Manchester's own Chloe Slater has taken centre stage at Mad Cool 2026 in Madrid, unleashing her raw energy on Thursday night, but it was what she said off-stage that really caught our attention. The artist, who shot to fame as an NME Cover star, has been grappling with the crushing feeling of desensitisation – that numbing effect of constant news and social media updates, where every new horror story blends into the background noise.
Her forthcoming debut album 'Riot Youth' is a clarion call to arms, or at least a wake-up call, tackling the disheartening reality of feeling jaded by politics. But make no mistake – this isn't just about the disillusionment of youth; Slater insists that her message resonates with anyone who's felt burned out from trying to create change in a world that often seems impossible to shift.
The title 'Riot Youth' might evoke images of youthful rebellion, but Slater is quick to point out that the album's themes are ageless. She spoke candidly about the perils of information overload and how it can lead to desensitisation, normalising the unthinkable and eroding our capacity for shock – that vital spark that drives us to demand real change.
Slater's witty remarks on current affairs only added fuel to the fire, with a tongue-in-cheek reference to Count Binface's hypothetical takeover of the news channels. It's a sentiment that echoes across the nation: we're all feeling bewildered by the twists and turns in the world of politics.
The solution, Slater suggests, lies in taking control of our online intake – stepping back from the constant stream of 'horrific or crazy things' and seeking out reputable news sources. By doing so, we can break free from the cycle of desensitisation and regain the clarity needed to drive meaningful change.
It's a message that rings out in an era where information overload has become the norm – and one that Slater hopes will resonate with fans everywhere. Her advice? Filter your social media feeds, take a deep breath, and tune back into the world around you. The time for real change is now – and it starts with us.