State Champ Radio Queer Jams of the Week
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Get your St. Patrick’s Day weekend off to the right start 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 Doechii’s pitch-perfect new collab with Kodak Black to Joy Oladokun’s life-affirming new anthem, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below.
Doechii feat. Kodak Black, “What It Is (Block Boy)”
Simply put, Doechii has never sounded better than she does on “What It Is (Block Boy).” On her bouncing new track, the rising singer lets her voice loose over an instantly-catchy backing track complete with light guitar riffs, chunky piano chords and a killer beat. Add into it a verse from “Super Gremlin” superstar Kodak Black, and you have a certified banger on your hands.
Joy Oladokun feat. Noah Kahan, “We’re All Gonna Die”
Existentialism has never sounded quite as good as it does on Joy Oladokun’s new anthem. The aptly-titled “We’re All Gonna Die” sees the singer-songwriter taking on a “f–k it, let’s see what happens” approach to just about everything has to offer. While the lyrics might occasionally dip into a slightly more pessimistic worldview than fans of Oladokun are used to hearing, the sweet, churning production immediately casts away all doubt — “We’re All Gonna Die” is truly about having fun with what little time you’ve got in this world.
Princess Nokia, I Love You But This Is Goodbye
There’s something about I Love You But This Is Goodbye, the sparkling new EP from Princess Nokia, that is deeply endearing. Throughout the project, which sees the star switching up her hip-hop stylings for a pop-rock-meets-electronica vibe, Nokia charts a full journey from love to loss and back again. Her pen is fully intact with some A-plus songwriting on tracks like “Angels & Demons,” while others like lead single “Closure” let you bask in their delicious production. It’s a remarkable EP from an artist in need of much more recognition than she’s already earned.
ODESZA feat. Claud, “To Be Yours”
For their very first collaboration together, electronic duo ODESZA and indie star Claud prove to be a perfect match. “To Be Yours” perfectly toes the line between each of the artists’ respective worlds, employing the crystal clear production work of the sought-after dance pair as well as the confessional songwriting of the fast-rising bedroom pop singer into one gloriously fun single. If you’re in search of a good song to simply vibe out to this weekend, look no further.
Greyson Chance, “Herringbone”
Greyson Chance would like his jacket back please — and if you could bring his heart back with it, that would also be very helpful. “Herringbone,” the heartbreaking new single from the alt-pop singer-songwriter, is an ode to all things lost as Chance begs his lover to please come back after their breakup. With a gentle touch and some very well-written lyrics, Chance owns every ounce of his own anguish on this gorgeous new song.
Siena Liggins, “3 Bad”
Siena Liggins is ready for some experimentation. On “3 Bad,” the singer’s latest track, Liggins manages to take hyper-pop sounds (pitched-up vocals, plinking percussion and blown-out bass drums, to name a few) and make a deeply introspective, chaotically sad breakup song. While she promises self-destruction to her old flame, Liggins doesn’t implode — she expands her sound and dives into a new era of her career headfirst.
Shelly Fairchild feat. Shamir, “Fist City” (Loretta Lynn cover)
There is something so deeply engaging about artists as different as Shelly Fairchild and Shamir teaming up to tackle a Loretta Lynn classic like “Fist City.” The pair don’t lean away from the distinctive sounds of the country superstar — instead they lean in, bringing a folksy twang to every beat of this delicious cover. With a set of voices uniquely suited to one another, Fairchild and Shamir shine on this gorgeous tribute to a late icon.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
March has finally arrived, meaning it’s time to break out those springtime playlists and add some new tunes from your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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From Demi Lovato’s spine-chilling Scream song to Kali Uchis’ thrilling new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below.
Demi Lovato, “Still Alive”
There are a handful of modern artists uniquely suited to give us horror and thrilling pop music at the same time — Demi Lovato is one of them. “Still Alive,” the singer’s new track from the new film Scream VI, is a masterclass is balancing the scary vibes of the iconic franchise with a roaring rock sensibility, as they blast through the verses and chorus declaring that she “went to hell but I’m back and I’m breathing,” while asking you to “make me bleed while my heart is still beating.” It’s an excellent addition to Lovato’s renewed rock era, and still flexes the boundless vocal prowess that made them a star in the first place.
