IN SUMMARY

Kara Zmatiq, the rising music sensation from Sydney, Australia, is ready to take the world by storm with her latest original single, "Slay." Released today, on the 20th of February 2025, this powerful anthem is a testament to Kara's resilience, authenticity, and unwavering spirit. With influences ranging from Madonna to Lady Gaga, Kara's fearless approach to storytelling shines through in every lyric and melody of this empowering track.

 

Recorded at the prestigious Studios 301 and expertly mixed and mastered by the legendary Leon Zervos, "Slay" is not just a song—it's a movement. Reflecting Kara's personal journey of overcoming challenges and reclaiming her power, this high-energy track is set to inspire listeners to stand firm in their truth, embrace their authenticity, and, of course, slay every obstacle in their path. Join Kara on this transformative musical journey and let the fierce energy of "Slay" ignite your own inner fire.

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[Q] TELL US ABOUT THE KEY CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS PROJECT?

SLAY is a deeply personal and powerful anthem, and I was incredibly fortunate to have an amazing team by my side to bring it to life. First and foremost, I have to give the biggest shoutout to my parents, Lyn and Glenn, who have been my rock from day one. They are my biggest supporters, my champions, and the guiding force behind me. They’ve helped me shape my story in a way that not only reflects my truth but also resonates with anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong. Their wisdom and encouragement have been instrumental in making SLAY the empowering anthem it is today.

 

I also have to express my deepest gratitude to my partner, who has been by my side through every note, every lyric, and every late-night creative session. He had to listen to me sing and tweak these lyrics over and over again until I was happy with them. But beyond that, he was my safe space—the person I shared my story of resilience with, the raw and painful experiences of being belittled for my sexuality, challenged by the church, and pushed aside by people who couldn’t accept me for who I am. Through those conversations, he helped me refine the message of SLAY, making sure it wasn’t just my story but one that anyone can relate to—about standing firm in your truth and owning your power.

 

A big part of my journey, and what SLAY represents, is resilience in the face of people who try to dim your light. The LGBTQ+ community is supposed to be a space of acceptance and support, but like any industry, the drag scene has its fair share of gatekeepers—people who will do anything to keep you from rising, especially if they see your potential as a threat. I’ve had so-called “sisters” in the scene try to steer me off course, devalue me as a performer, and create unnecessary drama to make themselves look better. But here’s the truth: nothing makes you look better on the outside when you’re ugly on the inside. Their bitterness only fueled my fire. I refused to bow down, refused to be controlled, and refused to let anyone define my worth. A special thank you to the drag queens who tried to damage my career, the industry gatekeepers who wanted to keep me in a box, and the haters who resented me for being gay and successful in my career outside of drag—for every bit of shade, gossip, and negativity you threw my way, you only gave me more power, more energy, and more drive to push through and succeed in everything I do in life. Your attempts to tear me down only built me up stronger, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

 

A huge thank you also goes to the legendary Leon Zervos at Studios 301, who mixed and mastered SLAY to perfection. Leon is an icon in the music industry, having worked on releases that have sold over 100 million copies, including Grammy and ARIA-winning projects. When you see names like Maroon 5, Muse, Pink, Avril Lavigne, Santana, Aerosmith, INXS, Whitney Houston, and Troye Sivan in his credits, you know you’re in the hands of a master. His expertise took SLAY to a whole new level, polishing it into a radio-ready, powerhouse track that captures all the fire and resilience I wanted to express. From the emotional depth my parents and partner helped me uncover to the sonic brilliance that Leon brought to the track, SLAY wouldn’t be the masterpiece it is without them.

 

This song is not just mine—it belongs to every person who has ever been told they weren’t enough. And thanks to these incredible contributors (and even my haters), SLAY now has the power to inspire, uplift, and, of course, slay.

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[Q] WHO INFLUENCED THIS RELEASE?

The creation of SLAY was fueled by resilience, empowerment, and a deep personal journey—but I have to credit some of the incredible artists who have paved the way for unapologetic storytelling in music. Madonna, Pink, Chrissy Amphlett, and Lady Gaga have all been monumental influences in shaping not just my artistry, but my fearless approach to music.

 

What draws me to these artists is their raw honesty—their ability to emotionally connect with their songs and tell their stories without compromise. Madonna has always been a trailblazer, breaking barriers and owning her power, unapologetically pushing against societal norms. Pink has this unmatched fire—she writes music that is deeply personal yet universally relatable, never shying away from her truth. Chrissy Amphlett was iconic for her rebellious energy, her ability to make vulnerability sound fierce, and her fearless stage presence. And Lady Gaga—a true visionary—has continuously championed self-expression, resilience, and the courage to be different, all while using music as a vessel to uplift others. Each of these artists has inspired SLAY in a unique way. Their ability to turn pain into power, struggles into anthems, and criticism into fuel is something I deeply resonate with. Like them, I wanted SLAY to be more than just a song—I wanted it to be a statement, a battle cry for anyone who has ever been told they weren’t enough.

