Q&A: PRINS
You might know NZ’s new resident pop princess and vocal powerhouse PRINS from her absolute bangers ‘Don’t Say It’ or ‘Come Down’ with kiwi super-duo Lee Mvtthews, or from her latest smash singles ‘That’s the thing’ and ‘On the low (shh!)’.
Recently partnering with SIX60, Drax Project, LA-based House of Wolf (Carlie Hanson), Grammy recipient Chris Gehringer (Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga & Lil Nas X), PRINS has cemented herself as an international force to be reckoned with.
HEY PRINS! THANKS SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT TO US! FIRST OF ALL, HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN SINGING & MAKING MUSIC?
Hello!! Singing and music has always played a big part in my life but it wasn't until 2015 that I joined my first [cover] band and started doing it as a paid outlet. I began writing/recording original music a few years ago and released my first single at the end of 2018.
WE'VE GOT YOUR CATCHY NEW TRACK 'ON THE LOW (SHH!)’ ON REPEAT - WE’RE SO OBSESSED WITH IT! CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MEANING OF THE SONG AND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT?
Thank you! I was going through a big relationship transition at the time of writing this song. It was inspired by the exciting sparks of meeting someone new and exploring the possibility of a new relationship while wanting to "keep it on the low". Naturally, I wanted the production to be quite upbeat but still keep a somewhat sexy, sultry feel too.
LOVE IT! WHAT WAS THE WRITING & PRODUCTION WRITING PROCESS LIKE FOR THIS TRACK? WE CAN SEE SOME INCREDIBLE WRITING CREDITS ON IT ALONGSIDE YOURSELF INCLUDING THE DRAX PROJECT LADS!
This song has definitely been around the block! The initial idea and rough beat started in a session with Drax Project in Wellington over a year ago. I spent time looking for the right team to carry on the vision I had for this song of which my production team 'House of Wolf' hit the nail on the head. I also worked with LA based songwriters Jillian Slade and Shawn Platzker to really refine the idea. So blessed to have worked with such an incredibly talented group of people!
INCREDIBLE! ANOTHER TRACK OF YOURS THAT YOU RELEASED THIS YEAR THAT WE LOVE IS 'THAT'S THE THING X'! WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN HIGHLIGHT WORKING ON THIS SONG?
‘That's the thing x’ is such a special song for me! Working with Marlon Gerbes from SIX60 felt like a big step up for me in terms of my songwriting and learning to work with other writers. It was also the song that lead me to my current production team 'House of Wolf'. We have such a great relationship and they have been a breath of fresh air to work with!
WE’RE HOPING MORE MUSIC ON THE WAY SOON?
Yes!! Ohhhhhh yes! Real soon ;)
CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR IT! WHO WOULD YOU SAY ARE YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS IN MUSIC?
I draw from every direction really and it changes constantly as I discover new music/artists. I've been listening to a lot of Upsahl, Tate McRae and Mimi Webb recently - they've been a great inspiration to the music I'm releasing this year.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE NZ ARTISTS RIGHT NOW AND ARE THERE ANY SONGS IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU ESPECIALLY LOVE??
I absolutely love my girl LOU'ANA - she is such a vibe. CRYSTAL is also an artist to look out for, she really is a great songwriter with a very fresh sound.
YES, WE LOVE BOTH OF THOSE AMAZING, TALENTED LADIES! WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT NEW ZEALAND?
For me, New Zealand is a great place to come back to, reflect and relax. The whole country is filled with beautiful spots and I love travelling as much as I can. The drive from Christchurch to Queenstown is always a treat, up the west coast of the South Island, Coromandel, Bay of Islands .. the options are endless.
SO DREAMY! WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNT AS AN ARTIST, AND WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER ARTISTS OUT THERE?
Stop thinking small. You learn from taking action and failing forward, not from staying in the same place. Take the time to reflect carefully on your releases and your strategies and see how you can refine and improve.
LASTLY, WE END ALL OUR INTERVIEWS WITH THIS QUESTION - IF YOU COULD SAY ONE THING TO EVERY PERSON IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Don't play the victim. Take responsibility for yourself and your life and find something meaningful to put your time and energy into - whatever that might be!
THANKS SO MUCH PRINS! MAKE SURE YOU KEEP UP WITH HER ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, SPOTIFY OR APPLE MUSIC.
