While RuPaul's Drag Race has shot the art of drag into the stratosphere, there are some names that have made their mark in this industry completely on their own. Mayhem Miller definitely leads that category. With sultry looks and eye popping performances, Miller would definitely be the one to beat should she ever hit the runway on Drag Race. Mayhem sat down with us to chat about how she got her start in the CA drag scene, if she would ever take a crack at the Drag Race crown, and what "pride" means to her.
For those that have never seen Mayhem Miller on stage, how would you describe your performance style and "drag" as a whole?
THE FULL PACKAGE; the Mayhem experience is what drag is all about-glamour, beauty, comedy, drama; I like to take the audience on a journey.
You are known to perform some of the most creative and interesting tunes. How do you choose your material? Any favorites that really stand out?
I like performing music that most people have never heard before and I only perform music that I love. I go to my music library and press play; whatever moves me during the day is what i take to the stage that night. My go to is absolutely anything by Roisin Murphy cuz she is everything!
It's so hard to stand out in the LA adjacent areas of CA and in drag; how have you carved out your own niche?
I've been a part of the Los Angeles drag scene for over 16 years now. SoCal drag is very different and extremely difficult to get into because there are so many talented queens here. Bitches flock here seeking the Hollywood dream especially RuPaul's Drag Race alumni. What has worked in my favor is being a well-rounded entertainer. Anybody can cross-dress but having the ability to bring a variety of drag to the stage sets you apart from the rest.
What are some of your career highlights so far?
Recently, my performance at The Abbey as the Diva Plavalaguna from "The Fifth Element" went viral which was out of this world crazy for me. Having so many media outlets pick it up and seeing the positive reactions was mind blowing. Going viral on Buzzfeed with putting "The Try Guys" in drag was a blast. Starring in my first feature film "Cherry Pop" coming soon! Being asked to perform with Nene Leaks on "Lip Sync Battle" to RuPaul's, "Supermodel" definitely makes the list. And of course channeling my inner Naomi Campbell and walking the runways for MARCO MARCO have all been just a few highlights in my career that I'm so proud of.
What is left that you want to achieve as Mayhem Miller ? Any aspirations to be on "RuPaul's Drag Race" perhaps?
The sky is the limit! There is so much more i want to do with my drag. And at this moment I have a few things in motion that I can't wait for y'all to see. As far as RuPauls Drag Race...I have auditioned for many years in hopes of being selected and had no luck. It would be lovely to have a large platform like that to show the world my talents and catapult me the next level, but it's not a focus for me as it once was.
Speaking of Drag Race, several California girls have competed and gotten a high visibility from the show. How do you think the show as a whole has been for the drag community?
Many of my sisters, coworkers, mentors and friends have competed on the show and amazing things have happened for them. Their success has pushed me to be a better entertainer and to keep pushing to make my dreams come true. To be honest though, with all the great things that Drag Race has brought to the community, it has also changed the game for those who are not lucky enough to make it on the show. Many clubs and venues love to only feature "Rugirls" (which is not a bad thing). After all, they're reality tv stars and deserve recognition and the perks that comes with that accomplishment. For other entertainers, like myself, who are not on the show, we are constantly judged and compared to them which can be annoying. In many peoples eyes the new standard of success and relevance in the drag community is measured by RuPaul's Drag Race. Thank God for the true drag lovers out there because without them...us local bar queens would be completely fucked LOL!
What does your male alter ego do when Mayhem is not on stage?
When I'm not on stage I'm still working lol. I spend my days preparing for upcoming shows. But when I have free time I actually enjoy Netflix and chilling haha! Im a beach bum, foodie who likes good company, the movies and binge watching tv. A very simple life i live.
The gay community has had a very trying summer. What do you think are the biggest issues facing our community and what do you see as your part in helping to address them?
I think one of our biggest issues as a community is being "a community." As gays, we love to preach about acceptance and equality but will sit back and place labels upon each other that divide us. We must stop judging people based on their physical appearance. Categorizing people as fit, fat, black, asian, latin, masc or fem is ridiculous. Celebrating each others differences is what unifies us a community. How the hell can you have a rainbow if everybody is the same color???
What does "pride" mean to you?
Pride to me is celebrating the many who have came before me. The brave individuals who fought, cried, bled and died so that i could have the freedom and privilege of being whomever I wanna be. Out and Proud.
Most importantly-where can people see you perform?!
Mondays- Lip Service at THE ABBEY or SHOWGIRLS at MICKYS WEHO
Tuesdays- TNT-TOTALLY NINETIES TUESDAYS at THE ABBEY
Wednesdays- The Dreamgirls Revue at Urban Mo's in San Diego or WILD WEDNESDAYS at HAMBURGER MARYS LONG BEACH
Thursdays- SNATCH at Menagerie in Riverside
Fridays- FUCK YEAH FRIDAYS at VIP NIGHTCLUB in Riverside
Saturdays- The Dreamgirls Revue at VIP NIGHTCLUB in Riverside
https://twitter.com/TheOnlyMayhem