Queer Music News is a smattering of what’s going on in music by LGBTQ+ artists and the artists we love. Here’s a wrap-up of new music we’ve received in recent days for your Monday Mixtape.
Quentin turns heartbreak into an anthem on “Hello Denial”
Quentin, who uses any pronouns, has dropped the first single and video from their forthcoming album Tomgirl. The album is set for release on Feb. 20. The video follows Quentin as they strut down South Congress in Austin surrounded by an army of united girlfriends.
“Hello Denial” is based on a personal experience familiar to many queer listeners — forming a romantic connection with someone who identifies as straight — the song confronts the damage that can occur when identity goes unspoken.
“Sometimes when somebody isn’t honest about their sexual identity, they end up hurting people along the way,” the Texas native said in the song’s press release. “It’s a complex concept, and I wanted to make a song that felt like an anthem for it. I hope the pain I went through to make this song can ultimately help other people heal — or keep them from inflicting that pain on someone else.”
Watch the video for “Hello Denial” below:
Snail Mail drops new single ahead of album and tour announcement
Lindsey Jordan, under the moniker of Snail Mail, announced her third album, Ricochet, due out March 27 on Matador Records. Her first album in five years, the queer singer returns with a sharpened perspective. The album’s 11 songs are steeped in introspection, anxiety and acceptance.
The album is a first for Jordan’s creative process.
“I’ve never done this before, but I wrote all of the instrumentals and vocal melodies on the piano or guitar, and then I filled in the lyrics all at once over a year,” she said in a press release.
The album’s first single, “Dead End,” previews the album. Jordan also directed the video alongside Elsie Richter.
Jordan will embark on a major North American tour this spring, kicking off April 10. The tour is Snail Mail’s first extensive run of North America. She will play at the Granada Theater on April 25.
Watch the video for “Dead End” below:
Queer indie folk duo Sweet Petunia offers some “Grub” from upcoming debut album
The Boston duo of Mairead Guy and Maddy Simpson as Sweet Petunia, released “Grub” last month, a significant milestone for the two. The song previews their Righteous Babe Records debut album Foggy Mountain Mental Breakdown out March 13. Infused with twang and harmonies, the duo describes the single as about community and acceptance.
“‘Grub’ is a cry for belonging and community. It showcases a yearning for comfort in one’s own skin and a desperate desire for a feeling of safety both internally and externally. If only a person could burrow down into the ground like a grub and be free of the watchful judging eye of society. Now more than ever people are longing for the deep community and tangible love that ‘Grub’ expresses,” they said in the a press release.
Watch “Grub” below:
Concert calendar:
Feb. 6: Bill Murray, Blood Brothers at Majestic Theatre.
Feb. 7: Felix Da Housecat at It’ll Do Nightclub.
Feb. 7: New Edition, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton at American Airlines Center.
Feb. 13: Fantasia at Dickies Arena.
Feb. 14: Fox Peterson at Trees.
Feb. 22: Chaka Khan, Stephanie Mills, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle at Dickies Arena.
Feb. 27: Aimee Mann at Longhorn Ballroom.
Feb. 28: Jeremy Jordan & Age of Madness at Club Dada.
Feb. 28-March 1: Lady Gaga at Dickies Arena.
March 3: Nine Inch Nails at American Airlines Center.
March 7: Cardi B at American Airlines Center.
March 23: Rainbow Kitten Surprise at The Bomb Factory.
March 27: A Flock Of Seagulls, Gene Loves Jezebel at The Echo Lounge & Music Hall.
March 28: Peaches at The Studio at The Factory.
March 31: Tiffany at Granada Theater.
May 3: Maren Morris at the Majestic.
June 17: Summer Walker at American Airlines Center.
–Rich Lopez
