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Last November, Post Malone stunned with his CMA Awards performance, for which he paid tribute to late revered country artist Joe Diffie alongside HARDY and Morgan Wallen. Later, backstage, he teased something many fans had long been hoping for: a country album of his own. Now, that project has finally arrived. Titled F-1 Trillion, Post’s […]
Two of the world’s biggest artists have teamed up to release a late-stage song of the summer contender, with Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars dropping their new song “Die With a Smile” and its music video at midnight ET Friday (Aug. 15). Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news […]
Australian artist Angie McMahon has shared new single “Untangling” ahead of the release of new EP Light Sides. Due out on Sept. 13 via AWAL, the new project is a collection of five tracks that were written at the same time as her sophomore album Light, Dark, Light Again, which was released last October.
McMahon explains in a release that “Untangling” was a difficult track to complete. The song remained unfinished on her phone since the beginning stages of creating Light, Dark, Light Again. “It was written about someone who is deeply entwined in my life,” McMahon said, “so I never felt like either the song or the untangling itself was entirely finished.”
The deeply personal song features McMahon struggling with the prospect that she hurt someone because she was too “slow at healing.” But facing those feelings, McMahon sings over a sturdy bassline and gritty guitar that she is “untangling” them from her center and calling the situation “a joint misadventure.”
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The song was recorded at longtime collaborator Alex O’Gorman’s studio in suburban Melbourne, Australia between stops on her recent Making It Through tour — and is the only song on Light Sides that was finished with her much-loved live band: Lachlan O’Kane (drums/percussion), Jess Ellwood (guitar), Stella Farnan (keys/synth) and O’Gorman (bass).
“I was surrounded by trees and my friends and I’m so grateful to them for their musical powers,” McMahon added.
“Untangling” follows the release of another track from the EP, “Just Like North.” Light Sides’ tracklist will include the two released songs alongside originals “Beginner,” “Interstate” and “Take Up Space.”
McMahon has just returned to the United States for a string of full-band Midwest and East Coast tour dates, recently making stops in Chicago and Detroit. She arrives on the heels of a packed performance at Glastonbury, multiple sold-out shows at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre and the Sydney Opera House, and an appearance with long-time supporter Fred Again.. on stage in front of 15,000 fans in Australia.
Watch the video for “Untangling” below.
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In need of some new tunes from your favorite queer artists? We’re here to help. 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 Halsey’s heartbreaking new single to Mxmtoon’s country-tinged new track, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Halsey, “Lucky”
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Britney Spears’ beloved track “Lucky” has always been a song about the pitfalls of public approval — now, Halsey’s simply giving it an update. With her new track of the same name, the 29-year-old singer interpolates Spears’ hit into a softer, acoustic context to drive home the message of life under a modern microscope. Halsey dives deep into endless internet speculation about her life, from the dissolution of her relationship to her health struggles, before dropping her own twist on Spears’ words like a hammer: “But I’m so lucky, I’m a star/ But I cry, cry, cry in my lonely heart.”
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Mxmtoon, “I Hate Texas”
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Sometimes you get your heart broken so bad that you literally have to change genres. That’s the quandry Mxmtoon is living through on “I Hate Texas,” her country-adjacent new single that sees the singer moving away from her ex in order to find some well-earned peace. Over twinkling, acoustic guitars, the singer declares that she may not like her current circumstances, but she’ll take it over another day sweating over her former flame.
Katie Gavin, “Aftertaste”
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Fans of MUNA have known for years about lead singer Katie Gavin’s vocal prowess — but now, the singer is taking on her own spotlight as a solo act. With “Aftertaste,” Gavin’s debut solo single, the singer re-introduces herself with little in the way of fanfare. The track includes a few backing harmonies and some gentle acoustic guitars to bolster the true star, Gavin’s stunning voice and incredible lyricism. Telling the story of a meeting with a past lover and letting those repressed feelings take control, “Aftertaste” is just an appetizer for what promises to be an excellent solo project from the MUNA star.
Sophie feat. Popstar, “One More Time”
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Building on the fast acclaim of “Reason Why,” Sophie is back with another pair of posthumous singles. While “Berlin Nightmare” bears a lot of the signature, game-changing production that fans have come to associate with the iconic super-producer’s sound, it’s “One More Time” featuring Popstar that feels like something fresh. Undulating synths and glitching beats create a mechanical fantasy throughout this stunning, not-quite-ambient track, making for a song that feels as entrancing as it does unnerving — a winning combination for the late, great Sophie.
