First Out
Another week, another opportunity to rock out to some of your favorite LGBTQ artists! 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.
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From Sam Smith’s glorious new album to PVRIS’s scintillating new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Sam Smith, Gloria
The old Sam Smith can’t come to the phone right now. Gloria, the long-awaited new album from the British pop phenomenon, is a full-on reinvention for Smith as they take a bold step into a new musical (and personal) era. Sure, there may be a few leftover heartbreak songs that fans have come to associate with the singer (“How to Cry,” in particular, stands out) — but the majority of Gloria revels in playing with new topics and new genres, from seductive disco anthems (“I’m Not Here to Make Friends”) to electro-pop pleas (“Lose You”) to chorales of self-worth (“Gloria”). With a bolstered sense of raw confidence, Smith sounds as though they’ve reached a new artistic breakthrough with Gloria — and we can’t wait to hear where it takes them next.
PVRIS, “Goddess”
Lynn Gunn is done waiting around for anyone’s respect — on PVRIS’s thrilling new single “Goddess,” the lead singer let’s her divine side out, excoriating the standards she’s expected to uphold. The relentless drums keep the song constantly moving, while a blown-out guitar line adds the urgency to the throbbing track. It’s Gunn’s killer voice, though, that makes “Goddess” so endlessly entertaining, as she growls out lyrics like, “I’ve been iconic since I started/ I keep climbing and clawing/ This s–t is so exhausting.”
Adam Lambert, “Getting Older” (Billie Eilish cover)
While Adam Lambert has made a habit out of covering old-school rockers and iconic divas, his latest rendition sees the American Idol alum taking on a newer sound to cover Billie Eilish’s “Getting Older.” For the majority of the track, Lambert remains largely faithful to Eilish’s original, adding in some drums and guitars for a little extra glam kick. But by the time he reaches the song’s bridge, Lambert goes all-out with his stratospheric voice, making the song sound entirely his own with some pure rock flair.
Khai Dreams, Absolute Heartbreak
To call Khai Dreams’ music “bedroom pop” feels incredibly reductive — “bedroom chaos” feels like a more appropriate descriptor. Nowhere is that more present than on Absolute Heartbreak, the rising singer-songwriter’s debut album; Dreams’ songs run the musical gamit from folksy ballads (“Panic Attack”) to pop-punk anthems (“May”), all while maintaining a cohesive identity under the banner of the LP. It may be named after romantic anguish, but make no mistake; Absolute Heartbreak will make you fall in love with Khai Dreams.
Blondshell, “Joiner”
While some other artist may write songs about aiming their romantic sights as high as humanly possible, indie up-and-comer Blondshell is perfectly content writing about a whirlwind romance founded near a dumpster. “Joiner” basks in the messy parts of romance, as Sabrina Teitelbaum knocks her distant, mesmerizing vocal performance out of the park.
Jordy, “Story of a Boy”
As interpolations and samples continue to flood our new music feeds every week, it’s nice to find one that feels like a genuine tribute to the original. Jordy’s “Story of a Boy” takes the iconic chorus of Nine Days’ 2000 hit single “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” and retrofits it with some queer messaging. Now detailing Jordy’s long-term, constant infatuation with a guy who simply doesn’t know he exists. It’s the kind of sweet-but-sad single that Jordy has already proven to be a master of, now with a smartly-chosen nostalgic twist to get you listening ASAP.
Dakota Jones, “Sugar Pie”
Let’s get some good old-fashioned funk in here: Brooklyn-based funk four-piece Dakota Jones’ new single “Sugar Pie” sees the band hitting their stride with a deliciously smooth sound. Bringing all of the drums, organs and bass together is lead singer Tristan Carter-Jones’ sultry alto tones, crooning about “sweet songs since day one” in a way that feels timeless and up-to-date all at the same time.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Has the weather got you feeling a little chilly? Let us help you warm up with some new tunes from your favorite queer artists. 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.
