State Champ Radio Queer Jams of the Week
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As we head into Super Bowl LVIII, why not amp up your party playlists with some new tunes from some of 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 Girl in Red’s infectious new anthem to Shygirls’ exhilarating new dance EP, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Girl in Red, “Too Much”
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For everyone who has ever tried to dim her shine, Girl in Red would like to raise a defiant middle finger. “Too Much,” the singer-songwriter’s debut track off her forthcoming new album I’m Doing It Again Baby!, is a stunning pop-rock kiss-off to a lover who just cannot understand her idiosyncrasies. Girl in Red delights in her own dramatics, letting her partner know how much she hates being told that she’s overdramatic in the most theatrical and thrilling way possible.
Shygirl, Club Shy
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Don’t let her name fool you — Shygirl is ready for a night out with her latest project. Club Shy sees the English upstart diving headfirst into the world of electronic music, delivering a phenomenal tribute to East London’s club scene. Whether she’s waving off a former flame (“Mr. Useless” feat. SG Lewis) or on the prowl for someone new (“4eva” featuring Empress Of), Shygirl basks in the glory of her new sound for every second of Club Shy, inviting you to come and dance along.
Zolita, “Bloodstream”
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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Zolita is here to give you a song that can help express just how much you want to be with your partner. Brandishing her unique brand of alt-pop artistry, Zolita spends much of “Bloodstream” penning her very own declaration of love. Declaring that wants to be as physically close to her partner as possible, the star’s hazy vocal and rollicking production sound like they could soundtrack the climactic moment of any late-2000s rom-com. And that’s just part of what makes “Bloodstream” so irresistibly good.
Brittany Howard, “Power to Undo”
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With a toxic former lover knocking down her door, Brittany Howard is ready to stand firm and take her power back. Her rollicking new single “Power to Undo” — off her new album What Now — follows the former Alabama Shakes frontperson as she refuses to let herself fall back into the arms of an ex, reminding them that “you have the power because I gave it to you” time and time again. Add in the chaotic production, from chest-pounding drums to haywire guitar riffs, and you’ve got a song that will put you right in the moment with her.
MICHELLE, Glow
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NYC-based alternative group MICHELLE isn’t interested in a bright burst of light; they’d rather just Glow. Their awaited 5-song EP fulfills on the promise of its title, highlighting the smaller — but still emotionally important — moments that make up day-to-day life. It could be a recognition that they’re stuck in a series of patterns (“Glow”), or just another phone call with a lover (“On the Line”) — MICHELLE makes use of the little things that can still have massive effects, and they’ve never sounded better.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Another week means another set of 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 Fletcher’s delicate new pop single to Lil Nas X’s introspective new song, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Fletcher, “Lead Me On”
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Throughout her short-but-lively career, pop singer-songwriter Fletcher has proven to be particularly adept at creating emotive pop ballads about the messiest parts of love. But with “Lead Me On,” the singer’s latest single off her forthcoming album In Search of the Antidote, Fletcher takes on new meaning. While the thrilling guitar-and-drum-led melody echoes back to songs of Fletcher’s past, the lyrics play double duty — the words let the singer fall down the rabbit hole of a new romantic interest, or they help her follow a path toward becoming a better version of herself. However you interpret the star’s new song, one thing’s for certain: it’s a bonafide banger.
Lil Nas X, “Where Do We Go Now?”
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Lil Nas X’s detractors love to claim that his songs lack substance — so the superstar decided to show them exactly what he’s capable of on “Where Do We Go Now?” The emotive soft-rock ballad, which appears in his new documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, sees Lil Nas X searching for meaning in the space he occupies — he’s already become a pop icon at age 24, so what is meant to do next? The song doesn’t provide easy answers to the star’s complex question, but it does show just how versatile Lil Nas X can be as a forward-thinking artist.
Brittany Howard, “Prove It To You”
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Brittany Howard wants you to dance — she just also wants you to think while you’re busy tearing up the dancefloor. “Prove It To You,” the latest single off the performer’s forthcoming album, breaks out from Howard’s past discograhpy, embracing pure dance aesthetics to create a deliriously fun sound. As bass bumps and synths flitter in and out of your ears, Howard’s voice reminds you that she’s also a phenomenally good songwriter: “I’ve never been good at saying what I mean/ Every time I try, it comes out incomplete,” she shares in the song’s opening lines. “Believe me, baby/ I will show you how I feel for you right now.”
