HOW TO VOGUE

This video is fucking funny - this guys is not the best voguer, and his take on voguing is very limited (3 elements?!) BUT his description of those elements cracks me up, and “gay yoyos" is kinda strangely accurate.

PS this ISN'T serious.

LATEX BALL 2013

2013 LATEX BALL CATEGORIES

Performance
Realness with a Twist-The Stonewall Riots $200
The Stonewall Riots was a historic movement in a community wanting to be accepted and treated equally as their fellow New Yorkers. On June 28, 1969, gay and trans New Yorkers fought back against the NYPD in a single moment that would change an entire nation. Tonight for your tens come as a police officer with a sign protesting against a fellow competitor who you feel should not be walking Realness with a Twist. For your battles come back dressed as one of the protestors of the Stonewall Riots (Gay and Proud).

Old Way .vs. New Way-Pop Art Censored
Though Pop Art was said to have started in the early 1900s, it wasn’t until the arrival of artists like Keith Haring and the Prince of Pop Art himself Andy Warhol where their work became truly controversial. Tonight, Old Way use Andy Warhol’s work as an inspiration and New Way use Keith Haring as inspiration for your effects.

BQID .vs. FQ Performance- Identity Thief of a Female Rapper $200
Rap and controversy in the mid-1990s belonged to one individual alone Lil’ Kim. With her scandalous outfits, raunchy lyrics, and constant appearance on magazine and tabloid covers, Lil’ Kim was definitely the Queen of Female Rap. However, in 2010, the world started to become familiar with a new Queen of Rap, Nicki Minaj. Nicki like Kim has the avant-garde outfits and appearances some say mimics Lil’ Kim’s to the T. It became so tense that the two even began to record dis-tracks. Tonight FQs bring it as Lil’ Kim and BQID as Nicki Minaj, let’s see who really sits on the throne.

Women’s Performance- The Ice Queen $100
In 1994, the USA had women’s figure skating on lock with stars such as Kristi Yamaguchi, Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan. The three held gold, silver, and bronze medals in the prior Winter Olympic Games and planned on doing the same in the 1994 Winter Olympics. However, while training Nancy Kerrigan was brutally attacked by an individual who was connected to rival and teammate, Tonya Harding. Tonight bring it in a look inspired by a Women’s Female Figure Ice Skater.

Face
BQ Face: The White Glove $100
The Iconic Michael Jackson is known as one of the most influential person in music as well as one of the most controversial due to the many of false allegations that he was charged with over the years. Tonight, we want to end the allegations by having BQ Face children create their carta without paint. Tonight come in any look you would like. However you will be asked to wear a white glove just to wipe your mug---if accused.

FQ Face: Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend
Marilyn Monroe is said to have been one of the most controversial women that has ever lived. She is known for her sexy and seductive aura and for her many diamonds she received as gifts from her male friends. Tonight inspired by Marilyn come glamorously done, but don’t forget your diamonds.

Women’s Face: Missed Miss America
In 1984, Vanessa Lynn Williams was crowned Miss America. Vanessa was plagued with hate mails and threats from her being the first African American Major Beauty Pageant holder in the USA. Yet her most startling threat came later that year when Penthouse Magazine released a statement that they were going to publish nude photos that she has posed for. Eventually, Vanessa resigned her title due to funders who threatened to pull out of the Miss America franchise. Tonight as the beauty queen come with a crown and sash.

BQID Face: Studio 54
From the lights to the music, to the crowd, and the scandals, Studio 54 night-club is known as the one of the best Disco clubs of America. Tonight we want you to take the look of Studio 54 night-club goers and to turn it into beauty by infusing the story of Disco into your makeup and outfit.

Realness
Butch vs. Trans-Man Realness: Sammy the Bull $100
When it comes to the Mafia, controversy seems to always follow. However, one thing that is not tolerated in the Mafia is a RAT a/k/a informer. On November 11, 1991, John Gotti and the Gambino crime family learned that their underboss known as Sammy “the Bull” Gravano had become a FBI informer. Tonight, we would like Butches dressed like a Mafia Lord and Trans-Man like a FBI Agent.

FQ Realness: The Blue Dress in the Oval Office
Who can forget the controversy surrounding President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinski? Tonight bring it in a blue dress but make sure there is no stain to get you clocked.

Drags Realness: Amy Fisher
Young, gullible and in love is what drove Amy Fisher to commit a heinous crime against Mary Jo Buttafuoco. Tonight, the love of your life is simply realness and you’re taking shots at anyone who dares. Dressed as a high school teen girl, bring a picture of your rival who you wish to shoot down with realness.

Big Girl Realness (BQID vs. FQ): Bloomberg’s Plan vs. The First Lady’s Proposal $100
Mayor Bloomberg has put a stop to the purchase of any soda beverages more the 24 oz. at local businesses mainly fast food restaurants to stop the increasing obesity rate in NYC. But on the other hand Michelle Obama decided to come out with work-out routines for her efforts to stop obesity. Tonight you are not going for it or any ban of that matter. Come in honor of your favorite fast food restaurant with props and all, and tell the judges why there shouldn’t be a band on anything…well your favorite food especially. Or come dressed in work-out gear to show that you are into keeping healthy.

