North West, the 13-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Ye, recently discussed her music ambitions and personal style in an interview with Dazed magazine, published on August 24. Speaking from Calabasas, California, she revealed her deep commitment to music and shared details about her fashion choices, including a specific piercing she desires but is not permitted to have.
At just 12 years old, North released her debut six-track EP, ‘N0rth4evr’, in May. The album is described as a blend of rage rap, emo, hyperpop, alt rock, and metal, featuring samples from artists like Meg & Dia and Kikuo. Its production is characterized by a maximalist approach, buzzing synthesizers, and electric guitar, with her Japanese tag, ‘ノースちゃん (North-chan)’, marking each track. The song titles, such as ‘H0w Sh0uld ! f33l’ and ‘D!e’, evoke internet nostalgia and reflect the intense emotions of a teenager, as she raps about feeling unable to trust anyone and experiencing a unique, highly public childhood, according to Dazed.
North’s musical journey also includes a surprise stage appearance with Molly Santana in May and her first solo music festival performance at Summer Smash in June. She emphasized the importance of daily rehearsal, a practice she previously overlooked, and now considers dance rehearsals and studio sessions or performing a major show to be an ideal day. She expressed a firm desire to pursue her music career now, rather than postpone it, stating ‘this is what I wanna do with my life,’ and drawing inspiration from artists she admires, noting Lil Uzi Vert’s ‘Pink Tape’ as a particularly ‘life-changing’ influence on her own EP, Dazed reported.
Style and Self-Expression Through Piercings
North’s distinctive personal style is a central aspect of her public image. She has cultivated a look that is unmistakably her own, featuring blue twin tails inspired by the Japanese virtual pop idol Hatsune Miku, a mix of real and fake piercings, and Rick Owens Geobaskets, Dazed reported. During her cover shoot in Calabasas, her mother, Kim Kardashian, remained present and protective. North appeared shy yet accustomed to being observed, demonstrating a notable self-assurance for her age. She openly stated her preference for blue hair and piercings over typical teenage interests like boys and vaping, as Extra highlighted.
Her interest in piercings is a significant part of her self-expression, as she told Dazed that ‘They just make you your full self.’ While she has sported various piercings, including apparent dermal thigh piercings, a hand piercing, cheek studs, and several finger piercings, she specifically revealed that she ‘really want[s] to get my bridge pierced, but I’m not allowed,’ People.com reported. This stance from her parents underscores a boundary in her otherwise experimental style. North has also previously worn temporary blacked-out grills on her teeth, which she demonstrated could be removed during a livestream. Kim Kardashian has addressed her daughter’s evolving style, asserting North’s confidence in her choices despite public scrutiny.
A Childhood in the Global Spotlight
North West’s life has been under intense public scrutiny since her birth in 2013, when her name sparked a global cultural conversation. From attending the Met Gala while still in the womb to making notable appearances at Paris Fashion Week at six years old, her experiences have been continuously photographed, filmed, and broadcast, Dazed noted. This constant public exposure has created a childhood experience that North herself describes as unique and sometimes challenging, as reflected in her lyrics about feeling like she can’t act her age or trust others.
Despite her established presence in the entertainment world, North also expresses a desire for seemingly ordinary experiences. She mentioned an ambition to work at Starbucks next year when she turns 14, stating, ‘I want to have a regular job, I guess,’ according to Extra. This aspiration for a ‘normal job’ contrasts sharply with her burgeoning music career and life in the spotlight, highlighting the complexities of growing up as a global celebrity. Her early entry into music and fashion, influenced by diverse international artists and trends, showcases how young artists can instantly connect with global audiences through digital platforms, raising ongoing discussions about privacy and identity development in an increasingly interconnected world.
North West’s evolving career and public persona will likely continue to draw significant attention from an international audience. Her unique path, balancing a desire for a ‘normal job’ with a burgeoning music career and distinctive style, positions her as a figure to watch in both the entertainment industry and broader discussions on celebrity youth and digital influence.
Image: Dazed
Sources consulted
- Dazed: North West: ‘Music is what I wanna do with my life’
- People.com: North West Reveals Which Piercing She ‘Really Wants’ but Is ‘Not Allowed’ to Get
- Extra: Kim Kardashian’s Daughter North West Reveals Piercing She’s ‘Not Allowed’ to Get
Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
