Queer Jams of the Week

Happy Halloweekend! Help prep for your spooky festivities this Halloween season with some 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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From Ashnikko’s annual Halloween single to Serpentwithfeet’s excellent new track, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Ashnikko, “Halloweenie V: The Moss King”

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For the last five years, Ashnikko has blessed our eardrums with a ghoulish new single around Halloween — and 2023 is certainly no exception. Replete with raging guitars and eerie synths, “Halloweenie V: The Moss King” conjures up a new creature from Ashnikko’s vivid imagination. With her typical industrial breakdowns and flaming hot lyrics, the alt-pop star makes The Moss King your newest nightmare, and ensures you’ll keep the haunting going by replaying her song over and over again.

Serpentwithfeet feat. Ty Dolla $ign & Yanga YaYa, “Damn Gloves”

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Don’t threaten Serpentwithfeet with a good time — let him show you just how good a time you can have. With his latest single “Damn Gloves,” the rising electro-R&B star gives in to his deepest, dance-fueled desires, letting his lover know all the various ways he could pleasure them. His crisp, clean vocals drift over a pounding dance beat, while hip-hop superstar Ty Dolla $ign joins him for a sexed-up verse of his own, and rising South African soul artist Yanga YaYa joins for a short-but-sweet bridge. It’s a steamy, thrilling new track that demands your attention.

Baby Queen, “I Can’t Get My S–t Together”

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We’ve all been in that headspace where it feels like everything you’re doing is just absolutely incorrect — so Baby Queen wrote you a whole song about it. On “I Can’t Get My S–t” together, the up-and-coming alt-pop star gives voice to chaotic thoughts that insist she’s screwing things up. While that might sound dire, don’t worry — Baby Queen’s tongue rests firmly in her cheek as she crafts this effervescent pop tune, ensuring whimsy and delight alongside the song’s impending mental breakdown.

Blondshell, “If It Makes You Happy” (Sheryl Crow cover)

What happens when you combine an exciting new alternative band with the classic songwriting of Sheryl Crow? You get magic, as Blondshell prove with their incredible cover of the rock icon’s “If It Makes You Happy” for Amazon Music. Keeping the spirit of Crow’s original intact, while adding their own distinct layer of grungy angst, Blondshell encapsulate the song’s raw power with this fiery, boastful rendition of an all-time great song.

Brandy Clark, “My Favorite Christmas”

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If you’re already looking forward to the winter holiday season, then Brandy Clark has you covered this Halloweekend. On “My Favorite Christmas,” the country icon embodies the holiday spirit with a moody, wistful new song. Listing out all of the things that she expects from the holiday season, Clark comes to the gorgeously-sung conclusion on the song’s effortless chorus, as she declares that “My favorite Christmas was you.”

Check out all of our picks below in Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist:

Another week means another chance to find 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 Charli XCX & Sam Smith’s new team-up, to Kali Uchis’ hypnotic new single, check out just a few of our favorite release from this week below:

Charli XCX & Sam Smith, “In the City”

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As you prepare for a night out on the town this weekend, allow Charli XCX and Sam Smith to offer you a guide on your festivities. On “In the City,” the pair’s new duet, Charli and Smith celebrate the contagious, communal energy of an evening spent on the dancefloor. Over a shimmering synth-pop beat and euphoirc melodies played on house-style pianos, the duo encourage you to go find what you’re looking for “In the City.”

Kali Uchis, “Te Mata”

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Sure, Kali Uchis might be the devil in her ex’s story — but she doesn’t really have a problem with that. “Te Mata,” the rising Latin superstar’s latest single, sees Uchis taking back the narrative from a toxic situationship, all while lounging over a lush, cha-cha melody. With her velvety voice, Uchis lets her ex know in perfect Spanish that her “days are no longer gray,” and that “I finally realized that I deserve much more/ And that kills you.”

Dove Cameron, “Lethal Woman”

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Where Uchis is ready to move on from a toxic ex, Dove Cameron is looking to get just a little bit hurt. “Lethal Woman,” the lead single off of the singer’s forthcoming debut album Alchemical Volume 1, is Cameron’s ode to the kind of lover that will make her feel everything from pain to euphoria. Over a glitching industrial beat, Dove describes her ideal mate in detail, while declaring that she’s “not a masochist,” but just wants someone who’s “sharp like a knife under the table.”

Slayyyter, “Monster” (Lady Gaga cover)

When it came time for Slayyyter to pick a pop diva to emulate on her new Spotify Single, she chose 100% correctly. Covering Lady Gaga’s classic “Monster,” Slayyyter perfectly takes all of the elements of Gaga’s theatrical performance that made the original so good, while imbuing the song with her own brand of slinky, dark-pop sensibility. It helps that her voice has maybe never sounded quite as powerful as it does on this ridiculously good cover.