BQ Team Realness: Gay’s in the Military: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell! $300
Tonight we are looking for 3 different types of BQ Realness, from 3 different houses, representing 3 different branches of the USA military. In honor of the former “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy each member must be unclockable, for if not, your team will be discharged from the battle zone.

Runway
Female Figure Runway: The Runway Rivalry $100
In mainstream fashion there is said to be only room for one black female top model. For years we have seen Naomi Campbell wear the crown of the Queen of Runway. Yet, some will disagree and claim that the Queen of Runway is Tyra Banks and not Ms. Naomi. The disagreement even begun to surface between the two models with shade and reads. Tonight we would like to end our own battle of what gender really runs Female Figure Runway. Women vs. BQID vs. FQ
The look is totally up to you; however, the walk must be ovah.

All American Runway: The Traditional American Look vs. The Avant-Garde Look
When it comes to the different traditional American designers and the looks they want their male models to reflect, there is not much difference between the design houses. However, in the new era of things American designers have become more avant-grade and flamboyant with their styles and models. Tonight, you decide what side of the fence you stand on. Bring it in a traditional American look or an Avant-Garde Euro-American look.

Fashion
OTA Labels: IRS and The Stars
We have all heard the controversial stories about celebrities and their mismanagement of taxes. Tonight the star is not Lauryn Hill or Wesley Snipes, it’s you, and instead of tax receipts we want to see labels….really, the labels.

Best Dressed: The Fashion Police
Will your look be the next to experience Joan Rivers disapproval? Or will Kelly Osbourne go crazy over your style?

Bizarre: The Call Me Now Gimmick! $100
Ms. Cleo fooled us all once we found out that her zodiac psychic readings were not only wrong but untrue. Tonight using the zodiac as your muse, show us that your prediction of winning bizarre at the Latex ball is not a gimmick when you captivate the judges and destroy your competitors.

Sex Siren and Body
BQ Sex Siren: The Calvin Klein AD $200
In the 90s designer Calvin Klein and his sexy male underwear commercials were TV censor organizations’ main target. Tonight we would like for you to revisit the original commercials and bring us that classic Calvin Klein look.

FQ Sex Siren: The Playboy Mansion
Hugh Heffner’s home is known for many scandals, controversy, and if not anything else the sexy playgirls that flood his mansion. Tonight bring it as a sexy Playboy Pin-up.

BQ Body: Mr. Olympia
There has been controversy surrounding the Mr. Olympia Contest since the start of the organization. The majority of the controversy stems from the contestants and the use of steroids, which are not permitted to be used. Tonight, bring us nothing but body in the colors of red, white, and blue.

Women’s Body: Anna Nicole Smith
We all fell in love with Anna’s blonde-girl antics and her silly characters. But her millionaire husband fell in love with her luscious body. Can you make the judges fall in love with your body?

Mini Grand Prizes
BQ Vogue Femme & BQ Runway: The Military Draft (The Top 20 invitees)
The idea of a military draft is an ancient one, used around the world. In America, a form of a draft was first used at the start of World War One and most controversial during The Vietnam War. Under increasing pressure, Congress discontinued the draft in 1973, and the new, all-volunteer army began.

Tonight we will bring back the draft lottery to Ballroom by hand-selecting the Top 20 individuals of BQ Vogue Femme and BQ European Runway. Only these chosen individuals are allowed to compete for the BQ vogue femme and BQ Runway category. The effect is totally up to you. The catch is that there will only be one winner and the battles will be chosen through the luck of drawing names out of a hat.
BQ Vogue Femme Invitees: $500 plus $20 pot
Alex Mugler, Baby Hurricane Khan, Bambi Revlon, Bamzy Garcon, Boom Revlon, Bootz 007, Chaos Mizrahi, Chi-Chi Mizrahi, Dae-Dae 007, Divo Icon, Elzon Ebony, Justin Khan, Lil’James Khan, Lil’ Ronnie Aga, Lil’ Vick Prodigy, Lollipop 007, Magic Khan, Moo-Moo Ebony, Niama Mugler, Omari Mizrahi, Pumps Mizrahi, Salina Prodigy, Smiley 007, Tails Mizrahi, Tiny Aga

BQ Runway Invitees $500 plus $20 pot
Aliquon Pocotti, Boi-Boi Khan, Corey Chanel, Demetri Mugler, Dvon Garcon, Durrell Milan, Egypt Garcon, Giovanni Khan, Iman Aga, Iman Milan, Justice Aga, Kenyatta Xistence, Kwon Ebony , Lil John Khan , Meme Khan, Mini Me Milan, Oreo Mugler, Peppa Khan, Rodney Lavin, T.K. Chanel, Tez 007, Toxic Mizrahi, Tracey Prodigy, Trez Prodigy, Twiggy Garcon

Legendary Categories: The Controversial Win (Legendary FACE, RUNWAY, REALNESS & PERFORMANCE) $150 each
If you ask any legend of any category about a time when they should have won grand prize but didn’t due to shade, drama, or controversy, we guarantee you there will be a hundred stories. Tonight you are the legend and you are telling us the story of when you lost a ball that clearly you should have won. Recreate the look, bring the attitude and hopefully this time the ending of this story will be different--without all the controversy.

