Last year, we interviewed butch lesbian singer-songwriter Rio Romeo about their Valentine’s Day release, “Bet.” They’ve released a full EP since then, “Good God!” — a project full of what they called “love songs” in our last conversation (they certainly delivered). Just a couple days ago, they released a new single, “Danke Schoen.” Now, a year later, we all meet again, under some of the same conditions as last time. It feels almost like meeting an old friend, and we all catch up for a couple minutes before diving in.
Palomino Festival Displays Country Music’s Progress Toward Diversity
As a queer Indian-American, the country genre has always seemed antithetical to my existence, a mix of hypermasculinity and overwhelming whiteness. Observing country artists like Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, I perceived country as music for the white man and…
Best of 2021: Our Picks for Queer Music
We asked our staff for their favorite queer music from 2021, and they answered! Listen to our full playlist or check out each song below.
20GayTeen’s Top Queer Albums!
Graphic from Janelle Monáe’s album cover, Dirty Computer #20GayTeen was a milestone for queer artists in the music industry. From pop to folk to alternative, these artists discussed numerous topics previously dubbed “taboo” by mainstream media. Here is the list…
How Ariana Grande Became 2018’s Pop Star
Earlier this quarter I was asked: If given the opportunity to interview any artist, who and what would I ask? Like a predictive text, my answer came to mind immediately; I would ask Ariana Grande, “Are you okay?” If you…
Troye Sivan Embraces Sexuality in “Bloom”
Troye Sivan’s sophomore album, “Bloom,” acts as a full embrace of Sivan’s queerness. His identity does not take a back-burner to the sound; it becomes synonymous with it. Sivan doesn’t shy away from the experiences that have made him the…
Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe: Album Review
Before discussing Janelle Monáe’s magnum opus, Dirty Computer, let’s go back to how the album came to be. 2016 went downhill when we elected Trump, and 2017 was another step down when he was inaugurated; however, in the wake of…
Twin Fantasy by Car Set Headrest – Album Review
Graphic by Liana Kindler The album Twin Fantasy by Car Seat Headrest is an indie rock album that tells the story of a troubled gay romance. I found this album before I had come out to anyone. At that point…
Marina and a Dancing Diamond
A week ago, I attended a Marina and the Diamonds concert in Pomona. Yes, as one expects, it was a magical, transcendental, orgasmic experience. Being one of the most genuine pop artists of our generation, Marina never ceases to amaze…
UCLA Spotlight: Amadeus Leopold at Royce Hall
My Thursday night was queerer than yours; I watched a Korean-American protégé play his violin in a leather thong and a pair of high heels. Last Thursday the violinist Amadeus Leopold, formerly known by his Korean name Hahn-Bin, performed at…
