As we begin Pride Month celebrations, we are excited to highlight two exceptional artists who are making waves in the dance music scene and proudly representing the LGBTQ+ community. Each week, we will feature influential LGBTQ+ artists, and for our first week, we want to highlight two talents: REZZ and AK Renny. These artists are not only redefining genres with their innovative sounds but also breaking barriers and creating space for greater representation in the industry.
Since beginning her career, REZZ has achieved incredible success, earning tens of millions of streams, selling out iconic venues like Red Rocks, headlining major festivals worldwide, and appearing on the cover of Billboard. REZZ is renowned for her unique sound that blends bass-heavy and minimal tech compositions, producing genre-defying electronic music. REZZ’s journey began when she was a teenager as a local DJ in Niagara Falls, Ontario, before her distinct sound caught the attention of industry heavyweights like deadmau5 and Skrillex. This led to the release of her debut EP, Insurrection, in 2015.
REZZ’s androgynous style—often featuring an all-black ensemble, ponytail, black hat, and iconic goggles—challenges traditional gender norms and underscores the importance of female representation in the male-dominated electronic music scene. By creating a space for herself, REZZ has also paved the way for other women and LGBTQ+ artists to shine in the industry.
AK Renny, a DJ and rapper from Jacksonville, Florida, is transforming the bass house scene with her distinct sound, that seamlessly merges the energetic beats of bass house with her powerful rap lyrics. The name AK Renny, an acronym for “Always Knew Renny,” is inspired by a Kid Cudi quote, capturing her journey towards self-awareness and artistic growth. As a proud LGBTQ+ artist, AK Renny often incorporates LGBTQ+ themes and her own identity into her lyrics establishing herself as a significant figure within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the house and rap genres.
Since beginning her production career in 2019, AK Renny has rapidly gained recognition and support from key industry figures such as Dr. Fresch. She has released tracks with well-known labels like Solotoko, Night Bass, and House Call, and has upcoming collaborations with Hood Politics, Ferris Wheel, and Bassrush. AK Renny will be making her debut at both Nocturnal Wonderland and Lost Lands this year, further cementing her rising status in the electronic music scene. Additionally, she has a track with Heyz titled “Feel Right” set to release this Friday, June 7.