ItsSlater is an emerging independent singer, songwriter and rapper who made his professional solo recording debut early this year with the alt/emo hip-hop single “Happy Place.” That track introduced a talented young artist with a confessional songwriting style. The genre-fluid artist mixes lo-fi pop hooks with hip-hop and trap beats to create a distinctly unique, catchy and introspective vibe.
Since dropping that first track in April the prolific musician has produced two singles and now his debut EP. Alive For Now was released worldwide via all major streaming services on July 11, 2022. Throughout the 5-song collection the singer delivers dreamy, melodic meditations on his own mental health and the difficulty of navigating a complicated and unforgiving world.
“Kids Do” is the current single from ItsSlater’s new EP Alive For Now. Ambient synths open the track before a funky electric guitar introduces an upbeat 80s-inspired indie-pop jam. Airy multi-part vocal harmonies expand the horizon as the singer chronicles a particularly difficult episode. It’s a deeply personal yet infinitely relatable tale set to an infectiously catchy groove.
Check out “Kids Do” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with ItsSlater about the new record. Check out his answers to our 8 questions below. Follow the links at the end of this article to connect with ItsSlater, Get on his profiles and dig into the excellent new EP, “Alive For Now.”
8 Questions with ItsSlater
Where are you from?
I’m from Denver Colorado, born and raised.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music since I was 11 years old. But I posted my first tracks when I was 16, because of insecurity, and feeling like people wouldn’t enjoy it.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
My project only has one feature, his name is Jojo Supreme. He’s my bestfriend and I met him online on a video game when I was very young. So we started making music together because our voices always fit with each other. I only have one feature on this project because I thought it was really important to tell my story and mine alone.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
My biggest music influences are Juice Wrld, The Kid Laroi, Doja Cat, The Gorillaz, Pouya, Still Woozy, Tame Impala, and Kiss. Last but not least, my uncle who taught me everything I know. The list could go on forever.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
My greatest non-musical influence is pushing people super hard. Pushing everyone outside of their comfort zone. If someone doesn’t think they can chase their dreams, I tell them you wont ever know if you don’t try.
What inspired you to create this project?
My mental health caused me to create this project. Not just depression or anxiety, I struggle with things that kids my age should never experience. We jump into my love life, just wanting to be a kid for a little longer, and then we dive into darker things like not knowing who I am, not knowing if I can stay on earth anymore, being reincarnated to live life again and maybe id be happier in that life, being judged, being stabbed in the back by people you thought loved you, and just discovering that I want to change some bad habits, but its not as easy as it seems.
I remember laying in bed crying everyday, every night, no sleep, no one to call or reach out to. The suicide hotlines weren’t even picking up. So I did what I do best. I found this beat from one of my favorite producers, Bloom, and I just started pouring my heart out like no other. And after I created the first song on the project “Feel At Home ” I just knew I had to do more. So I stepped out of my comfort zone, changed my sound because rap can be so hard sometimes. And that’s when I started making the alternative/indie pop project.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
My plans for the future musically is to be relatable. Have a big influence in the industry, but not just for fame, but to really have large groups of people listen and relate, and feel like they aren’t alone. So many people go through things they think aren’t normal. But there’s millions of other people thinking the same thing. I just want to tell my story.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Thank you to the people that have pushed me, the people that have really deep dived into my sound. Thank you to my mom who’s my biggest fan and would listen to every one of my songs on repeat and tell me things I could add or change. And most importantly thank you guys for the feedback and all of the love.
