Rainbow Ruckus 9/9: Amelia Riggings, Big Riverz, Alexander Ocotillo, and More!
This week's Rainbow Ruckus features punk pedal steel, pissing on James Dobson's grave, Latin grooves, reclaiming one's power, and the indignities of a life in music.
Every week, Rainbow Rodeo brings you the best new queer country music! Listen to this playlist on Spotify and Tidal! 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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- Amelia Riggs drops a heavy blues rocker with a heavier theme: the indignities of the indie music world – especially after coming out. The song channels some of Lavender Country's cheeky rage with its ambling groove and sardonic tone.
- Big Riverz (which comprises Rae Spoon, Sofia Hicks, and Sarah Danger) gives us a sweet pedal steel/pop punk snapshot of that moment when you meet someone whose chemistry with you as absolutely undeniable. "Heat Goes Up" conveys the excitement of a new connection and the yearning of keeping that feeling to yourself.
- Alexander Ocotillo called my attention to their prescient country punker "Fuck Dr. James Dobson." The Focus on the Family Founder passed a couple of years ago – and he won't be missed.
- Gina Chavez brings the heat with "La Que Manda," or "she who commands." I don't speak enough Spanish to grasp the lyrics – but the joyful abandon is pretty clear to me!!!
- With her new EP coming out on Friday, Brye gives lessons on finding oneself again on "Saying 'No.'" The buoyant pop groove belies the childhood lessons in going against yourself – and breaking through them.
