Healing Through Music: The Story Behind 33
They Never Wanna Testify” — “Why” by Michaela Jaé
She made history as one of the first openly trans women to win an Emmy Award. Michaela Jaé starred in the groundbreaking show, Pose, spotlighting a predominantly queer cast and a culture that has been marginalized.
Now, she has gone on to tackle a new venture: music. In a recent interview, the “Something to Say” singer said she is “excited” to release her full-length album, which is now out for fans to enjoy.
The album features a dance/house music sound similar to the sounds prevalent within ballroom culture, with pop elements. However, the budding artist made the style her own, paying tribute to a culture that has deeply influenced her career.
Her debut album, 33, follows the 33rd version of the Michaela Jaé prototype. Taking inspiration from the “chosen one” archetype, which the singer is fond of, the young cybernetic humanoid escapes her confinement and takes on the world in search of her identity and purpose.
“In the album, she embodies a character preordained for greatness, that she speaks of
The album’s singles, like the self-empowering “I Am,” affirm her evolving sense of self. Lyrics such as “ I Am Bionic” and “Maybe you’ll have to stay mad” echo her growing awareness of public perception, but she remains undeterred in her willingness to defy expectations.
Among the standout tracks, her hit single “Green Light” reflects on her past relationships. She told People Magazine that the lyrics for the song “ ‘subconsciously’ spilled out” as she tapped into unaddressed trauma. This release of raw emotion speaks to her path to healing and her desire to craft authentic music that connects with her listeners.
The song has garnered widespread fan praise since its release and has over 1 million views. One fan enthusiastically exclaimed, “Sis is breaking down walls and kickin’ these doors open, letting us know WE CAN BE ANYTHING WE WANT TO BE!!!” Another fan shared their love for the structure of the empowering ballad, “You blessed us with a bridge!!! A BRIDGE IN 2024? mmhmm on repeat.”
Released on September 26, Michaela Jaé’s debut album has been a healing experience for the budding singer. The “Why” artist had an album release party in her hometown, New York, to celebrate this milestone in her career. Reflecting on the evening, she shared:
“Last night after my release party, I got to sit with the album again, and I think it’s subconsciously healing the trauma I never addressed.”
There are a lot of things that people do not address either because they do not have the mental capacity at the time, or they don’t have the proper support system to help them process their trauma. Through creating this album, the “Why” singer found her voice and solace in her pain and can move past it.
The “Candy Cigarette” singer believes that if the story she has told through her music has healed her, it can do the same to anyone who listens to her album.
33 is an album of rebirth, healing, and affirmation. Sonically similar to the styles of producer Kaytranada, with a tribute to her ballroom roots. With glowing reviews already pouring in, Michaela Jaé has proven herself to be not just as a groundbreaking actor but a rising musical force.
