Happy Holidays!

From all of us at V-Rag, have a great Christmas and we will see you all in the new year! Until then, let Mitch from Numbers and Nelson from Celebrities get you in the holiday mood with a hot cup of cheer!

Photos by Sarah Hamilton
http://lebeastphotos.carbonmade.com

V-WEB: Our Weekly Obsession (Dec.10/09)

With Lady Gaga in town yesterday, today and tomorrow it's only fitting that she's this week's obsession. More like our obsession of the year. Personally, we like that she says "fuck" a lot and credits a majority of her success to her rabid gay following. Gaga praises the bond between her and audiences, particularly the Marys, in her interviews, so when those two forces collide in her live show we hear the result is nothing short of breath-stopping and frantic.

V-Rag is on the scene for tonight's performance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. What could be more suitable than that venue, seriously? First of all the actual Queen Elizabeth just met Lady Gaga. Second of all, the Queen E has played host to so many fabulous and spectacular shows Lady Gaga's carnival will feel right at home. We're excited. Here is the first of five clips of a really good interview Gaga did with Noisevox that, if you're at all interested in who she is and what she represents, speaks volumes.

Love Fame: The Lady GaGa After Party

Enter to win your chance to go to the best Lady GaGa After Party in town, Love Fame at Celebrities Nightclub on December 10, 2009! Just answer the famed question below to be entered into a draw for you and a friend! Keep checking in for new updates, music, videos, news and exclusive content you won't even see in the magazine! GaGa Ooh La La!!

Q: What diva does Lady GaGa team up with for her new track "Video Phone"?

Email your answer to info@v-rag.com. The first 5 correct answers will each receive tickets to the party at Celebrities!

December "Food & Drink" Issue

December is sort of like gay Christmas... Oh no wait, it is gay Christmas! And gay Chanukah gay Kwanzaa and even gay Muharram! So whatever holiday our readers our celebrating, this is the issue of V-Rag to get it off with a bang. We have a great food and drink spectacular, with profiles on some of our favourite local bars and restaurants. And just as a little early Christmas present, these fine establishments have provided their signature food and drink recipes so you can make your own gourmet holiday meals. Also in this issue, we catch up with local superstar Bif Naked and talk about spirituality, surviving cancer, marrital bliss... oh and lots of bananas! We've added yet another monthly column to our already packed roster with Wasted Thoughts, a regular from Don't Quit Your Gay Job's hottie Rob Easton. And speaking of hot bar boys, that's the theme of our latest photo spread, Hot Cup of Cheer. We've rounded up some of the hottest bartenders from around Vancouver for sexy Santas, reindeers, elves and... Mrs. Claus? Oh dear, where did it all go wrong?

V-WEB: Our Weekly Obsession (Dec.3/09)

This week the thing we're gagging on is really big. Like, wouldn't even fit down our throats.

That's because it's a party, called SPIT, and it's going down tomorrow night at the Anza Club in East(ish) Vancouver. The organizers are calling it a sex-positive event. In other words, be prepared for lots of making out and, well, other stuff. But there's also going to be sensuous performances from Rasputin R. Gray and Vital Divine.

With all the fun alternative queer events going down at the Anza lately, this should be a good one.

House of Dangerkat Exclusive

House of Dangerkat is the definition of style. Really, they are. What other group of people can claim to be dominating the dance scene internationally while launching their own fashion house and gaining respect amongst performance artists everywhere? Nope, didn’t think so. Oh, and did I mention they have their roots here in Canada? Kaiti Dangerkat, the founder, choreographer and Mother of the House of Dangerkat is a native of Calgary, Alberta. I got to catch up with this upcoming legend when she was here this month and find out about voguing, waacking, deathdrops, and a day in the life of a Dangerkat!

HOUSE OF DANGERKAT: UPCOMING LEGENDARY CHILDREN
Interview by Cole Johnston

You guys have been keeping very busy this last year. What have been the highlights so far?

Massive highlights have included performing as Barbie and the Rockers for Mattel’s 50th Anniversary Party in Paris during Fashion Week held at Colette with co-exhibitors Karl Lagerfeld and Jeremy Scott; being featured dancers for Diplo, A-Trak and Nick Catchdubs at the Central Park Summerstage in New York City; performing all throughout London Fashion Week in September for designer/stylist Nova Dando; opening up for La Roux and dancing at the Vivienne Westwood party and PPQ fashion show; touring Europe solo to teach workshops, compete and perform for 3 months... I met so many amazing artists that led to collaborations and opportunities to go back for more projects. We also spent time hosting and performing regularly at Mr. Black's nightclub in New York with DJ Kingdom. Also in New York, we created Addicted for one month straight with all my Calgary dancers, co-choreographers and DJ’s, where we premiered it at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. We brought the Addicted show home to Calgary where we took over the Calgary Tower with a massive dance/fashion/film/photography/music exhibit!

What brings you to Vancouver for November?

I’m teaching dance classes throughout the city.

How does it feel coming back to Canada after traveling around the world for the last little while?

It’s really good to come back home after traveling around the world because even though it’s amazing to being abroad, home will always be home! Canada represent!

How is your new work Addicted different from previous works?

I do urban styles, and my co-choreographer, Jenn Doan, does contemporary. We’ve taken two completely different styles and fused them into something that is both visually entertaining and rich with personal meaning.

Can you tell us about the new fashion collection? How did working with designer Hege Edvardsen come about?

The new fashion collection is like an Egytpian sphinx clad in armor, riding in a Back To The Future spaceship haha. I met Hege when I was doing a workshop in Stockholm Sweden, and she was among the spectators who were there. I soon learned that she also shared a passion for dance and wanted me to represent her work. Collaboration felt so right!

House of Dangerkat seems to draw from so many styles and mediums. Do you see dance and fashion as two sides of the same coin?

