VINCINT, LEAN | Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈

In the 31st edition of Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 (2024), we highlight the song, “LEAN” performed by VINCINT.

Prepare to beam with P-R-I-D-E 🏳️‍🌈! Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 celebrates, embraces, and spotlights songs by LGBTQ musicians or allies.  Here, we provide background and insight into musician(s) and analyze + go gaga over the decadent bops served up.  When the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is fully articulated.  All styles of music are welcome while the songs can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, in the 31st edition of Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 (2024), we highlight “LEAN” performed by VINCINT.

“And you think you’re saving yourself dressed up in all your armor / (But the tougher the skin, deeper the cuts) / You’re standing at the edge, can you take it one step farther?” The talented VINCINT (Vincint Cannady, they/them) thrills on their dance-pop bop, “LEAN”. Not only is this sleekly produced record a catalyst for dance, but it also provides food for thought.  On X (formerly known as Twitter), the musician, who identifies as gay and nonbinary, tweeted, “‘Lean’ is one of the most vulnerable songs I’ve written for this project, it talks about the place where I exist between the binary. I hope it opens something inside of you that’s been screaming for a release.” Thoughtful commentary on a thoughtful song, penned by Cannady and Lara Andersson, and produced by RZY and Skywalk.

VINCINT addresses a potential lover on “LEAN” who seems unable to (1) lean into him (a relationship) and (2) lean into their sexuality. “Is it problems from your past? The father that you had,” Cannady asks, continuing, “That led you to believe / Vulnerability is weak.” The reference to vulnerability is striking, something that many gay men will relate to. Cannady suggests their prospect is sacrificing the beauty that is love.  The second verse is patterned similarly: “‘Cause for your letting someone in / Feels like a cardinal sin.” Ugh – another superbly penned lyric that hits you right in the chest. VINCENT wants this person to live without boundaries.  Of course, VINCINT will support them every step of the way. The chorus sums it up best:

“All you need to do is

Lean into me, lean into me

You can do what you do (Do what you do)

And I’ll help you through (I’ll help you)

Lean in to me, lean into me

Put your heart on the line.”

VINCENT puts their foot into “LEAN”.  The vocals are sweet, the melodies tuneful, the message on-point and the production is sleek.  This is a pop song that everybody needs to hear regardless of sexuality or gender. “LEAN” makes me reflect on my inhibitions as well as beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈.

VINCINT // “LEAN” // VINCINT // 2024

VINCINT, LEAN: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 No. 31 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; VINCINT; Elias Souza, Los Muertos Crew from Pexels; CatsWithGlasses, Maicon Fonseca Zanco, Square Frog, Sudo from Pixabay]