Queer Jams of the Week
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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.
Trending on Billboard
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:
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.
Trending on Billboard
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.”
Trending on Billboard
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:
Pride season is officially upon us, so grab your headphones and jam out to these 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 Halsey’s long-awaited new single to Kaytranada’s stunning new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Halsey, “The End”
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While Halsey has always had an aptitude for emotionally resonant songwriting, they managed to put something different in “The End.” On this stripped back acoustic single, Halsey lets the pain pour out of her, as her voices rises and falls with confessions about “poison in my blood” or that “once my God destroys the flesh, then there’s the flood.” As the singer continues to undergo serious medical treatment for their recently disclosed health issues, they’re not interested in just putting on a brave face — instead, they’d like you to see what that they’ve been dealing with.
Trending on Billboard
Kaytranada, Timeless
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For any and all Pride parties you’re intending to go to this month, Kaytranada’s newest album is an instant must play. Living up to its title, Timeless doesn’t aim to emulate any one particular era or sound — it just wants to make you dance. Kaytranada’s unmatched production work pairs flawlessly with a parade of guest stars including Childish Gambino (“Witchy”), Don Tolliver (“Feel a Way”) and Tinashe (“More Than a Little Bit”), making this new album the perfect party soundtrack.
Omar Apollo, “Less of You”
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Where his last few releases have seen Omar Apollo embracing slow jams, “Less of You” sees the singer ready to hit the dancefloor. With an electronic-tinged beat and some lightly vocoded vocals, “Less of You” follows Apollo through a lovesick night out, as he yearns for the lover that might have left him the night before. “I’m seein’ less of you/ I’m still undressing you,” he croons on the chorus. “Am I depressing you?/ Felt like a blessin’, you.”
Orville Peck, Kylie Minogue & Diplo, “Midnight Ride”
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What if Cowboy Carter and Renaissance were to have a baby? That’s a question that Orville Peck seeks to answer with a little help from Kylie Minogue and Diplo on “Midnight Ride,” their delectable new disco-meets-house-meets-country collaboration. Between Peck’s smoky baritone, Minogue’s unbridled energy and Diplo’s frenetic production, “Midnight Ride” immediately stands out as a must listen.
Doechii, “MPH”
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After she turned up the heat with her club track “Alter Ego” earlier this year, Doechii decided to keep the energy up with her newest release. “MPH” puts the pedal to the metal right out of the gate, as Doechii spits out rapid-fire bars flexing her status as one of the hottest up-and-coming names in hip-hop. Add in some slick production and the coven leader’s uniquely unbothered attitude, and you’ve got yet another Doechii banger on your hands.
Soccer Mommy, “Lost”
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With her first single since 2022′ Sometimes, Forever, Soccer Mommy would like to sing about grief. “Lost” never dives into particulars — only ever referring back to “her” — but it’s mood, atmosphere and tone all sound as though they were crafted with nothing but specificity in mind. Sophie Allison’s voice has never sounded more crystalline than it does on this heartbreaking, deeply moving new song.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Pride Month officially kicks off tomorrow, so be sure to update your playlists with some new tunes from your favorite queer artists before then! . 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 blissful new single to Ben Platt‘s romantic new album, check out just a few of our favorite new releases from this week below:
Kehlani, “Next 2 U”
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On her latest single from next month’s new album “Crash,” Kehlani is fusing the old and the new. “Next 2 U” is a rare gem in Kehlani’s discography that expertly blends together her well-honed R&B sound with the newer, industrial production elements of her sound to make a grinding-yet-gorgeous new track about dedication. Her vocals remain unparalleled in their effortless grace, and the accompanying music video only further underlines the star’s calls for a free Palestine, making “Next 2 U” a thrilling addition to Kehlani’s already stunning body of work.
Trending on Billboard
Ben Platt, Honeymind
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For Ben Platt, there’s no need to over complicate things when it comes to love. Honeymind, the Broadway star’s third studio album, sees Platt leaning effortlessly into lush, rich ballads about the nature of his relationship. Pair his voice with buttery strings, simple guitar and bass or even just a piano, and the results come back the same — Platt knows exactly what (and more acurately, who) he is devoted to in this gorgeous new LP.
