New Queer Musicians for Your Spring Playlist

Looking for new music this spring? We at OFM have you covered with some of our favorite recent releases from queer artists.

“Good Luck, Babe!” – Chappell Roan 

The Midwest Princess Chappell Roan (she/her) recently released a new single on April 5 titled “Good Luck, Babe!” This single follows the release of her debut album last September, The Rise and Fall of A Midwest Princess, a work of queer pop perfection that reflects on her different relationship experiences as a bisexual woman and moving out of the Midwest. “Good Luck, Babe!” reflects a relationship of Roan’s where her partner is struggling with compulsory heterosexuality that eventually breaks the two of them up. Despite its somewhat serious subject matter, the song is another catchy, upbeat pop hit from Roan that will make your spring. Fans of Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, and MUNA will love Roan’s brand of flamboyant, layered, and bright pop music. 

“Push N Shuv” – Lava La Rue

Funky Britpop artist Lava La Rue (they/them) has their long-awaited debut album set to release in June, STARFACE, and has blessed us all with an early single titled “Push N Shuv.” They’ve released three EPs since 2018, so a full-length album is long coming. The single is an upbeat depiction of a back-and-forth relationship and is a song they originally made at the beginning of their music career. La Rue says, “I knew when I wrote it in 2019 that if I made an album, that’s what I wanted it to sound like. It’s literally been years in the making and honing in on that sound, and it only feels fitting that this is the song that I announce the album with.” Their ethereal, funk-inspired Britpop will convince even the biggest hater to give it a listen.

burnout – VIAL

This indie-punk band is made up of three queer best friends, Taylor Kraemor (she/they),  KT Branscom (they/them), and Katie Fischer (she/they), and they just released their third full-length album, burnout. The album reflects the band’s growth in the last five years, centering around breakups and introspection. The band originally rose to a higher level of popularity during COVID-19 with a single from their 2019 album Grow Up, “Rough,” gaining popularity on TikTok, but for good reason. Their headbanging, loud, angry, unconventional, femme-lead punk will endear them to fans of The Oozes, Daisy and the Scouts, and other contemporary queercore/riot grrrl bands.

“American High” – Isaac Dunbar

Isaac Dunbar (he/him) just released another beautiful alternative pop single, “American High,” to be the gay party anthem of the spring. The single is a prelude to his upcoming EP, Beep Beep Repeat, releasing on April 26. The EP is inspired by Isaac’s time living in New York City and the sound and energy of its vibrant club scene and promises to be a maximalist combo of 2010’s pop influences and 70’s disco theatricality. His 2022 EP, Banish the Banshee, landed him a spot on GLAAD’s 20 Under 20 list and a nomination for Breakthrough Music Artist at the 2023 GLAAD Media Awards, proving him to be a voice to look out for as he continues to make music. Fans of Autoheart, COIN, and BETWEEN FRIENDS will appreciate this layered, energetic, piano-based pop single.  

“Too Slow” – Maude Latour

Another sapphic pop banger comes this spring from Maude Latour (she/her) in the form of her most recent single “Too Slow.” The single is an upbeat, hyper-pop-influenced anthem about getting ready to go nowhere with your friends and is inspired by her relationships with friends. The music video features her real-life friend group, who are all exceptionally talented in their own rights. This single preludes her full-length debut album that is set to come out this summer, though we haven’t received any details on the title or specific release date yet. Set to open for Fletcher (she/her) this fall, and following her self-described “sapphic love letter” of her last EP, Twin Flames, her name should be included with other sapphic pop greats like Chappell Roan, MUNA, and Lady Gaga.

Photo courtesy of social media