Interview: PRINS

We started by taking it all the way back to the start and wanted to know how PRINS came to be. 

"Music has always been a huge part of my life, but I never thought pursuing it as a career was a real possibility—it always felt like something that happened to other people. The one thing I was certain about, though, was my love for performing. I’ve been a dancer since I was five, so for a long time, I thought that might be my path. But as much as I loved dance, I realized it wasn’t quite the right fit."

"I always loved singing too, and while I gave musical theatre a shot, it just wasn’t for me. Becoming a pop singer felt like the perfect way to combine my passions for music and dance into something that truly reflects who I am."

There is some epic talent out there at the moment. Are there any that you admire or take inspiration for as an artist?

"I draw inspiration from so many artists, each for different reasons, whether it’s their bold creativity, emotional storytelling, or the way they push boundaries. Right now, I’m incredibly inspired by Tove Lo, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Ashnikko, SZA, Nina Chuba, The Weekend, Mimi Webb, Tate McRae, and Griff—to name a few! "

There's a lot of different elements that go into making a song, a lot of which you are very involved in. If you could choose, though, what would you say is your favourite part?

"Writing is fun, but releasing a song is definitely my favourite part of the process. There’s something exciting about finally sharing what I’ve been working on and seeing how people respond to it. It’s completely unpredictable, and that makes it feel so real and rewarding."

The music industry isn't the easiest to get into; it takes a lot of time, effort, dedication and ability to keep pushing for your dream and rolling with the punches. What has kept you going and pushing for your dream to come true?

"Absolutely! Since leaving NZ and living on the road full-time, there have definitely been some extreme highs, lows, and plenty of challenges along the way. But I genuinely love what I do, so staying motivated hasn’t been an issue. I feel so lucky every day, I am just grateful to be able to do this for a living."

How have you found travelling to all these different places to perform? Have there been any major differences you’ve come across?

"Travelling is one of my biggest passions, second only to music, so being able to combine the two has been a dream come true. It’s incredible to experience how different audiences respond to live music and how each place has its own unique vibe, like Germany, for example, who have such a strong appreciation for live music—it’s amazing to see how many people show up to discover new artists. I’ve been lucky enough to perform in 7 countries so far, playing a mix of festivals, clubs, and headline shows, and it really is completely different in each market."

Not only has PRINS been travelling the world performing, gaining recognition, and building a fan base, but she's also somehow managed to come back to her hometown community and help support an epic music initiative that's been running in local schools. 

"The end of 2024 was a whirlwind with the Schools Tour, where we visited 30 schools in just two weeks. It all came together thanks to my great friend Dan Hitchens, the owner of Christchurch’s leading music school, ‘Monster Music.’ He invited us to join their end-of-year Christmas concerts as a surprise for the kids, which was such a special experience. I’d love to do it again at the end of 2025 if it fits into our schedule!"

So a new song is about to drop! The first since Jan 2024. Tell us everything. Where did the name come from, what are the themes, how does it feel that it’s about to drop?

"FINALLY, a new song! It’s the start of a whole new PRINS era, and I’m beyond ready for it. ‘Run!’ is the first single off a brand-new record that I’ve been working on over the past year, crafting it during various writing trips to LA. This song is more than just a comeback—it’s a statement. It’s anthemic and is about finding strength after betrayal. Honestly, it doesn’t feel fully real yet because it’s been such a long time coming. I’m nervous, excited, and really curious to see what it might mean for the next chapter."

What do you have coming up that you can share with us?

"​2024 was all about building my new team in LA and really focusing on refining my songwriting skills. I’ve got a ton of new music lined up for 2025, including the first single, ‘Run!’, dropping on January 31st. At the end of last year, I debuted a brand-new show at Rolling Meadows and my first festival headliner at the Courtenay Carnival NYE Festival in Wellington. The new show features tracks from my upcoming record, fresh choreography, and a whole new vibe."

"I’m now gearing up for my biggest headline shows yet in Auckland on April 12th and Christchurch on April 26th! I’ll also be heading back overseas soon, with some exciting announcements on the way! It’s all go and 2025 is looking to be monumental for my music career, I couldn't be more excited!"

What burger do you think your new album would be if it were on the BF menu?
"The Chook Royale, for sure!"

What would your ideal BF burger contain?
"Brioche bun bottom, honey mustard, lettuce, grilled chicken, avocado, pineapple, tomato, pickles, cranberry sauce, brioche bun top - yes , please."

To round out an epic interview, we had to put PRINS through our quick-fire round.

What is your go-to song for Jam Out in the Car?  BMF - SZA
Who is your favourite artist at the moment? Right now, SZA
One thing you can’t perform without? Fake eyelashes on
One artist or band you would love to co-lab with? I’d love to collab with Troye Sivan for sure!
Go to BurgerFuel order. I’m a Burnout girly, for sure!

Fire or Backfire

Pickles in burgers - Fire
Crocs - Backfire
Karaoke - Backfire
BurgerFuel Aioli - Fire
Acoustic performances – Fire
NZ Music Month - Fire
Festivals - Fire
Singing in the shower - Fire
Pineapple on pizza - Fire
Supermarket in bare feet in NZ - Backfire

Check out PRINS' newest single, RUN.