Scottsdale, AZ – Industrial electronic artist Staytus is back with her darkest and most powerful track yet, “68 Kill,” an eerie anthem about reclaiming power and conquering trauma. The new single is now available on all streaming platforms and is the first song released in Twisted Frames, a series of singles inspired by Matthew Gray Gubler’s iconic, cult-followed horror films.
“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’s “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’s 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.
“68 Kill” is not just another song for metal lovers, but for anyone who has experienced any pain and wants to take back their narrative. To follow along on Staytus’s journey, follow her Instagram @StaytusMusic, visit her website StaytusMusic.com, and stream her new single on all digital platforms.
