Spotlight On: PRIDE Loud & Proud
Join the Pride celebrations with our latest album - PRIDE: Loud & Proud, featuring ten uplifting dance-floor bangers and heartfelt ballads. Each track has been composed, produced and performed by members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
Hear from artists and composers Corey Andrew, Per Ljungqvist and Joy Joseph about what Pride means to them and how their personal experiences shaped the style and narrative of this powerful album.
Introducing Corey Andrew
Corey Andrew is a powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and media personality whose career bridges soul, EDM, and pop culture. Since his debut album, We’re All Stars, Corey has delivered genre-defying performances that have earned international acclaim and a dedicated following across radio, clubs, and streaming platforms.
As an openly gay artist and fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, Corey has collaborated with top producers including Eddie Amador (Madonna, Seal), Peter Brown, Jesse Garcia, Kid Massive, Lon Miller and German DJ legend Dahool. His Billboard Breakout hit “Dance Floor Emergency” and Beatport #1 smash “Move Your Body” established him as one of EDM’s most dynamic vocalists.
Corey is also a respected pop culture journalist and commentator, whose insights have appeared across major outlets like Fox 5 NY, HLN, NewsNation, and Merit Street Media. He is also the host of multiple podcasts, including Core Issues, Motivational Mondays, and Naughty But Nice with Rob.
The track, ‘Love Me Now’, with fellow out and proud artist Per QX—solidifies Corey’s voice as a bold, unapologetic force for self-expression, resilience, and Pride.
Introducing Per Ljungqvist
Swedish DJ, producer and songwriter, Per Ljungqvist, (also known as Per QX) has been writing dance music for nearly two decades. His music has reached the number one spot on Billboard’s dance chart and his DJ performances include Glastonbury, Bestival, Lovebox and Barcelona’s Razzmatazz. Per’s music has featured in multiple projects for brands such as Adidas, Pioneer, BBC Radio 1, and BBC TV.
Introducing Joy Joseph
Joy Joseph began her career as a live percussionist in the London club scene, but has since carved out a reputation as a groundbreaking drummer, composer and songwriter. Joseph is also one fourth of Black Gold Buffalo, a Dark Pop band that has its roots in the East London New Wave movement.
Her part in Mr Hudson and The Library, alongside singer-songwriter Mr. Hudson, put her on track for a career touring globally with artists like Kanye West, Amy Winehouse, Groove Armada, Calvin Harris, The Police, Erykah Badu, Mika, Duke Dumont, and New Build.
Most recently Joy has toured extensively with Jessie Ware, and received high praise for her own original Drum-Synth releases, as well as contributed groove-laced drums to her postpunk band Black Gold Buffalo, described recently as “rich in allusion and artistry” by Clash Magazine.
Joy has also added DJing to her list of skills and works under the Moniker “KwéyòlKidz”. The project celebrates art culture and a plethora of musical genres, including world beats.
What does Pride mean to you?
Corey Andrews: ‘Pride, for me, is both a celebration and an act of defiance. It's about honouring the resilience of our LGBTQIA+ community while acknowledging the journey we’re still on. As a Black gay man, I live at the intersection of two identities that have long been marginalised, yet both are rooted in excellence and brilliance. So Pride is my time to shine unapologetically, through my voice, my art, and my story. It's a moment to reflect on those who came before, those still fighting, and to step forward in truth and love.’
Per Ljungqvist: ‘Honestly, Pride feels like a big colourful hug. It’s both a celebration and a reminder. It’s a time to honor the courage of those who marched in the first Pride Parade in 1970, without them we wouldn't have the same freedom some of us can enjoy today. I think about all the places where being LGBTQ+ is still dangerous or illegal to this day, we also see countries where LGBTQ rights are taken away, and let that remind us why Pride is still so important to celebrate. So yeah, it’s about good vibes and celebrating, but also about sending solidarity to everyone who still can’t be themselves safely.’
Joy Joseph: ‘Pride for me is about inclusion and celebrating diversity, difference and ultimately who we are. Pride is about living our lives with dignity, integrity, joy, courage, and in community with others without fear of being judged for who we are!'
What inspired you to create the track "Love Me Now" on the album?
Corey Andrews: 'When Per QX first sent me the track, I was instantly struck by its gorgeous, ethereal chords. It reminded me of early Seal, which I found incredibly moving. It also gave me a rare chance to sing in a higher vocal range, something I'm proud of but don't often feature in my commercial releases. I recorded a rough demo in a small room while visiting my mom, and within minutes of sending it to Per, he replied, Yes! The track is yours if you're interested in the collaboration! I was beyond thrilled. It felt like the stars aligned and it turned out beautifully.'
