Kings of Spade
[Photo by Dallas Nagata White]

Kings Of Spade create emotional coming out anthem—listen

Just in time for National Coming Out Day comes “Strange Bird” from Kings Of Spade, a rock ’n’ roll coming out story from lead singer KC.

The song details the singer’s experience coming out to their mom in second grade. Ideally, someone’s coming out experience will feature love and support from their family. However, when KC’s mom found out they had a crush on a girl, KC was forced to wear dresses and told she needed to “learn how to act like a lady,” which is what inspired the song.

Read more: 10 alternative fashion staples we wish we could afford

“I always tell my coming out story before we play this song at a live show,” KC says. “It starts off so tragic I end up going back in the closet until way later in life. The beauty is coming around so far that I can tell the story onstage in front of a crowd of people cheering me on for it.”

The song resonates with many people as well. KC says that after the show, people usually come up to share their coming out stories as well.

“After every show there is always people who share their own strange bird stories with me,” KC says. “That connection is everything. That’s why I play music and love being in a band.”

“Strange Bird” comes just ahead of National Coming Out Day Oct. 11. It’s an event meant to inspire people to be openly a part of the LGBTQ community. Started in 1988, this year marks 30 years of National Coming Out Day. The holiday originally took place on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

People observe National Coming Out Day to remind people that there’s power in coming out, and they’re not alone. According to the HRC, one out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian, and one in 10 people close to them are transgender.

“‘Strange Bird’ is my big queer anthem—a song about being true to who you are no matter what it costs.” –KC

“Strange Bird” is filled with all the angst and energy of someone made to feel afraid of coming out finally finding their power, making it the perfect anthem for National Coming Out Day. That’s exactly what KC intended.

“‘Strange Bird’ is my big queer anthem—a song about being true to who you are no matter what it costs,” KC says. “It’s about self-love and growing into a person who is proud to be different.”

Check out “Strange Bird” below.

The band’s self-titled album will be out Oct. 19 and is available for preorder now. Fans can also catch them on tour this month with dates listed below.

Dates:

10/07 – Flagstaff, AZ @ Cornish Pasty
10/09 – Phoenix, AZ @ Last Exit Live
10/11 – Austin, TX @ Dirty Dog Bar
10/13 – San Antonio, TX @ Leaky Barrel
10/14 – Birmingham, AL @ The Nick
10/15 – Atlanta, GA @ The Music Room at Smith’s Olde Bar
10/18 – Charlotte, NC @ Milestone
10/20 – Washington, DC @ Tropicalia
10/23 – NYC, NY @ Arlene’s Grocery
10/26 – Battle Creek, MI @ Music Factory
10/28 – Indianapolis, IN @ Melody Inn
10/30 – Newport, KY @ Southgate House Revival – Revival Room

10/31 – Des Moines, IA @ Lefty’s Live Music
11/11 – Honolulu, HI @ The Republik (supporting Skillet)
12/31 – Kahuku, HI @ Surfer the Bar