BY Daniel Peploe
First Single off Album Features Nina Flowers & Power Infiniti
Faith Michaels is all candy-coated sweetness on most of her new album of dance-ready tracks, releasing this Valentines Day. However, the first single off “The Pop Album” shows a rarely seen side of our Queen of Nice. Written by Michael Cosculluela, “Crooked” is a slap at the face of all the stuck-up bitches in the world. “A queen’s crown should always be on straight,” says Michaels. “If your nose is up in the air thinking you’re better than everyone else, then honey, your crown is crooked.”
The drag community is famous for its rivalries, especially among the newbie queens. Michaels says she’s been able to rise above it all, thanks to the support of friends. Two of them, drag giants Nina Flowers and Power Infiniti, are featured in “Crooked”. “We’re like the Wilson Phillips of bitchy,” Michaels laughs. And it’s why, when it comes to their crowns, they’re holdin’ on.
Whose idea was it to bring three ferocious queens together for Crooked?
Power came to visit me in Key West and we started talking about doing a song together. Then, we thought, why not bring Nina in too?
What exactly is a crooked queen?
Someone who thinks their shit don’t stink.
When was the last time your crown fell a bit?
I never allow myself to get high and mighty. I don’t put others down to get myself on top. That’s not my style.
How did you first meet Power?
I met Power at a club in Tampa. I remember first seeing those beautiful eyes. I said, “Let me guess. Sterling grey contacts?” He stopped cold and just stared at me. He said, “All these people tell me how beautiful my eyes are and have no clue I’m wearing colored contacts. You come up, clock me and even know the color… how?” I answered, “I wear the same color!” Right then and there, we were in love.
How about Nina Flowers?
That goddess has been my idol from the beginning of RuPaul’s Drag Race. I sent her a message on Facebook, asking if she would consider spinning my song, “Fetish”. She wrote me back saying she played “Fetish” all the time! Then she wrote, “I love you and your work, babe. We are lucky to have you.” Can you imagine how much joy those words brought to my heart, coming from someone I admire so much?
What’s your favorite song on The Pop Album?
That’s like asking which is my favorite pet. I love them all. “Crooked” for its bitchiness. “Heels” for its sensuality. “Outta My Way” for it’s never-give-up message. Then there’s “Panties”…
…and the fun interludes between the songs!
I wasn’t even thinking about interludes when creating the album. My producer and I were sitting in my living room and “Faith Air” somehow came to life. Then I realized, you can’t have just one interlude! So we created more. Next thing we knew we had a whole album!
What will be the next release?
“Heels”. It’s on the soundtrack of the documentary film, South Beach on Heels. The film has won awards at all of the film festivals and will be in London next month where it’s up for seven awards including Best Soundtrack. It’s very exciting! We’re filming a video for the song in a few weeks.
In the meantime, what’s your message to all the crooked queens out there?
Quit acting like a bitch.
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