Jade LeMac, “Narcissistic”
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We often get to hear songs of people figuring out their lover is toxic — but Jade LeMac is embracing her own toxicity on the thrilling “Narcissistic.” Throughout the pounding pop track, LeMac paints a picture of an imbalanced relationship where she is more than happy to play the part of the villain. With a set of moody synths permeating every inch of the song, LeMac directs the listener’s attention with a gentle touch and deliciously stern lyrics, perfectly laying out why she’s an artist to keep your eye on.
Cakes Da Killa feat. Stout, “Mind Reader”
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Leave it to an artist as multifaceted as Cakes Da Killa to give you a song that revels in its own volatility. “Mind Reader,” Cakes’ new track off his forthcoming album Black Sheep, follows the celebrated MC as he flexes his supernatural flow and reminds his listeners that he’ll “never code switch, I shape-shift, it’s drastic.” Much like his words, the song’s club production never confines itself to one space — moving between four-on-the-floor, house and even jazz as featured guest Stout croons over an ecstatic chorus, “Mind Reader” serves as yet another reminder that Cakes Da Killa is one of the best to ever do it.
Cavetown, “Let Them Know They’re on Your Mind”
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DIY artist Cavetown could have easily returned with a gorgeously-written, minimally-produced ballad, and fans would have loved it — instead, the indie star decided to give fans something unexpected. “Let Them Know They’re on Your Mind” is a chaotic little thing; a song that shifts effortlessly between Cavetown’s quieter indie sensibilities, and balls-to-the-wall pop-rock production that makes it a thrilling listen everytime you press play.
Isaac Dunbar, “Apartment A”
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There is a unique chaos that comes with attending a crowded house party in New York City — a chaos that Isaac Dunbar brilliantly bottles on “Apartment A.” The pop singer’s latest track basks in its own revelry, inviting the listener in the door for a bacchanalian celebration. Fuzzy production and relentless drums keep the song in a constant state of hyper speed, as Dunbar wails that he’s looking for “love, no ricochet.”
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6JaXyDN8L1aEuVZElWwAE4?si=ab85b8991a714491
With the weather getting colder, warm up your ears 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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Aurora’s stunning new single to Green Day’s bisexual anthem, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below.
Aurora, “The Conflict of the Mind”
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Norwegian pop star Aurora is firmly in her empath era. With “The Conflict of the Mind,” the singer pushes every emotion she’s felt to the forefront, and embraces the feelings of those she loves dearly in a gorgeous, sharply-crafted melody. The production of her latest track retains all the dainty aspects of her past projects, while simultaneously pushing her sound forward into new sonic territory. Her voice, meanwhile, remains her strongest instrument, evoking pain and pleasure and love and heartbreak and every other emotion she’s left unspoken for this long.
Green Day, “Bobby Sox”
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Leave it to Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong to pen a grungy pop-punk song that doubles as a much-needed bisexual anthem. “Bobby Sox” plays as a punchy-yet-sweet love song, with the romantic lyrics asking if the song’s subject wants to be his girlfriend while sitting around and watching TV, while the chorus’ chunky guitars and pounding drums throw long-time fans back to the band’s Dookie days. But from the second verse on, Armstrong switches up the game, intermittently switching out “girlfriend” for “boyfriend,” giving everyone a new celebratory single to jam along to.
Adrianne Lenker, “Sadness as a Gift”
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Big Thief frontwoman Adrianne Lenker has always thrived at transforming complex emotions into revelatory pieces of songwriting. That trend shows no sign of ending on “Sadness as a Gift,” the singer-songwriter’s latest solo single. The spare indie-folk song pairs Lenker’s inimitable vocal with a simple guitar-and-violin combo, as she embraces the ending of a relationship. She wants it to be simpler than it is, but knows that nothing will make it easy right now; “We could see the sadness as a gift and still/ Feel too heavy to hold,” she sings.
Maggie Lindemann, “Hostage”
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For anyone who’s ever felt trapped in their own psyche, alt-pop singer Maggie Lindemann has just the song. “Hostage,” the singer’s volatile new single, follows Lindemann into the recesses of her own mind, as she explains the various ways her brain places her in a constant state of panic, even when the world around her does nothing to arouse those fears. Over a torrent of gothic synths, Lindemann begs the listener to “hold me close when my voice gets shaky, be patient with me.”