Kevin Abstract, “What Should I Do?”

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Leave it to hip-hop virtuoso Kevin Abstract to write an all-time great indie song. While “What Should I Do?” might not be exactly what fans of his expect to hear, the track practically bursts with the sense of longing and complex emotion that Abstract has proven himself to be a master at portraying. As the strums of an acoustic guitar accompany his intentionally pitch-shifted vocal, Abstract desperately tries to move past the intrusive thought of an ex he’s still hung up on, constantly begging them to please “don’t touch me, it turns me on,” while trying to find anything to get his mind elsewhere.

Maddie Zahm, Now That I’ve Been Honest

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After making a name for herself writing gorgeous, diaristic songs and sharing them with her massive TikTok audience, singer-songwriter Maddie Zahm is ready to show you all that she’s capable of. Throughout her debut album Now That I’ve Been Honest, Zahm flirts with every genre of pop music she can get her hands on, including angsty pop-punk (on the f–k-you anthem “Bedroom”), delirious funk-pop (on Sapphic Anthem “Lady Killer”), and straight up stadium-level pop (on the euphoric “Eightball Girl”). But fear not — her confessional songwriting is still the star of her debut, making Honest a cathartic, must-listen experience.

MICHELLE, “Glow”/”Agnostic”

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Supergroup MICHELLE is back, and they’re better than ever. With their new double single release, the NYC-based collective tries their hands at some new sounds to raving success. On “Glow,” the sextet dive headfirst into blissful bedroom pop as they let a potential lover know that “we’re never gonna happen.” Meanwhile, on “Agnostic,” the group basks in a chilled-out indie rock sound as they take stock of a love they’ve left behind. If this pair of tracks are any indication of what direction MICHELLE is headed in, then we highly recommend you join them for the ride.

King Mala, “Bug”

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Misogynists, beware — King Mala is on an extermination spree, and she’s got you in her sights. “Bug,” the latest release of the pop singer-songwriter’s forthcoming EP Split Milk, follows Mala as she begs toxic, self-important men to please, for the love of God, stop talking. Deliciously punchy bass lines punctuate her incisive lyrics, as she declares that these “insufferable” and “unbearable” men are little more to her than insects — and she’s more than happy to start squishing them.

Check out all of our picks in Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

With fall fully in effect, there’s no better time to cozy up with a new playlist of 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 Troye Sivan’s long-awaited new album to Boygenius’ second act of 2023, check out just a few of our favorite new releases from this week below:

Troye Sivan, Something to Give Each Other

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Troye Sivan is arguably best known for his ability to convey love and heartbreak into soft, intricate indie-pop track. That is, until now — on Something to Give Each Other, the Australian star’s latest LP, Sivan proves that he can bring the party just as well as any pop star currently working. Diving headfirst into dance-focused songs, Sivan tries out long distance love (“What’s The Time Where You Are?”), late night hookups (“Honey”), and experimentation with straight guys (on the fabulous album standout “One of Your Girls”). Once you make it through Something to Give Each Other, you’ll find that “something” is nothing short of unbridled queer euphoria wrapped in delectable dance-pop.

Boygenius, The Rest

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After watching their debut album The Record received cultural and critical acclaim in early 2023, Boygenius — the trio comprised of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus — figured they might as well thank their fans with a little more. The Rest, a 4-track EP of brand new songs, sees the trio embracing the complex themes they’ve been grappling with since their self-titled 2018 EP, be it untapped potential (“Black Hole”) or reevaluating your own worth (“Voyager”). Each of the three stars gets their own chance to show how much they’ve grown together in the last few months, and to reclaim their image in the way they see fit; if The Rest is a victory lap for one of the year’s most exciting groups, then it’s a well-deserved one that we’re more than happy to watch.

Brittany Howard, “What Now”

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Simply put, Brittany Howard is done f–king around. On “What Now,” the lead single off her upcoming solo album of the same name, the former Alabama Shakes frontperson scorches the earth and gives her former flame a stinging kiss-off through blistering lyrics and a relentless melody. A syncopated groove beat and fuzzed-out guitar line perfectly compliment Howard’s raw voice as she bluntly lets her ex know that she’s “f–king up my energy,” and that she’s had enough. “If you want someone to hate then blame it on me,” she sneers on the scathing chorus.