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See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Boygenius’s surprise return to Arlo Parks’ stunning new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Boygenius, “$20,” “Emily I’m Sorry” & “True Blue”
When fans saw that Boygenius — a queer indie supergroup made up by Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker — would be a featured act at this year’s Coachella, whispers of a new album began materializing on social media. But nothing could have prepared fans for the release of three new singles, alongside an album announcement from the trio. Ahead of the long-awaited new set The Record, Boygenius returned with a Baker-led soft-punk anthem of resilience (“$20”), a Bridgers-led lovelorn apology to an ex (“Emily, I’m Sorry”), and a Dacus-led coming of age ballad (“True Blue”). Providing something for everyone with the promise of more to come, Boygenius made sure that their comeback was as triumphant as fans could’ve hoped.
Arlo Parks, “Weightless”
Ever since the release of Arlo Parks’ critically-lauded debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams, fans of the U.K. indie singer-songwriter have been waiting with bated breath for what comes next. This week, the singer delivered — alongside the announcement of the sophomore album My Soft Machine, Parks unveiled “Weightless,” a hypnotic, instantly thrilling new single off the project. Fans of Parks’ top-tier songwriting will be delighted to find it has only sharpened in the two years since Sunbeams; anyone eager to hear her sonic evolution will find themselves delightfully surprised by this chillwave, synth-pop dreamscape the singer has crafted around her. Put those together, and you have a song that magnificently reintroduces a must-listen artist to the world.
Kim Petras, “Brrr”
Time to dance, queers. Kim Petras is back at it again with “Brrr,” a hyperpop-infused pop track that sees Kim hopping back into the driver’s seat and begging her lover to prove why he thinks he’s “so cold.” With clattering production work from rising superstar ILYA, Petras sounds as good as fans would have hoped as she sings “You should pull me up closer/ Turn the heat up in your Rover/ Why don’t you take it out on me?”
Sam Smith, “Gloria”
With every new release off of their forthcoming album, Sam Smith has been giving fans a little taste of something new. With the album’s title song “Gloria,” Smith ditches the sweaty, club-ready jams that have come out of their last two singles, instead going for something soft and sweet. Joined by a full choir, this chorale of self-confidence sounds less like a pop song and more like a religious hymn to yourself, as Smith and their fellow voices resolve to “be yourself so loud tonight, they’ll hear you from the stars.” Glory to “Gloria.”
Kelela, “Contact”
With Kelela’s long-awaited new album Raven due out in a few short weeks, she wants to make sure that you’re ready for what’s coming. “Contact,” the latest single off the new project, simultaneously manages to hypnotize and fire up the listener all at once, as the pounding club beat plays perfectly off of Kelela’s sultry vocals. Things heat up quickly, as the songstress makes her intentions perfectly clear: “I’m floatin’ away, far and away/ You tryna stall and delay, but I wanna play.”
Mazie, “It’s Not Me (It’s U)”
There’s nothing worse than hearing your partner reach for the cop out when they try and end things, saying, “honestly, it’s not you! It’s me!” Turns out indie pop singer Mazie is sick of hearing it, too — on “It’s Not Me (It’s U),” the psychedelic singer dips even further into her hazy bedroom pop sound to tell her lover exactly where they can shove their fake humility. If you’re feeling a little bitter and need a song that’ll validate your anger, look no further.
Cub Sport, “Keep Me Safe”
Cub Sport has always thrived when it comes to front-facing, emotionally resonant indie pop songs. So it’s no surprise that their latest single, “Keep Me Safe,” is exactly what you want to hear from them and more. This tender, gorgeous love song immediately takes hold of your feelings with the opening chords, as a distorted voice sings about driving forever. By the time lead vocalist Tim Nelson comes in with a stirring story of forbidden romance, you’re already caught up in the song’s sonic web — and by the time it’s over, you’ll be reaching for the replay button.
