With their debut album due later in the year, SASSYHIYA give us a preview of their effusive, joyful, radical indiepop with new single ‘Kristen Stewart’. An unabashed love letter to a queer icon, ‘Kristen Stewart’ could be the most upbeat single of the summer.

Sassyhiya’s Helen is a long-time Kristen Stewart fan; the single is an ode to Kristen and her status as a queer icon/pin up. Helen says: “I wanted to do a song about her because I think she’s ace and makes great choices when it comes to roles. She’s grown up in the public eye and has still managed to become the person we absolutely hoped she would – someone proud of her queerness plus she’s really cool and fun.”

The song features a section about a real-life near-encounter with the star, when Helen saw her filming a scene for Spencer at a nearby Kentucky Fried Chicken on the Old Kent Road. “I stood right next to her while she was dressed as Princess Di but chickened out (pardon the pun) of saying hello.”

“It’s a catchy fun song that everyone can enjoy but I really hope it resonates with queer people. I love the idea of putting something out there into pop culture that reflects the love that the LGBTQ+ community have for Kristen, and that puts a queer spin on the celebrity-inspired pop song. I would love, love, love to hear it played in a queer space or at a lesbian club.”