Kali Uchis, Red Moon in Venus
Are you ready to feel the love? If so, Kali Uchis has just the record for you. With Red Moon in Venus, the rising genre-bending star’s fourth studio album, Uchis dives head first into love’s many aspects, whether it’s letting someone you love go (“I Wish You Roses”), being treated right in a relationship (“Fantasy”), or the pain of heartbreak (“Deserve Me”). Featuring a supporting cast of stars like Summer Walker, Don Toliver and Omar Apollo, Red Moon drips with pleasure, pain and everything in between, showing just what a force of nature Uchis is.
Boygenius, “Not Strong Enough”
Indie rock supergroup Boygenius — a.k.a. Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus — has always thrived when it comes to emotionally devastating songs with a healthy mix of different rock ideas. “Not Strong Enough,” then, is a prototypical track for the trio; with Bridgers and Baker taking the majority of the lead vocals, the new song follows the group as they confess to their respective partners that, no, they cannot be the shoulder to lean on in the relationship. The track perfectly fuses all three artists’ distinctive sounds, making for a catchy, thrilling indie-rock anthem.
Arlo Parks, “Impurities”
Get yourself the kind of friends who love you for all of your insecurities — in this particular case, the kind of friends Arlo Parks has. The UK indie up-and-comer’s new song “Impurities” tracks Parks’ relationship with her friends, as she celebrates their acceptance of her in her entirety. The plinking guitars add a sense of drama to an otherwise tender song of platonic love, where Parks declares “You’re the rainbow in my soap/ You noticе beauty in more forms than most.”
Shygirl feat. Tinashe, “Heaven”
Welcome to the Pearly Gates, where Shygirl and Tinashe are ready to give you a guided tour of “Heaven.” This ethereal new track from the delightful pairing of LGBTQ R&B superstars is everything it’s title promises. With vocals that naturally complement one another and hypnotic production that will send you into pure bliss, “Heaven” is a slice of paradise that you’ll want to listen to again and again.
Peach PRC, “F U Goodbye”
If you listen only to the melody of Australian pop singer Peach PRC’s new song, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is another saccharine love song. But “F U Goodbye” instead creates a delicious juxtaposition through its lyrics — while the maximalist, 2000s-pop production suggests something sugary and sweet, the lyrics bite back, with the star insulting just about everything she can about her ex. Even with a sing-song performance, lines like “I hope you choke, go broke/ Lose your money” land perfectly on this excellent kiss-off.
Carlie Hanson, “LSE to LAX”
In the unforgettable words of Ms. Taylor Alison Swift: “It’s me … hi. I’m the problem, it’s me.” That’s, in a nutshell, the realization Carlie Hanson has on “LSE to LAX,” a mournful pop song about lost love and missed connections. Putting all of her emotions into her pen, Hanson nails the loneliness expressed through lyrics like “I promise everything then take it back the same night,” or “Got this weight on my chest/ Way too heavy to catch you.” It’s yet another stunningly vulnerable single from an artist continuing to show fans why she’s worth listening to on repeat.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
As we hurdle closer to spring, there’s no better time to start freshening up your playlists with new tracks from your favorite LGBTQ artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Halsey’s solo rendition of a popular collab to Adam Lambert’s full cover song fantasy, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below.
Halsey, “Die 4 Me”
It’s been four years since Halsey made a surprise appearance on Post Malone’s “Die For Me,” delivering a scathing verse on a deep-cut off the superstar’s Hollywood Bleeding album. Today, they’re finally ready to share the full, only-Halsey version of that track, much to her fans’ delight. The new “Die 4 Me” sees Halsey still owning the anger that defined their first pass at the track, now unleashing it with expert precision to make a killer pop song. Her biting verses perfectly fit within this new context, re-establishing a 2019 track as 2023’s newest breakup anthem.
Adam Lambert, High Drama
Time and time again, Adam Lambert has proven himself as a master of the cover song. Whether it was on American Idol or the Kennedy Center, the superstar knows how to take a song and make it entirely his own, which he proves yet again on his new LP, High Drama. Covering everyone from Bonnie Tyler to Billie Eilish, Lambert revels in his glam-rock sensibilities to deliver pure entertainment at every given opportunity on this delectable album of tasty updated classics.
