Vjeran’s tracks – KET Remembers SOPHIE

In every episode of KET Talks, the Brussels queer podcast, Vjeran recommends some tracks to add to your playlist !

KET Remembers SOPHIE

The LGBTQ+ community and the world has lost a trailblazing musical icon.

We are taking a moment to remember SOPHIE who has tragically and unexpectedly passed away following an accident in Athens.

Through her own visionary and boundary-pushing music, as well as collaborations with Madonna, Charli XCX, Kim Petras and more, SOPHIE was truly a powerhouse in modern pop and a pioneer in transgender visibility in the music industry.

Aged just 34, the Scottish musician has been taken way before her time. May she rest in peace, power, and glory.

Rina Sawayama – Sawayama

A debut album released during a pandemic? We stan this brave queen!

It’s a brave move by an artist to release a debut album during a global pandemic with no chance to promote it on tour, not even in a gay bar! The tragedy! Yet, this album was released to widespread acclaim.

Her name is Rina Sawayama and the name of her debut record is quite simply Sawayama – eponymously adding to the previously released EP, Rina.

Sawayama explores personal experiences from both her childhood and adulthood. Her music is also about belonging and about family and identity which Sawayama says means ‘understanding herself in the context of two opposing cultures’ – Rina being both British and Japanese.

Throughout the album, Rina is exploring what ‘belonging’ means when home is an evolving concept, figuring out where you sit comfortably within and awkwardly outside of stereotypes, and ultimately trying to be ok with just you being you.

Interestingly, she came out in 2018 by saying that she simply always writes songs about girls and that she wants to be free to openly talk about it. She also toured in 2019 as a supporting act to Charli XCX – we love a good queer army!

Listen to KET Talks now on Spotify, YouTube, IGTV, Deezer and Apple Podcasts! Enjoy this fourth episode of the Brussels queer podcast and feel free to give us your feedback on Facebook and Instagram.

To discover all of Vjeran’s music recommendations, follow KET magazine’s playlist on Spotify.