Ruthless - The Sea Tease: The Anthem for the Aggressively Trans and the People Who Love Them
Nominated for Song of The Year at the 2025 Wavy Awards, Ruthless is a call to arms to be unapologetically and unequivocally yourself. In the face of bubbling hostility, to be ruthless is to know who you are, deep in your bones, and set fire to anyone who says otherwise.
I have the privilege of calling Michaela D. Jordan, the siren call and principal composer of The Sea Tease; better-known as “band Dad” to those of us in the rag-tag Los Angeles scene; not only a colleague but a dear friend. I had also enjoyed the privilege of sitting in for the recording of their Wavy-nominated single, Ruthless, produced by James Booth of James Booth and The Return, featuring Michaela’s guitar magick, the unmistakable ground-shaking drums of Michael Collins, and the unforgettable pulse of Church Burglars’ own, Bobby Weiss’ bass.
The room was ablaze with creative energy, the lights low and faces illuminated by a sunset-colored lava lamp. To be a part of the birthing process of this recording, even in such the small part of bearing witness, is a family affair; a reunion of kindred spirits held together by shared passion, by choice and joy, over blood. With each repetition of the mantra, to be ruthless, is a declaration of solidarity. In a single word, everyone in that room, vocal or not, dedicated themselves to Michaela’s corner. We’ve got you.
Written by Karissa Kelly