Khai Dreams, “Panic Attack”
There’s something idiosyncratic about writing a song called “Panic Attack” and making it sound as calm and collected as Khai Dreams’ new single does — or at least that’s what you might think for the first few moments of the track. But as this delectable new single keeps chugging along, the production and the lyrics slowly pick up the pace, before eventually you find yourself in a chaotic chorus about bad dreams, irrational fears and intrusive thoughts — and you’re feeling exactly what Khai is talking about. “Panic Attack” won’t simulate the experience of a real-life bout with anxiety, but it will give you a fun and catchy insight into what’s flooding someone’s mind while it’s happening.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
As you continue to work on those New Year’s resolutions, why not soundtrack them with some fabulous new tunes from your favorite queer artists? Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of First Out, our weekly roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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From Sam Smith’s sexed-up new single to Vagabon’s infectious new track, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Sam Smith feat. Koffee & Jessie Reyez, “Gimme”
Innuendo is cool and all, but Sam Smith is ready to be a bit more overt with their latest track. “Gimme,” the latest offering from the singer’s forthcoming album Gloria, is a sensual, tropical slow-burn that will make you want to move your hips from the moment you press play. The wordplay on display in the new track marks new territory for the “Unholy” star, as they croon about voyeurism, taking things slow, and playfully requesting that “I need you to come … closer.” They’re joined by Jessie Reyez, offering an instantly hypnotic hook, and Koffee, whose verse gives us a new flavor with the same saucy message.
Vagabon, “Carpenter”
Growing up means taking accountability, and Vagabon is doing exactly that on her delectable new track. “Carpenter,” singer Laetitia Tamko’s first new music in three years, sees her at her most grown, taking accountability for the mistakes of her youth and giving herself permission to move on. The production, meanwhile, refuses to be pinned down, as Tamko and Rostam Batmanglij craft a pitch-perfect vibe through a truly delicious, bass-driven melody that, mixed with a scattered drum beat, makes for one of the most infectious tracks of Vagabon’s career.
May-A, “Sweat You Out My System“
May-A’s ready for a new chapter, and “Sweat You Out My System” is the perfect palette cleanser for her. The new, pop/rock-meets-semi-rap track brilliantly recontextualizes the indie-pop stylings fans have grown accustomed to from the Australian phenom. Where old songs tended to step back, May-A now leans all the way in with punchy guitars and blown-out drums. Her lyricism remains top-shelf, as she lets her ex know that she’s done, singing, “Now I’m itching in my skin because I can’t forget the feeling/ And I’m living in the sin of what I cannot ignore, before.”
Dreamer Isioma, “F–k Tha World”
Rebuking the cosmic reality of our existence has never sounded quite so fun. Dreamer Isioma’s undulating new track “F–k That World” may participate in the nihilism that its title suggests lyrically (“It’s all gonna blow up anyway,” they aptly point out), but it lets you enjoy the ride towards oblivion all the same, courtesy of some very groovy production on their part. If you’re not in the mood to be told how everything’s going to turn out fine, but you still want to enjoy your weekend, then “F–k That World” is required listening.
Xiu Xiu, “Maybae Baeby”
The word “haunting” sometimes gets thrown around to describe certain styles of song — so Xiu Xiu wants to make sure that you know what “haunting” actually sounds like. “Maybae Baeby,” the new single from the experimental indie act, is a fascinating study in the macabre — designed to unsettle rather than be “understood,” this disquieting song never lets go of your throat. As you listen to the trembling, cacophonous bass that permeates the track and the jumbled voices trying to communicate with you, don’t be surprised if you start to feel that spine-tingling dread that comes with any good horror movie. That’s the point.
Mya Byrne, “It Don’t Fade”
In need of a pick-me-up? Mya Byrne is here to help — “It Don’t Fade,” Byrne’s new track, is a ray of light at a time where things can often feel a bit dark. The flaring guitar licks and simple drum pattern give this song a steadiness and ease that feels almost as soothing as the gorgeous alto tones of Byrne’s voice, as she asks that you look for the silver linings where you can. In short, “It Don’t Fade” is exactly the “just keep going” anthem we could all use right now.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Happy New Year! Celebrate everything 2023 with some new releases from some of your favorite queer artists this week. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of First Out, our weekly roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Sigala & MNEK’s thumping new single, to a whole new album from the Queen of Queens RuPaul, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Sigala & MNEK, “Radio”
It may be the dead of winter, but British DJ Sigala and singer-songwriter extraordinaire MNEK are ready to give you pure summer vibes on their new track. “Radio,” the latest single to come off of Sigala’s upcoming album, bounces with a French disco flair and a deep house beat, while MNEK’s signature silky vocals glide over the beats, singing about wanting to be with someone based the the song they’re jamming out to. Sure, it’s cold outside, but that’s no reason to not dance like it’s the summertime to this absolute banger.
