CQ Roundup, February 24th
By Sara Gougeon
This week’s songs draw from a bit of love, a bit of loss, and even a bad Tinder date. In addition to our Song of the Week, Lily Rose’s “I’d Be Lying (Live),” we’ve rounded up new releases from Rachel Garlin, Orville Peck, Lily Rose, Maggie Gently, Michelle Malone, and Iris Marlowe. Saddle up and enjoy the ride.
— Sara
Song of the Week: “I’d Be Lying (Live),” Lily Rose
We’d be lying if we said we weren’t listening to this song on repeat. Lily Rose released a live video of “I’d Be Lying” off of her 2021 album Stronger Than I Am (Repack). This Georgia-grown artist is a proud voice for LGBTQ+ country music. We love that Rose recolors the meaning of the main lyric, “I’d be lying.” Beginning as “I’d be lying right beside you,” the lyric evolves to “I’d say ‘I’m fine’/ But I’d be lying,” holding an entirely different meaning.
“C’Mon Baby, Cry,” Orville Peck
Orville Peck just dropped a stunning music video for his song “C’Mon Baby, Cry.” The production is phenomenal, the acting is superb, and the song is gorgeous. Peck’s voice soars as he declares: “I don’t want you to be afraid / Let me see you cry.” If the queer dream isn’t to declare your love to someone in flashing fairy lights, we don’t know what is. Stay tuned for the album, Bronco, coming April 8th.
“Some Weights Are Hard to Bear,” Rachel Garlin
Opening with “She’s scattered in her sadness,” this poetic, soft-spoken piece draws you right in. The imagery is as warm as the picking of her guitar. The song and video share an interesting contrast between the feeling of lightness and being weighed down. Some weights are hard to bear, but this song helps.
“Steady,” Maggie Gently
San Francisco-based artist Maggie Gently just released her new single, “Steady.” We love the focus on mental health: “For a long time I didn’t see how strong I was / But now I’m gonna be steady.” It’s incredibly relatable, powerful, and all-around great songwriting. Listen now for a taste of the album coming on March 18th.
“Not Who I Used to Be,” Michelle Malone
Michelle Malone’s new song feels especially relevant to queerness. The idea of not identifying with who you used to be is strong in our community. The repetition of the lyric “I’m not who I used to be” at the end of the song speaks to the queer experience. Convincing both the world and yourself that you are no longer who you used to be takes repetition, as do the habits and pursuits that lead us to becoming a new person or simply becoming who we are.
“Make Up Your Mind,” Iris Marlowe
Looking for a breakup song with a banjo? Inspired by a bad Tinder date, this twangy tune might just do it for you! After her last two folk-inspired albums, Marlowe is now giving us a taste of classic country-western. Keep an eye out for her upcoming album featuring nostalgic sounds of the 60’s and 70’s, to be released later this year.