Queer Jams of the Week
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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.
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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.
Explore
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:
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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
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.
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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: