Rotate Talk With Kara Zmatiq – ‘Slay’ Interview

We has the opportunity to interview powerhouse vocalist, and drag artist Kara Zmatiq on her new single “Slay”. Kara has built a career on resilience, reinvention, and breaking boundaries. Known for her unshakable spirit, she has taken her artistry from national television to the music industry, where she is now making waves with her new single, Slay.

In our interview, she opens up about the inspiration behind Slay, the personal battles that shaped its lyrics, and why this song is a rallying cry for anyone who has ever been told they weren’t enough

RM: First of all, who is Kara Zmatiq?

Kara Zmatiq: Kara Zmatiq is not just a performer—I am a revolution in heels, a symphony of resilience, and a powerhouse of unapologetic self-expression! I am a vocalist, a drag artist, a music artist, a storyteller, and a force to be reckoned with. I am the embodiment of what it means to turn struggle into strength, rejection into reinvention, and hate into something that fuels your fire.

Kara Zmatiq isn’t just a stage name—it’s an evolution, a statement, and a legacy in the making. From growing up in an environment that tried to tell me who I should be, to stepping onto national television and singing my heart out in full drag, to now releasing SLAY, my debut single that screams defiance, empowerment, and self-ownership—every chapter of my journey has led me to this moment.

I have fought through rejection, judgment, and gatekeeping—both within the entertainment industry and society at large—but I refused to be silenced. I refused to let anyone else dictate my worth. I have walked through fire, danced through storms, and stood tall in the face of adversity—and every scar I’ve earned along the way has made me stronger.

As an artist, I am unapologetically bold, relentlessly ambitious, and fiercely independent. I am not here to fit into anyone’s mold—I am here to break it, reshape it, and redefine what is possible. My voice isn’t just something I use to sing—it’s something I use to inspire, to challenge, to uplift, and to slay.

RM: “Slay” is such a powerful and energetic anthem. What inspired you to write this song and the message behind it?

Kara Zmatiq:SLAY was born from fire, resilience, and the undeniable truth that nobody—NO ONE—has the right to tell you who you are or what you can achieve. It’s more than just a song—it’s a battle cry, a celebration of self-worth, and an unapologetic middle finger to every person who has ever tried to break someone down.

The inspiration for SLAY came from my own lived experiences, from the challenges and obstacles that tried to hold me back, but ultimately fueled my determination to rise stronger than ever. For years, I felt the weight of rejection—from the church, from people who once called me family, from so-called “friends” who only wanted to see me fail. I was told to hide who I was, to be less, to fit into a version of myself that made other people more comfortable. But honey, that’s not how this story ends!

I reached a point in my life where I realized that I don’t need to seek approval. I don’t need to shrink myself to make others feel bigger. I have worked too hard, fought too many battles, and survived too many storms to let someone else’s small-minded opinions define me. That’s when the first words of SLAY poured out of me—“They said I’m not enough, shadows in the rough, told me I should quit—guess what, I’ve had enough.” It’s the moment of saying, ENOUGH. Enough hiding, enough second-guessing, enough letting other people’s negativity control my destiny.

Beyond my own story, SLAY is a song for anyone who has ever felt like they weren’t enough—for the ones who have been underestimated, doubted, pushed aside, and told they didn’t belong. It’s for the queer kids who were told they were “too much,” the artists who were told they’d never make it, the dreamers who were laughed at for reaching too high. This song is for you. It’s your anthem, your power-up moment, the soundtrack to every moment when you decide, “I will not be silenced. I will not be controlled. I will SLAY.”

RM: You’ve described “Slay” as deeply personal. How did your own journey of resilience and self-acceptance shape the lyrics and overall vibe of the song?

Kara Zmatiq: Oh, honey, SLAY is my story, my fire, and my unapologetic declaration to the world that I will never be silenced or diminished again. Every lyric in this song was born from my own lived experiences—the pain, the rejection, the battles, and ultimately, the triumph of embracing who I am without apology.

For years, I struggled with feeling like I wasn’t enough. From being ridiculed and challenged by the church to certain family members turning their backs on me because of my sexuality, I was constantly made to feel like who I was—who I was born to be—was something to be ashamed of. I want to preface that I am very lucky to have family members in my life, my parents, chosen family and friends who champion me every step of the way, but sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the thoughts and feelings projected on to you by others, especially when your own family disown or distance themselves from you. I spent too long trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t meant for me, believing that if I just toned it down, changed myself, or conformed, I would finally be accepted. But acceptance at the cost of authenticity? That’s a prison, not freedom.

And then there was the drag scene—a world that promises glamour and sisterhood, but also comes with its own brand of shade and gatekeeping. I had so-called “sisters” in the industry try to break me down, manipulate me, and make me feel like I needed their approval to succeed. They saw my potential as a threat, so they tried to control me, belittle me, and block my path. But here’s the truth, darling—nobody owns my destiny but ME. And SLAY is proof that no amount of negativity, no amount of shade, and no amount of rejection can stop someone who refuses to back down.

The entire vibe of the song reflects that journey—it’s high-energy because it’s driven by power, by survival, by the sheer force of knowing your worth and standing in it proudly. It’s fierce, defiant, and full of attitude because I wanted it to feel like an empowerment anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they weren’t enough. The moment you hear that beat drop, you should feel unstoppable, fierce, and ready to take on the world.

Writing this song was an emotional process—reliving the past, the pain, and the countless times I was made to feel like I had to shrink myself to be accepted. But I channeled all of that into SLAY—into every lyric, every note, every ounce of attitude in the performance—so that anyone listening would feel that same power rising within them.

So when you hear SLAY, know this: this isn’t just my story. This is for YOU. For everyone who has been underestimated, knocked down, or told they couldn’t shine—this is your anthem. This is your moment. Now stand tall, own your truth, and SLAY.

RM: You’ve faced challenges within the drag scene and the LGBTQ+ community. How did those experiences influence the creation of “Slay”?

Kara Zmatiq: Oh, let’s get real, darling—not every queen in the kingdom wants to see you wear a crown. The LGBTQ+ community, and especially the drag scene, is supposed to be a space of love, acceptance, and support—but just like any other industry, it has its gatekeepers, its hierarchy, and its politics. And let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share of people trying to clip my wings before I could even take flight.

When I first stepped onto the scene, I was full of passion, drive, and a hunger to prove myself. But what I quickly learned is that not everyone likes to see fresh talent rise. Instead of lifting each other up, some queens would rather tear you down, box you in, or make you feel like you’ll never be good enough. I had “sisters” who should have been my biggest cheerleaders try to devalue me as a performer, create unnecessary drama, and do whatever they could to block my path. They wanted to make sure that I stayed in my lane, that I played by their rules, that I “knew my place” in the scene.

But honey, let me tell you something—I don’t stay in lanes. I build my own damn highway. That’s where SLAY comes in. Every ounce of this song is a direct response to every queen, every gatekeeper, and every toxic voice that tried to hold me back. Instead of bowing to their negativity, I turned it into fire. Instead of letting their words break me, I turned them into lyrics. SLAY is about owning your space, taking up room, and refusing to be controlled by other people’s insecurities.

And let’s be clear—this isn’t just about drag. It’s about every LGBTQ+ person who has ever felt judged, dismissed, or excluded even within their own community. The reality is, while the LGBTQ+ community fights for acceptance in the world, there are still too many moments where we don’t accept our own. If you’re “too different,” if you don’t conform to the cliques, if you don’t follow the unwritten rules, you’re cast aside, talked about behind your back, and sometimes even actively pushed out.

But here’s the gag, darling—the only permission you need to succeed is your own. SLAY is my way of saying, I don’t need your approval, I don’t need your validation, and I sure as hell don’t need to fit into your little boxes.

This song is a declaration that I am here to stay, I am here to shine, and no amount of backhanded shade or industry politics can stop me. And more than that, it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever been told they weren’t good enough. Whether you’re a drag artist, a queer creative, or just someone trying to carve out your space in the world—SLAY is for you.

So to all the people who tried to dim my light, control my narrative, or hold me back—thank you. Because all you did was make me stronger, louder, and more determined to SLAY.

RM: You mentioned being belittled for your sexuality and facing pushback from the church. How did those moments of rejection fuel your passion and drive to succeed?

