BY Robert Corliss
If you had a dime for every queen trying to be the next “American Idol,” you’d have, well, a lot of dimes.
The first thing each of the top-three finalists on this season’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” did after the show ended was to release albums and music videos.
Winner Violet Chachki presented “Bettie,” the first single from her soon-to be-released album, “GAGGED.” The single is inspired in part by Bettie Page’s Born Again Christian past and the idea of leading a double life. Violet plays a straight-laced housewife who’s a lady in the street but a freak in the sheets. “It reflects on gender norms in mid-century America,” she explains. “
The same day, Pearl released her debut full-length album, “Pleasure,” including the single “Love Slave,” while plus-size drag queen, Ginger Minj, presented her single, “Ooh Lala Lala”.
All three ladies will perform their new songs live at Night of 1,000 Queens: “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Pride, taking place at Liberty Theatre on Sunday, June 28.
“The drag community has a lot to be proud of in 2015,” says event producer Brandon Voss. “The art form is bigger and better than ever. These queens have gone beyond lip-synching. They’re now creating music of their own and not just club music. They’re literally crossing genres.”
He’s right. Ginger Minj’s “Ooh Lala Lala” is a big-band pop number that combines playful wordplay, a sophisticated melody and Ginger’s surprisingly remarkable vocal range.
“It was important to me that my music be a true representation of who I am as an entertainer,” she says. “My record is a bit of a different sound, just like I’m a different sort of queen.”
Pearl’s album is a collection of 15 psychedelic electronic tracks. It debuted at #3 on the iTunes hits chart in its first week. “The goal with ‘Pleasure’ is to open the minds of the younger generation. A lot of younger people are limited and underexposed to different types of music.There is more to gay nightlife than Beyoncé and Katy Perry!” Pearl says.
Joining the season 7 girls at Night of 1,000 Queens will be past season favorites Detox, Alyssa Edwards, Sharon Needles, Raja, Pandora Boxx and Courtney Act, who just released her new music video, “Ecstasy.”
Mimi Imfurst will spin the beats.
“After Night of a 1,000 Queens, fans will see why these particular queens reign supreme,” says Voss.
Violet Chachki
“Pride means knowing where you came from, where you’re going and never saying sorry for being exactly who you are.”
Ginger Minj
“Simply put, pride means not having to say you’re sorry for being who you are. Take it from the glamor today: Embrass yourself warts and all, and you will be the happiest person you know.”
Pearl
Pride is about feeling free and uninhibited! The best moments of my life have been spent with friends celebrating our fabulousness.
NIGHT OF 1,000 QUEENS:
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Pride takes place Sunday, June 28, at 8 p.m. at Liberty Theatre (233 West 41st St).
Tickets are available now at
vossevents.com