 

The lyrics reflect that journey of defiance, self-acceptance, and triumph, much like the music of these icons, who have used their words to take ownership of their narratives.

 

This song is for everyone who has ever been doubted, dismissed, or told they couldn’t shine. And just like Madonna, Pink, Chrissy, and Gaga, SLAY is about owning your truth, standing tall in the face of adversity, and taking back your power—because when you embrace who you are without apology, nothing can stop you.

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[Q] WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND THIS RELEASE?

We live in a world where people are constantly told they’re too much or not enough. Whether it’s gender identity, sexuality, career choices, or simply daring to be different, so many of us have felt that pressure to conform. This song is my way of saying: Don’t. Don’t shrink yourself for others. Don’t let them tell you who you are. Stand in your power, be fierce, be brave, be bold—slay, bitch.

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The story behind SLAY is one of resilience, defiance, and reclaiming power. This song was born from my own experiences—the struggles, the setbacks, the moments I was told I wasn’t enough, and the realization that I never needed anyone’s approval to shine. Growing up, I faced immense pressure from the church, family members, and society to conform, to be someone I wasn’t.

 

I was ridiculed, challenged, and even disowned simply for being my most authentic self.

 

I lost friendships, job opportunities, and a sense of belonging all because I refused to fit into a mold that wasn’t made for me. The glitz and glamour of the drag scene also came with its own challenges—drag queens who tried to steer me off course, devalue me as a performer, and create drama to make themselves look better. But the truth is, nothing makes you look better on the outside when you’re ugly on the inside. Instead of letting their negativity break me, I turned their hate into gold. SLAY is my battle cry—it’s a declaration that no matter how many times I was pushed down, I would always rise.

 

It’s about standing tall in the face of adversity, refusing to be silenced, and slaying every obstacle in your path. The lyrics reflect my journey of self-empowerment and breaking free from toxic influences, whether that be people who didn’t support me, the outdated expectations of society, or the voices of doubt that once lived in my head. Beyond my personal experiences, SLAY is also a reflection

of something bigger—a universal message of perseverance and self-worth.

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This song is for everyone who has ever felt like they were on the outside looking in. For those who have had to fight to be seen, heard, and accepted. And for anyone who’s ever been told they couldn’t make it—this is proof that you can. Because when you own your truth, when you embrace your power, and when you refuse to be anything but your most authentic self, nothing and no one can stop you.

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[Q] TELL US WHAT MAKES THIS RELEASE STAND OUT AND WHY IT'S SIGNIFCANT?

What makes SLAY stand out is that it’s more than just a song—it’s a movement, a battle cry, and a statement of defiance against anyone who has ever tried to silence, diminish, or control someone else’s narrative.

 

This song isn’t just about me—it’s for every person who has ever been told they weren’t enough, for those who have had to fight to be seen, heard, and accepted.

 

Unlike many mainstream pop and dance tracks that focus purely on escapism, SLAY is deeply personal, rooted in real struggles, real pain, and ultimately, real triumph. It carries the weight of lived experience—the rejection from the church, being belittled for my sexuality, losing friendships, and facing relentless gatekeeping in the drag scene. It embodies the fire that comes from refusing to conform, turning every setback into strength and every moment of doubt into determination.

 

Musically, SLAY is fierce, and unapologetic—it’s designed to be empowering from the very first beat.

 

The production is polished to perfection, thanks to the legendary Leon Zervos at Studios 301, who has worked with global icons like Madonna, Pink, Lady Gaga, and INXS. His magic ensured that this track is not just emotionally powerful but sonically explosive—ready to be blasted in clubs, pride parades, and anywhere people need to feel empowered. What also makes SLAY significant is that it challenges outdated stereotypes and expectations. Too often, LGBTQ+ artists, especially drag artists, are boxed into certain categories or expected to follow a specific narrative. But SLAY transcends those limitations—it’s a mainstream anthem of resilience that speaks to anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, or background.

 

At its core, SLAY is about power, transformation, and owning your truth. It’s about proving that success doesn’t come from conforming—it comes from standing out, standing up, and standing firm in who you are. This song is here to shake things up, to inspire, and to remind the world that when you embrace your authenticity, you don’t just survive—you slay.