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».
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».