Sleater-Kinney, Little Rope
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When you live in a world where catastrophe is the new normal, how do you learn to keep going? That’s a central question posed on Sleater-Kinney’s phenomenal new project Little Rope, an LP that revels in its elusiveness at every given opportunity. Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker masterfully craft each song on the LP with enigmatic shifts in sound and theme, all while providing emotive new tracks for fans to dive deep into. Whether foreboding (“Hunt You Down”), fatalist (“Dress Yourself”), or frenzied (“Needlessly Wild”), Little Rope is an execellent ode to finding meaning — or the lack thereof — in pain.
Shygirl feat. Boys Noize, “Tell Me”
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Get ready to rave, because Shygirl and Boys Noize are here to heat up your next party. “Tell Me,” the latest single off of Shygirl’s forthcoming Club Shy EP, delights in it’s early-2000s Eurodance aesthetics — Boys Noize amp up every ounce of the song with out-of-this-world synths and a relentless beat. But Shygirl’s vital voice centers the track in the here-and-now, begging a lover to stay with her.
Gossip, “Real Power”
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Just when we need them, Gossip is back, baby. With their latest anthem “Real Power,” the alt-rock trio is calling on people to seize their own means of self-actualization, even in the face of controlling systems that would try and stop them. Inspired by frontwoman Beth Ditto’s hometown Portland and the city’s Black Lives Matter protests in June 2020, “Real Power” brings everything that makes Gossip great — advocacy-focused writing with infectious melodies and stratospheric vocals — into one glorious song.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
2024 is finally here, meaning there’s no better time to start filling this year’s playlists with songs from your favortie 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 Lil Nas X’s long awaited return single to Kali Uchis’ gorgeous new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Lil Nas X, “J CHRIST”
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With the amount of not-so-righteous fury Lil Nas X created for the release of his newest single, you would be forgiven for expecting a controversial, buck wild track. But what the rapper’s new song “J CHRIST” exudes instead nothing short of unbothered confidence. On this bouncing new song, Lil Nas emphasizes his return to music after a year away, proclaiming “b—h, I’m back like J Christ/ I’m finna get the gays hype.” The star employs what works for him — high-camp delivery, simple beats and lots of flexing — in service of his long-awaited comeback (complete with another stunning video).
Kali Uchis, ORQUÍDEAS
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We won’t mince words — Kali Uchis’s fourth stuido album ORQUÍDEAS is a masterpiece. Throughout this 14-track instant classic, the Colombian star weaves her own Spanish-language tale of luxurious self-actualization, ranging from raging revenge (“Te Mata”) to doe-eyed infatuation (“Tu Corazón Es Mío…”). That fact is only further assisted by Uchis’s genre-spanning vision, bouncing between heartfelt R&B and fiery reggaeton with reckless abandon throughout the LP. Perhaps the most stunning example of her flirtation with new styles comes on “Igual Que Un Ángel,” where Uchis drops the disco ball and dances the night away with the once and future king of corridos tumbados, Peso Pluma. Make no mistake, Kali Uchis is here for the long haul, and ORQUÍDEAS is just the proof of concept to confirm that fact.
Serpentwithfeet, “Safe Word”
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In times of crisis — which have become invariably more frequent in recent years — there is a safety to be found in intimacy. Serpentwithfeet takes that concept and runs with it on his lush new single “Safe Word.” The undulating song sees Serpent reassuring his lover that as long as they’re together, all will be well — a gently strumming guitar underlines his message, lulling the listener into a sense of self-security within moments. Sweet, tender and doting, “Safe Word” wastes no time fulfilling the promise of its title.
MICHELLE, “NEVER AGAIN”
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Once you start listening to Michelle’s “Never Again,” you’ll find yourself stuck in a dichotomy of opposing tones. On the one hand, the song’s delicate melody and soft rhythms will immediately put you in a place of placid comfort, like a warm hug at the end of a hard day. On the other, the lyrics will tell a very different story — one of regret and firm boundaries, where the band tells their former flame that they’re done for good. “So never again, never with you/ I wanna rewind and undo,” they sing. Putting those seemingly competing concepts together, though, makes for yet another excellent track from the rising New York sextet.
