YOUR QUEER SOUNDTRACK
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For people meeting you for the first time, who is GIO X, and what story are you telling through your music and art?
My music is inspired by living and loving in a big city. There’s a darkness in my debut EP, but there’s beauty in everything if you’re willing to look for it. That’s the story I’m always trying to tell.
You describe yourself as an unapologetically queer artist. What does living and creating unapologetically mean to you in 2026?
Through my music career, I’ve realised there are three levels of filters when it comes to creativity: people you don’t know, people closest to you, and yourself. All three can be equally hard to please.
At some point, I stopped trying to satisfy everyone and focused on what I wanted. If I finish a song, play it back, and it makes me feel something, I release it. And if I change my mind later, that’s fine too. I’ll make the next one better.
How has your LGBTQ+ identity influenced your creative process, songwriting, performance style, or visual aesthetic?
I come from a pretty conservative background, so expressing myself the way I wanted through art wasn’t always easy. It’s been a long journey. Along the way, I’ve met people who inspired me and encouraged me to put myself out there, and I’m really grateful for that. I think that freedom I’ve found naturally shows up in my music, performances, and visuals.
Have there been any artists, activists, or cultural figures who inspired you to embrace your authentic self and pursue your career?
Tove Lo. She’s incredibly talented and has the perfect amount of “I don’t give a fuck” energy. She’s just cool.
The music industry has evolved significantly in its representation of queer artists. What progress have you seen, and where do you think more change is still needed?
There’s always been a bit of irony when it comes to representation in the music industry. Queer people have played a massive role behind the scenes for decades, but we still don’t see enough of them front and centre.
The industry will always support what makes money, and a lot of the formulas get repeated. That’s why it’s so important to support local talent. Go to the pubs, go to the small gigs, support your artist friends. Don’t just wait for the next manufactured pop princess to appear at the O2.
Many LGBTQ+ young people look to artists for visibility and hope. What message would you like to share with queer people who are still finding their voice?
Stop doom-scrolling and start networking with other queer artists. Community can change everything.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your journey so far, and what challenges have helped shape you as an artist?
Right after lockdown, I performed live for the first time in five years. Friends, family, and even people who didn’t know I was a singer were there.
It was nerve-racking, but it was also one of the most rewarding moments of my life. It reminded me how much I love being on stage, and I haven’t stopped since.
Your work often celebrates individuality and self-expression. How do you balance being vulnerable in your art while maintaining personal boundaries?
I love being open in my music because that’s often where the strongest connections happen. At the same time, I keep some things just for myself. My lyrics are very metaphorical, and I’m not always going to tell you exactly what they mean. Wink, wink.
What projects, collaborations, or creative goals are you most excited about right now, and what can your audience expect next from GIO X?
I’m headlining the Fetish Awards UK on 11 July at the RVT, which I’m really excited about. I’ve been working on new music and visuals for the show, pushing myself and experimenting in new ways, and I can’t wait for people to experience it.
If you could leave one lasting impact on LGBTQ+ culture and the music industry, what would you want your legacy to be?
I’d love my legacy to be showing that there’s space for everyone in music. Every song matters, and every project is part of a bigger journey. If my work encourages people to be themselves and take up space unapologetically, that would mean a lot to me.
What’s one thing people assume about GIO X that couldn’t be further from the truth?
That I’m not socially awkward.