The Patti Fiasco released a touching Pride-themed song and music video “Love Letter” for Pride month:
“This song and video are dedicated lovingly to generations and generations of LGTBQ2IA+ individuals whose bravery, beauty, and resilience made it possible for me to live and love the way I do today,” says Alysia Kraft (of the Patti Fiasco). The beautiful music video depicts footage from the 1975 Gay Freedom Day in San Francisco.
The video imagery is courtesy of GLBT Historical Society. Shot and edited by gay filmmaker Harold T. O’Neal in 1975, the footage shows groups and figures such as Harvey Milk, Fickle Fox, Finocchios, Bob Cramer Emperor, Empress Doris, Operation Concern, The Advocate, and many others.
“It’s touching to see the resilience of a community working together toward liberation and embracing joy as such an integral part of that. There’s candid footage of Harvey Milk in his early campaigns as “The Mayor of Castro Street” (just two years before his assassination), and cameos from so many others who were integral to advancing gay rights.”
Releasing “Love Letter” for Pride Month, the band displays their musical prowess and touching storytelling skills. Kraft writes from the perspective of a trans woman navigating 1970’s San Francisco. From her wardrobe changes to facing discrimination, incarceration, and abuse, the character shows up with grace and self-love in a world set out against her. The song writes a metaphorical love letter to future generations of LGBTQ+ folks striving towards a better, inclusive, and understanding world.
The Patti Fiasco is led by queer dynamo and songwriter Alysia Kraft and includes allies Dee Tyler and Ansel Foxley. Their Wyoming roots peak through their hard-rock approach to form something raw, yet sweet. Imagine if Joan Jett’s attitude, Steve Earle’s twang, Bonnie Raitt’s soul, the Black Keys’ dirty blues-rock, and Shovels and Rope’s edge had a baby. That is the allure of The Patti Fiasco.
“Love Letter” is only a sneak peek into their upcoming July 26th EP. Self-produced in Fort Collins, audiences can expect the relentless energy that comprises the Patti Fiasco.
“Growing up in Wyoming, this song came to me from a place of deep empathy and gratitude for the struggle endured by previous generations of queer and trans folks in order for me to be gay, in love, visible, expressive, and surrounded by community in the way that I am today. Leading up to the time I wrote it, I was preparing to bring a trans partner home. I was thinking so much about their safety and trying to deepen my education and understanding on being a good partner and a committed advocate,” says Kraft.
You can watch the lovely music video here.
“Cause’ I’m working on a love letter
For those who will follow in my step
So there may be a world for them
We haven’t seen yet”
Photo courtesy of Love Letter
