Non-binary and Chill:
Sashathem’s Single and Music Video “Hellraiser”
Sashathem’s Single and Music Video “Hellraiser”
by Dusk Arts
Which one of these does not belong: taking a bath, walking in the park, running by the seaside at the beach, or practicing witchcraft?
Trick question! All of them belong in Sashathem’s music video for “Hellraiser,” a smooth, laid-back, and deliciously insouciant single about recognizing the inherent badassery in simply being yourself. Sashathem gives a succinct example as they sing in the chorus, “I just wanna wear my hoops / lookin’ cute like a baddie would do.”
A coproduction with Evan Amoroso and ågren, the song’s limber, round synth bass and gentle, jazzy guitar and keyboard chords keep the music light and floaty, while Sashathem juxtaposes it with clear, intelligible vocals. The beat carries the song without being intrusive and lets Sashathem remain in the spotlight—a fitting choice given the song’s theme of iconoclastic nonconformity. Both their lyrics and the music video’s scenes prove beyond all doubt that they’re comfortable in their own skin and know that every day lived authentically is raising hell in the best of ways.
Which one of these does not belong: taking a bath, walking in the park, running by the seaside at the beach, or practicing witchcraft?
Trick question! All of them belong in Sashathem’s music video for “Hellraiser,” a smooth, laid-back, and deliciously insouciant single about recognizing the inherent badassery in simply being yourself. Sashathem gives a succinct example as they sing in the chorus, “I just wanna wear my hoops / lookin’ cute like a baddie would do.”
A coproduction with Evan Amoroso and ågren, the song’s limber, round synth bass and gentle, jazzy guitar and keyboard chords keep the music light and floaty, while Sashathem juxtaposes it with clear, intelligible vocals. The beat carries the song without being intrusive and lets Sashathem remain in the spotlight—a fitting choice given the song’s theme of iconoclastic nonconformity. Both their lyrics and the music video’s scenes prove beyond all doubt that they’re comfortable in their own skin and know that every day lived authentically is raising hell in the best of ways.
Opening with the refrain, slightly warped and distorted vocals evoke appropriately demonic imagery, but the Devil is our friend here as we set out to do his work. Sashathem raps, “I don’t wanna change myself for you,” and “don’t wanna please nobody else but myself,” and immediately we know that unapologetic individuality is the name of the game here. The video is shot in greyscale and with a relaxed vibe much like the song’s—as if to show us that freedom of gender expression for LGBTQ+ folx is just as harmless, fulfilling, and normal as it is for everyone else. Perhaps for all the naysayers in our ignorant and hateful world, all it takes to raise some hell is a pair of hoops and a walk in the park.
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Press Release
Ramping up for the release of their debut album Glass House, Sashathem releases dance-worthy single and music video “HELLRAISER”. This track is a reclamation of agency and queer identity through the lens of a goofy, southern non-binary artist. As a preview to a larger work, Sashathem uses the chorus of “HELLRAISER” to tell the listener to stop-staring-at-me-and-start-dancing-with-me. In between moments of positive affirmation in the choruses, they use the verses to raise concerns about accountability, uncertainty, and self-doubt.
The single was co-produced by Sashathem, NYC-based multi-instrumentalist and jazz musician Evan Amoroso, and Virginia-based hip-hop producer Agren. The curious, jazz-infused chord progression works with the propelling, latin-inspired drum groove to build a canvas for Sashathem to simultaneously celebrate and question their identity as a creative and as a queer body. “HELLRAISER” is an exclamation from Sashathem that says, “I don’t give a fuck if I fit into your binary, I know I’m cute.”
Bio
Currently residing in East Boston, Massachussetts, Sashathem (they/them) is a non-binary hip-hop artist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from Appalachia. They care a great deal about restorative justice, accessible education, and harm reduction; and they don’t give a fuck about your zodiac sign. The child of an educator and a writer, Sashathem has an intimate love for words, for symmetry, and for teaching. Their sound is the product of a decade-long daily practice; a hodgepodge of pop-cultural influence, tinged with elements of early funk, queer-pop, and hip-hop. Sashathem’s upcoming debut album, Glass House, is an introspective journey that documents two years of growth through the understanding and acceptance of their own queer identity. It grapples with loss, locked closet doors, and self-destructive tendencies, with moments of levity and clarity weaving their way into the body of work. Taylor Henderson at The Advocate wrote, “There’s something hypnotic about Sashathem, a non-binary self-described “bummer rapper” who’s just stepping into their light.”
Ramping up for the release of their debut album Glass House, Sashathem releases dance-worthy single and music video “HELLRAISER”. This track is a reclamation of agency and queer identity through the lens of a goofy, southern non-binary artist. As a preview to a larger work, Sashathem uses the chorus of “HELLRAISER” to tell the listener to stop-staring-at-me-and-start-dancing-with-me. In between moments of positive affirmation in the choruses, they use the verses to raise concerns about accountability, uncertainty, and self-doubt.
The single was co-produced by Sashathem, NYC-based multi-instrumentalist and jazz musician Evan Amoroso, and Virginia-based hip-hop producer Agren. The curious, jazz-infused chord progression works with the propelling, latin-inspired drum groove to build a canvas for Sashathem to simultaneously celebrate and question their identity as a creative and as a queer body. “HELLRAISER” is an exclamation from Sashathem that says, “I don’t give a fuck if I fit into your binary, I know I’m cute.”
Bio
Currently residing in East Boston, Massachussetts, Sashathem (they/them) is a non-binary hip-hop artist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from Appalachia. They care a great deal about restorative justice, accessible education, and harm reduction; and they don’t give a fuck about your zodiac sign. The child of an educator and a writer, Sashathem has an intimate love for words, for symmetry, and for teaching. Their sound is the product of a decade-long daily practice; a hodgepodge of pop-cultural influence, tinged with elements of early funk, queer-pop, and hip-hop. Sashathem’s upcoming debut album, Glass House, is an introspective journey that documents two years of growth through the understanding and acceptance of their own queer identity. It grapples with loss, locked closet doors, and self-destructive tendencies, with moments of levity and clarity weaving their way into the body of work. Taylor Henderson at The Advocate wrote, “There’s something hypnotic about Sashathem, a non-binary self-described “bummer rapper” who’s just stepping into their light.”
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