proud brown gay 👋🏽 / DJ 🎧 / party producer / longtime music journalist aka I’ve written a lot about pop / you’ve seen my ass 💕 / IG @jon_ali
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Articles by Jon ALi
Bronze Avery cuts deep with impressive DIY debut 'SOFTMETAL' Original
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. There’s always something admirable to be said about an artist doing it all on their own, in their own way — and that’s essentially who Bronze Avery has always been.
The Reclamation of RAYE Original
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. No hype, no gloss, no pretense. Just RAYE, stripped… finally, for the first time. The South London-bred songstress is back at it yet again in 2022, strutting ahead with a whole new sense of empowerment and, yes, brand new music. If you’re just getting acquainted with RAYE, you should know that she is no stranger to the dance floor.
Gia Woods is a pop starlet on a mission to be more than just 'Lesbionic'
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. Bye gay? Not if Gia Woods has anything to say about it. Pride Month may have come to an end, but singer-songstress Gia Woods is here to remind you that Pride doesn’t end in June. It’s an iconic, never-ending year-long celebration. Or, in the words of her new single… “it’s not iconic; it’s lesbionic.” For those of you so blissfully unaware: Gia Woods is no stranger to the queer pop music scene.
Isaac Dunbar graces us with spiritual pop life hacks on 'Banish The Banshee'
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. When thinking about the stacked lineup of Gen-Z musical talent that’s available to us, Isaac Dunbar readily jumps to mind. He’s a bona fide superstar on the rise, and we’d surely bet “Money On That.” The 19-year-old singer-songwriter-producer has been steadily working his way up the popsphere for nearly a decade now.
Meet Mike Taveira, the rising queer heartthrob willing to 'Cut Velvet'
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. Mike Taveira is a rising queer talent cut out to be your next favorite pop star.
Miki Ratsula debuts with honest and beautifully intimate queer album, 'i owe it to myself'
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. It’s about time we formally introduced you to Miki Ratsula. As an out trans non-binary artist, the Southern California-based Finnish-American singer, songwriter and producer has built a sizable audience by transparently welcoming people into their world — and, honestly, we couldn’t be more grateful. From the very early days of their career, Miki has used their platform to candidly document their life.
Tom Aspaul is providing the pop escapism we need
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. Is the daily news cycle feeling a bit heavy these days? Don’t fret! Tom Aspaul is here to help you “kiss it all away” with some much-needed pop escapism from his very HOT new era. You might not already know Tom Aspaul by name, but you’ve certainly heard his work.
The powerful reintroduction of Kate Stewart
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. Kate Stewart is reclaiming her power. The London-bred songstress is back at it yet again in 2022, strutting ahead with a new attitude and, yes, brand new music. If you’re just getting acquainted: Kate Stewart, formally known as KStewart, is no stranger to the pop music scene.
15 gems by queer artists that you may have missed in 2021
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. We did it! We made it through another year. 2021 managed to be yet another roller coaster of a year like 2020. But luckily, amidst life’s many ups and downs this year, there was (thankfully) a ton of great music to help distract, heal and uplift us. Artists who are part of the LGBTQ+ community went especially out of their way to make sure we were constantly supplied with ample amounts of musical escapism.
15 gems by queer artists that you may have missed in 2021
Queer Artists Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. We did it! We made it through another year. 2021 managed to be yet another roller coaster of a year like 2020. But luckily, amidst life’s many ups and downs this year, there was (thankfully) a ton of great music to help distract, heal and uplift us.
'Magic Still Exists' in the disco church of Swedish idol Agnes Original
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. Welcome to Magic Still Exists, the entryway to the disco church of Agnes, where it is encouraged that you “free your mind and free your body…” on the dance floor. Now, this Swedish Idol winner may not be a household name in the States, but she certainly is no stranger to being a dance floor commander.
Belgian queer superstar Oscar and the Wolf's stunning dreamscape 'The Shimmer' deserves your stateside attention Original
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. It’s about time the U.S. got properly acquainted with Oscar and the Wolf. The Belgian alt-pop talent is already a household name in his native country and beyond. He’s been selling out major venues and headlining festivals across the pond for years now, jump-started by the critical acclaim of his European-released debut Entity in 2014.
NYC starlet Macy Rodman finds magic through heartbreak with new album 'Unbelievable Animals' Original
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. There’s magic waiting on the other side of heartache, and Macy Rodman is living proof of that. If you’ve frequented queer spaces in New York City anytime over the past decade, Macy Rodman is a name and face you’ve likely come across.
Jake Wesley Rogers' time to shine is anything but 'Momentary' Original
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. Jake Wesley Rogers’ time to shine is now, and it’s hardly going to be “Momentary.” Though the Kansas City-bred singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is hardly a stranger to the spotlight, it feels like we’re just now getting our first real glimpse into the true artist that is Jake Wesley Rogers. It’s a good place to be, considering the long journey he has had to get to this moment.
