LA Pop Singer-Songwriter Pollux King Discusses New Single ‘Anybody,’ Vulnerability In Songwriting, & More

Words can hurt like a punch to the gut, but unlike a bruise, the emotional pain tends to linger under the surface, long after the initial mark fades. 

It’s something LA singer-songwriter Pollux King has a long-time history with – growing up with bullies as a recurring obstacle – and she’s not the only one who’s had to struggle to retrieve her power after being knocked down, physically and mentally. If we’re being honest, it’s happened to all of us at least once or twice in our lives. We try to forget those moments as much as we can, instead, focusing on the redemption. But for King, it’s important to acknowledge her scars, if just so she can help others heal theirs. Pleading in desperate vulnerability for a compassionate aid, the songstress bares her soul in emotional new single “Anybody”.

The dark, harmonious hum of a gospel choir is the first thing you’ll hear as it grounds itself to a heavy stomp-beat and rudimental keyboards full of ambience. But King’s voice is the ultimate highlight, beautifully suffocating as it passionately claws at your heartstrings, while fearlessly clenching at your core in radiant strength and courage, daring you to ignore her. Achingly personal, “Anybody” is made for just that: anybody.

King put out her first single, “Score to Settle,” at the beginning of this year, showcasing her thunderous rocker spunk with crunchy guitars and pulsing electronic accents. It’s tough and unapologetic – the epitome of an I-don’t-give-a-fuck attitude that’s worth rooting for. She comes out full swing with this one- just like she should. 

Her following single, “I Love You Always Forever,” resurrected a Donna Lewis 90’s hit with a smoldering twist. Adding her sinister touch, King manages to make the song completely unrecognizable from its original. In fact, I had no idea it was a cover until the familiar melody of the chorus came piercing through. King’s version takes you on a lustrous journey bathed in airy synths and reverberating swells, abundantly hypnotic. 

Whatever song Pollux King releases, you’ll find that each one uncovers yet another layer of her unforgettable magnetism. And in an effort to peel back a few more, I got to chatting with King about herself, her artistry and more specifically, her most recent track, “Anybody”.  

In just a few releases, you’ve covered many genres and styles. Would you say that’s a conscious result of your artistry?

Honestly, I just love music too much to stick to one thing. Every genre has something unique and special to it. 

How do you think your sound has grown in the last five years?

I definitely had it hammered into me that I had to pick one genre and stick to it. That never sat very well with me, so I always had some kind of mix, just more subtle. Working with Chris Kooreman (my producer) and being able to go wild with everything has been a blast. He’s done a great job of getting it into my brain that there really are no rules, and we can do whatever we want and just have FUN with it. 

In what artists do you find the most influence, whether musically or aesthetically?

Dr. Dre, Bishop Briggs, YUNGBLUD, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, and on and on forever. I genuinely love all genres and am constantly influenced by 50 artists at a time. 

What have you found to be the most valuable part of making music?

By far – how much you grow as a person, how much you learn about yourself. It’s a very strange type of therapy, except instead of telling your therapist, you’re telling millions of people your most vulnerable feelings. It’s terrifying and liberating. You definitely need to let go of a bunch of your own bullshit. 

In what area of your life do you find the most inspiration for your songs?

Depends on the day, and my mood. My juiciest feelings tend to be about mental health, politics, and sex. 

Can you describe the first stroke of inspiration you had for “Anybody”? Was it a more sudden idea, or did it fester in your mind for a while before you chose to bring it to life?

I always wanted to write a song about this, and I’m sure I’ll write more. This is what came out first. I love writing about sex and relationships as much as anybody else, but I also need to write about all the vulnerable stuff we don’t talk about too often. It’s important to me to share this stuff and let people know they’re not alone in those feelings and experiences.

Since this song is rather raw and personal, were there any reservations you had either during the making of it or before its release?

About 5,000, haha. It was very hard to write, and it’s hard to sing. There are days it feels too vulnerable and I hate it, then other days I’m happy it’s out in the world. It was a bit scary, really. I was more just nervous because I so badly hoped that people who needed to hear would understand it. 

What about this song do you find to be the most rewarding?

When people message me and tell me it means something to them. It definitely doesn’t make me feel warm and squishy when I sing it, but when I get messages saying that it’s helped them or made someone feel more comfortable in their own skin and thoughts, it makes it well worth it. 

You’ve said that you want this song to let people know they’re not alone… do you ever listen back to this song in moments of your own loneliness? Are there any other songs/artists you’d listen to?

I don’t, it makes me pretty sad to listen to it. When I’m sad or lonely I tend to listen to fun and sassy things to help me get fired back up. 

Do you have any more releases planned for us in the near future?

Absolutely. We’ve got a very dark, sexy one coming out this summer. We’re just getting started on the video right now. It’s very different from the other songs we’ve put out, and I can’t wait to see the reactions. 

And finally, what do you hope to achieve this year, whether it be in your career or personal life?

I want to get touring so I can hug people and tell them I love them! I hope we can start doing that toward the end of the year. Everybody cross your fingers.