“BE NICE PRINCESS” by Julia Kate

Some songs arrive with a tone that feels both playful and quietly revealing, offering a glimpse into the moment someone finally decides to speak honestly. “be nice princess,” the latest single from Los Angeles singer-songwriter Julia Kate, steps into that exact space. It opens with a light sheen of indie-pop brightness, but beneath the surface lies a clear message about expectations, boundaries, and the subtle pressure to remain agreeable even when the role no longer fits. Julia Kate’s rise has been shaped by steady growth and committed craft. A 20-year-old songwriter from Sherman Oaks and now a student at Berklee College of Music, she built her foundation through early collaborations with producer Johnny What and later expanded her sound under the guidance of Nick Rosen. Her two EPs, just a kid (2022) and yearbook (2023), introduced a voice capable of balancing relatability with intention.

Since then, a continuous series of singles has shown her refining her identity track by track, including her breakout “I wish I knew (one more kiss).” “be nice princess” reflects the next stage of that development. Co-written with Rosen, the song is rooted in casual inspiration — a meme that became a title — but its execution is measured and deliberate. The production revolves around crisp guitars, steady percussion, and a vocal line that delivers its message with quiet confidence. Julia’s tone is warm but firm, capturing the discomfort of a friendship that has shifted while recognizing the need to reclaim personal space. The chorus offers the track’s clearest moment of release. It isn’t explosive; instead, it heightens the tension through phrasing that mirrors the push-and-pull of wanting to preserve harmony while acknowledging the truth.

The arrangement stays lean, allowing the writing to carry the emotional weight. There is a sense of forward motion without rushing, matching the song’s theme of growing out of old expectations. The music video, a modern and stylized nod to Alice in Wonderland, mirrors the song’s core idea: a character navigating a world that asks her to shrink, smile, and perform. Its pastel tones and playful framing highlight the humor in the situation while underscoring the importance of self-respect. “be nice princess” lands as one of Julia Kate’s most focused releases — a polished, relatable reflection on finding your voice when others expect quiet compliance. It signals an artist stepping more fully into her confidence while continuing to shape a sound grounded in honesty and thoughtful storytelling.