Slayyyter discussed her memories of Tumblr and a simpler era of the internet during a recent interview at Rolling Stone Studio [1].
The reflection highlights the evolution of digital discovery and the shift from community-driven creative hubs to the current state of social media. For many artists, these early platforms provided a direct path to visibility without the constraints of modern algorithmic curation.
Catherine Grace Garner, known by her stage name Slayyyter, said the platform influenced her own career trajectory. She said the site functioned as a space where niche aesthetics could find a global audience and foster organic growth [1].
During the interview, the artist recalled how specific musicians gained traction through the community's curation habits. "There were artists who would hit off on Tumblr. I remember seeing like, Lana and ..." Slayyyter said [1].
This nostalgia for a less commercialized internet reflects a broader trend among creators who remember a time when digital interaction felt more intimate. Slayyyter said this period was a simpler time of the internet, contrasting it with the complex landscape of today's influencer economy [1].
By focusing on the creative freedom afforded by Tumblr, the artist emphasized the importance of digital spaces that prioritize artistic exploration over metrics. The interview underscores the lasting impact that early 2010s internet culture had on the development of contemporary pop aesthetics [1].
“"There were artists who would hit off on Tumblr."”
Slayyyter's commentary points to a significant shift in how musical artists are discovered. While modern platforms rely on short-form video algorithms to create viral hits, the 'Tumblr era' relied on mood-boarding and community curation, which allowed artists to build a visual and sonic brand before achieving mainstream success.


