After getting Lyme disease last year, Ryan Cassata is thankful to be back on the road.

The Los Angeles singer-songwriter felt isolated because of having a chronic illness and recalled experiencing that same feeling as a trans youth years ago.

“I’m excited to be feeling well enough to be back out on the road,” said Cassata, who’s still fighting the illness, but is stable enough to be touring.

“The sense of isolation that the disease has caused me reminds me of how I felt as a trans teenager: isolated and feeling like I was the only one going through it in the world. There’s also a lack of understanding that happens with both chronic illness and being trans.”

Cassata also explores those themes on his latest album, Greetings From Echo Park. He wrote most of the album while battling Lyme disease and includes 14 cathartic tracks that reflect on queer identity, trauma, uncertainty, and survival.

“So if you’re queer/trans, chronically ill, disabled, or experiencing feeling different, or being othered in any way, you may relate to the lyrics on this record,” he said.

“There are many songs that also reflect the queer experience, like “QUEER american DREAM.” I wrote that song about the state of the nation and the quest for trans equality. I sing a lot about how hard it feels right now to be trans.”

I recently did an email interview with Cassata about his album ahead of a September 26 show at The Current Art Studio in Detroit.

Q: You’re currently on tour with The Top Surgeons. How has the tour been going so far?

A: We’ve been having lots of fun and have been [finding] community all over the country. The shows have been awesome—some big, some intimate—but at every show there has been a beautiful sense of community and belonging. Our favorite moments thus far have been playing at The East Room in Nashville, Greensboro Pride Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the Hearse Fest in Pittsburgh. The crowds have been big, and they have brought so much energy. Really, all the shows have been great so far!

Q: How do The Top Surgeons help you craft a memorable performance at each show?

A: We started playing together seven-ish years ago now. The band name happened about two years ago. Kyle Dombroski is on drums, and Loren Barnese is on bass and backing vocals. We’re sure to ground ourselves before the show and connect as a band so that we can bring that energy to the show and connect with all of you.

Q: What plans do you have for your September 26 show at The Current Art Studio in Detroit with Amrit Kohli and Tiffadelic?

A: I played open mics in San Francisco a bunch with Amrit when I was a teenager. This will be my first show with Tiffadelic. I’m super-excited about the lineup and to hear all the music live. We will be playing a longer set, and those from the audience who wish to join in on the show will have opportunities to do so.

Q:Greetings From Echo Park reflects a variety of genres, ranging from folk and rock to blues and pop punk. What was it like to explore these styles on the album?

A: I honestly just write whatever I feel. I don’t try to write in any specific genre. I just listen to a lot of genres, so they all mix into the music naturally.

Q: What do you hope fans take away from songs like “I Feel Like Throwing Up” and “If You’re Not Dead Yet, Will You Be My Friend?”

A: “I Feel Like Throwing Up”: I hope that people take away understanding about chronic illness and feel less alone in whatever they are going through personally. I hope they know there is someone out there who has the same worries, fears, and experiences that they do.

“If You’re Not Dead Yet, Will You Be My Friend?”: I hope that people will take in the story, the struggle of being openly queer/trans on the road, the dangers, and also realize that they are not alone.

Q: What plans do you have after the tour?

A: I’ll take some downtime to be with family and friends. I’ve been writing and recording a lot recently and will do a lot more of it. I’ll definitely be releasing some new music sometime in the near future!

Ryan Cassata performs September 26 with Amrit Kohli and Tiffadelic at The Current Art Studio, 13023 Puritan Street, Detroit, Michigan. Doors are at 6:30 pm, and the show starts at 7 pm. For tickets, visit Event Brite.