Orla Gartland, “The Hit”
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Empathy, we can all agree, is great. But rising Irish singer-songwriter Orla Gartland would like to point out that sometimes, empathy can self-destructive. “The Hit” tracks Gartland’s own struggle with being perhaps too empathetic, as she relates so hard to her significant other that it becomes unsustainable. Arpeggiating guitar riffs and off-kilter drums create a feeling of discombobulation to match the singer’s own psychic troubles, making “The Hit” as powerful a punch as you could hope for from this soon-to-be-star.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard’s Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Fuerza Regida, Pero No Te Enamores (Street Mob Records/Rancho Humilde)
Harnessing the blistering spirit of corridos bélicos and the dance-floor fervor of EDM, the latest venture from Fuerza Regida launches into a bold, unprecedented meld of regional Mexican bravado and pulsating Jersey club in Pero No Te Enamores. With lyrical theatrics and unapologetic “f–kboy” charisma, frontman Jesús Ortiz Paz (JOP) ushers listeners into this audacious new chapter they’ve coined, “Jersey Corridos,” embedding a gritty narrative into each bass drop and brass blast.
Crafted in Colombia and Mexico City, the irreverent, fifteen-track album is a riveting blend of electronic music dynamism and música mexicana’s soulful undertows. They enlist music producers Gordo (known for his work on Drake’s Baltimore club hit “Sticky”) and Synthetic, the architect behind Lil Uzi Vert’s Jersey club smash hit “Just Wanna Rock,” whose cutting-edge production styles thrust Mexican music into the main room.
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The album’s focus track, “Nel,” starts with stirring vocal delivery that ascends into a captivating crescendo; it then pivots sharply, intertwining throbbing Jersey club beats with vigorous reggaetón. “Sofía,” a synergistic powerhouse featuring Major Lazer and Alok, captures the global resonance of dance music while demonstrating the exuberant flair characteristic of Fuerza’s approach. The album reaches a peak with the robust, traditional corrido strains of “Jesús” and “Belinda,” with guitar- and brass-driven bombast, and with “Freestyle,” a track that introduces a thrilling drill influence.
The San Bernardino band’s innovative leap into Jersey corridos does more than fuse two disparate genres — it carves out a fresh niche in the musical lexicon, affirming that the barrios and dancehalls can, indeed, share a singular, resonant heartbeat. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Piso 21 & Ozuna, “Fichaje del Año” (Warner Music Mexico)
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In a first collaborative effort, Piso 21 and Ozuna deliver a new track that will boost any woman’s confidence. In “Fichaje del Año” (which translates to “signing of the year”), the Colombian group and Puerto Rican artist sing about the girl who is the complete package, but the partner she’s with doesn’t recognize it. “He never tells you anything/ Look how beautiful you are/ You’re the ideal girl/ But he treats you normal/ He’s no good for you/ Don’t forget you’re the ideal girl,” they sing in the chorus. Produced by ICON, Jowan and Rolo, the infectious pop-reggaetón tune with suave requintos also serves as a friendly reminder that self-love comes above all. “You have to let go and admit that it’s not your place […] that man doesn’t know how lucky he is to have you,” continues the track. — JESSICA ROIZ
Grupo Frontera & Romeo Santos, “Ángel” (Grupo Frontera)
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It’s not the first time bachata and Mexican music fuse, but it is the first time Grupo Frontera and Romeo Santos team up for a song. Their first collaborative effort is a delicate and swoon-worthy bachata where Santos’ soothing and velvety vocals meet Payo’s melodic voice. “Ángel” is about the type of love and devotion that transcends time and circumstances. Produced by Santos, Edgar Barrera and Casta, the song is mainly powered by the traditional bachata sound but if you stick around till the end, you’ll hear Frontera’s signature norteño accordion take command for the ultimate fusion of norteño and bachata. — GRISELDA FLORES
Fabiola Roudha, “Que Te Vaya Bien” (Fabiola Roudha)
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Guatemalan singer-songwriter Fabiola Rouhda delivers a master class in soul with her new single, “Que Te Vaya Bien” (good luck), an exquisite and nostalgic ballad filled with sentiment. The song combines soulful blues and gospel elements, showcasing Rouhda’s powerful vocals as she gracefully sings about letting go of a love story and wishing them the best. Accompanied by her acoustic guitar, Rouhda composed the emotional song, which was produced by Franc Castillejos and David Suarez in her home country. — INGRID FAJARDO
Elsa y Elmar, “Ké MaL” (Sony Music México)
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Elsa Carvajal, better known by the name of her project Elsa y Elmar, brings this week “Ké Mal,” a perfect pop song to vent about heartbreak at the top of your lungs. “Too bad that we crossed paths in life when it was ready/ And in yours right now there is a labyrinth/ Too bad that now we don’t want the same thing,” the Colombian star sings with pathos over the syncopated rhythm of an electric guitar and drums. Produced by Elsa and Julián Bernal, “Ké Mal” is the fourth single from her upcoming album PALACIO, which will be released on Aug. 30. It’s a splendid complement to the previously released “entre las libros”, “palacio
