Alchemy traditionally focuses on transforming base metals into gold. Qveen Herby, however, takes a different spin on the concept, saying, “We literally just take bullshit and turn it into gold.” Playboy spent an enlightening session with her as she walked us through her latest album, the Herby House experience, and the importance of clearing negative energy and embracing personal power.
Amy Renee Heidemann Noonan, aka Qveen Herby, is originally from Nebraska. She started her career as half of the pop duo Karmin before going solo and releasing her debut album A Woman in 2021. Her latest EP, The Alchemist, delves into the process of healing from trauma.
“Maybe [their] childhood was a little bit unsafe. Maybe this friendship or this relationship was a little unsafe,” Qveen Herby told Playboy, referring to those who will listen to the EP. “Maybe I need to stop people pleasing and instead honor the things that I love. It’s been quite a process and being able to write songs about how you feel and each stage of healing is what The Alchemist was all about.”
The concepts of healing aren’t limited to her album—Qveen has built her “Herby House” community on a foundation of connection that focuses on cleansing and developing a healthy relationship with yourself. Fans take a test to be placed into four different houses (Tigers, Hummingbirds, Beatles, or Koi fish) and learn their tarot suit, helping them meet like minded people. Now, as she continues on with her tour, Herby House comes to life for fans across the country after the “HalloQveen” kick off event in LA on October 31st.
“We’re did an entire build-out of Herby House in the VIP area,” Qveen Herby said. “Everyone could come early and be a VIP, essentially walking through this haunted, spooky portal experience. We had people taking the quiz, getting them credentials for their house, their color, and a bunch of free gifts. This brochure is so funny. I couldn’t wait for people to see it. I was on the phone before it talking about insurance for fire breathers—this is my real life. I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited. I didn’t know I was so interested in giving an experience to my babes. I want to blow their minds! Halloween was the jump-off, and then we’re hitting 14 other cities for the Alchemist Tour.”
Her dedication to her fans echoes in every word, building a picture of an immersive experience. Qveen’s infectious energy is more than just her earnest words, she also wears her confidence through her bold style—her bright red lip, iconic haircut, and striking fashion choices, often drawn from the vibrant world of drag queens, further cement her presence as a powerful force both on stage and off. To Qveen, the most essential part of her look is her hair.
“I’m largely inspired by drag artists, and when I go to their performances, I feel more powerful than I’ve ever felt,” she said. “Growing up in Nebraska, I was always afraid of being labeled weird or strange because of my Christian upbringing. But as I started expressing myself through my style and throwing the rules out the window—cutting my own hair, for example—it was liberating. The beautiful thing is that it brought more people like me into my orbit, into my community. It’s deeply rewarding and fulfilling.”
“It’s weird because as my hair grows longer, it doesn’t feel right. The hair is very powerful. Even back in my previous incarnation as Karmin, I had a retro suicide roll hairstyle. People say if you have a memorable hairstyle, it can be a tipping point for artists, so the hair is definitely huge for me.”
If you make it to one of her shows, you might even catch one of the wigs she throws into the audience!
After a fascinating thirty minutes diving into Herby House, The Alchemist, and the power of an iconic haircut, Qveen had one last thing to say about her music and the special connections she has with her community.
“They’re such a blessing,” she said. “I get these messages every day. It’s people that are on their spiritual journey of breaking generational curses. They find my music very useful during that time because I get folks going through big transformations like divorces and stuff. I just know from my experience with difficult situations in life. It’s so helpful to have a community or an artist or music that you can sort of listen to every day to stay on the right vibration. And I’m just learning, this is what my music does. So if you’re going through something, try out Queen Herby. It’s not for everybody. But thank you in advance for having the courage to transform your life.”
You can see all of Qveen’s upcoming tour dates on her website and join in on Herby House experience no matter where you are in the world through her Patreon and Instagram.
Read more of of Playboy’s music coverage here.
