As Pride Month rolls on, I’ve got another instalment of What’s Going On chock-full of hot new party anthems. This week, I’ll get into the latest releases from pop juggernauts Kylie Minogue, Dua Lipa, and Jake Shears, as well as rising Canadian talents Tafari Anthony and Danny Dymond. Also, stay tuned for a special What’s Going On breaking down 70s Pride party staples. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to follow and stream these artists.
Kylie Minogue – It’s a gay emergency! Following the reimaginings of “Judas” and “Born This Way” by Big Freedia and Orville Peck respectively, perennial pop princess Kylie Minogue is out with a cover of Lady Gaga’s “Marry The Night.” Kylie absolutely slays the latest single from Gaga’s Born This Way The Tenth Anniversary, due out on June 18 via Interscope, which sees a variety of artists either from or beloved by the LGTBQIA+ community doing renditions of songs from Gaga’s landmark 2011 album. While this version doesn’t have the same level of ferocity as the original, it’s brimming with all the feel-good dance energy that we love from Kylie. We can only hope Gaga and Kylie will team up for a joint performance at some point.
Listen to Kylie Minogue’s cover of “Marry The Night” below.
Jake Shears – Fresh off a collaboration with Boyz Noize, former Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears is out with “Do The Television.” Originally written over 10 years ago for the Scissor Sisters, the song was scrapped but thankfully Shears revisited the track. An absolute banger, “Do The Television” is reminiscent of ’80s period Bowie or Talking Heads while still not sounding out of place next to the current crop of hot club tracks. The music video leans into the retro vibes with throwback footage and vintage effects. I’ve got my fingers crossed that there’s a Jake Shears album on the way.
Listen to Jake Shears’ new single “Do The Television” below.
Tafari Anthony – Last year, Tafari Anthony released the ultimate kiss him goodbye anthem and it needs to be on your 2021 Pride playlist. The Toronto-based singer’s voice soars over irresistible synths and catchy pop melodies, instantly imbuing listeners with the confidence to kick their shady lovers to the curb. On what inspired “Centerfold”, Tafari says: “I’m a pretty calm guy, but when I get to my breaking point, it’s hard to hold my tongue. This song was written from sheer frustration of trying to let him down gently and realizing that he just refused to understand.”
Listen to Tafari Anthony’s single “Centerfold” below.
Dua Lipa – Global pop superstar Dua Lipa has dropped a new music video for her single “Love Again.” A fan-favorite track from last year’s Future Nostalgia album, “Love Again” samples the brilliant 90s dance tune “Your Woman” by White Town. You’ve likely already been jamming to this song all year but it’s getting a new life now thanks to its video. The western-themed music video features dancing cowboys and sees Dua Lipa riding a mechanical bull. Some have called it a tip of the hat to Madonna’s “Don’t Tell Me.” Perhaps. Regardless, it’s a whole lot of fun and guaranteed to get your Pride party started.
Listen to Dua Lipa’s new single “Love Again” below.
Danny Dymond – What does Danny Dymond want you to do? Listen to his fabulous new single, of course. The Toronto-based artist makes music that feels authentic and pays tribute to the LGTBQIA+ community. “What Do You Want” is exactly what you’d want from a Pride anthem: pulsating beat, sultry vocal delivery, and uplifting lyrics. Listening to it, you can almost picture the So Fierce Music recording artist performing the song at your local Pride festivities or at your favourite gay bar. I don’t know what you want to do but I want to listen to more Danny Dymond.
Listen to Danny Dymond’s new single “What Do You Want” below.