Reneé Rapp, “Bruises”
Following her musical breakthrough with her stellar EP Everything to Everyone, Reneé Rapp is ready for a victory lap. With the release of her deluxe version of the project, Rapp is treating fans to “Bruises,” the emotionally-devastating song that didn’t make it to the original project. With a tender guitar line accompanied by her delicately-placed vocals, “Bruises” sees Rapp trying to open up emotionally, but ultimately shutting down out of her fear to get hurt — a feeling that, even if you’ve never felt it, you’ll be able to relate to the second she starts singing.
Channel Tres, Real Cultural Shit
Hope you’re ready to dance this weekend, because Channel Tres’ stunning new EP Real Cultural Shit is here to turn the heat up at every club night. The long-awaited follow-up to the artist/producer’s self-titled 2018 EP, Real Cultural Shit follows through on the promise of it’s title delving straight into Tres’ own modern take on house music, funk, and disco. Whether he’s slowing it down for some real talk on “Sleep When Dead,” or cranking it up to 11 with dance banger “All My Friends,” Tres is here to show you a good time with this new project.
Princess Nokia, “Complicated”
Since the start of her career, Princess Nokia has never fit into one “sound.” So with her latest songs, she decided to throw the idea of labels out the window entirely. “Complicated,” her latest single, dabbles lightly in some of the R&B stylings she’s touched on before, but focuses itself much more on an early-2000s-rave-meets-modern-hyperpop sound, marking brand new territory for this beloved talent.
Yaeji, “Done (Let’s Get It)”
On it’s face “Done (Let’s Get It)” by rising dance superstar Yaeji is a fun, vibe-fueled song that seems intentionally innocuous on its surface. But take a listen to the lyrics — sung in both English and Korean — and you’ll hear an artist intentionally trying to break the continuing cylce of generational trauma and passed-down habits. Balancing tough themes with her lighthearted musical style has always been one of Yaeji’s strengths, and “Done (Let’s Get It)” is no exception to that rule.
Dreamer Isioma feat. Redveil, “Technicolor Love”
Join Dreamer Isioma, one of the most fascinating voices in the indie songwriting scene, as they take you on a fabulous trip with “Technicolor Love.” This trippy, grooving new single sees Dreamer falling head over heels for a woman, even if that love is toxic. The blissed-out production floods your body with endorphins, which are only further heightened by guest star Redveil and his thrilling rap verse.
Ryan Cassata, “If You Ever Leave Long Island”
After a career of self-publishing heartbreaking indie tracks, Ryan Cassata is ready to make a splash with his new song, “If You Ever Leave Long Island.” The singer-songwriter’s debut single on Kill Rock Stars, “If You Ever” sees Cassata taking a sonic left turn into rocked-out heartbreak. Gone are the folksy, gentle love ballads, now replaced with amped-up guitars, pop-punk drums and an excellently angsty performance from Cassata as he ushers in a brand new era.
Allison Ponthier, “Character Development”
Growing and making changes are obviously important — but not more important than the health and well-being of the women around you. That’s the very topic Allison Ponthier expertly skewers in her new song “Character Development,” a supremely catchy and incredibly scathing indictment of misogynistic writing tropes that tend to see female characters suffer so their male counterparts can grow (a.k.a. the “women in refrigerators” phenomenon). Ponthier uses her musical prowess to take on the part of the oft-hurt female character, this time throwing a middle finger in the face of writers, characters and anyone else that would see her suffer so they can learn a valuable lesson. In short; hell yeah, Allison.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Need some new tunes to jam out to for your long weekend? Look no further — 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 Janelle Monáe’s return to music to Omar Apollo’s TK new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Janelle Monáe feat. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, “Float”
“No I’m not the same/ I think I done changed.” It’s quite the statement coming from Janelle Monáe, a pop cultural chameleon who has spent the last decade of their career effortlessly switching between sounds, professions and styles, but always remaining uniquely herself. “Float,” then, feels like an anthem to Monáe’s status of consistent fluctuation. The beat and melody ease into your eardrums offering near-instant serotonin boosts, as Monáe celebrates herself for a moment.
