MIKI ratsula headlines the morOccan lounge

BY NIKKI G. WONG (She/HER)

We caught Miki Ratsula (they/them) at The Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles this past Monday. This was their first headliner in two years from the Finnish-American songwriter, since then they have released their own debut album i owe it to myself and opened up for Lauren Sanderson on tour. 

Opening up the set was Jules Paymer supported by their full band behind them. Their songs ranged from sleeping with the person their ex cheated with (“Cheated On Me”) to a stripped ballad about living longer than they had anticipated (“25”). Paymer later joined Ratsula on stage for a duet of their song “The Daughter That My Mother Wanted.”

Paired with an acoustic guitar and their band beside them – Miki opened up with one of my favorite songs from their discography, "Missing June.” They later followed up with their newer releases like "jealous of my brother" and "what would the neighbors think". Their smooth and velvety voice carried them across the intimate venue.

We were treated with a handful of unreleased tracks including a live duet of "Blue Balloons" with fellow artist Semler. Technical issues caused a delay of the duet, but we were treated with some friendly banter between the two friends. "Sims 3," "5 Foot Something," and "If I Blame Myself," are additional songs that we expect to see on their upcoming new album. Closing out the set was a gender neutral cover of "Steal My Girl" and "reeboks." 

With the debut of so many new songs this week, we can imagine Miki's sophomore album is on its way to us soon! We are excited to have seen a glimpse of the new era, and will keep our eyes and ears peeled for new releases from Ratsula.