The Rise of a Generation: As a House Production (KiKi House .vs. Major House) $500
This year in the ballroom scene there has been controversy surrounding its future due to the popularity of the Kiki scene and the lack of participation of the new generation in the major scene. Many KiKi participants say that the major scene is shady and unfair, and they would rather just walk in the KiKi functions. On the other hand, many major scene participants feel like the KiKi is a waste of time and doesn’t really prepare its youth for the real scene. Tonight as a house, showcase to the audience scene your talents by presenting a production that includes 1 Runway, 1 Face, 1 Realness, 1 Fashion and 1 Performance. The production must include a message tackling the issues of the Ballroom community (for example; HIV/AIDS, violence, homelessness) and how your house will help in its resolution.

Latex Ball Facebook page

BRENMAR & DJ FADE "Outta Sight"

HEAVY HEAVY BUSINESS

STARR REVLON Stairs performance 10s

This is how you become legendary - use EVERYTHING put in front of you to make your statement! Starr Revlon didn’t just walk down those steps to get to the runway, she worked them into her performance. AMAZING!

KAYCEE RICE 10 year old gets her 10s

WOW! This lil gurl is SO GOOD:

SUGUR SHANE [Qween Beat/Got Rush Ent] interview

Part three in an ongoing series on upcoming children.

THIS BITCH RIGHT HERE! One of the first people ever to reach out to Cunt Traxxx in the early days, it seemed obvious to ask Shane when I needed a vocal for my debut EP. A real all-rounder, I sent his busy ass some questions to catch up, and to introduce him to the CVNTY readers...




Who is Sugur Shane?
 
Sugur Shane is an artist, but to break it down, a rapper, house vocalist, and DJ. In any case, not to be confused with a commentator or ballroom artist. Just wanted to clear that up, the mixtape has made some new Sugur Shane fans and they sometimes think I’m just ballroom.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is dark, grimey and aggressive. Very in your face! You can always catch some shady lyrics in my art.

Who or what is your biggest musical inspiration?

I have a few. 90’s music is a big one, Lil Kim, Gillette, and Biggie. I actually wrote my first rap to Biggie’s Warning. Gillette & 20 Fingers brought the nasty side of it and also enabled me to mesh the genre’s together. As far as house music, Peter Rauhofer & Junior Vasquez were the sole contributors to that influence.

What's your favourite part of making music - djing, performance, production, etc?

I love all aspects of making music. The photoshoots are fun, Production fun  but draining, DJing can be cute, but the ultimate high is performing! I love performing, its better than any drug.

How did you get into the whole house/ballroom scene?

I was first introduced to the ballroom scene by my gay mother Princess Magnifique Royalty. I met her randomly actually when I was at Spirit Nightclub in New York. We clicked instantly and she has been my family ever since. Even with being introduced into the scene and having a gay mother; I still never really became too invested into the ballroom scene. I always checked it out here and there but kept my distance.

You're very prolific - tell us what releases you have just now…

Well of course we have my debut mixtape My Night with Peter & Junior! Which is not going away; Everyone keeps asking me about another mixtape. The mixtape still has a lot of ground work, so we are still pushing it. Aside from that I have some exclusives that dropped: Sexy Heels, Club Kid Cunt, Imma Read 2013 Remix with Queer Hiphop Artist DT. I also have my monthly Sugcast which is a tribal circuit house podcast on Soundcloud.

How did the collab with Schwarz happen and are you happy with it?

He hit me up a few days after I followed him on soundcloud. I live for his production so when he hit me up I was immediately down. Our collab Club Kid Cunt is one of my favorite tracks. That trance kick with the ha did it for me. I wrote that track within a hour, that’s when you know I’m truly feeling it.

You play a lot in your native Philly - how is the ballroom scene outside of New York at the moment? Is it different from NY? 

I can’t speak on the ballroom scene too much, because I’m not that involved. In my opinion the whole scene is starting to be watered down and taken over by vogue fem. I don’t feel like it’s a respected craft like it once was either; It’s not like it use to be. The only difference between the scenes is that it is a lot more dangerous here. Our monthly balls are in the hood, so you always come prepared. I’m not totally talking out of my ass either, because the true legends of vogue would agree.

What has been the biggest influence on you besides music?

Life experience. As I stated Biggie was one of my influences and he was a great storyteller. There’s always something that I may be going through at the time that comes out in my music. Like I said recently I stay Taylor swiftin guys in my songs as well lol. Lately it’s been the hipsters ha.

What's coming up in the near future for Sugur Shane?

I have many projects in the works right now. A new house music single coming out later this year. An EP in the works, of course more music videos. Last but not least I’m working on performing overseas and all over the U.S.

Sugur Shane on Soundcloud.
Sugur Shane's website Sugur Rush.