With summer in full swing, why not cool yourself down with a few new tracks 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 Clairo’s long awaited new LP to Remi Wolf’s funk-fueled new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Clairo, Charm
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Throughout her already-impressive career, Claire Cottrill has proven herself as nothing short of a remarkable songwriter — and she further burnishes that reputation on Charm, the third full length LP from Cottrill’s better-known stage name Clairo. Throughout this lush new project, Cottrill drills down into the specificity and tenderness that made her a star in the first place, now pushing her sound even further with luxurious intstrumentation and production courtesy of Leon Michels.
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Remi Wolf, Big Ideas
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Idiosyncratic song concepts are Remi Wolf’s bread and butter, so it should come as no surprise that her new album luxuriates as often as possible in its singularity. Big Ideas manages to take the sound and character Wolf has established through half a decade of musical output and expands them into an entire musical universe for her to populate. Funk remains in the driver’s seat across nearly every song, where Wolf waxes poetic about everything from toxic relationships to crippling loneliness to hotel sex. Big Ideas is chock-full of the thoughts you would hope an artist as endlessly interesting as Wolf would have, making for the most intoxicatingly effective project of her career.
Maren Morris, “I Hope I Never Fall in Love”
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There is that moment post-breakup where you just know, with certainty, that you won’t put yourself through the pain of a relationship again — even though you also know that you’ll eventually cave. Maren Morris has given that moment it’s own song in “I Hope I Never Fall in Love,” a stunningly candid ballad that sees the singer diving head first into single life with a not-so-sunny outlook. Her echoing voice bounces off the spare instrumentation throughout this mid-tempo confessional, as she makes herself a vow: “Love, you only did me dirty,” she sings. “Forever was a f–kin’ lie, so goodbye.”
Salute, True Magic
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They say that teamwork makes the dream work, and Salute is here to prove the saying correct. True Magic, the fast-rising producer’s third studio album, is built around the concept of collaboration, with nearly each new track seeing the DJ teaming up with yet another peer. With guest spots from Rina Sawayama, Disclosure, Empress Of and plenty of others, Salute takes their sound to brand new levels by embracing further evolutions and interpretations than ever before. With his singular artistic vision, Salute manages to spin beats into magic on this aptly-title new project.
Orion Sun, “Mary Jane”
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With each successive release, Orion Sun underlines why she’s an essential artist to listen to today. “Mary Jane,” her latest off her forthcoming album Orion, sees the singer-songwriter trying to find something that can “take this pain away,” and finding her titular solution. With complex harmonies littered all throughout the song, Sun manages to seize your attention and command it even further on this sumptuous, euphoric new song.
Dua Saleh, “Want”
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Indie-R&B up-and-comer Dua Saleh is tired of beating around the bush. They want to want you, and that’s exactly what they’re going to do. On their latest single “Want,” Saleh tells the story of a magnetic relationship — even when both parties know they shouldn’t, they just can’t help but be with one another. Saleh’s voice sounds more impeccable than ever, as their production (courtesy of Jason Suwito) manages to build up the song’s strong sense of desire until it reaches a zenith by the final chorus. Trust us, you’ll “Want” to hear this.
Check out all our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Pride Month is nearly over, so be sure to spend this last weekend listening to 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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Tinashe’s stunning new single to Omar Apollo’s long-awaited new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Tinashe, “Getting No Sleep”
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Have you matched Tinashe’s freak yet? If not, don’t worry — according to her new song, you’ll have all night to do it. “Getting No Sleep,” the latest single off Tinashe’s forthcoming album Quantum Baby, takes a page out of the “Nasty” handbook , while still keeping things plenty fresh. Over a skittering beat and cool synth chords, Tinashe confidently lets her lover know that after a long work week, she’s ready to stay up ’til dawn with them. It’s might be a long night, but don’t worry, you’ll have Tinashe’s excellent new track to keep you company.
