Miki Ratsula Shares New Single “what would the neighbors think”; Announces LA Show + Nashville Pride Performance
May 5, 2023 BY Danielle Romeo
Trans, non-binary artist Miki Ratsula uses their voice and platform to make music more inclusive as they candidly share their innermost thoughts and feelings. Today, the singer, songwriter and producer returns with their second single of the year, “what would the neighbors think,” a track that continues with the theme of family and pain found on recent single “jealous of my brother.” On the new song, Miki dexterously plucks out a ballad detailing the loss that is felt when you don’t receive love and acceptance from those you need it from the most.
Right before the track’s recording session, Miki learned some heartbreaking news and wasn’t sure they’d be able to record. With a friend’s support, they pushed through and the result is Miki at their most raw and vulnerable. “I loved what we made in that room and I didn’t change anything,” says Miki. “Even though it’s really sad, making that felt so special and felt so right.”
Listen to “what would the neighbors think” here: https://mikiratsula.ffm.to/wwtnt
“jealous of my brother” explores gender envy towards their cisgender brother but, peeling back the layers, reveal deeper pain and truths and even love and gratitude. Billboard called it “instantly relatable, universally catchy and another important piece of representation for a community that often doesn’t get such thoughtfully-written art about them.” Listen to “jealous of my brother” here: https://youtu.be/th43pTVum30.
Miki Ratsula has been releasing music independently since they were 16, having racked up over 50 million streams in the process. The Southern California-based, Finnish American artist has developed a devoted audience by openly and honestly welcoming people into their world, from coming out to getting top surgery to struggles with mental health. “I just want to be the artist I needed growing up,” says Miki.
Last year, Miki released their debut full-length album, i owe it to myself, an acoustic pop dream guided by Miki’s lush, lofi-inspired production that captures the full emotional seesaw that rocks between youth and adulthood. Their deeply intimate record received praise and playlisting by the likes of Billboard Pride, them., Under the Radar, PopMatters, The Advocate and more. They followed the album with their made for them EP, featuring gender-neutral covers of songs by Dodie, Phoebe Bridgers, Harry Styles, Angus & Julia Stone and One Direction.
Miki also spent time on the road last year connecting with fans, completing their first national tour supporting Lauren Sanderson and Jordy, followed by dates with Ambar Lucid & Sammy Rae & The Friends. A former soccer player, Miki was invited to sing the national anthem for LA Women’s soccer team Angel City. Next up, Miki is set to headline Los Angeles’ The Moroccan Lounge on May 15th, and perform at Nashville Pride on June 24th. See them live, and look for more from Miki in the coming months!
