Brooklyn’s own King Princess—the genre-blending, queer pop phenomenon led by Mikaela Straus—has just electrified fans with the announcement of her third studio album, Girl Violence, and a sprawling tour that will bring her to The National in Richmond, VA, this October. The news comes hot on the heels of her explosive debut of the album’s lead single, “RIP KP,” performed live on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in early June. This marks a major moment for King Princess, as she steps into a new era of creative control and bold, unapologetic storytelling.
The album, set for release on September 12, is her first with the new label section1, and promises a raw, cathartic exploration of love, loss, and the messy, beautiful chaos of relationships. King Princess described the record as “the sound of picking up the pieces after my world fell apart,” a sentiment that resonates through every track. The tour, kicking off in earnest this fall, will see her crisscross North America and Europe, with The National in Richmond as just one standout stop among many.
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King Princess: A New Chapter in Pop
King Princess has always stood out for her fearless authenticity. This time, she returns to her roots in Brooklyn after seven years in Los Angeles, channeling the energy of the city into a record that feels both nostalgic and utterly fresh. Collaborating with producers Jake Portrait (known for his work with Lil Yachty and Alex G) and Aire Atlantica (who broke through with SZA’s “Low”), she’s crafted a sound that’s as daring as it is deeply personal.
The lead single, “RIP KP,” is a wild, erotic anthem for queer summer debauchery. Its music video, directed by Warren Fu, finds King Princess in a demonic, ultra-gay afterlife limbo—a visual feast that matches the song’s wild energy. She’s called it “the perfect way to open the record: dramatic, unhinged, and a little tongue-in-cheek,” and it’s already being hailed as one of her boldest, sexiest tracks yet.
Beyond the music, King Princess is making waves in acting, currently starring in the current season of Nine Perfect Strangers on Hulu alongside Nicole Kidman. Later this year, she’ll make her feature film debut in Song Sung Blue with Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Her multi-hyphenate talents and unrelenting drive for visibility in the LGBTQ+ community continue to set her apart as a singular artist.
Tour Highlights: King Princess at The National
King Princess’s upcoming tour is a major event for fans across the globe. The North American leg kicks off with two appearances at Austin City Limits in early October, then winds through major cities before landing at The National in Richmond, VA, on October 28. From there, she’ll hit Brooklyn Paramount, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Boston, and beyond, wrapping up the US run at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. European dates follow in December, with stops in Dublin, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, London, Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin.
Here’s a quick look at some key tour stops:
- October 3 & 10: Austin City Limits – Austin, TX
- October 25: Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN
- October 26: Buckhead Theatre – Atlanta, GA
- October 28: The National – Richmond, VA
- October 29: Brooklyn Paramount – Brooklyn, NY
- October 31: 9:30 Club – Washington, DC
- November 1: Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA
- November 2: House of Blues – Boston, MA
- November 22: The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA
- December 3: Vicar Street – Dublin, Ireland
- December 9: Brixton Electric – London, UK
Tickets for all dates, including The National in Richmond, go on sale at 10 a.m. local time on Friday, June 13. Fans are encouraged to act fast—her recent Brooklyn show sold out instantly, and demand is expected to be high for the rest of the tour.
Why King Princess Matters Right Now
King Princess isn’t just another pop star—she’s a cultural force. Her music, rooted in queer experience and unafraid to tackle the raw edges of love and identity, has earned her over a billion streams, global certifications, and collaborations with icons like Fiona Apple, Florence Welch, Aaron Dessner, Mark Ronson, and Father John Misty. She’s performed on Saturday Night Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Tonight Show, and NPR’s Tiny Desk, and toured with The Strokes, Florence + The Machine, and Kacey Musgraves.
Her latest project, Girl Violence, is a testament to her resilience and creative vision. After stepping back from the major label system, breaking up, and moving away from LA, King Princess found freedom in returning to NYC and making the music she would’ve obsessed over at 15. The result is an album that’s both a personal reckoning and a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt underestimated or out of place.
King Princess is coming to The National in October, and it’s not just a concert—it’s a celebration of survival, self-discovery, and unapologetic queer joy.
Don’t miss your chance to see King Princess live—grab your tickets before they’re gone.