Photo by Austin Young
With season 8 of RuPaul's Drag Race coming to a close, it's easy to forget that in addition to the 100 queens that make up the show's illustrious cast, there are countless performers who have been making waves on the scene for years. One such performer, one of the few to have international name recognition without appearing on Drag Race, is the hilarious and talented Vicky Vox. Many people know her from being the "V" in the drag girl group DWV, others still for her infamous opening of a Marco Marco fashion show with her "That Laughing Track" number (it starts with her lighting a cigarette with her nose... check out a version of the number here).
I got a chance to ask Vicky some questions about her life as a performer, her drag mother Detox, and her favorite parts of performing. Do yourself a favor and take a look at her mild-mannered, understated answers.
What's the story behind the first time you performed in drag?
I was booked for an event. I had a full band and was a singer/songwriter. Long story short, I wanted to keep the gig, so I ditched the band, threw on my Afro and favorite muumuu and did the damn thing. I haven't stopped working since.
You're part of a great tradition of drag queens who incorporate live singing into their performances. Do you think of yourself as a singer who does drag or a drag queen who sings?
Neither, bitch! I'm an entertainer!
What aspect of performing in drag do you find to be the most challenging?
Waking up! No, but really... I like naps. If it doesn't challenge your ass, then you ain't getting any better.
You've mentioned having a rough time growing up, particularly in relation to getting horribly bullied by ignorant trash-people in school. How do you think that experience shaped your stage personae?
I take all my extra emotions and leave them on the stage. If I am mad as hell then the audience is gonna get it. Can't nobody shake me these days. I am un-fuck-with-able.
It seems like a lot of people judge the success of drag queens by their involvement in RuPaul's Drag Race. Despite being one of the relatively few drag performers with name recognition that is not a result of being on that show, how has the show's influence impacted you professionally?
The ripple of attention the show has brought to drag is definitely palpable. There's something for people to strive for that wasn't there before. The show has created a new realm of possibilities for all performers. I'm extremely grateful. I've cried over how fucking lucky I am. I'm living my life in a way I could never have dreamed. While I haven't been on the show, it has indirectly afforded me opportunities to show my ass.
Photo by Austin Young
What is your least favorite part of contemporary drag culture?
My least favorite part of contemporary culture in general is everyone feels entitled to VOICE their opinions. There are people who have no idea how to do what we do telling us how we should do it. Listen kids, I don't have to do anything in this life except die. Don't fucking tell me what to do. A critique is merely a personal request.
Who are your biggest inspirations as a performer?
Kids and people over 70. Kids haven't learned to give a fuck, and the older folks know better. I'm sure you were thinking artists or something but... nope!
What is something about working as a drag queen that you think would be surprising to most fans?
We meet a bunch of people but those encounters are fleeting. A bitch spends a lot of time preparing by herself. We don't actually party all the time. OK, most queens don't. This shit is kind of boring... I bet you don't believe me.
How did you meet your drag mother Detox, and what role would you say she has had in the development of your drag career?
I auditioned for her Friday night show at Hamburger Mary's in West Hollywood. Now, I host that show when she is away. She threw her shoes at me because I was acting foolish. She later adopted me at a warehouse after party because we are both idiots (ask her and she will tell you the whole story). Detox taught me to spend money to make money. Treat yourself the way you want to be treated, or just buy yourself nice things. She showed me how to paint by making me watch her and not YouTube. She taught me that you can be a fucking mess and still be classy as fuck.
Photo by Austin Young
You recently toured all over the country with the Divas of Drag tour - the first major drag tour outside of the Battle of the Seasons juggernaut. What was the most challenging part of the tour, and what part did you enjoy the most?
I have never laughed as much as I did on this tour! I wish people knew how genuinely kind, generous, compassionate and hilarious these Drag Race girls were. They really made me feel like family. The fans were amazing! So much love! The most challenging part was sleeping on that tour bus. I'm a big girl and I had a few panic attacks when I would wake up in my coffin of a bunk.
What can we look forward to seeing from Vicky Vox in the future?
There are some things in the works. Traveling a bunch, pride season is coming up, who the fuck knows... When I can remember some things I will let you know. Until then, Magic Mike XXL is on HBO on demand. Push play and I'll be right there with you!
Photo by Magnus Hastings