2026 New LGBTQ+ Music

2026 has begun with a wide variety of incredible new music from LGBTQ+ artists. It’s simply impossible to highlight every new song, album, and EP. However, I wanted to share 10 that you might have missed below. 

Ants & Gnats & Seeds by nazly - So this was technically released at the end of 2025, but I still wanted to include it on the list. This debut EP is incredibly introspective and thoughtful. It was recorded in Nazly's hometown of Cairo, Egypt. In an email, Nazly explained, "Ants & Gnats & Seeds allowed me to explore my discomfort with my socialization and positionality growing up as a woman, dealing with uncomfortable conclusions/questions about my transness and dysphoria, and navigating a tumultuous time in your mid-20s when you feel like you're rewriting everything from scratch and you feel crazy." 

Satellite by Charlotte Sands - Charlotte’s sophomore album came out earlier this month; her bright blue hair makes her immediately recognizable, and her unique alt-pop sound immediately sets her apart. This record is danceable, relatable, and an incredibly strong second album. 

Nothing Comes Easy by Joy Oladokun - I have long loved Joy’s music; she has a perfect blend of folk, pop, rock, and R&B influences. This project is deeply vulnerable and incredibly beautiful. As she said in an Instagram post, “i wrote this song about learning to trust that pain isn’t personal. although we live in a world that systemically causes a lot of pain, pain itself does not discriminate. a yearago i was so blinded by my pain i couldn’t see all the good blooming around me.” Curious to learn more about Joy? Here is a Q&A we did last year. 

call you back by Chloe Star - Chloe has released two singles this year so far ‘call you back,’ and ‘i didn’t wanna say goodbye.’ I’m an alternative indie rock music lover and Chloe’s music falls squarely into that genre. Her music is raw, vulnerable, and danceable. Stay tuned for another single coming on the 30th, and a feature with her coming soon. 

You Don’t Really Like Me by Emma Andersen - You Don't Really Like Me is another incredible indie pop single from Emma. This one is deeply relatable about being in a relationship and realizing your partner doesn't feel the same way you do. You won't want to miss the music video; the vibes are incredible, and while the song topic may be a bit sad, the video itself is delightful. 

Mirages by Semler - I love everything that Semler releases, and this album is no exception. It begins with the title track, “Mirages,” which features incredible instrumentals, highlights Semler’s stunning voice, and, of course, the hallmark of Semler’s music: spectacular lyrics. The title track really sets the tone for the full album; it’s thoughtful and introspective, and I love the vocal layering on so many of the songs. Curious to hear more about Semler? Here is a podcast episode we did together last year. 

The Bog Bodies by Rabbitology - In 2024, Rabbitology released a dorm demo version of this song that I had on repeat; this is a reimagined version of that. Everything in this new version is a masterpiece, and it is still the folk horror music that Rabbitology fans have come to know and love. The backing instrumentals and the hand-painted cover art especially blow me away. Want to know more about Rabbitology? We caught up with them when they were opening for The Oh Hellos last year, read all about it here. 

Realistic Love Song by Maddie Zahm - Maddie is the whole package—she has a beautiful voice and incredible lyrics. Especially if you love alt-pop, you'll want to check out this single. 'Realistic Love Song,' is one of my favorite new songs; it's so raw and honest. 

Tell Me That !!!! by Hannah Jagdu - Hannah Jagdu is the queen of bedroom pop, and she doesn’t miss with this new project. I love each song in this EP, but my personal favorite is ‘My Love.’  Jagdu’s career is one to watch; she recently opened for Del Water Gap, and she was recognized by ‘The Cut’ in their recent Rising Acts feature.

FCKN SWEET by Siena Liggins - This danceable self-love anthem is the song we all need right now—in a time when it can be hard to find joy. When many people are afraid to be authentic, this song urges listeners to be unapologetically themselves. Read all about it in our interview with Siena here. 

Last time I did a new music rundown, I got some questions from folks who want to submit new LGBTQ+ music for inclusion in future editions of this newsletter. You are more than welcome to comment on the post, dm me, or email me at info@hankycodemagazine.com if you have requests for who you would like included in the next new music rundown.