King Princess: reigning days

King Princess is the rebel’s popstar. The rising New York native talks growing up in recording studios, how the industry is failing young artists and why we should definitely be beyond the binary by now.

- Shama Nasinde

There’s a voice that shines bright in today’s pop landscape. It’s singer-songwriter King Princess. Her warm whiskey vocals and electric stage presence capture the glam rock nostalgia of a by-gone era, while the melodic riffs and vulnerable lyricism of her debut album, Cheap Queen, expose the tender rawness of heartbreak. The 21-year-old Brooklynite has quickly become Gen-Z’s symbol of queer stardom, a title enjoyed by icons she grew up with, like Cher, Tina Turner and Madonna. “I can’t help but idolise these hyper-feminine women,” she enthuses. “My new thing is, I’m digging Judy Garland. She’s the precursor to all these people.”

Much like her idols, King Princess is savvy and witty, narrating her story with eloquence, self-assurance and a generous dose of humour. “There’s this whole theory that I’m an heiress and had all this money growing up. Like damn, that would’ve been ideal. Where’s that trust fund y’all are speaking of?” she laughs. “Three or four generations ago my family was loaded. Then, as it goes with most Jewish families, the children get artsier generationally,” she says.