Drag Race star Rosé makes leap into music with 'The Devil in the Details'
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. Rosé is here to stay. The dynamic and endlessly talented drag superstar took RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13 by storm with charming wit, humbling Scottish pride, fierce looks, endless adaptability, fierce professionalism and undeniable vocal talent. Although Rosé didn’t take home the crown on last month’s record-breaking finale, that doesn’t mean she’s ready to bow out quietly. She’s just begun.
Carlos Guevara reintroduces himself with new single 'Pin Me Down' Original
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. Carlos Guevara is back — and ready to dominate all on his own. Formally known as Carlos Vara, this openly queer singer-songwriter knows a little something about the ups and downs of navigating the music industry. The South Carolina-bred powerhouse was first discovered on the last season of The X Factor back in 2013.
Singer LEADR pushes forward message of love and unity with song 'Hi, I'm Human'
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. Meet LEADR, a human, just like you. LEADR is the artist moniker for Vietnamese-American singer, songwriter and producer Alexander Tang. Tang launched their music career in 2018 with the debut single “Waves,” which is pulsating, euphoric, therapeutic, nostalgic and cleansing all at once.
Allison Ponthier, your typical 'girl from the South', makes an impressive launch as a pop star with 'Cowboy'
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. Allison Ponthier isn’t your typical pop star. She’s “just a girl from the South,” as she describes in her debut single “Cowboy.” There are no wild theatrics in this first showing, sonically — no stomping beat drops and no standard pop structure. The most noteworthy thing about Ponthier’s debut isn’t actually the sound of the song itself, although she does sound quite beautiful and the production is very dreamy.
Citizen Queen represents girl group excellence for the new age
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. From The Supremes to TLC to the Spice Girls to Destiny’s Child to The Pussycat Dolls to Fifth Harmony to Little Mix and so on: There’s just something about a group of talented and fierce ladies dancing and singing that conjures instant empowerment. Enter Nina Nelson, Kaedi Dalley, Hannah Mrozak, Cora Isabel and Kaylah Sharve of Citizen Queen — the girl group 2021 deserves. What makes these girls so special?
Boy Untitled and GESS look to each other to create pop magic with 'Imposter'
Jon Ali is In The Know's music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. In 2021, it's time to push ourselves look beyond the surface. That's precisely the mission Boy Untitled and GESS have with their new collaboration, " Imposter." For those unfamiliar: Mark Tennyson, better known by his stage name Boy Untitled, began his musical journey in the LA queer-art scene in 2018 as a singer, producer and creator.
Meet Griff, Britpop's breakout starlet destined for world takeover
Jon Ali is In The Know's music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. Over the past year, Griff, a 19-year-old England-bred multi-talent, has quickly become a one-to-watch darling in the UK pop scene - all starting with the release of her debut Mirror Talk EP in 2019, which she released freshly after graduating high school and signing a record deal. Can't relate? Yeah, neither can we. She was signed by the same person who signed current pop "it-girl" Dua Lipa.
Almondmilkhunni, the bi songstress who makes mean sound good
Jon Ali is In The Know's music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. It's time to get into Almondmilkhunni, the girl who makes you want to get a little mean. The singer-songwriter-producer has been making waves within the indie pop scene, on the streaming services, on social media and beyond over the past year - and she's only just begun having her fun.
Loren Allred premieres acoustic version of second single, 'Your Girl' Original
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. In need of a new diva to sweep you off your feet with her powerhouse vocals? Look no further. Loren Allred is “Your Girl.” You might not instantly recognize Loren’s name, but you most definitely have heard her voice: The rising Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter is the stand-out voice behind “Never Enough” from the Oscar-nominated, Grammy Award-winning motion picture The Greatest Showman.
FHAT is the rising queer musical duo that you should be paying attention to
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. They say that two is better than one, and that is certainly the case when it comes to FHAT. FHAT is a rising queer-indie duo, comprised of Aaron Pfeiffer and Sedric Perry, who’ve been making fantastic music on the pop scene for a little over three years now.
Already an industry pro, Asiahn is a queeer R&B star marking her own path
Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. “If you got plans can you change it…” It’s time to properly meet Asiahn.
Alaina Castillo is the bilingual pop star demanding your attention
Alaina Castillo Jon Ali is In The Know’s music contributor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more. Get up! It’s time for you to get familiar with Alaina Castillo. At the age of 19, the Houston, Texas native has already accomplished what most adults consider to be a teenage dream: racking up tens of millions of streams around the world with an array of English and Spanish bops.
'Healthy Baby Boy' singer John-Robert is a name you'll want to know
Jon Ali is In The Know’s Music Contributor. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter for more. Let us properly introduce you to John-Robert: a small-town baby boy who’s steadily rising to super stardom. Though the singer-songwriter-producer is freshly 20 years old, he’s been performing for more than half of his life already, going from open mics in a small town in Virginia to gaining recognition through his many covers on YouTube of songs by the Kooks and Coldplay.
Queer Necessities: Bright Light Bright Light, Wrabel & More on Billboard Pride's May 2020 Playlist
With Pride Month quickly approaching, it’s time to stock up on new bops! We're proud to present the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog.
