As we step into 2025, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in fresh tunes from your beloved queer artists. Billboard Pride is thrilled to bring you the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, showcasing an exciting collection of the finest new music releases from LGBTQ artists around the globe. Get ready to explore vibrant sounds that resonate with diverse experiences and emotions, as we highlight some remarkable tracks that deserve your attention this week.
From the brilliant new single by Lucy Dacus to the insightful work of Perfume Genius exploring themes of anxiety, this week?s selection features a diverse range of releases that highlight the creativity and talent within the queer music scene. Dive into these tracks that not only entertain but also resonate on a deeper emotional level, showcasing personal experiences and universal themes that speak to many.
Lucy Dacus Unveils Emotional Depth in ?Ankles?
Leave it to Lucy Dacus, a remarkable modern singer-songwriter and one of the talented members of the alt-rock trio Boygenius, to create a breathtaking song that embodies queer intimacy. ?Ankles? marks a departure from much of Dacus? earlier work, as she replaces traditional guitar riffs with lush strings, transforming the sonic landscape from minimalistic to grand. Despite this evolution, the essence of her artistry prevails: she masterfully translates personal experiences into songs that resonate with a broad audience. From start to finish, ?Ankles? stands as a career-defining piece for Dacus, showcasing her remarkable talent and emotional depth.
Perfume Genius Delivers Poignant Reflections in ?It?s a Mirror?
In an era when anxiety is an increasingly common experience, Perfume Genius emerges with a powerful track that encapsulates this pervasive sentiment. ?It?s a Mirror? immerses listeners in themes of isolation and solitude, while showcasing an evolution in musicality through richer and bolder sounds from the artist known as Mike Hadreas. His poignant lyrics delve into the inescapable cycle of anxiety, with lines like, ?It?s a diamond, my whole life is/ Open just outside the door,? inviting listeners to reflect on their own struggles and experiences.
Chloe Moriondo Strikes a Chord with Heartfelt ?Shoreline?
Chloe Moriondo has carved out a niche in the music industry as a storyteller who presents complex, messy thoughts through her vibrant and often humorous songwriting. However, her latest single, ?Shoreline,? takes a strikingly different approach, as she opts for a more sincere and earnest tone. In this beautifully crafted track, Moriondo reflects on the pain of her ?first big breakup,? employing simple yet profound metaphors, minimalistic production, and a stunning vocal delivery that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced heartache.
Zora?s Belladonna Explores Resilience and Identity
At its core, Belladonna is a powerful narrative that unfolds as a horror story, told from the often-overlooked viewpoint of a black trans woman asserting her existence. Yet, Zora, the talented artist from Minnesota who is behind this project, refuses to be portrayed as a victim. Instead, Belladonna boldly establishes Zora’s command over her narrative, weaving together tales of desire (?Sick Sex?), secrecy (?Hush?), and revenge (?Bodies in My Room?)?highlighting her strength and determination to reclaim her story.
Jasmine.4.t Breaks Ground with You Are the Morning
Introducing your next favorite artist: Jasmine.4.t, the first British signing to Phoebe Bridgers Saddest Factory Records and an emerging star in the alt-rock scene. With her captivating new album You Are the Morning, Jasmine offers a deeply personal exploration of her transition journey, articulating her experiences with sex (?Skin on Skin?), navigating queer friendships (?You Are the Morning?), grappling with trauma (?Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation?), and discovering her authentic self (?New Shoes?). Keep an eye on Jasmine.4.t; if You Are the Morning is any indication, she is just beginning her ascent to a remarkable career in alt-rock.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard?s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
