While we’re miles away from where we were even 20 years ago in regards to society fully accepting and embracing our LGBTQ+ community, we still have so much further to go as every day those in the American government, in positions of power work overtime to villainize members of said community for no reason. Because of that, it’s incredibly important that we continue to lift the voices of the LGBTQ+ community in all arenas from politics to sports to art because when there is representation, there is more realization among the many that these are just everyday people just trying to live. This includes Dan Zimmerman, a New York City-based queer artist who just dropped a beautiful debut, “Soldiers.”
The basis for “Soldiers” dates back to Ancient Greek times because, for those who have read an actual history book and not the watered-down ones provided in schools across the country, it’s clear as day that homosexuality is not some new, modern revelation. It’s been around, and “Soldiers” explores that as Dan Zimmerman also brings in pieces of his own tale as a queer youth trying to figure out life in a world that doesn’t always accept. It’s an empowering anthem for those in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as anyone else who has ever felt like they needed to stand tall against the pressures of the world for not particularly fitting into the norm.
Lyrically, this is a sound indie-pop record from the press of play, but it’s Dan Zimmerman’s voice that carries this one to the finish line. I was often reminded of another LGBTQ+ artist on the rise, Vincint when this song played on repeat.
“Soldier” is just the start for Dan Zimmerman as plans to release more music throughout the rest of 2021 are in full effect, so keep an eye (and ear) out for more!
Written by Kendra Beltran
