Sydney musician flowerkid has just released his new single, vodka orange juice, and it's a powerful insight into the experience of coming out as trans as a teenager. The track draws directly from his own life, giving fans an insight into where he's come from, as well as showing them that they're not alone.
His vocals on vodka orange juice are gentle, constantly threatening to float away. By comparison, his lyrics land with a punch straight to the gut. Flowerkid sings about the way those around him reacted to his transitioning, and the insults that were thrown at him. Each note is heavy with the emotions of those experiences, and the impact they continue to have to this day.
Speaking about vodka orange juice, flowerkid says, "The track is about all the times people have said things like this to me - at parties, at bars and clubs. Over time, it becomes strenuous to fight these people. They are threatened by what they can’t understand (or haven’t tried to) and it takes a massive toll on me personally.
"It was hugely cathartic writing this song. I was on the coast in a caravan by the water, reflecting on my past. I did it in one take and started crying by the time I got to the last chorus. I hope when other people are listening to this they feel the same way. If you are listening and feel like you are not accepted for who you are - please know that you are loved. My heart goes out to all of you. flowerkid xx.”
He added on Instagram, "it's so crazy to hear how much my voice has changed since recording this song pre-testosterone. This will be frequent during my career, and I can’t wait to hear my voice progress."
There's also a music video for vodka orange juice, which Bailey Watts has directed. The video sees make-up artist and co-star Sean Brady using make-up to transform the way the world sees flowerkid and it's entirely haunting.
READ MORE: flowerkid Is Back With Another Haunting Music Video & We Have The Behind-The-Scenes Photos
vodka orange juice will feature on flowerkid's debut EP, everyone has a breaking point, which is out on November 11th. Listen to vodka orange juice below, and maybe have a box of tissues nearby.