SUGUR SHANE Qween Beat Attack video:
 


And here it is, the Cunt Traxxx/Sugur Shane collab called “Drop", available as a free download, so GRRRRAB IT. NOW! Rest of the “Death Drops" EP is available to buy on Juno.  

JOEY LABEIJA [CuntMafia/NYC] interview

Part two of an ongoing series about upcoming children. One of the very first people to reach out to CVNT (or Cunt Traxx as it was just called back then), with some very kind words about the music, was Joey LaBeija. It was only right that I returned the love by interviewing Joey first for an ongoing series covering upcoming legends. She really is from the House Of Labeija, bitch, and she’s as talented with a set of CDJs as she is with a weave or a dip dye. 

How is the ballroom/vogue scene in New York right now for you?

The ballroom scene here is really cute. Much respect to everyone involved with Vogue Knights, they really give the children a place to call home. But personally, that isn’t my scene. I joined the House of LaBeija to dj in the name and bring ballroom culture to the underground/warehouse scene that I am involved in. These parties have a VERY mixed crowd and I am usually the only dj that plays vogue beats. Usually, after the first 8 bars of my opening song, a circle opens up, the cunts come out of the woodwork & start dipping. I get such a high from watching them go off.

How did you get into DJing in the first place?

My whole life, I have always sought out some creative outlet. In high school I used to charge kids $50 to distress their jeans. Then I started charging my girlfriends to glue their weaves in. That turned into me going to beauty school and I’ve been doing hair ever since. Once hair became a job for me, I felt uninspired and stagnant so I started making tee shirts with my best friend. That turned into a bit of a success for us, and a consultant friend suggested we grew our brand by throwing parties or learning to dj . A lightbulb went off in my head when he said that because music has always been a huge part of my life and making shirts was getting a bit too expensive. So I bought some equipment and taught myself to dj in my bedroom.

What’s the best place you’ve ever DJed at?

The BEST party I have ever played is a monthly warehouse party in Brooklyn thrown my good friend and sagittarius sister Contessa. Nightlife in New York is so segregated; parties are either gay or straight, house or hip hop. The CuntMafia Warehouse is the only party where all the children harmoniously coexist— blacks, whites, gays, straights, hood rats and hipsters. I really discovered my ‘sound’ through this party, experimenting with music and making sure I play a set that EVERYONE can twerk to. I love Contessa so much for giving us all a place to come together, get wild, and make history.

And the worst?

Now I’m not lying when I say I have never played a bad party here in New York. BUT I will say I have worked for some really TERRIBLE promoters here :)

How did you get inducted into the House of LaBeija?

One day I was talking to my friend (now sister) Jamil about wanting to join a house. We had known each other for a while from the club scene here and started to grow close when I found out he lived just a few blocks away from me. A few weeks after our convo, he and my other sister Celso told me they talked with the Royal Members of the House of LaBeija and that I was going to be inducted the following week. My induction was done on stage in front of a club full of people after the house did a performance. It was the most magical moment in my life.

What are your all time top 3 tracks?

Big Momma Thang by Lil Kim
Back That Azz Up by Juvenile
Knuck If You Buck by Crime Mob
#HoodratProblems

And what’s your current top 3?

The acapella version of Body Party by Ciara is currently on repeat 24/7 for me right now.
No Tea by Pipes
Bubloy by Rizzla & False Witness

What is your favourite hairdo you’ve ever had?

My favorite is my current hair. It’s always some sort of rainbow. I owe my best bud Jenna, I give her free reign to do whatever on my hair and she ALWAYS turns me out. It’s the only thing that makes me feel cunt every day.

And what is the worst?

I used to have this platinum blonde pompadour when I was 18. I also was really into wearing these bright red Sally Jesse Rafael-esque eyeglasses at the time. That whole look was a mess. I wish I could take it all back but I can’t….so instead, I deleted every picture off Facebook.

What’s coming up in the near future for Joey La’Beija?

Right now I am also working with Contessa on making the CuntMafia Warehouse into an even bigger production than what it already has been. Bigger warehouses, new talent, sponsors THE WHOLE NINE YARDS DARLINGGGG. We want to take all the resident dj’s and bring this party around the world. I’m also in the works of planning a European tour in September right now. First stop is most definitely going to be London! See you then?

DEFINITELY!

Joey’s Tumblr is here, and his Soundcloud is here.

YNFYNYT SCROLL [#FEELINGS/Track Meet] interview

Absolutely one of my favourite new house/whatever producers, I originally posted this interview on Dangerous Minds last year, but thought it was worthy of a re-post. This is part one of an ongoing series covering upcoming children. 




They say House music is a feeling, and I am inclined to agree.

For too long House music has been defined by a rigid beat pattern that, almost 30 years after its birth, has barely changed. In fact, it has changed so little as to make this hallowed genre seem stale and insignificant, the opposite of how it appeared the first time round, when (ironically) it wasn’t the beat that defined it so much as the attitude.