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Lil Nas X, “Here We Go!”
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No, it’s not the ’80s, Lil Nas X is just feeling a little nostalgic. With “Here We Go!,” the superstar’s new single for the upcoming Netflix movie Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Lil Nas takes the vibe and voice of the original 1984 Eddie Murphy film — including a prominent sample of Harold Faltermeyer’s iconic “Axel F” — and translates them through his own unique point of view. Bringing all the swagger and bravado fans have come to expect, Lil Nas is ready to remind fans why they fell in love with him in the first place on this fun new track.
Omar Apollo, God Said No
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Just two years after Omar Apollo stunned the world with his debut album Ivory, he’s ready to do it all over again — regardless of whether or not the powers that be would like him to. God Said No sees Apollo stretching the boundaries of his sound while diving deep into the process of moving on from a breakup. Over 14 tracks, the singer runs through the classic stages of grief (song titles like “Spite,” “Empty” and “Done With You” lend themselves pretty cleanly to anger, depression and acceptance) all while managing to refine his music even further.
Clairo, “Nomad”
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Who else but Clairo could provide the emotionally devastating lyrics we’re all looking for in 2024? “Nomad” certainly wastes no time in cutting right to the point, as Clairo’s buttery voice floats in over a bed of acoustic harmonies singing about running away from someone who refuses to love her the way she deserves. With a building sense of urgency, the singer paints a picture of her life as an isolated traveler, laying on the heartache thick before coming down like a pile of bricks on her former flame: “I’d rather be alone than a stranger,” she calmly croons on the chorus.
Sophie feat. Kim Petras & BC Kingdom, “Reason Why”
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It’s been just over three years since groundbreaking producer Sophie passed away — and now, fans are getting a final set of songs from her. Ahead of the release of the star’s posthumous self-titled album, Future Classic and Transgressive unveiled “Reason Why,” the late icon’s dance-pop collaboration with Kim Petras and BC Kingdom. Over an entrancing house beat, Petras and BC Kingdom offer their own hypnotic musings on personalized authenticity. All throughout the song, they offer a mesmirizing chat that will have you repeating words to yourself from then on: “In your mind, in your eye/ Take a little look inside,” they sing. “What’s your life, in your eyes/ And I know the reason why.”
Doechii, “Rocket”
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Doechii’s too booked and busy to be bothered by her detractors. That’s the central theme of “Rocket,” the singer’s new track in partnership with Sprite Limelight, where the Florida rapper refuses to let herself get too pressed. Over a grooving beat crafted by Take a Daytrip, Doechii leans back and lets her haters know how much space they’re taking up in her head(spoiler, the answer is none at all). “Can’t be stressed, I’m relaxin’” she sings. “Can’t be pressed ’bout your actions.”
MUNA, Live at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles
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For a group that proudly dubs themselves as The Greatest Band in the World, MUNA certainly lives up to the title with their new live album. Recorded during the first of their two sold-out shows at the iconic Greek Theater in Los Angeles in October 2023, Live at the Greek Theater captures the raw essence of a MUNA show — screaming fans, amped-up arrangements of the band’s biggest hits, and the trio performing at their absolute best. Whether you’ve seen MUNA live or not, Live at the Greek is about as faithful a recreation of the band’s energy in person as you’re going to find.
Towa Bird, American Hero
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Listening to Towa Bird’s phenomenal debut album American Hero is a lot like listening to a soundtrack for the eldest members Gen Z. Across 13 rollicking tracks, Bird tackles the sickly-sweet taste of early romance (“Ew), the inevitable pain of a breakup (“Deep Cut”) and learning how to live your life as an independent person (“This Isn’t Me”). But what makes American Hero immediately stand out is the performer’s innate sense of musicality. In both her crystal-clear voice and her otherworldly guitar skills, Bird shows time and time again throughout this LP that she is the Real Deal — and she’s only going up from here.
