Need a new artist to kickstart your new year? New York City’s latest star, King Princess, is breaking into the limelight after soundtracking the second season of Netflix’s animated action-adventure series “Arcane” with her sensational hit single, “Fantastic.”
One live performance of the indie-pop track is still going viral, even after the series’ end, racking up over 1.8 million views to date over on YouTube. And it’s not hard to figure out why! This track weaves an eclectic balance of musical inspirations into its mix, each as vibrant as the last, while cutting cleanly through pop’s oversaturation with King Princess’ strikingly unique sound.
“Fantastic” is as atmospheric as a 1980s chart-topper, ribbed with unmissable modernisms and eclectic production which sets King Princess’ sound far above the rest. Soft and sensitive lyrics sung like Billie Eilish come flocked with imagery as immersive as the clouded soundscape. A violinist fleshes out the rock band sound while nostalgic synth leads peep out from the dreampop haze. King Princess even plays a guitar solo that could fit into a record by The Cure, before all fades out to a deep forest green.
Music Man readers with a penchant for pop evolution will be on the edge of their seats for this track — the dreamy, minimalist innovations Lorde laid down 12 years before in “Royals” blossom into a genre of their own through this King Princess hit, all while KP molds contemporary pop to her own, rare design.
While some fans have been melting over King Princess’ “satin voice” in this performance, others have been blown away by how well her song matches the moment it soundtracks in the Netflix show. One viewer admitted in the comments section, “I’ve replayed this song an unhealthy amount of times because of that amazing scene”; another praised the “distinct raw feeling” in King Princess’ work while another fan commented, “[the] trajectory of my life has just been changed forever” after watching the clip.
Netflix’s animated series, “Arcane,” is based in the League of Legends universe, and only one season in was named “one of the best video game adaptations ever made.”
King Princess, meanwhile, has been releasing music since 2018, including her debut single, “1950,” debut album, “Cheap Queen,” and a second studio album in 2022, entitled “Hold On Baby.” She’s played at the Lollapalooza and Coachella festivals, hit the Glastonbury stage alongside Mark Ronson, and has even opened for Harry Styles, Shawn Mendes, and Red Hot Chili Peppers on tour. Her “Arcane” soundtrack feature marks her latest major break into the spotlight as she rises from internet sensation to internationally acclaimed musician.
King Princess is redefining indie-pop with her distinctive blend of nostalgic and modern sounds. With “Fantastic” soaring to viral status, it’s clear she’s a force to watch. Her captivating performances and evocative lyrics have the music world buzzing. To explore more about King Princess and her groundbreaking work, check out the links below.