Loren Heat is not here to play it safe. Hailing from Middlesbrough, the rising queer pop artist has been making serious noise since dropping her debut EP Scarlet Haze in 2024. Named one of BBC Introducing’s Ones to Watch in 2026, she’s already racked up praise from DIY, Clash, Earmilk, Atwood and Spotify, and her sharp-edged, unapologetically queer pop is winning fans well beyond the North East.
Her latest single Romeo and Juliet – yes, she’s lesbianising the Bard – dropped via Interval Records, and it’s exactly the anthemic, danceable heartbreak banger we needed.
With shows in Japan, SXSW in Austin and a headline gig at Middlesbrough Town Hall on the horizon, Loren is doing bits. We caught up with her to talk Shakespeare, spirituality, and why queer representation from the North East matters more than ever.
You said you’re sorry to Shakespeare for “lesbianising” one of his finest works – but if he were alive today, do you think he’d secretly be obsessed with queer pop culture?
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Oh 100% he would. I used to read Shakespeare when I was younger – albeit a children’s version – but still. I think he’d be so down. His writing gives queer vibes, but maybe that’s just me.
Your work explores queerness, identity and growing up in the North East. How has your hometown shaped the artist you are – both creatively and politically?
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I think it influences it in a way I don’t often realise. My music is about real experiences and feelings from situations I’ve found myself in. Growing up in the North East is fun, and the community is amazing, and I truly hope more people experience it!
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You’re heading to Japan and SXSW this year. As a queer artist stepping onto international stages, what responsibility – if any – do you feel representing your community?
I feel such a responsibility. It’s scary because I personally find our community to be so colourful and bright and talented, and I believe it’s made up of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, and I don’t want to let them down. I’m truly honoured to be representing them!
Outside of music, what grounds you when everything starts moving quickly? Touring, industry attention, expectations – how do you protect your sense of self?
I do a lot of meditating, lighting candles, incense, journalling. I feel it keeps me so centred and with myself. Other than that though, my girlfriend and mates – they are my favourite people. I do not know where I’d be without them.
How did it feel to be one of BBC Introducing’s Ones to Watch?
I felt sexy and free like Jessie J, I’m not gonna lie! It means the world to know that I have so many people believing in me and supporting me. I’m very grateful and I hope I can live up to it!
As a queer artist from the North East, what did you need to see growing up that you’re now becoming for someone else?
Representation. I think representation full stop, no matter where you’re from. Seeing yourself in someone was a slim opportunity and it was strange because now there are so many people to be that for others. But I also think North East representation is important because it is not often seen that someone from the North East does well, never mind someone queer. I wanna change that!
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Who and what inspires your music and why?
Sound wise – Slayyyter, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa and Jade. They’re definitely who inspire me because they never fail to get me moving. For me, they make timeless sounds.
Lyrically, I love Billie Eilish, Olivia Dean and also Adela. I think the way they write is so fun – like Superscar by Adela, you think it’s about one thing but when you deep it and read the lyrics properly, it’s something completely different.
Looking ahead, what kind of cultural space do you hope your music helps create for queer listeners who might still be figuring themselves out?
Honestly, I think if I can help in any way that is more than enough. But I would like to say – I hope it helps people realise, you have got to have fun. Don’t take life too seriously, be you, there is always hope, and there is never a time limit!
Loren Heat’s new single Romeo and Juliet is out now via Interval Records. Stream it on Spotify. Follow Loren on socials and catch her live at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Saturday 18th April.
Nonchalant x
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