Kara Zmatiq: Rejection could have destroyed me—but instead, it ignited me. First and foremost, I have to say that I am incredibly fortunate to have loving, supportive parents, select family members, a loving partner and close network of friends who champion and uplift me every single day. Without them, I would be at a loss. They have been my rock, my safety net, and my greatest source of strength through everything. No matter what obstacles I’ve faced, I have always known that I have a group of people who love me unconditionally, who remind me that I am enough, and who push me to keep going when things get tough. Their belief in me has been invaluable, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

But not everyone has been so kind. Not everyone has been so accepting. Growing up, I was told by certain religious figures, community members, and even people who once claimed to love me that my identity was “wrong,” that I needed to change, that I wasn’t enough, and that I needed to “pray the gay away”. The church—a place that preaches love, forgiveness, and acceptance—became a place of judgment, shame, and rejection. I was made to feel like I was an outsider in my own community like I had to choose between faith and my own identity, like I was somehow broken just for being me.

There is something incredibly painful about being told you are “less than” because of something you cannot and should not have to change. It’s isolating, it’s suffocating, and for a long time, I struggled with self-worth and self-acceptance. I tried to make myself smaller, quieter, and less “offensive” just to be accepted, there were even darker times when people had pushed me so far that I wanted to hold my breath and disappear from the world. But then one day I had this realization that no matter what I did, it was never enough—because the problem was never me, it was their inability to see beyond their own limitations.

That realization was a turning point for me. Instead of allowing their rejection to define me, to break me, to challenge my identity, I decided to redefine myself on my own terms. Every time someone told me I wasn’t enough, I became more. Every time someone tried to shame me, I became prouder. Every time someone tried to push me down, I stood up taller.

And that is exactly what SLAY represents. This song is a direct response to every moment of doubt, every hateful word, every time I was made to feel like I didn’t belong. Instead of letting their rejection break me, I turned it into fire. I poured all of that pain, that anger, that defiance into my music, and I created something that is strong, powerful, and unapologetically ME.

SLAY is not just a song—it’s a declaration. It’s me standing in my truth, refusing to be silenced, and proving that no amount of rejection can stop someone who refuses to be held back. It’s an anthem for every person who has ever been told they weren’t enough, who has ever felt out of place, who has ever had to fight to be seen and accepted.

RM: You’ve turned negativity from gatekeepers and critics into fuel for your success. What advice would you give to others facing similar obstacles?

Kara Zmatiq:“The best revenge is success served with a side of fabulous.”  If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this life, it’s that people will always have something to say. The moment you start shining, the moment you start rising, there will be people who try to clip your wings before you even get a chance to fly. It’s not because you aren’t talented enough, strong enough, or worthy enough, it’s because your light reminds them of their own insecurities. And let me tell you something very important, that is NOT your burden to carry.

I’ve faced gatekeepers, critics, and people who thought they had the power to dictate my worth—from the entertainment industry, the drag scene, and even within my own community. I’ve been belittled, talked down to, excluded from opportunities, and made to feel like I had to play by someone else’s rules to be successful. But I refused. I refused to bow. I refused to shrink. I refused to let anyone else’s insecurity define my future.

So my advice to anyone facing obstacles, criticism, or people trying to hold them back? Stand your ground. Know your worth. And most importantly, never, ever let someone else’s opinion define your potential.

1. People’s opinions do not define your destiny.

It’s easy to internalize negativity, especially when it comes from people in positions of power. But just because someone doesn’t see your value, doesn’t mean you don’t have it. The right opportunities, the right people, and the right doors will open for you if you keep showing up, keep working, and keep believing in yourself.

2. Use rejection as fuel, not failure.

Every “no” I’ve received, every door that was slammed in my face, every snide comment from someone who thought they were more important than me—it all became the fire that pushed me forward. Instead of breaking me, it motivated me to work harder, be stronger, and prove to myself that I could succeed despite the odds.

3. Not everyone will clap for you—and that’s okay.

I had to learn the hard way that some people don’t actually want you to succeed. They may smile to your face but secretly hope you fail because your success forces them to look at their own shortcomings. Your growth makes them uncomfortable. And you know what? That’s not your problem. Keep slaying, keep rising, and let their bitterness fuel your greatness.

4. Surround yourself with people who genuinely support you.

For every hater I’ve encountered, I’ve also had incredible, loving, and supportive people in my life. My parents, select family members, and close friends have been my greatest champions. They remind me why I do what I do, and they are the voices I choose to listen to. Find your people. Hold onto them. Let them uplift you.