Romy, “Always Forever”
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Donna Lewis’ 1961 hit “I Love You Always Forever” has already served as the basis for plenty of pop songs — but Romy’s recent interpolation of the track feels instantly electric. “Always Forever” continues Romy’s hot streak since the release of her critically-lauded album Mid Air in 2023, this time turning up the volume on her pop stylings. The rising star spends her verses building up a sense of tension and longing, only to let the iconic melody of Lewis’ track serve as instant gratification on the song’s delirious chorus. “Always Forever” is yet another reminder that when it comes to ecstatic dance music, Romy is the one to watch.
Zolita, Queen of Hearts
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Zolita wants to get real with you — and then, she’d like to dance. On Queen of Hearts, the rising pop singer’s latest LP, Zolita dives deep into the peaks and pitfalls of queer romance, detailing thrilling nights on the town followed by mornings filled with questions and hurt feelings. Spurning that journey along is a set of irresistible, impeccably-produced pop bangers that worm their way into your head and take root, especially on album standout “All Over Again.” If Zolita’s goal was to deliver a stylish, smart album about LGBTQ love just in time for Pride, then consider her mission accomplished.
Dua Saleh feat. Serpentwithfeet, “Unruly”
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We cannot imagine two artists more naturally suited to collaborate with one another than Dua Saleh and Serpentwithfeet. So, when the two linked up on their hypnotic new song “Unruly,” it does not disappoint — the pair’s experimental, otherworldly sounds mesh together into a web of gorgeous, celestial soundscape. It’s a testament to both artists that “Unruly” works as well as it does, instantly elevating the vibe the moment it starts.
Channel Tres, “Cactus Water”
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Summer is here, and Channel Tres would like to celebrate the sweaty season with a sultry new cut of his own. On “Cactus Water,” Tres celebrates hot nights out on the dancefloor, with a kinetic beat and grooving bass backing up his swaggering vocal. After offering to “lick you up, lick you down,” Tres brings the song to an electrifying pinnacle, making it an immediate go-to for your summer playlists.
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’ve got your covered. 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 Billie Eilish’s long-awaited new album to Omar Apollo’s moody new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Billie Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft
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With her third studio album, Billie Eilish has made one thing abundantly clear — she’s not slowing down any time soon. Hit Me Hard and Soft feels like a purposeful progression from the unabashed eccentricity of When We All Fall Asleep, and the confessional dreaminess of Happier Than Ever. The 22-year-old star simultaneously embraces her fears (“Chichiro”) and her confidence (“The Greatest”) to thrilling effect with each successive song, while maintaining the vocal flourishes and production flair (courtesy of Finneas) that made her a star to begin with. But the star also takes a more candid look at her sexuality throughout the album, allowing herself to declare that she wants to “eat that girl for lunch” and singing about the unrequited love of the girl she sees “in the back of my mind all the time,” offering a new level of intimacy to an already stunning body of work.
Trending on Billboard
Omar Apollo, “Dispose of Me”
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Omar Apollo wants to slow it down, and after hearing “Dispose of Me,” you’ll be sure to understand why. This moving R&B ballad serves as a testament to the rising star’s vocal prowess, as he shows off as much of his impressive range as possible. Flowing from flawless falsetto to rumbling baritone, Apollo evokes the heartbreaking feeling the title promises within the first few seconds of this number, making “Dispose of Me” an absolute must-listen for anyone in need of a good cry.
Monét X Change, Grey Rainbow Vol. 1
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The exchange rate just went up with Monét X Change’s stunning new R&B album Grey Rainbow Vol. 1. Throughout the Drag Race winner’s new project, Monét takes control of her own narrative with confessional songwriting about heartbreak (“Streetlight”), sex (“Rotation”) and moving forward (“Grey Rainbow”), all while utilizing her silky-smooth, classically-trained voice to thrilling effect. With part two due out later this year, Grey Rainbow Vol. 1 promises even more excellence from a drag superstar to watch.
