Kim Petras’ new single is a bratty banger
Kim Petras is already well-known for transitioning publicly at a very young age, but the pop star has created another huge reason people know her name by landing a #1 spot on Spotify’s Viral Top 50, and doesn’t plan on stopping there.
Her song that landed the place on the Top 50, “I Don’t Want It At All,” is a bratty banger with an equally as fab music video featuring Paris Hilton. Lucky for us, the busy pop star took a second to answer all the things we were dying to know about her. Read below!
What was it like growing up in Germany?
I often felt like nothing was going on where I was growing up. I used to live on the countryside. When I was 17 I moved to Cologne, and when I was 19 I moved to LA.
When did you first start getting into music?
My mom is a big jazz fan and always played Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra when I was growing up. I remember loving that music as a kid. I used to sing all the time! When I was around 12, I saw a documentary about pop songwriters and I thought it was so cool that most of my favorite pop songs had been written by the same people. That’s when I started writing songs every day.
Who is your biggest musical influence?
I’m a big fan of a lot of classic iconic artists like Boy George, Debbie Harry, Queen, and Judy Garland. But honestly my friends are my biggest influences. People like Baby E, Lil Aaron, Liz Y2K. It’s inspiring to hang out with songwriters I respect who are great, fun people.
How was having QUEEN Paris Hilton make a cameo in your music video for “I Don’t Want It At All”?
Amazing! She was the sweetest person. She had a pretty shitty dressing room but didn’t complain for a second. She killed her take and was super excited about re-creating “Weird Science.” She’s a total pro!
How does femininity tie into the music you make?
I write about boys, heartbreak, sex, having fun and the things that I go through. But I think that’s universal to boys and girls alike.
You’ve been modeling and entertaining for years now. As a trans woman, what difficulties do you face in this industry?
There was a very successful lady in a high-up position in the music industry who asked me if I’m transgender because it’s trendy. So incidents like that definitely happen. People assume you can’t be a talented, great artist and be transgender at the same time.
How do you think growing up and transitioning in the public eye has equipped you to be the next big thing in pop?
I think I learned to be an open book and just be real. I did documentaries as a teenager because my parents and I wanted to help other kids who weren’t as lucky to have supportive parents.
READ ALSO: How my favorite TV characters shaped my feminism
What are your thoughts on trans visibility in the commercial modeling industry? Why is it crucial for everyone to stress the importance of trans visibility in mainstream media?
I think it’s amazing! I think people need to see more transgender people to understand that it’s not a freaky thing but actually a very normal thing that people have been dealing with forever. I wish people were taught about being transgender in school.
You’ve gotten a lot of press for being one of the youngest people to receive gender reassignment surgery and hormone treatment, how would you describe your transition experience? How did transitioning “early” effect your career/path as an artist?
I don’t think it affected my career at all. I was very fortunate to be able to transition early and so, so lucky to have supportive parents. But it has nothing to do with my career. I don’t write songs about being transgender, I just write about my emotions, experiences, and fantasies.
Favorite shade of lipstick?
Clear gloss
What are you listening to right now?
Starrah – Rush
What do you do to stay inspired?
I pick an artist, actor, author or director that I love and listen to their entire discography or watch all their movies and watch every interview they’ve done. Interesting people in general inspire me. Talking to my friends inspires me, or talking to my Uber driver can even inspire me. I never know where it’ll come from.
READ ALSO: Leyna Bloom is a show-stopping model with an activist’s soul
Photography by Charlotte Rutherford
What’s better: a night in on the couch with a bottle of wine watching “Clueless” or a night out at the club till 3 a.m. dancing your heart out?
A karaoke bar with all my friends always wins! But if I had to pick between the two, definitely “Clueless.” Can never watch that one too many times.
Favorite accessory?
Crazy nails!
What’s your next move as an artist?
More everything! I’m just getting started releasing songs. I’m going to release one song a month until the album is complete. I just shot a new music video yesterday, and hopefully a tour! I love working and I’m so lucky I get to make music every day.
Where can we find your music?
Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube, iTunes. Everywhere really — check it out!
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