At this year’s Austin City Limits Festival, TMN reporter Dylan Gutierrez sat down for an exclusive interview with Promqueen, the genre-defying artist making waves with her deeply personal and culturally rich music. Born Casie Luong, she grew up feeling like a misfit—never quite fitting the mold of the stereotypical Vietnamese woman portrayed in media. Instead, she embraced her individuality, from rejecting traditional femininity as a child to eventually reclaiming her identity through music. Taking on the name Promqueen in 2022, she redefined what it means to belong, encouraging others to celebrate their uniqueness just as she has.

In our conversation, Promqueen opens up about her journey as a second-generation Vietnamese American and queer artist in Austin, Texas. Through her music, she weaves bilingual lyrics with family stories, reflecting on her upbringing in Wichita Falls, where assimilation was a survival tactic. Now, her artistry serves as a powerful statement—her "cultural coming out"—blending past and present into a sound that is as bold as it is heartfelt.

Want more? Become a TMN member today to access the full video interview and dive deeper into Promqueen' world, along with exclusive content and behind-the-scenes stories from rising stars in the music industry.

Cover Photo: Courtesy Promqueen.