CQ Roundup, April 6th

By Sara Gougeon

This week we have brand-new releases from Sheri Streeter, Angel Olsen, Semler, Amelia Jackie, Madeline Kelson, Hayden Joseph, Willi Carlisle, and more. These tunes explore queer longing, pride, and the struggle for work-life balance. Dive in!

— Sara

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Song of the Week:  “All the Miles” by Sheri Streeter

Streeter is a non-binary folk songwriter based in Louisville, Kentucky. “All the Miles” will be released to the public on Friday, but Streeter wanted CQ readers to hear it first. Warm guitars, emotional vocals, and vibrant energy are the hallmark of “All the Miles”. The upcoming album That Shadow Too Am I dives into the human need for connection and vulnerability while also confronting misogyny and exploring queer identity. Stay tuned for the upcoming album and enjoy “All The Miles” – you heard it here first, folks!

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“All The Good Times,” Angel Olsen

This music video for Angel Olsen’s new song examines a queer relationship and looks back on “all the good times.” Lines like “Guess it’s time to wake up from the trip we’ve been on / So long, farewell, this is the end” are cleverly weaved into the lyrics as she drives through winding country roads. Olsen’s soft voice is comforting, and atmospheric guitars wrap the queer longing in something wide, warm, and familiar. 

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“You’re Not My Friend,” Semler

Semler’s new music video for “You’re Not My Friend” is campy, giving the energy of “But I’m a Cheerleader” (a popular queer rom-com). It’s bright, sarcastic, bold, and iconic. Lyrics like “God is amazing and your church is crazy” call out those who hide behind religion to preach bad values. Semler promotes religion and queerness being able to coexist.

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“Ice Cold Plum,” Amelia Jackie

Amelia Jackie is a queer Indie-rock/Americana artist, and “Ice Cold Plum” is the second single off of her spectacularly-titled debut album, You Can’t Fuck the Internet. Her vocals blend toughness and vulnerability in a way that is both engaging and distant. “Ice Cold Plum” is poetic and visual with images like “Open the window it’s raining outside / You only ever call me when you’re already crying.”

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“Tulsa’s Last Magician,” Willi Carlisle

Willi Carlisle is a folk singer based in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. “Tulsa’s Last Magician” is a story-song reminiscent of Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee.” It’s filled with poetic lyrics, folky verses, and clever sentiments like “There’s a 1 in 52 chance it’s all magic and it’s true /So won’t you please help us believe in you?”  

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“The Way I Do,” Madeleine Kelson 

Madeleine Kelson’s new anthem, “The Way I Do,” moves to normalize queerness in country music with lyrics like “God has never loved a woman the way I do.” Kelson says, “Country music has historically not been a great place to be gay, so I wanted to flip the script and make the production on this song as classic country as I could. I love that country music is starting to be more inclusive of women, queer people, and people of color.” Kelson wrote the song she wished she had growing up. We know it’s making a difference.

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“I’m Not There Yet,” Hayden Joseph 

Hayden Joseph’s “I’m Not There Yet” is a relatable song about chasing dreams, making time for yourself, and hustle culture. Lyrics like “I’ve been saying yes too often” and “Am I busy to be busy/ Am I closer to my dreams” struggle to figure out how to find a work-life balance in a society that makes it feel impossible. 

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New & Noteworthy: 

Amythyst Kiah – “Wild Turkey (live)”
Freddie Blue and the Friendship Circle Band – “Notify (Your healthcare provider) live”
Daddy Dawg – “The Devil in Mexico”
Poetica – “Engagement”

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Got a great new song? Submit it to CQ!