Enfnts Terribles

Maxim Meyer-Horn

4 Jul 2023
Music

King Princess: “Anybody Who Isn’t in the Norm Qualifies to Me as a Queer Icon”

As a queer artist, King Princess has used her platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights and advocate of inclusivity. Her unwavering authenticity has inspired a legion of fans who connect with her music on a profound level. In an industry often plagued by conformity, the American singer has fearlessly challenged norms and created a space where individuals of all backgrounds can find solace and acceptance. We met the singer at Rock Werchter, where she had her first show of her current European tour. We talked about the queer icons that inspired her, how New York has shaped her, and how her next album is shaping up.

You released your second album, Hold On Baby, almost a year ago. What has life been like since then?

I took care of my grandma while she was passing and pushed my tour. I toured the album after it came out, so I had a lot of time to digest the music. When I went on tour, I had this incredible experience in the US, first—with people connecting to the music. It was super cathartic. My band and I had a lot of fun. It felt great to get back on the road after covid. Then, we went to Australia with Florence + the Machine. That was so cool and so much fun. Now, I’m back in Europe after almost four years. I couldn’t be happier. This is what I’m supposed to be doing. Being on tour is my purpose.

Now that you’ve had time and space to digest the album, does it hold a new meaning to you?

It does. First of all, I haven’t been here in four years. I feel like I was building this very incredible and fun fanbase out here, but then I had to stop. The album is called Hold On Baby, so it felt like I held on, and now I’m back. I’ve never got to tour Cheap Queen here, so I get to play songs that I’ve never played here. I’m stoked.

The last time you played Rock Werchter was before the album, right?

Yeah, the last time I played here, I came from Glastonbury. I was a wreck. I was a mess. I remember it as one of the craziest days in my life. I was just sobbing all day, so today is much better.

What’s your favorite thing about being on tour?

There are two things. It’s so amazing to meet the fans—the people that want to see the show—and hear what they think about it. That gives me so much confidence and life. Hopefully, I’m providing support for the queer community of Europe. That’s all I want to do. I just want to be here with my music for whoever needs it. The second thing is being with my band and going to a different city every day. Drinking beer, partying, and watching TV: it’s like camp—an adventure.

Do you prepare your shows differently for specific territories?

I think, yeah. One thing I love about Europeans and the fans here is that I feel like they really care about musicianship. The crowds listen. They want quality and bands. That’s something I can deliver, so when I build a set for Europe, I know I can get away with more guitars and bigger production. It’s very freeing for me to know that people are listening to music. I was watching Compact Disk Dummies on the Main Stage, who I didn’t know, and seeing the way people were responding to synths and guitars. Everybody was raging to their show, and it was 1:30 PM. You’ll not get that in the US.

Speaking of the US, how did New York—as your birthplace—shape you as a person?

It’s the most bustling and hustling city. Just the movement of that city is so inspiring. Being a kid, taking the train, and seeing the style of people who were older than me: I just got so much from the movement of the city. In addition to that, New York’s rock’n’roll history is boundless. There’s an immense amount of queer history. When you think of the ’80s in New York and its club culture where kids were finding themselves: kids with no money built their costumes, painted their faces, went to clubs, and met people. They were at the forefront of culture, and I’m proud to be raised by people who participated in that. A lot of the people who raised me were here in the ’80s and just went crazy. That’s a major inspiration musically and physically.

You just mentioned the importance of the queer community for you. Who are the icons that inspired you to make the music you’re making right now?

You can go back to artists like Kitty Lane, PJ Harvey, or Fiona Apple. ’90s rock girls—queer or not—was my home base. In addition to that, I pulled inspiration from ’70s rock with these femme frontmen like Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and T. Rex. It’s a big melting pot with—whether outwardly queer or. There’s an essence to some performances that defies gender and sexuality. That’s where I want to be. More recently, I’ve been a huge fan of Perfume Genius. Look at what’s happening right now. We got people like MUNA or Boyish coming forward. Anybody who isn’t in the norm qualifies to me as a queer icon, so I’ve got my queer pop women too.

Your album has been out for a year now, and currently, you’re on tour. Is there a new album in the making?

I’m always working. I love being in the studio. When I’m not on tour, I’m in the studio. I’ve been meeting really cool people. Every couple of years, I take a bunch of new sessions, meet new people, and then work with the people I’ve been working with since I was sixteen, so I mix it all together. I’m currently writing a lot, and I already have some things I’m super proud of. I’m going to keep on working until I feel that it’s done.

King Princess’ album ‘Hold On Baby’ is out now on all platforms. 

Pictures by Lorenzo Veppi
Interview by Maxim Meyer-Horn

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