VINCINT feat. Adam Lambert, “Another Lover”
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VINCINT and Adam Lambert is the kind of artist pairing that spins your head with even the thought of them collaborating. So it’s all the more thrilling when the final product of that collaboration, “Another Lover,” is even better than you would have imagined. This pounding dance-pop track perfectly utilizes both artists’ stratospheric voices, as VINCINT and Lambert trade sultry verses about their powers of provocative persuasion. By the time you reach the final chorus, where both stars are riffing and running their hearts out over a thrilling beat, you’ll be feeling the ecstasy they keep singing about on this phenomenal pop banger.
Ben Platt feat. Brandy Clark, “Treehouse”
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When you take a Broadway star and pair him with a once-in-a-generation folk singer, you get something magical. Ben Platt and Brandy Clark are a match made in heaven on the stunning new single “Treehouse,” as they duet together on a lovestruck ballad about finding love in all the right places. Neither artist allows the delicate mood to break, keeping their respective voices as tender as possible for this moving ode to building a foundation of love.
Towa Bird, “Time to Pretend” (MGMT cover)
There’s something ingenious about Towa Bird’s Spotify Singles cover of MGMT’s 2007 space-rock jam “Time to Pretend.” Where the original relied on synth arpeggios and electronic distortion, Bird’s version sees the singer embracing her top-tier guitar skills to make a thrilling, markedly-different version of the track. With her own distorted voice filtering through the driving guitar licks that provide the cover its internal engine, Towa Bird takes “Time to Pretend” to a new level on this thrilling new rendition.
Girli, Matriarchy
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Rising alt-pop singer Girli has approximately zero time for bulls–t on her entrancing new album, Matriarchy. Across 14 songs, the singer-songwriter embraces a more electro-pop sound to help her talk about self-love (especially on the immediately arresting “Feel My Feelings”), queer crushes (“Nothing Hurts Like a Girl”) and embracing the fact that sometimes, things are just deeply messy (“Lose My Cool”). For anyone dealing with the harsh realities of learning to be an adult, Matriarchy is absolutely essential.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
With Pride season just a few short weeks away, there’s no better time to prepare with 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.
From Camila Cabello and Lil Nas X’s flirty new collaboration to Beabadoobee’s dreamy new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Camila Cabello feat. Lil Nas X, “He Knows”
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There’s nothing quite like a Friday night out after a stunningly bad week, so Camila Cabello and Lil Nas X decided to bring you an anthem for those unhinged evenings on the town. While “He Knows” continues Cabello’s divisive dance-pop release strategy, the new track takes a few small steps back from “I Luv It,” focusing on a laid-back groove and entrancing vocals rather than a turbocharged beat. And it turns out Lil Nas and Camila make for excellent collaborators, matching one another’s sultry energy with each passing bar to let the boys at the club know that they’re on the prowl.
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Beabadoobee, “Take a Bite”
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Beabadoobee is back, and with “Take a Bite,” she’s sharper than ever. The introspective pop-rock ballad follows Bea Kristi through her own occasionally intrusive thoughts about the grass being greener on the other side of everything — relationships, careers, and everything in between. Her silky voice glides over a simple beat and some sumptuous guitar chords, making “Take a Bite” an excellent return for the singer-songwriter.
Orville Peck, Stampede: Vol. 1
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For his third studio album, Orville Peck is throwing a celebration. On Stampede: Vol. 1, the country crooner is teaming up with stars from all over the spectrum of music to toast their game-changing contributions to country, rock, pop and Americana. Between his excellent duet with Willie Nelson on “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other” and his rollicking rendition with Elton John to “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting),” plus collaborations with Allison Russell, Nathaniel Rateliff and plenty more, Peck proves that he’s more than just a singer with a mask — he’s a world-class curator paying tribute to the stars who helped pave the way for him.
