After finally deciding to wade in to support “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” the debut album release of Chappell Roan in September 2023 by getting behind the track “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl”. I had intended to be quicker on the case when the rising alt-pop sensation followed up with new material. However, I sensed something might be forthcoming from her since the announcement went out of her placement as a tour opener for Olivia Rodrigo. What I didn’t consider, of course, was that this would happen while I was away on holiday.

Chappell has been taking the pop world by storm and the phenomenon around her just keeps on growing. Tours sell out, venues get an upgrade and sell out again in no time at all. Which is similar to what happened with the UK dates scheduled for September. Furthermore, the situation is the same wherever she goes.

Unquestionably, everything about Chappell Roan’s artistry and brand is distinctive. From her image taking cues from the Drag community to the deeply vulnerable, lyrical narratives of the songs themselves. Sharing the new track, “Good Luck, Babe!” Chappell reveals…

“I needed to write a song about a common situationship within queer relationships — where someone is struggling with coming to terms with themselves. It’s a song about wishing well to someone who is avoidant of their true feelings”

What stands out about Chappell is that her lyrical narratives are super fresh. In “Good Luck, Babe!” she is candid, to the point and sassy, which appear to be her go-to traits. In a musical sense, the single is the perfect fit as the first follow-up release after the album. And since undoubtedly the rest of 2024 is filled up with festivals, appearances and tour dates, there is every indication her ascent to the upper echelons of the pop sphere will soon become stratospheric.

With her unique talent and personality, Chappell is a trailblazer in her own right. She has the potential to make a significant impact on the music industry, in fact it is happening as we speak. And if there’s anyone who could surpass Hayley Kiyoko‘s moniker of “Lesbian Jesus,” it’s her.

Connect with Chappell Roan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChappellRoan/
X: https://twitter.com/chappellroan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chappellroan/

The post Listen to “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Pop singer-songwriter Hayley Kiyoko knows how to grab our attention by delivering A1 pop tracks time and time again. Hayley has been on a roll lately! She’s currently on her “the Panorama tour,” but that’s not all she’s been up to. She just released her first novel, “Girls Like Girls,” a coming-of-age romance based on her 2015 hit song of the same name. And if that wasn’t enough, she also just dropped a new single called “Greenlight.” It’s a beautifully melodic and captivating offering that showcases Hayley’s incredible vocals and emotional depth.

“I’ve spent a lot of time and energy trying to prove my worth to people but have realized that if a situation in life is stopping you from moving forward or making you feel trapped, it’s okay to pivot in a new direction,” she said. ”Once I embraced that mindset, so many new doors opened. Hayley commented in a quote about her new song.

“Greenlight” has become somewhat of a new fan favourite during the successful global headline run of the Panorama tour. As a result, it’s no surprise that Hayley has decided to release it as soon as possible. It’s quite daring to do so while still on tour, but sometimes the present is the best time to act. It’s clear that Hayley is grateful for her fans’ support and wants to give back to them in any way she can. Releasing “Greenlight” is her way of doing so.

Hayley’s creative ideas and endeavours are truly remarkable. She always seems to be one step ahead of everyone else, and I have no doubt that she has even more exciting things planned for the future. It’s impressive to see someone so dedicated to staying ahead of the curve.

Kiyoko will be performing “Greenlight” at Proctor & Gamble and iHeartMedia’s “Can’t Cancel Pride 2023 – The Future Starts Now,” an evening recognizing the LGBTQ+ community and celebrating organizations creating a more inclusive and equal world, streaming live from the iHeartRadio Theater in LA on June 15 at 8:00 pm (ET)/5:00 pm (PT). 

