Interview: Holestar

Think ‘drag queen’ and one immediately thinks of a female impersonator, never mind the oversized wig and over-the-top outfits that the label normally entails. But what about a female female impersonator? That’s right. Holestar; a lovely, creative woman with a glint in her eye by day is a bona fide drag queen, ‘a tranny with a fanny’, by night. And she’s one of the best in the business: DJing, performing, singing (with a new EP, Queen of F***ing Everything about to be released) as well as the ubiquitous lipsyncing. But isn’t this just cheating? Definitely not.  She’s a devastating diva who looks better in skyscraper heels than your sister. Case closed. We dropped in for a chat…

SSG: What first gave you the idea to become the performer you are today?

Holestar: I was living in Vienna (trying to be a decadent artist) and my work started to focus on gender. One of my favourite films is Victor/Victoria where Julie Andrews performs as a woman, dressing up as a man, dressing up as a woman. That idea combined with years of seeing ropey drag queens, I thought: ‘I can do that’. Many said I couldn’t because I’m a bio female but I don’t believe in gender binaries and love camp, glamour and over the top gaudy nonsense.

As you’re embraced and celebrated for your persona, do you find  it a bore (like many drag queens) when you’re not be-wigged and sequinned up to the eyeballs?

I adore what I do but I love downtime, when I can be invisible without anyone expecting me to be ‘fabulous’. I think it’s important to have clear differences between your performance and personal persona – or you could go mad.

For those not familiar with it, describe your project Hot Laser (Queer Arts Community).

We’ve been making a documentary about the alternative drag and queer scene in East London (called Hot Mess). The aim is to create an archive of British-based queer artists, music events, exhibitions, tour and link up with international groups. I don’t plan on wearing a wig forever: this is something I want to do that isn’t just about ‘me’.

You’re known for being outspoken about your wish for ‘tranny’ to be reclaimed in the same way that ‘queer’ has been. Do you feel it’s moving in the same direction?

Within fringe cultures, yes. I sympathise with those who have been persecuted with its use, but it’s time to reclaim it as an empowering term.

With your new EP, Queen of F***ng Everything, you’re keen to point out that although it’s dance music, there’s no autotune thrown in to beef up your voice. Was this always part of the plan?

I’d rather have a bum note in there that’s real than soulless rubbish. The charts are full of over-autotuned nonsense.  If I hear one more song that talks about ‘getting on the floor’, ‘booty’, ‘chicks’, glorifying violence or being sexy, I’ll throw up in my handbag.

Are you now planning to focus more on your singing, or is this just another ‘tentacle’ of what makes Holestar?

Singing has always been a part of the many things I do as Holestar. I used to sing and emcee in clubs and fashion shows, and sang live bootlegs and mash-ups before bumping into Phil Robinson, who I’ve worked with on the Queen of F***ing Everything EP and ‘NyLon Woman’. I’ve no grand delusions of being a commercial pop star. I just want to make some good music that can make people dance. I may not have the best voice but I put on a good show.

Describe what a typical night with you at the decks is like.

It depends on the kind of night I’m playing, but my mission is always to get the floor dancing – in fact that’s my general philosophy.  People have worked long and hard: when they go out, they want to be entertained and it’s my job as a performer and DJ to provide this. Those ‘cool’ DJs who do it for oral and glory don’t last long, you’ve got to be a music lover first and foremost.

But back to the question: ideally I like to play a set that mixes up electro, early house, disco and Hi-NRG. If I’m playing a pure pop night, expect a lot of trash, Eighties and very little from recent years. Just don’t ask for a request – I’m not a jukebox, darling.

You made a valid point in your Vlog about how irritating it must be for DJs to have to deal with crap requests from drunk people. Have they taken heed since?

Unfortunately that’s the nature of the job. I understand why people want to hear songs they’re familiar with when out on the tiles, but I’ve a whole room to keep entertained – not one person. I suggest they go home, get their CDs out and dance around in their pants.

Some of your work features in the film This Is Not A Dream (screening on 27 October), about artists using video to convey the fantastic and freaky. What can we expect?

I was interviewed with regards to Hot Mess and the video I made with Chatroulette for the single ‘NyLon Woman’. From what I’ve seen so far, it looks great and shows a good mix of artists who use film in their work.

Finally, what else do you have planned for the rest of the year?

I have my finger in so many pies…and wouldn’t have it any other way! The launch party for my Queen of F***ing Everything EP is on Saturday 22 October, with its release on Monday 24 October on your typical digital music sellers. There’s the monthly POP! at Vogue Fabrics, pop culture quiz and disco Let’s Get Quizzical at Dalston Superstore and a new camp karaoke night I’ll be hosting.  Then there’s a performance at the Gaywise Festival, Horse Meat Disco, DJing here and there and I’ll be in the Royal Vauxhall Tavern pantomime. It’s all good!

For more information check out Holestar’s website and follow her on Twitter: @holestar