In celebration of Pride Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to contribute a collection of essays exploring themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.
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Today, pop artist and gifted pianist Micah McLaurin shares a curated playlist featuring songs commonly heard at gay disco parties as part of Atwood Magazine's Pride Month series!
Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Micah McLaurin honed his craft at the Curtis Institute of Music and Juilliard, performing as a soloist with prominent orchestras worldwide as a renowned concert pianist. Upon relocating to New York, he found his place within queer culture, using his extraordinary talent to celebrate his individuality. This journey led to the viral success of his “Rhapsody in Gaga” piano medley and the release of his instrumental album Diamonds, recorded with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and an impressive team.
With acclaim from major outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paper Magazine, V Magazine, Vanity Fair, WWD, Marie Claire, Page Six, Queerty, Pride.com, and more, Micah has established himself as an artist to watch, especially with his critically acclaimed single “Don’t Give Up On Love” and the fan favorite “Call Me,” which garnered a nomination for Best Art Director at the Berlin Music Video Awards. Collaborating with some of the hottest producers in the industry, McLaurin is creating music in his unique voice that encourages stepping into one’s identity and embracing freedom, individuality, and sexuality.
To kick off Pride Month, Micah released the official dance remix of his single “Satisfied,” transformed by successful DJ and producer duo Until Dawn (Chappell Roan, Ava Max, Agnes), accompanied by a stunning visual shot at the iconic Château de la Triboulette (PRESS HERE to watch). Recently, he mesmerized audiences at Chicago Pride, performing beloved tracks including the celebrated disco hit “Don’t Give Up On Love,” the sultry anthem “Call Me,” and the chart-topping club track “Baboom,” which soared into the Top 10 of Music Week’s Pop Club chart and reached Hypeddit’s Top 100 Downloads in Progressive House.
His latest single, “Remember Me,” a perfect accompaniment for warm summer nights, is now available. In collaboration with top producer Fernando Garibay (Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue), this Latin-infused house track sees McLaurin expanding his artistry, radiating with the unwavering confidence that one’s mark is made and will be remembered forever.
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by Micah McLaurin
Many of these songs are ones I cherished growing up, particularly ABBA and Lady Gaga, as they captured my heart.
Hearing these tunes gave me butterflies. I chose them for Pride Month because Pride represents living authentically, being true to oneself, even amid judgment.
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“Don’t Give Up On Love” – Micah McLaurin
While this song is my own, I genuinely enjoy listening to it as it combines classic disco vibes with a contemporary feel. It embodies the spirit of summer disco! It’s about maintaining faith in yourself and your identity, especially for those in the community who felt they had to conceal or alter who they were.
“Bad Romance” – Lady Gaga
This is my all-time favorite song, and I light up with joy every time it plays at a party or club. The build-up and release are fantastic. Hearing it on the dance floor is both cathartic and euphoric; I first experienced it at a club in Italy when I was 15, and the whole crowd joined in singing. The energy from that moment was powerful.
“Vogue” – Madonna
What could be more representative of Pride? It's about ballroom culture, it's Madonna, and it never gets old. The song features complex chords and a rich musical composition that contributes to its timeless quality—alongside Madonna’s vibrant personality and delivery!
“Last Dance” – Donna Summer
This song blends emotional depth and joy with a hint of melancholy, but it is ultimately a celebration. It’s so quintessentially Pride.
“Dancing Queen” – ABBA
This song never fails to delight me. It has timeless brilliance; for me, it’s like the pop music bible. Its simplicity brings exhilaration when listened to. It combines musical sophistication with a groovy disco feel.
“Rasputin” – Boney M.
This track is so entertaining and campy. The strings are impressive, the vocals and arrangements are distinctive, and it's amusing to have a song about a figure like Rasputin… why is that?
“Believe” – Cher
Cher, Believe… Need I say more? Although I can’t pinpoint why this song feels connected to Pride, it undeniably does. Perhaps it's in the name? It just feels right!
“Padam Padam” – Kylie Minogue
When this song was released, it echoed from bar to club
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Pop artist and talented pianist Micah McLaurin presents a curated playlist of tracks typically played at popular gay disco parties, as part of Atwood Magazine's Pride Month celebration!