Omar Apollo, “3 Boys”
Omar Apollo just can’t let go, despite his best efforts. On his latest single “3 Boys,” the rising R&B superstar attempts to move on from a relationship, but realizes that there will always be more than one in the relationship. His silky vocals arc perfectly over an aching melody, arriving at a falsetto zenith with the song’s blissful chorus.
Beabadoobee, “Glue Song”
Being “stuck to someone like glue” may not be groundbreaking territory for song lyrics, but when Beabadoobee sings them on “Glue Song,” they can’t help but feel fresh. This soft, sweet love song sees the indie singer-songwriter falling head over heels, accompanied by an unchallenging, gorgeous melody. If you’re feeling that post-Valentine’s Day dip, don’t hesitate to let Beabadoobee boost you back up.
Cavetown, “Del Mar County Fair 2008” (Underscores cover)
Sometimes, a song is so good that you don’t need to change much for a cover. That’s certainly the case for Cavetown’s rendition of Underscores’ “Del Mar County Fair 2008,” wherein the indie sensation puts their own spin without needlessly altering this tender track. Playing with pitch switches and a sweet guitar melody, Cavetown simply nails his version with all of the emotive expression fans have come to expect.
Deb Never, “Momentary Sweetheart”
“Momentary Sweetheart” is designed to fool you. What starts out as a quiet, simple song about trying to hold yourself together quickly devolves into a Deb Never banger about finding comfort in someone else’s arms. The slow-build of the song perfectly suits Never’s angsty-yet-sincere performance here, as she confidently asks, “Don’t you hate when I go?”
Shea Couleé, “Material”
Ever since her first appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 9, drag superstar Shea Couleé stood out with her musical chops. Now, she’s back and asking you to just look at the “Material.” This pounding club track sees Couleé once again asserting herself as The One™, effortlessly switching between ethereal vocals and rapid-fire raps. Placing it all over an excellently-crafted dance track, “Material” is sure to wind up in a club near you ASAP.
The Aces, “Always Get This Way”
Alt-pop purveyors The Aces are ready to give you the goods this weekend. “Always Get This Way,” the band’s new single off their forthcoming album, is a glittering ode to anxious insomnia, as lead singer Cristal Ramirez recounts the many sleepless nights she’s spent confronting her own insecurities. Don’t worry, though — while the subject matter may be dour, “Always Get This Way” is nothing but alternative bliss, and one of The Aces’ best yet.
Serpentwithfeet, “Gonna Go”
There is a difference between being in a relationship that’s “comfortable” and one that’s actually good. That’s a realization baroque pop singer Serpentwithfeet comes to in the middle of “Gonna Go,” his latest near-perfect queer love song. While the production and musical energy of the track deserve plenty of praise, it’s the star’s songwriting that shines bright here; lines like “all those crumbs don’t make it pie” and “I’ve been crunching numbers and it says you’re not the one” perfectly evoke the matter-of-fact point of this lush new track.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
As you prepare to watch Rihanna dominate the Super Bowl halftime show this weekend, why not get up-to-date on some of the latest offerings from your favorite LGBTQ artists? Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
From Kelela’s return to the album format to Ashnikko’s biting new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Kelela, Raven
After five long years away from the mic, Kelela makes her full return today. Raven, the electro-R&B star’s sophomore album, follows Kelela as she asks you to open yourself up to the possibility of love. Equal parts therapy session and night out at a rave, Raven mixes and morphs together sounds from dance (“Missed Call”), jazz (“Let It Go”) and R&B (“Enough for Love”) to craft a testament to the power of vulnerability and emotional availability. Artists looking to make a comeback, take note: Kelela is doing it right.
Ashnikko, “You Make Me Sick!”
You wouldn’t like Ashnikko when she’s angry — you’ll love her. While past tracks from the rising alternative star have seen Ashnikko gleefully shredding her foes to pieces, few have gone quite as far as “You Make Me Sick,” her frenzied new single. Throughout the apoplectic new song, Ashnikko rages against a former lover, scream-rapping about their manipulative behavior and dissecting them piece by piece. If you’re feeling even the slightest bit upset today, allow Ashnikko to help you channel that.
