Songs To Cry In The Club To
Image: Jess Brohier.
Naarm/Melbourne-based queer alt-pop artist Keelan Mak has unveiled his sophomore EP, Brave Face. To celebrate the release, the musician has curated an exclusive playlist for MILKY full of songs that will have you in tears on the dancefloor.
"Brave Face is a collection of songs that centre around my life in Sydney, freshly moved in and falling in(then out) of love. I learnt a lot about myself in the 2 years I was there. Being a 20-something is the most turbulent experience. I feel like every year I’m a completely different person than the last. Brave Face talks about the experiences I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned.” Mak shares of the EP.
This is way too easy. OK. SO…
LEFT OUTSIDE ALONE - ANASTASIA
This whole song from start to finish is iconic. The music video!!! Her in front of a green screen with the time lapse videos. It’s a sad song don’t get me wrong but so, so powerful.
DANCING ON MY OWN - ROBYN
Who am I to deny such a pivotal part of queer culture. This song is so it that even the heterosexual’s get in on it. I’ve definitely felt my feelings with this one in a club more than once.
INNERBLOOM - RÜFÜS DU SOL
This one is less about heart break and more about emotion. I think almost everyone can relate to the way this song makes them feel. It’s a 9-something minute long climax. cmon.
MINE - BAYNK & CUB SPORT
This track has such a beautiful groove but if you focus on the lyrics more, you hear this sweet tale of falling in love with someone in the most innocent way. This gives me happy tears.
BIRTHDAY - DISCLOSURE, KEHLANI & SYD
Coming from someone that struggles to write about things that aren’t heartbreak related, I’m a sucker for a creative angle. This track talks about calling your ex to wish them a happy birthday. So fun. So relatable. As always, the production is impeccable and very Disclosure.
(KYLE) I FOUND YOU - FRED AGAIN
I had to withhold from adding more than one Fred Again track. I see him as the ultimate cry in the club artist. This and “Angie (i’ve been lost)” are my top contenders. “I found you beautiful” - That line, I could listen to on repeat. This song really hits me.
EVERYTHING I’M NOT - THE VERONICAS
My inner child screams. This song still stands today. Just your ultimate heartbreak and losing someone to another. Australia's pop-rock darlings.
IN A DREAM - TROYE SIVAN
Troye has a beautiful way with words and a lot of his music sits in this energetic heart break. The production in this one is a particular favourite. I’ve definitely fought a lot with trying to forget someone and having them sneak their way back in while I sleep.
TOO LITTLE TOO LATE - JOJO
I grew up on a lot of RnB and this track was always a consistent; I still listen to it a lot. I’ve definitely been to an RnB night, screaming this at the top of my lungs.
ON HOLD - THE XX
“I thought I had you on hold” :(
The lyrics of this CRUSH me but the beat is so contagious. The vocal sample is perfect. The classic blend of indie-rock and drum machine that the xx are so known for. This track is more of a gentle cry in the club. Possibly more of a gentle weep in the club this one.
Brave Face is out now!