5. Create your own opportunities.

If the gatekeepers won’t let you in, build your own damn castle. I stopped waiting for validation from the “industry” and started carving my own path. You don’t need their permission to be great—you just need courage, persistence, and an unshakable belief in yourself.

At the end of the day, you have two choices when faced with negativity: Let it break you, or let it build you. I chose to turn my haters into my biggest motivators. Every criticism, every doubt, every rejection? I turned it into power.

You are enough. You are powerful. You are worthy. And you will SLAY.

RM: Artists like Madonna, Lady Gaga, Pink, and Chrissy Amphlett have been huge influences for you. How did their fearlessness and storytelling inspire “Slay”?

Kara Zmatiq: Artists like Madonna, Lady Gaga, Pink, and Chrissy Amphlett have been huge influences for you. How did their fearlessness and storytelling inspire Slay?

Oh honey, let me tell you—these women are more than just artists. They are pioneers, rebels, visionaries, and warriors who refused to be silenced, and that is exactly the energy I channel in Slay.

Each of them has pushed boundaries, broken stereotypes, and created music that didn’t just entertain, but empowered. Their ability to take raw, unfiltered emotion and turn it into music that makes people feel seen, heard, and understood is something that has shaped me as an artist and directly influenced the way I wrote Slay.

Madonna: The Unstoppable Trailblazer

Madonna taught me that reinvention is power and that you don’t ask for space—you take it. She has spent her entire career challenging societal norms, refusing to be boxed in, and proving that an artist’s success isn’t just about talent—it’s about fearless self-expression. Madonna faced brutal criticism from religious groups, the media, and even her own industry, yet she never backed down. She turned controversy into conversation, and conversation into impact.

That’s the energy I brought into Slay. It’s a song that doesn’t apologize for being bold, for standing tall in the face of adversity, or for shaking things up. Like Madonna, I wanted to make music that isn’t just catchy but carries a message of defiance, self-love, and the absolute refusal to shrink for anyone.

Lady Gaga: The Icon of Authenticity

Oh, Mother Monster herself—Lady Gaga is the reason so many of us feel empowered to be exactly who we are. From the moment she stepped onto the scene, she demanded to be different, turning her uniqueness into her greatest strength. She wrote music that spoke to the outsiders, the misfits, the ones who felt like they never belonged. She told us we were born this way, and we believed her.

With Slay, I wanted to capture that same raw honesty and emotional power. The lyrics of the song come straight from my lived experiences, much like the way Gaga pours her truth into every song she writes. Her music makes people feel seen and liberated, and that’s exactly what I hope Slay does for everyone who listens.

Pink: The Firebrand Who Never Backs Down

Pink is bold, brash, and doesn’t give a damn what people think. She has built an entire career on being unapologetically herself, telling her truth without sugarcoating a single word. Her music is full of attitude, grit, and raw emotion, and she’s never been afraid to call out the haters and turn pain into anthems of strength.

That’s exactly what Slay is—a song that takes negativity and turns it into power. The lyrics are full of fire, resistance, and confidence, because I wanted it to feel like a song that says, “I’ve been through hell, but I’m still standing, and I am stronger than ever.” Pink’s ability to channel personal struggle into music that makes people want to stand up and fight is something I deeply admire, and I wanted to bring that same energy to Slay.

Chrissy Amphlett: The Fearless Rock Goddess

Chrissy Amphlett was a total badass, and her legacy is one of rebellion, raw emotion, and commanding presence. She had this way of making vulnerability look powerful, and she never played by the industry’s rules. Her music was full of attitude and fearlessness, and she paved the way for so many artists by proving that strength comes in many forms.

That’s what I love about her and what I wanted to infuse into Slay—a sense of rebellion and unapologetic ownership of one’s identity. Chrissy showed us that you don’t have to be polished and perfect to be powerful—you just have to be real. And that’s exactly what Slay is—it’s messy, it’s fierce, it’s unapologetic, and it’s full of fire.

How These Icons Shaped Slay

Madonna, Lady Gaga, Pink, and Chrissy Amphlett all have one thing in common: they refuse to be silenced. They make music that is bold, rebellious, and unfiltered, and they have inspired generations to do the same.

