If your 2026 resolutions include expanding your musical horizons, then you’re in luck, as our first round-up of queer tracks for the year is ready and rearing to go.
So, what does January sound like? Well, it’s a delightful mix of recently released tracks from queer artists, spanning multiple genres, including disco, pop and even some classical.
Ready to escape into a world of sonic harmony? Here’s who we’re listening to this January.
Sailhymn – ‘Rockabye’
Released in December by trans Irish artist Sailhymn, ‘Rockabye’ is a powerful track calling for Ireland’s neutrality to be protected. The sound is haunting and acoustic, while the lyrics open up an essential dialogue. All proceeds raised from the single will go towards Ciste Gníomhaithe – Activists Solidarity Fund, a grassroots organisation calling for Ireland to uphold its neutrality.
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Jason Gould – Where We Fall
With Barbra Streisand as his mother, it’s unsurprising that singer Jason Gould has star quality rushing through his veins, as his latest album, Where We Fall, showcases. The album, which was released in November, is a blend of classic covers and original songs, and its title track is a spiritual exploration of self-love.
Aidan G – ‘Freakquency (Festive Version)’
If you’re looking for a reason to keep the Christmassy spirit going strong for a little longer, look no further than Aidan G’s festive remix of his latest track, ‘Freakquency’. It’s bold, it’s fun and it’s full of camp energy that Aidan G always exudes. Give it a listen to mark Little Christmas, or get a head start on your festive playlist for 2026 – it’s never too early!
Barton – ‘Cherchez Pas’
After a several-year hiatus, Berlin-based queer artist Barton is returning to the music industry with The Afterlife and its standout track, ‘Cherchez Pas’. The song is a take on Madleen Kane’s 1981 song of the same name. The disco magic of the original track remains as strong as ever, but it has also been infused with continuous synth motifs and a shimmering baseline. You can listen to the track right here.
Sarah Power – ‘In the Shadows’
You might recognise Sarah Power’s deft compositional work from the soundtracks of This Town, Swift Justice and The Diplomat, but now, she’s stepping out from beyond the screen with an EP of her very own. ‘In the Shadows’, the title track of her EP, is deeply personal and serves as an exploration of stillness and movement. You can also hear some of Power’s contributions in the upcoming RTÉ series These Sacred Vows.
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Tom James McGrath – The Queen is Mad
Missed The Queen is Mad at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival? Fear not, as you can take in its magic by listening to the musical’s EP from the comfort of your home. The show was inspired by the fascinating life of Catherine of Aragon’s older sister, Joanna, who squares off against her father and her brother in a bitter power struggle.
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Ocean Tisdall – ‘Jealous’
These cold winter months make us crave warm, raw and emotionally charged ballads, and the latest release from Irish alt-pop artist Ocean Tisdall ticks those boxes. Indulge in the poignant musical arrangement of the track and let the catharsis of its piercing lyrics wash over you as you listen.
Calum Agnew – ‘LALALA’
Need a new queer track you can bop along to for your commute? Calum Agnew’s latest release, ‘LALALA’, might just be the one. This soul-pop song is brassy, cheeky and loaded with self-deprecating humour guaranteed to make you smile. Need even more Calum Agnew in your life? Catch him on February 27 at the Grand Social for his biggest headline show yet.
SexyTadhg – ‘Never Been Loved in the Daylight’
While we’ve grown very fond of enjoying SexyTadhg’s bold, brassy numbers, their latest single is a little different from the Carlow singer’s trademark style. ‘Never Been Loved in the Daylight’ is stripped back, emotional and gives the listener the opportunity to hear SexyTadgh through a whole new sound – and we love what we’re hearing.
© 2026 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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