Hello qts <3
The days are feeling… heavier and heavier? I don’t know how else to put it.
In my own life and the life at large, these past weeks have been filed with more death and disappointment and uncertainty than the weeks before. There is so much to rage about. So I’ve have been practicing the art of tolerating the unknown. And that’s been the theme for me to keep coming back to in order to find a sliver of peace.
To double down on that it is indeed Disability Pride month. Tbh I’m pretty weary of the ‘assign a month to something so people can be performative in caring about a thing for a very specific period of time’ culture, but a lot of disability activists are engaging in it this year more than ever and you know what- we need each other right now.
For those that are unaware I have Crohn’s and Crohn’s-related Arthritis, which basically means I suffer from flares that cause various amounts of pain at various amounts of time. And that pain is… anywhere on my person. Basically it feels like a ghost enters my body every night and decides where it will live and terrorize me the following day. One day it’s my wrist. The next my jaw. And then my hips. And then why not add irritation in my colon as well? Idk it’s wild ride. Unfortunately I’m going through one of those flares right now but I’m pushing through it and getting rest and trying to make the best of my days.
I don’t have anything profound to add to the discourse around how disabled folks are treated in this country. But the shared experience we have in common is that every day is a new unknown in our bodies. And embracing that alone is tiring so leaning on each other is inherently important. And if you’re not part of the disabled community now, your chances of eventually finding yourself alongside us is strong. Lay that foundation of community and rest and a place to turn to (good music duh) to ease whatever unknown you’re going to be up against.
Okay personally- I’m exhausted. And I’m guessing a lot of others are too. I don’t know if my words are even making sense. What I’d like to do is spend the remaining time writing a little bit about the artists that are scattered in this group of songs I’ve put together and pull some bright spots out for you to indulge in. And by bright spots I do mean ‘songs that will make you feel the weight of the world while also letting you escape and connect to the human experience’- ya?
To break it down: I’ve been staying home, I’ve been reaching for healing, reaching for dark wave records, reaching for queers who have things to say, reaching for transcendence. Let’s listen to some music that will provide a space to escape/rage/fall in love/sit in the moment idk let’s fucking rip.
Free Footnotes
Info on gems included on this list
Remi Wolf’s latest album is INCREDIBLE. If you don’t know her or haven’t listened, just go do it. Her voice will take you places. Her cover of Amy Winehouse’s Valerie is my current IV drug of choice. And of course watch her video for Cinderella where Mac Demarco is an ice cream man. It is summer after all.
Another album that has been on heavy rotation is Lola Young’s ‘This Wasn’t Meant for you Anyway’. Listen. If you don’t know this artist currently- I guarantee you you won’t be able to escape it years from now. This bitch can siiiiiiing. And she is very cool. The way I changed which song to include on this list is proof that she only has bangers. It’s early days for her (sry I’ve been watching a lot of Love is Blind) and many comparisons can be drawn but let’s not do that now and just soak up the greatness. Her Concieted video is making me want to rewatch Skins and pretend I’m 22 and move across the pond.
The Last Dinner Party is another Brit group that have been in my rotation for a couple months. Their song Sinner is on the list. And that song is perfect for anyone who grew up religious and now finds themselves living freely and having the best sex of their lives (gay sex). Oh and if you haven’t seen this cover of Blondie’s ‘Call Me’ on Like a Version plz just head on over and get ready to feel conflicting sapphic feelings.
One thing I was able to do this week was go to the Greeting Committee show at the Fine Line. This group is special. Very sweet songs. Very sweet audience. Shay and I found ourselves at a table on the balcony, meeting various men who had all come alone. Like alone in a cute way. The lead singer wore pants that I believe had PeeWee’s giant face on them? I was smitten. It was just a great show and you should partake in seeing them too if you wish.
Lava La Rue is an artist I’m just learning about through her latest album STARFACE. Listen for yourself but she has declared “I was definitely inspired by the idea of making a lesbian version of Ziggy Stardust” and I that’s really all you need to know to get started.
Humbird is included on the list as well. I saw her preform this song last year and she spoke about how this is the only song that has garnered hate mail from parts of her audience. AKA the nice white men who enjoy her music are not happy about her speaking out about injustice. But I care so little about them and think you should listen to her talent instead.
Other Notes
Kp of Black Belt Eagle Scout is going through a medical emergency and had to cancel the remainder of the tour to take care of herself. There is a Go Fund Me set up for her and her partner and I encourage you to join me in donating whatever you’re able to. And if you haven’t spent time with BBES’s latest record I can’t recommend it enough. Real healing stuff right there. A track form that album is included on the list this week as well.
Michaela Coel made her instagram debut and blessed us with a playlist that among other things, highlights some incredible Sudanese artists. You can listen to that here.
Alright that’s all I have for you this week. I think this group of songs is really special, and I hope they provide you with a lil healthy escape. Take care of each other.