Slayr on Music, Crush40 Fandom & Finding His Sound | Interview

slayr, the Philadelphia-born artist quickly gaining traction in the digicore scene, is building a dedicated following with his emotionally raw and sonically adventurous music. His latest operate, released on the Bloodluxe label, continues to push boundaries, drawing inspiration from a surprising source: the high-energy soundtracks of early 2000s Sonic the Hedgehog games.

From North Philly to Discord Production

Born and raised in North Philadelphia as an only child, slayr’s musical journey began not with formal training, but with a deep dive into the online world. He recounted in a recent interview how he discovered music production through conversations with others on Discord. “I just fell in love with being online,” he explained. “Then I learned how to produce music by talking to people on Discord and it turned into what you spot today.” This DIY ethos is clearly reflected in his genre-bending sound.

His upbringing, while relatively stable – “went to school, did what I needed to do, didn’t really get into trouble like that” – was followed by a move to the suburbs, where he continued to hone his craft. But it was a childhood gift from his father that truly ignited his passion for music: a gaming console featuring a Sonic the Hedgehog title.

The Crush40 Connection

The music of Crush40, a Japanese hard rock band known for their work on the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, left an indelible mark on the young artist. “When I was growing up, my dad got me a console, and there was a Sonic game on there. The game had the Crush40 songs on it, and I was just immediately in love,” slayr said. Limited to a single console, he spent hours on YouTube absorbing the rest of Crush40’s Sonic catalog.

This early exposure profoundly influenced his musical approach. He specifically cites the band’s dynamic arrangements and harmonic complexity as key inspirations. “I definitely took away the Every couple of seconds, something different is happening aspect from their music, and harmonization, for sure.” You can hear echoes of this influence in the constantly shifting textures and melodic layers of his own tracks.

“FOURTH GEAR CYPHER!” and the Gaia Project

slayr’s breakthrough moment came with the release of “FOURTH GEAR CYPHER!,” a track that unexpectedly resonated with a large online audience. Yet, he admits he wasn’t fully prepared for the attention. “It blew up to a point I didn’t expect or could handle, so I didn’t really take advantage of that blowing up really. I just let it sit, and took my time.”

This period of reflection led to the development of Gaia, a project where he consciously sought to evolve his sound. He drew inspiration from producers like Pi’erre Bourne and Kanye West, aiming for a more sophisticated and emotionally resonant aesthetic. “I wanted to make something that seemed serious, ‘cause I was making rage, Whole Lotta Red type songs — I was like, ‘OK, this worked, let me see if this also works.’”

He blended Pi’erre Bourne’s signature transitions with the orchestral arrangements favored by Kanye West, resulting in a sound that is both melodic, and experimental. This fusion is a defining characteristic of the “slayr sound,” a style that blends elements of digicore, rage, and melodic rap.

Digicore and the Philadelphia Music Scene

Digicore, a microgenre born from online communities, is characterized by its lo-fi aesthetic, emotionally vulnerable lyrics, and eclectic influences. It’s a scene that thrives on platforms like SoundCloud and Discord, and artists like slayr are at the forefront of its evolution. Philadelphia, while not traditionally known as a hub for electronic music, is seeing a growing number of artists experimenting with these sounds. Local mom groups and online communities are increasingly connecting artists with resources and audiences.

Bloodluxe, the label releasing slayr’s music, is a key player in the digicore landscape, known for supporting emerging artists and fostering a collaborative environment. The label’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries aligns perfectly with slayr’s artistic vision.

What’s Next for slayr?

While specific release dates and tour plans haven’t been announced, slayr is continuing to build momentum with a steady stream of new music and online engagement. He’s actively connecting with fans on social media and exploring new sonic territories. The artist’s focus remains on refining his craft and expanding his creative palette, building on the foundation laid by Gaia and the success of “FOURTH GEAR CYPHER!”. He’s currently focused on studio work, with the next project’s direction informed by the positive reception to his recent releases.

Given the growing popularity of digicore and slayr’s unique blend of influences, it’s likely we’ll be hearing a lot more from this Philadelphia-based artist in the months to come. Fans can stay updated on his latest work through his official social media channels and the Bloodluxe label’s website. The Philadelphia metro area continues to be a breeding ground for emerging talent, and slayr is poised to become a leading voice in the next generation of music.

Philadelphia suburbs are also seeing an influx of creative energy, contributing to the region’s vibrant arts scene.