At just 19, King Princess, born Mikaela Straus, has become a symbol of free love and radical feminism. She grew up surrounded by music at her father’s studio, Mission Sound, in Brooklyn. This environment helped her find her unique voice as a queer pop icon.
Her debut single, “1950,” was released in February 2018 on Mark Ronson’s label, Zelig Records. It gained popularity after Harry Styles tweeted about it. This showed her early influence and strong social media presence.
King Princess is known for her bold queer lyrics and her role in representing the LGBTQ+ community. Her music is often compared to Lana Del Rey and Lorde. Her genre-blending sound and honest storytelling have won over fans looking for real queer voices.
With her debut EP, “Make My Bed,” released in June 2018, she has already made a mark. She has become a rising star and a voice for the LGBTQ+ community in pop music.
Introduction to King Princess
Mikaela Straus, known as King Princess, is a rising star from Brooklyn, New York. Born on December 19, 1998, she’s been making music since 2012. She mixes genres like Alternative R&B and Pop Soul. Straus started her music career early, thanks to her father’s studio, Mission Sound.
Overview of the Artist’s Background
King Princess grew up surrounded by music. She learned to play many instruments and use music equipment. Her early influences include T. Rex, Led Zeppelin, and Jack White. These artists helped shape her unique sound, blending indie rock and pop.
Early Musical Influences
Straus started writing songs and singing background vocals at 12 or 13. This early start gave her a sense of purpose and validation. It made her want to keep making music.
“I started super young, like 12 or 13, writing songs and doing background vocals for people. Getting that validation when you’re that young, like, ‘Wow, someone’s paying me to do this,’ it’s like, ‘Okay, this is what I want to do.'”
Straus’ early influences and her start in the music industry have shaped her career. They helped her become a key figure in the LGBTQ+ pop music scene.
The Making of a Modern Pop Icon
King Princess started her journey to fame with her debut EP, “Make My Bed,” in June 2018. This six-track EP, featuring her hit single “1950,” showed off her unique sound and honest lyrics. It quickly made her a name to watch in the music world.
This success led to her debut full-length album, “Cheap Queen,” in October 2019. Fans eagerly awaited it.
Debut Album: “Cheap Queen”
“Cheap Queen” brought King Princess’s synth-heavy, atmospheric pop ballads to the forefront. The album is a personal journey, reflecting her emotional growth. It made her a voice many can relate to in pop music.
King Princess took full control over the production and writing. This shows her dedication to creating lasting music that fans love.
“Cheap Queen” is a channel for working through breakups on stage and reflects my emotional journey. It’s important to me to take full ownership of my records’ production and writing, something unique in the industry.”
Critical Reception and Impact
“Cheap Queen” got lots of praise for its honest lyrics and genre-blending sound. It also brought queer experiences into mainstream pop music. The album’s success, along with hits like “1950,” over 300 million Spotify listens, made King Princess a modern pop icon.
Her live shows, like sold-out performances at New York’s Terminal Five and Glastonbury, have made her a rising star. She has won over fans with her powerful performances.
A Voice for the LGBTQ+ Community
King Princess has become a key voice for the LGBTQ+ community. She uses her music and public image to highlight queer representation and push for visibility. Known for her support of the transgender and Black Lives Matter movements, she stands out as an openly queer artist in the music world.
Representation in Music
King Princess’ songs openly talk about queer relationships and experiences. This is a big deal in mainstream pop music. Songs like “the beautiful 1950” and “Holy” delve into themes of sexuality and love that hasn’t been returned. Straus draws inspiration from LGBTQ+ icons and stories.
Fans call her the “Lesbian Jesus.” This shows her big impact as a role model for queer youth.
Advocacy and Activism
King Princess also uses her platform to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. She believes in the power of authentic representation in media and music. Straus has spoken out about the need for respectful and thoughtful portrayals of queer relationships in popular culture.
Her activism and advocacy have won her a large and dedicated fanbase. They see her as a symbol of empowerment and a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community.
“King Princess is a profound statement about unrequited queer love, illustrating a time when being gay in public was prohibited.”