Fred Again.. & Jozzy, “Ten”

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What happens when you take one of the most in-demand Dj-producers on the scene and partner him with a criminally underrated songwriting superstar? You get “Ten,” the excellent new track from Fred Again.. and Jozzy. Throughout this laid-back, instantly catchy banger, both Fred and Jozzy flex their respective skills, with lyrics hitting at the feeling of out of place and a meandering beat and production that facilitate the journey back home.

Chelsea Cutler, Stellaria

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Chelsea Cutler may have made a name for herself as a confessional singer-songwriter — but she’s never gone quite as far inward as she does on Stellaria. Throughout this contemplative new album, Cutler wrestles with her demons in full view of the world, whether she’s struggling with self-worth (“Loved by You”), her own communication skills (“Men on the Moon”), or the weight of the modern world’s constant disappointments (“Hunting Season”). Stellaria opens up a new world of inner reckoning for Cutler, making it one of her best works yet.

Billy Porter feat. Lady Blackbird, “Children (What Time It Is)”

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If you’re in need of a pick me up heading into the weekend, allow Billy Porter to give you the boost you’re looking for. With a reimagined version of his song “Children (What Time It Is),” Porter effortlessly blends his worlds of entertainment and activism into a disco-pop banger meant to activate the fire inside you. With a new feature from Lady Blackbird punctuating Porter’s incredible voice, “Children” resonates with a renewed fervor, ready to get you running to the nearest dance floor in no time.

Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

Need some new tunes from your favorite queer artists? We’ve got you 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 Empress Of and Rina Sawayama’s delectable new team-up to LP’s gorgeous new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Empress Of feat. Rina Sawayama, “Kiss Me”

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After spending a few months on the road together, it makes perfect sense that indie-pop darlings Empress Of and Rina Sawayama would team up for a new single together. On “Kiss Me,” the pair fuse their respective R&B and pop-adjacent sounds to make a harmonious new track about finding that special connection with your significant other. Sawayama and Lorely Rodriguez’s voices are a match made in heave (as evidenced by their new music video), making “Kiss Me” the exact kind of sonic euphoria designed to kick off your weekend the right way.

LP, Love Lines

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As long as you’re feeling the love, you may as well tap into LP’s newest record, Love Lines. This sweeping, cinematic new project sees the singer-songwriter leaning into the romance of it all, whether that means basking in your lover’s sparkling personality (“Dayglow”) or bidding a bittersweet farewell to the ending of a relationship (“Long Goodbye”). With each passing song, their voice only gets stronger, showing what a powerhouse vocalist like LP can accomplish with a simple concept album.

Maddie Zahm, “Dani”

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Most queer people can relate to the idea of looking back on a “friendship” you had before coming out, only to realize that you were falling hard for that other person. Maddie Zahm takes that perspective and put it to gorgeous effect on “Dani.” Throughout this emotionally brutal ballad, Zahm revisits her infatuation with the titular Dani, only to realize that she was deeply in love with her, thus bringing an end to their friendship. Her voice sends bolts of electricity through you with just the mention of her old crush’s name, proving yet again the power of a good vocal and great songwriting.

Gia Woods, “Somebody Else’s Baby”

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Realizing that you were the bad guy in a past relationship is never particularly fun — so Gia Woods would like to know what she can do to make up for it. On “Somebody Else’s Baby,” the up-and-coming pop singer owns her mistakes and begs for forgiveness, as an unyielding bass line underscores each of her words. After all, as she sings, “Maybe if I tried to, I could learn to undo/ All the ways I broke us, never meant to hurt you.”

Liza Anne, “Internet Depression”

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Doomscrolling is a worldwide epidemic, and Liza Anne is here to let you know that she’s succumbed to it just as much as anyone else. “Internet Depression,” the art-rock artist’s newest single, sees Anne speaking directly to the toxic, algorithmic nature of online communication, and how truly isolating and dissociating that experience can be. There’s no fancy bells or whistles — just Anne’s excellent, slowly-distorting voice paired with a piano, telling you all of the intrusive thoughts that keep plaguing her mind — which makes “Internet Depression” that much more effective.

Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

TK. 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 Troye Sivan’s stunning new single to Kim Petras’ surprise-release new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Troye Sivan, “Got Me Started”

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After coming down from the “Rush,” Troye Sivan kicks things right back into gear on his latest pop banger “Got Me Started.” This glittering, laid-back jam teems with sexuality and good vibes, as well as a sample of Bag Raiders’ viral hit “Shooting Stars” all throughout the track. It’s a fitting entry into Sivan’s latest era, as he croons to his lover “Boy, can I be honest?/ Kinda miss usin’ my body/ F–k it up just like this party did tonight.”

