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2012: The Year in Lesbian/Bi Music

2012 was a banner year for lesbian and bisexual women in music with several high profile successes and other that, while on a smaller level, are no less significant.

While taking a hiatus from working on her own albums, bisexual vocalist Sia Furler continued to expand her songwriting work by penning tracks like the number one single “Diamonds” for Rihanna and Ne-Yo’s “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself).” She also collaborated with Flo-Rida on the hit summer song “Wild Ones,” for which she’s up for a Grammy, as well as David Guetta‘s dance jam “Titanium.” Continuing her work with Christina Aguilera from years past, she worked on tracks for the recently-released Lotus and also worked with Ke$ha on Warrior.

Although LP frequently writes for other artists, 2012 was the year she stepped in front of the mic. She released Into the WIld, which included the title track hit single after being featured in a widely-played Citibank commercial. She became the first ever female ambassador for Martin Guitar while also penning hits for Rita Ora, The Veronicas and Leona Lewis.

the xx (which includes out frontwoman Romy Madley Croft) put out their sophomore album, Coexist, which expanded on their 2010 debut and was both a fair critical and commercial success. Coexist went to number one in the first week in their home, the UK, and number five in the United States.

the xx tourmates 2:52 released their self-titled first album. Fronted by sisters Colette and Hannah Thurlow (the latter of which identifies as queer), their shoegaze style made them a hit at music festivals like SXSW.

Gossip put out their follow-up to Men in Love, A Joyful Noise in the spring, and there was a noticeable difference in the energy. It could be the number of co-writers and producers on A Joyful Noise that muddled the sparkle, as the songs didn’t come alive as quickly as they have on past LPs, but their live shows brought that missing element back to life. Meanwhile queer singer Beth Ditto released her memoir, Coal to Diamonds, which included nostalgic tidbits about the Gossip’s initial founding and early career.

Melissa Etheridge continued to be one of the most prolific pop rockers with the release of 4th Street Feeling. She said the 12-track album was inspired by growing up in Kansas City. Unfortunately, much of her music was overshadowed by personal issues this year as Melissa battled with ex Tammy Lynn Michaels over separation proceedings very publicly.

Speaking of prolific, Meshell Ndegeocello put out her Nina Simone tribute, Pour une me Souveraine: A Dedication to Nina Simone. Meshell recorded 14 songs previously written and performed by the late soul singer after reading her biography. The passion project turned out to be a pleasant listen for fans of both musicians.

Sadly we said goodbye to legendary Mexican vocalist Chavela Vargas, who came out more than 10 years ago at age 81. Chavela continued to perform up until a month before she died in August from respiratory issues, but her voice continues to inspire music in all kinds of Latin genres.

Missy Higgins released her first album since 2008’s On a Clear Night after she said she went through a mild career crisis. But once she was re-inspired by the scene in Nashville, the Australian singer/songwriter create The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle with producer Butterfly Boucherv. Fans were happy to see Missy back in their hometowns when she toured with Butterfly this fall, and the new album recently won her an ARIA for Female Performer of the Year.

Out on TV

Despite having been together for three previous albums, Hunter Valentine went through some major growing pains in the past year before releasing Collide & Conquer. Their evolution was televised, as the band added a keyboardist on The Real L Word before ultimately deciding she wasn’t the best fit for the band. But Somer Bingham recorded the 2012 album with Kiyomi McCloskey, Laura Petracca and Vero Sanchez, which was a classic rock meets post punk record accompanied by a tour of fans of both the music and the Showtime series.

Being on TV didn’t hurt Heather Peace‘s music career either, as her contemporary jazz-pop LP Fairytales was a favorite among Lip Service fans in 2012. A fan of sweeping gospel-esque songs like “Thank God for You” to the slow romance of the title track, Heather showed she’s not a one-trick pony on her second CD.

Bisexual Brit Jessie J joined the judging panel of The Voice UK and put on an international tour throughout the year. She performed in front of the Queen of England and the world as part of the 2012 Olympic Ceremony and continues to be forthcoming about her sexuality as reporters seem keen on reconfirming it time and time again.

In the U.S., De’Borah Garner came out on The Voice before getting picked for Team Christina. Although she didn’t make it through to the end, out women won The Voice in both Holland and Brazil this year.

Former Voice and American Idol contestant Frenchie Davis came out as bisexual and in a relationship with a woman. Although her album is still forthcoming, she released her single “Love’s Got a Hold on Me” this year as well as a holiday recording of “Ave Maria.”

