Introducing #117 - Prima Queen
Let us introduce you to Prima Queen, a fresh new band bursting out of the rising New Cross scene. They took a moment to talk to us about the best places to get a pint in South London, Dolly Parton and their new single ‘Brownstone’.
Your new track ‘Brownstone’ is out now, can you tell us what the song is about?
Brownstone was inspired from a really funny series of texts my friend sent me about a fantasy she had about a boy who she had never spoken to… she was telling me all about the cute artsy life they would have together in Brooklyn one day (after they actually met and fell in love).
“We don’t have to get married, but let’s combine our record collections tonight.”
I think the song is about getting older and being disillusioned by the unrealistic depictions of love/relationships on TV/in the media, but knowing deep down you kind of want to live that fantasy. It’s about the search to find love/someone to spend your life with after a series of unsuccessful relationships.
“I thought that love was a lie that they sold us, a disappointing illusion you just can’t trust”
You come from New Cross, when did it suddenly become cool there?
We love New Cross and South East in general because it’s full of so many great creative people that are making really good music.
Where is the best place to grab a pint in New Cross?
Lots of good pints in NX, but it depends when you’re looking !
The Royal Albert (Sunday evening for jazz)
New Cross House (in the tree house on a summer evening 2 for 1 cocktails)
Marquis of Granby (anytime really)
New Cross Inn (anytime after 1am)
What would you say are your key musical influences as a band?
Phoebe Bridgers, Mitski, Alvvays, Marika Hackman, Haim, Chic, Big Thief
What does Dolly Parton and Black Midi have in common with you?
Cowboy hats !!
Line dancing aficionados
We played a ‘Country Christmas’ gig at the Windmill in Brixton supporting Black Midi last year where we all had to play country covers so we took it upon ourselves to pay homage to the queen of country herself, Dolly Parton. Yeehawww
A lot of your songs came together over WhatsApp messenger, how did that work?
We were separated for a year when Kristin had to move back to America, so we would send each other voice memos back and forth of song ideas and work on them like that. We tried writing over Facetime a bit, but it was very difficult with the whole time lag thing - it’s definitely a lot easier being in the same room/country/continent now!
Now the track is out there, what next?
We’re on tour with The Big Moon which we’re so happy about because we look up to them a lot and they have been a big inspiration to us! In the next few months we will be releasing the music video for Brownstone, along with two more singles.
We’re really excited to be playing festivals again this summer, especially Green Man which is one of our favourite festivals!
Our next London show is on 29th April at Shacklewell Arms :~)