070 Shake, “Black Dress”

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Hip-hop star 070 Shake is in mourning — but damn, she knows how to make it sound good. On “Black Dress,” the latest ethereal ode to lost love from Shake, the rapper-singer-songwriter finds herself in the wreckage of a relationship at its end, questioning what’s supposed to happen now. As a relentless guitar accompanies her delicate vocal, punctuated by some gothic ’80s synths to amp up the atmosphere, Shake embraces the darkness, singing that “Even when it’s dark out/ I still can see your bone structure.”

Chappell Roan, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess

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After spending years building a dedicated, feverish fanbase, DIY pop star Chappell Roan is ready to take her throne. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, the rising star’s debut album, makes good on the promise of Roan’s chaotic singles. Throughout this whimsical joyride, Roan injects her songs with pop adrenaline (“Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl”) and disco fervor (“After Midnight”), all while delving deep into her own emotional worldview (“Picture You”). With this album’s release, we’re happy to witness this Midwest princess’ rise — but we certainly don’t see a fall in sight.

Kim Petras, Problématique

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Feeling a bit on ennui? Wanting to bid your troubles adieu? Kim Petras has an album for you that will make you say “C’est bon!” Problématique — Petras’ once-lost, now-revived French-pop album — is a headfirst dive into delicious pop ecstasy. Petras revels in her brattiest tendencies (the titular funk track), while partying her way through gay Paris (“All She Wants), and she does it with a signature sound that her fans have come to love. In a word, the latest Kim Petras LP is magnifique.

Doechii, “Pacer”

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If you finish listening to Doja Cat’s scarlet and are feeling in the mood for some more horror-adjacent rap, we strongly recommend Doechii’s spine-tingling new single “Pacer.” Throughout this furious, chaotic anthem from the Florida rapper, Doechii rages against her detractors and boasts her own glory. Transforming her signature flow into screaming “fits” with each verse, the rapper earns her anger with this thrilling new single.

Slayyyter, Starf–ker

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With her sophomore release, Slayyyter would like to reintroduce herself as the bonafide diva that she knows she is. Starf–ker delights in its own narrative, as Slayyyter embraces the chase of fame, the loss of love, and the wild, sexy, drug-fueled journey to the top. Whether she’s lampooning L.A. (“I Love Hollywood!”) or falling down a K-hole (“Purrr”), Slayyyter keeps this character-driven LP as delightfully chaotic as possible for all 35 minutes.

Dua Saleh, “Daylight Falls”

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Capturing a personal crisis in the form of a song can be a uniquely difficult process — but Dua Saleh makes it look easy. On their mesmerizing new song “Daylight Falls,” the multi-hyphenate performer ushers listeners through their own panic with top-shelf songwriting and their most emotive performance to date. The gorgeous but unyielding guitar backing only adds to the mounting tension, before Saleh explodes on the chorus; “I’m freaking out in the dead of the night,” they wail. Figure it out/ ‘Cause I’m gonna cry/ F–king me up in the dead of the night.”

Morgxn, “My Revival”

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Rebirth is a recurring theme for Morgxn — so it’s only fitting that he dedicate his latest single to reinvention. “My Revival,” the latest single off their forthcoming album BEACON, sees the rising star reflect on his journey thus far as an independent artist; embracing the famous “Hero’s Journey” by Joseph Campbell, Morgxn claims his own story for himself, promising that “I don’t plan on stopping/ My spirit’s never dropping.” Add in the fact that Morgxn’s voice has never sounded better, and you’ve got a winning new track on your hands.

Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

The weekend is here, which means it’s time to get some new tunes to jam out to 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 Demi Lovato’s reimagined pop-turned-rock songs, to K.Flay’s raging new LP, check out just a few of our favorite new releases below:

Demi Lovato, Revamped

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While re-recording past work has become something of a trend as of late, no one is doing it quite like Demi Lovato. On Revamped, Lovato takes a look back through some of their biggest pop hits and reimagines them as bonafide rock bangers, whether it’s soulful ballads (“Tell Me You Love Me”), monster pop smashes (“Heart Attack”) or already rock-adjacent singles (“La La Land”). Revamped is the work of an artist taking the narrative back from her years of pop stardom, and it’s a raucous delight to listen to.

K.Flay, MONO

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If you’re still wanting to rage after hearing Lovato’s new album, might we suggest K.Flay’s excellent new LP MONO? Throughout this dynamic new project, K.Flay goes for the jugular over and over again by turning her songwriting inward and learning that her experience is just that — hers. Whether she’s delicately singing about a toxic ex (“Hustler”) or self-flaggulating alongside some gnarly production (the excellent “Punisher”), K.Flay goes all in on every song, making MONO a must-listen.

