In need of some new queer bops to wrap your ears around? This new, weekly column will see Junior Staff Writer, Eleanor Noyce, recommending the hottest new releases to spin (or stream, duh!)
BY ELEANOR NOYCE, IMAGE VIA ITUNES
Hayley Kiyoko – For The Girls (Single):
Lesbian Jesus is back with a bang. For The Girls is from Hayley’s highly-anticipated sophomore album, Panorama, which drops 29 July. The video narrates a dreamy, queer take on one of America’s favourite dating shows, featuring a cameo from Hayley’s dad and even a past contestant.
“I love being a woman, and women have always been a massive influence on my life,” Hayley revealed. “I wanted the music video to give representation to all of us searching for love while not taking ourselves too seriously. Being surrounded by queer people of many different gender identities and making art that feels relevant to us was the greatest gift. It was a reminder of how resilient this community is and how strong and confident we feel being our authentic selves together. No matter how you identify or who you love, I hope this summer bop makes you feel sexy and empowered.”
Cat Burns – emotionally unavailable (EP):
South London-based singer-songwriter Cat Burns is known for her honest, raw lyrics and catchy hooks. Unveiling new EP, emotionally unavailable, Cat explores mental health journeys, friendships, commitment and abandonment issues in her latest endeavour, revealing “I wanted to create a personal yet relatable EP where I express the different ways you can be ‘emotionally unavailable’ in this generation.” With six tracks including learnt to love goodbyes, anxiety, ghosting and we’re not kids anymore, there’s so much to unpack here. Catch her on tour with Ed Sheeran on his European tour this summer, or at her headline show at Koko on 4 October.
Rina Sawayama – This Hell (Single):
Fresh from a collaboration with hyperpop princess Charli XCX on Beg For You, Rina Sawayama shares new single, This Hell. Her new album, Hold The Girl, is due for release on 2 September. This one is a sweet combination of pop and country, written alongside Vixen and Lauren Aquilina alike. Kicking it off with the line “lets go girls”, this anthem is a queer-as-hell call to arms.
Harry Styles – Harry’s House (Album):
We couldn’t have a weekly round-up without Harry Styles. Those suits; those shirts; that hair. Harry’s House marks his third solo release, and this one channels Sunflower Vol. 6 vibes throughout. For those that weren’t lucky enough to nab tickets to his one-night-only show at O2 Academy Brixton (seriously – did anyone get one?), Harry will be embarking on a world tour in June. He’ll be joined by Arlo Parks, Mitski and Wolf Alice. What’s not to love?
Lizzo – About Damn Time (Single):
Lizzo. Need we say more? New single About Damn Time precedes the release of her new album, Special, due for release on 15 July. From her flute endearingly named Sasha to her teeny tiny handbags, we adore this queen. Stream About Damn Time now. Case closed.
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