From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kim Petras made an impact.
Kim Petras is a German singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles. She initially released music independently under her label, BunHead Records, from 2016 to 2020. In 2021, she signed with Amigo and Republic Records, marking a shift from independent artist to major label recording artist.
September 2007: Modeling and Approval for Surgery
In September 2007, Kim Petras worked as a model for a German hair salon chain and was approved for gender-affirming surgery at 16 years old.
2016: Independent Music Release
In 2016, Kim Petras began releasing music as an independent artist under her own imprint, BunHead Records.
August 2017: Release of Debut Single
In August 2017, Kim Petras released her debut single "I Don't Want It at All," which reached the Spotify Global Viral chart.
2017: Release of Singles - "Era 1"
From late 2017 until early 2019, Kim Petras referred to this release period of singles as "Era 1".
2017: Singles Release
In 2017, Kim Petras began independently releasing various singles, initiating what she termed "Era 1".
June 2019: "Broken Tour" and Magazine Covers
In June 2019, Kim Petras embarked on the 24 date "Broken Tour" across North America and Europe, and was featured on the covers of Galore and Notion magazines.
2019: First Full-Length Project Release
In 2019, Kim Petras independently released her first two full-length projects, Clarity and Turn Off the Light.
2020: Independent Music Release
In 2020, Kim Petras continued to release music as an independent artist under her own imprint, BunHead Records.
2020: Releases and Collaborations in 2020
In 2020, Kim Petras released the single "Malibu", collaborated with Kygo on "Broken Glass", and released "Party Till I Die" on the reissue of Turn Off the Light.
August 2021: Signing to Republic Records and "Future Starts Now" Release
In August 2021, Kim Petras signed to Republic Records and released "Future Starts Now" as the lead single from her major-label debut studio album, Problématique.
2021: Signing with Amigo and Republic Records
In 2021, Kim Petras signed with Amigo and Republic Records.
October 2022: "Unholy" Tops Billboard Hot 100
In October 2022, "Unholy" topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, making Kim Petras the first openly transgender woman to achieve this.
2022: Release of Slut Pop and "Unholy"
In 2022, Kim Petras released the EP Slut Pop and her collaborative single "Unholy" with Sam Smith topped international charts.
February 2023: Album Announcement
On 17 February 2023, Kim Petras stated that an album that she had been working on "for three years" was ready to be released the next summer, sharing her excitement for people to hear the songs.