There are so many layers, emotional and otherwise to "blue balloons" by Finnish American singer-songwriter Miki Ratsula. As an artist who is not afraid to challenge the status quo, to share deep personal stories about her life and who, with fellow queer artist Semler, here once again reveals herself. Doing so may, obviously be cathartic, but also inspirational to others especially at this time in history when the modern GOP is in an all out war against women and against the entire LGBTQ plus community.
As liner notes share:
“blue balloons” captures the unnamable feeling Miki felt after being misgendered at their birthday party – not quite angry but somewhere closer to disappointment and definitely annoyed. The chorus features a melancholic take on the 1963 hit “It’s My Party” by queer icon Lesley Gore, with Miki’s new take on the chorus lending to the album’s title (“it’s my party, I’ll be fine if I want to”). “‘blue balloons’ has a creeping feeling to it and is a bit weird but also feels exactly like the type of song Semler and I are supposed to make together!” notes Miki. The track is from Miki's upcoming sophomore album, i'll be fine if i want to, out October 6th.
I am digging the bedroom pop vocal aesthetic, the acerbic charm meets gritty empowerment. The relatable back story (we have all met people / relatives who are absolutely clueless) and the connective tissue of using Lesley Gore's "It's My Party" in an askew way is smart and refreshing. Elevated by the Official Video, as directed and filmed by Jax Anderson, the track sound lush, gorgeous with Miki and Semler's beautiful and moving vocal harmonies tenderly disarming in the best possible way. I hope this song becomes huge, it deserves to explode in a big way for many, many reasons.
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Yq0Ww7oAbgxcoOxthlS30
https://www.instagram.com/mikiratsula/
https://www.mikiratsula.com/
Based in Southern California, Miki Ratsula has been releasing music independently since they were 16, having racked up over 50 million streams in the process. Even before the release of their first 2022 full-length debut album i owe it to myself, the Finnish-American artist built a sizable audience by openly and honestly welcoming people into their world, from coming out to getting top surgery to struggles with mental health. Miki went on the road, completing their first national tour supporting Lauren Sanderson and Jordy, followed by dates with Ambar Lucid & Sammy Rae & The Friends. Not only has Miki connected more deeply with their audience over the past year, but they’ve also 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 originally sung by Phoebe Bridgers, Harry Styles, and more.
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