Howdy, cowpokes! We’re still taking pre-orders for issue 3 of Rainbow Rodeo! Click here to donate or subscribe to the zine!
Joh Chase — “Another Lover”
Joh Chase’s multi-layered “Another Lover” documents post-relationship regret with warmth and simplicity. The track was written, produced, recorded, and performed entirely by them, echoing the complex nature of ending things with someone when you know it’s time, but wishing the good times could have continued. They’ve recently signed with Kill Rock Stars and are prepping their next album for spring 2024. For now, we’ll just have to nod along to this hypnotic track.
Scout Durwood — “Hanky Panky”
Comedian, burlesque performer, and singer Scout Durwood has unleashed an unexpected bout of queer joy in her music video for “Hanky Panky.” The house has supposedly hosted more adult video shoots, and it seemed to bring out some exciting energy on the shoot. Durwood’s rendition of Tommy James and the Shondells’ classic is cheeky and reverent, an encapsulation of Pride.
Joanna Sternberg — “Stockholm Syndrome”
Joanna Sternberg’s newest song “Stockholm Syndrome” bids farewell to a relationship that did more harm than good. The video, illustrated by Sternberg themself, encapsulates the song’s homey, scratchy feeling. Sternberg details the discomfort they felt throughout the relationship, casually dropping details that escalate, making the listener discover with dawning horror just how bad things really got. Sternberg’s latest album, I’ve Got Me, will be out this Friday, 6/30, on Fat Possum Records.
Shadwick Wilde — “Easy Rider”
Shadwick Wilde and his band The Quiet Hollers are a longtime favorite of our sister site Adobe & Teardrops. Wilde can deliver alt-country, hardcore, and indie rock with the best of them — last year’s Forever Chemicals an unrelenting, murky neo-new wave exploration of addiction and recovery. On “Easy Rider,” Wilde flips the narrative with a sweet folk song of comfort and reassurance. “Easy Rider” marks the first song off his upcoming solo album Forever Home, out September 22nd.
Nora Kelly Band — “Roswell”
In “Roswell,” Nora Kelly wants to believe. The languid country crooner unpacks Kelly’s fascination with UFOs — and her disappointment when they’ve been debunked. (Of course, with recent current events, Kelly may be feeling a lot better!) The video is poignant and silly, a reflection of the softer touch Kelly is bringing to her music with her upcoming album Rodeo Clown, out August 25th. You can learn more about Nora Kelly in our interview.
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? Thomas Inskeep is generously keeping an archive of all music featured on this Spotify playlist.