At the heart of this year’s vibrant WorldPride Music Festival, electronic-pop artist Anabel Englund shared candid insights on what it means to perform for the LGBTQ+ community, how she writes her music, and balancing the dual roles of musician and mother.

Speaking with Gayety, Englund expressed deep enthusiasm for the festival atmosphere, calling queer events her favorite stages to perform on. “It’s amazing. I’ve been so excited for this,” she said. “There are so many amazing artists playing, and just to be out here with everyone, it’s so fun. Gay events are what matter most to me.”

For Englund, WorldPride represents more than just a performance opportunity — it’s a safe space where authenticity reigns and freedom to express oneself is celebrated. “It feels very safe,” she explained. “Feeling safe allows me to be myself, to express myself. That’s why this matters so much. We can be as naked as we want, dance however the heck we want. I’m just going to be myself freely.”

When asked about supporting the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just at Pride events, Englund highlighted her ongoing commitment. She shared that she donates to organizations like Immunity, a grassroots group focused on trans healthcare, emphasizing the importance of sustained activism. “I feel very protective of my friends,” Englund said, “and I’m always kind of looking out for them because you just never know. It can be scary.”

Englund’s close connection to the queer community is rooted in her personal relationships. “My best friend is gay, and I surround myself with a lot of gay men,” she said. “That’s what matters to me. I care so much and I just don’t want anyone to be hurt.”

Switching gears, the conversation turned to Englund’s creative process. Known for iconic beats and catchy lyrics, she described how song ideas often come from everyday moments. “I have notes in my phone,” she revealed. “Sometimes I hear someone calling out on the street and think, ‘That’s the perfect song title.’ Then I go into the studio with producers and songwriters, and we write from there.”

One example Englund gave was the song title Zen Cowboy — a concept inspired by the idea of a calm, protective leader. “It means calm, a leader, maybe a masculine presence who’s going to come save the day and take me on the horse,” she laughed. “It starts with titles, and then we build the song around it.”

Balancing her fast-paced music career with motherhood, Englund described the challenges and joys of switching between her two worlds. “When I’m home, I’m completely in mom mode — going to the store with my family, having barbecues. Then on a Thursday night, I’m packing my suitcase, getting my dresses and boots ready, and I quickly turn into Anabel Englund,” she said. “It’s like I’m learning to be both, but right now it’s two different people.”

The analogy drew a laugh when Englund compared it to a “Hannah Montana life.” “Exactly. That’s how I do it, and it’s working.”

Wrapping up the interview, Englund reflected on the energy of performing for a passionate queer audience at WorldPride. “It feels safe, and that safety lets me be authentic,” she said. “We can be as sexual or as weird as we want. That freedom means everything.”

As the festival wound down, Englund was already looking ahead to returning to her daily life. “Sunday I’m going home, going to Trader Joe’s, and Monday I’ll pick my kid up from school,” she said with a smile.

The WorldPride Music Festival, known for its electrifying lineups and celebration of queer culture, provided the perfect stage for Englund’s spirited performance and heartfelt words. Her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, both on and off stage, underscores the festival’s message of love, visibility, and pride.

For more on WorldPride 2025 and its events, visit worldpride25.com.