With Slay, I wanted to create a song that carries that same fearless energy. A song that says, “Yes, I’ve been doubted, underestimated, and pushed aside—but I will not bow, I will not break, and I will SLAY.” These women taught me that success isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out, speaking up, and owning every part of who you are.

So when you hear Slay, you’re not just hearing a song—you’re hearing the spirit of every artist who has ever refused to be silenced. And honey, that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.

RM: You’ve stated that “Slay” challenges outdated stereotypes, especially for LGBTQ+ and drag artists. How do you see this track breaking barriers in the music industry?

Kara Zmatiq: For far too long, LGBTQ+ artists, especially drag artists, have been put into a box. We’re told we can only be “campy,” “novelty,” or “comedy” acts. We’re expected to be entertainment, but not artists. We’re praised when we’re lip-syncing someone else’s words, but when we step up with our own voice, our own music, and our own stories, suddenly, the industry doesn’t know what to do with us.

But let me tell you something—I refuse to be put in a box. I AM THE BOX. 

My song SLAY is proof that a drag artist can be a legitimate force in the music industry, not just a performer, not just a spectacle, but a true artist with a voice, a vision, and a story that deserves to be heard.

Drag artists have always been at the forefront of culture, fashion, and performance. Look at RuPaul, Divine, and artists like Lady Gaga who take elements of drag and theatricality into mainstream music. But when it comes to drag queens who write, sing, and produce their own original music, the industry still treats us like an exception, not the rule. Well, SLAY is here to change that.

Drag Artists Belong in Mainstream Music

The industry loves to say that drag and mainstream music don’t mix. That a drag artist can’t be taken seriously as a vocalist, as a songwriter, or as a chart-topping artist. But why not? Why should my voice be considered less valid because I wear wigs and heels? Why should my story be any less powerful because it’s told through the art of drag?

Drag is about storytelling. It’s about transformation. It’s about emotion. And what is music if not exactly that?

With SLAY, I wanted to shatter the outdated idea that drag artists are limited to club anthems or parody tracks. Yes, drag is theatrical, but so is Madonna. So is Bowie. So is Gaga. And nobody questions their place in music.

A Universal Anthem, Not Just a “Niche” Song

Another stereotype that SLAY smashes through is the idea that LGBTQ+ music is only for LGBTQ+ people. That it’s a “niche” genre. But let’s be real—how many straight people scream the lyrics to “Born This Way” or “Like a Prayer” in the club? How many global anthems have been inspired by queer culture but marketed to the masses?

I wrote SLAY from my own personal experience, but its message is universal. It’s about overcoming doubt, silencing haters, and stepping into your power. That’s not just an LGBTQ+ struggle—that’s a human struggle. And that’s why this song isn’t just for one community—it’s for everyone who has ever been told they weren’t enough.

Breaking Down the Industry’s Double Standards

Another challenge LGBTQ+ artists face—especially those of us who are flamboyant, androgynous, or gender-nonconforming—is that we are constantly expected to explain ourselves.

If a cisgender male pop star wears nail polish or heels, suddenly it’s “groundbreaking.” If a female artist plays with masculinity, she’s “edgy.” But when drag artists create music, the industry asks, “Is this just a gimmick?” SLAY throws that question back in their faces.

This song proves that my voice, my story, and my artistry stand on their own—with or without the wigs and makeup. Drag may be part of my identity, but it doesn’t define my talent. My ability to write, to perform, to command a stage—that’s what makes SLAY a song that deserves to be heard, not just seen.

A Statement, A Movement, A Revolution

At the end of the day, SLAY is not just a song—it’s a statement. It’s a statement that says, “Drag artists belong here. LGBTQ+ artists belong here. We are not a trend, we are not an act, we are here to SLAY.”

I want this track to open doors for future drag artists who dream of doing more than just lip-syncing in a club. I want young LGBTQ+ singers, songwriters, and performers to see that they don’t have to water themselves down to be successful.

SLAY is a declaration that the music industry is changing. That queer voices won’t be confined to the underground. That drag artists won’t be seen as side acts, but as headliners.

So for anyone who has ever felt boxed in, dismissed, or underestimated— this song is for you. You don’t have to fit the mold. You don’t have to follow the rules. You don’t have to ask for permission to exist in spaces where people say you don’t belong.

Kick the door down, own your space, and SLAY.

