Prima Queen

“Transatlantic indie stars” The Guardian

"A remarkable new band in the making" The i

“Prima Queen’s ethereal sound, which shimmers with delicate vocal interplay and glacial instrumentation, takes them to regal heights” NME

Transatlantic indie maestros Prima Queen release newest LP preview ‘Oats’ (video here), out now following its BBC 6 Music Huw Stephens premiere), signalling the fourth teaser from upcoming debut LP ‘The Prize’ (pre-order here), set for release April 25th via Submarine Cat Records (Swim Deep, FEET,  Home Counties, Fraulein).

Having supported Everything Everything on their extensive December UK tour, the band will be celebrating their album release with a newly-announced EU tour this May, followed by their biggest ever UK headline tour to date (including a London headliner at Islington Assembly Hall on May 22nd) and a slot alongside returning indie favourites The Maccabees at All Points East (London) this summer as their live plot continues to impress.

Packed with effusive, empathic melodies, ‘The Prize’ sees the duo push their musicianship to the outer limits, with ‘Oats’ showcasing co-bandleader Louise Macphail delivering one of her most adventurous guitar solos yet, careening between the subdued and the rollicking with aplomb. Arriving as the follow-up to acclaimed lead singles ‘Fool’, ‘Ugly’ and their title-track, Macphail and Kristin McFadden’s vivid material plays like a love letter to the radical power of friendship, with their biting charismatic storytelling gaining widespread fanfare as their debut album release edges ever closer.

Produced by Steph Marziano (Hayley Williams, Let’s Eat Grandma) and recorded at London’s Angelica Studios in late 2023, the band approached the record with the intention to paint all of their emotional revelations on a rich sonic canvas. Tapping into the shimmering pop sensibilities of Haim and Jenny Lewis, an openness of spirit defines the 12 tracks, partly inspired by the euphoria the group experienced on stage over the 18 months while touring with the likes of Olivia Dean, Wet Leg and Whitney.

Having built a glowing live reputation through appearances at the likes of Glastonbury, SXSW and Pitchfork Paris in recent times, Prima Queen have already gained approval from all corners of the press landscape (The Guardian, The I Paper, The Independent, The Times, NME, DIY, Dork, The Line Of Best Fit, Clash, Rough Trade, The New Cue, The Forty-Five), whilst multiple previous singles have all landed on the BBC 6 Music playlist (Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens, Lauren Laverne, Craig Charles) to widespread plaudits.

Detailing the fourth teaser from their upcoming record, the two-piece revealed: “After refusing to write another sad song, we wanted to make a fun take on the chaos of modern dating. ‘Oats’ is the all-too-common story of the rise and fall of a romance. It’s easy to take it personally when you get messed around in love, but most of the time it has nothing to do with you. Usually it comes from people’s unresolved issues from their past, and it’s important to stay strong in your own self worth and not be afraid to walk away! No one should be begging for love, you should be being lavished with it <3”

Prima Queen’s ‘Oats’ is out now via Submarine Cat Records and available on all digital platforms.

Prima Queen is Louise Macphail (vocals / guitar) & Kristin McFadden (vocals / guitar)