Rachel Chinouriri – It Is What It Is
South London’s Rachel Chinouriri channels romantic frustration in her latest single, ‘It Is What It Is’, ahead of her debut album, What A Devastating Turn Of Events, set to release on 3rd May. Listeners are catapulted into the mind of the artist in the midst of heartbreak, with spoken word verses and voice notes from friends giving the song an intimate vibe. “Well, I was definitely in a petty mood,” says Chinouriri. We love a relatable queen.
Cat Burns – end game
British-Jamaican & Nigerian artist Cat Burns released her latest single ‘end game’ on 26th April, ahead of her debut album early twenties set to release 12th July. In the emotive ballad, Burns reflects on a relationship that once had potential. Its gently contemplative strings allow for Burns’ beautifully down-hearted lyrics to shine through. In an interview with Gay Times, Burns explained that “If you’re a black woman, I want you to feel heard and seen. We are vulnerable people who are capable of having lots of emotions. And, being a black queer woman adds a layer to that.” This single is a perfect testament to that statement.
Sega Bodega – Elk Skin
Irish-Chilean artist Sega Bodega (aka Salvador Navarrete) explores the disorientation of technology and existence on his latest single ‘Elk Skin’, with a focus on artificial intelligence. The song’s very human opening – which includes a voice sample from a fan – married with its interestingly mechanical sound, speaks to our ever evolving relationship with technology. The unique track, rich in experimental electronics, sets the precedent for his forthcoming album, Dennis, set to release on 26th April.
Simone Casarotti – Sunbed
Queer Italian artist Simone Casarotti serves boyish romance realness with his second single ‘Sunbed’, released on 18th April. “This song is a mix of my personal experience and what I wish it felt like, the perfect queer summer I wasn’t allowed to dream of when I was younger,” says Casarotti. Inspired by Call Me By Your Name and Federico Fellini’s iconic cinematography, the spirited beat of the track is a love letter to the summer months and the romance that they bring.
girl in red – DOING IT AGAIN BABY
Girl in red began releasing music on SoundCloud in 2016. Since then, she has gone on to play Glastonbury, opened for Taylor Swift, and has become a queer icon through her emotive tracks such as ‘we fell in love in october’ and ‘girlfriend.’ Released on 12th April, ‘DOING IT AGAIN BABY’ is the title track of her latest album; the positively riled tune provides motivational rifts together with passionate lyrics. The artist’s fire is almost tangible.
Lizzy McAlpine – All Falls Down
24-year-old Lizzy McAlpine stuns with her sophomore album, Older, released on 5th April. Throughout the ambitious album, McAlpine draws on a number of personal experiences, such as the death of her father, romantic heartbreak, and her transition into adulthood. Older’s fifth track, ‘All Falls Down’, sums up the album’s message with lyrics like “22 was a panic attack” and “Couldn’t say who I am right now.” McAlpine’s devastatingly relatable lyrics hidden behind a quietly cheerful beat and optimistic instrumentals create what TikTok has described as “groovy existentialism.”
Conan Gray – Fainted Love
With chart topping hits such as ‘Heather’ and ‘Maniac’, Conan Gray has become a prolific musical voice for Gen Z with his distinct affinity for introspective lyrics. This persists throughout his third studio album, Found Heaven, released on 5th April. The album’s third track ‘Fainted Love’ is certainly a stand out tune. Tangible pop power paired with Gray’s familiarly heartbreaking lyrics make for synth-centric deliciousness.
Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!
26-year-old Chappel Roan, formally known as “your dream girl’s dream girl” (at least since her iconic performance at Coachella), continues to storm the pop world with her new single ‘Good Luck, Babe!’, released on 5th April. The single depicts the breakdown of a queer relationship with melancholy synths and a powerful bridge. Roan beautifully portrays her frustrations with a partner’s sexuality struggles, a shared experience for many queer people, through this cathartic masterpiece.
Baby Queen – Ride Or Die
Bella Latham, better known as Baby Queen, had her breakout moment with ‘Colours Of You’ which she wrote for the hit Netflix show Heartstopper. Since then, the artist’s career has certainly been on the up and up. The release of her new single ‘Ride Or Die’ on 4th April has solidified both her place in the music industry and her distinct sound which can be likened to pop and punk genres in an uniquely intertwined way.
GLOW – MICHELLE
MICHELLE is a predominantly POC and queer collective mix from New York City. Released in February, the title track of their latest EP, ‘GLOW’, offers a jaunty yet relaxing listening experience. With calmingly atmospheric drums and lyrics that are equal parts happy and hazy, GLOW is the sonic version of a hot girl walk in the spring sun.
Flowerovlove – A girl like me
South London’s Flowerovlove is Gen Z’s next pop princess. Already, the multi-talented 18 year old has pursued music, modelling, styling, and activism. She exemplifies her unique talent with her latest single ‘a girl like me.’ This bouncy lo-fi hit perfectly encapsulates the feminine experience of having a teenage crush through its shyly excitable sound and angsty lyrics.
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