Vagabon, Sorry I Haven’t Called

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On Sorry I Haven’t Called, Vagabon offers to bring listeners on a journey of sorts — with a flourish of house beats and slick pop sounds, the singer-songwriter is ready to whisk you off into a brand new reality, built for the sole purpose of keeping the vibes pure. It’s a smartly-produced, lyrically-rich album that promises to capture your attention for all 35 minutes. As Vagabon told Billboard, “The ethos of what I wanted on this album was just to tell the audience, ‘We’re fine, at least for now.’”

Big Thief, “Born For Loving You”

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Anyone who’s attended a Big Thief show in the last few years likely already knows “Born For Loving You” — but if you haven’t attended, now’s your chance to hear it. The studio rendition of the song maintains the joyful, heart-melting energy of the band’s live performance, bringing a pure injection of dopamine into your day. “Doesn’t matter what dreams come true,” Adiranne Lenker sings on the song’s buttery chorus. “I was born for loving you.”

Snail Mail, “Easy Thing”

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On her last album Valentine, Lindsey Jordan — a.k.a. indie star Snail Mail — proved to be a master of yearning bedroom rock. Her latest single, “Easy Thing,” yet again underlines that point. On this doleful guitar ballad, Jordan pines for the love that got away, waxing poetic on their relationship even though her ex is left looking like a “loser” throughout the song. It’s a simple, sweet moment of melancholy that we highly recommend you listen to ASAP.

King Mala, “Never Wanna Know”

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Imagine giving a s–t what your ex thinks about your life? That’s the mission statement of King Mala’s delectable new kiss off “Never Wanna Know,” a bubbly, middle-finger single in which she proudly proclaims that she’s not even remotely interested in whatever her former flame is up to nowadays. The grooving bassline confidently brings you from one biting lyric to the next, while Mala styles her voice like an audible shrug as she sings, “I never wanna know / If your past keeps you up at night, cause I never worry about mine.” If you are striving to be unbothered, press play.

Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

With summer in our rearview mirror, gear up your playlists for the fall with some 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 Dove Cameron’s new team-up with Marshmello, to Tinashe’s long-awaited new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Dove Cameron & Marshmello, “Other Boys”

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Dove Cameron is sick of flirting with the “Other Boys” — she’s ready for someone new to come along and sweep her off her feet. This slick, pulsating new song from Cameron and the track’s official DJ, Marshmello, sees the star pining for the love of the one person who’s not giving it to her. Cameron lets her cool, slinky vocal glide with ease over the chilled-out, relentless beat, singing that her “heart can’t be satisfied by anyone but you tonight.”

Tinashe, BB/ANG3L

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R&B-pop star Tinashe is back, and she’s ready to groove. On BB/ANG3L, Tinashe is getting all the way in her R&B-pop bag and delivering a sonic universe of entrancing, introspective jams to help you vibe your way into the weekend. Whether she’s boosting her own confidence on “Talk To Me Nice,” or letting herself get vulnerable with someone new on “Uh Huh,” Tinashe commands every moment of BB/ANG3L — and you’ll want just a slice of that conviction for yourself.

Romy, Mid Air

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After a winning career as the lead singer of The xx, it should not come as a surprise that Romy Madley Croft’s debut album Mid Air is as good as it is. Yet it bears repeating that this electronica-suffused, trance-heavy new project sees the singer boldly taking herself into new territory, whether she’s embracing groovy disco sounds (“She’s On My Mind”), or going full turn-of-the-century Eurorave with Fred again.. (“Strong”). Mid Air is the kind of reintroduction that succinctly and joyfully reintroduces fans to an artist they already loved in a brand new light.

Allison Russell, The Returner

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Where her Grammy-nominated debut Outside Child sought to reckon with the trauma of her past, Allison Russell’s latest LP, The Returner, makes the case for living right now. Brimming with rich polyrhythmic texture and an emboldened folk sound fused with funk, disco, pop and rock, The Returner is an ode to joyfully remaking the world around you in your own image. Russell fights against oppression on the anthemic “Stay Right Here,” dismisses her innermost fears on “Demons” and vows to accept the gifts the world gives her on the titular track. Uplifting, inspirational and unabashedly itself, The Returner is the feel-good soundtrack you’ve been needing.

Blondshell, “Street Rat”

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After releasing one of the best indie-rock debuts of the year back in April, Blondshell is already back for more with “Street Rat.” No, she’s not talking about the lovable rogue from Disney’s Aladdin — instead, the fast-rising indie star tries her hardest to break through an unyielding cycle of bad habits that just won’t die. Floating over dreamy guitars and a relentless beat, Blondshell gives into the romanticism of her negative traits by the song’s end, making “Street Rat” a perfect dose of seratonin — even if it’s wrong, it just feels right.