Jake Wesley Rogers, “Loser”
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There’s something infectious about Jake Wesley Rogers’ shimmering new single “Loser.” It’s hard to say what precisely it is about the track that works so efficiently when each of its parts manage to do exactly what you would hope, and then a little bit more. Rogers’ classically-trained voice certainly helps, as he sings about the bright and shining future for the currently disenfranchised; the 80s-inspired pop production also adds a sparkling sense of drama to the mix. Whatever it is about “Loser” that works so well isn’t nearly as important as the feeling you’ll get once the song reaches its moving, glorious climax.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
This week’s crop of fresh tunes includes a Post Malone/Blake Shelton collaboration, as well as a sterling barroom country collab from Ella Langley and Riley Green, and a bluesy, heartache-fueled song from newcomer Kashus Culpepper.
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Post Malone and Blake Shelton, “Pour Me a Drink”
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Post Malone currently continues his reign atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with his Morgan Wallen duet “I Had Some Help,” and from the sound of his new party-ready Blake Shelton collaboration, he looks ready to repeat his chart-topping trajectory. This radio-friendly track finds him ready to shrug off various tribulations, from work stresses to speeding tickets, in favor of Friday night plans with a barstool and a stiff drink. Their voices pair mightily, and it doesn’t hurt that, amid country music’s current nostalgia tilt, the song feels reminiscent of Shelton’s mid-aughts songs that lit up country radio. “Pour Me a Drink” is from Post Malone’s debut country album, F-1 Trillion, out Aug. 16.
Kashus Culpepper, “After Me?”
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Newly signed to Big Loud Records, this Alabama native meshes blistering guitar and eruptive vocal talent on this bruising testimonial, as he sings of helplessly watching his ex-lover wed someone else. He inhabits a country-blues amalgam in similar musical terrain as country/Americana stalwarts such as Marcus King and Chris Stapleton, while infusing his work with his signature muscular, sandpapery growl. In the process, he towers in a lengthy list of artists finding enduring success with sounds expanding beyond the boundaries of mainstream country.
Ella Langley and Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me”
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Langley takes the lead on this flirtatious barroom situation, launching into a spoken-word verse about spotting a potential lover on the dance floor and boldly stepping up to him and making a coquettish offer. Green follows by eying the situation from a male perspective, before Langley takes the lead again, advising listeners to take their own romantic risks. Winding guitar and saloon-tinged piano further fuel the song’s barroom vibe, while Langley and Green’s country drawls, confidence and humor make for an ace pairing. Green and Langley also wrote this country ditty with Aaron Raitiere.
Chase Rice, “Go Down Singin’”
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In 2023, Rice reminded listeners that his songwriting capabilities extend beyond penning massive radio hits such as the Florida Georgia Line hit “Cruise” or his own “Eyes on You” when he released his remarkably introspective project I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go to Hell. Now newly independent after previously being signed with BBR Music Group, he distills his journey from his early days in Nashville, to finding success, to setting out on his own, into just over three minutes of detailed story arc. He traces his journey and the years he “left blood and sweat and tears up and down 16th Avenue,” before turning to his decision to strike out on his own as an independent artist, offering a clear-eye comprehension of the risks and rewards, but as he sings, “If I go down, at least I go down singin’.”
Tina Adair, “Let It Fall”
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Following her time spent as part of bluegrass family band The Adairs, in addition to issuing solo albums and previously co-founding bluegrass group Sister Sadie, Tina Adair returns with her latest from her upcoming solo set. This Sarah Siskind-written song showcases Adair’s dynamic, gospel-soaked vocal inflections, while underpinning her versatile, powerful vocals with churning instrumentation from guitarists Cody Kilby and Pat McGrath, banjoist Scott Vestal, mandolinist Seth Taylor, fiddler Ron Stewart, reso-guitarist Rob Ickes and bassist Byron House, along with tightly-woven harmonies from Wes Hightower. Her upcoming album follows 2023’s Here Within My Heart.
Priscilla Block, “Bad Guy”
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“Just About Over You” hitmaker Block turns the tables on typical heartbreak anthems with this new song, acknowledging that sometimes, “the dagger gets thrown by painted nails.” Block has a flair for a well-crafted turn of a phrase, and here she muses that there are times when the relational offender “is a bombshell blue-eyed, do you dirty blonde.” This uptempo track also makes use of Block’s polished yet conversational vocal tone. Block teamed with David Garcia, Cole Taylor and Trannie Anderson on the song, which is from Block’s new five-song EP, PB2.
The longest day of the year is officially past us, which means you now have even more daylight hours to listen to new songs 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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Kehlani’s irresistible new album to Maren Morris’s stunning new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Kehlani, Crash
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Kehlani knows how to write earnestly about even the deepest of emotions —it’s a fact she’s proven consistently throughout her dazzling career. But with her latest album Crash, the R&B star shows that she can continue doing that over a series of infectious, eclectic new sounds. Whether she’s heading to the dancefloor (“After Hours”) or bringing out a softer, folksy side (“Better Not”), Kehlani never loses the emotional maturity that’s defined so much of her output. Stark confessions, brutal kiss-offs and deep internal investigations yield phenomenal results for the singer-songwriter on yet another career highlight.
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Maren Morris feat. Julia Michaels, “Cut!”
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“How does she do it?” Maren Morris wonders of herself in the first few lines of her new song “Cut!” She touts her regimen of yoga, therapy and sleep over a glossy pop beat, while maintaining her vocal composure. But that all changes on the song’s bombastic chorus, as she (and later, guest Julia Michaels) takes a moment behind closed doors to “let my tears fall when they want.” It’s a stunningly intimate pop ballad from the singer as she navigates the balance between life both in and out of the public eye.
VINCINT feat. Betty Who, “Love Me Tonight”
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Just when we needed it, VINCINT is here with his second consecutive slice of pop perfection. “Love Me Tonight,” the propellant new single from the rising pop singer, sees VINCINT and special guest Betty Who leaning hard into the romance of it all, with a symphony of deep house synths and sweeping strings to drive home that yearning feeling. But as tends to be the case with his songs, it’s VINCINT and Who’s vocals that provide the souped-up engine for this unstoppable anthem, as the pair each declare that “if you love me baby, love me tonight.”
Kali Uchis, “Never Be Yours”
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A breakup has never sounded quite as good as it does on Kali Uchis’ stunning new single “Never Be Yours.” As lush instrumentation brings the listener into a dreamy world of strings, keys and chimes, the Colombian star takes on an old-school vibe to let her would-be lover know that she’s simply not interested in what they have to offer. “I’m not gonna be yours right now,” she coos, as a gentle guitar cushions the blow. “‘Cause I’ll never be yours, no how.”
The Japanese House, “:)”
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While Amber Bain (the artist behind the moniker of The Japanese House) may be best known for her introspective songwriting, her new single shows that she’s perfectly capable of delivering a sparkling love song. “:)” finds Bain at her most idyllic, as she waxes poetic about a girl she met online. What starts as digital flirting quickly turns to a whirlwind fantasy, where the singer boards a plane, meets her online lover and falls even deeper in love than she already was. The sunny guitars and persistent drum pattern boost her confidence as she declares that she might be crazy, “Who cares/ ‘Cause something’s happening/ I feel happier.”
Adam Lambert, “CVNTY”
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Looking for some booming new club tracks to help celebrate Pride Month? Adam Lambert is here to deliver with “CVNTY,” his ground-shaking new single dedicated to the art of serving … well, just read the song’s title. The pounding electronic beat only adds to Lambert’s laid-back vocal, as he calmly lets his passionate lover exactly how their relationship is going to go: “Sorry, baby, that you went and motherf—ing blew it/ I’ll break your heart, and I’ll look c-nty when I do it,” he croons, before letting the production crash into him like a tidal wave.
Big Freedia, “Holatta”
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Pride is meant to be a protest, and Big Freedia is making sure we keep that spirit alive with her new song. “Holatta” comes off of NOISE FOR NOW, VOL. 2, a new compilation album featuring tracks from Faye Webster, The War On Drugs, Courtney Barnett and others, with all proceeds from the album being donated to fund independent abortion providers across the U.S. in the wake of 2022’s Dobbs decision. For her part, Big Freedia digs deep into her bounce roots to craft an anthem for fighting back — the thundering beat echoes the singer’s own voice as she declares that “we got a point to prove.”
Sapphira Cristál, “Get Your Flowers”
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We all need a voice like Sapphira Cristál’s in our lives. The Drag Race runner-up made a name for herself as the motivational “mother” of season 16 — and now, she’s ready to do the same for you. With “Get Your Flowers,” Cristál steps firmly into the limelight of musical artistry, as she melds her penchant for words of encouragement with dace music and just a dash of operatic arias. Over a slick dance-pop melody, Cristál asks her listeners to put some more stock in themselves as she shows off exactly what made her Drag Race run so instantly memorable in this fun new track.
Check out all of our picks below on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist:
As Pride Month reaches a fever pitch, make sure you’re staying up to date on all the latest new tracks 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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Victoria Monét’s hypnotic new song to Tayla Parx’s brand new era, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Victoria Monét, “Power of Two”
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As Darth Vader so eloquently said, the Force is strong with this one. In her new single “Power of Two” for Disney+’s series Star Wars: The Acolyte, R&B superstar Victoria Monét pulls off an entrancing new song that works naturally outside of the show’s context. A moody melody accompanies hypnotic beats as Monét sings to someone she feels cosmically entangled with, for better or worse. “I feel the shame when they call me your name,” she intones. “And you feel the same when they say you’re to blame.”
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Tayla Parx feat. Tkay Maidza, “Era”
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In a time when pop stars love to constantly reinvent themselves — to varying degrees of success — it’s refreshing to see bonafide hitmaker Tayla Parx firmly enter her “f–k it era.” With her new single “Era” featuring hip-hop star Tkay Maidza, Parx announces that she’s done plenty of growing over the last few years and is ready to reap her rewards. Over a bone-shaking beat, Parx touts her personal achievements and declares that the time for her raucous comeback into the cultural spotlight has arrived — and we couldn’t be happier to see it.
Orion Sun, “Already Gone”
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She may have been gone for two years, but Orion Sun has been hard at work honing her craft — a fact that is readily apparent on her phenomenal new song, “Already Gone.” Elevating her esoteric sound, Sun sings about facing a life without her partner by her side. As arpeggiating synths flutter around the edges of the song, Sun’s voice grows slowly more confident as she lets her former lover know what kind of wreckage they left behind: “I feel weak and ugly,” she whispers. “It still feels hard to imagine life without you.”
Remi Wolf, “Motorcycle”
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Who says you can’t have it all? Remi Wolf’s latest track “Motorcycle” envisions a world where the singer can embrace all the reckless, fast-paced aspects of life in the spotlight, while still enjoying the quiet comforts of domesticity, all over a smooth, sultry R&B track. Wolf’s voice sounds more controlled and calm than ever, as she gleefully has her cake and eats it, too, on this delectable new entry in her discography.
Pale Waves, “Perfume”
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What if ’80s alt-rock had been even queerer? That’s a question Pale Waves handily answers on their new single “Perfume,” a glossy, romantic anthem fueled by the female gaze. Frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie lends her voice to the sapphic sport of endless yearning, while guitarist Hugo Silvani lays down layered, echoing riffs throughout the airy new song. If you’ve been waiting for another queer-focused jam in the style of MUNA’s “Silk Chiffon,” then allow this “Perfume” to linger just a little bit longer.
Michaela Jaé, “I Am”
Get ready to hear Michaela Jaé’s thrilling new song “I Am” for the rest of Pride Month, because we’ve got an anthem on our hands, folks. Amping up the sound from her 2022 debut single “Something to Say,” the former Pose star dives deep into an instantly catchy house groove, providing everything from a spoken-word, ball-style opening, to a delirious beat breakdown that will have you dancing the moment you hear it. “If you feel like a misfit, this song encourages people to be confident and to live out loud,” Jaé says of the new track in a statement. “It encourages them to always re-create and rebuild themselves when they feel down and to let the world know that it’s not going to stop and that we are going to continue to exist.”
JORDY, Sex With Myself
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Some might call it cockiness, but there’s no denying — JORDY is at his most confident with his boisterous new LP, Sex With Myself. Throughout the dance-fueled new project, the rising singer embraces his own self-love with reckless abandon, getting real with his audience about f–kboys (“Nice Things”), hookups (“I Don’t Want a Boyfriend”) and the evolving art of utter self-determination (the album’s excellent titular track). Call it whatever you want, but one thing’s for certain — JORDY’s new album is an instant highlight in his musical career.
Bronze Avery, Heatwave
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Ready to dance this summer? Because Bronze Avery is here with an album designed to help you do just that. Heatwave, the pop singer’s sophomore LP, is a scintillating mirage of sweat-soaked ecstacy, as Avery lets his inimitable voice soar over delirious production that melds deep house, hyperpop and a sprinkle of R&B for good measure. If you’re looking to turn up the temperature this Pride Month, then embrace the Heatwave on this stunning new album.
Check out all of our picks in Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below: