Since the release of their full-length debut Double Dare in 2016, Waterparks has constantly shifted. Each of their five albums has its own vibe and musical direction.
Their first single on Fueled by Ramen, "Funeral Gray" is more organic than the top-heavy sound of their well-received 2021 album Greatest Hits. The song sounds like it could actually be from the late '90s rather than the imitation '90s sound that some of their peers have settled on.
Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos talked to frontman Awsten Knight about the band's evolution, the support he gets from Joel and Benji Madden, and why he's so excited for the rock resurgence.
Waterparks (Full Episode) | It's Real with Jordan and Demi
www.youtube.com
Last week, Dutch duo Vicetone released the single "Barcelona Nights." Inflected with Spanish guitar and a laid-back dance groove, the track is an infectious summer jam that reflects Ruben den Boer and Victor Pool's global reach. It follows the album Legacy, released last year.
Since forming a decade ago, Vicetone have become festival favorites and in-demand producers. They've also remixed songs by superstars like Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, and Adele. Listeners may know them best from singles like "Astronomia" and "Something Strange," which both boast more than 270 million Spotify streams.
Pool and den Boer took a break from recording to talk to our Ryan Gingery about "Barcelona Nights," how they approach remixes, and life in their home base of Nashville. Watch the full interview (and the track's visualizer) below.
We’re back and singing our pride with those trailblazers & allies who made it to the mainstream without sacrificing their integrity.
Let’s not forget that for eons the LGBTQ+ world and its underground culture has fueled the hottest music & fashion, and incited the fight for human rights.
Music allows us to express ourselves, take comfort, and show our love. Celebrate this Pride Month with these fabulous LGBTQ+ artists who bring us refuge, hope, and jubilation.
9. Y.M.C.A. - Village People
The Village People’s comes from Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, a historic gay district. Since 1978 this song has been played all over the world and was even selected by the Library of Congress for its impact on world culture. What goes over many kids’ heads is that Y.M.C.A. is a song about cruising, meaning looking for the D at the Y.M.C.A.
8. Strangers (featuring Lauren Jauregui) - Halsey
Halsey and Lauren both identify as bisexual, so this song - about two women longing for each other - normalizes same-sex relationships, creating a K.O.
7. All The Lovers - Kylie Minogue
Kylie’s long been an lgbtq+ ally. All The Lovers is her love letter to our community, the video is a clear endorsement of all type of couples, thruples, and the joyous fluidity of sex.
6. I’m Ready - Sam Smith, Demi Lovato
These non-binary icons are ready to be loved for who they are! The video itself is a glittering expression of gender-bending magic featuring other non-binary and trans royalty!
5. Together Again - Janet Jackson
4. Superpower - Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert made way for many of today’s fabulous gay artists. Lambert was the first to depict a blowjob on national TV and receive heavy backlash for it. Apparently, America was not ready to see us as sexual beings. Superpower is a message of empowerment in our queerness - bee-jays and all!
3. Bloom - Troye Sivan
Troy confirmed - in a deleted tweet - that Bloom is about bottoming. And that in itself is rebellious AF! There’s no room in this world for bottom shaming.
2. Coconuts - Kim Petras
Continuing with the sexual revolution, having a trans woman sing about her beautiful Coconuts is a boss-as-bitch move.
1. Pluto - Jake Wesley Rogers
He’s been called this generation’s Elton John. A splendid, singular voice, lyrics, and queer storytelling makes it impossible to hate on you Jake Wesley Rogers.
Wilson Andres is a Mexican queer raver activist who transforms party spaces to ensure a safe rave space for everyone through diversity, inclusivity, equity, visibility, harm reduction, and consent.
