Betta Lemme Creates Her Soundtrack of Pride

Which songs helped Betta Lemme during her formative years?

We all have those songs that are forever ingrained in our coming-of-age stories. Songs that gave us hope, played during our first kiss, helped us feel fierce, or simply helped us understand ourselves a little bit better. This is oftentimes particularly true for LGBTQ artists.

Throughout the month of June, and only on PRIDE, LGBTQ+ artists are curating and sharing playlists that reflect their formative years—their Soundtracks of Pride. 

Betta Lemme is a fluid electro-pop artist who's ready to make you dance. Scroll down to check out Betta Lemme's playlist and read why she picked each song!

"Go West" - The Pet Shop Boys

"Why? Because in this track life is peaceful there. Where the sky is blue. You can be what you want to be. And if you make a stand now, you too can find your promise land. I would listen to this and transport myself to a planet where my friends were free to be and love who they wanted and just live without ever having to be fearful for our lives for simply choosing happiness. We could walk the street and know we wouldn’t be bothered. This song made and continues to make me dream that."

"Lollipop" - Aqua

"The entire Aquarium album made me furious about not being able to go to raves as a child. It still bothers me to this day but I loved these tracks because they’d transport me to a high octane romantic camp land where glitter and quirkiness was the only way of life. I could live in this Aquarium for the rest of my days."

"Primadonna Girl" - Marina & the Diamonds

"This track always helps me feel less guilty about going for what I want and never settling for less."

"This Is My Life" - Shirley Bassey

"Class act song. I often try not to give a damn about lost emotions. Shirley gives me that strength when I need it most. Her unapologetic and grandiose demeanor gives me the energy I need when I begin to get down on myself. We all need Shirley in our lives whether we know it or not."

"Strong Enough" - Cher

"I remember hearing this as a young kid. I grabbed my mother’s cowboy boots, grabbed my Simba doll, and danced with him. I think this was the time I discovered my first stank face and was proud of Cher for standing up herself. It made me want to have the same for me and my friends."

"I close my eyes and count to ten" - Dusty Springfield

"'It isn’t the way that you look. It isn’t the way that you talk. It isn’t the things that you say or do, make me want you so.—— It’s the way you make me feel the moment I am close to you.' I mean.., C’MON. I like to believe that if more people felt this, the world would be a much better place. Love is simple. I don’t know why we have to make such a big deal out of who falls in love with who. Also low key (not even low key, who am I kidding...) would love to add 78 Dusty songs in here just for the glorious subtext but y’all can explore that on your own time."

"Nothing but Heartaches" - The Supremes

"I wasn’t great with having crushes. In fact, I would keep my crushes to myself, and I often still do. They were usually unattainable or there would be NO way I’d put myself out there. Hermit for life. So this song would make me feel better as I’d wallow in the sorrow of my unrequited daydreams to an upbeat song. You know, the usual."

"Moi...Lolita" - Alizee

"Most of the music I listen to is in either French or Italian but this is one of my favourite French dance tracks. This song was a French t.a.t.u phenomenon before t.a.t.u was even t.a.t.u. You’re welcome."

"Welcome to the Black Parade" - My Chemical Romance

"Why? Because I 'Won't explain- Or say I'm sorry. I'm unashamed. I'm gonna show my scar. Give a cheer. For all the broken…' lol. Because IT’S WHO WE ARE. *Shouts to the sky*"

Listen to Betta Lemme's playlist!

And for the rest of the Soundtracks of Pride series, click here! And check out Betta Lemme's new music video for "Play."