L Devine
William Henry Thompson
It may be a leap year, but we’re not leaping forward without celebrating some LGBTQ bops! We’re proud to present the February 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.
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 Sparro, “Eye 2 Eye”
Sam Sparro strikes gold yet again with “Eye 2 Eye,” a dreamy and powerful ‘80’s-influenced popscape from his upcoming new studio album Boombox Eternal.
FHAT, “Curious”
Rising Berlin-based duo FHAT show off a different side of themselves with the sensual and alluring “Curious,” a slow disco groove made perfect for a late-night rendezvous.
Kodi James, “On Your Mind”
Kodi James continues to impress with his sleek and nostalgic synth-driven pop gem “On Your Mind,” a true reminder that a little sax goes a long way.
Tove Lo, “Bikini Porn”
Tove Lo’s team up with Billie Eilish’s older brother and sole collaborator, Finneas, is a sexy, playful song all about letting go of your worries.
Jai Wolf & Wrabel, “Mood Rider”
Wrabel lays down a powerful vocal performance on-top of Jai Wolf’s mesmerizing ‘80s-driven production packed with his alluring vocal chops and chilling bassline — it’s a collaboration done right.
L Devine, “Boring People”
L Devine gives us a satirical take on herself and life’s daily duties on this grungy and angsty offering “Boring People,” bringing to mind the best garage rock from the ‘90s.
Jordy, “High Score”
The latest teaser from L.A. talent Jordy is easily one of his most playful outputs yet as he embraces and calls out the games men play to catch each other’s attention.
Gia Woods, “Hungry”
Gia Woods makes no apologies for her wants and needs on this fiesty, hard-rocking guitar pop anthem. This is how you do self-empowerment: “I’m not hungry, bitch/ Leave me alone.”
Matiss Evreoux, “Sanity Vanity”
Californian artist Matiss Evreoux gets lost in a bit of darkness on this introspective highlight from his debut EP, How Everyone Lost Their Mind, crafted entirely by himself.
Siena Liggins, “Wait On Me”
Detroit-born, Atlanta based singer Siena Liggins happily wears her heart on her sleeve on this instantly addictive pop confessional.
Dorian Electra, “Tool For You”
Dorian Electra’s repackage of their stellar debut album Flamboyant comes packed a few new tracks, including the umru-produced “Tool For You,” a welcome addition to their already impressive collection of experimental pop.
Sonikku feat. Chester Lockhart, “Remember to Forget Me”
London DJ-producer Sonikku and singer Chester Lockhart explore the sometimes unavoidable irrational behavior that comes with new love on this nostalgic yet fresh, synth-filled dance track off of his upcoming album, Joyful Death (out April 17).
Rina Sawayama, “Comme Des Garçons (Like The Boys)”
Rising London-based pop star provides the perfect strut-ready, dancefloor escape with “Comme Des Garçons (Like The Boys),” described by her as “about trying to alchemize the confidence of the gay men that have always shown Rina love.”
Jodie Harsh, “Don’t Try Me (feat. Vulva)”
London-based multi-talent Jodie Harsh continues their club dominance with yet another dance floor filler, this time with a little extra sass thanks to the spirited vocal from Vulva.
Caveboy, “N.Y.P.”
Montreal’s Caveboy finds pleasure in the pain on this undeniable standout from their new album Night in the Park — it’s chilly, sublime synth-pop sadness for the dancefloor.
La Roux, “Automatic Driver”
La Roux, a.k.a. Elly Jackson, keeps things surprisingly joyful musically on “Automatic Driver” despite its lyrical content being about finding out who in a relationship is on autopilot.
M the Myth, “Speed of Life”
Indie-pop talent M the Myth finds self-empowerment through overcoming addiction on this liberating synth-pop escape.
Reyna, “Saw You with Somebody Else”
Milwaukee-based sibling band Reyna show no signs of slowing down with yet another beautifully textured and completely irresistible ’80s-inspired pop confessional.
Tim Chadwick, “Sore Thumb”
“I hate to act up just so they like me,” Irish talent Tim Chadwick sings, as he bares his soul with this all-too-relatable story about dimming your shine in order to make everyone around you feel more comfortable.
Jame & Michael Medrano, “Run Like Hell”
Jame & Michael Medrano’s team up “Run Like Hell” sees them trading sweet embraces across a truly dreamy, synth-pop groove. It melts so smoothly, you’re going to want to go back for repeated listens.
Shallou & Daya, “Older”
Producer Sahllou has recruited Daya to lay down a beautifully haunting and emotional vocal across his ethereal and alluring production on “Older.”
Brandon Colbein, “Mess”
L.A.-based singer-songwriter Brandon Colbein’s latest release “Mess” is a prime example of strength in vulnerability, enhanced with a powerful showcase of natural vocal talent.
Donna Missal, “Hurt By You”
Donna Missal looks at the bright side of letting go on her latest “Hurt By You,” which she says “doesn’t have to signify loss and pain exclusively. You don’t have to be hurt by change.”
GESS, “Darkside”
The latest output for Gess is spacey next-level R&B bliss, providing the perfect new addition to that baby-makin’ soundtrack.
Rosemary Joaquin, “A Little More”
Indie Nashville talent Rosemary Joaquin leaves her emotions bare on what she’s calling her “coming-out anthem,” a relatable pop ballad about finding oneself within the excitement of their first real love.
Check out past Queer Necessities playlists below:
2020: January
2019: December | November | October | September | August | 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.