Can a genderfluid artist lead a generation? Mikaela Straus, known as King Princess, is making waves. She mixes indie pop, rock, and folk to create something special and proudly queer1. Born in Brooklyn, she debuted in 2018 with “1950,” a song about queer love that won hearts and built a loyal LGBTQ+ fan base2.
With her music and identity, King Princess stands up for queer rights. She aims to inspire the next LGBTQ+ youth in music3.
Introducing Mikaela Straus: The Force Behind King Princess
Mikaela Straus, known as King Princess, grew up in her dad’s recording studio, Mission Sound, in Brooklyn4. As a kid, she got to play with instruments and learn about music4. This early start and her dad’s help shaped her into the star she is today4.
From her Brooklyn Roots to Musical Stardom
After high school in New York, Straus went to USC for a year before focusing on music4. She wrote her debut EP, “Make My Bed,” in just two months4. Her song “1950” became a hit after Harry Styles and Kourtney Kardashian shared it online4.
“King Princess is working on a full-length album.”4
Straus’s rise to fame is tied to her LGBTQ+ identity and her music’s themes of queerness and empowerment5. Her unique view, influenced by queer movies in high school, has won fans, especially LGBTQ+ youth5.
As a pop star and LGBTQ+ icon, King Princess inspires many, especially queer youth in today’s world4. Her music, influenced by Leonard Cohen and Patti Smith, promises to make a lasting impact546.
The Queer Love Anthems of King Princess
King Princess’ music dives into queer love, loss, and lust. Her hit “1950” is inspired by The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith. It’s a moving tribute to the struggles of public queer relationships in the 1950s7. This song has been streamed over 280 million times on Spotify, touching hearts of LGBTQ+ fans around the world7.
Tracks like “Talia” and “Upper West Side” show off Mikaela Straus’ skill in creating heartfelt, queer-focused pop songs. Her sound is a mix of Lana Del Rey and Lorde, making it special for the LGBTQ+ community7.
“King Princess’ debut album, Cheap Queen, stands out as an impactful release in a transformative year for queer pop artists.”7
King Princess puts queer stories at the heart of her music, offering much-needed representation and validation7. Her songs not only celebrate queer love but also delve into gender identity and expression8.
Exploring Queer Femininity
King Princess identifies as genderqueer and uses she/her pronouns. She’s exploring her gender expression and femininity8. In high school, she wanted to show her feminine side, seeing it as a way to understand herself better8.
The song “Homegirl” from Cheap Queen was inspired by feeling objectified in queer relationships. King Princess’ music celebrates the diversity of queer identities and experiences, giving a voice to marginalized groups78.
king princess: Embodying Genderqueer Identity
King Princess is a pop star and LGBTQ+ icon who openly talks about her genderqueer identity. She uses her music and public image to explore gender and sexuality9. At 21, Mikaela Straus calls herself “a kind of genderqueer person” and loves exploring the edge of femininity9.
In her music videos, she often wears androgynous or gender-bending looks. She also uses makeup as a “performative” tool to talk about gender and sexuality9.
Straus is a big fan of drag and sees it as a way to discuss gender expression9. By being a genderqueer, King Princess gives visibility and representation to the LGBTQ+ community. She challenges traditional gender norms and expectations9.
Her way of expressing gender and sexuality connects with the younger generation. They are more open to fluidity and diversity in these areas10.
The music industry now accepts queerness more, making it profitable for LGBTQ+ artists like King Princess to share their sexuality. This shift in queer representation in mainstream music lets stars like King Princess express their genderqueer identity and gender expression11.
The Impact of a Queer Pop Star in Trump’s America
Giving Voice to the LGBTQ+ Community in Turbulent Times
King Princess, a queer Jewish pop singer, has become a big name in music. Her debut EP “Make My Bed” was a hit in June12. Even Harry Styles noticed her song “1950” and tweeted about it12.
Known as Straus, King Princess uses her platform to support the LGBTQ+ community. Her music celebrates lesbian relationships and her queer identity. It also touches on religious themes12. This gives queer people a much-needed sense of validation and representation in Trump’s America.
As a queer pop artist, King Princess knows she has a big responsibility. She talks about the importance of intersectionality and diverse LGBTQ+ representation in media12. By being unapologetically herself, she brings hope and community to LGBTQ+ individuals during tough times.
“In times of political turmoil and regression, it is the responsibility of ‘left-of-center’ artists to use their art to take up space and represent marginalized communities.”
King Princess’ rise as an openly queer pop artist has made a big impact. Straus, who came out at 13, finds inspiration in drag and ballroom culture12. This makes her a symbol of empowerment and visibility for the queer community.
In a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack, artists like King Princess are crucial. They provide a voice and a safe space for marginalized groups.
The Future of King Princess: Paving the Way for Queer Representation
King Princess is making waves in the music world and LGBTQ+ representation. Mikaela Straus, the mind behind King Princess, is crafting a full-length album. It will delve into drag culture and gender expression, expanding her reach13.
Her quick rise and strong LGBTQ+ fanbase make King Princess a future icon. Straus aims to lead a “renaissance” of diverse, LGBTQ+-led pop music. She’s dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices and offering a space for queer youth to be seen and heard13.
King Princess is boldly embracing her identity and creating music that speaks to the LGBTQ+ community. Her music videos, like “1950,” show intimate queer relationships. Artists like Lil Nas X are also breaking barriers with their honest portrayals of queer sexuality1413.
Source Links
- King Princess Is a Genderqueer Pop Icon for the Next Generation of Queer Youth
- King Princess
- A Gay Icon Grows in Brooklyn: King Princess & The Queer Renaissance in Pop Culture — Her Culture
- King Princess Is Here To Make Queer Youth Feel Like Royalty
- King Princess, an Old Kind of Rock Star for a New Age (Published 2020)
- King Princess opens up about life and her music journey
- King Princess Is Making Queer Pop Anthems for the Next Generation
- The power in King Princess’ horny odes to queer love
- King Princess on Queerness, Representation, and Loving Lady Gaga
- iO Tillett Wright and King Princess Celebrate (and Question) Queerness
- King Princess – queen city writers
- King Princess Is The Jewish Queer Pop Artist You Need In Your Life
- Uplifting and empowering anthems to have on rotation this Pride Month
- 10 of the most unapologetically queer music videos