RuPaul, Black Butta
Whenever RuPaul debuts a new album, she tends to lean into one flavor of her ever-changing style. On Black Butta, the flavor-of-the-year is pure R&B ecstasy — Ru largely doesn’t aim for the burn-the-club-down highs of past hits like “Sissy That Walk” or “Supermodel (You Better Work),” but instead goes for a more tender, sensual vibe. That manifests itself well, as Ru lets her voice croon on standouts like “A.S.M.R. Lover,” while occasionally going for bigger moments, like with the titular rap track.
Joesef, Borderline
Simply put, singer-songwriter Joesef is at his career-best with his latest EP. Borderline serves largely as a quiet collection of separate heartbreaks, as Joesef’s incredibly fine-tuned vocal gives you a first-person tour of his broken heart. That’s particularly true on the project’s title track, in which the crisp clear vocal contrasts perfectly with a blurrier guitar line, Joesef is at peak performance, as he sings, “Baby hold me close cause I don’t want to fight/ Cause I want you all the time.”
Kamaiyah, “Thru the Week”
Looking for a thesis statement for your 2023? Rapper Kamaiyah is here to offer you some assistance on “Thru the Week,” a bouncing rap track dedicated to chasing dollar bills and putting toxic people behind you. The rapper’s vocals and flow remain as sharp as ever, while the grooving production keeps you bouncing in your seat as you bob along to this declaration of unfiltered confidence.
Hyphen Hyphen, “Own God”
French electro-pop trio Hyphen Hyphen are ready to lean into their pop-rock roots on their newest single. With a shimmering guitar hook and delicious bassline, “Own God” is the perfect spark for those in need of a mood boost as we face down the New Year — why wait around for good things, the song asks, when you can make the change you want to see yourself? Of course, the trio phrases it in a much catchier turn of phrase: “I’ll be my own god/ I’m a believer.”
While RuPaul’s Drag Race‘s set of 16 new racers start their engines, the guest judging panel is ready to declare the best drag queen the winner.
On Monday (Dec. 19), RuPaul’s Drag Race officially unveiled its new slate of celebrity guest judges for the season 15. Alongside previously announced premiere guest judge Ariana Grande, Ru will be joined on the judges panel by stars including Maren Morris, Janelle Monáe, Hayley Kiyoko, Orville Peck, Ali Wong, Amandla Stenberg, Harvey Guillén, Julia Garner and Megan Statler. Meanwhile, beloved past guest judge Ts Madison has been upped to become a rotating member of the permanent judges’ panel, alongside Michelle Visage, Ross Mathews and Carson Kressley.
To celebrate the big announcement, Drag Race also unveiled the first official trailer for season 15, giving fans their long-awaited first look inside the workroom. Throughout the new trailer, the 16 new queens enter the work room and begin to compete in what looks to be a series of fan-favorite challenges (including a photoshoot mini-challenge as well as a talent variety show) before serving their looks on the runway.
The new slate of guest judges and trailer come on the heels of RuPaul’s Drag Race’s move to MTV after spending four years on the Viacom sister channel VH1. Season 15 also boasts more queens on a single season than ever before, now competing for the highest cash prize on a main season of the show — $200,000.
RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 premieres Friday, Jan. 6, at 8 p.m. ET on MTV. Check out the official first trailer above.
