Soundtrack of Pride: CHAV's Galaxies of Self-Expression

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, made us feel fierce, or simply helped us understand ourselves a little bit better. This can be 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. With protests calling for justice for Black people who have died at the hands of police violence popping up all over the world, we're taking the time this week to celebrate a few of our favorite Black LGBTQ+ artists.

CHAV, our favorite superstar pop princess from another timeline, shared their dreamy new song "Grow Up Together" along with their eclectic playlist.

"This is a mix of my favorite songs," they tell PRIDE. "I've chosen tracks from my pop peers and contemporaries that inspire me and show the nuance in our experiences; I've chosen some songs and artists I grew up with that gave me comfort and allowed me to see myself in different ways. There are also songs that my mother introduced me to. She was young when she had me and was really relevant and cool and shared so much music with me."

"This is the music that helps me really understand the richness of blackness. It makes me proud of my complexion, proud of our ability to create galaxies within melody and lyric and universe with our expression of self. This playlist is an intersection of colors and I hope that you enjoy the hues!"

Previous Soundtracks of Pride: The Aces, pineappleCITI, Siena Liggins, J.Scott, ABISHA 

With the release of their atmospheric new single, "Grow Up Together", CHAV reflects on the protests popping up around the world that are demanding justice for the Black lives lost at the hands of police violence. "As the global focus shifts to the injustices that plague the black community, this song is a reminder to put ego aside and recognize the growth that needs to take place. It can be frustrating and confronting but ultimately we’re in this together and if we animate change with active compassion we can find a new ground."

"I love you all."

Be sure to check out CHAV's new song "Grow Up Together" before listening to their Soundtrack of Pride below:

And for the rest of the Soundtracks of Pride series, click here.

Base photography: Michael Cooper
Edit: bbychakra92