I remember hearing House music for the first time as a child of about 9 or 10 and asking my siblings to buy me a compilation of this strange, funky music. They got me a two-cassette release, called something like Hits of House, and unexpectedly opened my ears to a whole new freakish world of camp men from Chicago stuttering over a hard and dark music unlike anything I had ever heard. Sure, I had been obsessed with S’Express already, tuning into late-night radio on my headphones hoping to hear “Theme From S’Express” and “Hey Music Lover,” while also hoping not to get busted by my parents in the next room. But Hits Of House was like nothing I had ever heard. It’s hard to explain to younger generations just how fresh House was when it first appeared, just as it is hard for the listener to recapture the thrill and joy of hearing it for the first time.

But that’s where Ynfynyt Scroll comes in.

YS is a young, Austin-based producer who takes the best elements of house music from the 80s and 90s and squeezes them through the post-crunk filter to create something eniuinely fresh. You know, as opposed to what most of the magazines and websites sell House fans as being “forward-thinking”. Ynfynyt Scroll makes music that actually sounds like it comes from 2012, not 2002 or even 1992.
So blown away was I on first hearing Ynfynt Scroll that I immediately asked Rodrigo (his real name) to do a remix for me, which he thankfully agreed to. I am very happy to report that his remix of “Work It” doesn’t disappoint, coming on a bit like Junior Vasquez draged to a deep south R&B club, but even that pales in comparisson to his own releases, such as the Let Me See It EP on the #Feelings label. I also emailed him a few questions, that he gratefully replied to:

THE NIALLIST: Who are you and where are you from?

YNFYNYT SCROLL: My Christian name is Rodrigo Díaz. I was born in Lima, Peru, but I’ve lived in Dallas nearly all my life. My assumed name is Ynfynyt Scroll, which since 2010 have I used for production, DJing, visual art and as an excuse to be a cunty brat with heavy Islamic fundamentalist undertones.

Describe the YS sound to me.

It’s all about scroll scroll scrolling. Just keep scrolling on to the next thing until your brain goes “ugh, ya,” whether it’s listening or producing. I have almost no intentions when setting out to make a track, I just gravitate toward certain sounds that lend themselves to certain genres, but I don’t think in terms of genre.

Who and what are your biggest production influences?

I am very influenced by bedroom rap producers of the American south, mutli-layered trance pad chord hits, men who love dancing without making physical contact with anyone else, Afro-Peruvian rhythms, breakz and very early house.

I hear the club scene in Texas is hot - is this true?

Well Austin does a pretty good job of bringing talent through. Groups like Elevater Action, Broken Teeth and Peligrosa consistently throw good parties, my Freshmore buds in Houston do a good job too, and in Dallas there’s Track Meet, of which I am a part. We’ve thrown some pretty neat, all-out, immersive parties with movie-quality glowing slime and exotic set designs and neat/fun stuff like that, but haven’t had the frequency of guest that the folks in other cities have had up to now.

What can we expect from a YS DJ set?

You can expect me to be all over the place, to ignore genre and sometimes tempo, to play a lot of really abrasive and tinny, trebley Ha tracks, and to play as much amateur music as possible. You can also be sure you’ll hear your fair share of American southern rap, something that has been a part of every DJ set I’ve ever played.

If you could have written any song in the history of music, which one would it be?

Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman.”

YNFYNYT SCROLL SOUNDCLOUD

This is the debut Ynfynyt Scroll release ofr #FEELINGS in Austin:
 

ALECTRONIK "School Of Twerk" Mix

As part of our Bummer Camp series at the Islington Mill, DJ Alectronik has put together a special mix called "School Of Twerk" for when you are bouncing in our Sisy Bounce Castle:

School of Twerk by ∆∟∑© ✞®O₪¡K on Mixcloud

Blaque Won (MikeQ & Divoli S'vere Ha Crash Remix) By Braqueberry
Took the Night (HotRod X Sliink Remix) By Chelley

Whistle (Kilbourne Refix ) By Cakes Da Killa

Shake that a$$ By Chippy Nonstop

Spaghetti (DJ Sega Remix) By Andy Milonakis & Chippy Nonstop

50 Shades Of What By Schwarz

Let Me Bang By Salva & Brenmar

God Created The Beat (Apocalypse Now) By Matrixxman feat. Mykki Blanco

So Puzzy By AiR DJ

#Workha (Fisky Raw Edit) By Divoli S'vere

Britney Puta By Corcovado

Fierce and Shady Tens (Gurl) By Vjuan Allure feat. Miss Jay

Fuck Ya Boifriend By Cakes Da Killa

Bitch I Bought It Out (Depressed Teenager Remix) By Chippy Nonstop

THE DROP By Bro Safari

Booty 2 the Ground By ƱZ x CRNKN

I Be On Da Block By Swizzymack & David Heartbreak

Feeling Special By Mykki Blanco

Werkin Girllz By Angel Haze

Untitled By ƱZ

Burn Tha Block By Bro Safari x UFO!

Trap Shit V12 By ƱZ

Twerk By Lady

Bubble Butt By Major Lazer(feat. Bruno Mars, 2 Chainz, Tyga & Mystic)

Wiggle (Get it) By Dj Diamond Kuts (feat. Trina )

Express yourself By Diplo feat. Nicky Da B

The Clap By Bro Safari feat. ETC!ETC!

