Q+A with Artist and Songwriter Miki Ratsula
As a queer trans non-binary Artist and Songwriter, Miki redefines norms. This summer, we'll reunite with our global family in Japan. We’ll honor this gathering through a series of products...
This summer, we'll reunite with our global family in Japan. We’ll honor this gathering through a series of products that invite the world to come together in spirit to fight for more equity in well-being and health. Together, we'll support Partners in Health's mission to create an equitable global response to COVID-19.
Meet Miki—a queer trans non-binary Artist, Songwriter, and Producer.
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We asked Miki a few questions...
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.
A: I’m a queer trans non-binary artist, songwriter, and producer. I just signed to Nettwerk Records and am prepping the release of my self-produced debut album.
Funny thing is, back when I was a closeted queer high school kid, I had an entire YouTube channel dedicated to songs I wrote about/for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. It’s a pretty surreal experience to now be openly talking about my queerness and music with the players I used to write those songs about. Younger me would not have believed you if you told them I’d be doing this. I am forever a stan of the team.
Q: re–inc is rooted in our founders' fight for equity as members of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. We're all about breaking norms and barriers society has placed on us. How do you reimagine the status quo?
A: By existing as a queer trans non-binary person I’m breaking those norms and barriers. Existing outside of the gender binary challenges the rigid, colonial definition and roles of gender.
As it comes to how I express my gender, I’m also challenging norms there too. I just got top surgery back in March and chose to not keep my nipples. It’s interesting how not having nipples bothers people. I think the idea that we can all appear different than what we’re told we can be is such a foreign thought to people. I got comments that were like “all humans have nipples, it’s not a gender thing”. Like, and? To me top surgery was a way to feel more in tune with my gender but not keeping my nipples was just what felt right to me. Whenever I pictured my ideal chest I never pictured it with nipples. Honestly, having nipples like a cis man was what deterred me from getting the surgery for a while. Having a flat chest was what I wanted but not in that way. It was scary to realize I didn’t want to keep my nipples because that’s such a foreign concept to our society. But I don’t have a single regret and I love my nipple-less trans chest.
Q: The REUNITE Capsule is inspired by the feeling of reuniting and rejoicing with others. What does connecting with others look and feel like to you?
A: Back when the quarantine started, all my live shows and writing sessions were put on hold. We had to resort to Zoom, like everyone else, to do our writing session. Virtual sessions have allowed me to write with people I might not have been physically able to before. But nothing beats writing music in person with people. There’s this magic that happens when you notice a collaborator humming a melody you like, or someone just plays the most perfect chord. I’m so stoked to be able to feel that magic again now that I get to reunite with songwriters in person.
Even more magic happens at live shows and I’m just so grateful I’m able to get on stage again very soon. Creating a safe space for my fans where we’ll get to sing my songs together is maybe one of the best feelings ever. I love my job and I’m so happy to get back to it.
"By existing as a queer trans non-binary person I’m breaking those norms and barriers. Existing outside of the gender binary challenges the rigid, colonial definition and roles of gender.
Q: Through the pandemic, physical connection was not always possible. What have you discovered in these moments of solitude?
A: Of course a musician is going to answer this with writing music, but it’s so true. I became a stronger and more versatile songwriter during the pandemic. When you lose the physical connection with people you are only really left with verbal and/or written communication. That forced me to strengthen my storytelling because I wanted to connect to even more people than I had before. Now I’m writing the most honest and vulnerable songs I’ve ever done.
Q: What's been your summer jam?
A: Missing June by Miki Ratsula is a classic summer jam.
Follow Miki's journey on instagram @mikiratsula, and check out their work at www.mikiratsula.com/home. What are you reuniting with this summer?