Baby Queen, “Quarter Life Crisis”

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There comes a moment in every young adult’s life where you start to realize that the glittering days of youth are about to be over, and you start to feel some panic set in. If you’re currently there, don’t worry; Baby Queen has a song to soundtrack your predicament. On “Quarter Life Crisis,” the rising pop star contends with her life experience and lack thereof, feeling stuck in the middle of youth and wisdom. It helps that the lilting-yet-angsty music accompanying her only adds to the drama, making this particular “Quarter Life Crisis” one we’re happy to ride out.

Anjimile, The King

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“There’s a flood of flame,” Anjimile’s voice cries out on his new album’s opening track. “And it calls your name.” Thus begins the spiral of anger, confusion and sadness that is The King, the indie singer-songwriter’s masterful expression of grief. Written during the height of the 2020 protests against police brutality, Anjimile calls out the systems of power that protect corrupt cops (“Animal”), while also mourning from his own personal traumas (“Mother”) and wondering when if and when the world is going to meaningfully change (“The Right”). A portrait of rage and sorrow in the midst of dark times, The King is one of 2023’s most vital albums — and an instant classic from Anjimile.

Boyish, Little Demon Boy

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Looking to dive headfirst into the melodrama that is queerness in the modern day? Look no further than alt-pop duo Boyish’s new EP Little Demon Boy. Throughout this smart, empathetic and carefully-crafted project, India Shore and Claire Altendahl explore everything ranging from codependency (“Split Up”) to societal expectations (“Girls Are Mean”) to the endless need for validation (“Doomscroller”), all while giving us top-tier production and deliciously dreamy guitar licks. Boyish prove definitively on Little Demon Boy that they are the next big thing in the queer indie scene.

Check out all of our picks in Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

Need some new tunes from your favorite queer artists for the weekend? We’ve got you 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 Victoria Monét’s stunning new album to Omar Apollo’s moving new ballad, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Victoria Monét, JAGUAR II

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While her new album may be sold as a “part two,” don’t go and get it twisted — Victoria Monét’s JAGUAR II is not your typical followup. Throughout all 35 minutes of her magnificent new project, the singer-songwriter re-establishes herself as the name to watch. Blending together her signature R&B sound with a distinctive funk groove, Monét waxes poetic on one night stands (“Alright”), toxic entitlement (“Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)”) and even the materialistic drive of the entertainment industry (“Hollywood,” featuring surprise appearances from Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as Monét’s 2 year old daughter Hazel). JAGUAR II is Monét’s magnum opus, and one we can’t seem to stop listening to.

Omar Apollo, “Ice Slippin”

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Painting a picture with words is a difficult task for most songwriters — but when Omar Apollo does it, it seems easy. On his new single “Ice Slippin,” the alt-R&B star recreates a memory as vividly as possible by using every tool at his disposal. Through his heart-rending songwriting, production wizardry and soulful performance, Apollo painstakingly recreates his mental state when trying to come out to his family, painting an intimate portrait that any queer person listening can immediately relate to.

Ashnikko, WEEDKILLER

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Over the last couple of years, Ashnikko has slowly built her profile as the in-your-face, hyperpop-adjacent pop-rap star who will not compromise for anyone. While that character remains well intact throughout her new album WEEDKILLER, Ashnikko does go out of her way to break down some of the edifice surrounding her persona. With her signature grinding beats and sweltering vocals making up the vast majority of the album, it’s on standout track “Dying Star” feat. Ethel Cain that Ashnikko finally gives us a glimpse at the person underneath the pop star — and it will only make you want to go back and listen to the rest of this chaotically intricate album and hear it from a whole new perspective.

Madeline the Person, “Tantrum”

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Life is weird and chaotic and self-destructive — and that’s the mode that Madeline the Person is blissfully embracing on her new single. While “Tantrum” may sound like a delightful soft-pop song, the lyrics show the singer throwing away all of her preconceived notions about relationships. She decides to indulge in all of the behaviors that she’s been avoiding thanks to therapy and throw caution to the wind. “Tantrum” is ultimately an anthem to instant gratification — even if we know it’s “wrong,” it sometimes just feels too good to ignore.

Soccer Mommy, “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” (Taylor Swift cover)

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An indie rock phenomenon covering a nearly-20-year-old country song may not have been on your 2023 bingo card, but Soccer Mommy is here to show you why it should have been. Covering a deep cut from Taylor Swift’s debut album, Sophie Allison nails her performance throughout “I’m Only Me When I’m With You,” walking the fine line between staying true to the original while making a cover your own. This dreamy, vibe-driven cover is a masterclass in putting your twist on a classic song.

