King Princess has become the headlining voice of queer-pop over the last few months. King Princess provides the candid LGBTQ representation that the music industry has been lacking. She has quickly gained popularity because of her queer love ballads and androgynous style. As well as singing, King Princess plays all her own instruments on her songs. At only 11 years old she was offered a record deal, which she turned down in order to focus on school. Later on at 19, she managed to be the first to sign for Mark Ronson’s’ Record Label, Zelig.
King Princess’s single “1950” seems to just be another simple love song at first but underneath there is much more. “1950” is based on the discrimination the LGBTQ community went through during the 1950s. At this time the Red Scare was aiming to stop any suspect communists, however, another lesser- known movement called the Lavender Scare was occurring in order to persecute and fire any LGBTQ identifying employees. Not only could you be fired for allegedly identifying as being LGBTQ identifying but you could also be fired or blacklisted for “guilt of association.” The lyrics are heart-wrenching and soulful as she sings “So tell me why my gods look like you/And tell me why it’s wrong.” This song is just as devastating and unrequited as the time period it was based upon. King Princess paints a truly tragic love story that all too many in the LGBTQ community can relate to. However, this song is so beautiful that anyone can listen and be touched.
