Country Queer

Lifting up LGBTQ+ voices in country and Americana.

Buried Treasure, October 2

by Annie Parnell, Managing Editor

Jess Carreira.

Hi all,

The Country Queer staff has officially survived AmericanaFest! We’ve been spending a little time recently getting back on our feet, and I’m thrilled to present this collection of newly-released queer country singles to celebrate.

This week, we’ve got some lonesome bedroom pop-tinged country from Jess Carreira, classic country encouragement from the Whitmore Sisters, heartwarming pop-folk from Holly Clausius, and a reflective swamp-pop rumination on capitalism from Bruisey Peets. All in all, it’s a great mix of new queer music to bring into October for the first few days of LGBTQ+ History Month!

Stay hydrated,

Annie

Jess Carreira — “Harvest Moon”

Lord knows I’m a sucker for a Neil Young cover, and this tender rendition of “Harvest Moon” from Philadelphia-based Jess Carreira is the perfect way to usher in the autumn spirit. Originally from rural Kansas, Carreira found a new appreciation for Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton over the course of accepting their sexuality, and on their new bedroom-pop influenced album Heartland Express they’ve crafted a queer reclamation of the music they grew up with. This dreamy track combines classic-country guitars with spacey, intimate vocals, a surefire hit for fans of Girl in Red.

The Whitmore Sisters — “Learn to Fly”

Now recording under a joint name that pays tribute to their sisterhood, Bonnie and Eleanor Whitmore contribute their blood harmony and an inspirational country sound to their first single together, a release ahead of their upcoming album Ghost Stories. “If you wanna ride roller coasters/ You must grow so tall to ride” the sisters sing, urging listeners to allow themselves to grow and accept the changes they need to do so. Despite this up-and-at-em sense of urgency, “Learn to Fly” stays soothing, a reassuring encouragement that though your “palms may be sweaty,” it’s important to realize when it’s “time to climb.”

Holly Clausius — “Clementine”

Holly Clausius takes the plunge in “Clementine,” a nostalgic ode to asking a girl out at a middle school dance. Inspired by Fearless-era Taylor Swift, this sweet song mixes the giddiness of childhood infatuation with the exhilarating process of discovering your sexuality, a message that’s sure to resonate with listeners regardless of how long they’ve been out. Clausius says her creative goal is for “her music to be a safe haven for those who feel alone” — a warmth that rings true throughout this feel-good ballad. 

Bruisey Peets — “Poached Eggs”

New Orleans swamp-pop act, Bruisey Peets, skewers capitalism and comment under the exhaustion of existing underneath it in this piano-driven track. Mixing Cajun influences with an indie ethos and a vaudeville flair, Bruisey Peets draw inspiration from “sad-clown sincerity” and burnout, evoking Hamilton Leithauser and the millennial satire of Cheekface. Stick around for the whirlwind, dizzying repetition of “Potential is an untapped kombucha keg / Avocado toast with poached eggs” over discordant fiddles towards the end.

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“Buried Treasure” is your weekly guide to new releases by queer artists in country, Americana, and folk. Know an artist who should be included? Contact us!