Esta Noche By Munchi

Esta Noche By Azealia Banks

Baby Got Back By Sir Mix A Lot

 And yes, you read that right - we have a bouncy castle:

DESTINY'S CHILD "Nuclear" CVNT Cmore Edit

It's the name of this blog...

B AMES interview

One of my favourite producers out right now, I interviewed B Ames for the Boing Boing feature, but only got to use a couple of quotes, so here if the full interview. If you don't know hir awesome r&b/haus/vogue productions and remixes, get your ass and ears over to hir Soundcloud.




Most people don't even know this world exists. How would you describe it to someone who has never seen or heard of "ballroom" culture?

I’ve been sitting here trying to think about how to describe it. But I don’t think you accurately can. It’s something you have to experience yourself. I wish I could.

How did you first discover and get involved in this scene?

Through one of my friends. I was doing music at the time and they asked me to make a vogue beat chanting their name. I didn’t know what that was so they directed me to youtube and showed me voguing clips and that’s where it all started really.

When did you get into production and who are your main inspirations as a producer? What set-up do you use to produce your tracks and remixes?

I got into it when I was about 13, 14. But even when I was younger I would try to record my own radio shows with my dual deck cassette tape player! I always had an ear for music, and writing and singing, but it was when I got my first computer was when I got into the production side for real. Teaching myself how to add sounds, layering tracks etc. Some of my main inspirations as a producer.. good question. I think one of my biggest and earliest influences is Freddie Jerkins and Darkchild. I grew up listening to “modern” gospel music like Kierra Sheard and Mary Mary and they usually worked with them. So I would study the music, every single sound. The 808s.. counting how many different hit hats where used etc. So they have to be one of my biggest inspirations.  Then I started branching out and getting into the work of Prince, Masters at Work. There are so many more but it would be too long. I started off using Magix Music Maker when I was younger and still do, but then later on I grew started using Ableton which I have yet to full master.

How would you say your production style differs from other ballroom producers?

Well, I didn’t start off doing vogue house music. Which is one thing. I didn’t even think I’d get into it. I started off doing music which I could say is technically pop, but not really, and recording my own original songs. I would try to mimic other sounds to learn and teach myself and create my own. It branches from a lot of different sounds. I incorporate a lot of that into my vogue house tracks. I like to sample or add sounds that I think a mainstream audience will appreciate as well, while staying true to the ballroom / underground sound.

You do a lot of bespoke remixes for performers and dancers - what's the most common thing you get asked to do for a performance track?

The most common thing is always a voguing break or to make it with a vogue feel house feel.  That’s the number one thing I get asked.

Could you explain to our readers some of the terms used in ballroom?

• “Cunt” is used  when you are just “feeling it” feeling your best.  Or if something looks or sounds great/amazing. Which is virtually the same as “Ovah”
• “Drop” is when the producers name is placed in a song. Or some signature sound that shows that that beat maker or artist made the track or are featured in it.
• A “ha” is another form a vogue beat. There are a couple definitions for it, but one of the most common forms of it is when you transform a mainstream song, a youtube clip, maybe a commercial, tv show, vocals, and add it (sample it) or turn it into a vogue beat/track
• “Runway” is a category in the ballroom scene showing off your best runway walking ability. There are separate tracks usually used for this.
• A “Read” is when you basically call someone or something out. Or talk about someone or something. “Coming” for someone. It’s kind of hard to explain without being from or in scene. The film “Paris is Burning” explains it all!

Outside of music, what's a big influence on you personally?

RuPaul.  The music, the look, the art and even in the business aspect. He has been one of the most influential people in my life other than my family and friends. Just from him being who she is and being the first to do what he does on such a level.

Voguing has been appropriated by the mainstream once before (most notably by Madonna) - do you see this happening again? 

Yes! I do! It already has been. Especially through the music. Half of the mainstream pop artists that are out now seem to have things used from the scene, to the dances to the looks and other elements. It’s just a matter of time until it really hits again, in a bigger way. You can see the signs in pop culture of it emerging again. It’s always been there, people are just catching on to the new form of it.

There have been a few artists lately using some of the language and imagery of ballroom culture in a more mainstream context.  What are your thoughts on that?

At first, I felt as though it wasn’t right. Because a lot of times it’s taken and flipped and used in the way that it isn’t supposed to be meant. I think a lot of people in the scene may feel like that. But then I thought about it, if people take the time to use the terms and use them, it obviously means that the scene has had a bigger impact than people may see. I think thinking like that limits the scene from spreading (when people have an issue with the mainstream using ballroom terms). I do understand though. People want things to stay to themselves, have something to hold on to, referring to the scene. So it’s understandable why people would have a problem with it. But hey, if they want to use it, use it. I look at it is a tribute.
 
Check out more of B Ames' productions on Soundcloud.

