Staytus has today released her new single titled ’68 Kill’. Part industrial, part tribal, totally guttural. ’68 Kill’ hits all the right notes and punches all the right feels to get the point across with angst and anarchy that doesn’t let up and never holds back.
While definitely on my infinite repeat option for the rest of the day, I get that adrenaline rush filtered through the admiration for a true artist in her never-ending prime. The lyrics brutality are matched only by the anger in the beat and determination in the hook. This is the musical equivalent of a last chance intervention from a pissed off family.
Check out our other features with Staytus HERE.
About ’68 Kill’
“68 Kill” reflects a woman who has faced dark moments and is now fighting back. Staytus sings about how she is no longer a victim and is taking back her power. Working alongside renowned producer Matt McJunkins of A Perfect Circle at Secret Hand Studios in Los Angeles, Staytus created an intense sound that matches her lyrics. “Working with Matt was an incredible experience,” says Staytus. “Matt brought so much depth to the production with his bass and synth work, creating a sonic landscape that perfectly matched the intensity of the song. His talent and energy really pushed me to elevate my own creativity and singing.”
Staytus vulnerably shares her experiences with abuse using her bone-chilling lyrics, singing, “Bloody nose, black eye, you make me wanna die. Your manipulation was a form of masturbation. Call me spineless, call me useless, it doesn’t change the fact you do this.” The upcoming music video and cover art for Staytus’ “68 Kill” is shot by distinguished photographer and There Is No Us frontman Jim Louvau. Louvau is known for his work with some of the biggest names in rock and roll and metal such as Metallica, KISS, Alice Cooper, and even Taylor Swift. He captures the essence of Staytus’ new song with a theme of anger and resilience. The artwork features a Gorillaz-inspired “Tank Girl” look, symbolizing rebellion in the form of a warrioress.
Staytus began her music career at just 17 years old, inspired by her love for anime, gaming culture, and artists like Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, and Black Dresses. She is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who blends dark and emotional landscapes with intense lyrics to create her boundary-pushing metal sound. Her innovative work has earned her collaborations with many revolutionary names in the metal world. Before kicking off this series of singles, Statyus released a one-off single “Can You Hear Me?,” produced by acclaimed producer Sean Beaven (Nine Inch Nails, System of a Down, Slayer), which received attention from notable press outlets like Grimy Goods, ReGen Magazine, Kill The Music, and antiMusic.
About Staytus
Musician. Artist. Producer. These terms are often overused, but occasionally an artist emerges who redefines their meaning. Staytus, the musical alter-ego of recording prodigy Sam Grundemann, is one such force, constantly pushing the boundaries of music-making. Her upcoming single “68 Kill,” the first in her Twisted Frames series, is set to further showcase her unique vision.
“68 Kill” is an unapologetically raw and powerful track that delves into the darker side of emotional manipulation and reclaiming one’s power. Produced at Secret Hand Studios in Los Angeles, Staytus collaborated with Matt McJunkins of A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, whose bass and synth work added depth and intensity to the sonic landscape of the song. The experience pushed Staytus to elevate her creativity and vocal delivery, resulting in a track that captures the emotional essence of the Twisted Frames series, inspired by the films of Criminal Minds actor Matthew Gray Gubler.
This new release follows her previous single “Can You Hear Me?,” produced by Sean Beavan, known for his work on Nine Inch Nails’ The Downward Spiral. Can You Hear Me? delves deep into themes of isolation, inner turmoil, and the desperate search for connection, blending evocative imagery with raw emotion. This track further showcased Staytus’ ability to create thought-provoking and emotionally charged music.
With the upcoming Twisted Frames series, Staytus continues the momentum from her 2022 debut Disease of the Mind and her sophomore album Wasteland of Broken Hearts. Grundemann, who has multiple recording degrees and certifications, has crafted Staytus as a digital dark-angel avatar, confronting the myriad challenges facing today’s young adults.
At the cutting edge where new recording technology and artistry converge, Staytus continues to translate trauma, betrayal, heartbreak, and grief into sound from a non-neurotypical perspective. Staytus speaks to contemporary issues in a way that resonates with today’s listeners.
As she pushes boundaries and evolves her sound, Staytus solidifies her place as one of the most vibrant and innovative voices in modern industrial music.
Featured image by Jim Louvau.
LINKS:
https://staytusmusic.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@staytusmusic
https://www.instagram.com/staytusmusic/
https://twitter.com/staytusmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd5Vn2_HSw22wOgNFaBPWFg
