Release Radar: LGBTQ+ Music

By Laurine Payet, Music Journalist

Over the past year, we have welcomed new singles and albums from some of the biggest queer artists as well as upcoming stars. We were given masterpieces such as Ashnikko’s debut record ‘DEMIDEVIL’ and the sapphic banger ‘Cherry’ from the collaboration of Fletcher and Hayley Kiyoko. What can we expect next?

Years & Years – Night Call

Until now we’ve known Years & Years as the British trio who broke through in 2015 with their debut ‘Communion’. Led by Olly Alexander, the group decided to disband last year after two records, becoming the singer’s solo project. Alexander announced at the end of last year his comeback with ‘Starstruck’, the lead single of his third LP ‘Night Call’. It was released with different remixes, including one with Australian singer ad pop star Kylie Minogue. Night Call was released at the end of January and feels like as well as Olly, we set our wings free and embrace pop music.

"I was writing from a fantastical space, stuck in the same four walls. I wanted to have as much pleasure as possible in the music."

Big Thief – Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You / Adrianne Lenker - songs

The Brooklyn band Big Thief has released yet another masterpiece. While 2019 was a busy year for them with the release of two albums ‘U.F.O.F.’ and ‘Two Hands’, they have taken a break since then and came up with ‘Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You’. The record still projects the raw vocals of lead singer Adrianne Lenker, but on a softer and more acoustic tone than the four previous LPs. With 20 songs, it is an album to be enjoyed in full, in your most relaxed environment. Lenker took the time to release two twin albums ‘instrumentals’ and ‘songs’. Both works will make you travel to another dimension where you live in the middle of the mountains on a sunny day that never ends. Lenker indeed wrote both her latest albums from a woodland cabin she rented out in the mountains of New England during the pandemic. As rare as her European performances get, she is going to be performing in London on March 6^th, a long-awaited event not to be missed by the ones lucky enough to get tickets.

Sasami - SQUEEZE

It might only be February, but the year has already seen a lot of amazing albums released. Sasami Ashworth, also known as SASAMI, just came back with a second LP after the success of her eponymous debut. ‘Squeeze’ was announced following the release of its lead single ‘The Greatest’. Sasami makes music that does not stick to a certain specific genre. With clear indie rock influences, she also takes some of her creativity choices from country music as well as metal. Whilst her education was rooted in classical music, she started learning about Black cultural appropriation and decided to “appropriate white, male music”, as she told the New York Times. This is what led her to metal. Our personal favorite from ‘SQUEEZE’ is ‘Say It’ with its catchy and loud guitars that promise an incredible live performance.

100 gecs – 10000 gecs

100 gecs is the queer duo that broke the industry in 2019 with their debut ‘1000 gecs’. We know that the hyperpop scene is wildly represented by the LGBTQ+ community, and especially the transgender community. 100 gecs are big leaders of that scene. Composed of Dylan Brady and Laura Les, both have released solo projects as well. For their second LP, a remix album, they’ve worked with big names such as Charli XCX, A.G. Cook, Kero Kero Bonito and Danny L Harle. After a long wait, Laura and Dylan announced in September 2021 on social media that their sophomore album, ‘10000 gecs’, would be coming soon. They’ve started teasing it with the release of ‘mememe’, and have announced they were touring for the album, before announcing the album. So, watch out for ‘10000 gecs’!

Lucy Dacus

The American singer-songwriter and producer Lucy Dacus is maybe coming back with an album in 2022. Famous for her solo work as well as being a member of the queer supergroup boygenius with Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker, she is an icon in the indie rock and folk scene. Her third and last album ‘Home Video’, released last year, was a success and she is touring it worldwide this spring. Dacus released the single ‘Kissing Lessons’ at the start of the year, which brings hope for a new record soon.

2022 feels like it is going to be the year for the comeback of a lot of queer artists within all genres. We made a playlist with our favourite songs from this year, and our speculations for new music. Who are you excited to hear in the following months?