‘Superficial’ by Majorlilkween

Estonian-born artist Alexandra Elizabeth Ljadov, better known as Majorlilkween, has released her latest track, ‘Superficial’. The model-turned-pop star channels her journey from the fashion world into the music industry, sharing a deeply personal narrative. The song explores her transformation from the pressures of the male-dominated fashion industry into a woman who’s found her voice and embraced her imperfections.

“’Superficial’ is my story of breaking free from the perfect image society forced on me,” Majorlilkween explains. The track offers an autobiographical glimpse into her experiences as a young girl navigating the international fashion world, often expected to embody the role of the “perfect woman”. This pressure continued in her relationships until she found her own strength through music. “I was the perfect girl until I decided to be imperfect,” she reflects, capturing the heart of the song’s message.

The accompanying video – directed by Majorlilkween herself – draws inspiration from the tumultuous relationship between Elvis and Priscilla Presley. Through striking imagery, it tells the story of a woman breaking free from the traditional power dynamics of a relationship. In the opening scenes, “Elvis” sits in a dominant position while “Priscilla,” portrayed as a submissive, plays the role of the perfect woman, crafted for his desires. But as the video progresses, she sheds her prescribed role, finding her own power and eventually dominating her former oppressor. “The cinematic Elvis & Priscilla universe perfectly sums up the real story and message of ‘Superficial’,” says Alexandra. Featuring odes to various cinematic inspirations, like Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla and one of Margot Robbie’s iconic scenes in Martin Scorsese’s Wolf of Wall Street, it’s a playful creation with a thoughtful message at heart.

In one memorable sequence, Majorlilkween recreates Elvis Presley’s iconic comeback special, complete with a white suit and red backdrop, showcasing her character reclaiming her identity as a rockstar in her own right. The final scenes show an enraged Elvis shooting his laptop—a nod to the real Elvis shooting his TV when overwhelmed by jealousy and anger. With ‘Superficial’, Majorlilkween delivers a bold statement about self-discovery, rejecting societal expectations, and embracing imperfection.