Sam Smith
Maggie West
Before the summer comes to a close, we’ve got another playlist full of the hottest bops to help you close out this season! We’re proud to present the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies.
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See latest videos, charts and news
Each month’s selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi’s Blog. Don’t forget to follow Queer Necessities on Spotify to keep up-to-date on the best musical offerings from the LGBTQ community.
Sam Smith, “How Do You Sleep?”
The Oscar-winner is back on his own again with his latest single, “How Do You Sleep?” It’s his most daring production yet, as he lays his signature full-bodied chops atop a hard-hitting bass and a beat that’s radio-ready.
Simon Curtis, “Graduate”
The latest from Simon Curtis is a cosmic electro-pop escape all “about growing up, letting go, and evolving. An anthem for anyone who’s had to overcome some bullshit to be the person they are today.”
Bronze Avery, “Never Be You”
Pop singer Bronze Avery continues to impress with his sleek new cut “Never Be You”, a shimmering ‘80’s-tinged production that serves as a clear indication of his growth over the years.
Charli XCX & Christine and the Queens, “Gone”
Charli XCX keeps her signature style intact on her team up with Héloïse Letissier of Christine and the Queens, taking nostalgic aesthetics – ’80s-like drums, infectious synths and robotic breakdowns – and blasting them to futuristic new heights.
Kelechi, “Forever Tonight”
Industry newcomer Kelechi makes an impressive kick-off with his love-struck debut “Forever Tonight,” a song that feels like an instant classic from the very first play.
Peter Thomas, “Watching TV With The Sound Off”
Writer-producer-singer Peter Thomas’ first single off his debut record, Attachment, “Watching TV With the Sound Off” effortlessly captures that love-at-first-sight feeling across this synth-pop blast.
Hayley Kiyoko, “I Wish”
Hayley Kiyoko is back and better than ever with her new moody heartbreaker “I Wish,” our first taste of what’s to come from the follow-up to her 2018 debut LP Expectations.
Sam Bluer, “Naughty”
As the title suggests, Aussie babe Sam Bluer’s latest “Naughty” sees him losing control as he fails to keep his promise to a love interest by dancing up on another body across infectious, synth-pop pulsations.
Dorian Electra, “Emasculate”
On “Emasculate Me,” one of the many highlights off of non-binary superstar Dorian Electra’s debut LP Flamboyant, they confront the inescapable expectations and the subsequently damaging byproducts of hyper-masculinity in the most intriguing of ways.
LIZ & Slayyyter, “Diamond in the Dark”
L.A. talent LIZ serves up nostalgic, bubblegum-dance-pop circa 2002 with a little help from PC Music darling Slayyyter. A pairing done right.
Davis Mallory, “Shirtless”
Singer-songwriter Davis Mallory makes no apologies about falling for those chest-baring thirst traps on this addictive and playful, dance-ready pop jam.
Blew Velvet, “A Mirror”
Brooklyn-based musician Blew Velvet’s latest cosmic, synth-driven escape is intended as “a reminder that things should be personal. A mirror is the guide to answering your own questions, to being your own muse, to understanding where you are and what you’re embodying.”
Pabllo Vittar & Charli XCX, “Flash Pose”
Brazilian superstar Pabllo Vittar and Charli XCX have come together once again to release a new anthem called “Flash Pose,” packed full of caption-ready lyrics and hard-hitting dance beats.
CALVY, “Taking It Slow”
This L.A. singer’s latest offering is as honest and relatable as it is cool and instant — another stellar taste of what CALVY’s capable of.
Hollie Col, “Unholy”
Australian darling Hollie Col’s new single “Unholy” is a burst of sunny indie energy with an ever-so-slight tinge of alt-folk and nostalgic, angsty pop-rock.
Tegan and Sara, “I’ll Be Back Someday”
Tegan and Sara return to their angsty roots on the guitar-driven “I’ll Be Back Someday,” the lead single for their forthcoming album Hey, I’m Just Like You.
Brian León, “Don’t Leave”
Newcomer Brian León’s impressive debut “Don’t Leave” seems him reflecting on a past relationship and its many impacts on his life, across a dreamy yet melancholic production.
Kalen Blanco, “25”
Rising talent Kalen Blanco laments the struggles of coming into your own in your 20’s on this thrilling genre-bender that showcases a whole new side to his capabilities.
Shea Couleé & GESS, “Rewind”
Shea Couleé’s team up with R&B musician GESS is a moody and shining example that drag superstars are capable are serving up much more than just your typical club affair.
Carlos Vara, “Want Me To”
Carlos Vara’s latest confessional “Want Me To” puts his vulnerable side on display yet again on this crashing power ballad with a more brooding and menacing sound than its predecessors.
Aaron Marco, “Like I Do”
L.A. singer-songwriter Aaron Maraco’s SHE EP highlight “Like I Do” sees them cheekily chronicling a sex affair with a taken lover.
Rituals of Mine, “BURST”
Electronic duo Rituals of Mine, made up by vocalist Terra Lopez and drummer Adam Pierce, take us for a gloomy turn on this beautifully haunting and contemplative single.
Ryan Ashley, “GUESS MY FRIENDS WERE RIGHT”
UK talent Ryan Ashley finds comfort and guidance in his friends on this ‘90’s-feeling, instant bop off his debut EP, INNOCENT.
Yavin, “Good Fun.”
Boston native Yavin demands for your undivided attention on his dreamy and self-aware popscape “Good Fun.,” one of the many highlights from his album Growing Up.
Check out past Queer Necessities playlists below:
July | June | May | April | March | February | January
Jon ALi is a NYC-based DJ and founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi’s Blog, which celebrates its 13-year anniversary this year. He spends his weekends spinning tunes at gay spots in Manhattan.