Aaron Lee Tasjan, “Horror of it All”
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Growing up queer is rarely a particularly fun experience, and Aaron Lee Tasjan is ready to reflect on the “Horror of it All” with his latest single. Taking an 80’s, glam-rock inspired look at the LGBTQ high school experience, Tasjan carefully illustrates a portrait of hormones, anxiety, fear, delusion and ultimately self-confidence. If you’re concerned about the song lacking more modern flair, don’t fret — Tasjan sprinkles in just enough hyperpop, synthwave flair to make “Horror of it All” feel like a breath of fresh air.
Bright Light Bright Light, “You Want My …”
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If you’re still in the mood for some ’80s flair, then Bright Light Bright Light is here to deliver. With his new single “You Want My …,” Welsh singer-songwriter Rod Thomas embraces a Pet Shop Boys-esque sonic sensibility — complete with sinister synths, bombastic drums and a flair for dramatic lyrics. Waving goodbye to another lover while entering the dancefloor, Thomas makes sure to throw a cheeky wink to George Michael in as well, referencing his classic single “I Want Your Sex” as the delectable chorus makes touchdown.
K.Flay, “Carsick”
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Let’s amp up the angst, shall we? K.Flay fuels up her latest release “Carsick” with a lethal dose of the stuff from the moment she opens her mouth. Vivid imagery and drilling production create a perpetual state of unease throughout the opening lines, before exploding into a fiery chorus kissing-off a toxic ex. Sure, the metaphor of a brutal car crash for a failed relationship may have been done before, but rarely to this visceral an effect — something K.Flay has always excelled at.
Sarah Barrios, “Teenage Rebellion”
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To every person who once exclaimed to a parent that they just don’t understand, this song is for you. Singer-songwriter Sarah Barrios infuses her thrilling new anthem “Teenage Rebellion” — which also serves as the official theme song for Fantasy High: Junior Year, the latest season of the extremely popular Dungeons & Dragons actual play show Dimension 20 — with every ounce of insurgency a good pop-rock track can muster. Guitars rage and voices chant as Barrios recounts the frustration of those final years of youth, while reminding herself that things will ultimately be alright. After all, “it’s our time, it’s our year!”
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
The end of the year is almost here, which means you have limited time to listen to new music from your favorite queer artists in 2023! 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
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Reneé Rapp’s Mean Girls-inspired Megan Thee Stallion team-up to new single to Anitta’s funk-filled new track, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Reneé Rapp & Megan Thee Stallion, “Not My Fault”
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When Cady Heron infamously told her friend Janis Ian “it’s not my fault you’re like, in love with me, or something,” Reneé Rapp felt that on a visceral level. So, when it came time for her to write a song for the soundtrack of the forthcoming Mean Girls remake, she decided to use Cady’s words to thrilling effect. “Not My Fault” flaunts a slick, disco-adjacent groove as Rapp — in her best Regina George-inspired affectation — shrugs off everyone else’s obsession with her. Once Megan Thee Stallion jumps in with a fiery rap verse, the song explodes into pure pop exaltation, as Meg and Reneé prove exactly why everyone cannot stop talking about them.
Anitta, Pedro Sampaio & Dennis, “Joga Pra Lua”
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One of the best ways to warm up in this cold weather is by moving your body — and you simply won’t be able to stop doing just that when you listen to Anitta’s latest single. “Joga Pra Lua” is a stunning new Brazilian funk track that sees the star linking up with fellow Brazilian artists Pedro Sampaio and Dennis over a break-neck beat, asking their audience to throw it back at every given opportunity. It’s giving full “leave it all on the dance floor” energy, and we simply love to hear it.
Young M.A, “Open Scars”
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After a tough year that involved health scares and getting clean, Young M.A is ready to let fans know exactly what she’s been going through. “Open Scars” quickly establishes itself as the up-and-coming rapper’s most vulnerable song to date, as she methodically goes through her journey to sobriety, her struggles with her health and her frustration with the music industry, all over a soothing beat. She may claim that she “let my fans down” over the last few years — but if “Open Scars” is any indication, then Young M.A’s fans have a lot more to look forward to in the years to come.
