In a candid and deeply personal exclusive, the genre-defying artist King Princess, born Mikaela Strauss, opens up about the creative fire and raw emotion fuelling her highly anticipated new album, 'Girl Violence'. The record, she reveals, is far more than a collection of songs; it's a visceral journey into the complexities of desire, identity, and the female experience.
Strauss dismantles the album's provocative title, explaining that 'Girl Violence' is not about physical aggression. Instead, it captures the intense, often overwhelming turbulence of emotions—the 'violent pining', passionate yearning, and internal storms—that can define relationships and self-discovery. It's a poetic reclaiming of a term to express profound feeling.
A Sonic Love Letter to the 1950s
The album's sound is a bold and unexpected departure, drawing significant inspiration from the iconic music of the 1950s. Strauss describes immersing herself in the era's timeless classics, from the soulful depths of doo-wop to the rebellious energy of early rock 'n' roll. This isn't mere pastiche, however.
She masterfully filters these vintage influences through a fiercely modern lens, creating a sound that feels both nostalgically familiar and thrillingly new. The goal was to capture the raw, unvarnished emotion of that period's music and connect it to contemporary stories of love and queer identity.
More Than Music: A Statement on Desire and Autonomy
At its core, 'Girl Violence' is a powerful feminist work. Strauss speaks passionately about her mission to portray female and queer desire with unapologetic honesty, challenging outdated stereotypes and presenting narratives where women are the complex, autonomous drivers of their own stories.
The album explores the entire spectrum of a relationship's life cycle—from the electric first spark of attraction to the poignant ache of heartbreak and the strength found in moving on. This thematic depth positions the album as a significant cultural statement, offering a soundtrack for those whose stories have often been sidelined.
With 'Girl Violence', King Princess is not just releasing new music; she is igniting a conversation. By blending a throwback sound with fiercely contemporary themes, she solidifies her status as a vital and innovative voice in music, fearlessly exploring the beautiful, violent, and utterly human landscape of the heart.
