Get ready to meet Breakthrough with Coke Studio and GT’s class of 2024
Coke Studio and GAY TIMES are collaborating for the second year running to celebrate upcoming queer talent as part of our Breakthrough partnership; an ongoing campaign that gives unsigned LGBTQIA+ musicians and allies within the UK and Ireland the opportunity to break into the industry. We all know it’s not easy to get into a new career without some help. So, we’ve teamed up with Coke Studio to connect hand-selected talented queer acts and allies as part of the campaign, bringing much-needed new unsigned artists to wider audiences.
Last year, we documented the musical journey of Celaviedmai, Callum Crighton, Lleo, and Keanan as our first-time Breakthough acts. Now, we’re ready to introduce you to our class of 2024.
View this post on Instagram
Chubby Cat (she/her) – the first act of our Breakthrough campaign with Coke Studio and GT. Based in Belfast, Cat is known for her intimate electro-pop tracks and her unique stage name, a playful title that came from a random name generator. With over 1,000 monthly listeners to her name, the musician has supported Liverpudlian rock band Crawlers in Dublin and landed spots on Spotify’s New Music playlist and radio play with her 2022 single ‘Not A Vibe’.
Donnie Sunshine (he/him) – a high-energy DJ who’s lit up stages everywhere from Somerset House and Pxssy Palace to Mighty Hoopla. Born and raised in East London, Donnie is all about reinventing what club music can be. As a Black, queer male artist, he’s ready to bring forward the representation he didn’t see enough of. Inspired by artists like Frank Ocean, Donnie wants to make people smile with his music, bringing positive, uplifting vibes to his listeners.
Bobbi Arlo (she/her) – Irish singer-songwriter taking influences from Shygirl to her very own rock n roll musician cousin, the Glasgow-based hyper-pop act has broken into the top 30 of Ireland’s official radio airplay chart and is ready for more. The 24-year-old’s striking pop tracks ‘FEVER THOUGHTS’ and ‘FEEL IT’ have pulled in over 450,000 streams, proving she’s an artist to watch out for.
Alexa Joyce (she/her) – If you’re looking for a new gen pop star, then Alexa Joyce needs to be on your radar. Inspired by legacy acts Britney Spears, Chaka Khan and The Rolling Stones, the Liverpool girl pop artist aspires to be one of the greats. A defiant ally to the queer community, Alexa’s dancefloor-ready tunes are all about bringing people together for an unforgettable night of music.
Lordin (he/him) – London-based artist Lordin is all about celebrating and authenticity. Learning from mega acts Frank Ocean, Nicki Minaj and Victoria Monét, the genre-blending act brings Pride to his own stylings of pop, R&B and rap. With a promising cult following on Spotify, Lordin wants to bring his boundless sound to bigger audiences.
Sophie Joy (she/her) – Sophie Joy is an on-the-rise DJ that champions queer house music to a whole new level. From playing hot mess UOKHUN club nights to spinning her own tunes on the decks, the Brighton artist never misses a beat.
The industry can be a tough place to crack, so Breakthrough is here to help the LGBTQIA+ community and allies level up.
All 6 artists will go on tour with Coke Studio to various festivals and Prides throughout the UK and Ireland. Keep an eye on GAY TIMES and Coca Cola UK&I social channels to follow the artists.
Expect exclusive content, behind the scenes festival access and a summer of new music!
Latest