Bruses feat. Pale Waves, “She’s So Cool”
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It’s time to get your angst out. Mexican pop-rocker Bruses brings every bit of her edge to “She’s So Cool,” a thrilling new pop-punk number where the rising star oggles that one girl that everyone can’t help but take notice of. With an airy vocal over a killer hook, Bruses paints the picture in both Spanish and English, before throwing it to Pale Waves’ Heather Barton-Gracie for her own slice of rocked-out yearning. From the moment it starts, “She’s So Cool” manages to grab hold of you and not let go until it comes to a stunning close.
The Veronicas, “Detox”
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Alt-pop superstars The Veronicas are trying to get clean after an addiction to toxic partners. On “Detox,” the duo plug in and rock out to the sound of their own internal struggle, as they desperately try to quit an unhealthy relationship before it consumes them. Energetic guitars and pounding drums only further punctuate the pair’s vocals, as they realize that “you’ve got me under your thumb.”
Saucy Santana, “Walk It Like I Talk It”
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They say that if you can’t take the heat, you should stay out of the kitchen — but Saucy Santana is cooking up a storm on his latest single. “Walk It Like I Talk It” sees the rising rapper doing what he does best; flexing on every last one of his haters, letting them know exactly where they can stick their insults. Over a simple beat and a couple of dreamy chords, Santana spells out exactly how fabulous he is — and how much some folks wish they could even come close to his level.
Check out all of our picks in Billboard’s official Queer Jams of the Week playlist.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6M4y1ZiK61fymRWDv3R9Qt?si=43597ed422084767
In need of some new songs from your favorite queer artists? Billboard Pride has got you covered with 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 the introduction of Fletcher’s new era to Tokischa’s steamy new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Fletcher, “Eras of Us”
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After sending TikTok into a frenzy with a series of teasers over the last few weeks, pop darling Fletcher finally unveiled “Eras of Us,” her latest heartbreak anthem. Oscillating between dreamy synth-pop and driving rock, Fletcher conjures up that uncomfortable moment of running into your ex for the first time in a while, offering polite small talk like “how are you doing?” and “where have you been?” from the song’s outset. As the beat ratchets up, so do the star’s lyrics, as she lives vicariously through the memories of a relationship long passed and wonders what the future could look like. It’s Fletcher doing what she does best, which makes “Eras of Us” an instant winner.
Tokischa feat. Sexyy Red, “Daddy”
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Calling all sugar babies; Tokischa is here and ready to pamper you. On “Daddy,” the rising rapper gets fully into her paternal vibe as she declares that yes, she’s more than happy to be your daddy. With a delicious dembow and trap-pop melody underscoring her sensual lyrics, Tokischa lets featured guest Sexyy Red know exactly what she’s willing to provide (in both English and Spanish), while giving the audience a deliriously fun new dance track to boogie to all weekend long.
Channel Tres, “Walked in the Room”
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If you’re in need of an immediate vibe adjustment, Channel Tres is once again ready to give you just that. With his sleek new single “Walked in the Room,” Tres oozes nothing confidence and sexuality over a grooving disco house track that will properly wipe all your troubles away. Between killer lyrics like “Don’t doubt me, baby/ I kill the chaos with a smirk,” and a bass line that never lets up for the song’s 3 minute runtime, “Walked in the Room” demands your attention ASAP.
Zora, “Fastlane”
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Up-and-coming rapper Zora is ready to burn some rubber and talk some trash. On “Fastlane,” the 23-year-old artist gasses herself up and takes off into a kiss-off to any and all of her haters. Flexing bars about leaving her detrators in the dust while being boosted even further by a thundering hip-house beat, Zora blazes ahead on this uproariously fun new track.
Laura Jane Grace, “Cuffing Season”
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Stripping back her innate rock sensibility, Laura Jane Grace spends the majority of “Cuffing Season” focusing her energy inward. The melancholy new song sees the Against Me! leader ruminating on relationships, age, and the places where the two meet. Positing questions like “If what goes around is what comes around is what goes around again/ How you gonna move it,” Grace opens herself to the power of vulnerability — even if it just means getting hurt all over again.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
With the holiday season in full effect, why not give yourself some much needed cheer 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.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Kaytranada’s surprising new singles to Dove Cameron’s long-awaited debut album, check out just a few of our favorite new releases from this week here:
KAYTRANADA feat. Rochelle Jordan & Channel Tres, “Lover/Friend” & “Stuntin”
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Leave it to Kaytranada to give us a breath of fresh air right before 2023 comes to a close. On his pair of new singles “Lover/Friend” and “Stuntin,” the taste-making producer/DJ continues his hot streak of creating airy, grooving house jams to keep your party going. Throughout “Lover/Friend,” Kay and Rochelle Jones enrapture their audience with a scintillating melody, while “Stuntin” sees him team up with Channel Tres for a perfectly in-the-pocket jam session.
