BDSM pop queen COBRAH on fetish clubs, queerness and her most egg-cellent lie

Words: Thomas Stichbury; images: Ninja Hanna

BDSM pop queen COBRAH is the finest export from Sweden since IKEA, specifically IKEA’s meatballs – and that’s saying something, because we just love having a load of meat in our mouths.

Growing up in Gothenburg, but now based in Stockholm, COBRAH whipped her goth-infused, punk-inspired, club-ready sound into shape after diving into the underground queer fetish scene.

She created her own record label, christening it, Gagball, and fittingly enough, her debut EP, 2019’s Icon, was absolutely chokeful, sorry, chockful of tunes that left us gagging for more.

Back with self-titled follow-up COBRAH – which includes tracks ‘DIP N DRIP’ and ‘GOOEY FLUID GIRLS’ – the experimental singer and upper-case letter lover caught up with Attitude to fill us in some of her favourite things…

You favourite …music artist?

Lizzo – she’s an amazing musician, authentic, talented and funny. Plus, she makes my Instagram a whole lot better!

…song by another artist?

‘Die A Little Bit’ by Tinashe, featuring Ms Banks (the ZHU remix). It’s just so good to dance to; sexy, sensual and a pure banger.

…song of your own?

My single ‘GOOD PUSS’ is the best I’ve ever written. I felt very sensual and in my element writing it, and the ending is epic [as] f**k.

…place to write?

In the studio, where I can play the music really loud.

…date spot?

The ultimate date is to grab drinks, party all night and go swimming in the morning. So, I’d say the perfect spot is at the docks close to my home.

…book?

I’m a frequent reader of The Vagina Bible [by Dr Jennifer Gunter]. Whatever happens to my puss, that book’s got the answer!

…film character?

I just watched the Alien movies and Ellen Ripley is the f**king queen of everything! She’s always right and I love it when she finally screams at the stupid people who never listen.

…quote?

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are” – by Anaïs Nin. Remembering that quote is a good way to stay centred and to continue to do your thing by not giving too much s**t about others, or your own negative thoughts.

…word?

S**t. I say it all the time, even though I speak Swedish.

…noise?

A heavy-ass FM bass.

…possession?

My make-up bag. It’s years of collecting lipsticks and eyeshadows; it has a lot of sentimental value.

…gift you’ve received?

When I was 13 I got a music sheet book from [one] my favourite artists at the time, Amanda Palmer, for Christmas. I was so happy my nose started to bleed!

…item in your wardrobe?

I was gifted this leather jacket from a designer brand and it’s the first expensive thing I’ve ever had. It gives me pure goth, Matrix vibes.

…piece of advice?

“It’s okay to f**k up, just keep going and do you.”

…lie you ever told?

That I’m allergic to egg, I’m not. I just think it tastes disgusting.

…memory, childhood or otherwise?

The first time I did a show at a fetish club. I can’t really tell all the details… but it was wild!

…encounter with a fan?

I once met a bunch of cool girls who had travelled 110 miles by car to watch my show – that was when I kinda realised like, oh, wow, people really like my music.

…queer icon?

Peaches. She introduced me to a whole lot of queerness and the fact that her lyrics were so raw and sexual; I still love that… it’s very punk and unpolished.

…fun fact about yourself?

I won the Swedish Nationals in cheerleading. When people see a leather goth kid, they never expect that!

COBRAH’s new self-titled EP is out now