When lightning strikes and is effectively bottled, it creates a special kind of magic that can cause the world to take notice. For KingQueen, such is the story behind their protest anthem “Burn This Motha”. The five-piece Los Angeles LGBTQIA+ pop rock group wrote the single together, going on to perform it to thousands of people at San Francisco Pride just days after the US Supreme Court took away the Constitutional Right to Abortion. KingQueen knew they had to record the track, placing it in the hands of producer Kevin McCombs (Papa Roach). Sabrina Petrini is the founding vocalist for the project, with members Adam Gimenez on guitar, Brandon Valerino on keytar, Jake Absher on drums, and Ella G. Burgos on bass. The name KingQueen came from performing alongside drag queens, and while they call each other “queens” the singer said she didn’t feel like a king or queen. One of the drag queens responded, “No, you’re a KingQueen,” and it stuck.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with KingQueen about the release, dream collabs, favorite memories and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know about your latest project?
“Burn This Motha” is a protest anthem written in less than an hour. The song represents a fight for equality. It had it’s tribute at the Troubadour in Los Angeles and the music video was directed by Kim Rocco Shields.
How does this project compare with your other release(s)? Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?
It was the first song we all wrote together from scratch. It’s very raw and simple yet powerful.
What motivates you to create music?
Life really. It’s almost like a diary. Something happens and a song comes out of it. Also – people motivate. Being able to help someone through lyrics and melodies is beautiful and gives purpose.
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
I always loved creating and always looked forward to playing shows, recording and all the things that comes with it. But it was during 2013-ish that I kind of was feeling tired and lost about where I was heading. And I actually wanted to try to do something else with my life and so one day I started to look into schools and other careers paths… couple of hours later I wrote a song “Chemically Imbalanced”, (which is now out on all streaming platforms), and I realized in that moment that there’s no way for me to do anything else because even when I’m not trying to I am constantly composing and creating. So even if it wasn’t a huge thing that had happened it was like a simple aha-moment of realizing who I am. It’s of course a choice to pursue music but it’s not a choice of it being in me and how good it makes me feel – it’s magical. And ever since then I kind of stopped putting the pressure on myself on what “making it” means and just decided to continue the journey and keep pushing and see where it would take me.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
Alive: YungBlud because I just love his songwriting, style and personality!!
Dead: Freddie Mercury – come on, he’s a GENIUS.
What was the last song you listened to? And who is one of your favorite all-time bands/artists?
Kelly Clarkson “Run Run Rudolph” while putting up the Christmas tree haha. All time favorites: Queen, Joan Jett, The Sounds, Guns N’ Roses, Pink, Michael Jackson.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Instagram: me @inaofkingqueen, the band @kingqueen.music. TikTok @hausofkingqueen
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you so much for having me! Make sure to follow us, KingQueen on Spotify and tune in on Dec 9th for our single “Burn This Motha”.
