It’s that time once again. To fully prepare for the fall season, we’re proud to present the latest edition of Queer Necessities, a new monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month’s selections is curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi’s Blog.
Enjoy this new serving of pop gems, and don’t forget to follow the Spotify playlist to keep up-to-date on each month’s offering. Have a most #blessed October!
Robyn, “Honey”
The near-mythical title track from Robyn’s long-awaited follow-up to 2010’s Body Talk is a complete vibe, with chilling atmospherics and breathy verses.
Leland, “Lights”
The soundtrack for Netflix’s Sierra Burgess Is a Loser is essentially a start-to-finish celebration of queer pop greatness thanks to its mastermind curator Leland. His very own lush, synth-pop contribution certainly is no exception.
Mathew V, “The Coast”
Canadian crooner Mathew V’s latest output is a sun-kissed escape for those not ready to leave the warmer months behind.
Rita Ora, “Let You Love Me”
Rita Ora continues her low-key pop princess slayage with this instantly infectious ode to self-sabotage.
Tyde Levi, “Sober”
Australian newcomer melts with smooth R&B and late-night electronica on this serenade of unrequited love.
Joéd, “What You Like”
Missouri-bred singer/songwriter Joéd kicks off his new project with a modern dance-pop shape-shifter.
Leadr, “11:11” (feat. TXVX)
L.A.-based dance musician Leadr encourages you to manifest your higher purpose with this mystical and liberating slice of electro-pop.
Tom Aspaul, “Going Down”
London-based Tom Aspaul has penned tracks for the likes of Aluna George, Kylie Minogue and Little Boots — and he returns from a two-year hiatus with a sad-disco anthem.
Teddy<3, “Body and Soul”
Teddy Geiger’s latest song, under the moniker Teddy<3, is a sleek piece of angsty pop with a garage rock edge.
Morgxn, “Home (feat. Walk The Moon)”
Morgxn and pop-rock four-piece Walk The Moon come together on this stomp-heavy celebration of finding your own safe space.
Silk City & Dua Lipa, “Electricity”
Diplo and Mark Ronson have crafted an amicable pop-dance crossover, all not possible without the ever-rising superstar Dua Lipa’s powerhouse vocals.
Jessica 6, “Ridiculous”
Nomi Ruiz circles back to her roots and calls out her admirers on this sensual, strut-ready dance floor filler from forthcoming EP.
FHAT, “Onatd”
Singer/songwriters Aaron Pfeiffer and Sedric Perry continue to impress with their third output, an inviting slice of velvety smooth R&B.
Sofi Tukker & Pabllo Vittar, “Energia (Parte 2)”
Brooklyn-based twosome Sofi Tukker have given their latest single “Energia” an upgrade by inviting Brazilian drag superstar Pabllo Vittar to join in on the fun.
Alyson Stoner, “Fool”
Former Disney starlet Alyson Stoner’s latest gem glides through the speakers like a crisp fall breeze, equipped with an instant chorus that will remain glued to your brain.
Sakima, “Holy Water”
Genre-bender Sakima supplies gentle night-time greatness wrapped in airy synth-pop and sweeping atmospherics. The song feels fiercely romantic, sensual and melancholy all at once.
Ieuan and Jesse Saint John, “Love It When U Love Me”
“Love It When U Love Me,” a clear standout from Ieuan’s third album Over the Garden Wall, sees him linking up with Jesse Saint John above intimate electronica and a tripping R&B pulse.
Richard Cortez, “Chest Cold” (feat. Logan Sawtelle)
Brooklyn-based crooner Richard Cortez provides the sweetest of embraces with smooth and lonesome acoustics on this somber, lovelorn highlight off his his latest EP, The Welder & The Lark.
Check out past Queer Necessities playlists below:
September 2018: Lauren Sanderson, Sam Smith, Mario Jose & More
August 2018: Daya, King Princess, Holland & More
July 2018: Ryan Ashley, Sophie, Shea Diamond & More
June 2018: MNEK, Monét X Change, VINCINT & More
May 2018: Todrick Hall, Maggie Lindemann, Azealia Banks & More
April 2018: Years & Years, MNEK, Keiynan Lonsdale & More
March 2018: Kim Petras, Janelle Monáe, Kehlani & More
February 2018: Troye Sivan, Lady Gaga, Hayley Kiyoko & More
January 2018: Greyson Chance, Charli XCX, Rayvon Owen & More
December 2017: Parson James, Lauren Jauregui, Brian Justin Crum & More
November 2017: Hayley Kiyoko, Fischerspooner, Kim Petras & more
October 2017: Tove Lo, MUNA, Sam Smith and more
September 2017: Neon Trees, Bonnie McKee, Kelela and more
August 2017: Adam Lambert, Beth Ditto, MNEK and more
Jon ALi is a NYC-based DJ and founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi’s Blog, which celebrates its 11-year anniversary this year. He spends his weekends spinning tunes at gay spots in Manhattan.