“I’m ‘that bitch’ and no one can bring me down”
Both as an artist and an individual, Majorlilkween is evolving. She recently released her latest single and music video “Rogue”, a track that successfully incorporates pop and hip hop vibes, that involve a very powerful idea: Female empowerment derived from the same sexualization once used to control and objectify women. “Rogue” (Ft. Bali Baby) is a personal reflection of Majorlilkween’s about feeling confident and it was written after she had experienced rejection because of her body.
This girl, born in Tallinn, Estonia, whose real name is Alexandra Elizabeth Ljadov, has had a passion for music, performance, and the arts since she was very young. At the age of 16, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in the fashion industry, and soon after, she also began developing her musical career.
She has been releasing music as Majorlilkween since 2019, a project inspired by her time in fashion, her love of visual storytelling, and her affinity for early 2000s pop and modern hip-hop.
Don´t miss this chat we had with her…
What ‘Rogue’ denotes is a bold mix between empowerment and female sexuality. Where was your message focused on this song?
It was really focused on taking my power back and feeling confident in my own body. Women have been sexualized since the beginning of time, so why not use it to our advantage?
Did you choose the name? Why is it called ‘Rogue’?
I chose “Rogue” because firstly it was a standout line in the pre-hook, but also it made perfect sense. I recorded “Rogue” to celebrate my self-love/confidence journey. I am tired of letting the industry tell me I’m too fat, my boobs are too big, I’m too skinny etc…I know I’m “that bitch” and no one can bring me down. I’m “going rogue” in my own way. I’m too aware for anyone to bring me down or take advantage of me.
We understand that you have had to experience first-hand the pressure of stereotypes. How much of that experience is in this single?
It is very much in the single. Throughout the whole song I’m letting the world know about the confident woman I am. I’m a beautiful boss bitch in my act and determined to be the best, most successful version of myself. I started modeling at a very young age and I have a rather unusual body type for modeling. Somehow my boobs are always a topic of conversation, since they are considered big for a person who is thin. Stylists have told me on set the clothes don’t fit me just because they don’t like how they look on a bigger chest. I’ve even been sent home for that. When I started making music and doing shoots as Majorlilkween the energy was different. I realized I was never the problem and the clothes never changed size, it was the environment and people around me. Thankfully the fashion industry has changed a lot since then, but for a young girl it was damaging.
There is a very natural synergy with Bali Baby. How was the collaboration process? Did you already know each other?
I was introduced to Bali in 2017 by a photographer friend. I had the opportunity to photograph an editorial for ODDA Magazine and I was looking for unique standout talent so I slid into her dm’s. From there on we worked on a couple of shoots. I always knew I wanted “Rogue” to be a female collaboration. After I finished structuring the song I knew Bali would be perfect for it. I have also seen her talk about similar body image topics as I. Thankfully she loved the track and the rest is history. She flew to New York, stayed with me for two days and we dove in. I had a very specific vision for the video, she delivered an iconic performance and really owned the character. Since we have known each other for years, everything came naturally, felt comfortable and we had already built up chemistry. I honestly had the most fun ever working on this whole project with her.
Let’s talk about the music video, who directed it, and what was the conversation you wanted to generate with it?
I directed the video with Modern Day Auteur. We have worked on two other videos (“Ten 22” & “So Toxic”) together, so he already has an understanding of my ideas, creativity and vision. I started making videos when I was 8 and I am really good at it, but he is probably the only person I know who is better than me and I love that. I always learn so much when we work together. I got the idea for the video when my mom was trying on a bodysuit and tearing herself down by speaking bad on her gorgeous body. It made me sad and I wanted to show her that every woman is beautiful. Every day we are fed this unrealistic perfect airbrushed image on social media and the real women forget they are already perfect. The music video represents overcoming insecurities and finally letting go, being comfortable in your skin and owning the power of being a woman.
You talk about female empowerment while at the same time you’re exposing the female body in a very provocative manner with the music video. wouldn’t that be a bit of a confusing message in conflict with the valuation of women for their essence?
Like I mentioned earlier, men have been sexualizing women for ages. I find it quite liberating doing it my own way, taking my power back, profiting from it and creating a safe environment for other women to do the same in whatever way they are comfortable with.
Which artists in the industry are your references in artistic/musical terms?
I would say it’s a blend of Grimes, Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears and Doja Cat.
How do you imagine the development of your professional career?
I always want to do better and be better with each project. I’m constantly learning and growing. I want to become the best I can. I have so many ideas I wanna put out in the world. Of course, I have people I want to collaborate with, festivals/venues/shows I want to play, videos I want to make, campaigns I want to do, but instead of naming them I will work my absolute hardest and then when the time comes you guys can see for yourself. I am also a big believer in manifestation. I manifest every night 11:11, it really helps me to stay focused on my dreams and reminds me of what I am working towards.
What should the public expect from your upcoming shows?
My upcoming shows are a fun/entertaining/interactive experience you don’t want to miss. My choreographer Melissa Ashley Diaz and I have come up with a whole new jam-packed set with lots of surprises. You will definitely see colorful looks, dancers, visuals, a theme with each show, and maybe even a few special guests. It’s going to be giving.
UPCOMING SHOWS
DATE: 9/6/22
LOCATION: The Sultan Room Brooklyn
DATE: 9/8/22
LOCATION: Rosewood Theater, New York City
DATE: 10/20/22
LOCATION: Brick & Mortar, San Francisco
Story: Mariana González Photos: Courtesy of the artist
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