and their live shows are not to be missed for fans of authentic D.C. rock.

The CooLots

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Black Folks Don’t Swim?

Black Folks Don’t Swim? is a bold and imaginative band consisting of six musicians based in the D.C. area. This Black queer-led ensemble describes themselves as “gender-diverse purveyors of funkified music,” mixing funk, soul, jazz, and rock into a unique, experimental sound. Their cheekily named group (meant to be pronounced with an upswing inflection, like a question) challenges stereotypes and invites listeners into a groove-filled, genre-blending experience. Led by bassist and musical director known as Sweet, the band includes vocalist Kailasa and others, each bringing diverse influences from Afrofuturism to jam-band psychedelia. Black Folks Don’t Swim? released their debut album For the Source in 2022, featuring tracks like “R St. Theme” – a smooth jazz-soul piece that could score an Oscar-worthy movie scene – and “Starships,” which showcases their spacey, funk-driven vibe. They’ve performed at local showcases (including the Sounds of the City festival and queer nightlife events) and built a following for their lively shows that often feel as much like communal celebrations as concerts. You can dive into their music on Bandcamp and other streaming services, and keep an eye out for their next funky DC-area performance.