one queer thing: discovering allison ponthier
celebrating a young queer voice in country music
hey everyone,
welcome back to "one queer thing," our thursday series where we celebrate the strange, the wonderful, and the lesser-known gems that resonate with the spirit of queerness!
last installment: the track "golden brown" by the stranglers
one queer thing playlist on spotify
when i first moved to san diego in 2021, i didn’t know many people. i had just left washington, dc, after breaking up with my partner of seven years.
i spent a lot of time at the gym, going out for long walks, or playing guitar and writing. during those long walks and workouts, i’d binge entire discographies of random artists on spotify. i’d even start learning songs on the guitar by some of these artists. and that’s how i discovered allison ponthier.
her ep "faking my own death," released in 2021, was an insanely amazing find. it’s a mix of country and pop that feels like kacey musgraves... if she were a lesbian.
in essence, queerness is about inventing your place in the world. and allison is doing that!
this week’s queer thing: allison ponthier
why allison ponthier is a queer icon:
she embraces her identity: allison doesn’t shy away from her queer identity. her music & public persona are unapologetically authentic, showcasing her true self and inspiring others to do the same.
blending genres: her music blends elements of country, folk, and pop, creating a unique sound that resonates with a wide audience. it’s a refreshing take on country music, & her innovative approach sets her apart.
storytelling: allison’s lyrics are deeply personal & often explore themes of self-discovery, love, and identity. her storytelling is poignant and relatable, making her music a powerful voice for the queer community.
visibility and representation: in a genre that has historically been dominated by straight, cisgender artists, allison’s presence is a breath of fresh air. she’s paving the way for more diverse voices in country music and proving that there’s room for everyone in the genre.
the track to check out: "cowboy"
allison’s song "cowboy" is a perfect introduction to her music. it’s a dreamy, introspective track that captures her unique sound and lyrical depth. in "cowboy," allison sings about the complexities of identity and the journey of self-acceptance. it’s a beautiful and haunting song that showcases her talent and perspective.
why "cowboy" resonates:
lyrical depth: the lyrics of "cowboy" delve into themes of self-discovery and acceptance, making it a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt out of place.
unique sound: blending country, folk, and pop elements, the song creates a dreamy, captivating atmosphere that draws you in.
authenticity: allison’s authentic voice and storytelling shine through in "cowboy," making it a relatable and inspiring track. she writes about coming out to people and having them perceive her differently, as well as the struggle of moving to a new place.
as we continue this series, i’ll be adding a track inspired by this week’s queer thing to our ongoing spotify playlist, “one queer thing.”
this week, it’s “cowboy” by allison ponthier—a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the essence of being true to oneself.
give "cowboy" a listen on spotify, and let yourself be enchanted by its unusual charm. it’s a queer, wonderful ride that’s worth every second.
until next week, keep it queer!
happy listening,
edgard