Anjimile, “Animal”

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Anjimile wants to make sure you’re listening to him. “Animal,” his powerful third single from his upcoming album The King, immediately grabs you with a distorted growl from an acoustic guitar, as the rising indie star rages against the systems of power that allowed George Floyd to die at the hands of violent police in 2020. Managing to capture all his fury and frustration with just his voice and a guitar, Anjimile makes his point crystal clear in the very first verse: “If you treat me like an animal/ I’ll be an animal.”

Charlotte Day Wilson feat. Snoh Aalegra, “Forever”

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What happens when you blend a multi-hyphenate artist, a rising R&B star, and a chopped and screwed interpolation of a Foundations classic? “Forever” is what happens, the entrancing new track from Charlotte Day Wilson and special guest Snoh Aalegra. With layers upon layers of production constantly unraveling around Day Wilson’s magnetic voice, and Aalegra showing her stunning vocal clarity on her gorgeous verse, “Forever” is a song that feels like an instant classic from two top-tier performers.

Jaboukie, All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel

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Looking to dance, laugh, and over-examine all of the choices you’ve made in your life? Jaboukie is here to facilitate that process (roughly in that order) on All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel, his excellent debut album. Throughout the project, the comedian-turned-musician embraces industrial hip-hop, indie rock and even some glistening pop to deliver a melting pot of sonics, all while gassing himself up (“BBC”), getting nostalgic (“Cranberry Sauce”) and much more.

Check out all of our picks on Billboard‘s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

Another week means another opportunity to listen to some excellent 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 Reneé Rapp’s long-awaited debut album to Doechii’s steamy new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Reneé Rapp, Snow Angel

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Much like the titular winter fixture, Reneé Rapp’s Snow Angel is all about leaving her imprint on pop music. Throughout the rising singer-actor’s debut album, Rapp paints in broad strokes, employing soulful R&B and raucous pop-rock to create an accurate image of her life. The results come in the form of impeccably-written ballads detailing heartbreak and loss (“I Wish” and “Willow” immediately stand out), uptempo bops meant to stir your spirit (“Talk Too Much,” “So What Now”), or even an instantly-relatable queer femme anthem with “Pretty Girls.” From start to finish, Snow Angel serves as an unflinching self-portrait of Rapp’s not-yet-quarter-life crisis — and it leaves even more room for the star to bloom.

Doechii, “Booty Drop”

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What more do you need to know than what’s in the title? Doechii makes a promise on her sexy new single, repeating again and again the she “can make your booty pop.” Turns out, she’s not kidding — from the killer bassline to Doechii’s effortless flow, “Booty Drop” is the exact kind of song designed to get you out on the dance floor shaking your money-maker.

Anitta, Funk Generation: A Favela Story

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Just a year after giving us her killer album Versions of Me, Anitta is ready to give fans just a taste of what’s to come. With her new 3-track bundle Funk Generation: A Favela Story, Anitta dives head first into funk carioca, letting her buttery smooth voice glide over jumping bass and entrancing rhythms that will pull you in immediately. It’s a complete journey into Anitta’s Brazilian upbringing — and one you need to hear for yourself ASAP.

Demi Lovato, “Confident (Rock Version)”

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Continuing her high-octane revitalizations of past hits, Demi Lovato is ready to boss herself up. On the new, raw version of “Confident,” Lovato gives their brassy anthem some serious edge by trading in new growling vocals and putting a heavy focus on the song’s slamming drums. Be sure to do some stretches before listening — because you will be banging your head by the time you reach the end.

K.Flay feat. Vic Fuentes, “Irish Goodbye”

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Everyone’s experienced the Irish goodbye at some point or another in their lives — that moment when you look up and realize you haven’t seen your friend in the last 30 minutes. Now, K.Flay and Pierce the Veil’s Vic Fuentes are ready to give that practice its very own theme song. With glitching guitars, relentless drums, and some top-tier songwriting to help, K.Flay proves yet again that she’s a master of bottling angst into a much-needed release of musical dopamine.

Jamila Woods, “Boomerang”

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While you may know Jamila Woods for some of her softer, slower jams over the years, she’s here to show you that she can give you plenty of reason to dance on her new single. With “Boomerang,” Woods picks up the tempo, turns up the synths and lets her breezy vocal do the heavy lifting, as she looks a little bit closer at that one relationship that just keeps on coming back.

