After cultivating her unique brand of electro-pop throughout 2021, Kiwi artist PRINS returns in 2022 with 'That's the thing x', a new single that showcases the pop phenom's growth as a songwriter through a contemplative exploration of relationships and all their complexities.
Last year, Alannah Prins carved out her corner in Aotearoa's flourishing music scene, cementing her status as Christchurch's resident pop princess with a string of catchy club anthems and her trademark dance-floor-ready tracks.
And PRINS continues to move from strength-to-strength with 'That's the thing x', a moody and melancholic reflection on relationships that sees the pop powerhouse expand on her tried-and-trusted formula, offering a maturer sound that departs from her repertoire of up-tempo dance bangers.
Taking the tempo down a notch, 'That's the thing x' switches up PRINS' signature style in favor of a slower-paced, introspective offering that explores the themes of trust, vulnerability and self-sabotage. Set to a heady, downtempo beat, theatrical piano chords and choral harmonies, PRINS showcases her soulful side with deeper, throatier vocals as she navigates the rocky terrain of love's trials and tribulations - but of course, all still wrapped in radio-ready pop.
"Crossed the line too many times, what does it mean? Built up walls so high, can't see them coming down," PRINS muses.
"You pick your words, the ones I like, I overdose. Let us bend until we break, if that's okay. It's all I know, so please don't take that from me.
"I don't need another replacement, I like the unknown. Told you I would hold you close, enough to protect it, but I keep letting go. Come and tell me how you're so sure, that you're all I need and more."
Written by PRINS and Marlon Gerbes - the keyboardist of the iconic Kiwi pop rock septet Six60 - 'That's the thing x' was produced by House of Wolf and mixed by award-winning engineer Pierre-Olivier Couturier, both of whom have worked with American alt-pop songstress Carlie Hanson. Grammy Award-winning engineer Chris Gehringer also graced the track with his mastering expertise, having worked with the likes of international hitmakers Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga and Lil Nas X.
After building a strong foundation for a future in New Zealand's diverse and ever-growing music landscape in 2021, PRINS is undoubtedly one to watch for the year ahead.