New Music: Ryan Cassata – i feel like throwing up

“Yes, it’s fucking political / everything’s political,” as Skin once sang. But what do you do when your literal existence becomes political?

Ryan Cassata looks at that on his new single, i feel like throwing up, as he and others are suddenly feeling increasingly excluded from society thanks to politicians for whom only money and fake morality matter.

The song opens by pointing the finger at Trump, before moving on to a contrast between the partying and life milestones of some of Cassata’s friends and peers, against Cassata and his friends, who are fighting for their lives.

With i feel like throwing up, the songwriter, LGBTQ+ activist, and transgender motivational speaker not only speaks up for his right to exist, but also to celebrate it with friends and allies – and expecting those allies to stand side by side.

That would mean little without a killer song to sell the message of the lyrics, and Cassata has excelled here. Landing between pop-punk immediacy and indie-rock reflectiveness, i feel like throwing up feels designed for people not just to sing along to but also to use it as a rallying call in the years to come.

The song comes at a time of change for Cassata, both personally and within the wider culture of the United States under Trump.

 “i feel like throwing up, which I wrote while going through a serious and ongoing health battle with Lyme disease co-infections/autoimmune illnesses, became a way to process and transform that experience, while also connecting it to the trans experience in the context of the current political climate” says Cassata.

“The video, directed by the amazing Tom Goss and starring the incomparable Shea Diamond, weaves together themes of trans joy, resilience, and community. It takes a clear stand against the rising tide of hate, featuring our superhero Shea taking on a MAGA mob with pride, power, and purpose to save a trans kid from being bullied.”

“Many trans young people are featured in the video, all finding solace in the new song and the invitation to be in community together later that night at a party. We were sure to cast a diverse cast so that trans people across the country could see themselves reflected back to them. Right now, visibility feels even more important than ever.”

“I’ve been hearing from countless young trans people across the country who are scared and feeling isolated. My hope is that this video can be a light for them, showing that queer and trans people are not alone, and that community love like this is real and possible.”

The track will feature on Greetings from Echo Park, the new album from Cassata, which is set for release on the 6th of June via the incomparable Kill Rock Stars.

The LP is now up for pre-order in vinyl, CD, and digital formats on Bandcamp. You can hear i feel like throwing up on Spotify and YouTube Music. For more listening options and album news, follow Cassata on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Header photo by Andy Casillas