Olivia's Pride Month Playlist - Press Play

Press Play is a new series featuring themed playlists that complement upcoming major events or holidays, with a focus on Canadian and local artists. If you have a suggestion for a song or playlist, please contact our Community Outreach Coordinator.

While hosting Rainbow Radio here on CFMU, I’ve discovered, researched, and celebrated some truly incredible LGBTQ+ music. Whether it’s singles, EPs, or full-length albums; whether it’s classic jazz, sleek disco, or unapologetic pop; whether the artist uses music to tell their own story, inspire others to live authentically, or to express themselves – it’s the sound of innovation and creative freedom. Many of these musicians are also activists making notable contributions to the community. It's these amazing artists that make hosting this show so much more than just creating a weekly playlist.

And not only that, but CFMU is fortunate enough to receive music submissions from so many unique artists: up-and-coming and seasoned; from Canada and beyond. LGBTQ+ artists are no exception and we are even, at times, lucky enough to feature their stories and uplift their voices.

With that in mind and with Pride Month just around the corner, I present to you a two-part playlist. Part 1 presents three highly innovative, Canadian LGBTQ+ artists who’ve been making waves in our recent Top 30 charts and new releases. Part 2 showcases some hidden treasures I’ve discovered throughout my time hosting Rainbow Radio.

Happy listening, and let’s celebrate this Pride Month the way it was meant to be – together!

Part 1: Pride @ CFMU

Tush

Tush is a Toronto-based disco duo consisting of Kamilah Apong and Jamie Kidd. Apong is “a queer black femme who is deeply in love with community arts and performance”, and has also performed at Pride in the past. Their new EP, Do you feel excited?, has spent significant time in our Top 30 recently (and turning my evening commute into paradise). We also featured them on Artist Sketch!

LISTEN: Do you feel excited? - Tush

Black Dresses

Black Dresses is a Toronto-based noise-pop duo and a collaboration between solo artists Devi & Rook. Their music focuses thematically on navigating the world as trans women and on isolation. Their latest EP, THANK YOU, also spent some time in our Top 30 earlier this month, and they were featured in CFMU Picks as well!

LISTEN: THANK YOU - Black Dresses

LAL

LAL is a “behind the scenes mover and shaker” – a musical collective coming out of Toronto with a shifting roster of members. LAL’s lead singer, Rosina Kazi, is South Asian, queer, and supports LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, both individually and as part of the collective. LAL’s new EP, Dark Beings, is currently at #15 on our Top 30. They were also in Hamilton very recently  – let’s hope we’ll be seeing them again soon!

LISTEN: Dark Beings - LAL

Part 2: Best of Rainbow Radio

This was a tough playlist to make – after nearly 3 years, I had so many artists to choose from! My aim was threefold: to include a variety of genres, to focus on lesser-known artists, and to include many different diverse identities within the community. I did sneak a few heavy hitters in there, though! I've also included a shortlist of names to watch and Canadian names, as well. Enjoy the tunes!

Names to watch: Shea Diamond, Leo Kalyan, be steadwell, Dizzy Fae

Canadian names: Witch Prophet, Jeremy Dutcher, Jackie Shane, The Cliks (Lucas Silveira), The Parachute Club (Lorraine Segato)

Happy Pride Month, everyone! Olivia out.

If you are on this list and wish to be removed, please contact the Community Outreach Coordinator.

Olivia Fava is a newly graduated linguistics student and the Community Outreach Coordinator at 93.3 CFMU. She hosts MorningFile as well as Rainbow Radio, a celebration of LGBTQ+ music airing every Monday night from 7-8. She is a dedicated songwriter and guitarist with a love of jazz, bossa nova, and all things smooth.