Lauren Sanderson
Caroline Eyer
It’s that time once again. To save you from your end-of-summer blues, we are proud to present this month’s edition of Queer Necessities, our LGBTQ-aligned playlist from Billboard Pride. Each month, we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Queer Necessities is curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music destination Jon ALi’s Blog.
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Don’t forget to follow Queer Necessities on Spotify to keep up-to-date on the best musical offerings from the LGBTQ community. Check out September’s selections below.
Ariana Grande, “Breathin”
The obvious fan favorite off Sweetener, “Breathin’” serves as a comforting mantra for those anxiety-filled situations.
Kim Petras, “All the Time”
This carefree cut, which bounces along on top of a slap-happy, ’80s synthesizer, highlights what Petras does best: lovey-dovey lyrics over a beat tailor made for a top-down ride through the Hills.
Ava Max, “Sweet But Psycho”
Rising newcomer Max continues to turn heads with her latest pop slice, the instantly addictive “Sweet But Psycho.”
Josh Wood, “Radio (You and I)”
L.A.-based singer Josh Wood preps for his upcoming EP with this flirty single “Radio (You and I).”
Cher, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)”
The music legend’s take on “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” from her upcoming ABBA covers album is just as campy as we needed it to be.
Liz, “Pandemonium”
Pop singer Liz’s latest is big, bold and a little erratic — just like a song called “Pandemonium” should sound.
Mario Jose, “You Were the One”
L.A.-based singer Mario Jose shines with this sugary sweet dance-pop serenade.
Siena Liggins, “Flowerbomb”
The Detroit-based artist gets it right straight out the gate with her girl-on-girl anthem “Flowerbomb,” a sex-positive bop for the queer ladies of the world.
John Duff, “Girly”
Pop newbie Duff gets campy on this ode to unleashing your inner goddess.
Calvin Harris & Sam Smith, “Promises”
Smith has finally returned to the dance floor, this time alongside hitmaker Harris. Their euphoric single has an equally dazzling visual to accompany, complete with performers from the ball scene.
The Fitness & The Pony, “Pretty Muthafucka”
This curveball track is packed with rugged techno basslines and slick, lo-fi delivery.
MNEK, “Correct”
MNEK gets cocky on this track, deservedly so too: for an artist that has held the moniker “one to watch” for years, he keeps managing to one-up himself.
Sam Bluer, “Body High”
Melbourne artist Bluer debuts with this dark and sultry electro-pop moment.
Allie X, “Science”
Allie X keeps it cool on her latest release. There’s something especially majestic once she launches into the dreamy, melancholy chorus — a real stars-align moment of top-notch lyricism, songcraft and production.
Lauren Sanderson, “Electric”
A clear standout from motivational speaker-turned-singer Sanderson’s mini album Don’t Panic, this track showcases her signature raspy tone over an island-flavored groove.
Delia Dane, “Go”
Brooklyn-based Delia Dane keeps it minimal and mysterious on this ambient track.
Perta, “The Woods On La Brea”
Perta gets theatrical on this soaring production, packed with drums, bass, horns and heavy guitars.
Check out past Queer Necessities playlists below:
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.