Kim Petras: “There’s been people who didn’t want to work with me because I’m trans”

Since debuting on the pop scene in August with her broke with expensive taste anthem “I Don’t Want It At All”, German newcomer Kim Petras keeps going from strength to strength.

Like all memorable pop divas, Kim embodies the best of those who came before her, but brings her own unique flair to the mix. Oh, and Kim is a trans artist too – not that that should define her in any way, as she declares. By easily smashing the three million mark for “I Don’t Want It At All” it seems Kim may well be on her way to donning those designer clothes she sweetly bellows about in her luxurious 80s-drenched bop.

SheBOPS: What does the large reaction to “I Don’t Want It At All” (over 3 million streams on Spotify) mean to you?

Kim Petras: It means everything! I’m super happy people like it and have fun listening to it.

When did you start noticing the power of your singing voice?

When my neighbors started complaining! I was like ‘damn I really do have a loud voice’.

To celebrate the luxurious lyrics of “I Don’t Want It At All,” sum up your sound using three designer clothing brands.

2000s Dior, Miu Miu, Vetements.

Will “I Don’t Want It At All” be appearing on an upcoming album or EP?

It will absolutely be on the album! The roll out for this first record is going to be a little unconventional but it’s going to end up being an album. All the songs on it belong together in one way or another!

Have you spoken with the Sephora cashier who inspired the “close your eyes and swipe it” lyric since releasing “I Don’t Want It At All”?

I have not! I HAVE to go find her and play her the song!

What does it mean to be a trans artist in 2017?

I think as long as you make good music and you work hard, gender identification doesn’t really matter. There’s definitely been people who didn’t want to sign me or work with me or support my music because I’m transgender. Mostly people have been very accepting and supportive.

Is there anything you would like to change about society’s perception of trans people?

Yes! I’d like for people to know that being transgender doesn’t define you in any way. It doesn’t say anything about you as a person. I’d like to be known for being a songwriter and an artist. I think people make way too big a deal out of gender in general. We’re all just human.

Do you have a special message for other people who feel that they were also born in the wrong body?

Don’t let anybody tell you what you should be and just be who you are. As cheesy as it sounds!

Which female musicians do you admire the most?

Debbie Harry, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani, Marina and the Diamonds, Lana Del Rey, Lil Kim, Rihanna, Madonna.

Who are your favorite female musicians from Germany?

I don’t listen to much German music. Besides from the obvious “99 Luftballons” by Nena and there’s a song by Lucilectric called “Mädchen” that’s pretty fly.

What can we expect from your future music?

You can expect a lot more fun pop jams, a lot of ad libs, heartbreak songs, guitar solos and a ton of vocoder / talkbox parts.

What do you stand for as an artist?

I’m really just making music! I want my songs to make people forget their problems and feel happy for a couple minutes.

Connect with Kim and tell her about your favorite designer clothes on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and connect with SheBOPS on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for more pop girl updates!