Boy, have we got a treat in store for you this week…
BY ELEANOR NOYCE, IMAGE VIA ITUNES
The weekend is here! UK DIVAs: how are you holding up in this heatwave? Whether you’re picnic-ing in the park or avoiding the sun at all costs, this week’s hottest releases are sure to see you through. We’ve everything from Beabadoobee to Self Esteem this week. It’s a cracker! So, without further ado…
AURORA & Qing-Feng – Storm
Norwegian singer-songwriter AURORA has teamed up with Taiwanese artist Qing-Feng, also known as Greeny, on Storm. Encompassing AURORA’s typically ethereal, dreamlike spirit, this new track exudes queer joy. Commenting on the track, she states: “The urge of wanting to feel something. To be tossed around and swirled. Sometimes I wish you could remove the storm that exists inside you and put it out there, in the real world in all its glory.” This marks her first release since her album, The Gods We Can Touch, arrived in January.
Claud – Go Home
Fresh from American bedroom pop singer-songwriter, Claud, Go Home is the perfect sentiment on which to end the week. Having penned queer tracks from Soft Spot to Wish You Were Gay, Claud has previously supported the likes of Clairo and girl in red on tour. Claud remarks: “Go Home! is about falling into that hole of feeling awkward and uncomfortable in your own skin that all you crave is going home and sliding into whatever is familiar.”
Beabadoobee – 10:36
Not long now! In just under a month, Beabadoobee will be dropping her latest album, Beatopia. Arriving on 15 July, 10:36 is the latest dose from the Filipino-British singer-songwriter. Identifying as bisexual, Beabadoobee was the unexpected soundtrack to the first lockdown of 2020, with death bed (coffee for your head) – a track from Powfu which Bea featured on – quickly going viral on TikTok. 10:36 is classic Beabadoobee, with pulsing 90s-tinged guitar riffs and lusty lyrics.
Self Esteem – Prima Facie Soundtrack
Oh hello – it’s our two faves. This week, Self Esteem dropped the original theatre soundtrack to Prima Facie, Suzie Miller’s award-winning play starring none other than Jodie Comer. These songs might be hard-hitting, but they’re atmospheric, apt for the difficult themes the play tackles. Catch Self Esteem across practically every festival in the UK and Europe this summer, if you’d like to experience more of her magic.
Ellauro – No Mind
The second track from ELLAURO, No Mind follows INDIGO. Produced by Joy Anonymous, the newcomer has already been supported by the likes of BBC Radio 1, Clash, Dork and Wonderland. Speaking about the track, ELLAURO expresses: “No Mind is a song about being in a relationship with a partner that makes you feel like they’re ashamed to be attracted to you and hide you from the world. Now, obviously people have their reasons, whether it is related to their sexual orientation, their gender identity or being from a different religious group, ethnicity or simply being hung up on their ex. But even still, I believe you should never be made to feel like a secret. You are special, and you do not deserve to feel hidden away by someone that is meant to proudly adore you.”
Angelica Ross – Only You
Known for her touching portrayal of Candy in Pose (2018-2021), Angelica Ross has dropped her latest endeavour, debut single Only You. This week, she unveiled the music video in a powerful moment for trans artists across the industry. A self-described activist and tech entrepreneur, this track is the perfect summer tune. Wrap your ears around it, ASAP.
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