promqueen
We barely started the new year and I’ve already featured incredible new artists. promqueen is one of them. What a refreshing sound. Her debut single “Xi Xon” is different, unique, innovative, creative and fun. She’s one of the most exciting artists I’ve heard so far. I cannot wait to hear more.
And special shout out to waverly for creating this banger with her.
“Xi Xon” is now available everywhere !
Photo credit: @3_56am
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
promqueen was completely unexpected — the name, music, project, wig. I didn’t think I’d ever write songs about my family (both Vietnamese immigrants), sing in Vietnamese, let alone rap but here we are folks!
Some context, I had been working on a memoir for 10-ish years about my parents and myself, as a second generation child of immigrants. Funny enough, I was pivoting away from my artist project but somehow these experiences found a way through the cracks, hence, promqueen. For the first time, something felt very right about expressing parts of myself I’ve kept hidden.
What did you grow up listening to?
As a classical pianist, I was immersed in Beethoven, Bach, and Scarlatti. Outside piano, my dad played gobs of 70s soul/pop like Eagles, Aretha, and Sam Cooke. I also always gravitated towards artists who have strong vocal and piano chops like Billy Joel, Carole King, Stevie Wonder, and Sara Bareilles.
Growing up, who did you look up to?
My junior high choir teacher, who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She gave me a purple fuzzy diva dice that I hung in my car to remind me that I’m allowed to sound good. A pianist from my church, who taught me the importance of education and always staying curious. In retrospect, my mom.
Could you list a few albums that made a huge impact in your life/music?
Dirty Dancing soundtrack
Madonna Vogue
Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life
Alexi Murdoch Time Without Consequences
Rhianna ANTI (this was my post break up album I played on repeat)
When did you know you could sing?
Picture a 2 yr old in diapers, an easter sunhat, grooving and crooning to Vietnamese and English karaoke.
When did you know you had to be an artist and release your original music?
When I decided to walk away from being an artist in early 2022. promqueen said, nope, you’re going to tell your story. Period.
Who was the first person to believe in your music?
My mom, the OG promqueen.
"Xi Xon" is your new single - what's the inspiration behind this song?
This is what my parents called me when I was little. If I got behind the mic, I got flashy. Xi Xon is a spunky celebration of my upbringing and influences from my childhood. It’s me deciding to stop conforming and celebrate exactly who I am.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song? Who helped you create it?
It was a lightning speed. My collaborator, waverly, and I created this song inspired by Milli’s Mirror Mirror song. Her flow and presence is fire and I resonated with her strength. The words flowed like poetry when I locked in on what was most meaningful to me, my family. I trusted waverly’s process. He trusted mine. As a result, Xi Xon was born in its full glory.
What's your favorite lyric on "Xi Xon"?
“Make it rain mua muc on my face” (translation: make it rain squid on my face) because it’s the silliest line I’ve ever written. Those who understand Vietnamese will die laughing. That’s ultimately what I want at the end of the day, for my fellow Vietnamese brothers and sisters to be in on the jokes.
What made you want to release "Xi Xon" as a single?
It’s the first promqueen track plus my mom loves it so that sealed the deal.
What can you tell us about the music video?
The video is a rollercoaster ride of hip hop choreography and weird stuff so thanks for joining the adventure. Fun fact, opening scene is an homage to Madonna’s Vogue! Other fun fact, I made the promqueen newspaper inspired by Meow Wolf. The amount of fun and hype the video exudes is exactly how it felt on set — a fun and wild ride with such talented cast and crew.
What do you want people to feel when listening to this song?
Excited and invited to the party! I want people to feel free to be exactly who they want to be.
How's it like to be an Asian female in the today's music industry? What message do you want to give to women out there?
The only artist people compare me to is BlackPink. I want folks to be able to reference at least five Asian female musicians they know and more! For women out there, let’s continue to “get in formation” (hail Bey!), support, share what we learn about the industry, and take over.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
Musicians and artists wear so many hats to have a chance at cutting into the industry. It’s overwhelming. I’d like to see more resources from the Grammys and other music orgs supporting artists with accounting, booking, mental health, and marketing. I’d also love to see more music and arts investment towards youth in neighborhoods and schools facing barriers. If I could change one thing, it would be more government funding resources for BIPOC women and non-binary musicians through amazing organizations like, Gender Amplified in NYC.
Who's helping you shape your artistry/career?
The community of musicians and artists around me. My collaborators, waverly, co-writers, my mom, and my dearest partner, the ultimate bop-meter, who remains patient when I subject him to hearing my songs for the 100th time.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
I am a human being and therefore, I am enough.
If I am not having fun and surprising myself, I need to stop, restart, and begin again.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
If we all remember, we are enough. Be more kind to ourselves and others.
What are your goals for 2023?
As a type A person, my goals are endless so I’ll list three. I like lists.
Release promqueen szn one EP and build a fan base
Produced and host a AAPI heritage showcase featuring promqueen in May 2023
Keep being surprised in all the projects I do.
Ok, I lied. Last one, being willing to ask for support. Success takes a village and rising up with those you love.
Thanks Better Music! <3
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