Music has been embedded in my life ever since I was in the womb, my Mum and Dad basically raised me on music, especially POP music! I grew up listening to Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls, Britney Spears and even AQUA and I’ve always been obsessed with Eurovison! I love sharing my favourite songs and album every month with the world from Scene HQ!
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Coulthard – climax.
New artist Jordan Coulthard has dropped his first ever original track called climax. and tbh he 7+1=ate. Jordan, who’s using only his surname Coulthard as his artist name said “Lyrically I’ve kept it it’s an eyes wide shut kind of thing, it’s your interpretation of it. The lyrics discuss the anticipation of waiting for your significant other coming home. It’s very much like ‘this is what mood I’m in, that anticipation of when you get home’, the listener can fill in the rest.” basically it’s a risque song and I’m here for it!
Based in Manchester and living with his partner Daniel Brocklebank (Billy Mayhew in Coronation Street), Jordan has been recording music at their home. Jordan said “We’ve got a home studio, because Dan does voice overs there, so everything I’ve done is from my own home so there’s something quite organic in that.”
London Grammar – House
One of my favourite bands are back! Hannah Reid, Dot Major and Dan Rothman aka London Grammar have released sublime single House from their 4th upcoming album, The Greatest Love.
I just love Hannah’s voice, it always calms me the F down! Hannah said “House is about drawing boundaries around yourself. When I hit my thirties, my mindset shifted, and I no longer felt like a victim of anything – it all felt within my power. I thought, making music should be fun, and we’re gonna make that happen.”
Camila Cabello, Playboi Carti – I LUV IT
Camila Cabello has entered her hyperpop blonde era which just makes me want to bleach my hair for the summer but I don’t want hair that feels like straw again-basic gay boy problems.
I LUV IT features rapper Playboi Carti and was written by Camila herself and created alongside executive producer El Guincho (who worked with the one and only Billie Eilish) and co-producer Jasper Harris.
Camila said: “Certain things in our human realm do make me feel like I’m in outer space, and the very rare few times where I’ve had incredible chemistry with someone is one of them. Part of that cocktail is also the emotional drama between you and that person, and the chaos and butterflies and nerves and passion. It’s unsustainable and not peaceful and exhausting, but also, I LUV IT.” WE LUV WE LUV WE LUV ITTTT too at Scene HQ!
Perrie – Forget About Us
Former Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards has released her highly anticipated debut solo single Forget About Us and I LUV IT I LUV IT I LUV ITTTT (sorry I still have Camila in my head) and it’s giving summer vibes and Kelly Clarkson vibes too actually which obviously is a compliment.
Perrie said “Relationships have been a huge part of my life, and they’ve made me who I am now. I think it’s a nice sentiment to be honest about, and it’s super relatable.” true that.
Orville Peck, Willie Nelson – Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other
Country music is left, right and center right now after Beyoncé’s fabulous Cowboy Carter. Orville Peck said “I think people are realizing that country music is more than just country music culture.” and “There’s a lot of people who call themselves country music fans but they associate country music with kind of a lifestyle and that is usually not very accepting or welcoming unfortunately. But the truth of the matter is country music as an actual genre is incredibly diverse. It has always been that way.” and “There are Black, queer, Latin people, you name it country artists that have contributed to the genre in huge ways, instrumentally, vocally lyrically. It is a very diverse genre,”.
The masked singer (although he’s showing more of his face now-take it off Orville! Of course I am referring to the mask) has announced his first duets album called Stampede Vol.1 which includes this delightful cover of Ned Sublette’s 1981 song Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Font Of Each Other, with country legend Willie Nelson.
Orville gushed over Willie saying “I think that the fact that Willie stands next to the entire LGBTQIA+ community by doing this song just shows what an amazing person he is, what a legend he is… It’s a win for all of us because that’s true allyship. Someone who’s completely unafraid to be right there next to us, there’s no vagueness involved.” I’m not crying you’re crying.
Kaleen – We Will Rave
Omg it’s officially Eurovision month so happy Eurovision month to all of those who celebrate!
I’ve got so many faves but Austria is my current fave. It’s been 10 years since Conchita Wurst won the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 for Austria, and Kaleen could make it happen again. Kaleen was chosen by the Austrian broadcaster ORF to represent her country.
