Every week, Rainbow Rodeo brings you the best new queer country music! Listen to this playlist on Spotify! Thanks to Elliott for making a parallel list on Apple Music! Listen to the parallel list on Tidal. Missed a week? TA Inskeep is generously keeping an archive of all music featured on this Spotify playlist.
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- Katie Pruitt returns to her hushed ballad “Standstill” — this time with co-writer Ruston Kelly. With just their voices and a muted piano, this rendition of the song from her recent album Mantras drives the song’s aching loneliness home.
- The first single off the upcoming TRAИƧA benefit album (out November 22), Lauren Auder and Wendy & Lisa cover Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U.” This version is a shimmering pop confection with acoustic touches and a vital urgency.
- Rhiannon Giddens teams up with queer country artist Crys Matthews and the Resistance Revival Chorus for “How I Long For Peace.” The song, initially written by Peggy Seeger, was released on National Voter Registration Day. Giddens and Matthews, backed by a chorus of women and non-binary performers, transform this folk song into a mighty prayer.
- Andrea Nardello encourages us to (gently) get over ourselves on the sparkling “Rise.” This comforting song reminds us that the chase is, in fact, the destination.
- Also from TRAИƧA, Sam Smith (remember when they did country music?) and the visionary Beverly-Glenn Copeland team up for “Ever New.” This isn’t quite a country song, but who cares? Copeland’s rich bass and Smith’s gentle tenor weave a magical spell in this celebration of reinvention and creation.