Hello, readers! It’s your resident music scavenger and Xtra Community Coordinator Jordan Currie. It’s springtime, which means the March instalment of “Monthly Tune-Up” is here and queer. It seems I’ve been heavily influenced by the beautiful sunshine, warm weather and the fact that the sky doesn’t turn pitch black at 4 p.m. in the Greater Toronto Area anymore because a good chunk of the songs selected are lively, energetic and bright—seriously, it’s a full-blown synth and dance beat party below. Enjoy this collection of tunes from the month of March, and I hope there’s an artist or song listed here that speaks to you.
“Baby”—Charli XCX
Though not queer herself, British pop darling Charli XCX has already cemented herself as a gay icon thanks to her devoted LGBTQ2S+ fanbase, her multitude of collaborations with queer musicians and her innovative pop sound. Charli has carved out a niche for herself in the hyperpop genre over the last few years, but her single “Baby” off her latest record CRASH is a flamboyant blend of disco and ’80s dance pop. It’s a big, glittery banger with a groovy bassline and flashy synths, accompanied by bratty and seductive lyrics that would kill in a queer bar or club. Charli definitely gave the gays the quintessential theme to break hearts on the dance floor, too.
“Experiments”—Maryze
Montreal queer singer-songwriter Maryze’s “Experiments” is a moody, dreamy and atmospheric electronic dance track that evokes sensuality and mystery. Aptly named for a song about queer sexual liberation that conquers shame and embraces fantasy, the track is an alluring slice of her upcoming debut album 8. “Experiments” plays with innocence and darkness as Maryze’s deep alto vocals shift to light and airy in the chorus, all of which contrast with the driving percussion and ethereal electronic keys tittering away in the background. This one surely goes out to the pop-loving sapphics.
“intro”—Orion Sun
Soothing, laid back and riddled with melancholy, the opening track “intro” from Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Orion Sun’s new EP, Getaway, describes a faltering love and the end of a relationship. Elegant R&B horns, strings and bass provide warmth and freshness to the track, as does Sun’s understated yet soulful vocal performance, sounding as though she is glimpsing at the past and reminiscing over the rose-tinted good times shared with an ex-partner. It’s sombre and tender all at once and feels fitting to play during the rainy spring days ahead.
“Jealous”—Camp Cope
Australian queer band Camp Cope are back with their new album, Running with the Hurricane. The alt rock trio consisting of Georgia Maq, Kelly-Dawn Hellmrich and Sarah Thompson continue the tradition of indie women musicians writing lyrics comparing themselves to dogs (yes, it is its own subcategory at this point) with their song “Jealous.” Maq sings of being neglected by a partner, becoming envious of their pet dog who receives more attention than her and surrendering complete control in order to be loved. A persistent bassline interweaves with peppy rock guitars that give the otherwise angsty track a fun flare. If you’ve been in a relationship where you’ve had to grovel for the other person’s attention, at least there is a peppy anthem to dance out your grievances to.
“Lucy”—Kitty Prozac
A shy, confessional punk song about gay crushes and desire? Emo queers will be jumping for joy over “Lucy.” The debut album None Shall Be Afraid by Vancouver genderqueer trans artist Cathy Schultes, better known as Kitty Prozac, packs an upbeat, punky punch while also being endearing and sweet, especially on the track “Lucy,” about an unrequited queer love. Schultes laments about the cool, eponymous Lucy, who only sees her as a goofy friend to bum around with. Sunny guitar chords and a floaty synth line contrast with the lovelorn lyrics; it’s a song that’s sure to have queer people who were emo kids in the early and mid-2000s deep in their feelings.
“END OF THE WORLD”—MICHELLE
You know those moments when you just need to blast a horny song and dance until the impending doom of the collapse of the planet inevitably swallows the human race whole? Well, NYC queer indie pop band MICHELLE has got us covered. Made up of vocalists Sofia D’Angelo, Jamee Lockard, Emma Lee and Layla Ku alongside producers Charlie Kilgore and Julian Kaufman, the group’s new album AFTER DINNER WE TALK DREAMS dropped this month and includes the vibrant and delightfully raunchy “END OF THE WORLD.” It’s message is simple: fuck before and until the world ends, because you might as well! Colourful synths, delicate layered vocal harmonies and a funky guitar riff give off serious roller skating rink date night vibes.
“Too Late”—BLCK*SYNC (R. Flex featuring Desiire and Tafari Anthony)
This trio of Toronto queer Black artists is coming in hot and stylish! R. Flex has teamed up with Desiire and Tafari Anthony, known together as BLCK*SYNC, for “Too Late,” an exuberant and infectious jam. The track has a mixture of bouncy ’90s house beats and electro R&B that play off of one another seamlessly, with a chorus that features all three vocalists smoothly and playfully harmonizing. The song is a bold invitation to flirt, dance and maybe fall in love, and will have audiences imagining themselves strutting down a strobe-lit catwalk donning colourful eyeshadow as they listen.
Want more R. Flex? Check out our Inspired video from 2019.
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