Oakland’s Most Influential Queer Rock Band Copyslut Releases Powerful New Single “The Offering”

Words can’t describe how excited we are to hear the new single from one of San Francisco’s most influential rock bands out now – Copyslut is gracing us with a transformative third track, leading up to their highly anticipated album release in January of 2020. Released today, their new single “The Offering” follow’s their non-normative pop hit “Neon Razberries” as well as their breathtaking La Llarona-inspired single “Makers Mark”. This band continues to impress audiences with their ability to create a strong sense of community through the healing components of music and self-exploration. “The Offering” does not disappoint; lead singer Chatz of Love recreates an almost Broadway Musical-esque feel with her dynamic vocal delivery, riding in-tandem with lead guitarist Ray Zamora’s matchless guitar riffs and Eli’s resonating heavy bass. The song takes listeners on a journey reminiscent of RENT the Musical’s La Vie Boheme, creating an upward momentum from a mellow and somewhat mournful introduction. The song almost gallops into its next chapter with polka-like instrumentation and the lyrics “I am fooled, though we are bound / A fixture on the merry-go-round / Do you feel like a champion horse? / Or are you crushed by the weight of remorse?” The journey leads listeners down a path of acceptance of what is, but on the way, we feel the resentment and the struggle that comes with having to deal with a conversation that feels contrived.

“You think I’m your prized little pony / I’m dipped in gold, a proud LA phony”

Art by Reiko Rasch

Copyslut is lead by ‘out’ sex worker Chatz of Love. The track was inspired by the conflict that comes with oppression within the sex working community. “At the time, Chatz was processing the violent impacts of outside oppression within a relationship between her and a fellow sex worker, and this song was an attempt at reckoning with that violence” says Ray. Copyslut’s involvement in the sex worker community stems far and wide; their educational zine “Don’t Hate My Heels – A Confrontation With Whorephobia In Which The Whores Win” serves as a tool for sex workers to connect, defend themselves, and educate loved ones. The writers tell personal narratives of everyday stigma, provide resources for sex workers and their supporters, and respond to the recent passage of SESTA/FOSTA (a series of new internet laws that directly harm sex workers).

Luckily “The Offering”‘s emotional expedition ends brighter and more hopeful than the pain that is felt when it begins. “We end with a sex worker celebratory mantra “strong thighs, hips wide, laboring bodies, don’t hide” – it honors all forms of reproductive labor and helps me feel into my power being an out sex worker on stage” explains Chatz. The track has a way of inviting the listener in, taking them on the ups and downs of the journey, and later releasing them once acceptance is reached. The end serves almost as a celebration; the piano kicks in as they dance away the pain, the sorrow, the trauma, and self-harm. The metamorphosis demonstrates a beautiful cycle of transformation that leads to self-love and compassion; once again, remaining consistent with Copyslut’s ethos of healing and catharsis. The rich experience that they bring fans is uniquely theirs; coining the term ‘Edgewalkers’ – they encourage fans not only to be themselves but to forgive, celebrate and love themselves through earnest storytelling and groovy hooks.

Copyslut’s full-length album “Death, Sex, and Other People’s Money” is set to release in January of 2020. Quick to follow, you can find them performing at their album release party at America’s Oldest Gay Bar – White Horse Bar in Oakland on January 25th. And later this month, Copyslut plans to release an incredibly powerful adaptation of Eartha Kitt’s “Santa Baby” for the 16th annual International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.

Listen to their new single “The Offering” on Spotify.