We’re back! If you liked our back-to-school playlist last time, you’ll definitely like the ten new songs we’ve picked out this time around. As Pride month wraps up, we think you’d enjoy some more inspiring music by some of today’s most influential female and/or LGBTQ singers. As always, Technica’s mission is to empower diversity in technology and foster a community where everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, feels invited to reach their full potential. The following songs go nicely along with our mission, so take a listen!
1. “I Like That” by Janelle Monae
Monae’s “I Like That” is all about liking what you like and owning your individuality without apology. The track is her way of telling off the critics and busibodies who have speculated about her sexuality for years. She also touches on the criticism she’s received about her appearance over the years. But with this declaration in the chorus “And I like that / I don’t really give a f**k if I was just the only one / Who likes that / I never like to follow, follow, I would rather chase the sun”. Monae is confident in her choices and her opinions. She does not rely on the opinions of others for validation.
Monae’s attitude is a great one for us to adopt as women. Society often tries to force their opinion on us in the form of what we should or should not wear, how we should act, and even what jobs we should take. Much like Monae, we should like what we like regardless of what society says and continue to create our own lane in life.
2. “you should see me in a crown” by Billie Eilish
One of music’s latest breakout stars, Billie Eilish has taken over — both in the pop industry and in the context of her lead single from her recent album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? Billie delicately starts the song off with a light verse, building up to the heavy bass drop and strong chorus where she warns everyone about what she’s capable of once she’s in power. She claims “I’m gonna run this nothing town / Watch me make ’em bow.” What a mood.
In the bridge, Billie tells a suitor, “I’m not your baby if you think I’m pretty.” This is an attitude that we, as women, should remember. Though she’s only 17, Billie Eilish has already established herself as an influential female figure.
3. “Cheap Queen” by King Princess
King Princess is an up-and-coming self-identifying gay pop artist. Her song “Cheap Queen” features a light and steady chorus where she declares, “I’m a real queen. I can make grown men cry.” Although we do not condone making men cry, this is the kind of unstoppable mindset we can get behind.
4. “After the Storm (feat. Tyler, The Creator & Bootsy Collins)” by Kali Uchis
This next track has a bit of a melancholic yet hopeful tone. Featuring Kali Uchis’ smooth and sultry words of empowerment, “After the Storm” is all about self-reliance and helping yourself. She tells us that everyone goes through rough times but we won’t always have someone there to save us, so we better be able to save ourselves. “So if you need a hero / Just look in the mirror,” Kali echoes. The most valuable help we can get comes from within.
In the chorus, she sings, “The sun will come out, nothing good ever comes easy / I know times are rough but winners don’t quit.” Continuing with the motif of nature, Kali reassures us that “after the storm’s when the flowers boom.” You can’t help but feel like everything will be alright.
5. “Back in My Body” by Maggie Rogers
“Back in My Body” is a young and free-spirited anthem by singer and feminist Maggie Rogers. It’s the last song off of her debut album Heard It In A Past Life. In her own words, Maggie says, “Being back in my body means being able to do the things I love, but do them in the way I love, and in my way, and in my time, giving myself the opportunity to just be me.” Her vocals echo over light instrumental that transform you into the liberated young protagonist in an indie coming-of-age film. The message of her song definitely makes you feel reborn and ready to face the world as your authentic and unapologetic self.
6. “Testify” by Awkwafina
You probably know her from her role as Peik Lin in the hit film Crazy Rich Asians. But Awkwafina can also show off her musical talent. Proof is in her melodic and inspiring track “Testify.” Awkwafina proudly sings, “I was born to be a leader” with a “cool and calm demeanor” in the first verse. She continues into the chorus saying, “I’m that chick / Imma make this city so proud / Let me testify.” Awkwafina has always been proud of her roots in Queens, mentioning her upbringing in several interviews. Now, after the launch of her rap career and her movie stardom, it’s safe to say she has made her city proud and has inspired women everywhere to do the same.
7. “Honey” by Kehlani
A slow and acoustic-sounding song from Kehlani, “Honey” will remind you of all the times you’ve been in love. Whether you’ve been in 100 romantic relationships, or you simply crush from afar, everyone can relate to the overwhelming feeling of loving someone. The opening lines “I like my girls just like I like my honey; sweet / A little selfish”, immediately connects to the song title and evokes the feeling of being covered in love. She embraces the positivity in love, while acknowledging her own history and the struggles that come with investing so much in a relationship “‘Cause I’m a beautiful wreck / A colorful mess, but I’m funny”
Often women are criticized for being too emotional or attached when in relationships. Kehlani rebukes this idea and instead ponders about her emotions and ends the song with a lingering thought “Isn’t love all we need? Is it love?” “Honey” is a sweet song that brings back warm memories, while validating our emotions and all the feels that come with loving love.
8. “Number One Fan” by MUNA
MUNA’s “Number One Fan” is an interesting and humorous yet empowering track. The message is all about countering the lingering self-doubt in your mind with self-love instead. Self-doubt can especially be prevalent among young women in tech, so it’s extra important we combat the feeling of imposter syndrome with self-confidence.
In the chorus, MUNA perfectly describes the attitude we should all adopt. Sometimes we just need to tell ourselves, “Oh my God, like, I’m your number one fan / So iconic, like big, like stan / I would give my life just to hold your hand / I’m your number one fan.” But then in moments of self-doubt, you may ask yourself, “In the thick of it, will you stick up for me? / In the thick of it, are you gonna believe that I can do it?” As MUNA says, you should be your own number one fan and biggest stan.
9. “Juice” by Lizzo
If you know this song, then you shouldn’t be surprised that “Juice” is on our playlist. If you haven’t heard this song before, stop what you’re doing and listen to it now. Pull up the lyrics while you’re at it because you’ll need to know the words when you inevitably find yourself singing along.
Lizzo’s feel-good anthem oozes fun and self-confidence. With lyrics like “I’m like chardonnay, get better over time” and “No, I’m not a snack at all / Look, baby, I’m the whole damn meal,” Lizzo will prepare you to take on the world.
10. “Palm Dreams” by Hayley Kiyoko
The last song on our playlist is from the debut album of “lesbian Jesus” herself, Hayley Kiyoko. “Palm Dreams” is the eleventh track off of Expectations and is about Hayley’s dream of becoming a star and achieving greatness. She sings, “I’ll make it to the top / I’m shining like their cars and rings,” comparing herself to the shiny luxury goods rich celebrities tend to boast.
This catchy tune continues as Hayley sings about “riding all the highs and lows” and declares, “I’ll make it anywhere ’cause I’m home.” The relaxed feel to the song adds to the optimism Hayley brings as she tells about her humble journey to success. As an openly gay, Asian woman, she has had to overcome some struggles. But in doing so, and sharing her experiences through her music, she has become an inspiring figure to many.
