In honor of Pride Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to participate in a series of essays reflecting on identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.
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Today, pop artist and virtuoso pianist Micah McLaurin shares a special playlist of songs you would hear at most gay disco parties as a part of Atwood Magazine’s Pride Month series!
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Micah McLaurin trained at the Curtis Institute of Music and Juilliard and has performed as soloist with major orchestras around the world as an acclaimed concert pianist. Finding a home in queer culture upon moving to New York, McLaurin harnessed his virtuosic talent to celebrate everything that makes him unique and, in that process, released his viral “Rhapsody in Gaga” piano medley before bridging the classical and pop worlds with his instrumental album Diamonds which was recorded with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra alongside an all-star team.
Earning global praise from Rolling Stone, Paper Magazine, V Magazine, Vanity Fair, WWD, Marie Claire, Page Six, Queerty, Pride.com, and more for his string of pop gems including his critically acclaimed single “Don’t Give Up On Love” and fan favorite and fan favorite “Call Me” which is up for Best Art Director at the Berlin Music Video Awards, McLaurin has cemented himself as an artist to watch. Collaborating with some of the industry’s hottest producers, McLaurin is making music in his own voice about stepping into your own and embracing freedom, individuality, and sexuality.
Kicking off Pride Month with a bang, Micah released the official dance remix for his single “Satisfied,” reimagined by chart-topping DJ and producer duo Until Dawn (Chappell Roan, Ava Max, Agnes), alongside a stunning visual shot at the iconic Château de la Triboulette (PRESS HERE to watch). This past weekend, Micah dazzled at Chicago Pride where he treated the crowd to a set of fan favorites, including acclaimed disco bop “Don’t Give Up On Love,” steamy anthem “Call Me,” and chart-topping club banger “Baboom” which climbed into the Top 10 of Music Week’s Pop Club chart and catapulted into Hypeddit’s Top 100 Downloads Progressive House chart.
His latest single, “Remember Me” – a song for warm summer nights – is out now. Created in collaboration with A-list producer Fernando Garibay (Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue), the Latin-infused house track, “Remember Me,” finds McLaurin extending his range and shimmers with the unshakeable confidence that you’ve made your mark and you’ll be remembered forever.
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THAT’S SO GAY
by Micah McLaurin
Many of these songs I grew up listening to, especially ABBA and Lady Gaga, and they stole my heart.
I would get butterflies in my stomach hearing these songs. I wanted to choose them for Pride Month as, to me, Pride is about not living in suppression, being allowed to be the person you are, even in the face of scrutiny.
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“Don’t Give Up On Love” – Micah McLaurin
This song is my own, yes, but I genuinely like listening to it because it’s classic disco vibes with a modern take. It feels like a summer disco song! It’s about not giving up on yourself and your identity and what makes you unique, especially for those in the community who had to hide or try to change who they were.
“Bad Romance” – Lady Gaga
My favorite song ever and every time it plays in the party or club, I’m beaming with joy. This song has such a great build with an even better release. It’s cathartic and euphoric to hear it on the dance floor. I first heard it when I was 15 in a club in Italy and everyone started singing along. I just remember feeling so much power in the room from one song.
“Vogue” – Madonna
What’s more Pride than this? It’s about ballroom culture, it’s Madonna, and it’s so funky and will never get old. The chords are really complex and the song has a real musical track which contribute to its timelessness – as well as Madonna’s personality and delivery!
“Last Dance” – Donna Summer
This song is so emotional and joyful with a little melancholy, but celebratory. It’s so Pride.
“Dancing Queen” – ABBA
I will never get tired of this song. It stands the test of time, its genius writing, it’s like the pop music bible for me. It’s so simple but it really elates when you listen to it. It’s so musical but groovy and disco all at the same time.
“Rasputin” – Boney M.
This song is so fun and camp, the strings are fire, the voices and the arrangement are unique, and Rasputin is a funny title and subject to have a song about… like, why? What’s the reason?!
“Believe” – Cher
Cher, Believe… Do I need to say more? I don’t know why I associate this song with Pride, but I just do. Maybe it’s the title? It just… is!
“Padam Padam” – Kylie Minogue
When this came out, you’d go from one bar to the next club and, as you left one place, Padam was playing, and as you entered the next, Padam was playing. It was omnipresent in the community. I’m shocked it didn’t chart in the US. This song is so catchy and modern and I love the production.
“Gimme Gimme Gimme” – ABBA
“Hung Up” – Madonna
The instrumental hook in this is so iconic and I hear it over the years at so many parties, and it works every time! The original motif came from ABBA, but Madonna also made a great new song with it!
“Remember Me” – Micah McLaurin
My newest song. It’s inspired by ’90s house, with a little bit of Spanish influence. I want myself and my music to be remembered, and pride is the time to be yourself and let others remember you!
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:: connect with Micah McLaurin here ::
:: stream/purchase “Remember Me” here ::
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