On Wednesday, Nov. 5, the Royal Oak Music Theatre filled with fans ready to experience singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist King Princess’ “Girl Violence Tour,” named for her latest album, “Girl Violence.”
King Princess, the stage name of Mikaela Mullaney Straus, blends her two main genres, pop and rock, while weaving in personal stories that reflect her experiences and identity as a queer artist. The crowd ranged from longtime fans who discovered her with 2018’s “1950” to new listeners drawn by her evolving sound and candid personality.
The night began with a dynamic set from opener Sasami, whose performance showcased her remarkable range as both a musician and performer, featuring electric guitar solos and soulful French horn melodies alongside rich alto vocals. Her stage presence was captivating and commanding, giving the audience no choice but to watch and enjoy. By the end of her set, the energy in the room had noticeably lifted, setting the stage perfectly for the headliner’s entrance.
Backed by a talented band featuring a guitarist, bassist, drummer and pianist, King Princess took the stage, opening with “Jamie” and “Origin,” tracks from her most recent album. The band demonstrated an innate chemistry throughout the performance, with Straus noting that most of her bandmates have been with her since the beginning of her career.
The setlist drew not only from the new record but also from some of her earlier breakout hits. Energy peaked in the venue during her performances of “Talia” and “1950,” the songs that first established her among young queer audiences. She also performed songs from her second studio album, “Hold On Baby,” including “Too Bad” and “I Hate Myself, I Want to Party,” two fan favorites that sparked loud singalongs from the front rows.
The lyrics explored love, heartbreak and self-acceptance — themes that have been central to her career since her debut. While her new material carries a more mature tone, it still reflects the same emotional core that first won fans over.
Between songs, King Princess spoke to the audience with humor and honesty. She shared stories about the making of “Girl Violence,” discussed her experiences as a lesbian artist in the music industry and reflected on how her relationship with her audience has evolved since her early days, acknowledging longtime fans in attendance.
She connected deeply with the crowd, constantly moving across the stage — shredding guitar with her bandmates or stepping into the crowd to greet fans. Her stage presence balanced confidence with vulnerability, shifting seamlessly from bold rock energy to emotional intimacy.
The show’s visuals were simple but effective. Lighting changed with the tone of each song — warm, muted hues for slower ballads and bold, saturated colors for heavier tracks.
As the concert drew to a close, King Princess thanked her band, crew and the Royal Oak crowd for their energy. She ended the night with “1950,” her breakout single and one of her most beloved tracks — a fitting close to a performance that celebrated her fans as much as it did her artistic growth in the seven years since her debut.
