Queen Kwong, the visceral rock project of Carré Callaway, is flipping the script on rock’s classic narratives with her new EP, Strangers, released today via Sonic Ritual. Featuring raw, evocative reinterpretations of songs by The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Chris Isaak, and The Velvet Underground, the EP solidifies Callaway’s reputation as a fearless artist pushing boundaries in rock music.

At the forefront of the release is her haunting cover of Springsteen’s “State Trooper,” accompanied by a striking video co-starring Roger O’Donnell of The Cure. By channeling the song’s intensity into a narrative about rejecting patriarchal norms, Callaway transforms the original’s tale of evasion into an anthem of empowerment.

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“My intention for the video was to flip the male gaze to the female gaze,” Callaway shares. Filmed on a whim at O’Donnell’s studio in England, the video uses an eerie blend of old TVs, camcorders, and raw footage, giving it a nostalgic yet otherworldly vibe. “Roger’s appearance in the video portrays the ‘kill your idols’ theme, which has been a recurring message in my art and writing,” Callaway explains, underscoring her critique of celebrity worship and traditional rock legacies.

The Strangers EP explores themes of legacy, personal reconciliation, and transformation. Callaway’s reinterpretation of classics like “Sympathy for the Devil” (The Rolling Stones), “Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing” (Chris Isaak), and “I Found A Reason” (The Velvet Underground) retains the originals’ essence while injecting her distinctive, industrial-punk edge.

Described by BlackBook as “a shiver-inducing stunner,” Queen Kwong’s music draws from her deeply personal experiences, channeling physical and mental traumas into sonic catharsis. The result is a blend of snarling vocals, jagged grooves, and unrelenting emotional intensity that confronts listeners with raw, unfiltered honesty.

Buzzbands.la praised her “steam-of-consciousness” creative process, which results in releases that challenge both the artist and her audience. From the delicate to the doomy, Callaway’s music is as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.

Strangers serves as a bridge to Callaway’s upcoming full-length album, set to drop in 2025. Recorded at O’Donnell’s studio and co-produced with Darian Zahedi (CRX), the album promises to continue her trajectory of uncompromising artistry. With contributions from musicians like Nick Valensi (The Strokes) and Pete Holmström (The Dandy Warhols), and mixed by Tchad Blake (The Kills, Fiona Apple), Callaway hints, “it’s going to be a banger.”

Since being discovered by Trent Reznor in 2005 and opening for Nine Inch Nails, Queen Kwong has established herself as a tour de force in rock. From her early albums Get A Witness and Love Me to Death to the critically acclaimed Couples Only (2022), Callaway’s music has consistently resonated with audiences and critics alike.

With Strangers, Queen Kwong honors rock’s history while reshaping its future, carving a space where women’s voices and visions are celebrated on equal footing.

Stream or purchase Strangers today:
Stream/Buy Strangers EP

Queen Kwong’s Strangers is available now via Sonic Ritual. Keep an eye out for her forthcoming album in 2025.