Adam Lambert, “Whataya Want From Me ’24 (White Shadow’s HEmix)”
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It may not seem like 2009 was all that long ago, but plenty has changed in the 15 intervening years. For starters, LGBTQ+ artists didn’t used to feel comfortable singing using their romantic interests’ pronouns. So, Adam Lambert decided to correct the record with a “HEmix” of his 2009 hit “Whataya Want From Me.” Along with bringing in White Shadow to update his classic power ballad with a crunchy EDM beat, Lambert updates one key lyric — instead of singing that “It messed me up/ Need a second to breathe,” the rock singer now declares that “he messed me up.” It might seem like a small update for 2024, but a two-letter word can make all the difference, as Lambert proves on this thrilling remix.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Love Hate Music Box
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Since unveiling their debut album in 2013, Rainbow Kitten Surprise has made a career out of refining their familiar indie rock sound. But 11 years in, the band is ready for something different. Enter Love Hate Music Box, a sprawling 22-track LP that throws the band’s established sound out the window, aiming for bolder, brighter sounds in pop, rock, dance and Americana, all while maintaining some of the sharpest songwriting in the group’s history courtesy of frontperson Ela Melo. For just over an hour, Love Hate Music Box promises to make you feel just about everything — and we can confidently say that it delivers on that promise.
Remi Wolf, “Toro”
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Remi Wolf has always excelled at taking hyper-specific, intimate moments and turning them into grade-A pop bangers. “Toro” is no exception to that rule, as Wolf transforms a last-minute, high stakes romantic encounter and turns it into a grooving, deliciously sexy alt-pop jam. With a bass line that refuses to stay still, Wolf lets the audience know exactly what’s up on the instantly-memorable chorus: “We’re waking up the people down the hall/ You’re a bull, and I can’t help but saying ‘Toro, Toro.’”
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
With summer fast-approaching, why not fill up your warm-weather playlists with 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.
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From St. Vincent’s raucous new album to Anitta’s exhilarating funk-flavored new LP, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
St. Vincent, All Born Screaming
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To distill All Born Screaming down to one particular concept is to misinterpret it as a work of art. Throughout St. Vincent’s stunning, self-produced seventh studio album, Annie Clark flits in and out of genres, themes and ideas with ease, instead opting to create an album that is at all times changing its shape while maintaining the artistry it took to make it. Whether she’s waxing romantic via art-rock banger “Flea” or giving nihilism a disco-funk makeover on “Big Time Nothing,” St. Vincent has never been more immediately herself than on this thrilling new project.
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Anitta, Funk Generation
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After proving her dominance as the premiere Brazilian pop sensation, Anitta is ready to help introduce you to her culture. Funk Generation, the latest LP from the Grammy-nominated artist, is a love letter to Brazilian funk music, as she showcases a formative genre of her home for an international audience. The entire album plays as a well-crafted ode to the sounds of favelas, but “Ahi” in particular stands out, as Anitta and guest Sam Smith give audiences a crash course in how to get down.
Salute feat. Rina Sawayama, “Saving Flowers”
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Salute wants you to immediately fall into the sounds of summertime with their thrilling new song “Saving Flower.” An ecstatic electronic anthem featuring vocals from British pop star Rina Sawayama, “Saving Flowers” is a song that refuses to take its foot off the gas, maintaining its fervent pop sound for a blissful three and a half minutes. Pairing nicely with Sawayama’s airy voice, Salute’s new song comes just in time to become your new favorite song of the summer. c
Trixie Mattel, “Shadow” (Ashlee Simpson cover)
Drag superstar Trixie Mattel delivering a stirring acoustic rendition of a 20-year-old pop-rock track may not have been on your bingo card for 2024, but that only makes her new Spotify Single that much more interesting. Taking Ashlee Simpson’s “Shadow” and transforming it into a heartfelt ballad, Mattel flexes her crystal-clear baritone voice, adding in just enough folk-flavored twang to make the song definitively her own.
Christine and the Queens, “Rentrer Chez Moi”
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After experimenting with his sound, his look and his persona for the last few years, Christine and the Queens would like to come back home. On his moving new song “Rentrer Chez Moi,” Chris returns to the quiet, echoing music that defined much of his early career, singing entirely in his native French about a relationship that’s run its course. The simple-yet-elegant production (the artist produced the song himself) matches Chris’ vocal fragility on this stunning new single.
Isaac Dunbar, Beep Beep Repeat
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Step into Isaac Dunbar’s time machine and allow him to transport you back to the musical universe of 1970’s New York City. That’s the world Dunbar thrives in throughout his new EP Beep Beep Repeat — one populated by transient bass, four-on-the-floor drums and theatrical vocals. For six songs, Beep Beep Repeat invites you to disengage from our stark reality and simply revel in some good old-fashioned house parties (“Apartment A”), hangovers (“American High”) and heartpounding rhythms (“Photoshoot Tonight”).