As you take a look back on some of your favorite tracks of 2022, keep up-to-date with the latest from some of your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of First Out, our weekly roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Dove Cameron’s latest sultry jam to Phoebe Bridgers’ phenomenal team-up with SZA, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Dove Cameron, “Girl Like Me”
Dove Cameron’s “Girl Like Me” is a difficult song to place — it’s not quite a cover of Edwyn Collins’s 1994 crossover hit “A Girl Like You,” yet it feels like more than a mere interpolation being employed by Cameron. Instead, “Girl Like Me” draws on the melodies and themes of the original, while crafting entire verses and ideas of her own to paint a picture of taking the driver’s seat of a relationship. She lets her lover know what she’s not looking for as a synth-infused melody blares behind her, making for yet another absolute banger from this upstarting star in the making.
SZA feat. Phoebe Bridgers, “Ghost In The Machine”
The 5-year wait for SZA’s new album S.O.S has proven to be worth it — the 23-track project has been roundly praised by fans and critics alike for its emotional maturity, sonic vibe and beautiful messaging. One of the most beloved tracks on said album happens to be “Ghost in the Machine,” SZA’s haunting reflection on relationships in the time of social media with special guest Phoebe Bridgers. The two turn out to be a perfect fit for each other on this deeply moving, insightful song, as they each wrestle with the person they are in their respective relationships and the self they present to the world; and they do it all over a plinking soundscape that will hypnotize you in seconds.
Rebecca Black, “Look At You”
Usually breakup songs are written from a first-person perspective — an artist details the fallout of dead romance as one of the scorned lovers. That’s what makes it even more fascinating to hear Rebecca Black take on a more omniscient POV with “Look At You.” In the stirring new song, Black softly sings about the end of a relationship as a third party, witnessing a heartbroken friend deal with the weight of life after love. With a tender voice and lighter production than we’ve ever heard from her, Black assures them that everything will turn out okay, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
Florence + The Machine & Ethel Cain, “Morning Elvis (Live at Denver Ball Arena)”
Dance Fever‘s closing track “Morning Elvis” always felt like Florence + The Machine’s successful attempt at capturing the spirit of Southern Gothic music in a 4-minute track. So it’s fitting that, when coming up with an artist to help them even further exude that aura live, the band selected indie singer-songwriter Ethel Cain. The result is a haunting, echoing new rendition of the track as Florence Welch and Cain bounce off of one another with ease, making you believe every word as they sing, “If I make it to the stage/ I’ll show you what it means to be saved.”
Arca, Kick
It would have been easy for Venezuelan alternative-electronica star Arca to release a “best of” album. Instead, with Kick, Arca not only let her fans select their favorite songs off of her five-album Kick series, but also delivered them three brand new ones, ranging from glitching chaos (“Alto Voltaje”) to vibe-heavy experimental musings (“Ritual”) to stunning electronica ballads (“Sentient Savior”). Christmas must have come early for Arca’s fans, because Kick is nothing short of a gift.
With just a few weeks left in 2022, make sure you’re spending them well with some new jams from your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of First Out, our weekly roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Troye Sivan’s new team-up with PNAU to Saucy Santana’s latest club-ready banger, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
PNAU & Troye Sivan, “You Know What I Need”
After their breakthrough team-up with Dua Lipa and Elton John on “Cold Heart,” Australian trio PNAU were looking for their next big collaboration — and they found fellow down-under indie-pop jammer Troye Sivan. The new track “You Know What I Need” proves what a match made in heaven the two artists are; PNAU’s slinky disco-meets-dance-pop production elevates Sivan’s crisp tenor vocals for this feel-good anthem. By the time you reach the euphoric chorus, where the Sivan’s voice blasts into an otherworldly falsetto, you’ll have already added this to your favorite playlist for future spins.
Saucy Santana, “Bop Bop”
With year-end celebrations set to start any day now, rising rapper Saucy Santana just delivered the perfect turn-up banger. “Bop Bop,” much like the other romps in Santana’s ouevre, is nothing but pure fun bottled into two and a half minutes. The infectious beat shoots the song forward on all cylinders, while the rapper’s impeccable — and often hilarious — turns of phrase keep you guessing about what’s coming next. As Saucy eloquently puts it, he’s got “the sauce and the boys, McLovin’.”
