Sample more sounds of the rainbow with our second Pride series on LGBT musicians.
Gay singer/songwriter Jon Fuller makes a lasting impression with "Stepping Stone," from his third album "When Did You Get So Damned Scared." A touching, alternately humorous and dramatic, number about first gay love, Fuller fills the listener's ears with all the feels. It's one of the best songs you'll hear on the subject. Fuller also doesn't shy away from getting political on the songs "Not In My Name," "Burn It Down," and "Gonna Have Fun Today." Fuller is a welcome voice in the LGBTQ+ music scene.
Genderqueer artist Diane Coffee (aka Shaun Fleming) serves up their fourth full-length album "With People" (Polyvinyl). If you didn't know any better, you might think album opener "Corrina from Colina," had been discovered in a fault that had been locked since the early 1980s. The song effortlessly conjures the pop mindset of the period. But by "Bullied," the second song, containing the lyrics "I was attractive, I was kind of queer/Who better to tempt my schoolyard domineer?," we know we're listening at a time when such subject matter is addressed. Also of note are the shape-shifting "Our Love/The Run," the deceptively dark "Shark" (which returns to the schoolyard), the queer "politics" of "Forever You and I," and the unexpected folk of "What Good Is It Now."
The 12 selections on lesbian singer/songwriter Sean Della Croce's subtly radiant debut album "Illuminations" (Pasadena), shine a generous light on her artistry. The Nashville native proudly represents contemporary Americana with a touch of folk on the songs "Rebecca Henry," "Catharine Street," "Lille," and "End All Be All." Della Croce is also at home turning up the twang as does on "Then, Now," "Break In the Rain," and "Weak Days."
Drawing on influences ranging from Tegan and Sara to Billie Eilish and Avril Lavigne, queer singer/songwriter Carlie Hanson grabs us by the collar and doesn't let go with her debut full-length album "Tough Boy" (Warner Records). Easily the most commercially-produced-sounding album in this column, Hanson has a knack for co-writing catchy numbers made all the more enticing because of the lyrical content of songs such as "Nice To Know Ya," "Fuck Your Labels," "Girls In Line For the Bathroom," and "Gucci Knife."
"Better Than Electric" (Pasadena) is the fifth full-length studio album by queer musician Kid Moxie (aka Elena Charbila). Created while in lockdown in L.A. during the pandemic, the songs sound like a dream of nostalgia and longing for community. "At The End of the Night" is pure '80s adrenaline," while "Unbroken" has a NIN vibe. The dance tracks, including "Miss Robot," "Black Flower," and "Lost In Time," are Kid Moxie's strong suit.
Help keep the Bay Area Reporter going in these tough times. To support local, independent, LGBTQ journalism, consider becoming a BAR member.