Queer Jams of the Week: New Music from Julien Baker & Torres, Shygirl, Olly Alexander & More
Written by djfrosty on December 13, 2024
We’re just a couple weeks away from the end of year, meaning you have very little time left to listen to new music from your favorite queer artists in 2024! Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
From Julien Baker and Torres’ excellent new duet to Shygirl & Yseult’s pounding new track, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Julien Baker & Torres, “Sugar in the Tank”
After taking her collaborative powers to the next level as one-third of the beloved rock group Boygenius, solo star Julien Baker is back for another team up, this time with fellow alternative darling Torres’ for a proper country duet. “Sugar in the Tank” sees this match made in heaven crooning over banjos and guitars about all the various situations in which they love their significant others, ranging from the simple (like “sleeping on my dead left arm”) to the melodramatic (“swimming upstream in a flash flood wondering when I’m gonna drown”). The pair’s voices fit together like puzzle pieces, making “Sugar in the Tank” a must-listen for any country music fan out there.
Shygirl feat. Yseult, “F*Me”
If you’re looking for one more weekend out at the club before the holiday season arrives, then breakout electronic star Shygirl is here to help. Her new team up with French R&B singer Yseult “F*Me” is exactly the kind of electrohouse banger that you’ll need to dance your cares away this weekend. Shygirl amps up her already stunning production skills (with an assist from none other than Mura Masa), while Yseult delivers a sultry verse entirely en frances. As Shy insists that you can “have me when you like,” we’d suggest having a listen to this song right now.
Olly Alexander, “Archangel”
Olly Alexander has had a big 2024, performing in Eurovision and announcing the upcoming release of his debut studio album under his own name. So on “Archangel,” the singer is taking a moment to reflect. The moody, synth-driven new track follows Alexander as he remembers a life-affirming night with a lover who reminded him that he can “say whatever you want whenever you want.” The sound here is a nice switch-up, with Alexander pulling back the turbopop of his past few releases for something more intimate — “Archangel” immediately stands out as another excellent addition in the singer’s discography.
Tokischa feat. Nathy Peluso, “De Maravisha”
Sparks are flying on this stunning new collaboration between dembow star Tokischa and singer-songwriter extraordinaire Nathy Peluso. “De Maravisha” — a rough translation to “wonderfully well” — sees two icons gassing themselves up over a sweltering reggaeton beat, while both of them flex their incredible rap skills. There’s a lot of excellent bars to pick from here, but a personal fave arrives at the end of the song’s second verse as Tokischa details a steamy encounter in a bathroom with phenomenal flow.
Blond:Ish & Night Tales, “Shout It Out”
In these cold winter months, we all find ourselves yearning for the return of summertime — and now, rising DJ Blond:Ish is here to help with “Shout It Out.” The track sees the Canadian producer crafting a bubbling-under groove, with a sweltering rhythm section and a few horn blasts to create that late-night summer dance party feeling, while her special guests Night Tales offer chilled-out vocals over the top of the track. Even if you’re just in need of some good vibes this weekend, look no further than “Shout It Out.”
Check out all of our picks below on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist: