With new single “We Are The Emperors,” accompanied by an equally striking video, gender-fluid drag king/queen Stephen/Cassandra, who performs as Emperors, is aiming to shake up the contemporary pop landscape. Mentored by Killing Joke bassist, YOUTH, who spotted Stephen/Cassandra at a psychedelic art exhibit in Whitechapel, they are on a mission to “create dada-esque art which pushes the boundaries of traditional binary thinking.”

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HgvpFuoNF8

Image and content are far from the only original aspects of Emperors. Stephen/Cassandra's deep, rich voice is a mile away from the norm, bringing a unforgettable edge to this smooth and hazy R&B number. They are, in their own words, “influenced by Elvis, Roy Orbison, and Chris Isaak, but also Bryan Ferry and David Bowie, as crooners with glam and style. Like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe in one! I think my vocal tone is different to the current male guard of Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, Sam Smith, Shawn Mendes and Olly Alexander.”

Rejecting an initial suggestion to hire a songwriter, Stephen/Cassandra is determined to be more than just “ the face of something." As regards their creative process, they say: "My lyrical subject matters are often a combination of personal experiences and broader ideas on them.” Anyone listening to “We Are The Emperors” is sure to be struck by the class and originality on offer.