"I want to talk to you about the music, but also the journey," I told Scarlet Degenerate during the show at The Rusty Nail. We stood around the merch table while everyone talked and caught up. It wasn't like I hadn't talked to Scarlet every day since my move to Florida, but there was something about seeing her in the dimly lit room cast in gold and red that made me realize how far we've come and how much has changed.
I squatted down to be more comfortable. "I know a lot of your new material has to do with you coming out as transgender." It was a burning question, so of course it was the first I asked.
"The world hates us. I might as well be myself and be hated for who I am rather than who I'm not. Love me for that too. Give no fucks." Was what she told me as I typed all of it down while nodding.
She told me that in her music she can be as loud and as she is proud as she want. I've known Scarlet for years. 23 to be exact. I've watched her grow. I've played barbies with her. (well, she played with them and I destroyed them.) We never grew apart. Now I watch her soar in this music journey.
The music is at the heart of all this. It's the core. Without the music in Scarlet's life I don't think coming out would have been easy. I say this because music for her has been a way for her to express who she really is. Music has led her to the people she now holds most dear. Music may not be the only reason she's spreading her wings, but it is a big one.
She's working on putting out two singles; "Let Me Live" which is about coming out as transgender and dealing with mental illness. It's about dealing with life and overcoming it. The second one is called "Black Sheep", which is about being yourself and not letting anyone tell you otherwise. Being a true Degenerate.
She slowly started touring with the new music. Scarlet just did a show in Ohio. When I found out I was so proud because this was the first real out of state show she's done. Her music career is only growing. I'm in love with the new sound.
She used to be in a bad called Suburban Murder. I followed them too. I will always follow Scarlet no matter what she does. She is my most treasured friend. I am proud to call myself a Degenerate like her. As her music career grows so will my writing career. One day I hope to collaborate with her on an epic project that will take us both to the next level. Scarlet is one of a kind. I only see big thing for her and a bright future.
