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· Elizabeth De Young
Photo Credit: Felix Rivers
Although most up-and-comers in the music industry keep it humble, Slayyyter fashions herself with flashy confidence - maintaining the mindset that she’s always been famous. Defying the pop genre with her 4th album, “WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA,” Slayyyter’s sound is more distinct than ever. While her past albums are more strictly EDM and hyperpop, she builds on this foundation in WGIA to create something more entrenched in emotion.
Slayyyter, known off-stage as Catherine Grace Garner, is having a career-defining year. Currently on tour for “WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA,” she’s also partnered with MAC, performed at Lollapalooza to a crowd of 50,000 and is teasing yet another new album on tour. If there’s any time to hop on the bandwagon, it’s now.
Origin Story
Her childhood spent in Kirkwood, Missouri serves as consistent aesthetic inspiration in her new look and sound. Slayyyter doesn’t shy away from the not-so-glamorous aspects of the Midwest, but imagines herself as a star amongst the rundown houses and dirt roads. Despite the somewhat desolate surroundings, Garner grew up with an appreciation for film, art and music. The stage name “Slayyyter” is even a reference to character Ron Slater from Richard Linklater’s “Dazed & Confused” - she even references the film and director in her hit song “CRANK.”
Before she was cranking it, however, Slayyyter was collabing with Ayesha Erotica, an artist who helped define the sound of trashy 2000s hyperpop. The two worked together to create Slayyyter’s debut single, “BFF.” As Garner’s career has progressed, she’s moved away from what could be called “club music” to a more deeply artistic goal; “WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA” was only the beginning of it too, as she’s now teasing her 5th album “wor$t man in america" by performing songs live on tour. Slayyyter’s stage presence is evolving from a Britney Spears impression to something much more Gaga-esque.
The Sound
Photo Credit: Felix Rivers
Slayyyter gets loud. She creates a full-body experience with her sound - it’s moshpit meets dance floor. Whether it's jumping to the beat or whipping her hair around, Slayyyter shows the audience exactly how to have fun at her shows. Even when listening to her music alone, the beat possesses you to dance.
For those who have been following Slayyyter since her Stan Twitter days, the most notable shift in her music may be in her voice. In her previous album, “Starfucker,” her vocals were those of a stereotypical pop diva; however, with WGIA, she ranges from theatrical belting (“DANCE…”) to screaming like she’s fronting a metal band (“YES GODDD”).
The Visuals
Photo Credit: Felix Rivers
Slayyyter’s albums are almost as much of a visual experience as they are a sonic one. Every track on her most recent album has a full-length music video showcasing Slayyyter’s “worst girl” behavior. The singer is multifaceted, self-directing many of the music videos as well as creating the costumes and looks for herself.
From bunnies that look like something out of “Donnie Darko,” to an almost nostalgic 4th of July backdrop, Slayyyter’s music videos build the drama that the songs contain. Her dedication to rounding out all artistic aspects of the listening experience continues with the release of “brand new chanel$,” Slayyyter’s newest single. The song debuted with the music video released the same day, setting up “wor$t man in america” as the inverse or “brother” album to WGIA.
The Moment
Photo Credit: Felix Rivers
After struggling to find her footing in the music industry for over five years, Slayyyter is finally obtaining the stardom she’s always embodied. The dedication to creating an entirely unique brand of sound with accompanying visuals has distinguished her from her peers, while simultaneously giving the audience a subconscious feeling of familiarity - like that of Lady Gaga or Chappell Roan. She’s a living testament of the new-age American dream, proving that perseverance really does pay off.
In producing such a cohesive album, Slayyyter has inadvertently made the perfect vinyl experience. It’s a slice of Americana that redefines the boundaries of genre and instead imagines a new terrain ruled by a fabulously trashy blonde. The unapologetic commitment to the bit is what has propelled Slayyyter to start topping charts this summer.
Spin Tip
Listen to Slayyyter while getting ready for your next big outing, especially if you’re doing so with friends. There’s something for everyone to enjoy on WGIA while also ensuring the vibe stays energetic and confident.
If you still need more Slayyyter songs to get you amped up, check out her earlier tracks, “No Comma” and “Daddy AF,” the latter of which was featured in Best Picture winner “Anora.”