Joy Oladokun, “Power”
It’s not hard to see why Joy Oladokun is quickly becoming the industry go-to for uplifting ballads. Take one listen to “Power,” her new song for the Al Sharpton documentary Loudmouth, and you’ll hear what everyone else does — a singer-songwriter with a pen so sharp it could cut through glass, and a profound voice that refuses to be quieted. More than perhaps any other song that Oladokun has written, “Power” refuses to lean all the way into despair or hope, because it knows that a healthy balance of both will only give that much more weight to its impactful message of perseverance.
Carlie Hanson, “Pretender”
Carlie Hanson has never shied away from the uglier side of self-talk. “Pretender,” though, is the singer at her most uneasy. With a very simple acoustic guitar and drum combo, Hanson lets her raw vocals do most of the heavy lifting on a self-effacing single about the disconnect between expectations and reality. Her words become hard to hear sometimes, only buffeted by the passion and verve being poured into the lyrics by an emotionally exposed Hanson.
Abisha, “I Think I Love You”
Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned love song? Abisha’s “I Think I Love You” takes after a long line of dance anthems extolling the virtues of romance, as she employs some house and EDM production staples to amplify the flirtatious, adorable lyrics. Add onto that the overt queer themes explored throughout the track, and “I Think I Love You” quietly becomes an LGBTQ anthem of empowerment and love.
Some people like to create lists of “freebies” with their significant others, determining which celebrities they’d be permitted to take a pass at from their partner. Now, we know who would make K-pop star Holland‘s list.
In a short video clip posted to his Twitter in which he tagged Lil Nas X, Holland revealed that he recently metthe two-time Grammy winner for the first time. After asking the interviewer to “just cut” the next part, the star went on to say that he had an idea for how he wanted that meeting to go. “I really wanted to have sex with him,” he said, giggling. “I said ‘hello,’ but he was so busy.”
According to the K-pop crooner, the “Old Town Road” singer did at least say “hi” and offer a quick compliment to Holland, who says he attempted to keep the conversation going. “Lil Nas X told me I have a good hairstyle,” he said. “I told him, ‘Give me a kiss’ or something like that. ‘Please kiss me!’ But, no …”
Billboard has reached out to Lil Nas X for comment.
The openly gay K-pop star made headlines earlier this year after he opened up online about being attacked in Seoul’s Itaewon area in what he described as a “hate crime” after being called a “dirty gay” by his assailant. In an interview with Billboard, the singer said he shared his story because “I want people to recognize the pain as well as the courage that’s allowing me to share my story. I want those who are feeling lonely to be comforted, but I also want people who take things for granted and live without the fear of being attacked to be shocked because these crimes do exist.”
Check out Holland’s recap of his exchange with Lil Nas X below:
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so why not be thankful for these new tunes from your favorite queer artists? Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of First Out, our weekly roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Brockhampton’s surprising double album release to Phoebe Bridgers’s latest Christmas cover, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Brockhampton, The Family and TM
After spending weeks billing The Family as their “final album,” Brockhampton managed to pull off a few final surprises. The first was the album itself, a lengthy tribute to the band’s legacy, which only primarily featured frontman Kevin Abstract. Marked by bittersweet songwriting, the album establishes how the band blew up, and eventually pointing out the flaws and fallouts that lead to the group’s end. For fans who were upset that they weren’t getting a “proper” Brockhampton album as their finale, their appetites were quickly sated when the band immediately dropped another full-length TM, executive produced by Matt Champion and featuring a wider range of the band. More of a celebration than a contemplation, TM allows the leading players in Brockhampton to get their last words in, and doing so while providing some truly memorable jams along the way.
Phoebe Bridgers, “So Much Wine” (The Handsome Family cover)
In her annual Christmas cover drop, Phoebe Bridgers is getting melancholy. Covering The Handsome Family’s sobering holiday song “So Much Wine,” Bridgers lets her voice ache with pain as she recounts the story of a lover’s spat on Christmas Day thanks to a lot of drinking. Bridgers smartly slows the original melody down, taking the bigger production elements away to offer an intimate look at a couple struggling to find common ground. If you’re feeling up for a Christmas song that’ll probably make you cry, Bridgers has got you covered.