Dove Cameron feat. Khalid, “We Go Down Together”
Peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, Batman and Robin and now, Dove Cameron and Khalid — some things just go great together. On “We Go Down Together,” Cameron and Khalid sound like a match made in heaven as they sing to one another about unwavering commitment. Cameron’s soft, smooth falsetto blends perfectly in with Khalid’s sonorous baritone, making “We Go Down Together” a must-listen musical experience.
Tove Lo, “Borderline”
Valentine’s Day often comes as a mixed bag — for some, it’s a wonderful day to celebrate your love for your partner; for others, it’s a bit much. Luckily, Tove Lo crafter a song for both those camps; “Borderline” sees Lo accessing the darker parts of love on this pulsating dance-pop bop. Pair that with the robot-revenge-fantasy sequel video to her 2022 video “No One Dies From Love,” and you’ve got another winner on your hands.
Pabllo Vittar feat. Anitta, “Balinha De Coração”
Don’t threaten Pabllo Vittar and Anitta with a good time, because they will take you up on it. “Balinha De Coração” (which translates to “Heart Candy”) sees these two Brazilian superstars going full chaos mode, embracing a hyperpop aesthetic to deliver you the pop treats you’ve been craving. The glitching beats and pitch-shifting vocals keep you on your toes throughout this wild track, as Pabllo and Anitta ask if you’d like a taste.
Rebecca Black, Let Her Burn
For the last few years, pop singer-songwriter Rebecca Black has been exploring as many new avenues as possible when it comes to new music, finding sounds that worked or didn’t. Let Her Burn, the singer’s long-awaited debut album, feels like the answer she’s been looking for. Infused with an electro-pop sensibility throughout and informed by Black’s own queer awakening, Let Her Burn takes the star to new sonic highs — and it is well worth your time.
VINCINT, “Romance”
Pop singer-songwriter VINCINT has made it a habit to write about love — the tender highs, the bitter lows and all the drama in between. But something about his latest single, “Romance,” feels different. Singing to a prospective, recently single partner, VINCINT confidently asserts that “I can give you romance.” But the music — a banging house beat with some of the singer’s sharpest vocals to date — gives the track a feeling of sexual urgency. There’s a confidence and swagger to this new VINCINT sound, and we can’t help but dig it.
Zolita, Falling Out / Falling In
Like it’s title might suggest, Falling Out / Falling In is an EP about duality. Rising pop singer Zolita splits her time evenly on the new project between pop-punk “f–k you” anthems (especially with the raucous single “Crazy Ex”) and tender sweet love songs (“Ashley,” in particular will pull at your heart strings). In this dichotomy, Zolita finds a clear narrative, telling her own story of moving through, out of and in between relationships; a pretty stellar feat to accomplish in six songs.
Moore Kismet feat. Anna Dellaria, “Three Little Words”
At a time of year where we often find ourselves talking about love, Moore Kismet wants to remind you that sometimes, love is toxic. “Three Little Words,” the rising dance phenom’s newest single, is filled to the brim the the bright, crisp sounds that the star has become so associated with. But listen to the words being sung by guest Anna Dellaria, and you’ll hear the story of a relationship you should not be in, yet just can’t help it. It’s fitting, then, that the song itself quickly becomes irresistibly catchy — no matter how hard you try to pry yourself away, you’re just going to want more from Kismet.
Chrissy Chlapecka, “I’m So Hot”
It’s time for an anthem for the bimbos of the world! Chrissy Chlapecka, the proud leader of Bimbo TikTok, wants you to wake up every day and declare “I’m So Hot,” as she does on this delicious new pop track. A campy, dance-fueled ode to the self, “I’m So Hot” oozes with the confidence and hilarious comedic energy that Chlapecka has perfected in her online videos, while also flexing a technical and creative prowess that proves she’s here for the long haul.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Has the weather got you feeling a little chilly? Let us help you warm up with 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 Boygenius’s surprise return to Arlo Parks’ stunning new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Boygenius, “$20,” “Emily I’m Sorry” & “True Blue”
When fans saw that Boygenius — a queer indie supergroup made up by Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker — would be a featured act at this year’s Coachella, whispers of a new album began materializing on social media. But nothing could have prepared fans for the release of three new singles, alongside an album announcement from the trio. Ahead of the long-awaited new set The Record, Boygenius returned with a Baker-led soft-punk anthem of resilience (“$20”), a Bridgers-led lovelorn apology to an ex (“Emily, I’m Sorry”), and a Dacus-led coming of age ballad (“True Blue”). Providing something for everyone with the promise of more to come, Boygenius made sure that their comeback was as triumphant as fans could’ve hoped.
