I’m Liam J. Edwards (they/them), a 22-year-old classically trained queer pop artist from Cardiff, Wales. I grew up in a small town in Wales with no connections to the music industry, but I always knew I wanted to perform. My journey started with the Welsh festival Eisteddfod, where I performed in choirs and did solo acts in Welsh. At home, my mum would sing along to ABBA and The Mamas and Papas, and I quickly became fascinated by music as a form of storytelling. It wasn’t long before I began writing my own songs.
At 11, after hearing Amy Winehouse, I started writing music, inspired by her ability to tell stories with captivating melodies. My early songs were pretty terrible, mostly about a girl I fancied (who, by the way, I’m shockingly no longer with). But songwriting became my creative outlet, especially as I navigated the challenge of growing up queer in a small, religious town. Music gave me a sense of purpose when I needed it most.
Coming out was more than a struggle bus. It was more like the bus was going 600mph down the M4. On fire. While I had support from some friends, the bullying and harassment I faced were too constant, and by 14, I was in one of the darkest places I’ve experienced thus far.

Pop music became my escape, particularly the music of women in pop like Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and Kylie Minogue. Their songs made me feel powerful and celebrated, and they helped me realise that I deserved more than the abuse I was enduring. Gaga’s Born This Way was especially influential, teaching me to value myself and reminding me that even if no one else believes in me, I have to believe in myself. As she said, “There could be a hundred people in the room, and 99 don’t believe in you, but all it takes is one”—and sometimes, that one person had to be me.
“Absolutely Infectious”
Connor Morgans, Kiss FM
These pop icons inspired me to write my own songs about finding power through pain and to embrace my queerness in all its glory. I wanted to do for others what they had done for me.
When I moved to a new city to pursue my music career, I had to figure out where I fit in. I threw myself into every opportunity: networking events, gigs, and applying for everything I could, from funding to mentorships. For every 50 emails, 30 went unanswered, and 19 rejections followed, but then there was that one yes. I was lucky to get support from organisations like Anthem Cymru and Resonant, which provided me with a safe space where I could truly grow as a queer artist.
After three years of hard work and growth, I finally found my place in music. As a classically trained musician, I was often told I was “too pop for classical” and “too classical for pop,” so I decided to create something entirely new. I combined my theatrical baritone voice with high-energy pop production and coined the term “Popera” for the sound I created.
“If you haven’t listened to Liam’s music yet, you’re missing out”
Music Arena
That blend of classical, pop and my heightened, larger-than-life drag-inspired aesthetic resonated with audiences, and I started to see success. I’ve sold out venues, toured the UK, performed with ITV, and accumulated over 300,000 streams across all platforms. All while studying full-time at the incredible Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. It’s been a dream, but none of it would have been possible without the love and support of the LGBT+ community.
The queer community is incredible. They’ve made me feel like I belong and have given me the strength to pursue my dreams. I owe so much to the generation of LGBT+ activists that came before me, figures like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Alan Turning, Bayard Rustin, and so many more who fought for the rights and freedom of expression our generation has today. As LGBT+ History Month begins, it’s essential to honour their legacy, continue their fight for equality, and ensure that our history isn’t erased. It’s a long road ahead, but I’m confident in the power of the queer community and our unwavering determination to make progress.
“Oozing raw defiance”
Illustrate Magazine
For me, the journey is about staying true to myself, using my voice, and never giving up. To anyone reading this who doesn’t feel like they belong, trust me when I say you absolutely do. It takes a lot of hard work and patience, and you’ll have to deal with an avalanche of resistance from strangers, acquaintances and sometimes loved ones. But if you find your network of people who love and support you and your dreams, that feeling of community will make you unstoppable. So, keep going and remember those who came before you.
I’d like to personally thank QX Magazine for allowing me to share my journey and express my gratitude to the LGBT+ community and our history.
‘R.Y.A.N’ is released on 5 February 2025
The second single, following the success of ‘Fake Friends’. Known for combining their Classically-trained, rich, deep voice with a modern alt pop production, Liam is certainly not shying away from their full potential and power with this record.
Stream ‘R.Y.A.N’ and follow Liam now…
https://linktr.ee/liamjedwards
More about ‘R.Y.A.N’
‘R.Y.A.N’ is a ferocious and brutally honest pop anthem that explores a past relationship. It centres the betrayal and heartbreak felt when discovering the one you love was never the person you thought. Inspired by Lady Gaga’s theatrical intensity, ‘R.Y.A.N’ blends experimental, electronic dance production with Liam’s thunderous voice to deliver their unfiltered story of dealing with an emotionally bankrupt and unfaithful Ex.
All images supplied. Credit Chloe Michelle Instagram: @chloemichellephoto