Boy Jr. Reinvents Self-Affirmation With Their Latest Single "Zitty Stardust"
Boy Jr., the musical project of indie star and LGBTQ+ influencer Ariel Allen-Lubman, has just released their new single, “Zitty Stardust,” an electro-pop explosion that celebrates their gender transition. The artist's magic was to transform a personal experience—and a derogatory comment—into a vibrant anthem of self-affirmation. “Zitty Stardust” encapsulates gender euphoria and resilience, accompanied by catchy electronic production and bold lyrics.
“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,” the artist confesses. So what began as an insult became a symbol of trans pride, fusing Bowie's glam rock with a contemporary queer narrative.
The track stands out for its infectious energy, with shimmering synths and pulsating beats that reflect Allen-Lubman's emotional liberation. The artist used their own testosterone bottles to create percussion effects, integrating his physical transition into the song's DNA. The music video complements the song's essence with glitch aesthetics and neon colors, evoking both punk irreverence and pop fantasy.
With their critically acclaimed album “I Love Getting Dumped!” (2024), Boy Jr. has demonstrated their ability to blend genres like pop, indie, and punk with intense lyrics and DIY production. In addition to their music, the artist has become a figurehead for the queer community, using their platform to speak about identity and resistance in times of political setbacks.
Their US tour and collaborations with artists like The Living Tombstone and Lovejoy reaffirm his impact on the independent music scene. “Zitty Stardust” not only anticipates their next project but also reinforces their legacy as a voice for a generation.