Queer Music News is a smattering of what’s going on in music by LGBTQ artists and the artists we love.
Here’s a wrap-up of music we’ve received in recent days for your new music Monday.
Queer Texas soul singer Nakia has dropped a new album
Austin’s own queer icon Nakia released his newest album, Signal at the end of May on his own KiaChia Records, and celebrated with a vinyl release show at The Saxon Pub in Austin.
With Nakia’s new synth-heavy, ’80s-influenced album, he blends emotional weight with intensity, storytelling, and honesty through the sounds of classic rock, synth-pop, blues and soul.
Nakia said in the song’s announcement, “Signal is just that – a call to action for folks to remember that music can save our lives.”
Prior to the release, Nakia has steadily released singles from the record, including “Thrill-O-Matic” in 2023, in 2024, he released the title track along with “Show It To Me” (feat. Norwegian rap star Big Daddy Karsten) and “Hold On To Your Heart.”. This year alone, he released four more tracks to preview the album.
For more information, visit Nakia.net. Watch the video for the title track below:
Rita De Los Angeles’ Pride single “Not Even A Little” is her tribute to Dykes on Bikes
LGBTQ country artist, Rita De Los Angeles, originally from L.A. and now based in Lindlar, Germany dropped a new track for Pride month that also gives some love to her fellow queer ladies. The singer describes the track as “my boldest release yet, a fierce country-disco anthem fueled by a gritty groove, hip-hop beats, and unapologetic pride. “
The song is also a tribute to the legendary Dykes on Bikes.
In an email to Dallas Voice, she remarked on the group’s “fearless visibility has inspired queer communities for decades. My anthem celebrates their power, freedom, and leadership with a sound I call courage on wheels.”
The song will release on June 13 on all streaming platforms.
“This one’s for everyone who refuses to apologize for being themselves,” De Los Angeles said in the email. “Dykes on Bikes lead the parade—and they’ve always led by example.”
Watch the video for “Not Even a Little” below:
Queer singer Keeana Kee dropped the brand-new single and video for “Heal Me”
Pop artist and fashion model Keeana Kee has released her newest single that blends pop, Reggaeton and Afrobeat styles into her sound with her own queer sensibilities.
An immigrant lesbian artist who taught herself guitar, piano, and voice, she has morphed from her conservative Russian roots into an outspoken queer artist.
The out and proud singer was recently named one of GO Magazine’s “100 Women We Love – Class of 2025” due to her platform to champion women’s empowerment and LGBTQ+ visibility — through both her art and activism.
Watch the video for “Heal Me” below:
Ty Herndon and LeAnn Rimes collab for his “What Mattered Most;” signs a new three-album deal
Earlier this month, Grammy-nominated gay country artist Ty Herndon signed a new three-album deal with Club44 Records. That partnership was launched with the reimagined duet of his 1995 breakout single “What Mattered Most.” The new single features Grammy-winning LeAnn Rimes. and it marks the first release from Herndon’s forthcoming album THIRTY, a career-spanning collection of his three decades in country music.
Originally released in 1995, “What Mattered Most” was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The song’s success earned him an ACM nomination for Top New Male Vocalist. The newly released 30th anniversary edition of his signature track combines the talents of the two North Texas artists.
“Recording this song with LeAnn was nothing short of magical,” Herndon said in a press release. “She and I go back three decades — we were touring together in the ’90s when her career exploded and she used to come out on stage and sing this song with me. So all these years later, re-recording it as a duet, was a full-circle moment I’ll never forget. Her voice brings depth and beauty to the song, which is breathtaking. We’ve both lived a lot of life since then, and I think you can hear that in every note.”
Thirty will feature newly recorded versions of Herndon’s hits, reinterpreted as collaborations with an all-star lineup of musical guests.
The release also marks the beginning with Club44 Records, the Nashville-based label, where his next three albums — including Thirty — will be released. Thirty is slated to be released later this summer.
Listen to “What Mattered Most’ with LeAnn Rimes below:
Concert calendar
July 8: Ke$ha, Scissor Sisters at Dos Equis Pavilion.
July 10 and 11: The Chainsmokers at SILO Dallas.
July 12: JoJo Siwa at House Of Blues.
July 17: Kevin James Thornton at Addison Improv.
July 18: Wavves at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios.
July 26: Keyshia Cole at Dickies Arena.
Aug. 6: Regina Spektor at Majestic Theatre.
Aug. 8: Horsegirl at Sons Of Hermann Hall.
Aug. 16: Gretchen Wilson at Billy Bob’s Texas.
Aug. 17: Lost 80’s Live at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory.
Aug. 22: RuPaul (DJ set) at SILO Dallas.
Aug. 27: The Weeknd at AT&T Stadium.
Aug. 29: Fitz And The Tantrums at The Echo Lounge & Music Hall.
Aug. 30: Bernadette Peters at Eisemann Center.
Sept. 13: Boulet Brothers at House of Blues.
Sept. 20: Benson Boone at Dickies Arena.
Sept. 25: Pam Tillis at Arlington Music Hall.
Sept. 30 and Oct. 1: Dua Lipa at American Airlines Center.
Oct. 3: Rio Romeo at Club Dada.
Oct. 8: Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo Girls at Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie.
Nov 15: Andy Bell at the Majestic Theatre.
Nov. 16: Palmyra at Club Dada.
– Rich Lopez