Video Premiere: Sashathem "Hellraiser"
Single Art by Christian Arnder
Getting ready to drop their debut album Glass House, Boston’s Sashathem (they/them) is gifting upon us, what may now be my favorite “queer anthem,” Hellraiser. This dance-worthy single & music video is Sashathem’s take on reclamation of agency and queer-identity through the lens of a fun-loving non-binary artist.
The single was co-produced by Evan Amoroso & hip-hop producer Agren. The track opens with, what I think sounds like, one of those sick rhodes electric pianos in a soothing-type melody. Then the chorus hits you in the face, and Sashathem wastes no time letting us know that they have no interest changing themselves for anyone or anything. The line that makes me feel the most seen is “I might be a they, I might be a them. I might fuck with her, I might fuck with him.” I can’t help but wonder if the whole album is going to make me reflect on my own identity & help me find solace in comfort in who I really am. The video is a really fun watch, and you can tell how much fun they were having making it.
Watch Sashathem’s music video for Hellraiser below, and be on the lookout for the full single release Feburary 19, 2021 every where digitially. Be sure to follow them to stay up to date about the release of their full length album Glass House.
Photo credit: Teddy Chipouras
What is your songwriting process like?
The lyrics for this song came about during a time when I was coming out to some close friends as non-binary, and I felt like I needed to give myself some sort of affirmation that would help me be an agent for myself. I am so fortunate that a good deal of the folks close to me welcome and accept me as I am, but HELLRAISER was a way for me to figure out how to say what I wanted to say (to anybody) without any hesitation.What is a favorite show or tour memory that comes to mind right away?
About a year ago, I got to go on a debut tour with a live band for the Sashathem set. holy shit it was the most fun and freeing thing I’ve ever done. crying in front of people and dancing my very lanky ass off with zero shame was so divine. Maybe someday I’ll get to do that again!Has being “out” as a nonbinary/trans artist impacted your musical endeavors at all?
I feel like a lot of the music I made prior to coming out had an underlying tone shame and self-loathing, whereas the songs I’ve written since coming out are unabashedly honest and mostly unafraid. Even if that honesty turns into something super depressing sometimes, at least I’m getting the words out and being sincere with myself. Being non-binary gives me a sense of self-advocacy that I don’t think I had prior to coming out.Dream tour: If you could book yourself to open for any 2 artists on a tour package, who would you pick?
Backxwash and Flo Milli