Honey Dijon, Black Girl Magic
Get ready to dance, folks. Producer-to-the-stars Honey Dijon has finally returned with her long-awaited new album Black Girl Magic, a thrilling ode to joy, ecstasy and Black queer joy. It’s also an exploration of the power of house music, as the NYC DJ jams her way through all different manners of the dance sub-genre to prove her sheer dominance in the field. Dijon also doesn’t do it alone — the star earns plenty of high-profile assists throughout the album from the likes of Channel Tres, Eve, Pabllo Vittar, Mike Dunn and plenty of others. Turn up the volume and press play on Black Girl Magic ASAP if you’re in need of a mood boost.
Kelela, “On the Run”
After years of no Kelela, the alternative R&B star is making sure her fans are fed — following up her last two releases “Washed Away” and “Happy Ending,” Kelela’s “On the Run” gives a new flavor of her hyper-manicured sound. Maintaining the ethereal quality of her past few releases, the new single sees Kelela embracing a darker, brooding sound as she lets her lover know that she’s tired of waiting around for them to do right by her. The scintillating beat amplifies the sheer drama of the track, making “On the Run” an instant must-listen.
Rebecca Black, “Crumbs”
Toxic relationships aren’t good — except for when they’re great. Rebecca Black pretty quickly sums that up in her new dark-pop jam “Crumbs,” as she details a torrid affair of chaos and pain that she simply can’t stop going back to. Lines like “I get off on getting hurt” land with massive effect each time. It’s a fun evolution for the singer as she tries on a more alternative, less hyperpop-focused skin for this angsty, steaming new single.
K.Flay, “It’s Been So Long”
Welcome back, Rapper K.Flay! On the star’s latest track “It’s Been So Long,” K.Flay leans back into the sound that helped her breakthrough back in 2016, opening up the song with a slick rap verse about bringing back the good old “let’s go clubbing” days. But for those more inclined toward Singer K.Flay, worry not — once the song’s delectable chorus kicks in, her voice croons out a simmering melody urging you to get to the dance floor immediately. “It’s Been So Long” feels like a much needed breath of fresh air as we barrel toward the end of 2022.
Bronze Avery, Softmetal
Softmetal is exactly what it sounds like: On one hand, it’s delicate and gentle; on the other, it’s cold, hard and calculating. It’s a dichotomy Bronze Avery is determined to explore throughout his stunning new album, where he takes down the walls of his pop-infused R&B and expands his sound to greater effect with each song. Tackling toxic relationships, inner sabotage, emotional vulnerability and personal fortitude, Avery’s songwriting is at its apex here, crafting a world of clashing personality traits that form a harmonious whole. Simply put, it’s the singer’s best work yet.
Khai Dreams, “Rats”
Bedroom pop star Khai Dreams has nailed the concept of “upbeat song with very sad lyrics.” His latest single “Rats” is perhaps the purest distillation of that concept; the melody insists on worming its way into your ear, as acoustic guitars and cut-short drum beats lighten the mood. But the dour lyrics, depicting an uncomfortably relatable depressive episode, offer little in the way of relief. Melded together, the song becomes greater than the sum of its parts, blending into a cognitively dissonant pop jam that will stay in your head for the forseeable future.
In need of some new tunes from your favorite queer artists? We’ve got you covered; Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of First Out, our weekly roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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From Kim Petras’s “Unholy” follow-up to Christine and the Queens’ long-awaited new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Christine and the Queens Presents Redcar, Redcar Les Adorables Étoiles (Prologue)
Christine and the Queens is dead — long live Redcar. On the new project from the enigmatic French performer, Chris establishes a brand new persona and a brand new musical world that he’s ready to play in for the forseeable future. Redcar Les Adorable Étoiles (translated to mean “Redcar the Adorable Stars”) bears the kind of sonic flourishes fans of Christine and the Queens have come to love; namely, chunky synth patterns and lyrical themes of romantic yearning. But the performance of the songs (almost entirely sung in Chris’s native French) marks a new level of pure theatricality for the star, as Chris births an entire musical universe out of the longing feeling suffusing this album. If Redcar does nothing else (trust us, it will do plenty), it will assuredly make you interested to know more about the mysterious performer at its center.