Per Ljungqvist: 'Having spent decades working in the LGBTQ+ scene, as a songwriter, DJ and club promoter, I wanted this album to reflect the diversity and energy I’ve experienced. I reached out to a shortlist of incredible singers whose voices would bring something unique to each track. My composer partner in crime George Nakas, and I sketched down demos and then matched the voices to the songs. Sometimes a melody would instantly call for one vocalist’s tone or style. Now seeing those collaborations come to life has been hugely rewarding.'
How did personal experiences influence the music you created?
Corey Andrews: ‘Every note I sing carries the layers of my lived experience, growing up Black and gay in a world that often tried to define me before I could define myself. "Love Me Now" is deeply personal because it reflects my lifelong pursuit of love and acceptance without conditions. Raised in a home where education and self-expression were valued, and surrounded by a community rich with Black excellence, my creativity has always been rooted in authenticity. This track allowed me to express all of that through the music.’
Per Ljungqvist: ‘Every song we wrote for the album comes from personal and shared experiences. “Watch Out” with Joy Joseph channels empowerment: the lyrics hit like a wake-up call, to stand tall instead of playing small in difficult times.
“This Love Will Tear Us Apart” featuring Alex Lärkmo has a completely different story and explores the pull of a toxic relationship—the addictive highs and the heartbreak when reality sets in.’
Joy Joseph: ‘Music has the profound capacity to evoke emotions, calm frazzled nerves, or energize me to a state of euphoria, while also prompting deep contemplation or simply allowing me to reminisce vividly. Music functions as a treasured reservoir of memories, deserving of admiration and appreciation, and is something to be revisited frequently as a source of inspiration. Everything I produce musically is inspired by life.’
What message do you hope the listeners will take away from the album?
Corey Andrews: ‘I hope listeners feel empowered to love fully, right now, without hesitation. The track "Love Me Now" is a call to embrace connection, even in a world that often tells us to hold back or hide who we are. I want people to hear this track and feel seen, heard, and uplifted. Whether you're dancing in your kitchen or marching in a Pride parade, I hope the music reminds you that your love and your truth are worthy and beautiful.’
Per Ljungqvist: ‘I do want people to feel something—whether it’s strength when you’re down or just the joy of feeling alive. The overall message is about resilience and celebration: pushing through when you feel life sucks but also enjoying life’s highs. If someone hears a track from the album and thinks, “Yep, that’s exactly how I feel,” We hit the mark. Ultimately, it’s about connection: feeling less alone and more alive.’
Joy Joseph: ‘There is hope, strive diligently, cultivate self-awareness, assist others, and we excel collectively.’
How does music play a role in advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility and representation?
Corey Andrews: 'Music is one of the most powerful tools we have to shift culture. It cuts through barriers and speaks directly to the heart. When queer voices are heard in songs that celebrate love, joy, and resilience, it helps break down ignorance and fear. It gives people who are still finding their voice a sense of belonging. Music tells us we exist, we matter, and we are not alone. That is why projects like Universal Production Music's Pride compilation are so important. They help amplify voices that need to be heard.'
Per Ljungqvist: 'Music and dancing have always played a big role in the LGBTQ+ community. Pride stages often become literal safe places where us queer people can express ourselves freely—dancing, singing, and connecting without fear. Diana Ross' anthem 'I'm Coming Out' celebrates self-acceptance and justice. Recent songs by queer artists give listeners language for their own experiences and make them feel less alone.'
Joy Joseph: 'Music plays a vital role in inclusive communities and fostering a sense of belonging within the LGBTQ+ and allied communities. Breaking Barriers: They challenge conventional norms of masculinity, sexuality, and race, paving the way for future generations.'
How do you feel the music industry has evolved in terms of LGBTQ+ representation?
Per Ljungqvist: 'The industry has come a long way, with more queer artists taking center stage and being celebrated for who they are. There is still progress to be made, especially when it comes to intersectionality and ensuring that all voices are included and valued. As someone who is both Black and queer, I know firsthand that visibility is not always evenly shared. Still, I am encouraged by the progress and grateful for platforms like Universal Music Group that continue to stand proudly as allies. Being part of this project truly means the world to me. Happy Pride!'
Joy Joseph: 'Wow, night and day compared to 15 years ago. I remember working in the studio with a singer back in 2009; their team didn’t see where they would fit in the world of pop music, and today that artist is Sam Smith. Moments like that remind me how much that has changed. Not only in the mainstream, but also in the underground club scene. It's exciting to see more trans artists and queer talent stepping up, getting the attention they deserve. The doors are opening wider, and LGBTQ+ artists are getting more airtime.'
Joy Joseph: 'I believe the industry has undergone significant positive changes regarding representation and platforms for nonconformists, offering considerable hope for the future.'
Listen to the album
