Ryan Cassata – This Machine Kills Transphobia

By starrymag | September 6, 2024

By: Karen Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My sound is hard to describe completely and with little words. I bend, blend and mix genres a lot. Not on purpose, but probably because my influences expand a wide range of genres. I try my hardest to stay true to what I am feeling and write freely. That’s why genres shift so much. In the past couple years I’ve released punk rock, emo, hip hop, pop, alt, country/americana, folk and acoustic. Under it all, I’m a singer-songwriter. All of my songs come from my personal experience or things I’ve seen. My songs feel like extensions of my soul, deeply personal and just honest.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Currently, I’ve been listening to Bruce Springsteen, Lana Del Rey, Bob Dylan, Kendrick Lamar, The Strokes, Hello Noon, Kat Hamilton, Greg in Good Company, Sam Cooke, SZA, Alkaline Trio, The Get Up Kids, Macklemore, Black Flag, Minor Threat, Bikini Kill, Brand New, Bright Eyes, T. Rex, Led Zeppelin and The Doors.

 

Q) Paper Magazine recently named you one of the “50 LGBTQ Musicians You Should Prioritize.” How does that make you feel?

 

A) I feel really grateful for the exposure and press opportunities I’ve gotten. It feels great to be seen and heard. I could easily just be a dude that writes songs that never see the light of day. This all feels magical and like a huge blessing.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song, “Queers to the Front.”

 

A) “Queers to the Front” was the first song I wrote for the EP. I wrote it about my experiences being a trans and queer person that is stuck in a system of oppression. The song is meant to empower others not only to feel less alone in their experience, but also to rise up against systems of injustice.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think people relate to the experiences in the song. They relate to being misgendered and dead-named. They relate to feeling oppressed by the system. I think some relate to the feeling of wanting to challenge the system and be changemakers as well.

 

Q) You also have the song “T4T” out. What kind of fan response have you been receiving to it?

 

A) People have been enjoying “T4T!” It’s definitely a song for trans people specifically and it’s been really nice to have a song that’s all about trans joy on the EP. It balances out the angry moments a bit more and helps listeners to realize that experiencing injustice is not the only part of being trans publicly. There is also a lot of joy to be felt!

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Sometimes the music comes first. Sometimes the lyrics come first. Sometimes it all comes at once. I wait until I get an idea and then I start writing. I only write when I am feeling inspired. I can usually feel the inspiration star stirring up inside of me a few days before the song comes out. I just wait for the exact moment that feels right and balanced with inspiration and energy. It usually happens one to three times a month and then I write a song. Some of the songs aren’t good. Some of them I really love.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) Most of it really. I have specific visions, but I am always open to feedback. My bandmates add a lot to the production and sound and I’m so grateful for their talents.

 

Q) Your EP This Machine Kills Transphobia is epically titled. What is the meaning behind it?

 

A) Thanks!! I use the title “This Machine Kills Transphobia” to talk about my guitar that I have been using to write protest songs on since the start of my career. This phrase and the album cover are a homage to Woody Guthrie’s “This Machine Kills Fascists.” The album and songs directly call out sexism and transphobia, so I thought the title was perfectly fitting.

 

Q) Which tracks off the EP hold a special place in your heart, and what makes them standout to you?

 

A) I don’t ever release any filler content, so all the songs hold a special place in my heart, especially since they are recent and I relate to them heavily still. Here’s quotes about each song:

 

“On the introductory track “The Truth, The Life, The Way” I created a play on words using the famous John 14:6 Bible passage. It’s a way to reclaim what Christian conservatives use against the queer community to shame us. I reclaim the verse and proudly tell them I’m doing it my way.

 

“Queers to the Front” follows the theme of the first track, of calling out conservative Christians while amping up the LGBTQ community to keep moving forward in the revolution. With this track, I am hoping to empower the queer community. We are in the midst of a powerful revolution where love will win.

 

“T4T” is a song that is about trans for trans love. It’s a celebration of that love. The opening and closing of the song reclaims the word “faggot” as I scream it proudly into the mic. “When they stare at us at the gay club, It’s because they wish they looked just like us.” There is a music video for this song that we shot at Masseria Wave, a queer space in Lecce, Italy.

 

“This Machine Kills Transphobia (Burn the Cis-Tem)” is another song aimed at changing the system that is controlled by the powers that be. I use the line “This Machine Kills Transphobia” about my guitar that I have been using to write protest songs on since the start of my long career. This phrase and the album cover are a homage to Woody Guthrie’s “This Machine Kills Fascists.” This song directly calls out sexism and transphobia.

 

“What’s With Straight Dudes Claiming They’re Straight?” is supposed to be a funny song about cis-guys that sleep with trans men but still claim heterosexuality, which comes across as an invalidation of the trans man’s gender and is therefore transphobic.

 

“Saturn is Returning” is a co-write with my bass player, Loren Barnese. The song is mainly about astrology and the Saturn Return period in one’s life. The song conveys a sense of chaos while challenging gender stereotypes and paying homage to riot-grrrl-era punk.”

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to This Machine Kills Transphobia as a whole – either as a message or emotion?

 

A) I want them to understand the struggles and joys of the trans community more. I want trans people to feel empowered to challenge the powers that be. I want trans people to know they are worthy of all the love and joy!

 

Q) Is there a tour coming soon to accompany the EP?

 

A) I have some shows coming up that can be found here: ryancassata.com/tour

I am currently not doing big tours because I am fighting Lyme disease coinfections. I have a long way to go but am hoping to get back to touring like I used to as soon as I’m healthy.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform, and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I love to perform in my hometown – Long Island, NY. It’s always special when longtime friends and family come out to support.

I love playing in LA for the same reason – I have a great chosen family here.

I also love to play in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Lots of people come out to my shows there and it feels like such a special treat to me.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Anyone from KRS! Any punk bands! Any activist musicians!

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to, and why do you dig them?

 

A) I listen to an indie artist in LA a lot named Kat Hamilton. She is an incredible singer-songwriter and an awesome performer. She also plays in a band called Guyville. I really like the solo stuff and the band stuff. Super cool artist and one of my favorites to catch live in LA. She’s also a community builder and involved heavily with the local scene here.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

 

A) Thank you so much! I am so grateful that I get to live this dream that I dreamed up when I was a kid. This is such a massive blessing. I love the community that we have built and continue to grow.