Out musician Dani Shay was a contestant on The Glee Project in its second season, but only made it through a few episodes before getting the boot. In a twiste of fate, however, the show gave her more of a platform for her own songwriting and introduced her to her new girlfriend and muse, Ali Stroker. The two announced their relationship in Dani’s just-released music video for “One” and recorded a duet together on Dani’s One: The Winter EP.

Seattle’s Got it Again

Interestingly, some of the best country-tinged music from 2012 came out of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle, to be specific. Brandi Carlile‘s Bear Creek was a folk-rock effort that expanded on her previous albums and opened the out singer up more than ever. Inspired by turning 30, a break up and a new relationship that eventually turned into a marriage, Brandi co-wrote the album with her collaborators Tim and Phil Hanseroth but wrote the first single, “That Wasn’t Me,” on her own. The piano-based tune about showing someone the side of yourself you were hoping to hide was sad but honest and showed fans a side of Brandi they might not have expected.

Seattlite by way of Birmingham, Alabama Lindsay Fuller released her third album, You, Anniversary, her first on Dave Matthews‘ ATO Records. Inspired by her Southern upbringing, the album is tinged with gothic storytelling and includes a duet with friend Amy Ray. Lindsay returned the favor by appearing on Ray’s 2012 album Lung of Love, which Brandi Carlile also lent her vocals to.

Sera Cahoone, like Brandi, also recorded her 2012 album at Bear Creek, naming her LP Deer Creek Canyon. The indie country artist has a more lo-fi approach to songwriting and recording, but there is a similar sentiment to her fellow Seattle songstresses. Deer Creek Canyon could be the album you missed in 2012 that accompanies you into 2013 and beyond.

One of the year’s best hip-hop albums came from Seattle-based duo THEESatisfaction. Partners in both their personal and professional lives, Stasia Irons and Catherine Harris-White released Awe Naturale on Sub Pop Records with funk-laced tracks like “QueenS” that had a music video featuring all fierce black females.

Queering Dance

After leaving Hercules and Love Affair, Kim Ann Foxman went it alone and released her solo singles, “Creature” and “Return It,” which indicated she’d be exploring more house themes on her own. The out DJ/artist became a dance floor fixture with her former group but has solidified her presence in club music with her own songs and remixes.

Light Asylum‘s self-titled album provided us the darkwave dance music we’d been waiting for since they gave us a taste with their 2011 EP. Queer singer Shannon Funchess has a deep Grace Jones-esque voice and their live show is an unparalleled experience. Both Shannon and bandmate Bruno Coviello both made the Out magazine 100 this winter.

Also in dance music, Chicago-based duo Shuteye put out Hush Hush, a lushly layered album of delirium and dreaming. Nina Sky‘s Nicole and Natalie established the twin sisters as pop mavens who have more to say than “Move Your Body.” Out member Nicole Albino helped establish the band’s lesbian cred as Nina Sky played Pride events as well as stages at the Dinah, Shedonism and OUT/LOUD Queer Women’s Music Festival this year.

The Best in Music Videos

Lissy Trullie self-titled second album picked up where Self-Taught Learner left off. The out New York rock and roll singer put out one of the best but most slept-on songs of the year, “Madeline.” Lissy’s friend, actress Chloe Sevingy starred in her music video for “It’s Only You, Isn’t it?” which is also a must-watch for 2012.

In music videos, Lana del Ray released “Summertime Sadness,” starring friend and actress Jaime King in a role that likened the women to lovers with a Thelma & Louise theme.

Brooklyn duo Chairlift created a choose-your-own-adventure video for “Met Before,” in which viewers could select a girl who has her heart pine for another woman.

Although their new album won’t come out until January 29, 2013, Tegan and Sara crept in at the end of the year with their single “Closer” from the upcoming Hearthrob. The video follows the out twins through a house party where there is karaoke, spin the bottle and all kinds of couples having a good time to a sexy synth-laced song.

Looking Forward to Future Listening

In 2013, we can expect Tegan and Sara’s album to make a strong impact, though it has a significantly different sound that will ask fans to grow with them. Mount Moriah‘s Miracle Temple will have a strong queer theme as its based on singer Heather McIntyre‘s process of coming out to her mother. Melissa Ferrick will release her 17th album in May. New York DJ duo CREEP have announced they will release five singles as well as their debut LP in 2013. Uh Huh Her, who put out an acoustic EP of previously released songs in 2012, said their next offering will be a “dance album.”

Azealia Banks, who identifies as bisexual, will release her highly-anticipated Broke with Expensive Taste on February 12 with Lady Gaga‘s ARTPOP following close behind with a date yet to be decided.

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