Orla Gartland Reflects on Lollapalooza Debut and 'Heartstopper' Soundtrack

Orla Gartland’s debut at Lollapalooza marked a milestone not only in her career but in the ongoing evolution of major music festivals toward inclusivity and representation. Gartland, whose introspective songwriting has resonated widely with LGBTQ+ audiences, took to the stage in Chicago, performing for thousands in a moment she describes as “genuinely surreal” and “a huge step for queer visibility in music” .

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gartland shared, “Standing in front of that crowd, I felt the energy of so many people who see themselves in my music. Festivals like Lollapalooza are finally opening their arms to queer artists, and it’s a privilege to be part of that shift” .

The artist’s set featured tracks from her acclaimed debut album as well as her contributions to the "Heartstopper" soundtrack—a collection that has become a touchstone for queer youth worldwide .

Netflix’s "Heartstopper", based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series, quickly gained a reputation for its authentic depiction of LGBTQ+ experiences. Gartland’s song “Why Am I Like This?” became an emotional centerpiece for the series, underscoring pivotal moments in the characters’ journeys .

“For me, writing for Heartstopper was deeply personal,” Gartland explained on TikTok. “I wanted to capture those awkward, tender moments of self-discovery that so many queer people experience. The show’s team gave me incredible freedom, and collaborating with other LGBTQ+ musicians like Cavetown just made the process all the more special” .

The soundtrack, featuring artists such as girl in red, beabadoobee, and Ezra Williams, has been praised by both critics and fans for its diverse representation and emotional resonance . Gartland highlighted, “It’s rare to see so many openly queer artists sharing space on a mainstream soundtrack. That visibility matters—it tells young LGBTQ+ people that they belong in these stories and in music itself” .

Gartland’s involvement in "Heartstopper" and her Lollapalooza debut both point to a larger shift in entertainment: queer stories are no longer relegated to the margins. Instead, they are being celebrated in some of the world’s largest cultural arenas.

“It’s not just about being visible, it’s about being seen in a way that feels true to our experiences,” Gartland said. “When a song like ‘Why Am I Like This?’ is played during a key scene in Heartstopper, it’s an act of empathy. It says, ‘Your feelings are valid, and your story deserves to be heard’” .

The show’s soundtrack is frequently cited for its role in helping viewers—especially queer youth—feel less isolated. “Music has an ability to cut through fear and stigma,” Gartland reflected. “If my work helps even one person feel seen, that’s enough for me” .

Beyond her own performance, Gartland is passionate about fostering more inclusive spaces in the music industry. She points to ongoing efforts by Lollapalooza and other major festivals to diversify their lineups and create safer environments for LGBTQ+ attendees and artists.

“Visibility is the first step, but inclusion means making sure queer artists and fans feel protected, respected, and celebrated at every level,” she said. “We need more venues, more festivals, more opportunities where LGBTQ+ stories aren’t just tolerated—they’re invited and cherished” .

As Gartland continues to tour and write new music, her message remains clear: representation in music and media is an ongoing journey. “I hope that next year, even more queer artists will take the stage. We have stories to tell, and the world is finally ready to listen” .