Slater with the Crowd by Sofia Dell’Aquila (March 8, 2024)

From the depths of the Vada Vada collective comes Slater, an iconic name in the world of alternative pop. Hailing from Orange County, his connections to The Garden, Cowgirl Clue, and 3l3d3p drew in a familiar crowd. Kicking off his “Still Burnt” tour at San Diego’s Voodoo Room, Slater was joined by punk band The Mainliners and local shoegaze group Blossom. His most recent EP, Beneath the Motel, has carried him on two tours thus far, but I’ve been lucky enough to see him perform every year since 2022. 

Slater by Sofia Dell’Aquila (March 8, 2024)

After a classic performance by The Mainliners, Slater exploded on stage with his song “Jonah Hillz” from his 2019 album Flight777. Blending upbeat instrumentals with smooth vocals, he was joined by a live drummer and guitarist which gave a fresh sound to all of his songs. As he slipped into fan favorites like “City-State,” “Burnt,” and “Dj’s Up in the Club,” the audience came to life. Slater joined the crowd during a few songs, even going behind the barricade into the pit. The energy was highly saturated as Slater continued with his signature seductive hits.  

Slater by Sofia Dell’Aquila (March 8, 2024)

Over recent years, Slater has amassed a larger following due to his frequent releases and online activity, even releasing an album of deep cuts spanning across his entire career. In true Vada Vada fashion, Slater isn’t afraid to experiment with sound and break genre barriers. A Slater show is always a good time, from his insane openers to his own performances, he’s a reliable performer with a consistently strong sound. It’s safe to say that Slater is here to stay, and if you get the chance to see them live, I would highly recommend it. 

Slater by Sofia Dell’Aquila (March 8, 2024)