Kaleen released her debut album, Stripping Feelings last year which is really good so I recommend checking it out and she has a lonnnng history as a dancer, check out the official We Will Rave music video below if you don’t believe me. Ballet, commercial, tap, jazz, latin, ballroom — you name it, Kaleen will dance it. Whatever else she brings to the Eurovision stage, we can expect strong moves.
Eurovision will take place in Malmö in Sweden on Tuesday 7th May (First Semi-Final-next week!), Thursday 9th May (Second Semi-Final next week too yay) and then Saturday 11th May is the grand finale omg I can’t wait. Come on Olly Alexander! (or Kaleen).
Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
US singer and actor Sabrina Carpenter is finally getting her way overdue flowers after Espresso has become her commercial breakthrough hit and it’s on it’s way to reach number 1 on the official singles charts this Friday-Taylor Swift is right behind her though and could over take last minute and take the top spot for the second week in a row with Fortnight (featuring Post Malone).
Oh oh and fun fact: Sabrina opened for Taylor on her The Eras Tour too so hopefully Taylor will be proud! Whatever happens, Espresso is a bop and Sabrina is pop’s next best thing I reckon.
Check out the official music video above which was directed by iconic and renowned GRAMMY winning music video director Dave Meyers (who worked with Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny and Harry Styles). According to a press release, Espresso gives fans a taste what’s to come from the songstress as more new music is imminent, yayyyy!
Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!
Queer hero Chappell Roan unveils her new single Good Luck, Babe! and this electrifying track transcends the ordinary with a blend of nostalgic 80’s synth-pop and balladier vocals. With raw vulnerability, Chappell bares her emotions, belting out an empowering anthem that explores leaving behind a romantic relationship and exploring authentic love and self-acceptance.
Chappell said “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”. Relatable!
Chappell Roan is teaming up with PLUS1 to make a positive impact. For every ticket sold, $1 will be donated to For The Gworls, supporting black transgender individuals with essentials like rent, surgeries, and medical assistance. Additionally, for the UK leg of the tour, Kayleigh (her real name) has partnered with PLUS1, ensuring that £1 per ticket goes to supporting Kaleidoscope Trust and their work fighting for the human rights of LGBTI+ people across the Commonwealth and beyond. We love a charitable queen! Established in 2011, Kaleidoscope Trust is a UK-based charity focused on advocating for the human rights of LGBTI+ individuals worldwide. These collaborations reflect Chappell Roan’s commitment to social responsibility, using the power of music to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
Chappell Roan is ready to take over the world, watch this space!
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Pet Shop Boys – Nonetheless
40 years in the music industry (wowowowowowow) and the most successful UK duo of all time, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe aka Pet Shop Boys have dropped their 15th studio album, Nonetheless and said “We’re very excited to release this new album. Its 10 tracks are the strongest indicators of where we are today. Like much of our music it’s very reflective. It was great to work with James Ford (mostly known for his production work with Jessie Ware, Kylie Minogue, Florence + The Machine, Arctic Monkeys and Gorillaz), who we think has brought new elements to our music. Our demos are sometimes quite complicated, and James has dared to make us a bit more minimal at times – but also, the string arrangements are very beautiful. Some of the record is quite heart-breaking, but we hope a lot of it is also uplifting. It’s a record we’re very proud of.”
The boys also spoke about the creative process around the record: “We wanted this album to be a celebration of the unique and diverse emotions that make us human. From the more dance-orientated tracks to the raw poignancy of the introspective ballads, with their beautiful string arrangements, each track tells a story and contributes to the overall narrative of the album.”
Notably energised and driven by the huge resurgence spawned by their last trilogy of studio albums and the ongoing success of their Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live tour, nonetheless is the sound of a group at a new peak of their remarkably consistent creative power.
I’m kinda obsessed with this album and have been streaming it every day since it’s been released, it’s great for the gym and it’s so cohesive and I love the story telling, something the PSB are known for!
My favourite tracks are Loneliness, such a good sad gay bop (hawt video too), Dancing star (which is inspired by the story of ballet dancer Rudolf Nuryev’s 1961 defection from Soviet Russia), Bullet for Narcissus, Love is the law, A new bohhemia, Why Am I Dancing?, New London boy, Feel, and The schlager hit parade. Oh and The secret of happiness-so basically the whole album.
The legendary duo are going on tour, grab your tickets HERE but they’re not coming to Brighton this time, although they were here last year due to phenomenal demand so….manifesting they come back. Pretty please if you read this Neil and Chris!
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