Versatile pop-rock artist Ali Slater opens up about relationships and her struggles in the dating scene with empowering anthemic single "Over It." featuring ex Falling In Reverse guitarist Jacky Vincent.
Sometimes the best songwriting comes from a place of healing. For versatile solo artist Ali Slater, going through rough relationships in the dating scene prompted her to open up about her experiences.
“At that point, I wasn’t mad or upset. I truly was just so over men and the drama. I don’t ask for much (the bar is on the floor) and it’s baffling that almost every guy I’ve come across can’t meet the bare minimum of standards. For example, be nice to me, don’t lie, or try to manipulate me.This song is was just one big eye roll to men and it was kinda fun to call them out on their behavior. Somebody should and if it has to be me, then so be it.”
While these experiences did change her perspective moving forward, she did not let them define her as a person. Sometimes we need to ascend and focus on our higher selves to realize that those connections do not define us, but it is we who define ourselves.
In her latest single, "Over it" featuring guitarist Jacky Vincent (ex. Falling In Reverse), Ali Slater has taken creative control, let go of the past, and has never looked back. With nostalgic alternative and pop-rock elements that sonically call back to the lovely mid-2000s, "Over It" takes us back while empowering us to find the balance in loving and putting ourselves first when it comes to love and relationships.
What made you want to start making music as a solo artist?
Well to make music, not as a solo artist, that would require other musicians to make me not a solo artist lol. I haven’t had many opportunities to collaborate with other people, but for where I am right now, I’m not upset about it. I love having creative control over my music and my brand. It’s not horrible to feel like the main character for a bit. I would like to recruit some permanent band members in the future, though!
Who are your musical influences? There is this hard-hitting memorable pop-punk energy within this track that just takes us back in time.
I break this one up into categories:
Vocal Inspirations - Hayley Williams, Chrissy Costanza, Lauren Babic, Ash Costello, Avril Lavigne, Amy Lee, JoJo, Ariana Grande
Full Package - Against The Current, Avril Lavigne, Paramore, Conquer Divide, Maggie Lindemann, Lady Gaga
Songwriters - Andy Biersack, Gerard Way, Awsten Knight, Lady Gaga
What was the creative process like with "Over It" compared to most of your other projects? This seems pretty different for you.
The creative process was actually pretty similar to the other two released singles, I just included a guitar solo this time. As most musicians do, I usually write when I’m going through stuff or when I feel like I’m acting irrationally and need to get my shit together. I start with a chord progression, hum out some melodies, and add lyrics as I go. I don’t typically spend more than thirty minutes on the first draft. For example, I wrote "Kiss In The Rain" in 15 minutes at 4 in the morning).
Once that draft is done, I put it away and review it later. I’ll usually fix a line or two to strengthen the message of the song. Sonically, I took inspiration from “If You Can’t Hang” by SWS. I knew with “Over It” that I wanted a guitar solo instead of a bridge and was lucky enough to end up getting the best of the best to do it!
You worked with guitarist Jacky Vincent (ex. Falling in Reverse) for this project, what was it like working with him for your latest single?
Jacky is an absolute genius. I adore working with him. I’ve been taking music lessons with Jacky for a little over a year now (we pretty much just geek out on music theory together and sometimes do guitar haha).
When I finished writing the song, I let the producer I was working with at the time know I wanted this solo. He was just not nailing it so I asked Jacky if he could help come up with something and he said he would be able to work with me.
Still to this day, I can’t believe that his name is next to my name on a song. I am so honored that he was willing to be a part of this. The solo (other than the “clitoris” line) is easily my favorite part of the song.
Let's talk about the lyrical nature of "Over It." I think it hits home for many romantics out there, searching for love and just not quite finding it. What made you want to write this song?
Well I have never had the best luck with finding love, or even just decent people to start something with. I’ve never even had a boyfriend (unless you count 3 months in high school). I haven’t been treated too well, which sucks.
Right before writing “Over It,” I went out on one last date to see if maybe I shouldn’t keep being so cynical about dating… I was correct to be cynical about dating. It was ROUGH.
At that point, I wasn’t mad or upset. I truly was just so over men and the drama. I don’t ask for much (the bar is on the floor) and it’s baffling that almost every guy I’ve come across can’t meet the bare minimum of standards. For example, be nice to me, don’t lie, or try to manipulate me.
This song is was just one big eye roll to men and it was kinda fun to call them out on their behavior. Somebody should and if it has to be me, then so be it.
What are you taking from this new single that is different from past projects?
My favorite part of the whole “Over It” journey was working with Jacky. It feels great to have such a talented musician give me that validation that I am good enough to be doing this music thing.
What is coming up in the new year for you?
I may or may not have an upcoming EP! There also may or may not be a livestream show to celebrate! Stay tuned because I haven’t decided when it’s dropping yet haha. I’m aiming for March, but you never know. I thought I was going to be dropping “Over It” in September, but here we are in Feb.
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