Durand Bernarr, “Unknown”
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Durand Bernarr doesn’t have time to wait around for you to make up your mind. On “Unknown,” the latest slice of smooth R&B from the fast-rising artist, follows Bernarr as he narrates the story of a frustrating, lovesick missed connection, where two people who could have been together missed their moment. The slick, pared down production certainly gives the track a boost, but as with every other Durand Bernarr song, the true star is the singer’s unmatched vocals; Bernarr dives into his soulful baritone just as effortlessly as he flips into a sonorous falsetto, making “Unknown” the best kind of sensual vocal rollercoaster ride that you could ask for.
Trinity the Tuck feat. Jujubee, “‘Til Death Becomes Us”
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In the immortal (literally) words of Meryl Streep, “these are the moments that make life worth living.” With her new song “‘Til Death Becomes Us,” Drag Race star Trinity the Tuck aims for revenge in a thrilling homage to 1992’s Death Becomes Her. With fellow Drag Race alum Jujubee, the pair deliver a slick, early-2000’s dance-pop banger based solely on that deep, petty loathing you feel for that one person who just won’t get out of your life. Add in their hilarious, campy music video, and you’ve got the recipe for a winning new song from a pair of drag superstars.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
When you’re finished listening to Taylor Swift’s Tortured Poets Department, why not dive into 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
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From Joy Oladokun’s reflective new song to Lava La Rue’s rallying cry against oppression, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Joy Oladokun, “Questions, Chaos & Faith”
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For anyone dealing with the problem of existentialism, Joy Oladokun doesn’t have any answers for you — but she does hope you’re not alone in feeling lost. On her stunning new single “Questions, Chaos & Faith,” the singer-songwriter wrestles with the big questions of life, death, God, endings and all of the intermediate things between. With a set of stacked vocals and an acoustic guitar strumming behind her, Oladokun aims away from certainty, knowing that she can’t provide it over some chords and a pleasing melody. Yet when she delivers the chorus’ opening line, “Nothing is certain, everything changes,” there is no sadness in her voice; just a soft, beautiful acceptance of all those things she cannot change.
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Lava La Rue, “Humanity”
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In the opening moments of her new music video, Lava La Rue delivers a message directly to her audience: “Be very skeptical of anyone who promotes the narrative that in order to care about the humanitarian right of one group of people, that means you don’t care about another group.” It’s a simple, and extremely effective thesis for the song that follows. “Humanity” tracks La Rue’s own difficult relationship with the concept of collective conscientiousness, wondering why, exactly, we seem to have lost the plot on caring about the people around us. Mixed with her signature groove and pared down for an intimate listening experience, the song poses a question that will ring in your ears: “So many humans, and where’s the humanity?”
Debby Friday, “To the Dancefloor”
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If you’re ready to unplug and just feel yourself for a minute, electronic star Debby Friday’s got you covered. “To the Dancefloor” brings a superbly-produced dance track designed to get you out of your feelings and into your body. The scintillating beat and echoing vocal production brings about a thrilling vibe, while Friday’s commanding-but-casual voice draws you even further into her sonic world. You heard what she said — get to the dancefloor, already!
Wafia, “Background”
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Indie pop darling Wafia is back, and she’s ready to stand firmly at center stage. With her latest single “Background,” the singer-songwriter sings to a lover who wants to share the limelight with her whenever she can. Through softy-strummed guitars and some delicate synths, Wafia communicates that she’s more than happy to share, and even take a backseat in order to help them feel the warmth of the sun. “if you need me now,” she sings, “I’ll be in the background.”
Pillow Queens, Name Your Sorrow
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Packing as much thematic content as they could into their latest album, Pillow Queens are ready to have a frank conversation about the emotinal ebbs and flows of living today. Name Your Sorrow follows through on the promise of its title, with the group diving headfirst into complicated, aching songs about heartbreak, grief, loss, and ulitmately elation, all encompased in cozy, occasionally haunting indie-rock stylings. But don’t let the title fool you, either — Name Your Sorrow may deal in hardship, but it’s a joy to listen to.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below: