There’s nothing like the rush of Pride month, with Pride playlist dance parties and colorful handmade costumes littering the streets in cities around the world. Over the years, some of my favorite experiences have been attending the legendary parade in Manhattan, as well as dancing the night away at the Queer-run festival LadyLand.
Sometimes, a visit to the fabric store to help construct a fabulous, flirty costume is required, while other years I have sported Pride-friendly designers like Disco Lemonade.
So, to get you in the mood for Rainbow Month, I’ve put together a playlist of Pride essentials and hidden gems, from bops to ballads.
Photo: Matteus Bernardes via Pexels
The Pride Class of 2024
It’s not a Padam Padam summer anymore! Finally, Kylie Minogue’s recent reign has wound down, and the Queen is at rest on her throne. Therefore, it’s time to make way for the class of 2024, a gaggle of fairies with a diversity of sounds out of NYC, LA, Berlin, Australia, and beyond.
Despite being out since fall, Cobrah’s single “Feminine Energy” is an essential hit on any Pride playlist. It is the perfect track to dance to… truly an uppity bop that is simply addictive.
I also added a couple experimental hyperpop, dreampop, and drum and bass-inspired edits to the list, including my single ORACLE666 “Escapism.” These genres have curled their tentacles into the ongoing mainstream pop evolution. “Escapism” takes you to “dance under the auroras” at the beach after the rave, and features a frothy and light production.
Photo: RDNE Stock project via Pexels
Get on the Floor
For a sound that will get those cunty boots and fishnets onto the dancefloor, Chrissy Chlapecka’s “I’m Really Pretty” and Mel 4ever’s “Heels” (both new in 2024) are instant classics. The irresistible, crunchy EDM productions pair well with these singers’ sassy vox, referencing their lives as sex symbols in the indie Queer scenes of NYC and LA.
For those looking to get dirty and playful, LSDXOXO (formerly in NYC, now in Berlin) is a mainstay, coming in hot with the luscious and light single “Cream.”
And really, you can’t have summer without Charli XCX and Troye Sivan!
Charli’s latest single “Von Dutch” brings chaotic, sultry energy and experimental vocals, while Troye’s “Rush” knows no match in terms of euphoric house production (as well as a salacious dancefloor music video). Ultimately, “Rush” has already been elevated to instant Queer pop classic status by pairing Britney Spears-level pop production and a perfectly choreographed video with such a catchy beat.
Chase Icon’s meteoric rise defines the recent seasons, so I have to include the bubbly new anthem “Girl Like Chase,” which leaves you feeling like you’re soaring on a cloud.
Finally, for those in their feelings, some emo pop ballads landed on my playlist, including Pammy Hilton’s “I Cry,” angel vox’s Возвращайся [willix remix], and pink songstress Girli’s “Crush Me Up.”
So, now that you’re up to date on the hottest sounds for this year’s Pride month, feel the “rush” and stream Juicy Pink Box’s Pride Music Playlist on Spotify.
