As the next stage in Boy Jr.‘s self-discovery and gender euphoria, “Zitty Stardust” is a lively electro-pop anthem, truly unapologetic in its joyfulness. Boy Jr. presents an infectious yet deeply personal electro-pop sound, juggling influences of electronic, pop, indie, and punk through their unique sonic palette. The song’s pulse is raw and electric, capturing the thrill of transformation while flipping online negativity on its head.
“Last year, when I was a few months into taking testosterone, I started getting a lot of acne and a lot of mean comments online about the acne. One just said, ‘Zitty Stardust.’ And that immediately went to the back of my mind as a potential song title. Like, sorry, I know you really wanted to insult me, but that’s actually really iconic and cool. A while later, I started working on this song about the gender euphoria I was feeling, using my testosterone supplies to help create the percussion part. When I remembered that ‘Zitty Stardust’ comment, I knew it had to be the title for this song,” Boy Jr. says.
The making of the song, according to Boy Jr., stands as a fierce example of what it means to turn lemons into lemonade. The name “Zitty Stardust” was thrown at Boy Jr. as an insult, only for them to later transform it into a symbol of empowerment. This through-line runs through the song practically from beginning to end, with Boy Jr. also using the testosterone they were supplied with to make percussion sounds, creating a sonic texture that was truly original and symbolically heavy.
“Zitty Stardust” is not merely a catchy pop number; it is a commemorative salute to authenticity. The lyrics celebrate liberty in its many forms and encourage listeners to give themselves to embrace it, no matter how messy. Boy Jr.’s vocal offerings are a blend of vulnerability and attitude, gliding effortlessly above glimmering electronic productions to reveal the heart of this emotionally potent song.
Without a doubt, Boy Jr. is steadily becoming a prominent voice for young queer people. They deserve support in standing up for self-expression, especially now when cultural and political forces are pushing back against it. Beyond music, Boy Jr. embodies hope and resilience, validating their audience by letting them know every other experience matters and is worth celebrating. “Zitty Stardust” shines with credibility as an identity statement and self-affirmation.
With “Zitty Stardust,” Boy Jr. cements the status of an artist who is both brave in their works and grounded in the very real issues they take on. The wild genre-crossing sound and no-holds-barred lyricism make for a brilliant and assertive listening experience. This is an artist who redefines independence, breaking barriers and charting the way with every successive release.
