He graduated from Harvard with a degree in African American studies and history.

Slichter, in 2004, wrote So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star (ISBN 0-7679-1470-8), a book that details his experiences as a member of Semisonic and their journey through the recording industry.

[2] Kirkus Reviews wrote that "few first-person memoirs of the rock biz are as smart, honest, and entertaining as this tart, incisive work.

"[3] In 2006, Slichter said that payola was how his band Semisonic turned their song "Closing Time" into a hit.

Slichter stated: "It cost something close to $700,000 to $800,000 to get 'Closing Time' on the air.