Mikaela Strauss, better known as King Princess, is carving out a distinctive path in pop music with her latest album, Girl Violence. At just 26, Strauss has already navigated the tumultuous waters of early fame, and her evolution as an artist reflects a deepening understanding of love, identity, and personal expression.
A New Direction: Girl Violence
In an online interview, Strauss proclaimed her new album as a response to “toxic masculinity.” However, she specifies that her perspective is not about overt aggression or traditional violence but rather highlights emotional and subliminal forms of chaos often found within lesbian relationships. “In a world filled with physical violence and hypermasculinity, this is the really crazy violence that’s under the surface,” she said. The title itself—Girl Violence—acts as a paradox, showcasing the complexity of female relationships and the unique struggles within them.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Strauss first gained mainstream recognition at 19 with her viral hit 1950, a song that contrasts the sweetness of a budding romance with the bitterness of societal constraints. Her early success placed her in the spotlight but came with immense pressure. “It’s tough when people hold you to the standard of something you wrote in your dorm room when you were 18,” she reflects. As Strauss transitioned from the indie scene to a major label and back, she began to recognize the importance of creative freedom.
After a stint in Los Angeles that strained her relationship with music, Strauss returned to New York, where she rekindled her passion for art. A pivotal moment for her was landing a role in the series Nine Perfect Strangers, featuring Nicole Kidman. This experience not only broadened her skill set but also influenced her songwriting process, encouraging her to embrace a more liberated and less precious approach to creativity.
Understanding Love and Identity
Girl Violence delves into Strauss’s personal experiences, particularly her tumultuous relationships. “I thought love is pain; that’s what I’ve always believed,” she expresses. This deeply ingrained belief led her to a self-examination of her desires and romantic preferences. She began to question why she equated “horniness” with chaos and damage instead of comfort and safety. This point of reflection is critical not just for her but resonates with many within the LGBTQ+ community, where such patterns are often normalized.
“I had to really think about how I was presenting myself emotionally,” Strauss says. By seeking validation from others, she realized she was losing touch with her own identity, which prompted significant personal growth. The process of working on Girl Violence became a metaphorical guidebook for understanding different aspects of “girl violence,” emphasizing the chaotic beauty found within female relationships while encouraging resilience.
The Power of Independence
King Princess’s transition to the independent label Section1 marked another turning point in her career. Contrary to the common belief that indie labels lack resources, she discovered that they often provide a unique opportunity for artistic expression while still being commercially viable. “Indie labels are innovative,” she asserts, highlighting a newfound enthusiasm for collaboration with her small, dedicated team.
By shedding commercial expectations, she has created an album that feels more authentic and adventurous. This shift in focus allowed her to embrace her true self rather than simply replicating past successes.
Reflecting on the Challenges of Fame
The entertainment industry can often impose unrealistic expectations on artists, particularly those who achieve early success. “Anyone who has experienced a career high with their first song… that is not a place you want to be,” she says, reflecting on the difficulties of sustaining a career in music. Her acknowledgment of this pressure speaks to a broader conversation about the mental toll that fame can have on young musicians.
Throughout her self-discovery process, she has emphasized the importance of not becoming trapped in a cycle of comparison: “Commercial success being the standard of success is tough.” Instead, she chooses to focus on her art and embrace the journey rather than fixate on numbers or external validation.
Looking Ahead
With Girl Violence, King Princess invites listeners to reconsider notions of chaos and femininity within the context of love and relationships. Her bold exploration of emotional themes and self-reflection sets the stage for a promising future in music, one that is unclouded by commercial expectations. Strauss embodies the spirit of resilience—constantly evolving and redefining herself in a world that often demands conformity.
As she navigates through the complexities of both the music industry and her personal life, it’s clear that King Princess is not just a fleeting pop sensation but a multifaceted artist poised to make a lasting impact. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-exploration and the importance of creating art that speaks deeply to one’s experiences and identity.
In conclusion, Girl Violence is not merely an album; it’s a declaration of independence and a courageous exploration of love in all its chaotic forms. For listeners, it offers a relatable lens into the struggles and triumphs of femininity, the complexities of relationships, and the journey of rediscovering oneself amidst the noise of expectations.