Perfume Genius, Live at Electric Lady
Avant-pop auteur Perfume Genius is something of an innovator when it comes to live performance — even amidst the pandemic, Mike Hadreas found a way to create a one-of-a-kind concert-going experience that fans gleefully tuned into. But for those who were unable to, no need to fret — the performer’s new Live at Electric Lady EP offers just a taste of what his live show can sound like. Delivering haunting versions of tracks off of his two latest albums, Hadreas spares no instrumentation — pianos, drums, guitars, horns, violins, everything is right there with him as he offers up raw vocal performances to the audience at home. If you stick around long enough, you’ll get to hear the highlight, as Hadreas offers up an otherworldly rendition of Radiohead’s “4 Minute Warning,” translating the relatively sparse In Rainbows-era bonus cut into a serotonin-boosting symphony.
Kim Petras, “If Jesus Was A Rockstar”
It’s been a good year to be Kim Petras; along with debuting her slinky EP Slut Pop, she went No. 1 on the Hot 100 thanks to an assist on Sam Smith’s “Unholy,” becoming the first transgender solo artist to do so. Now, with her latest single, the singer is ready to bask in that spotlight just a little bit longer. On “If Jesus Was A Rockstar,” Kim keeps the the tongue-in-cheek humor that’s pervaded much of her past releases intact as she poses the titular question and delivers some soft-rock-adjacent melodies to keep the theme of the song intact.
Brockhampton, “The Ending”
As Brockhampton’s final album The Family inches closer and closer, the group is leaving nothing unsaid. On “The Ending,” the latest single off the album (due out next week), Kevin Abstract actually takes fans all the way back to the start of the group, reminiscing on days spent with his fellow bandmates before they “made it.” The soulful, looping interpolation of Willie Hutch’s “Let Me Be the One” adds a sense of melancholic nostalgia as Abstract, once again going solo on the new Brockhampton track, addresses how the band changed — money, fame and a fervid fanbase all come up as examples of the collective’s decision to call it quits. It’s a moving portrayal of a person grieving in real time with the ending of an era.
Chelsea Cutler, “Men on the Moon”
With her latest single, singer-songwriter Chelsea Cutler is leaning into her folkier side to nail the feeling of longing. “Men on the Moon” charts a path from isolation to anger, as Cutler contends with life after romance — her skills with a pen remain as first-class as ever, with lines like “It’s only war if there’s a winner” cutting straight to the crux of her pain. Her voice, meanwhile, sounds better than ever, especially as she flexes her higher range on the haunting chorus. If you’re looking to get misty-eyed this afternoon, press play on “Men on the Moon.”
The Blessed Madonna, “Serotonin Moonbeams”
Despite being 30+ years old, Suzane Vega’s classic track “Tom’s Diner” always manages to find new ways to reintegrate itself into modern pop music. The latest track to employ the song’s iconic melody also happens to be the return of a much-beloved dance icon. The Blessed Madonna’s first solo track in 5 years, “Serotonin Moonbeams” effortlessly lifts the hook’s phrasing and seamlessly weaves it into an expression of pure house euphoria. It’s the kind of sound that has made Blessed Madonna one of the most sought-after DJs currently making music, and it’s no wonder why — even with just one listen to “Moonbeams,” you’ll be hitting the replay button in no time.
Bronze Avery, “Softshell”
Bronze Avery certainly knows how to save the best for last — the final single off of his new album Softmetal (due out next week), “Softshell” is Avery’s best work in years. Melding the earworm pop that got him noticed early on with a slinking R&B-meets-singer-songwriter sensibility, the new song sounds like something fresh in Avery’s sonic universe. Add onto that the supreme songwriting, wherein Avery reconciles with a bitter end to a relationship, and you have a stellar song from a pop artist more folks ought to know about.