Slayyyter, “Erotic Electronic”

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Looking for something a little more racy? Of course Slayyyter is here to help. On “Erotic Electronic,” the rising pop singer strips herself down — no, literally — as she offers up all of the lengths she will go to in order to get with her lover. Add in some ground-shaking EDM production and a series of peaks-and-valleys synths, and you’ve got another club banger on your hands.

Calum Scott, “At Your Worst”

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Sometimes, a heartfelt love song is all you need to get that nice warm feeling going — and Calum Scott is certainly capable of giving you that. “At Your Worst,” the latest from the singer, is a moving slice of pop balladry that sees Scott celebrating his lover even, and especially, in the lowest moments. The soft guitar and bass section certainly helps keep you interested, but the real star, as tends to be the case with Calum Scott songs, is the singer’s gorgeous voice.

Shamir, Homo Anxietatem

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Anxiety seems to be the overarching theme for 2023, and Shamir is well-versed on that subject. Throughout Homo Anxietatem, the singer-songwriter seems to seek out, understand and eventually dispel anxiety, studying as many different sides of it — the pressure of stardom (“Obsession”), the stress of a relationship (“Our Song”), and the relief that comes in accepting your life for what it is (“Wandering Through”). It’s no surprise that an artist as talented as Shamir could turn anxiety into its very own concept album, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive.

Arlissa, “AUDACITY.”

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Knowing your worth is important, and Arlissa wants her ex to know that they cannot afford her. On “AUDACITY.”, the pop-R&B singer grooves her way through a betrayal from her former flame, before coming out the other end stronger. The simplicity of the production mixed with the singer’s inimitable vocal makes lines like “you had the audacity/ to act like you can handle me,” hit that much harder on this burning new jam.

Check out all of our picks on Billboard‘s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:

Beat the summer heat with these cool new jams 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.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

From Tove Lo’s latest dance anthem to Chappell Roan’s campy new summer single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:

Tove Lo, “Elevator Eyes”

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If you give Tove Lo the good ‘ol up-down, rest assured that she will be writing a sultry single all about you. “Elevator Eyes,” the latest track to come from the Swedish pop star’s Dirt Femme era, sees Lo embracing a moodier, more pared-down production style to her last few singles. Don’t fret, though — the song’s lyrics and the singer’s performance bring plenty of heat all on their own, as the star evaluates an interested party and looks to make her next move.

Chappell Roan, “HOT TO GO!”

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If you’re an adult in need of your own personal cheerleader, Chappell Roan has got you covered. With her new single “HOT TO GO!” the rising star offers up a great impression of a cheer captain as she instructs you on how to dance to the new track while also letting her future lovers know that she is ready and waiting. It’s fun, it’s camp, and it’s exactly the kind of jam that will have you dancing along in no time.

G Flip, Drummer

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If you’re wondering what to expect from an album titled Drummer, it’s literally right there in the title. Throughout Australian upstart G Flip’s debut album, the singer-songwriter embraces her instrument of choice, leading this pop-rock project with slamming drums leading the way. Ranging from heartbroken pop songs (“The Worst Person Alive”) to uplifting love anthems (“Good Enough”), Drummer makes good on the promise of its title, soundtracking the rising star’s love life over a killer beat.

Allison Russell, “Snakelife”

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It bears repeating that the world is currently a hard place to be for Black queer and trans folks — but that’s not the future that Allison Russell sees for her community. On “Snakelife,” the folk singer’s stirring new single, Russell conjures up a vision of transformation and evolution, envisioning and even conceiving a future in which “every child is safe and loved, and Black is beautiful and good.” With a voice that is simultaneously gorgeous and haunting, Russell makes certain that you feel as strongly as she does that this new world is coming, whether you like it or not.

Mykki Blanco, “Holidays in the Sun”

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Get ready to rave your way into Mykki Blanco’s self-described “Italian cowboy era.” The star is back with “Holidays in the Sun,” their first single off of the forthcoming EP Postcards from Italia, and they are ready to rave. Over a relentless beat and some delicious bass hooks, Blanco extolls the virtues of simply vibing in the sunshine while you can. It’s a delectable cut from the often-elusive talent, proving yet again that Mykki knows how to write a banger you can dance to.

HoneyLuv feat. Cakes da Killa, “Bring It Back”

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Speaking of a banger you can dance to, we simply must talk about DJ-producer extraordinaire HoneyLuv’s latest team-up with rapper Cakes da Killa on “Bring it Back.” Dripping with Cakes’ laid-back confidence and HoneyLuv’s razor-sharp prodcution, “Bring it Back” is exactly the kind of homerun you think it’s going to be, moving you to get up out of your seat and start grooving to the fiery new song ASAP.

Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below: