Once upon a time, fairy tales told us that Prince Charming was someone we had to wait for—a dashing figure destined to sweep us off our feet. But in Kristian King’s latest single, Prince Charming, the Toronto artist flips the script and makes one thing clear: sometimes, the Prince isn’t coming because the Prince is you.
A deeply introspective anthem of self-discovery and self-worth, Prince Charming invites listeners into the raw and personal journey of a young queer Black man navigating his 20s. It’s a track that challenges the notion of external validation and instead turns the focus inward. As Kristian himself puts it, “Before anyone can be a King, they must first embrace their identity as a Prince.” And this song does exactly that—it embraces, uplifts, and empowers.
From the moment the beat drops, there’s an undeniable pulse of emotion running through the track. The production blends elements of soul, R&B, and pop, wrapping Kristian’s heartfelt lyricism in evocative melodies that stay with you long after the song ends. It’s smooth yet stirring, contemplative yet confident, striking that delicate balance between vulnerability and power.
Lyrically, Prince Charming plays with the metaphor of royalty, weaving themes of personal growth, self-acceptance, and the evolution of one’s identity. There’s a longing in his voice, but there’s also resilience—a recognition that the search for love and validation starts with oneself.
Kristian King isn’t just making music; he’s carving out a space for authenticity in an industry that often thrives on façades. With every release, he continues to push boundaries, blending musical influences and personal experiences into songs that speak to the soul. Prince Charming is more than a track—it’s a statement. A declaration of self-worth, a celebration of identity, and a reminder that the most powerful love story we’ll ever experience is the one we have with ourselves.
So, if you’re searching for a song that reminds you of your own royalty, Kristian King’s Prince Charming is your next anthem. Crown yourself, press play, and step into the kingdom of self-love.
In "Prince Charming," you explore themes of self-discovery and self-worth. How has your own journey influenced your music, and how do you see this message evolving in your future work?
This song allowed me to view my life from the perspective of my younger self, filling me with optimism about being exactly where I'm meant to be on my journey. While I often wish I were already performing on big stages and walking the flyest runways, I’ve come to understand that before I can be King, I need to embrace being Prince (Charming) first. Writing this song helped me appreciate my current position and feel hopeful about the unknowns in life and the future.
Your music blends soul, R&B, and pop, creating a unique and authentic sound. Are there any new genres or styles you’re excited to experiment with moving forward?
Absolutely! I love R&B, pop, and soul, and I feel like I'm still at the beginning of my musical journey. I want to keep an open mind when creating and exploring what resonates with me. I'm particularly drawn to Afro beats and Ugandan folk music, and I’d love to create my own blend of Afro/R&B that reflects my cultural heritage! Since I’m just starting out, I’m also excited to learn more about the history of music and the different genres.
With "Prince Charming," you’ve created an anthem of self-acceptance and empowerment. How do you hope this song impacts listeners, and what themes can we expect to hear in your upcoming project?
I hope that listeners feel empowered, knowing that the best is yet to come for them. I want them to keep dreaming and pursuing their own "Prince Charming" while recognizing the divinity within themselves. I used to view loneliness as a negative experience, but I've learned that it’s in those moments of isolation that I grow the most.
As an artist, you’ve been vocal about breaking societal norms and embracing identity. How do you plan to continue using your platform to push for representation and inclusivity in the music industry?
For me, it's about consistently showing up for myself because I know others need to see themselves reflected in my work. I genuinely want to provide comfort to people, reassuring them that they aren’t alone, no matter who they are, who they love, or what they want out of life. Music is a healing force, and I hope that by sharing my sadness, happiness, and confusion, I can help heal those who resonate with my experiences.
Your upcoming project, Delicate, explores the challenges of early adulthood. What can listeners expect from this EP, and what’s next for Kristian King after its release?
Delicate is finally coming out, and I can hardly believe it! It’s truly an open letter about my journey in my early twenties. I’ve gone through so much to be able to share this project, and I can’t wait for it to reach those who need to hear it. As for what’s next, who knows? That’s the exciting part! I’ll always be writing and singing, and I want to get more practice on stage, hopefully with some live shows. I'm really just getting started!