A track made about gender-affirming top surgery, this song is the emotional pride anthem we needed this month.
Rascal Miles is a trans / non-binary indie musician in Portland, OR. Rascal Miles is a self-recorded, one-man-band whose songs often include at least 4-part harmonies and guitars, bass, drums, cello, trombone, keys, mandolin, banjo, glockenspiel, percussion, and sound scapes. Rascal Miles is here to steal your heart, change your mind, and help you dream of the world you didn’t know to dream of.
This is the anthem that transgender kids are asking for. I wrote this song about my experience having gender affirming top surgery, and the lyrics tell about it through a scavenger hunt of metaphors. As a trans non-binary man, I want to share my story to help pave the way for other genderqueer kids from small backwards towns. Self-recorded in my home studio during the pandemic shut down, everything you hear (guitars, drums, cello, keys, trombone, 4-part harmonies, bass, sewing machine!), I played/sung myself. I’m releasing this intentionally in time for Pride, LGBTQIA+, Trans, Non-Binary, & Indie Playlists/Reviews, + releasing a music video with it on June 1st. This song is my heart and soul vulnerably laid out into an intentionally-curated work to make a difference. Mixed by Adam Selzer (M. Ward, She & Him, Laura Gibson, Esme Patterson) and mastered by Sarah Register (Big Thief, The Shins). -Rascal Miles
The song starts with a few lines softly delivered by Rascal, and then we’re led into the instrumental with catchy stacked vocal melodies to compliment the track. Rascal tells a cleverly written story throughout the verses, with the progression of the song building in emotion. I adore the soft vocal delivery from Rascal throughout the song, and also the raw and very personal lyricism. This song is definitely a bit of a rollercoaster emotionally, but in the best way possible. A must listen for this 2021 Pride season.
Oh, and here’s a fantastic music video to go with the song.
Be sure to stream “Tailor-Made” by Rascal Miles on all platforms now, and follow him on social media below!
Written By: Bryce Quartz