Connect with Hayley Kiyoko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HayleyKiyoko/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hayleykiyoko
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleykiyoko

The post Listen to “Greenlight” by Hayley Kiyoko appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

The horrible truth is, I have a need to be extra selective with my music choices to write about at the moment. I am preparing to go away on my summer holiday in a few days. Thus, my time is at a premium just now. More than ever, I am sharing with our readers the new music which strikes a chord with me most. It may surprise readers that I am digging into a song written to promote a leading cannabis-infused beverage in collaboration with Weedmaps. But not without good reason, I am gunning for this track. Founded by queer people, Drink Producer Cann is an established company. They launch their pride campaign for 2022 with the anthem “Taste So Good” (The Cann Song). The song and video feature an all-star diverse cast from the LGBTQ+ community.

Independent pop singer-songwriter VINCINT is joined by Hayley Kiyoko and MNEK on this Leland-penned track. Also along for the ride is pop royalty Kesha, who links up for a verse of her own.

Botanical infused beverages may not appeal to everyone. That said. The market for drinks boosting health benefits such as those associated with CBD is starting to fill up supermarket shelves alongside hard seltzer and kombucha. It is an immense growth area and strand of the plant-based revolution. It was only a matter of time before drinks of these kinds received the full-blown promotion treatment to rival Coca Cola and Pepsi.

The lyrics
“A little different can taste so good (taste so good). What a feeling (I knew it would, I knew it would).” Also, apply when celebrating our differences. And why in this campaign, support from the LGBTQ+ community works two-fold.

The track is that good. That if we were to block out all mentions of the drink campaign, the song would still hold up on its own and proudly.

The song got me pure and simple. Together with the rallying message it sends. Why else would I commit to writing about a product available in the USA only and not the UK, where I am based? “Taste So Good” primary use may be that of an advertisement, but I’ll say this. The track from VINCINT ft Hayley Kiyoko and MNEK is a whole lot better than many of the pop songs released in recent weeks.

Connect with VINCINT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vincintmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VINCINT_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincint/

Connect with Hayley Kiyoko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HayleyKiyoko/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hayleykiyoko
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleykiyoko

Connect with MNEK
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MNEKOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MNEK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MNEK/

The post Watch “Taste So Good” (The Cann Song) by VINCINT ft Hayley Kiyoko and MNEK appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Let me begin this blog feature by saying that I completely approve of the newly released music video for latest album lead-in track, “For the Girls“. Even with important narratives to share. When creating, Hayley Kiyoko still leans into her fun side. She has given me plenty to both love and crack a wry smile over in her latest self-directed video clip. (A romantic, queer parody of America’s favourite dating show “The Bachelorette“).

“I love being a woman, and women have always been a massive influence on my life,” says Hayley. “‘” For The Girls” is an anthem celebrating that love, highlighting our strength, beauty, and vulnerability. The music video is meant to reflect that celebration with a sense of humour and an expansive take on whose romantic story gets told”.

The track has been out now for a few days, and I will admit I was uncertain how I felt about it on my first couple of listens. I must admit that the style of the track has caught me off guard. It is not something I was expecting to hear from her. Exuding, quirky, cute and sassy all rolled into one. Hayley delivers upon all of these vibes. The music video was working for me (and to be honest). I have repeatedly watched it many times over since the release on Friday.

Due to the hypnotic bassline and alluring syncopated rhythms. Now that it’s been five days, the song has also worked on me.

The arrival of “For the Girls” coincides with the announcement Hayley’s sophomore album “Panoroma” arrives on July 29th.

Alongside Calum Scott, Cat Burns and Ariōn. Hayley will co-headline London’s, Pride festivities at Proud and Loud: Celebrating 50 Years of Pride at Royal Albert Hall on June 4th.  Tickets are available for purchase (HERE). 

Connect with Hayley Kiyoko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HayleyKiyoko/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hayleykiyoko
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleykiyoko

The post Watch “For the Girls” by Hayley Kiyoko appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

It is good to hear about more and more LGBTQ ladies arriving on the pop scene lately. While in recent times, FLETCHER, Hayley Kiyoko, King Princess and MUNA have all come to prominence. There is always room to grow the community further. Rising singer-songwriter and multidisciplinary artist Zolita is the latest queer feminist pop sensation coming through the ranks. Her tracks “Somebody I F*cked Once” and “Single In September,” were hailed as great hits by critics and fans alike. As she completes the final instalment of a track trilogy with the song “I F*cking Love You.” I decided that I needed to start writing about her here on the blog.

