Behind the Scenes: Kim Petras’s “Autobahn” Music Video
German pop sensation Kim Petras is back with another compelling visual narrative. Following the release of the deluxe edition of her album Detour, titled Detour (Rare N' Deluxe), Petras has unveiled a striking music video for the standout track “Autobahn.” The song, which explores the complexities of unrequited love, serves as a thematic companion to her previous car-centric anthem, “Jeep.”
Reflecting on the creative process, Petras describes the track as a journey through the feeling of being lost. “For 'Autobahn,' I was thinking about what it feels like when someone doesn’t want you back — like you’re walking aimlessly in the wrong direction with a broken compass,” she shared. Sonically, the track draws inspiration from early 2000s pop, featuring peppy drum beats and acid synths that evoke the spirit of Michelle Branch.
A Visual Journey Through the Autobahn
The music video, directed by Neve Abcari, captures Petras navigating a Los Angeles-based interpretation of the German highway. The aesthetic leans heavily into 2000s Euro-fashion, with a notable nod to her heritage as she dons traditional Gretel-style German attire. This visual storytelling complements her recent, more candid explorations of her upbringing and her transition to independent artistry.
To provide a deeper look into the production, Petras shared a series of exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot.
BTS of Kim Petras's "Autobahn" music video
"Blue light therapy / into the zone vibes / icy blue everything" — Kim PetrasCourtesy of Kim Petras 
"Btw did u know im German"Courtesy of Kim Petras 
"Walking into oncoming traffic <3"Courtesy of Kim Petras
From icy blue lighting setups to moments of playful vulnerability, the photos highlight the collaborative energy on set. Petras noted, “Yes I was really on the cement,” emphasizing the hands-on nature of the production. As she continues to evolve her sound and visual identity, this latest project stands as a testament to her commitment to authentic, high-concept pop artistry.
Listen to Detour (RARE N' DELUXE) today and stay tuned for more updates on Kim Petras.
Ladyfag on Her Full Circle Moment with Kim Petras at Ladyland 2026
Ladyfag is a force of nature in New York City nightlife, and as she stands backstage at Ladyland 2026 with a unicorn horn affixed to her forehead, the atmosphere is electric. Nearby, The Real Housewife of Salt Lake City star Meredith Marks is DJing, while the crowd gathers Under The K Bridge in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, for a night of unapologetic celebration. For the legendary impresario, this festival is the culmination of years of hard work, grit, and a commitment to filling a void in the queer cultural landscape.
The Evolution of Ladyland
When Ladyfag first conceived of the festival in 2018, she noticed a distinct lack of queer-focused, alternative music events during Pride weekend. While corporate-backed parades were common, there was no space that felt both “spicy” and distinctly “pop” for the community. “For a few years, I kept being like, ‘Is there a reason there isn’t one?,’” she recalls. “In our little gay office, we used one of our many sayings: ‘Where there is a hole, fill it.’”
The festival has since become a staple of the scene, having hosted iconic acts ranging from SOPHIE and Tinashe to FKA Twigs. By 2026, the event had evolved into a focused, one-day extravaganza, anchored by the star power of Kim Petras.
A Full Circle Moment
The headlining performance by Kim Petras served as a poignant full-circle moment for both the artist and the organizer. Petras performed at the inaugural Ladyland in 2018, back when she was a rising talent with a few songs in her pocket. Ladyfag remembers watching her perform “Heart to Break” in the rain and knowing immediately that she was destined for stardom.
“I want to create platforms for these kinds of artists to have those moments so that one day they can become big stars. I’m really proud of her,” Ladyfag says. Today, Petras returns as a global powerhouse, showcasing tracks from her critically lauded record, Detour.
The Magic of New York Nightlife
When asked about the secret to sustaining such a massive undertaking, Ladyfag is candid: “Being a little crazy.” She credits the resilience of the city for the festival’s longevity. “It’s the fact that New Yorkers don’t give up. Every year, I almost give up on Ladyland and then I get to the festival, and I hear everyone screaming, and I see everyone having the time of their life, and I’m just like, ‘Oh yeah, I can’t wait till next year.'”
As the festival continues to thrive under the BQE, it remains a testament to the power of community and the enduring, singular spirit of New York City nightlife.
Kim Petras Reflects on Childhood and Identity in ‘Brutalist’
Kim Petras has offered a candid look into her personal history and the inspiration behind her latest track, “Brutalist,” featured on her new album Detour. In a recent conversation, the artist reflected on the challenges of navigating her gender transition in the public eye during her youth in Germany.
“I talked about my transition in the German media when I was 12,” Petras shared. “I kind of regret it because privacy was really blurred, but I was really unashamed because I was a kid and I was like, ‘This is the way it is.'” This early exposure, which saw her documented as one of the youngest individuals to undergo gender treatment, remains a defining, albeit complex, chapter of her life.
The song “Brutalist” serves as a poignant metaphor for these experiences. Petras draws a parallel between her medical journey and a brutalist post office she once admired with her father. “My dad’s an architect, he used to show me it when he would drive me to the psychiatry,” she explained. “We came back to the city every few months for assessments. One day, they knocked it down and built a modern apartment building. We were like, ‘Ugh, they ruined the city.'”
This sense of loss and the subjective nature of what is considered “ruined” informs the track’s lyrics. Petras addresses the criticism she has faced, noting, “I have people saying I ruined my body and I ruined my life. They don’t know me at all. It saved my life, and then there’s people who are like, ‘This saved your life, but you ruined everything.'”
Despite the external noise, Petras remains steadfast in her journey. She views her public presence as a vital message for trans youth. “In this political climate, I’m happy I can stand for the idea that trans kids can transition and then be a grown up and happy and make those choices. I made the right choices that I’m proud of to this day,” she affirmed.
Detour is available now, marking a bold step forward for the artist as she continues to blend personal narrative with her evolving sound.
