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? Thomas Inskeep is generously keeping an archive of all music featured on this Spotify playlist.
Dillybilly — “Chaparral”
Not a new song, but Dillybilly is a new-to-me artist after Eli Conley recommended them to me. “Chaparral” is a swirling maelstrom of folk, electronic, and chamber pop textures. The urgency of the need to accept change builds as Dillybilly layers sounds, ratcheting up both the tension and the wonder of the inevitable.
Ally Free — “Demons of My Past”
Ally Free channels ’90s country and rock on their latest song, “Demons Of My Past.” As they recount the demons who haunt them, the Huntsville, AL singer-songwriter establishes grit and determination to move past their previous mistakes. But, most importantly, they envelope the singer with warmth, providing hope that we can all defeat those demons.
Rett Madison — “Skydiving”
LA’s Ratt Madison is out of the gate running with “Skydiving.” Her upcoming album, One For Jackie (out October 27) memorializes her mother, as well as learning to live with Madison’s own grief and coming to terms with her mother’s addiction. The song feels big, with lush pop production, but the draw here is Madison’s performance. We can practically feel her rend her garments as Madison delivers the performance of her life, venting all the complex emotions stirred up by this tragedy.
Hank — “Bugs”
Hank has been taking Brooklyn by storm with their unique brand of country hyperpop. Amidst the lavish sounds, Hank’s sincerity cuts through. “Bugs” focuses on the misery of a failed relationship, and the value that can sometimes be gained from hitting rock bottom.