LATRICE ROYALE "Make Them Eat It" (produced by CVNT)

Latrice is my all-time favourite queen from Ru-Paul's Drag Race, and I will forever be grateful to her for letting me sample this amazing bit of dialogue, and for shring it (13K+ listens!!). Love you momma xx

LEGENDARY: a celebration of Paris Is Burning with PEACHES CHRIST and LATRICE ROYALE

Originally published on Dangerous Minds, March 2013.

Latrice Royale onstage at The Castro Theatre, photo by Robby Sweeny.

NOTES FROM THE NIALLIST

If you have not seen Paris Is Burning, you’re just not doing it right. I’m talking Life, honey.

I’ve written about Paris Is Burning before, and referenced it in my recent ballroom piece for Boing Boing, but the truth is that the impact of this film on gay culture, and by extension culture at large, cannot be overestimated. That a film about underground drag culture and voguing resonated so strongly amongst gays should not be a surprise, but what is surprising is how far its influence has spread in “straight” circles. Its language and imagery are now common parlance, and it won a recent PBS “best documentary” poll by an overwhelming landslide.

Which is why I was so delighted to see Paris Is Burning get recent a Midnight Mass screening in San Francisco, hosted by the queens Peaches Christ and Latrice Royale. Barring stars of the film itself (most of whom have sadly passed) I could not think of a better pair to present it. Peaches Christ is a legendary San Francisco performer and the regular Midnight Mass movie hostess, and is so obsessed with films, ickiness and camp that her boy alter ego, Joshua Grannell, recently directed the future-cult-classic All About Evil, starring Natasha Lyonne, Mink Stole and Elvira. Latrice Royale, meanwhile, was a competitor on last year’s season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and through a combination of straight-talking and motherly warmth, went on to win the show’s “Miss Congeniality” prize, and has become one of the most popular contestants that Drag Race has ever seen.

I couldn’t waste this opportunity to ask two legends of drag about this legendary drag film, so I sent them both a set of questions to answer.


Peaches Christ and Latrice Royale

THE NIALLIST: When did you first discover Paris Is Burning?

LATRICE ROYALE: I believe it was 1995.. I know a little late, but again I was very new to the lifestyle at this time in my life.

PEACHES CHRIST: I was a junior in high school and the movie was such a huge indie hit in the urban markets that Miramax did a wide release, which meant it played at the local Maryland mall where I grew up. I remember going to see it with my closeted lesbian friend and my hands were literally shaking when I went to purchase a ticket—I was a closeted queen and was terrified someone would see me buying a ticket to the movie—that my secret would be revealed. I watched it wide-eyed and in awe and while there is clearly a tragic element to the film, especially ending with Venus’ murder, I found it to be inspiring, creative, loving, and it really showed me that there was a way people like “us” could find a family, create a world for ourselves, and that the world could be imaginative, unique, and FABULOUS. I went to see it three more times in the theatre and each time I did, my hands shook a little less when I bought a ticket.

TN: What kind of an impact has it had on your career, and how has it influenced you personally?

LR: Well from my own personal experience in life, I totally could relate to these young kids. As I was one of them. I was too scared to come out after being outed by my brother. But I did learn that you could rebuild your family with people to your liking.

PC: I kind of feel like there are two drag worlds- the one pre-Paris Is Burning and the one post-Paris Is Burning, because after the movie came out and was widely distributed, queers sought it out, understood it, embraced and appropriated its culture on all levels of queer culture. It’s effect on our language, style, dance, etc. can not be underestimated. Whether people know it or not, it changed queer culture and then of course popular culture because it’s my belief that most of the best parts of popular culture start with the queers.

TN: How do you feel time has treated the film?

LR: Knowing what I know now, and seeing how bullying is such the trend.. We need to have a world wide revival of this movie. So many are unaware of a crucial part of our history.

PC: I watch it today and am again blown away by how much of everything we do and saw comes from this seminal film. It’s timeless.

TN: What would you say to younger queens who haven’t seen the film?

LR: Well as I stated earlier we need a revival!! Our youth should be aware of just how far we’ve come, while realizing we still have so much further to go. But with knowledge comes power, and hopefully our youth will learn that they too, have a voice.

PC: It’s a must see of course. Completely required viewing. I’m actually teaching a class in 2014 at the SF Art Institute that’s essentially “Drag In Cinema” and I’m building the course around this film.


Peaches Christ as Dorian Corey, photo by Nicole Fraser-Herron

TN: Who is your favourite character in Paris Is Burning?

LR: Pepper LaBeija LEGENDARY MUTHA!!

PC: I can’t choose one- seriously. I’m obsessed with Dorian Corey, Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Venus Xtravaganza, and Octavia St. Laurent. I love them all.

TN: Peaches, could you tell us about the process of getting Paris Is Burning to the big screen again?

PC: I’ve wanted to do a Peaches show around Paris Is Burning for years and years but really needed to do it the right way and create a show that felt authentic- so it took some time but I was able to seek out members of the West Coast ball scene who came on board to create the show with us. I reached out to Latrice because I really feel like she embodies the true spirit of the film—inspiring a new generation of queens to perform with style and grace, understanding their history while also serving it to audiences—making them eat it. I have been in touch with Jennie Livingston, the film’s director, and she’s been so supportive and WONDERFUL and we’ve been talking about how this Paris Is Burning zeitgeist will hopefully lead to more projects, more longevity, more celebration, and that this community’s legacy will live on forever.

