REYNA Creates Their Soundtrack of Pride

Which songs helped REYNA during their formative years?

We all have those songs that are forever ingrained in our coming-of-age stories. Songs that gave us hope, played during our first kiss, helped us feel fierce, or simply helped us understand ourselves a little bit better. This is oftentimes particularly true for LGBTQ artists.

Throughout the month of June, and only on PRIDE, LGBTQ+ artists are curating and sharing playlists that reflect their formative years—their Soundtracks of Pride. 

Mexican-American sisters Vic and Gabby are REYNA, the queer indie-pop duo of our dreams. Scroll down to check out REYNA's playlist and read why they picked each song!

"Como La Flor" - Selena

"Selena is the first artist that made me feel seen and made my dream of being a musician a possibility. I used to throw my own Selena concerts using our fireplace as a stage. To this day, if a Selena song comes on I am the first one to fly out of my seat, dance and sing like nobody is watching." - Gab 

"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" - Cyndi Lauper

"I heard this live with a grand piano at Stonewall Inn, the crowd sang it at the top of their lungs, it was so liberating and beautiful." - Vic 

"Chiquitita" - ABBA

"We used to sing this song a lot growing up (the Spanish version) and when we finally discovered the English version and all of the ABBA catalog, we were obsessed. Their melodies and harmonies are just so good and I can totally see how much it influenced us." - Gab 

"Radio Ga Ga" - Queen

"Queen is dear to our hearts. Musicianship wise they are up there in my top 3. Freddie Mercury intentionally or not made a massive impact on gay rights and the aids crisis. His name and his anthems will live on forever." - Vic 

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" - Whitney Houston

"Whenever I am out with my friends, I will put money in the jukebox to listen to this song and sing it at the top of my lungs." - Vic 

"We Can't Stop" - Miley Cyrus

"Miley is such an icon for the LGBTQ community, she has really taken that role and embraced it. I really admire the way she speaks up for the things she believes in, she does so in a way that just makes you love her even more. This song reminds me of my dad dancing in the car. He loves Miley!" - Vic 

"Monday Monday Monday" - Tegan and Sara

"This song just makes me happy. Monday's usually suck but this song makes it okay. Tegan and Sara do that for me, they are a band that make me feel seen, like there's nothing wrong with me and like everything will be okay." - Gab 

"Born This Way" - Lady Gaga

"We played Dayton Pride and the men's choir did a beautiful rendition of this song and it made me cry. I love Lady Gaga, her art, her strength, everything she represents and how she fights for the LGBTQ community."  - Vic

"Slow Burn" - Kacey Musgraves

"This song reminds me of home and my grandma. I feel so peaceful when I listen to it." - Vic

"9 to 5" - Dolly Parton

"One of our role models. I wish I could write a song a day and make them that good! Such a legend. This song makes me want to roll the windows down and cruise down the highway!" - Vic 

"September" - Earth, Wind and Fire

"One of the greatest songs ever? We recently met Allee Willis and she is a delight of a human. I loved hearing all her stories and how in a world of men she was able to shine and show all her colors. She's amazing." - Vic

"Pero Que Necesidad" - Juan Gabriel

"I can't make this playlist without including one of the greatest Mexican songwriters. He actually launched his career from our family hometown in Juarez, Mexico. He is a legend. I remember watching an interview where they asked him in a not so friendly way, 'Are you gay?' and he responded, 'You can't question what you see.' That was the perfect answer. I'll never forget that." - Vic 

Listen to REYNA's playlist!

And for the rest of the Soundtracks of Pride series, click here! And check out REYNA's latest single "The Way I Loved You" below!