Musical Style and Influences
King Princess is a rising alt-pop trailblazer who has won over fans with her unique sound. She blends indie rock influences with a pop-rock fusion style. This mix of influences has made her stand out in the music world, showing off her talent and versatility.
King Princess grew up playing many instruments in her home studio. This background has given her a wide range of sounds to use in her music. She combines indie rock, pop, and electronic elements, making her sound both new and familiar.
Genre-blending Sounds
Her music is often compared to Lana Del Rey and Lorde, but with a folky twist. Her debut EP, Make My Bed, came out in 2018. It showed how well she can mix different genres.
Inspiration from Other Artists
King Princess draws inspiration from both classic rock and modern pop. She’s influenced by T. Rex and Led Zeppelin, as well as today’s pop stars. Her work with Mark Ronson, Ethan Gruska, Fiona Apple, and Taylor Hawkins shows her musical range.
“King Princess’s music is characterized by her unapologetically genderqueer identity and her focus on writing songs about girls.”
Her unique sound has brought her both praise and a growing fanbase. As she keeps exploring her music, her style shows her creativity and her willingness to break genre rules.
Chart Success and Achievements
King Princess has made a big splash in the music world. Her hit song “1950” became a platinum hit, loved by fans everywhere. A tweet from Harry Styles helped make her even more famous.
Notable Singles and Their Performances
King Princess didn’t stop there. Her songs like “Talia” and “Pussy Is God” got great reviews. They did well on streaming sites and music charts. This made her a big name in pop music.
Awards and Nominations
King Princess is set to win more awards soon. She’s known for her unique sound and storytelling. Fans and critics love her, making her a strong contender for big awards.
Collaborations and Features
King Princess has quickly become a big name in pop music. Her work with other famous artists has been key to her success. One standout collaboration was with Fiona Apple. King Princess covered Fiona Apple’s hit song “I Know,” with Fiona’s support, showing her support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Fiona Apple, known as the “godmother of 2019,” has worked with many artists. This includes Phoebe Bridgers, Maggie Rogers, and Kacey Musgraves. Her team-up with King Princess, another LGBTQ+ artist, is celebrated for its art and meaning.
Key Collaborations in Recent Years
King Princess has also worked with others besides Fiona Apple. Her latest album, “Hold on Baby,” has a song called “Let Us Die.” This song features the late Taylor Hawkins on drums and was written with Ethan Gruska and Mark Ronson.
The video for “Let Us Die” was made by Quinn Wilson, King Princess’s partner. The album also has songs like “Change the Locks” and “Too Bad.” These songs show King Princess’s range and creativity.
Impact of Collaborations on Career
These collaborations have made King Princess stand out in the music world. Working with stars like Fiona Apple and Taylor Hawkins has grown her fan base. Her ability to blend these collaborations into her own music has made her a rising star and LGBTQ+ icon.
The Evolution of King Princess’s Artistry
King Princess’s journey in music has been exciting. She has moved from writing songs in her college dorm to becoming a confident performer. Her growth shows her versatility and skill as an artist.
Shift in Musical Direction
King Princess’s music has changed over time. She now explores new themes and expands her creativity. Her songwriting has become more thoughtful, focusing on deeper human experiences.
Growth as a Songwriter
King Princess has grown a lot as a songwriter. Her hit “1950” was written in the shower, showing her spontaneous creativity. But now, she writes with more intention, tackling complex emotions and crafting meaningful lyrics.
Her artistic development, songwriting process, and musical evolution have made her a pop icon. She’s known for pushing her music to new heights and exploring deeper themes.
King Princess’s Live Performances
King Princess has amazed fans with her electrifying live shows. She shows off her talent and stage presence. Her “Pussy is God” tour is a big hit, with her energy and personal touch.
Memorable Concerts and Tours
Since her debut album “Cheap Queen” in 2019, King Princess has played at top festivals like Governor’s Ball and Firefly. Her shows mix pop, rock, and R&B, with powerful songs and heartfelt ballads.
In 2022, she started her “Hold On Baby” North American tour. Fans loved the setlist that showed her growth. The tour also featured Dora Jar and St. Panther, showing King Princess’s love for diverse music.
