A Late-Summer Wave of Queer Music Magic
It’s already late August, but queer artists are keeping the momentum alive with fresh releases. From Crystal Waters still leading house to Carly Rae Jepsen reviving Emotion-era magic, this week’s new tracks bring nostalgia, reinvention, and plenty of heart. Here’s what you need to add to your playlist.
Durand Bernarr and Cool Company Deliver Smooth Future R&B
Cool Company, the duo known for blending R&B, hip-hop, funk, soul, and pop into a “future R&B” sound, teams up with GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr. Their new track, “Hip 2 Hip Hypnosis,” is one of the smoothest R&B releases this year. With Bernarr’s brilliant vocals layered over silky production, the song is hypnotic in the best way.
Crystal Waters Still Reigns as the Queen of House
The dance pioneer behind classics like “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” and “100% Pure Love” returns with “Umm Bop.” Teaming up with Swedish duo ManyFew, Crystal Waters fuses club polish with soulful punch. Decades into her career, she continues to define and elevate house music.
BRUSES Channels Darkness Into Electro-Pop Power
Four-time Latin GRAMMY nominee BRUSES releases “MALEFIKA,” a haunting electro-pop track that anchors her new album DESDE EL COMA. Inspired by a near-death experience, the song captures a dark, cinematic rebirth. With its pulsing club energy, BRUSES is cementing her place as a leader in Latin pop’s new wave.
Carly Rae Jepsen Revives Emotion-Era Brilliance
It’s been 10 years since Emotion turned fans into devoted Carly Rae Jepsen stans. To celebrate, she unveils “More,” a wistful unreleased track filled with sparkling nostalgia. The Emotion (10th Anniversary Edition) arrives this October with unearthed songs and vinyl re-packaging, giving fans exactly what they crave—more.
Ludmilla and Victoria Monét Heat Things Up With “Cam Girl”
Brazilian superstar Ludmilla joins forces with R&B star Victoria Monét for “Cam Girl.” This sultry bilingual bop brings sizzling chemistry, bouncy production, and undeniable star power. The collaboration feels cinematic, showcasing both artists at their most playful and sensual.
LIZ and SOPHIE’s Hyperpop Fantasy Lives On
Fans finally get to hear “Sunscreen,” a long-lost collaboration between LIZ and the late SOPHIE. The track is a bubblegum hyperpop dream, blending fizzy vocals, glossy beats, and SOPHIE’s unmistakable production. It’s a radiant, posthumous reminder of her lasting influence on queer pop.
Rising Artist Fedge Drops Tender Ballad “Can’t You See”
San Francisco-based queer artist Fedge shares “Can’t You See,” a heartfelt track blending guitar and synths. With its aching vocals and shimmering chorus, the song captures the pain of feeling invisible in love. Fedge’s vulnerability ensures he won’t stay overlooked for long.
🎶 Final Word: Bop After Bop
This week’s lineup proves that queer artistry is thriving across genres. From house to R&B, hyperpop to electro-pop, each track showcases unique perspectives and boundless creativity. Add them to your late-summer playlist—you won’t regret it.