FURR: Mixtape II
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Queer Necessities: Troye Sivan, Alma & More on Billboard Pride's April 2020 Playlist
Need some new bops while you're stuck in isolation? We've got you covered with our latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment website Jon ALi's Blog.
Queer Necessities: Cub Sport, Miss Benny & More on Billboard Pride's January 2020 Playlist
New year, new bops! That's right, it’s time to refresh those playlists with the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog.
Queer Necessities: Big Freedia, Greyson Chance & More on Billboard Pride's December 2019 Playlist
The holiday season is here, which means it's time to make the yuletide gay! We're proud to present the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog.
Queer Necessities: King Princess, Perfume Genius & More on Billboard Pride's November 2019 Playlist
As we exit the spooky season and head towards winter, it's time to get into some new music. We're proud to present the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog.
Queer Necessities: Adam Lambert, Kim Petras and More on Billboard Pride's October 2019 Playlist
Grab your broomsticks -- it’s officially spooky season! To honor this creepy time of year, we're proud to present the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog.
Queer Necessities: Tove Lo, Brockhampton and More On Billboard Pride's September 2019 Playlist
Summer may be over, but that just means we’ve reached a new season for new queer songs! We're proud to present the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog.
Queer Necessities August 2019 Playlist: Sam Smith, Hayley Kiyoko, Pabllo Vittar & More
Before the summer comes to a close, we’ve got another playlist full of the hottest bops to help you close out this season! We’re proud to present the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog.
Queer Necessities July 2019 Playlist: MUNA, King Princess, Daya & More
Pride Month may be over, but that isn’t stopping us from celebrating the latest and greatest in queer pop all year long! We're proud to present the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the new bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog.
Queer Necessities June 2019 Playlist: Mika, Todrick Hall & More
Happy Pride Month, everyone! Before we dive deeper into the annual festivities we're proud to present the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog.
Queer Necessities May 2019 Playlist: Gia Woods, Carlie Hanson & More
Mayday! Mayday! The month of May is upon us, which can only mean one thing: it’s time for the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride, where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog.
Shura, Mathew V & More: Queer Necessities April 2019 Playlist
April showers bring May flowers, but they’re also bringing new music to your ears! That's right: It’s time for the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride, where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog.
Queer Necessities March 2019 Playlist: Simon Curtis, Kehlani & More
It's March, which means two things: Spring is just around the corner, and it’s time for the latest edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog.
Queer Necessities February 2019 Playlist: Miss Benny, Asiahn, Gia Woods & More
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and whether you're boo'ed up or flying solo, everyone can find comfort in some new bops. We're proud to present the February edition of Queer Necessities, our monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections will be curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi’s Blog.
Jon ALi: Dance Winter Playlist '19 (Continuous Mix)
The first seasonal playlist of 2019 from Jon ALi has arrived! Full tracklist and download available at JonALi's Blog now:
Queer Necessities December 2018 Playlist: Siena Liggins, Leland, King Princess & More
December has officially arrived, which means it's time to talk about some of the good, very good and legitimately incredible songs of the past month. That's right: It's time for the latest edition of Queer Necessities, a monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies.
Queer Necessities November 2018 Playlist: Carlie Hansen, Lauren Jauregui, Vardaan Arora & More
November has officially arrived, which means it's time to talk about some of the good, very good and legitimately incredible songs of the past month. That's right: It's time for the latest edition of Queer Necessities, a monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies.
NEO 10Y Talks Dual Music Video Release & Being Open About His Sexuality: 'The World Is Becoming Queerer'
Last summer, NEO 10Y -- the artist alias of multi-hyphenate creative Nik Thakkar -- released the politically-charged “Echo Chamber” alongside a graphic visual.
Queer Necessities October 2018 Playlist: Morgxn, Walk The Moon, Alyson Stoner & More
It’s that time once again. To fully prepare for the fall season, we're proud to present the latest edition of Queer Necessities, a new monthly LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride where we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Each month's selections is curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi’s Blog.
Queer Necessities August 2018 Playlist: Lauren Sanderson, Sam Smith, Mario Jose & More
It's that time once again. To save you from your end-of-summer blues, we are proud to present this month's edition of Queer Necessities, our LGBTQ-aligned playlist from Billboard Pride. Each month, we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Queer Necessities is curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music destination Jon ALi's Blog.
Queer Necessities August 2018 Playlist: Daya, King Princess, Holland & More
It's our anniversary: for the past year, Billboard Pride has caught you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies though our playlist Queer Necessities. Each month's selections are curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music entertainment destination Jon ALi's Blog. Don't forget to follow Queer Necessities on Spotify to keep up-to-date on the best musical offerings from the LGBTQ community. Check out August’s selections below.
Queer Necessities: July 2018 Playlist With Troye Sivan & More
Now that everyone’s recovered from their Pride Month hangovers, we’re back with the twelfth twelfth edition of Queer Necessities, our LGBTQ-driven playlist from Billboard Pride. Each month, we catch you up on the latest and greatest bops by queer musicians and fierce allies. Queer Necessities is curated by NYC-based DJ and tastemaker Jon ALi, who is the founder of pop music destination Jon ALi's Blog.
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