June has come to an end, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop listening to the amazing music by LGBTQ2S+ artists that came out during Pride Month! In this edition of “Monthly Tune-Up,” I’ve got eight songs on the list instead of my usual seven, because you can never have too many good queer tunes when it comes to Pride. The constant news of oppressive anti-LGBTQ2S+ legislation and anti-abortion court rulings in the U.S. has made this an ugly and exhausting month, but no matter where you are in the world, or how you chose to celebrate or participate in Pride this year, I sincerely hope you were able to find little moments of catharsis and peace amidst the chaos, and I’m wishing you beautiful music going forward.
“Late to Da Party”—Lil Nas X featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again
The release of a new Lil Nas X song always feels like a mini cultural event unfolding before our very eyes, and this one is no different. In response to his colossal debut album MONTERO being snubbed at the BET Awards this year, the gay popstar, in true internet meme fashion, birthed “Late to Da Party,” featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again, into the world. Lil Nas X tweeted earlier in the year that his disappointment at his lack of BET nominations was about “homophobia in the Black community,” and highlighted the way queer male artists are more respected when they do “less feminine things.” The resulting diss track is hilarious and not at all subtle, accompanied by a music video that features Lil Nas X dancing on the BET stage wearing a Pride flag and surrounded by money. Audiences will come for the laughs and gossip, but will stay for the fun, catchy song.
“Hellbent”—Perfume Genius
Mike Hadreas of Perfume Genius is a key figure in the avant-garde pop music scene, creating entire universes within his eccentric songs. The gay singer-songwriter’s newest album Ugly Season feels and sounds like an epic odyssey. Aggressive, disorienting yet somehow equally hypnotic, the record’s penultimate track, “Hellbent,” is a fever dream that transports listeners into another world. Frightening horns blare over a pulsating beat, matching the tone of the lyrical content, in which Hadreas depicts a character surrounded by abandonment and loneliness and their struggle to maneuver their way out of it. “Hellbent” lives up to its title—hellish and grandiose.
“This Is How It Works”—Angel Olsen
Angel Olsen’s new album Big Time showcases the gay indie rock darling’s country and blues side—twangy guitars, lush production and melancholic lyrics exploring relationships, the past and grief. The song “This Is How It Works” takes all of these elements and creates a beautiful but melancholic narrative about confusion and being lost in the world. The lyrics show Olsen having a conversation with her mother on the phone, venting about life and the exhaustion that comes with it. Olsen’s sweet vocals are the sonic equivalent of a warm summer breeze. “This Is How It Works” takes its time unravelling itself and feels like receiving a comforting hug from someone you love at the end of a weary day.
“Sugar & Spice”—Boyfriend featuring Pyra
Sugar, spice and everything nice—is not all that feminism is made up of. Two pansexual pop musicians—Boyfriend, featuring Thai artist Pyra—have joined forces to tell us that smashing the patriarchy takes a lot more than girlbossing on their song “Sugar & Spice.” The metallic, futuristic production on this track is just as chic as it is abrasive. Cute, girlish “la la las” chanted in the background are blown out by crunchy, bassy beats. The duo’s voices play off of each other with a flirty brattiness as they vent their frustrations with the commercial, squeaky-clean image of feminism that’s been turned into a brand. “Sugar & Spice” is for the angry, fed-up girls and enbies out there!
“The Resurrection of LO”—LovelyOcean
L.A.-based queer rapper LovelyOcean’s first solo single in a year, “The Resurrection of LO,” is the perfect song to return with. Short but impactful, a relaxed and flowy beat sets the tone for LO’s strong vocals, where they channel some serious Lil’ Kim energy. Rapping on empowerment, of being hard at work and staying true to themselves even in times of hardship, is apt for a song with the word “resurrection” in the title. It’s like LO is reintroducing themselves as a more confident, carefree artist. “The Resurrection of LO” has great chill vibes written all over it, a soon-to-be staple song for late summer nights ahead.
“Kiss My Teeth”—Beloved Sun
Beloved Sun, an experimental queer duo consisting of musician Sol Galeano and poet Artist Named You, released their debut single “Kiss My Teeth,” a sassy and spunky number from their upcoming album. The track packs a lot of punch and attitude for such a minimalistic approach, with only spoken vocals, a chunky bass loop and the occasional banging of a cowbell interspersed throughout. Even for a first-time slice of their LP, Beloved Sun tells you exactly who they are through their confident, playfully braggadocious lyrics and flow. “Kiss My Teeth” bleeds cool, queer energy.
“Come for Me”—Shygirl
Shygirl’s dance pop has always been innovative and forward-thinking, and with trans electronic musician Arca lending her production skills to Shygirl’s new song, “Come for Me,” the British queer artist’s sound is evolving to become even more cutting edge. As its title implies, “Come for Me” is alluring, with a dark undercurrent. The deep club bass, glitchy, warped percussion and Shygirl’s breathy, manipulated vocals paint a picture of a smoky, queer nightclub. If the Pride celebrations and parades get the sunny, empowering anthems during the day, the late-night Pride after-hours parties should surely be treated to this track.
“Solid”—MUNA
Finishing off the list this month is some sapphic joy with MUNA’s “Solid,” off of their new self-titled album. The queer alt-pop trio is known for their peppy gay pop tunes, and “Solid” kicks it up a notch with some 1980s flavour. Bouncy synths and heavy drums with echoey background vocals in the vein of an INXS song colour the track with a euphoric atmosphere. The band sings their praises about a “solid” woman—someone confident, self-made and unapologetically herself. It’s impossible not to smile and tap your foot along to this one, and if a less problematic John Hughes coming-of-age movie about lesbians existed, “Solid” would be the song playing during the high school prom montage.
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