In the videos and music. Zolita pours every bit of emotion and storytelling into the narratives she uses, both lyrical and visual. Her music style slots right in on the alternative side of pop with a dash of rock for added edge and crossover appeal. Last year, when I first heard “Somebody I F*cked Once,” I appreciated the lyrics but was hesitant about the emboldened pop-rock style. The follow-up track “Single In September” gave me more of the same. I had resigned myself to thinking Zolita wouldn’t appear on these blog pages anytime soon. How wrong was I in this assumption?

Whereas her previous viral hits documented the highs and lows of a relationship. (“Somebody I F*cked Once” is asking is this love or just a one night stand. “Single In September” describes a separation.) The final instalment, “I F*cking Love You,” concentrates on what happens five years later. Despite being in different places in life, Zolita (now a big pop star) and Gia, the love interest (now a photographer,) experience an unexpected and joyful moment of reconnection. Similarly, now that chaos and turmoil are out of the way, the edges are softer in a musical context. Hence, why Zolita earns her debut on EQ Music Blog today.

I get why everyone is going so crazy over her, only I get the opportunity to now show some appreciation of her art, also. Zolita, really is the new hope for LGBTQ music, if you ask me. Get this girl on the festival circuit pronto and watch her music ascent inevitably take off in a big way.

Connect with Zolita
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zolitamusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zolitaofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zolita/

The post Emerging Artist: Zolita appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

I see, G Flip has had a musical epiphany. Since spending time in L.A, their music has taken on more of a powerful sound. I found this most noticeable on the Melbourne-born multi-hyphenates recent collaboration with indie-pop provocateur UPSAHL for the spicy track “Scream“. Far from dabbling in the newer emboldened style. It seems, G is only most interested in pushing these vibes further. It’s been amazing to see them spread teaser clips of their brand new anthem, “Gay 4 Me,” online. Initially, G did not hint at the track’s collaboration. Until later revealing Lauren Sanderson would join them on the steamy song.

The American, indie, alt-pop singer-songwriter Sanderson has seen her career take off significantly since releasing her own record “Therapy!“. She is for definite an artist on the hot tip. Linking up with G Flip for “Gay 4 Me” sees them both honing their distinctive signature styles. Breathing fresh life into the musicality of the new music. What is for sure, since they’ve started working with a range of American based pop artists. G’s recent offerings have become much more lyrically liberating, by far.

Speaking about “Gay 4 Me” G explains,

“I personally think you can’t help who you end up attracted to. No matter what gender or sexuality. I’ve been on the other end of this situation, where girls have told me they aren’t gay, but they’re gay for me”.

Just months ago. The acclaimed queer pop singer-songwriters FLETCHER and Hayley Kiyoko dropped their sapphic bop “Cherry“. G Flip and Lauren seem to have things in place with their new anthem to take down FLETCHER and Hayley from the top spot. As when it falls to the latest feminist pop releases, their raunchier offering of “Gay 4 Me” stands out.

If there was any doubt in my mind, of which there is not. The music video G and Lauren have dropped off for their steamy release is equally as hot. As the track arrives almost at the end of LGBTQ History Month. Lauren and G look poised to leave a valuable legacy of their own making for the queer community with “Gay 4 Me“.

Connect with G Flip
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gflipmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gflipmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gflip/

Connect with Lauren Sanderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurensanderson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurensanderson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurensanderson/

The post Watch “Gay 4 Me” by G Flip ft Lauren Sanderson appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Surprise everyone! Guess our readers might not have expected to see this from us yet, but. We decided to get our year-end summing up tied up early this year, simply because why not. We have put together another “This Beat Is Poptronik” playlist for your listening pleasure. Dive in for a listen HERE.

