culture box

SPOTLIGHT: BEATS OF PRIDE

Published August 10, 2025

With Pride Week around the corner, we caught up with a few artists who are using music to build community, celebrate diversity, and make space for others to do the same. In their own words, they share what it means to create from a place of joy, vulnerability, and pride — and why that still matters so much today.

What message would you send to younger queer creatives who are just starting to explore music or performance?

“Queer and trans people have a unique way of interpreting electronic music, and I specifically think it’s because of our inherent need to explore and question status quo. So with that in mind, be kind to yourself, trust the process and have fun! Your voice is important within the scene, don’t be afraid to shine and share your perspective to the world.” – Hex Electronix

“Do what you like and what gives you joy, even if it isn’t trendy or recognized on a mainstream level. You’ll find your crowd and community eventually. And! Never ever compare yourself to others. I know it’s very easy to say, but I kid you not, the biggest creative set-backs and stagnation are caused by comparisons. Reach out to people who appreciate and understand your craft and from whom you’d value receiving feedback from. Asking for help and guidance always pays off, even if (similarly to me) it’s hard to ask for help. It’s a great muscle to build!”. – Baltza

“Instead of putting things into boxes, see it more as doing and expressing the things that make you happy – and not to please anyone or to “fit in”. Because in my experience, you’re most proud of your work and your performance when you’ve been most yourself in it. It’s not about fitting in, it’s about owning what you create. For your own sake. You’re the main character of your life, honey.” – Taralillah

What does it feel like to play music where queerness is celebrated rather than hidden?

“It feels important. It’s all about shining a spotlight on what some would rather want hidden. Celebrating what some would rather condemn. It’s all about giving people a space to be who they are and not having to leave a part of themselves at home for fear of being judged!” – 1KET

“I think the difference during Pride is that I suddenly go from being the only one at parties who is homosexual, to being part of several thousand people where you can actually feel what it’s like to be in a world where everyone is the same way as me. So it’s a completely unique feeling of community. I get a bit of a sense of what it would actually be like to live in a world where so many of those around you are like yourself. I think that’s completely unique and exciting.” – Taralillah

How do you hope the audience feels during and after your set at Beats of Pride?

“My goal is to connect with the crowd through playful, uplifting sounds and energy, leaving them genuinely happy and energized. I also hope to inspire a sense of curiosity, encouraging them to explore music beyond their usual preferences. Even more, I aim to motivate them to delve into the rich history of electronic music, much of which was pioneered by queer, marginalized communities.” – Baltza

“I hope people feel comfortable, no matter who they are. I hope that people feel united in something greater than whatever differences are in the room. I hope they feel the community and that the culture of pride is being represented in full. In all it’s wonderful diversity!” – 1KET

“They should get a feeling of being pumped with confidence, have vulnerable moments triggered, and get that feeling of not thinking about who’s standing next to them – the whole thing is a journey in itself. It will be pumping, a confidence boost, and energetic.”– Taralillah

Looking ahead, what kind of space do you hope to help build in the music scene for queer artists?

“I want to create space for all the normative attitudes about perfectionism to die, and for the imperfect to become the new perfect. A space where those who have felt weird or felt it was a weakness to be vulnerable get this community and room to let that be exactly the strongest thing – to be imperfect. ”
– Taralillah

“Before Adexia and I created Dakkedolls, I feel like there wasn’t a space in Copenhagen night life that specifically amplified hyperpop-driven techno and trance. It’s a new and important genre created by our queer community, and I feel proud that we’re slowly, but surely making a name for ourselves by sharing the music we love, showcasing a new wave within the club scene that is here to stay!” – Hex Electronix

“A space where passion, dedication, and kindness matter more than labels. A space that fosters safety, where individuals feel empowered to share feedback without fear.” – Baltza