Dove Cameron, Alchemical: Volume 1
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Taking one thing and transmuting it into something brand new is virtually impossible — but as Dove Cameron proves on Alchemical: Volume 1, it’s a worthy endeavor. With her debut album, the fast-rising alt-pop singer adds trauma, heartbreak, pain and self-doubt into a bubbling cauldron of brooding melodies and top-shelf songwriting, mixing them together until they morph into A+ pop songs rife with life lessons and self-actualization. Alchemical isn’t quite magic, but with Cameron at the helm, it sure feels like it.
Holly Humberstone feat. MUNA, “Into Your Room”
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Did you really like Holly Humberstone’s “Into Your Room” but just wished it had a touch more flair? Enter MUNA. On the band’s remixed version of Humberstone’s already-excellent single, the sounds slightly shift to an electro-pop groove, as the trio jump into the second verse to add their own interpretation of the track’s hopeless romantic aesthetic. It’s a match made in heaven, and one you ought to hear ASAP.
carpetgarden, “Cheerleader”
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Gimme a Y! Gimme an E! Gimme an S! What’s that spell? YES. With their latest release, rising indie rock singer Carpetgarden is ready to take on the role of the titular cheerleader in this fuzzy new jam. Throughout the punk-adjacent, angst-fueled new jam, Carpetgarden takes on a voyeuristic point of view when looking at the “popular girls” of the world, wishing that they could know what it feels like to have that kind of power — and with more music to come, it’s a near-certainty that they’ll get to feel that mass adoration soon enough.
RAEGAN, “Coins”
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Looking for a quick confidence boost as you head into the weekend? Rising alt-pop artist Raegan has got you covered. On “Coins,” the singer-songwriter celebrates the pay off to a long-fought journey. Instead of wallowing in the could’ve-been, Raegan instead focuses on the here and now, counting her dollars and reaping the benefits of her hard work. Add in a slick beat and grinding bass line, and you’ll feel that infectious energy start to pay you in dividends.
Check out all of our picks in Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’re already feeling thankful for all 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 Reneé Rapp’s new team-up with Coco Jones to Brittany Howard’s thrilling new track, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Reneé Rapp feat. Coco Jones, “Tummy Hurts (Remix)”
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Among the new deluxe version of Reneé Rapp’s Snow Angel is a made-in-heaven collaboration. Revamping the beloved B-side “Tummy Hurts,” Rapp invites Grammy nominee Coco Jones to the mic, offering a brand new verse that only adds to the song’s virulent heartbreak. Rapp’s voice remains undeniably excellent, a fact that is further bolstered by the inclusion of Jones’ out-of-this-world performance, making for a duet that you simply have to hear to believe.
Brittany Howard, “Red Flags”
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Ever been in a relationship, seen the uglier sides of the person you’re with, and decided to just plow ahead? Brittany Howard certainly has — on her latest single “Red Flags,” the rocker recognizes all of her partner’s bad behaviors and decides to stay with them to her own detriment. A dogged beat underlines the singer’s ridiculously good vocal, as she tries to find a way forward that will minimize the damage to herself.
Boygenius & Ye Vagabonds, “The Parting Glass”
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When it came time for Phoebe Bridgers to release her annual holiday charity single, she decided to team up with her bandmates Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker as well as Irish folk duo Ye Vagabonds to pay tribute to an icon. Their new rendition of the traditional Scottish & Irish folk song “The Parting Glass” honors the Sinéad O’Connor (who offered her own rendition of the song in 2002) by donating all proceeds to an Irish after-school project chosen by her estate, the Aisling Project. The stunning harmonies and simple production of this gorgeous song provide yet another clear example of Boygenius’ brilliance.