To be honest, 2021 was another challenging twelve months that we don’t wish to dwell on too much. Know we are thankful for science and for Covid vaccines. The return of live music, the arts and all entertainment events. (i.e. the core of what lies at the heart of EQ Music Blog).

Our year-end 2021 playlist is choc-full with over 15 hours of killer, pop, electronic and alternative tracks. You’ll find everything from massive hits to indie gems.

We hope your ears are ready for the poptasticness of “This Is Beat Is Poptronik – Year-End 2021” edition which awaits you …

You will find established artists such as Years and Years, Kylie, MARINA, Sigrid, CHVRCHES, Troye Sivan and Charli XCX. Alongside the best break out acts of 2021, (in our opinion) Kim Petras, Griff, Mimi Webb, Baby Queen, Self Esteem, Holly Humberstone, Gracey and Alfie Templeman.

As you would expect, there is a healthy sprinkling of our long-time blog favourites also making appearances. Max Barskih, Sergey Lazarev, Avec Sans, morgxn, Greyson Chance, Darin, Hayley Kiyoko, Autoheart and Allie X, to name but a few.

I could give a shout out to many more names featured on the playlist. Yet, I am going to nip this summary in the bud. Stopping short before I traverse the line of sounding like I am making, crazy long-ass acceptance speech. As is the done thing at the Oscar’s.

Music has been our saviour. Our friend in times of need. Our comfort in times of struggle. We curated this playlist with only this thought in our minds. That you, our readers, discover some great tunes and artists that you might have overlooked in 2021.

We give thanks to all the artists who helped us through 2021. You are all stars in our eyes.

The post Stream it: “This Beat Is Poptronik – Year-end 2021” appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

What a great way to sign off the week. Queer pop singer-songwriters FLETCHER and Hayley Kiyoko just released a fun track called “Cherry“. Let me first state. Everyone. And I mean everyone. Should be talking about this fun, flirty bop. If you fail to check this one out. You will have missed out on one of the greatest history-making moments in pop. One which is immensely popalicious in the extreme. Let me put it like this. Every time FLETCHER or Hayley come out with new stuff, I get excited. Both are. Amazing artists, songwriters and great, advocates for the LGBTQ community. And I always know when I listen to one of their tracks (such as the incredible “Bitter” (FLETCHER) or “Found My Friends” (Hayley Kiyoko)). The lyrical narrative will be excellent and authentically turned out.

For “Cherry” these trailblazing artists turn up the heat and some. The FLETCHER, Hayley, and Mary Weitz (Normani, Remi Wolf) co-written track, is unabashedly playful. A flirty, celebratory anthem for the girls who dig girls. They have gone out of their way to authenticate the song with lyrics that leave little to the imagination. An excellent example is found in the chorus. Where they sing… “We should Rendez-vous sometime mon chéri. I want you on top of me like cherry. Uh-uh, cherry“.

Dear readers of EQ Music Blog. My heart is exploding in all the colours listening to this song. Not only because the track is empowering and liberating. I feel this way because I recall the furore Katy Perry caused when she struck out with her debut effort, “I Kissed A Girl“. I’d really hope for FLETCHER and Hayley with “Cherry” to grab some mass attention to match it. Think about it. Is this really such a mad idea?

To match an achievement on the scale of Katy Perry. These girls need to crack on and give us the video we all now want. I am hoping for a mix of cute and flirty. And provocatively alluring themes. I have my fingers crossed and am wishing hard. I am most interested to see what they come up with.