Fan Interaction and Community Building
King Princess connects deeply with her audience. She builds a strong community through social media and live shows. Her real interactions and dedication to fans have made her a rising star and LGBTQ+ icon.
Even with COVID-19, King Princess kept in touch with fans. She did a special NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert from her “quarantine shed” in Hawaii. It showed her ability to adapt and stay strong.
“I think the song ‘Isabel’s Moment’ really resonates with the quarantine experience, with people reconnecting with exes and ex-best friends. It’s a reflection on that whole process.”
King Princess’s live shows are a special experience for her fans. She keeps pushing pop music and changing the concert scene.
Future Projects and Expectations
King Princess is making waves with her unique pop sound. Fans are excited to see what she has coming next. She’s hinted at exploring new themes and directions in her music.
Upcoming Music Releases
King Princess wants to expand her sound and songwriting. Fans expect her future music direction to show her growth and authenticity. Her debut album “Cheap Queen” was a hit, and fans are looking forward to her next album.
They expect it to delve into personal and social themes. Her lyrics and melodies are sure to captivate.
Anticipated Collaborations
King Princess is known for her innovative partnerships. Fans are looking forward to her next collaborations. Her work with Tobias Jesso Jr. has shown her ability to mix different styles.
Industry insiders think she might team up with other famous musicians. This could lead to exciting, new sounds.
“I’m always pushing myself to evolve and try new things. My fans can expect the unexpected from me in the years to come.”
– King Princess, on her future musical direction
King Princess’s Personal Life and Image
King Princess is a rising pop star and LGBTQ+ icon. She’s known for her music and her true self. As a genderqueer artist, she openly talks about her sexuality and identity.
Her fans and critics love her for being real in her music. Her debut album, “Cheap Queen,” is full of raw, honest lyrics. These lyrics often talk about love for women, making her stand out in a crowded industry.
King Princess is famous but still connects with her fans. She’s known for being open and real in public. This mix of public and private life makes her a unique voice in music.
“I think that’s just a reflection of how I live my life. I’m not trying to put on a front or act cool. I’m just trying to be honest and real.”
Her fans see her as an LGBTQ+ icon and role model. As she grows in the music world, keeping her personal and professional life balanced will be key to her success.
Conclusion: The Legacy of King Princess
Mikaela Straus, known as King Princess, has made a big splash in pop culture. She stands out for her bold LGBTQ+ representation in music. Her debut single “1950” became a hit after Harry Styles mentioned it, showing her talent at just 20 years old.
King Princess’s music and style have opened doors for more diverse voices in pop. She celebrates queer culture and being true to oneself, winning hearts in the LGBTQ+ community. She’s worked with big names like Mark Ronson, mixing her life stories with social messages in her songs.
Looking ahead, King Princess is set to make a lasting impact on pop culture. She combines her musical talent with advocacy, shaping the future of pop music. With a loyal fanbase and growing influence, her legacy as a pioneering LGBTQ+ artist is set to inspire many.
Source Links
- King Princess Is a Genderqueer Pop Icon for the Next Generation of Queer Youth
- King Princess Is the Jewish Queer Pop Icon We’ve Been Waiting For – Hey Alma
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- King Princess on Queerness, Representation, and Loving Lady Gaga
- A New Pop Paradigm: King Princess Interviewed | Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews
- King Princess opens up about life and her music journey
- King Princess on How Her ”Queer Identity” Can Help Amplify the Black Lives Matter Movement – E! Online
- King Princess Is Here To Make Queer Youth Feel Like Royalty
- Meet Rising Pop Star King Princess
- How King Princess has cemented her unique style in Hold On Baby
- First Out: New Music From King Princess, Muna, Remi Wolf & More
- Our Take: King Princess Proves She Deserves Her Crown with ‘Hold on Baby’ – Atwood Magazine
- Astrology and natal chart of King Princess, born on 1998/12/19
- Listen to This Collab Between King Princess and Fiona Apple
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- King Princess’s ‘Cheap Queen’ Gets Richer | Arts | The Harvard Crimson
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- Princes of Legacy (Royals of Forsyth University, #9)
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