Jimi The Kween, Supplied
Jimi The Kween has been ever-present on the Australian festival scene in recent years. Following her appearance on season nine of The Voice in 2020, Jimi The Kween has performed live at Gaytimes and Melbourne Pride, DJed at Pitch Music & Arts, Sydney WorldPride and Summer Camp, and played gigs in New Zealand, Bali, Singapore and Los Angeles.
Jimi The Kween released her debut single, “Interstellar (Ra Ta Ta),” in October 2023, a collaboration with Y.O.G.A. (aka Peking Duk’s Reuben Styles). The drag star’s follow-up single, “Venus B!tch,” combines big room house production with rapped vocals and pop vocal melodies.
The track is out now and Check Check spoke to Jimi The Kween about songwriting, DJing, the POOF DOOF parties, and what’s on the cards for 2024.
Jimi The Kween - "Venus B!tch"
Check Check: You bring together a bunch of different genres in “Venus B!tch” – hyperpop, house, rapped vocals and pop hooks. How did you arrive at this concoction?
Jimi The Kween: Well, first came the rap chorus – it had been in my head for weeks and I needed to lay it down. I always knew it would be followed by an absolutely banging drop, and after a few drafts, the pop vocal came through and then she really started taking form.
It was turning into such a feel good anthem that it just needed to end with a euphoric synth sound to bring it all home and let the energy loose.
When you’re producing tracks, are you trying to make something you’d be happy to play in your DJ sets?
Absolutely. This is a big inspiration for my club tracks. Sometimes when I’m scrolling for tracks mid-set, I’m like, “Make note for a sexy euphoric thrasher” or “Change drop to be dark instrumental stonker.” You should hear some of my voice notes!
It is also really fun to test out sections of unreleased demos to see how the crowd responds. This is usually when I know if it’s going to be released or not.
You’ve played at events in Australia, NZ, Bali and the US over the last 12 months. What have been some highlights?
I am an original Kiwi gal so NZ is always a special place for me to perform. But the highlight so far has been Bali. The crowd is just insane and I think they all secretly love a kween over there!
What characterises a typical Jimi The Kween live show or DJ set?
A live show with me is a cosmic fusion of high energy campery and sauciness. Sexy dancers, jump splits, maybe a sax solo if you’re lucky, and a lot of arms in the air, baby.
DJ sets are a mix of old school remixes and absolute stanky drops. I love to mix and match and keep the crowd on their toes. And I will be dancing sister!
You’re a regular at POOF DOOF events in Melbourne, Sydney and elsewhere. What makes these parties special?
POOF DOOF is the best. It is such a free and accepting space for all energies to live their fantasy. We have such a loyal following. It’s like seeing your family for a BBQ every Saturday. My music style has come from influences of the incredible DJs and performers that play at POOF DOOF and I am always so proud and energised to perform there.
Are you planning to release more music this year?
Absolutely. I have a stack of tracks coming this year and I am pumped. Also, the remix packages for “Interstellar” and “Venus B!tch” are fire. Watch this space sisters… the party is just getting started.
“Venus B!tch” by Jimi The Kween is out now