RM: Your partner and your parents played a big role in helping you refine the message of “Slay.” How important was it to have that safe space to tell your story?

Kara Zmatiq: My partner is my safe space, my rock, my sounding board, and my biggest champion. He was there through every moment of this creative journey, sitting with me as I poured my heart into Slay, helping me process, refine, and express my truth in a way that was not only raw and powerful but also deeply relatable. He didn’t just listen—he held space for me, allowing me to relive the pain, the battles, and the triumphs that shaped this song. He never tried to change my words, never tried to soften the message—he simply reminded me that my story deserved to be told in all its truth, without fear, without compromise.

But beyond my partner, I am also incredibly fortunate to have an unwavering support system—my parents, select family members, and close friends who have been with me through every stage of my journey. My parents have seen it all—the ups, the downs, the struggles, and the breakthroughs. They have never tried to make me anything other than who I am, and their unconditional love has given me the strength to stand firm in my identity, even when the world tried to shake me.

And then there are the incredible friends and fellow performers who have not only supported me behind the scenes but have also shared the stage with me. Over the years, I have had the absolute joy of performing alongside some of the most talented and beautiful souls, people who have become like family. They have witnessed my growth as an entertainer and as a person, and they have always reminded me of the power of community, the importance of lifting each other up, and the magic that happens when we support one another.

When you are telling your truth—when you are exposing the most vulnerable parts of yourself—it makes all the difference to have people in your life who don’t just tolerate you but celebrate you. People who see you, hear you, and love you exactly as you are.

That love, that support, that unshakable foundation of acceptance is what gave me the courage to write this song exactly as it needed to be written. It’s what allowed me to dig deeper, to be fearless, to embrace the raw emotions behind every lyric. Without my partner, without my parents, without the select family and friends who have stood by me through everything, Slay might never have been as bold, as powerful, or as honest as it is.

Their love gave me the strength to rise, to fight, and to SLAY.

RM: What can fans expect next from Kara Zmatiq? Do you have plans for future releases or perhaps a full album?

Kara Zmatiq:SLAY is just the beginning—we are only getting started! This is not a one-hit moment; this is a full-fledged musical journey, and I am beyond excited to bring my fans along for the ride.

Over the next few months, I’ll be dropping a brand-new track every 3-4 weeks, each one exploring different facets of my story—love, heartbreak, trauma, addiction, and the raw, unfiltered realities of queer nightlife. These songs aren’t just about entertainment; they are about truth, resilience, and living unapologetically. Just like SLAY, these tracks are deeply personal, and they dive into experiences that so many people—especially those in the LGBTQ+ community—can relate to.

If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to my Spotify so you don’t miss a single track as they drop! 🎧 And for those who love an exclusive sneak peek, head over to my website www.karazmatiq.com.au to subscribe for updates (or if my name is too hard to spell, just go to www.getaqueen.com—because, let’s be real, everyone needs a queen in their life!).

But wait, there’s MORE! 

From May 2025, I’ll be debuting my original music LIVE in electrifying cabaret shows produced by myself and my company Soiree Cabaret Productions. These are not just shows, they are an experience. Expect live musicians, jaw-dropping circus acts, sultry burlesque performances, and stages packed with some of the most talented and dynamic performers you’ve ever seen. The shows I produce are more than just music— they are about the power of dreaming big, embracing individuality, and creating pure magic where everyone in the audience feels empowered to SLAY their own way. For updates on the upcoming show, tickets, and all the glittering details about my fellow performers, head over to www.soireecabaretshow.com.

So, what’s next for Kara Zmatiq? More music, more live performances, more moments that make you feel alive. This is a movement, a celebration, and a full-on revolution of music, drag, and unapologetic self-expression and I encourage you to connect with me on social media and visit my website to subscribe and stay in the loop with all the crazy things I am going to get up to this year and beyond at www.karazmatiq.com.au (or you can use www.getaqueen.com, which is easier to remember, and probably spell, haha!)

RM: How do you hope “Slay” will impact not just your fans, but also the wider LGBTQ+ community and music listeners around the globe?

Kara Zmatiq: Oh honey, SLAY is more than just a song, it’s a lifeline, a battle cry, and a full-blown revolution of self-love and empowerment. This track was written from the depths of my own experiences, but its message is universal, because who hasn’t felt like they weren’t enough at some point in their life?

