CQ Roundup, March 16th
By Sara Gougeon
It’s a good week to be gay! Brace yourselves for a slew of new releases. This week’s music makes me proud to be queer, to be part of the music industry, and fills me with gratitude for these artists, songs, and the community we are creating through music and words. We hope you enjoy these new releases from Mary Gauthier, Muna, Phoebe Bridgers, Olivia Barton, Mary Bragg, Emét, Madam Sad, Mike Maimone, Sadie Gustafson-Zook, and more!
— Sara
Song of the Week: “Amsterdam,” Mary Gauthier
Nashville-based Mary Gauthier is a singer-songwriter, author (“Saved by a Song,” 2021) and has long been open about her queerness. “Amsterdam” is a preview of Mary’s upcoming album, Dark Enough To See The Stars. The song feels nostalgic and is filled with lyrical gems like “Spanish shoes on a stranger’s feet,” “Cobblestone carriageways,” and “Kisses in the summer rain.” These details draw you into specific moments and memories. Enjoy “Amsterdam,” and stay tuned for the album, coming June 3, 2022.
“Anything But Me,” Muna
Opening strong with the lyrics “You’re gonna say that I’m on a high horse / I think that my horse is regular-sized/ Did you ever think maybe you’re on a pony / Going in circles on a carousel ride,” Muna’s new single does not disappoint. The music video is bold, cutting between scenes of the band tied up, blindfolded, handcuffed, and dancing in abandoned spaces. The song was released on Phoebe Bridgers’ label, Saddest Factory Records. Muna just announced their self-titled album, to be released June 24th, 2022.
“I Don’t Do Anything,” Olivia Barton
Olivia Baton is an up-and-coming artist in Nashville, Tennessee. Her music is direct, honest, and as she’s mentioned on social media, it makes her feel emotionally naked. “I don’t do anything” is conversational. Lyrics like, “How is being in love/ Aren’t you like totally gay now,” are a note to her bisexuality and the lack of understanding and invisibility that often comes with it. In addition to being gorgeously crafted and delivered, Olivia’s new song is extremely relatable.
“Please Don’t be Perfect,” Mary Bragg
Titled “Americana Queen” by Vice Noisey, Mary Bragg lives up to the name. Mary’s new song addresses perfectionism, “Please don’t be perfect/ what good would that be/ when you’re already perfect to me.” The tender love song is filled with detail and care and promotes self-acceptance.
“Chinese Satellite (Live From Sound City),” Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers released a new version of “Chinese Satellite.” The song comes off of her album “Punisher” and has been released twice before. This time, giving us a little more intimacy than the previous versions. If you like stripped-down songs, don’t miss this one. This live take from Sound City makes it feel like Phoebe is the room singing directly to you.
“Sticky Floor Serenade,” Emét
Emét’s “Sticky Floor Serenade” recounts drunken nights with their friend (and fellow musician) Paddy Clarke. Unable to travel to film the video together, Emét decided to film across both Calgary and Liverpool featuring local landmarks captured with handheld cameras that bring an engaging, DIY feel to the music video.
“Taste U,” Mike Maimone
Growing up as a gay man in the Catholic Church, expressing sexuality as an adult has been a challenge for Mike (and for many others). His lyrics directly address the topic, “I touch myself and I pray for some virtue / Cuz’ at church in my head this feels naughty.” The new song works to normalize sexuality, queerness, and kink.
“Ex’s,” Madam Sad
Madam Sad is an up-and-coming artist in Hamilton, Ontario. Their new song “Ex’s” is soft-spoken and has a similar energy to Fenne Lily’s music. Madam Sad values making music for the love of it and to connect people. We hope this song connects you to another person or brings you closer to yourself.
“Maybe I Don’t Know,” Sadie Gustafson-Zook
Sadie’s new song, “Maybe I Don’t Know,” discusses the pressures to conform to societal scripts: heterosexuality, monogamy, and ideas of how we define success. The first verse shares their journey coming out and figuring out their queerness. The song mentions “the sin of certainty” and promotes the value of finding yourself through mistakes, exploration, and reflection.
New & Noteworthy:
Abby Posner –“Wishing Well (remix)”
Alice DiMicele – “Free”
Blake Rave – “Daydream”
Bity Booker – “Sad Song”
Got a great new song? Submit it to CQ!