TN: And finally, Latrice, how was the Paris Is Burning Midnight Mass screening?

LR: I must say the whole experience working with Peaches Christ was one that I will never forget!!! So brilliant, and such an honor to be a part of more history in the making.

TN: History indeed!
For more info, and to view the picture gallery of images from the screening, visit PeachesChrist.com.

Where Are They now?

bayantwopointoh:

 From the film Paris is Burning: 

“They treat each other like sisters or brothers… or mothers. You know, like I say, ‘Oh, that’s my sister because she’s gay and I’m gay too.’” - Street Kid

But where are they now?

Showgirls... usually

PARIS IS BURNING screen grabs

i Source:

KEVIN JZ PRODIGY "The Ha Session Alarm Vogue"

I HOPE YOU ALL LIKE AN ENJOY THIS, HOW YOU GET THIS IS UP TO YOU. BUT VOGUE DOWN AND GET IN I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THIS. PART 2 WILL BE ON YOUTUBE VERY SOON BUT VOGUE DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES KEVIN!!

FADEMIX003 (Fade To Mind): Bok Bok

Bok Bok w/ Fade to Mind ∞ Night Slugs in L.A. this Saturday:
fadeslugswarehouse.eventbrite.com/

01 - (unknown) - (unknown) [Night Slugs Club Constructions]
02 - DIVOLI S’VERE - What I Want Ha (Ckunt Diet Remix Instrumental) [Qween Beat]
03 - BOK & TRAGO - Work This Pussy [Night Voyage]
04 - JAM CITY - (unknown) [Night Slugs Club Constructions]
05 - DIVOLI S’VERE - Giddy Up Ha [Qween Beat]
06 - L-VIS 1990 - Ballad 4D VIP [Night Slugs]
07 - RUSHMORE - Couture [Trax Couture]
08 - DJ SLIINK - Follow The Leader
09 - BOK & TRAGO - Hole Driller [Night Voyage]
10 - DJ SLIINK & MIKEQ - Werk’d It [Fade To Mind]
11 - KOWTON - F U All The Time bootleg
12 - JEREMIH / JOE / WILEY - (AKITO bootleg)
13 - JAM CITY - How We Relate To The Body (HELIX bootleg) [Night Slugs]
14 - JACQUES GASPARD BIBERKOPF - For The Women
15 - IKONIKA - Backhand Winners [Hyperdub]
16 - DAT Oven - Icy Lake (L-VIS 1990 Refix 1) [Night Slugs / Fade To Mind]
17 - BOK BOK - MJT (LOL GURLZ Black Nail Polish bootleg) [Night Slugs]
18 - KINGDOM ft KELELA - Bank Head [Fade To Mind]
19 - JAM CITY - Love Is Real (MOKONA bootleg) [Night Slugs]
20 - 151 FEVA GANG - Shaking My Dreads

CVNT guest mix for PEARL NECKLACE show

This my guest mix for Pearl Necklace (link to the show).

Post-pop femme realness:
Beyonce, Rihanna, Destiny’s Child, Ke$ha, Madonna, Inaya Day, Lana Del Ray, Britney
vs  Ben Aqua, Schwarz, Ynfynyt Scroll, Vjuan Allure, MikeQ, Beek, B Ames, Kilbourne, DJ Haze, DJ Sliiink, CVNT

Today's PEARL NECKLACE is ever so cunty!

Not only will we be playing tracks from some of the finest ladies with attitude of hip hop and r&b; think Lil Kim, Shystie, Roxy Cottontail to name a few...

BUT, we will be premiering a guest mini mix from producer and DJ CVNT TRAXX! This Manchester based butch queen knows his stuff about the ballroom vouging scene, hunty! if you don't believe me check out his blog atwww.c-v-n-t-y.tumblr.com!

We will also be discussing a lil' bit about tonight's screening of theLEGENDARY Paris Is Burning at the Flying Duck.

AND how could we forget CAMP SONG OF THE WEEK returns this week with a camp r&b classic!

as always check us out on;
Facebook; www.facebook.com/pearlnecklaceradio
Tumblr; www.pearlnecklaceradio.tumblr.com
stay fierce!

The Jump Off Intact The Hood Internet Not On Label
London Bridge Fergie A&M
Let's Make Nasty (Bounce Little Kitty) Larry Tee ft. Roxy Cottontail 3 Beat
THE LIBRARY IS OPEN
WorkCiara ft. Missy Elliott RCA
Good Girls Gone Bad Shystie Polydor
CAMP SONG OF THE WEEK
Aphrodisiac (Somepoe Bmore Refix) Brandy Not On Label
Bills Bills Bills (Bongo Remix) Destiny's Child Not On Label

EXCLUSIVE CVNT TRAXX MIX FOR PEARL NECKLACE