Gossip, “Crazy Again”
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After 11 years away, queer pioneers and indie pop-rock trio Gossip are back, baby. “Crazy Again,” the band’s first new release in over a decade, sees the trio leaning back into their classic sound, while embracing the bliss of a lover who just gets you. Beth Ditto’s voice is in peak form, while guitarist Nathan Howdeshell and drummer Hannah Blilie maintain the perfectly-curated vibe throughout this delightful return track.
Wrabel, Based on a True Story
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For an album about breaking down one’s own life, Wrabel’s Based on a True Story really wants you to feel better about your own. Throughout his sophomore LP, the acclaimed singer-songwriter uses his diaristic songwriting to process everything from his own sobriety (“One Drink Away”), to stunning heartbreak (“Lost Cause”), all while urging anyone listening to take note of his stories and find their own truth within them. It’s a powerful work from a talented artist, and one that deserves your attention.
Billy Porter, Black Mona Lisa
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If you’re in need of a good old-fashioned mood boost, Billy Porter is here with a solution for you. Black Mona Lisa, Porter’s latest LP, is a burst of joy from start to finish — whether he’s offering a rallying cry for change on “Children” or boosting up his own confidence on the titular track, the veteran triple threat makes sure to keep to energy up, with bouncing dance beats and cascading synths permeating each song. Your weekend will be off to a good start the second you press play on this exuberant new album.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
As you peruse through this year’s Grammy nominations, why not listen to some top-tier 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 Kim Petras’ new collaboration with David Guetta to 070 Shake’s hypnotic new song, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
David Guetta & Kim Petras, “When We Were Young (The Logical Song)”
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When you combine a legendary French DJ, a German-born pop princess and a British rock group, you get something pretty magical in return. With “When We Were Young (The Logical Song),” Kim Petras teams up with production superstar David Guetta to put their own twist on a Supertramp sample, making for a chaotic joyride through the pair’s shared Eurodance DNA. Pulsing with house pianos and a relentless German techno beat, Guetta’s electronic flourishes fit perfectly with Petras’ powerhouse vocal as they look back on the good old days.
070 Shake feat. Ken Carson, “Natural Habitat”
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Among her many talents as an artist, 070 Shake’s ability to create a sonic universe in the span of less than four minutes has always reigned supreme. Yet on her latest single “Natural Habitat” featuring Ken Carson, Shake shows just how good she is worldbuilding. Over the course of this hypnotic, deeply chaotic new track, the rising star immediately employs disorienting distortions to throw listeners off balance as she spins a story about feeling stuck inside a lover’s head. With a fiery verse from Carson and some top-tier songwriting, Shake perfectly encapsulates her song’s delirious message in this mystifying new track.
Dove Cameron, “Sand”
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With her latest single, Dove Cameron asks a nearly-philosophical question of her listeners from the outset; “What’s worse — being wanted but not loved, or loved but not wanted?” For the duration of “Sand,” the pop singer-songwriter’s latest track off her forthcoming album Alchemical: Volume 1, Cameron examines the end of her relationship with omniscient clarity, declaring that their romance was doomed from the beginning because “you couldn’t love the way I can.” The swelling, orchestral accompaniment is only further punctuated by the singer’s vocoder-assisted chorus, making “Sand” an entrancing piece of heartbreak that’s as fragile as its namesake.
Sleater-Kinney, “Say It Like You Mean It”
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There is a quiet fury to Corin Tucker’s voice on “Say It Like You Mean It” when she tells her lover, “I need to hear it before you go.” That underlying frustration permeates Sleater-Kinney’s new song, as Tucker and Brownstein pay tribute to the messy, bitter, infuriating ending of a passionate love affair. With a droning riff diffusing the background of the song, the pair go to work deconstructing both their sound and their own emotions on this thrilling, heartbreaking new song.
Aurora, “Your Blood”
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Best known for her haunting, ethereal voice, Norwegian pop star Aurora is ready to give that voice something important to say. On “Your Blood,” Aurora pushes aside the nihilism that tends to weave its way through modern conversation to embrace empathy and compassion, singing to a friend to share their burden with her. Accompanying that weighty goal is a truly undeniable pop banger, fueled by sparkling synths and cheerful guitars, accentuating her missive of hope with a glittering pop spectacle.
