Queer Jams of the Week
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.
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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:
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, why not give some thanks to some of your favorite queer artists this week? 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 Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande’s long-awaited Wicked songs to Lil Nas X’s latest single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below.
Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande “Defying Gravity”
Sure, we could put the entirety of the new Wicked soundtrack on this list, but there is something to Cynthia Erivo’s performance of the undisputed queer anthem “Defying Gravity” that just deserves some special recognition here. Her voice is incredible, her acting is off the charts, and she sells every second of this song alongside Grande’s gorgeous supporting vocals. Especially in the song’s famous final minute, Erivo gives her all for “Defying Gravity,” making this an absolute must-listen for theater fans and skeptics alike.
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Lil Nas X, “Need Dat Boy”
As he proved on Montero standout “Sun Goes Down,” Lil Nas X is phenomenally good at stripping things back to get to the personal core of a song. “Need Dat Boy” starts out in that exact contemplative mode, with Lil Nas showing off his consistently-growing vocals as he croons about looking for inspiration. And when the bridge kicks in, Lil Nas turns the heat up as he lets the object of his desire know exactly what he’d like to do to him. It’s a fitting amalgamation of the rapper/singer’s multitude of talents, packed into a 3-minute track you’ll want to hear.
Omar Apollo feat. Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, “Te Maldigo”
Give Omar Apollo a guitar and a microphone and he will make sweet music for you. On “Te Maldigo” (which translates to “I Curse You”) from the upcoming Luca Guadagnino film Queer, Apollo sings a lonesome ballad of heartbreak and betrayal, asking why his former flame couldn’t show him the love he deserved. “My heart, without you, does not beat,” he sings in Spanish on the song’s second verse. “What a cruel world/ Where you don’t love me.”
Various Artists, Transa
In a time when trans people everywhere are scared for the future, Red Hot decided to give the community something hopeful. Transa, the organization’s expansive new compilation album, pairs trans icons and allies throughout its massive three and a half hour journey, reflecting on the nature of transness itself. With featured stars like Adrienne Lenker, Moses Sumney, Anohni, Sam Smith, Beverly Glenn Copeland and dozens more, Transa makes sure to never boil down the trans experience into a single, simplistic message — just like the community it serves, this album is as expansive as the universe itself.
Rahim Redcar (Christine and the Queens), “It’s Okay to Cry (Hôtel Pour SOPHIE)”
It would have been easy for Rahim Redcar (the newly-adopted stage name for Christine and the Queens) to offer a simple, largely-unchanged cover of legendary producer SOPHIE’s classic song “It’s Okay to Cry.” But that wouldn’t be like him, after all. Instead, Redcar takes the affirming track and strips it down to its molecular level, building it back up into something completely new that still manages to honor the legacy of the iconic artist who brought it into the world in the first place.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
With the end of the year fast-approaching, now’s the best time to tune into some of the best 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 Lil Nas X’s long-awaited new single to Elton John’s new collaboration with Brandi Carlile, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Lil Nas X, “Light Again”
Ladies and gentlemen, Lil Nas X is back. With his new(ish) single “Light Again,” the 25-year-old pop culture phenomenon proudly arrives ready to party, spitting out bars about where he’s headed and declaring himself the “king and the jester” of pop music. With some house-inspired production and a ballroom-adjacent bridge breakdown, Lil Nas makes sure to sink his catchy hooks into you before the song is over.
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Elton John & Brandi Carlile, “Never Too Late”
Even at 77 years old, Elton John wants to make sure you know that it’s “Never Too Late” to make a change. On his new duet with folk hero Brandi Carlile — which serves as the de facto theme song for his new documentary of the same name — John looks back foldly on a career filled with massive, groundbreaking successes, and then trains his eyes on the future. Armed only with a piano and some light drums, John and Carlile make excellent partners on this lovely new addition to the legend’s discography.
070 Shake, Petrichor
070 Shake has always been an experimenter at heart — but with Petrichor, she draws that label out to its fullest vision. Throughout this excellent new album, Shake plays with rock, pop, R&B, rap and just about every other musical concept that she can think of (including a left-field TIm Buckley cover with Courtney Love) in order to weave her particular tale of heartbreak and self-evaluation. She promises that “I remember everything” on immediate standout “Elephant” — and with the rest of Petrichor, she proves it, too,
Cat Burns, “Teenage Dirtbag” (Wheatus cover)
If you’ve been to a Cat Burns show in the last few years (or, hell, if you follow her on TikTok), then you already know that the rising UK singer has an affinity for Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag.” Now, with her own recorded version, Burns takes her queer-bent version of the track and gives it the full single treatment — guitars, drums and an astonishing amout of vocal melodies join in as the singer begs Noelle to “listen to Iron Maiden baby with me.” We’re sold, and after your first listen, we guarantee you will be, too.
Teddy Geiger & Yaeji, “Pink Ponies”
Ahead of Transa’s full release next week, Red Hot shared two more singles off the ambitious project for fans. While Julien Baker, Calvin Luber, SOAK and Quinn Christopherson certainly shine on their cover of Belle and Sebastian’s “Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying,” we’d like to focus on electronic star Yaeji and singer-songwriter Teddy Geiger’s stunning original “Pink Ponies” for a moment. On this gorgeous, hypnotic new song, both Geiger and Yaeji reflect on the often painful-but-beautiful truth of finding yourself in another person. It’s yet a stunning addition to what promises to be a deeply meaningful album.
Jordy, Sex With Myself And It Lasts Longer
Why not close things out with something fun? After laying himself bare (literally) on his last album Sex With Myself, Jordy is here to take a victory lap with the album’s deluxe version. Throughout his five steamy new numbers, Jordy keeps the dance-fueled highs of the original album intact as he takes you on a self-guided tour of his latest sexual encounters. But it’s on closer “Drinking of Me” that Jordy lands on something different — a hyperpop-assisted kiss-off where he bids is former flame adieu with a flexed middle finger. If that’s the energy you’ve been looking for in recent weeks, then look no further.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s 2024 Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
As we head into the Halloweekend, amp up your spooky playlists with these 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
From Lady Gaga’s sickening return to Halsey’s persona-shifting album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Lady Gaga, “Disease”
For anyone who’s been hoping for Gaga to return to her Fame Monster era sound, let “Disease” serve as a reward. The pounding new dark-pop single sees Gaga reaching back into her early career to recapture the glory of her twisted pop origins. With some chopped-and-screwed pop production courtesy of Andrew Watt and Cirkut, as well as some top-tier vocals from Gaga herself, “Disease” is the exact kind of brooding pop creation that will fuel your Halloween celebrations for the next week.
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Halsey, The Great Impersonator
There’s no doubt that Halsey has been through quite a lot over the course of the last few years. On The Great Impersonator, she tries to put all of that into an emotional context for her listeners, all while paying tribute to the icons that helped make her the artist that she is today. Whether she’s singing about helping her lover deal with their own pain (“Panic Attack”) or struggling through a diagnosis that nearly killed her (“Life of a Spider”), the singer pours every ounce of emotionally resonant songwriting that she can fit into this constantly-shifting LP.
Gigi Perez, “Fable”
Following up on the success of her queer love anthem “Sailor Song,” Gigi Perez is taking her moment in the spotlight to honor her late sister. On “Fable,” the singer-songwriter examines her own grief and its impact on her spirituality, as her plaintive voice pierces through the gentle strums of her acoustic guitar. “So share me your plan/ If I implore you, could I be your lamb?” she asks near the song’s end. “I look for the truth in the back of your hand/ And I look into the open sky.”
Soccer Mommy, Evergreen
Even when you’re going through a hard time, Soccer Mommy’s Sophie Allison wants to make sure you know that finding peace is Evergreen. Throughout her stunning new album, the singer-songwriter shares some of her most raw, honest lyrics to date, all over a bed of lush, gorgeous indie rock melodies. Even when the subject matter gets dark, Allison makes sure to provide plenty of light at the end of the tunnel, making Evergreen a must-listen this fall.
Katie Gavin, What a Relief
On What a Relief, MUNA lead singer Katie Gavin flexes her own particular brand of singer-songwriter mastery. The perfectly-curated album sees the artist leaning into specificity, singing about emotional unavailability (“Inconsolable”), feeling like you’re not fulfilling your partner (“As Good As It Gets” featuring Mitski), and even the cycles of motherhood (“The Baton”). She does it all with a razor-sharp ear for sound and lyricism, putting What a Relief above even some of its loftier expectations.
Corook, “Crumbs”
For all of their charming-and-quirky tracks about fearing snakes and life as a fish, singer-songwriter Corook has scores of songs underlining their own insecurities. “Crumbs,” the latest off the singer’s forthcoming album, very much falls into the latter camp as Corook unpacks a lifetime of self-criticism, and returns to its source. With crystal-clear vocals and emotionally engaged lyrics, “Crumbs” will have you reaching for the tissues within moments.
Sade, “Young Lion”
What makes Sade’s first song in six years so remarkable is more than the singer’s inimitable voice — it’s her emotionally raw songwriting. Sung directly to her trans son Izaak, Sade’s “Young Lion” serves primarily as an apology from a mother who wishes she had seen the struggle her child was going through sooner, as she sings over a stunning chorus that her baby will “shine like a sun,” regardless how the world perceives him.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Lady Gaga’s Joker-inspired new album to Willow’s new team-up with Kamasi Washington, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below.
Lady Gaga, Harlequin
From what little we’ve seen of Harleen “Lee” Quinzel in the upcoming film Joker: Folie à Deux, it’s safe to say that Lady Gaga’s character is not so easy to describe. Yet Gaga sets out to do just that on Harlequin, her freewheeling new album that explores Harley Quinn’s psyche through a blur of genre-defying songs. Blasting her way through modernized, reimagined versions of jazz standards and classic showtunes (“Get Happy,” “That’s Life” and “Good Morning” among them), Gaga also takes a moment to deliver deeply personal, emotive original tracks, like on album standout “Happy Mistake.” As fans keep waiting for the singer’s long-awaited seventh studio album, Harlequin offers a moment of respite in the chaotic soundscape of her twisted character’s mind.
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Willow feat. Kamasi Washington, “Wanted”
One of the standout tracks on Willow’s new deluxe version of her excellent 2024 album Empathogen is “Wanted,” a flittering, frantic new song that perfectly encapsulates the singer’s experimental approach to her latest project. Calling up saxophone aficionado Kamasi Washington for an assist, “Wanted” sees the young singer flipping between tempos, genres and lyrical ideas as she insists that the “wanted to run” before falling back into the routine of a relationship: “I wanna be infatuated” she breathes on this head-spinning new song.
Sophie, SOPHIE
Trying to communicate all the Sophie was in a single album is a virtually impossible task — yet Benny Long, the late producer’s brother, does a commendable job on Sophie, the posthumous album comprising of 16 songs the pop iconoclast worked on up until her untimely death. Spanning techno, pop, R&B and industrial experimental sounds, this undulating project takes listeners on a journey all throughout Sophie’s many different sonic touchpoints, while offering slots to featured guests on the way — including Hannah Diamond, Kim Petras, Bibi Bourelly and more — to pay tribute to the icon one final time.
Michelle, Songs About You Specifically
Welcome to New York pop collective Michelle’s imperial pop phase. On their third album Songs About You Specifically, the group embraces the cult of personality built around boy bands and girl groups, alongside their off-kilter sonic stylings, to make a record that sounds like an instant classic from the moment it starts. The sweltering, talk-box assisted stylings of “Akira,” in particular, stand out as an all-timer in the band’s discography. Songs About You Specifically may not fit into a clean-cut genre, but that’s what makes Michelle’s new effort that much more fascinating to hear.
Towa Bird, “Rat Race”
In 2024, Towa Bird has been enjoying a new level of popularity among music fans — now, she’d like to talk about the work it took to get here. On “Rat Race,” the British guitarist goes out of her way to point out the troubling trend of streaming algorithms, label execs and nefarious external forces trying to dictate the way her career ought to go — “High notes when you’re singing my praise/ Low lows, I don’t get enough plays,” she seethes on the punk-inspired opening verse. Through fuzzy guitar lines and drum section that never relents, Bird makes her feelings clear: “Go f–k your stupid f–kin’ rat race.”
Katie Gavin, “Inconsolable”
When Katie Gavin said that she was inspired by Lilith Fair for her solo album, she was not joking. “Inconsolable,” the latest single off her forthcoming LP What a Relief, sees Gavin diving headfirst into the folk-forward singer-songwriter aesthetic, complete with devastatingly honest lyrics, beautiful banjo and fiddle orchestrations, and a vocal that conveys all the pain and wonder of choosing to keep trying in a relationship. Fans of MUNA’s stunning ballad “Kind of Girl” are in for a treat when they hear Gavin absolutely nail this gorgeous folksy ode.
Michaela Jaé, 33
Michaela Jaé is here to let you have it — on her debut album 33, the Pose and Loot star declares that she is a musical force to be reckoned with. Telling the story of her own journey of self-discovery through the lens of an android (named Model 33F7) re-integrating her own memories to find out who she truly is. Over a buffet of power pop (“I Am”), R&B (“Forever”) and funk (“Started From”), Jaé accomplishes her goal — and successfully re-introduces herself to the world.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
With fall just around the corner, there’s no better time to update your autumn playlists with new music 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 Charli XCX & Troye Sivan’s amped-up new remix to Demi Lovato’s touching new ballad, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below.
Charli XCX feat. Troye Sivan, “Talk Talk (Remix)”
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The best remixes are the ones that take the concept behind an original song and completely transform it into something new. Charli XCX and Troye Sivan accomplish exactly that on their thrilling rendition of “Talk Talk,” keeping a handful of memorable melodies from the original song while completely recontextualizing the track into a sweaty, bouncing club banger. Their vocals pair perfectly together as they talk their way into their respective lovers’ beds, making the hype around this remix much more than just talk (talk).
Trending on Billboard
Demi Lovato, “You’ll Be OK, Kid”
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In many ways, Demi Lovato’s new documentary Child Star is an opportunity for them to speak to their younger self. With the documentary’s accompanying song “You’ll Be OK, Kid,” Lovato takes that idea to its literal conclusion, singing a lullaby-esque melody to a younger, less-experienced Demi. She warns her former self to be wary of “sharks in the water” and “thorns on the roses,” but concludes with assurance that ultimately, things will work out.
Joy Oladokun, “I’d Miss the Birds”
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Joy Oladokun is ready to move on. On her stunning new single “I’d Miss the Birds,” the pop-folk singer-songwriter pens a bittersweet farewell to the city of Nashville, a place that has simultaneously helped her become the person she is, while also being the place that she has entirely outgrown. Throughout her brutally-honest track, Oladokun makes clear all the things she won’t miss, before admitting that leaving somewhere you’ve called home for so long is never easy. “But it doesn’t mean I should hang ’round and suffer,” she determines.
Arca & Tokischa, “Chama”
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What happens when you take two of the most fascinating experimental pop artists in the game and put them together on one song? You get something like “Chama,” the entrancing new single out courtesy of Arca and Tokischa. Throughout this pulsating anthem, the duo trade sexed-up verses in their native Spanish, which the shifting, percolating beat constantly switches, morphs, speed, slows and intensifies, making “Chama” yet another slice of thrilling music courtesy of two artists intent on changing things up.
Soccer Mommy, “Driver”
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If Taylor Swift was admitting she might be the problem with “Anti-Hero,” then Sophie Allison (a.k.a. Soccer Mommy) is thanking her lover for sticking around anyways on “Driver.” This classic, guitar-and-drum indie-rock track sees Allison embracing her role as the indecisive, spaced-out girlfriend, waiting for her partner to bring her back to Earth. It’s simple, effective, and a testament to Soccer Mommy’s staying power as a rock artist that she keeps you listening throughout this easy-to-enjoy single.
Pale Waves, “Thinking About You”
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Speaking of effective rock vibes, Pale Waves is here to once again prove just how good their new era sounds. “Thinking About You” follows previous singles like “Perfume” and “Gravity” in its ’90s goth-rock-meets-pop inspiration, as frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie finds herself stuck on a past relationship no matter how hard she tries to move on. The soft guitars and Baron-Gracie’s top-tier vocal sends “Thinking About You” to new heights for the band.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Summer might be over, but new releases from your favorite queer artists are still heating up. 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 Halsey’s ’90s-inspired new single to Mxmtoon’s dreamy new offering, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below.
Halsey, “Ego”
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With an album title like The Great Impersonator, it’s clear that Halsey is ready to flex her range. “Ego,” the latest offering from the singer’s forthcoming new LP, sees them embracing a ’90s alt-rock sound to help them reign in their own psyche. Powerful drums and fluid guitar lines drive the new track forward, as Halsey declares that she “should try to kill my ego/ ‘Cause if I don’t, my ego might kill me.” Regardless of who is killing who, we can say for certain that Halsey definitely killed this song.
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Mxmtoon feat. Kero Kero Bonito, “The Situation”
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Getting older can be tough, and Mxmtoon would like the record to show that she’s handling it as best she can. Throughout “The Situation,” the singer-songwriter very simply laments the passage of time as another birthday comes around. The folk-rock sound Mxmtoon and guests Kero Kero Bonito employ give the track a boost of cheer, while lyrics like “we get older and then we die/ and there’s nothing you can do about it” even the mood back out, making for a delightful song about the inescapability of age.
Sevdaliza feat. Anitta, Pabllo Vittar & Yseult, “Alibi Pt. 2”
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With her original track “Alibi,” Sevdaliza, Pabllo Vittar and Yseult painted a picture of a female bond so close that she could literally count on them to help her cover up a crime — for the latest remix of the track, the trio turns into a quartet to drive home that point. “Alibi Pt. 2” adds Brazilian superstar Anitta to the mix, making the queer anthem that much more palpable as the artists trade verses over this baile-funk track about women across the gender spectrum having each other’s backs, come what may.
Ashnikko, “Paint the Town Blue”
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Ashnikko has long relished her role as the anti-hero that alt-pop music needs — now, she’s ready to revel in that status on “Paint the Town Blue.” Release in concert with the trailer of season 2 of Netflix’s hit League of Legends show Arcane, “Paint the Town Blue” sees Ashnikko employing hard-hitting, rock-inspired production and bossed-up lyrics to give the series’ protagonist Jinx just that little bit of extra edge: “Oh, you want a villain?” Ashnikko asks. “Lemme show you how I evil.”
Lauren Auder and Wendy & Lisa, “I Would Die 4 U (Prince cover)”
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Reinterpreting a Prince classic is a risky choice, especially with a beloved single like “I Would Die 4 U.” But singer Lauren Auder’s team up with funk-rock icons (and former members of the Revolution) Wendy & Lisa not only pays tribute to the late icon’s work, but gives it new meaning when sung from a trans person’s perspective. Part of Red Hot’s forthcoming Transa benefit album for trans & non-binary communities, this glorious, exalted cover of “I Would Die 4 U” brings new life to a song that deserves it, from a trio of artists exceedingly well-equipped to deliver an all-time great cover.
Sleater-Kinney, “Here Today”
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Rock duo Sleater-Kinney have just a few more things to say. Off their upcoming deluxe version of this year’s Little Rope LP, “Here Today” sees Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein doing what they do best — recognizing life’s shortcomings on a truly delectable rock song. Over a thrumming melody of fuzzy guitars and crisp drums, the pair lament “a world that’s gone insane,” while simultaneously understanding the need to enjoy life while you can. After all, we’re all “here today and gone the next.”
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
When you’re in between streams of Sabrina Carpenter’s new album (or done watching that clip of her and Jenna Ortega sharing a kiss), why not listen 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.
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See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Doechii’s banging new single to Yaeji’s bouncing new track, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Trending on Billboard
Doechii, “Boom Bap”
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If you think you know what to expect from Doechii’s new single, let us be the ones to break it to you — you’re wrong. From the moment “Boom Bap” begins, Doechii makes it clear that she’s done with being put in boxes, snarling at her listener that “they said they want me to rap.” What follows is just over two minutes of the Florida rapper flexing her credentials — constant beat switches and style shifts can’t interrupt Doechii’s A+ flow as she proves herself over and over as the one to watch in the hip-hop genre.
Yaeji, “Booboo”
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Yaeji is back, folks. With “Booboo” the transformational dance star is ready to fill dance floors and playlists alike. Over a simple-yet-relentless dance beat, Yaeji switches effortlessly between Korean and English to offer the same simple instructions to her listeners — dance. As the song picks up so does the prodcution, exploding into a thundering dance banger that proves to be utterly irresistible for anyone who hears it. If you’re looking to bounce this weekend, look no further.
Blondshell, “What’s Fair”
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Sabrina Teitelbaum is here to give you what you hope to hear on a Blondshell record — a classic alt-rock sound with some tough lyrics. “What’s Fair” fulfills the Blondshell promise and even evolves it to a new level of excellence, as Teitelbaum delivers an instantly-lovable pop song that will have you doubling back to its lyrics by the end of the first listen. Written about a fraught mother-daughter relationship, “What’s Fair” makes ample use of the singer’s internal angst to help you expel some of yours.
Katie Gavin, “Casual Drug Use”
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We’ve all got our coping mechanisms, and Katie Gavin is ready to talk about it. “Casual Drug Use,” off the MUNA singer’s much-anticipated solo debut, charts the fallout from a previous relationship as Gavin spirals down into the song’s titular activity. She’s quick to make no judgement, instead showing empathy for her past self and her self-soothing mechanisms — which is made even sweeter by the single’s hazy, feel-good sound.
Zolita, “Hypocrite”
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Speaking of coping mechanisms, rising pop singer Zolita has got her own — and if she found out her ex was doing the same thing, she’d be pissed. On “Hypocrite,” Zolita nails her particular brand of pop-rock flavor yet again, this time to soundtrack a story of sleeping around, being messy and refusing to feel bad about it. Sure, she might be a “Hypocrite,” but if this is how being hypocritical sounds, then sign us up.
Morgan Saint, “Blazing”
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Morgan Saint would just like to know why a breakup has to be dramatic. In her new track “Blazing,” the rising singer tackles the charged dynamics of a relationship headed for disaster, wondering aloud why everything has to end in a blaze of glory. It might sound like a lot, but Saint does a marvelous job blending the implosive subject matter with a blissful, lo-fi pop sound, making “Blazing” the kind of balanced listening experience that will key you up right before it mellows you out.
Check out all of our picks below on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist:
In need of some new songs from your favorite queer artists? You’re in luck — 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 brash new album to Halsey’s rock-tinged new track, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Tinashe, Quantum Baby
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For the last few months, Tinashe has been loudly asking if somebody would please match her freak. Now, the pop star is ready to match her own freak with her brand new album Quantum Baby. Throughout her brief, 8-song album that serves as a follow-up to the viral success of lead single “Nasty,” Tinashe flexes her artistic dexterity, flowing effortlessly between moving R&B ballads (like on early album standout “Red Flags”) or gassed-up anthems (the ebullient “No Broke Boys” in particular). Don’t let the scientific title fool you — there’s nothing small about Quantum Baby.
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Halsey, “Lonely Is the Muse”
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For fans who were hoping to hear more of Halsey’s If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power rock sound, “Lonely Is the Muse” is for you. On this heartbreaking new goth rock track, Halsey rages against the cycle of inspiration-becomes-commodity that she’s experienced throughout her career, wondering at what point in this process she’s meant to find meaning or joy. Her accolades, myriad though they may be, don’t make up for the empty feeling she finds herself translating to this punchy rock song, as she boldly declares that she’s tired of being “reduced to just a body here in someone else’s bed.”
The Blessed Madonna feat. Kylie Minogue, “Edge of Saturday Night”
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Why let a good party end when you could just keep it going? That’s the vibe that suffuses The Blessed Madonna’s delectable new dance cut “Edge of Saturday Night,” featuring guest vocals from none other than pop superstar Kylie Minogue. Over a set of Madonna’s crunchy house pianos and a blistering beat, Minogue narrates the story of a party gone right, as the pair dive deeper into the evening with this excellent new single.
Pale Waves, “Gravity”
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Where Chappell Roan left off with “Good Luck, Babe,” Pale Waves is ready to grab the baton and run with it. On the band’s dream-rock-inspired new song “Gravity” tells the story of a girl frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie met who “chose Jesus over me,” as she explains in a statement. Despite her best attempts to not let this girl pull her in, Baron-Gracie can’t quite resist, as she belts about being pulled back to into her would-be lover’s orbit. And much like the lyrics state, you can try to resist the orbital draw of this song’s glimmering melodies, but we have a feeling you’ll find its pull too irresistible.
Hope Tala, “Thank Goodness”
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Hope Tala used to feel bad about her breakup — instead, she’s saying “phew.” On “Thank Goodness,” Tala’s excellent new track, sees the singer employing her honed neo-soul sound to let her former lover know that she’s doing way better without them. Over a light bass line and some kinetic drums, Tala celebrates dodging the bullet that would be a continued relationship with her ex. As she puts it, “Thought I’d go back, but I didn’t do it/ Thank goodness.”
Peach PRC, “Time of My Life”
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In a time when many pop artists are choosing to do less, Australian up-and-comer Peach PRC is swinging in the exact opposite direction. With her latest song “Time of My Life,” Peach offers a masterclass in pop maximalism as she reminisces on some complicated memories through her own, unique brand of rose-colored glasses. Add in the high camp music video — which sees the singer combining her fairy princess aesthetic in an all-women’s prison — and you’ve got a deliriously fun pop track on your hands.
Check out all of our picks below on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist:
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: