I created a Pride playlist for ATIKA with the intention to embody what pride is - complete inclusivity, rebellion and fun!

I couldn’t help but make something which is 7 hours and 34 minutes long (and counting.) Mainly because of the breadth of artistry that people of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies have made. There’s everything on there, you’ve got your classic Kylie bangers as well as more underground emerging artists such as Le1f and Angel-Ho.

Music is something that is so important to the community, because of the safe spaces that were and still are created around the sense of coming together to enjoy something. The unexpected and sometimes avant-garde nature of the music made, is something I personally resonate with because of its correlation with the idea of queerness not being fully commercial and a representation of your inner self.

Obviously there's a lot of songs that have been put onto the playlist, but I thought it'd be fun to explain a bit about some of my favourite tracks!

Madonna - Express Yourself (1989)

Madonna is potentially one of the biggest straight allies that the LGBTQ+ community has had to represent them. This song solidifies her constant fight in wanting everyone to ‘express themselves’ in a way that’s beneficial to who they are, as well as everyone else. It’s also an absolute tune to scream out on a karaoke system.

George Michael - Freedom! 90 (1990)

Similar to Express Yourself, Freedom! 90 is a track that has the age old “be yourself” motif. There’s self reflection engrained in the lyrics to this absolute banger. Realising that makes oneself happy and is the best way to freedom. Something that most LGBTQ+ people will understand. The music video features the absolute goddesses that is Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista. What’s not to love about it?

Kylie Minogue - All The Lovers (2010)

Not only is the track a love letter for anyone in a relationship, the video and story behind it is even more special than the actual song. Kylie features same sex couples kissing in the video and when she was asked to create a “censored” version, i.e; the gay kissing being cut, she refused to do so. Her doing this is so important in the fight to uncensored on screen LGBTQ+ affection. It’s my favourite Kylie song, I still get goosebumps whenever I hear it.

RuPaul - Supermodel (You Better Work) (1992)

Arguably the most famous drag queen on the planet! RuPaul embodies multiple communities that have been the subject of prejudice. The fact that he’s been a super successful drag queen since the 90’s (even doing a campaign with Viva Glam make up) is a feat to be respected. The lyrics are relatively tongue in cheek, but the best lyric of all? ”You better work”. Regardless of gender or orientation, you’ve probably heard someone shouting that at least once with a cheeky finger wave.

Words By: Jordan Bromley

You can listen to Jordan’s playlist here >>> ATIKA: PRIDE PLAYLIST