Where many of the original tracks were solo-based, with individual group members trading off taking the lead, MANifesto recontextualizes their arrangements with engaging and technically skilled stack harmonies, singing in unison and backing each other up on their individual parts. According to the group, it all becomes a kind of allegory for the support they give each other each day as out and proud gay men in their community.

Along with the release, the group are running an awareness campaign for the organization Rainbow Railroad. Rainbow Railroad’s mission is to help international members of the LGBTQIA2+ community flee countries where state-sanctioned violence and persecution against them is the norm. The organization’s message hits all too close to home for MANifesto member Brayo, who escaped from Uganda due to fears that being himself would put him in peril.

We caught up with the band to talk about Pinky Swear and its tie-in to Rainbow Railroad.

What was it about music by girl groups that made it such an ideal choice for your first project?

The girl group structure brought a vibrant, exciting dynamic and they represented the strength and resilience of women and championed the need for gender equality. MANifesto took the format to advocate for the LGBTQIA2+ community in a similar way. We noticed an interesting phenomenon when performing girl group songs. Songs that we have listened to, over and over, sung by girl groups suddenly take on a new tone when sung by men. People suddenly hear the song and go “are those the lyrics? I never heard or understood them before.” – Icarus

The stack harmonies are a great addition and really capture the spirit of these classic singing groups – what goes into the creation of these arrangements? Do you try to stay true to the original or inject some new MANifesto flair?

Fortunately, we’ve had help with arrangements by people who are familiar with writing for choirs, etc. Also, once we get into the studio to lay down tracks, there’s an effort to play, experiment with building those layers and add our own charisma, uniqueness, and talents to the mix. – Twaine

How has being in MANifesto helped with being yourself and expressing that to the world?

Community is a big part of gay men of our generation. The support we give each other in this is paramount. Creating this little gang of ours has been lifesaving really, we are certainly strong on our own, but together kinda invincible. – Kelly