Connect with FLETCHER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fletcher/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/findingfletcher
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingxfletcher/

Connect with Hayley Kiyoko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HayleyKiyoko/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hayleykiyoko
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleykiyoko

The post Listen to “Cherry” by FLETCHER ft Hayley Kiyoko appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Since covering the Hayley Kiyoko track “Found My Friends” for the blog recently. I vowed, in her new era, I wouldn’t sleep on her again. I suspected with pride month then around the corner, she would soon be back with another new offering anyways. Because honestly, she is such an empowering advocate of LGBTQ rights. I just felt she would be out with something brilliant and special, yet tender and authentic. Call it intuition, the follow-up release “Chance” is all of the aforementioned. A beautiful track about taking a chance on love and seeing where our choices lead us.

Do or die. Sink or swim. These are the odds we pretty much face when taking any risk. The same applies and yet magnifies when making those first steps of entering into a new relationship. Opening up to being vulnerable and fear of rejection often get in the way. With “Chance” Hayley wanted to highlight that if we push past thoughts of self-doubt, we might better recognise how worthy of love each one of us is. Hayley Kiyoko, you are just too precious!, and indeed Lesbian Jesus.

We also get a video which co-stars acclaimed actress Alexandra Shipp (Love, Simon, X-Men: Apocalypse) for the softly pulsing, electronic pop track.

Hayley has this to say about it.

“I’m always starved for hopeful queer stories onscreen, and I really wanted to direct a narrative that focused on the happier ‘honeymoon’ phase of a relationship. To show what can happen if we take a chance on ourselves and have that love reciprocated. The video is meant to portray those first few weeks, months, or even years when you are utterly head over heels in love with each other.” 

This video really does give me warm fuzzy feelings. The question is how can you watch this video and not be consumed by one of the best feelings in the world. LOVE.

Connect with Hayley Kiyoko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HayleyKiyoko/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hayleykiyoko
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleykiyoko

The post Watch “Chance” by Hayley Kiyoko appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Upon checking the EQ Music Blog archive I found out I last wrote about Hayley Kiyoko in 2017. It really is my bad, it’s been so long since she featured on EQ, and that I didn’t get the opportunity at the time of release to share more about the outstanding debut album “EXPECTATIONS.” Somehow or other, it also transpires I must have been asleep when Hayley dropped the EP “I’m Too Sensitive For This Shit” as well. What a sleepy head I have been. I am pleased to inform our readers, I have finally woken up, or rather that Hayley Kiyoko has me woke again. How so,?…you ask… she’s just put out an absolutely stellar track in way of “Found My Friends.” And, I cannot get enough of it.

““Found My Friends” is a song I wrote during a challenging time when I realised instead of being my own worst enemy, I could actually be my own best friend,” says Hayley. “It’s about discovering and nurturing a strong friendship with yourself. This song resonates even more so, now, with everyone experiencing isolation in quarantine when we still somehow find the resilience to connect with one another, and, find comfort in each other”.

With this song, Hayley has done such a good job of describing what it feels like to be locked up in our head with our thoughts. That we might forget, we are our own No 1 fan or at least we should always strive to be our own BFF. “Found My Friends” delivers the same pearls of wisdom, mama Ru always reminds us of “If you don’t love yourself, how in the hell you, gonna love somebody else?” Can I get an Amen up in here EQ’s? What say we make a pact to make this our mantra first thing in the morning…hey, sound good to you? I am kind of feeling better already.

As with her previous efforts, Hayley has once again donned her Director’s cap for the music video. Her aim with this visual was to “capture a moment of being fully present, in the moment and working through a feeling.” I am of the opinion, she achieved what she set out in the brief. I see and sense the sensation of struggle and losing control. It is like she knows she is headed for a burn-out and attempting a last-ditch effort at admirably picking herself back up. It is the most real, act, of bravery we can serve upon ourselves. When we pull ourselves back through the other side, celebrate, give ourselves pat on the back with a rewarding happy dance. Thanks for the life-learning advice both lyrical and visual Hayley Kiyoko. I do not sleep, “Found My Friends” is on repeat.

Connect with Hayley Kiyoko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HayleyKiyoko/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hayleykiyoko
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleykiyoko

The post Watch “Found My Friends” by Hayley Kiyoko appeared first on EQ Music Blog.