Prinze George on the Rise
There are big things in store for three-piece multi-talented group, Prinze George. Naomi, Kenny and Isabelle, from Prinze George County of Maryland, are about to take the indie pop stage. They have recently released an energetic single, “Upswing” and it’s pumping rhythms and driving vocals will have you grooving in no time. Their self titled EP is set to drop the third of March and we cannot wait.
Even more exciting, Prinze George will be performing in Delaware's Firefly Festival and SXSW this summer. Besides rocking it out on the festival scene, they will be releasing a full-length album within the year. From what I can tell, this ambitious band is definitely on the upswing and I don’t see the pendulum swinging back any time soon.
I had an opportunity to talk with Prinze George about their experience as a new band as well as what exciting things are still to come.
How would you describe your specific style within the indie genre?
Prinze George: It's definitely pop. Some songs are dancey, some are ballads, but our music tends to be electronic with some acoustic elements and jazzy vocals.
Why do you produce music?
PG: We really enjoy the efficiency and control that production allows us. Being able to switch between instruments while we compose gives us a multitude of possibilities. Our song "Make Me" was completely inspired by the vocal sample in the intro.
How would you describe your creative process when writing songs?
Naiomi: We pretty much have our roles, but it's different every time. I do the vocals/lyrics, Kenny does the production/music and Isabelle does drum parts/music. Sometimes, Kenny creates a track on the computer and we all contribute ideas and build from there. Sometimes Isabelle lays down a piano progression, and we build around that. and
Where do you draw inspiration form?
PG: Most of our inspiration comes from our home; particularly the people who make it home for us.
Naomi, who are your biggest vocal inspirations?
Naiomi: My biggest vocal inspirations are mostly female. Growing up it was Lauryn Hill, Joni Mitchell, Emily Haines, Regina Spektor, Alicia Keys, Nelly Furtado, Jewel and Beyonce. Also every 90's pop diva and the Beatles. Chris Martin, Matt Beringer, Sam Cooke and Justin Vernon are my favorite male vocalists.
What is the meaning behind your new single, "Upswing"?
PG: Upswing is about the contrasts of life. The motion of life is similar to swinging; starting from the bottom and getting to the highest point and going back to square one again. It's celebrating all of the low's and in-between moments as much as the high's.
Your name is derived from your hometown, Prince George's County, how big of a role does your hometown play into your music?
PG: As you can probably tell, PG county plays a pivotal role in our music. Most of our music has been written in PG county, about people we've grown up with and connected with in the area. PG County is a really diverse place with so much talent and creativity. There is a lot of passion for politics, education and the arts. We are proud to be from such a place.
What is it like to be in a band with someone you've grown up with, Kenny and Naomi?
Naiomi: It is lovely and natural, as well as comfortable.
How did you form the trio you have now?
Naiomi: The three of us met in PG county while Isabelle was still in college a couple of years ago at the University of Maryland. Kenny had posted a flyer on campus, because we needed a drummer for our then rock band. The flyer was super lame, but Isabelle called us anyway, because her sister encouraged her to. That project fizzled and Kenny and I started Prinze George on the side. We moved to NYC for a year to try our luck, and we were very lucky. We kept in touch with each other and when we moved home, we pretty much picked up where we'd left off.
Describe your favorite experience preforming?
PG: Last year we performed on a boat show in NYC with our dear friends High Waisted and Teen Commandments. When we started our track "The Writer" we turned around and the Statue of Liberty was a few feet away from us. It was pretty amazing.
What is your favorite song to preform and why?
Naiomi: I think we all have our favorites, Isabelle loves performing "This Time" and we love getting to see her drum skills shine in her solo before the song starts.
We all love playing "Upswing", probably because we get a chance to rock out together onstage during the breakdown. Also probably because those Phil Collins style toms are so fun.
How is it being compared with Lana Del Ray as well as MS MR?
PG: It's awesome! I'm a huge Lana fan and love what MS MR has created. Lizzy from MS MR has been a huge supporter of ours since the beginning and is an absolute sweetheart.
What can we expect to hear in your upcoming EP?
PG: Expect to hear some versatility. We've got a couple more upbeat songs and a couple that are harder to peg.
What other thing should we be looking out from Prinze George for in 2015?
PG: Our first full length album. We have so much new material that we cannot wait to share, and we're going to just honor each song and do whatever we want.
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