TVocalizers — Peppermint

Peppermint

Drag queen stage names are always interesting.  Granted, they’re usually very extravagant, quasi-exotic, over-done and often in-your-face-over sexualized.  But much like band names, I tend to pay more attention to the more simple monikers. Case in point is this month’s featured artist — Peppermint.

She has become one of New York’s rising drag stars. Not only does she sing in her own voice, which is incredibly feminine, she is also an emcee and a hostess for various events.  Her live show repertoire includes different genres — everything from pop, rock, Broadway standards, dance material, and even the occasional rap.

Her single of Servin’ It Up has become a well-known addition to the sound track of many dance clubs around the country.  Along with several other tunes, the video to Servin’ It Up can be viewed on YouTube and iTunes.   Her website also takes you to several others, along with an introduction to all the other activities in which this multi-talented and beautiful performer is involved.  TGForum/Transvocalizers is proud to introduce Peppermint to our readers.

TGForum: I understand that you’re originally from Delaware.  Is that where you got your start in drag?   How long have you been in NYC?

Peppermint: I grew up in Delaware, though I was born in Pennsylvania.  I did drag for the first time in high school for a drag pageant . . . which I won by a landslide on account that there were not many entrants, ha!  (There was no prize.)  Anyway, of course I did drag a few times at Halloween and for the theater club. I even went out to a few bars in drag with a “sister” of mine named Nykia Ryshika Thunderpussy.   I didn’t start working in drag until I moved to New York.

TGF: What got you interested in the first place?

Peppermint: Once I moved to New York, I started working at Tunnel, which was a popular night club on the weekends while I was in art school.  I wouldn’t really call it “professional.” though.  Years later, I started working at Lips Restaurant where I started to “develop” as a young lady.

TGF: Any formal musical or theatrical training and/or background?  And, who are your musical influences?

Peppermint: I went to Acting/Dance Academy, and was always into musical theater.  I still use some of the tips I learned in school . . . like, always be the first one to have sex with the director.    As far as musical inspiration, I would say largely, Janet Jackson, but truth is, I am IN LOVE with ’90s music, which is not too different from today’s music, but a lot of people would argue that pop music hit its peak in the ’90s.

TGF: I like the name Peppermint.  Is there a story behind it? Does it have anything to do with your fondness for ice cream, according to your website?

Peppermint: Thanks, I have an insatiable sweet tooth, and my favorite flavor is peppermint.  Most girls are named by their drag mother, but I was such an impressionable young girl, I was sitting in the car with a boy I liked who told me “.your name should be peppermint.”   From that moment it stuck.  I also thought we would get married, but I never saw him again.

TGF: You have various music release out. Let me see if I have the order correct:  first album was Hardcore Glamour in 2006; second album was Working Girl, 2009, correct?  You also have several singles on iTunes.  How much of this is available on hard copy releases?

Peppermint: I have a few singles all of which are also featured on my full length LP Hardcore Glamour.  Servin’ It Up was the first song in 2006 which I did with Jonny McGovern and Adam Joseph.  I’m working on a new album now, but no due date as of yet. We are also shooting a new video for Fresh and a few other songs on Hardcore Glamour.  You can them all online and hard copies are available at concerts.

TGF: I haven’t heard a full album yet. I’ve just become familiar with several of your videos, so I’m wondering what your criteria is for selecting music for your show. It there ever anything you wouldn’t use?

Peppermint: My show is a mix of my songs with other pop hits and covers. Usually, I take ideas from what I or my friends are listening to. Sometimes, I’m inspired by what comes on TV, or even looking at old pictures from when I was in a street gang.

TGF: Besides the music and live shows, what I know you’re involved in other activities and events. Have you also started doing some film work?

Peppermint: Most of what I do is performing in one way or another, but sometimes I perform at parties, or host karaoke or even MC special events like fund-raisers and things.  Yes, I have dabbled in film and TV for fun,America’s Next Top Model, Ugly Betty, MTV, CBS, but it’s not my main focus for now.

TGF: This is a question I usually ask:  what advice would you offer to anyone who is considering doing drag professionally?

Peppermint: Drag as a “career” is hard.  It’s sort of like becoming an actor and a singer and a dancer, combined, PLUS you are your own make-up artist, hairdresser, publicist, manager, and in some cases, you are even your own boyfriend (try picturing that!)   So, my advice to new girls would be: know your stuff! And wait until you are an OLD lady to become bitchy.

TGF: What’s your opinion of the current state of drag entertainment?

Peppermint: Well, I think my drag entertainment is noteworthy and award-winning! Just kidding.  I think drag will always be around. It’s fun and “everybody” can enjoy it if they allow it.  Eventually, it will be even more widespread as a form of self-expression. There SHOULD be more drag professionals in the world. A drag queen doctor or lawyer would be so much more fun! Of course, RuPaul has a lot to do with this new wave of drag interest, which opens the door on the mystery of drag. I think it’s great!

TGF: How political are you? Do you get involved in GLBT politics on any level?

Peppermint: I’d like to think I’m as politically involved as the next queen. I try to stay informed and if I have an opinion I speak out, especially when it comes to social issues that effect the people I perform for. So I try to use that platform as a way to connect like, “hey everybody, they are opening up a new Krispy Kreme on 10th Street!”

TGF: Any future plans you can share at this time?

Peppermint: Well, I’ve already mentioned the new music videos we’re shooting before touring the U.S. with band.  Then we’re starting work on a new album.

TGF: In closing, is there anything you’d like to say that I might not have asked?

Peppermint: No.  These are great questions and I think it will be a great piece!  Thank you so much for thinking of me and keeping me up to date.

Peppermint’s music and schedule is listed on her previously mentioned web site, with videos available on YouTube and music on iTunes.  We’ll keep you informed about new material by Peppermint as it becomes available.

ALSO THIS MONTH

Nero

Storm Miguel Florez has posted a new video on YouTube.  This one is his rendition of a Butthole Surfer/Men At Work medley. Now that’s a combination I never would have imagined. Anyway, check it out on YouTube, and also check out Storm’s site.

New dance music EP from Nero. Nero is Northwest London producers/DJs/artists Dan Stephens and Joe Ray. Featuring vocalist Alana Watson, the Me And You EP is out just before the duo’s North America tour. The EP features three tunes — their album version of Me And You along with a remix version of that tune. The third cut is a remix of Promises. For more information, please check out their website.

Tags: featured, music

Category: Music