Peach PRC, “Like a Girl Does”
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Australian pop sensation Peach PRC is not known for her subtlety — and on “Like a Girl Does,” she raises her curt songwriting to a new level. The glitching new track sees the singer once again lambasting silly boys in her music, but this time bringing the Sapphic themes explored throughout her discography right up to the forefront as she proudly declares that a man who tries to “change your mind with his d–k” simply couldn’t “love like a girl does.” The playful, catchy melody immediately worms is way into your ear, and within moments, you’ll find yourself throwing your middle finger up at the nearest f–kboy.
Laura Jane Grace, “Hole in My Head”
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After a mind-numbing week of work, sometimes you just need some catharsis — luckily, Against Me star Laura Jane Grace is here to deliver you the goods. On the short-but-oh-so-sweet “Hole in My Head,” the rocker plugs into a fuzzy punk sensibility to celebrate the mood-shifting beauty of a good rock song. Sure, Grace argues, you could try and numb the monotony and the pain of your day to day life — but “that would be a real bore.” Instead, press play on this song and let all that pent-up rage out for a minute and a half.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
With the spooky season officially behind us and the end of the year fast approaching, it’s time to start finding even more new songs from your favorite queer artists before 2023 wraps. 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 Kevin Abstract’s complex new album to Cat Burns’ introspective new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Kevin Abstract, Blanket
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Starting something new can often bring up old wounds, a fact that Kevin Abstract is embracing fully on his new album Blanket. Throughout the lush, 13-track project, the former Brockhampton member disengages from his present and clings onto the past, seeking out comfort when being offered none in the moment. Imbuing the ew LP with a shoegaze, indie-rock sensibility to further amp up that sense of deep nostalgia, Abstract encapsulates the feeling of searching for meaning when you are in need of it most.
Cat Burns, “Know That You’re Not Alone”
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Cat Burns knows what it feels like to be stuck in place — and she wants to make sure that others in the same boat get a chance to look up for a change. The driving ethos behind “Know That You’re Not Alone” sits comfortably in the song’s title, as Burns bluntly and easily explains her journey with self-worth, anxiety and therapy. With a boisterous, uplifting chorus, the rising UK star doesn’t offer any easy solutions for anyone experiencing the same kind of situation — she just wants them to know that there are many others who’ve been there, herself included.
Tokischa, “Candy”
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Dominican superstar Tokischa is back, and she’s ready to party. With “Candy,” Tokischa embraces the dembow stylings to deliver a fast-paced, slickly produced ode to getting high and keeping the vibes correct. With rapid-fire Spanish bars and a beat that simply won’t quit, “Candy” aims to get you partying right alongside Tokischa — and by all measures, it’s an unmitigated success.
Matt Rogers, Have You Heard of Christmas?
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After the self-proclaimed Queen of Christmas announced that the season had finally arrived, comedian and singer Matt Rogers wasted absolutely no time. On Have You Heard of Christmas?, Rogers gives you everything that you hope to hear on a Christmas album — huge vocals, excellent production, well-executed guest verses (yes, MUNA, VINCINT, Leland and Bowen Yang all make appearances throughout), and oodles of holiday cheer. Once you mix in Rogers’ razor sharp commentary and wit into the mix, you have an all-time great Christmas project on your hands, and one you’ll be playing for many holiday seasons to come.
King Isis, “Make It Up”
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Still finding yourself clinging to the Halloween season? King Isis is here to give you all the eerie vibes you could want on “Make It Up.” The droning rock track sees the up-and-coming artist embrace some nihilism as they look back on a failed relationship with a mix of apathy and trepidation. As Isis asks their ex “What will it take for you to hold me down or help me up,” the relentless melody joins them, offering a foreboding sense of danger to this enigmatic (and excellent) new song.
Teddy Geiger, Teresa
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After a lifetime of coming to terms with the concept of transformation, Teddy Geiger is fully embracing the concept with her latest LP Teresa. Taking on the less-than-literal persona promised by the title, Geiger dabbles in a new dream-pop soundscape throughout the cohesive album, conjuring up an ethereal plane of pleasure and pain with every successive song. “It’s been really nice to focus on what it feels like, what it sounds like and what it looks like for me as an artist at this point,” she told Billboard back in August, upon announcing Teresa. “It took some time, but I’m now feeling really focused on myself and my artistry.”
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
