King Princess: “‘Girl Violence’ is messy, chaotic, angry, but also fucking sexy.”

Your new album Girl Violence was released this month. Why did you choose this title?

Girl Violence refers to this particular form of violence between women: sneaky, subtle, almost subliminal, sometimes cruel, but rarely physical. It’s this way of hurting each other almost invisibly. I feel like I’ve experienced it since I was a little kid, especially after coming out. Honestly, my whole life has been girl violence.

What did you go through to make this project happen?

I moved to New York from LA. Moving back home was a huge step for me. I also changed record labels. But above all, I made this record at my dad’s studio, at home. Spending time in familiar places felt really important. I feel like this experience completely changed me.

Would you say this is your most authentic album yet?

I wouldn’t say it’s the most authentic, because for me, all of my albums are. That’s something that matters a lot to me, every record I’ve released has truly represented me. But I would say that this one feels like the next step in my artistic evolution. It's the logical next step.

‍

“If this album were a party, it would be a sweaty club full of lesbians, with everyone dancing on each other.”

‍

How would you describe the energy of Girl Violence?

Rock and roll, baby. It’s messy, chaotic, angry, but also fucking sexy. There’s a little bit of everything. If this album were a party, it would be a sweaty club full of lesbians, with everyone dancing on each other.

What do you hope listeners will take away from this record?

I hope everyone can see themselves in it. That it can play the role of a friend if you’re going through heartbreak, a situationship, or a moment of doubt where you’re questioning if a relationship is for you or not. A friend who reflects back your own stories, your relationships. And maybe through that, you learn something, or you find comfort.

The cover of your album is orange. Why this color?

Orange is such an interesting color. As a kid, I never liked it. But I eventually realized it can feel both warm and cool at the same time, which I found fascinating. And when I thought about what this record represented, it just felt… orange.

Is there a song on the album that feels closest to your true self right now?

I’d say Serena. Because it carries the message that, despite everything, and even because of everything, I’m still fortunate to love.

Which musical eras inspire you the most, and how do these influences show up in Girl Violence?

I’d say mostly the 60s, 70s and 90s, a bit less the 80s. My parents listened to a lot of 70s rock, but they kind of “skipped” the 80s. Then when grunge and trip-hop arrived in the 90s, it really spoke to them, and of course, ended up influencing me too. These eras show up through little details: a specific sound, a snare, a vocal chain, a piano texture… It’s never a direct reference, but subtle elements that, once combined, form an identity. That’s really how I produce: building through details.

‍

“I’m not really nervous, because being from New York, I know how tough the French audience can be. But when they like you, they love you deeply.”

‍

You grew up in Brooklyn, surrounded by music thanks to your dad’s studio. How did this shape your inspirations?

I grew up in Brooklyn, and my first memories are in my dad’s recording studio. That was my world. I spent a lot of time hanging around instruments, musicians… and of course, my dad.

You’ll be performing in Paris at Le Trianon on December 14. What can the French audience expect?

I’m not really nervous, because being from New York, I know how tough the French audience can be. But when they like you, they love you deeply. You have to win them over, and I actually appreciate that. I like an audience that says what they think. So I’m really excited. It’s going to be a great concert, a true rock show, especially since it’s been six years since I last headlined in Paris. To me, it feels almost like coming home.

On this tour, which cities are you most looking forward to?

Paris and London are clearly the two shows I’m most excited about.

And finally, what can we wish for you in the future?

I hope I keep moving upward. I hope I keep evolving, getting a little better every year.

‍

‍

“Girl Violence”, King Princess.