I want SLAY to be that song you blast when you need to pick yourself up. When you’re facing rejection, when the world is making you doubt yourself, when you feel like you don’t belong—this is your anthem. I want people to hear it and instantly feel stronger, braver, and ready to take on whatever life throws at them.

For the LGBTQ+ community, this song is especially personal. 

Too often, we are made to feel like we have to prove our worth, like we have to fight harder just to be accepted. We face judgment, rejection, and criticism—sometimes from the world, sometimes from our own communities. SLAY is a reminder that we don’t need permission to exist, to take up space, or to own our truth. We are powerful just as we are. 🌈✨

I hope that this track gives queer kids, drag artists, and anyone struggling with their identity the confidence to stand tall, to keep pushing forward, and to know that they are enough—just as they are. If I had a song like this when I was growing up, when I was facing rejection from the church, when I was being told to tone myself down—I might have realized a lot sooner that I never needed to change to be loved.

Ultimately, my music is for ANYONE who has ever been made to feel small. For the misfits, the dreamers, the outcasts, and the ones who have had to fight to be seen.

SLAY is for:

• The person chasing a dream that others say is impossible.
• The person who was told they were “too much” or “not enough.”
• The one who has been doubted, underestimated, or cast aside.
• The one who’s been heartbroken but still finds the courage to love again.
• The fighter, the survivor, the warrior who refuses to give up.

Because when we stand in our truth, embrace who we are, and refuse to shrink ourselves for anyone—WE. ARE. UNSTOPPABLE. I want people to feel that rush of confidence the moment they hear it—to walk taller, dance fiercer, and believe in themselves just a little more.

So whether you’re queer, straight, questioning, a performer, a CEO, an artist, or just someone who’s had to fight for their place in the world—SLAY is for YOU.

RM: Finally, when listeners hear “Slay,” what do you want their first reaction to be? How do you hope it makes them feel?

Kara Zmatiq: I want that first beat to hit like a lightning bolt, the kind of energy that makes you stand taller, feel stronger, and know, deep in your soul, that you are unstoppable. From the very first lyric, I want listeners to feel like they are stepping into their power, shaking off every doubt, every insecurity, and every voice that ever told them they weren’t enough.

When that chorus drops—“Watch me slay, slay, bitch! I’m on fire, won’t switch!”—I want them to feel like they can take on the world, fight for what makes them unique, and own their moment without apology. Whether they’re dancing in a club, strutting down the street, or standing in front of a mirror hyping themselves up before a big moment, I want them to feel fearless, bold, and ready to rise and fight.

• If they’ve been knocked down? This song is their reminder to get back up.
• If they’ve ever been told they weren’t enough? This song is their proof they are.
• If they’ve ever felt lost, unseen, or underestimated? This song is their anthem for taking back their power.

The lyrics say it all: “They said I’m not enough, shadows in the rough, told me I should quit—guess what, I’ve had enough!” That’s what I want people to take from this song—that moment of realization that they don’t have to live for anyone else’s approval.

The bridge builds that fire even more—“Stand up, feel my pride, can’t hide, won’t hide!”—because I want listeners to feel like they can no longer shrink themselves to fit into someone else’s world. Their power is too big, too fierce, too unstoppable to be held back.

And when that final chorus hits, when the music swells and the energy is at its peak, I want them to OWN IT. I want them to feel like they are wearing their crown, holding their head high, and slaying every obstacle in their way.

This song isn’t just a banger—it’s a feeling, an experience, a transformation. It’s about turning pain into power, turning their hate into gold, and embracing every part of who you are. So, when listeners hear Slay, I want them to say—

“YES—I am bold, I am brave, and I SLAY!”

Kara Zmatiq’s journey is one of resilience, defiance, and unapologetic self-expression. With Slay, she isn’t just releasing a song—she’s making a statement, reclaiming her power, and inspiring others to do the same. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that self-worth isn’t dictated by external validation, and true success comes from owning your identity, standing tall in the face of adversity, and refusing to be silenced. Slay is more than just an anthem—it’s a rallying cry for anyone who has ever been told they weren’t enough. And as Kara Zmatiq continues to break barriers and redefine the industry on her own terms, one thing is certain: she’s here to slay.

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