By Lauren Means・Photos Provided with Permission Courtesy Nashville Pride Festival
The Nashville Pride Festival’s Equality Main Stage entertainment lineup features many well-known names. From multi-platinum-certified R&B disruptor singer, writer, and dancer, Tinashe, to Grammy, Emmy, and two-time Tony Award winner, Billy Porter, to Icona Pop, Slayyyter, G Flip, Shea Couleé, and Brooke Eden, the range is wide open. Here is a run-down of just a few names you will see across the stage in June.
Tinashe
Tinashe is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress who has captivated audiences with her soulful voice and electrifying performances. Tinashe’s journey to stardom began at a young age when she appeared in various television shows and movies, including “Two and a Half Men” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”
In 2014, Tinashe skyrocketed to fame with her debut single “2 On” featuring Schoolboy Q, which topped the Billboard Rhythmic chart and became a club anthem. This success led to the release of her debut studio album, “Aquarius,” which showcased her versatility as an artist and established her as a rising star in the music industry.
Tinashe’s meteoric rise continued with subsequent projects like “Nightride” and “Joyride,” displaying her evolution and willingness to experiment with different musical styles. Her sultry vocals and effortless dance moves have earned her a dedicated fan base and accolades from critics worldwide.
Beyond her music career, Tinashe has also made a name for herself in the world of fashion and entertainment, gracing the covers of magazines and starring in films such as “Akeelah and the Bee,” and the live adaption to the musical “Rent” on FOX, “Rent: Live.”
Her sixth studio album, “BB/Ang3l,” was released in September 2023 and its follow-up “BB/Ang3l Pt.2 – Quantum Baby,” is slated for release this year.
Billy Porter
Billy Porter, a luminary of the stage and screen, transcends mere titles to become a beacon of empowerment, expression, and artistic prowess.
Porter’s breakthrough came with his portrayal of Lola in the Broadway sensation “Kinky Boots.” His performance, infused with charisma and vulnerability, earned him widespread acclaim, including a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical in 2013. Through Lola, Porter shattered stereotypes, celebrating individuality and the power of self-acceptance.
Beyond the stage, Porter’s influence extends to fashion and activism. He uses his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, fearlessly challenging societal norms and championing inclusivity. His sartorial choices are bold declarations of self-expression, challenging traditional gender norms and redefining red-carpet fashion.
In 2019, Porter made history as the first openly gay black man to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Pray Tell in “Pose.” His portrayal of the flamboyant yet complex ballroom emcee resonated deeply, shedding light on the HIV/AIDS crisis and the resilience of the queer community in the face of adversity.
His most recent album, “Black Mona Lisa,” was released in November 2023.
Porter is just an Oscar away from achieving EGOT status.
Icona Pop
Icona Pop is a Swedish electro-pop duo comprised of Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo. Bursting into the music scene in 2012, they quickly gained international recognition with their infectious energy and catchy tunes. Their breakthrough hit “I Love It,” featuring Charli XCX, became an anthem of empowerment and rebellion, propelling them into the mainstream spotlight.
Known for their bold style and unabashed attitude, Icona Pop infuses their music with a sense of freedom and individuality. Their songs are often characterized by pulsating beats, anthemic choruses, and lyrics that celebrate independence, friendship, and living life to the fullest.
Their album “Club Romantech” was released in 2023 after being conceptualized and completed during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Slayyyter
Slayyyter is an electrifying pop sensation who blends hyper-pop beats and unapologetically bold lyrics to captivate audiences with an irresistible allure that transcends boundaries.
Harnessing the power of nostalgia while infusing it with a modern twist, Slayyyter creates a sound that feels simultaneously familiar and groundbreaking. Drawing inspiration from icons like Britney Spears and Gwen Stefani, she fearlessly reinvents pop music for a new generation, pushing the boundaries of sound and style.
Slayyyter’s music is a celebration of self-empowerment and unabashed sensuality. Her lyrics, often provocative and daring, explore themes of love, lust, and the complexities of modern relationships. Tracks like “Mine” and “Daddy AF” are anthems of unapologetic desire, while songs like “Platform Shoes” and “Hello Kitty” showcase her penchant for crafting infectious hooks and irresistible melodies.
From her larger-than-life persona to her bold fashion choices, she embodies the spirit of pop culture in the digital age. With a vibrant visual style that draws inspiration from anime, internet memes, and early 2000s fashion, Slayyyter is a living embodiment of the internet’s influence on contemporary art and music.
Her latest album, “Starfucker,” was released in September 2023 and reached number 10 on Billboard’s US Dance chart.
G Flip
G Flip is a non-binary Australian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. They started playing drums at the age of nine and over the years, mastered additional instruments including bass, guitar, keyboard, and piano. This is in addition to mastering vocals.
In February 2018, they took a leap of faith by uploading their debut single “About You” to Triple J Unearthed — an Australian digital radio station and online music discovery platform. That same day their track was picked up by Triple J, the national Australian radio station and sister station to Triple J Unearthed.
They have won many Australian and European music awards and G Flip has had two gold, three platinum, and one double platinum singles confirmed by The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).
G Flip’s second studio album, “Drummer,” was released in August 2023 and reached number one on the ARIA Charts — music sales charts issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association.
Shea Couleé
Shea Couleé burst onto the scene in the ninth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where her charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent captivated audiences worldwide.
Throughout her journey on Drag Race, Shea Couleé showcased her impeccable fashion sense and her versatility as a performer. Whether she was serving fierce runway looks, slaying lip-sync battles with her electrifying dance moves, or delivering poignant acting performances, Couleé consistently demonstrated her status as a powerhouse entertainer.
Despite narrowly missing out on the crown during her original season, Couleé’s stardom continued to rise post-Drag Race. She embarked on successful tours, captivating audiences with her magnetic stage presence and infectious energy. Additionally, she used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and champion causes close to her heart, becoming an inspirational figure for many within the community.
Couleé returned to the Drag Race franchise for the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, where she cemented her status as a drag icon by claiming the coveted crown. Her victory was a testament to her unwavering determination, talent, and resilience. Beyond drag, Shea Couleé continues to break boundaries, redefine beauty standards, and inspire countless individuals to embrace their authentic selves with pride and confidence.
“8,” Couleé’s debut album is available for download and streaming through all major services.
Brooke Eden
Brooke Eden is a country music singer-songwriter who started her career in her teens by playing at local music festivals and opening for acts including Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn.
She made it to Hollywood Week during season seven of “American Idol.” After another try at “American Idol” for season 10, she completed her college degree at the University of Florida, then packed up and headed to Nashville.
After signing with the independent record label Red Bow Records, she released her debut single, “Daddy’s Money,” introducing a larger audience to her dynamic sound and undeniable charisma. The song’s catchy hooks and relatable lyrics catapulted her onto the country music scene, garnering widespread acclaim and paving the way for her future success. This single reached number 50 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
In August 2022, she married radio promoter Hilary Hoover in a Nashville ceremony officiated by Trisha Yearwood.
Eden’s fourth EP, “Outlaw Love,” was released in June 2023.
