New Zealand-born, Sydney-based hyper-pop artist Venice Qin is pushing boundaries and making waves across Aotearoa, Australia, and beyond. With over 2.5 million streams, a growing fanbase, and a reputation for electrifying performances, she is gearing up to drop her highly anticipated debut LP, Moon Landing, later this year.
Venice recently brought her energy home to her Kiwi audience at Big Gay Out 2025. Performing her entire debut album live for the first time, she delivered a show-stopping 40-minute set, solidifying her status as one of the most exciting new names in hyper-pop.
She sat down with YOUR EX’s Oliver Hall to talk about the Big Gay Out experience, her music, and what’s next.
A Homecoming for the Queer Community
Venice’s love for New Zealand’s LGBTQ+ scene runs deep. “The first people to truly back me were the queer community in Auckland,” she shares. Having grown up in the city before relocating to Sydney at 21, she fondly recalls nights at G.A.Y and time spent with friends like Drag Race Down Under alum Lucina Innocence.
Performing at Big Gay Out 2025 was a full-circle moment. “It was so, so special. I grew up here, and being able to bring this show to my home crowd meant everything,” she says. “I wanted to give them something to remember.”
The Making of Rodeo Star
Venice’s lead single, Rodeo Star, is an unapologetic, high-energy anthem with a sound inspired by Lady Gaga’s The Fame Monster and Born This Way eras. “It all started in Auckland with my collaborator Ben Malone, who found a wild banjo sample,” she explains. The track evolved into a celebration of confidence, queerness, and playful chaos.
From New Zealand to the World
Venice’s move to Sydney was a major turning point. “I went from living with family to being fully independent in my little studio apartment. That kind of change forces you to grow fast,” she reflects. Sydney’s music scene has welcomed her with open arms, but she’s adamant: “I’m proudly Aotearoa-born and raised.”
Her career has already taken her far beyond the Southern Hemisphere, with one of her most memorable performances being at the Colorado Gay Rodeo. “It was insane. A huge arena, thousands of people, drag queens riding bulls, and a disco cowboy boot spinning from the ceiling—it was like nothing I’ve ever seen,” she recalls.
The experience was transformative. “The queer community there was so warm, so supportive. That energy inspired me to be even more fearless in my music.”
Owning Her Identity Through Music
With Moon Landing, Venice is stepping into her full power. “In past projects, I explored feelings of not belonging. This album is about owning my identity—as a Chinese New Zealander, as an artist, and as a person. It blends my cultural heritage with the electronic, hyper-pop sound I love,” she says.
The album’s singles—Freak Out, Angel, New Woman, and Rodeo Star—offer glimpses into this bold new era.
With the album just days away from release, Venice is embracing the excitement. “We’re getting closer and closer to people really knowing me. Every song, every show, every piece of this journey is about connection—and I can’t wait to take it even further.”
What’s Next for Venice Qin?
After the album launch later this year, Venice is taking Moon Landing worldwide. “I just got back from New York, where we filmed some insane content for my next single, New Woman,” she reveals.
She also dreams of collaborating with artists like Charli XCX, Caroline Polachek, and Maggie Rogers. “If I ever met Gaga? That would be it. I’d pass away on the spot,” she jokes.
Listen to Venice Qin’s music on Spotify and all good streaming platforms. Follow Venice on socials @veniceqin.