Arlo Parks, “Weightless”
Ever since the release of Arlo Parks’ critically-lauded debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams, fans of the U.K. indie singer-songwriter have been waiting with bated breath for what comes next. This week, the singer delivered — alongside the announcement of the sophomore album My Soft Machine, Parks unveiled “Weightless,” a hypnotic, instantly thrilling new single off the project. Fans of Parks’ top-tier songwriting will be delighted to find it has only sharpened in the two years since Sunbeams; anyone eager to hear her sonic evolution will find themselves delightfully surprised by this chillwave, synth-pop dreamscape the singer has crafted around her. Put those together, and you have a song that magnificently reintroduces a must-listen artist to the world.
Kim Petras, “Brrr”
Time to dance, queers. Kim Petras is back at it again with “Brrr,” a hyperpop-infused pop track that sees Kim hopping back into the driver’s seat and begging her lover to prove why he thinks he’s “so cold.” With clattering production work from rising superstar ILYA, Petras sounds as good as fans would have hoped as she sings “You should pull me up closer/ Turn the heat up in your Rover/ Why don’t you take it out on me?”
Sam Smith, “Gloria”
With every new release off of their forthcoming album, Sam Smith has been giving fans a little taste of something new. With the album’s title song “Gloria,” Smith ditches the sweaty, club-ready jams that have come out of their last two singles, instead going for something soft and sweet. Joined by a full choir, this chorale of self-confidence sounds less like a pop song and more like a religious hymn to yourself, as Smith and their fellow voices resolve to “be yourself so loud tonight, they’ll hear you from the stars.” Glory to “Gloria.”
Kelela, “Contact”
With Kelela’s long-awaited new album Raven due out in a few short weeks, she wants to make sure that you’re ready for what’s coming. “Contact,” the latest single off the new project, simultaneously manages to hypnotize and fire up the listener all at once, as the pounding club beat plays perfectly off of Kelela’s sultry vocals. Things heat up quickly, as the songstress makes her intentions perfectly clear: “I’m floatin’ away, far and away/ You tryna stall and delay, but I wanna play.”
Mazie, “It’s Not Me (It’s U)”
There’s nothing worse than hearing your partner reach for the cop out when they try and end things, saying, “honestly, it’s not you! It’s me!” Turns out indie pop singer Mazie is sick of hearing it, too — on “It’s Not Me (It’s U),” the psychedelic singer dips even further into her hazy bedroom pop sound to tell her lover exactly where they can shove their fake humility. If you’re feeling a little bitter and need a song that’ll validate your anger, look no further.
Cub Sport, “Keep Me Safe”
Cub Sport has always thrived when it comes to front-facing, emotionally resonant indie pop songs. So it’s no surprise that their latest single, “Keep Me Safe,” is exactly what you want to hear from them and more. This tender, gorgeous love song immediately takes hold of your feelings with the opening chords, as a distorted voice sings about driving forever. By the time lead vocalist Tim Nelson comes in with a stirring story of forbidden romance, you’re already caught up in the song’s sonic web — and by the time it’s over, you’ll be reaching for the replay button.
Khai Dreams, “Panic Attack”
There’s something idiosyncratic about writing a song called “Panic Attack” and making it sound as calm and collected as Khai Dreams’ new single does — or at least that’s what you might think for the first few moments of the track. But as this delectable new single keeps chugging along, the production and the lyrics slowly pick up the pace, before eventually you find yourself in a chaotic chorus about bad dreams, irrational fears and intrusive thoughts — and you’re feeling exactly what Khai is talking about. “Panic Attack” won’t simulate the experience of a real-life bout with anxiety, but it will give you a fun and catchy insight into what’s flooding someone’s mind while it’s happening.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
