If you’re of a certain age and/or into a certain style and sound of music, you might remember one particularly memorable song – “Bad Babysitter” by Princess Superstar. That track was released in 2002, and proved to be a HUGE, career changing hit for the singer. After a decade away, she’s back with new single “Gettin’ Older (Pussy Still Pop!)” and PopWrapped caught up with her to find out what she’s been up to and what her goals and ambitions are as an artist now.
Long time, no see! How have you been?
I’ve been awesome. We moved to LA near the beach after almost a lifetime in NYC and it feels so good. Plus being a mama to my ten-year-old has been incredible. I am psyched to be back in the game now having taken some time off!
You’re best known for your hit “Bad Babysitter.” Looking back, did you ever think or imagine the track would become as massive as it did? How did the success of that track validate you both as a person and an artist, and what do you think it was and is about the song that so many connected and still connect to?
A fan reminded me that as of last week, October 8, it’s 20 years since my record ‘Princess Superstar Is’ came out! I had no idea that was the anniversary actually. And no, you cannot ever imagine when your track will be a massive success – that was already my 4th album and I had no previous real success! It is hard to describe when your vision becomes a reality like that, incredibly validating/scary/exciting/mind-blowing all at once. I remember getting the call that I could finally quit my day job and I just was literally jumping up and down with joy. About the song, I think people connect to the humor and subversiveness of it. It’s just a really fun and funny song. People need fun – now more than ever!
You’ve been away from the music scene for a decade – what have you been up to, personally and professionally?
My kid Siren is ten years old so that’s what I’ve been doing! I home-school her and she’s a little musician herself. She plays 5 instruments! I did some music here and there but not really. A few years ago, I got to work with Amy Schumer on Inside Amy Schumer which was super amazing.
What made you decide now was the right time to make a ‘comeback’?
I turned 50 this year and had the idea to write a song about aging for years. I decided, it’s now or never girl! Better do it while you still look pretty good ha ha!
Tell me a little about your new single “Gettin’ Older (Pussy Still Pop!)”
It’s an anthem about getting older and still feeling relevant and important. It’s about owning who you are and that actually aging can be amazing because you have more wisdom and can have a long-term healthy marriage. And you don’t need botox to be hot! It’s also just meant to be fun and celebratory!
What do you hope those who hear “Gettin’ Older…” will take from it? Is there a particular message you want to get across through it?
That youth culture ain’t the only game in town.
The music industry, like much of the world, has changed considerably over the years. Do you feel any uncertainty or pressure returning to a business that has undergone such huge changes since you were last part of it, or do you believe that there’s room and an audience for every artist, no matter their genre, age or how long they’ve taken a break from it for etc?
I always think if social media had been around I would have millions of followers etc. but shrug what can ya do? I was popular on Myspace ha ha! What’s cool about now is that it’s leveled the playing field. You can be an artist in the middle of nowhere and get huge on TikTok. You don’t need a major label to help you which was what it’s about in my day. Ha I can’t believe I just said “in my day”- GRANDMA alert!
Social media was in its considerable infancy when you broke out, with Twitter alone not launching until 2006. How do you feel about it now? Do you think it’s possible for an artist to be a success without being on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook?
I don’t know. I think maybe legacy artists don’t need to be on it but probably most do. Which is actually kind of sad because that’s a lot of power that these platforms have. As much as I just said the playing field is leveled, I also don’t like the power that for example a Facebook has. Especially to squash voices. But that’s a whole other political tangent.
Now “Gettin’ Older…” is out there, are you perhaps working on a new EP or album?
Yes, I am and I am excited. It will take me a bit of time as I am also a mama but it will come! Also, we are working on an incredible music video for “Gettin’ Older” which should drop mid-October and I am super excited about that.
The pandemic put the brakes on touring, festivals etc – now that live shows are starting up again, can we expect to see you out on the road any time soon?
Maybe! I have no plans yet but you never know. I do miss touring.
Finally then, what are your goals and ambitions as an artist this time around? What do you still have left to tick off your personal/professional bucket lists and how are you going to go about achieving those things in the coming months?
I just want to continue my mission from 25 years ago- to make great music that makes people think and laugh. To be of service to the world in that way.
Check out the explicit lyric video for “Gettin’ Older (Pussy Still Pop!)” above and for more information on Princess Superstar, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Header photo credit: Anastasia Antonova.
