Jon-Mikal Bartee refuses to adopt a dichotomous mindset.

The Detroit vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer dismisses society’s “us-versus-them” ideology and embraces their authentic self on “Zeroes & Ones.”

“I think there are people who can relate to this feeling,” said Bartee, who performs as The Idiot Kids, about their new garage-punk single. “I mean, releasing it during Pride Month definitely was not an accident. I know many other queer people who feel similar. Ultimately, I hope this track might act as a conduit for others to express how they may be feeling.”

While it’s an empowering queer anthem, “Zeroes & Ones” also takes inspiration from binary code and features defiant vocals and fiery instrumentation.

Bartee sings, “I’m not the either or / Not neither nor / Rigid dichotomy’s a bore / Or in other words / I’m not the this or that / I am a winding path / I write my odyssey / My score.”

“I liked the imagery of binary code and the fact that we use it every day in our digital lives,” they said. “Without realizing that we need both to communicate anything, I’ve always been frustrated by the lack of nuance in modern-day discourse. People seem to pick sides, stick to their guns, and do not want to engage with anything that may challenge what they already believe. Whether that’s politically, socially, or dealing with our own identities.”

I recently spoke with Bartee about The Idiot Kids’ single ahead of a June 7 show at Bell’s Back Room Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Q: How are things? What’s been inspiring you lately as a songwriter and musician?

A: Spring has been OK. A lot of ups and downs, but feeling optimistic. Creatively, I’m feeling driven. I’m trying to go with my gut and run with my initial ideas and see where that takes me.

Q: Tell me about the creative process for “Zeroes & Ones.” How did it come together as you were writing and recording it?

A: The initial idea came to me a few years back, but I didn’t really start working on the lyrics until earlier in the year. I recorded everything myself on this one, performing all the instruments live and mixing it myself. It started off as a demo and I would add ideas as they came to me. Often, these recordings were weeks or even months apart. It was definitely a different process than I am used to, but it was rewarding, and I’m happy with how it all turned out.

Q: What plans do you have for the Kalamazoo Pride After Party at Bell’s Back Room on June 7?

A: If you’ve seen us before, you can expect the same high-energy, nonstop set. We will be performing “Zeroes & Ones” live for the first time at this show. Plus, it’s Pride, so it’ll be very fun and celebratory, and we will be joined by DJ Mercury Ulia, who will be performing all night.

Q: You’re also performing on June 20 with Soraia and Seahag at Lager House in Detroit. What can people expect from that show?

A: It’s always a great time with our Philly friends Soraia. We’ve gone on a couple of tours with them, and I recently had the pleasure of co-writing a song with Zou Zou called “So Holy,” which was released earlier this year. It’ll be fun to share a stage with them again. I’ve been wanting to do a show with Seahag for a while now, so I’m excited to have them kicking things off for the night.

Q: You’re currently working on a new album. How are things coming along for it?

A: [It’s] still in the writing process. It’s been a very similar process to “Zeroes & Ones,” jotting things down as I go and just listening to my intuition. Our last record Chapels was such an introspective deep dive, that I’m trying to do the opposite with this one. It’ll still be coming from a personal place, but I am running with my first ideas. It’ll either be a full-length or an EP that’ll be out later in the fall.

Q: What else do you have planned for later this year? Do any of those plans include collaborating with other artists?

A: In July, we’ll be hitting up Indianapolis and Ypsilanti. After this summer, things are a little up in the air. We are in a bit of a transition period as a band and trying to figure out what the future holds. Right now, I am just trying to focus on getting the record done. Hopefully, we’ll be playing some more shows around the release of the record.

And yes, I always love collaborating with other artists! I have recently been co-producing, recording, and mixing some bands around Detroit, and I plan on doing much more of that in the future.

The Idiot Kids perform June 7 with DJ Mercury Ulia for the Pride After Party at Bell’s Back Room, 355 East Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan. For tickets, visit Bell’s website. They also perform June 20 with Soraia and Seahag at Lager House, 1254 Michigan Avenue, Detroit. For tickets, visit Lager House’s website.