Definitely. Considering the fact that there is a dance style (voguing) that is derived from the fashion world, it’s easy to see that connection. I believe fashion is just a continuation of the expression. If we as dancers are using our bodies to communicate, why wouldn’t we complete the picture with the clothing we wear? When I create, the costumes affect the choreography, and visa versa. They are always holding hands, and are best friends in my world.

How has the NYC vogue and Ball scene affected your work and style?

It has affected my work immensely as I have great respect for the home of voguing and the masters that created it there. You can see NY in my style in so much as I had to learn and research the New York scene because that’s where this all began! However as an artist its my job to not repeat what has been done before but to expand upon it.

The music you choose seems to fit so perfectly with your style. How do you pick the tracks for your performances?

I don’t, the tracks pick me!

Your 100% of Dissin' You video employed photography and stop-motion animation. Are you interested in getting into different kinds of media like that in the future?

Yes I'm very interested in to further use multimedia to spread our art and that could be through experimental film, animation, photography, graphic design, fashion design and music.

What can Canada and the world expect from the House of Dangerkat?

The House of Dangerkat is completely committed to putting on amazing shows that are multi-sensory and multimedia across the board. We want to suspend reality and create an experience unlike our audience has seen every place we visit.

For more information on the House of Dangerkat, check out www.dangerkat.com. Also, be sure to watch their awe-inspiring videos on YouTube!


100% of Dissin' You - House of Dangerkat


Opulence - House of Dangerkat

Pansy Division Exclusive

In the early 1990s Pansy Division emerged out of the post-punk grunge era and became the poster band for the queercore music scene. The band gained international success and were out loud and proud, representing us gays in a straight-dominated male arena. They inspired many gay rockers around the world and will remain immortal as a part of queer history. V-Rag chatted with Pansy Division frontman Jon Ginoli on Davie Street.

PANSY DIVISION: QUEERCORE LEGENDS
Interview by Michael Venus

You’re here, and you’ve got some really exciting things going on. I mean, you’ve been part of Pansy Division. You’re one of the founding members of the legendary all-gay band who were the poster people for queercore. And now you’ve got three kind of multimedia you’re promoting. Tell us about those.

First, I wrote a book called Deflowered: My Life in Pansy Division. And that’s a memoir I’ve been working on for a while. I started telling a lot of stories to people about things that had happened over the years, and they said “you should write a book”. So I wrote a book. It has some tour diary stuff in there, a lot of Canadian stuff in it. Um, and yeah. Canadian content.

Manada.

It talks about why we formed, the need for having a gay band and what it meant to have one, and what it meant to be really out and try to push the envelope in a milieu which, you know, alternative, punk, rock and roll... is pretty overwhelmingly heterosexual. So to be doing that, from our standpoint, where we’re really in your face, there’s a lot of good stories.

So you’ve been taking stories along the way, and then thought now is the time to put it together?

Yeah, I’d been writing it for a long time... I thought ‘well, I’ll finish it someday’. It didn’t really have an end-date on it. But at a certain point, I thought, it’s time to get it finished. But in the meantime, we got the album done that we had been working on for a while called That’s So Gay. Also during this period, starting a couple years ago, there was a documentary film done on the band called Pansy Division: Life in a Gay Rock Band. And that played festivals all over the place last year, but it did not play Vancouver’s festival, which was disappointing.

That’s wrong, damn it!

It was wrong! I know. But one of the things I’m trying to do on the book tour that I’m doing now is arrange screenings in cities where it hasn’t been shown, and try and get some folks out to see it.

You guys kind of came out of a time when there were no out gay rock-and-rollers at all, and you did the whole rounds of it. What does it feel like to have so many younger people be out and be able to do what they’re doing and look at you guys as icons and legends?

It’s great. I’ve heard other gay musicians say "well, I don’t mind being out, but I don’t want to be a role model". And I’m like, why not? I want to be a role model. Not that I want everybody to act like me, or that I’m perfect or anything, but I did something. And the reason I did it was because it hadn’t been done before. It was something I wanted to see. It was something I wanted to hear. So, if that inspires people, you know, great.

What’s the main difference between coming out now and being a musician to, say in 1991, when you guys first worked together?

Yeah, it’s a lot different, in part because of Pansy Division and other bands who came out from that time who um knocked down some walls, broke some barriers. But also, you know, we really sang about being gay. And that wasn’t something that all gay musicians do. A lot of them didn’t. I don’t think it’s a litmus test; I don’t think people have to, but I think it’s one of the things that makes us interesting. And as time has gone on, we’ve had more songs that I guess would have more universal appeal or at least are less directly about gay stuff. So it became more of a mix. We didn’t want it to all be gay gay gay all the time. Although at first, it was like, okay this? This is something new. Now that we’ve done it a while, we don’t really want to repeat ourselves. The album took a year and a half to put together, because we all live in different places now – two on the east coast, two on the west coast, no one in the same city. And the fact that it... it all seemed to be coming together about the same time, so we thought let’s just take all this stuff, and put it out at the same time to try and get the maximum exposure, because it’s hard to get people’s attention these days. So instead of spreading it out, we tried to condense it, so all three coming out in the same month!

To find out more about Pansy Division's brand new projects, check out www.pansydivision.com


Manada - Pansy Division


Homo Christmas - Pansy Division

V-WEB: Our Weekly Obsession (Nov.19/09)

We just heard this off of Hed Kandi's 2 disc Nu Disco compilation, and we're salivating over it so much we had to share it with you.

In fact, from now on we'll be sharing lots more songs, videos and other time wasters with you through the V-Rag Blog. For OCD issues involving organizing which you can only begin to fathom, we'll tag these internet-only super extra special posts V-WEB. And consider Thursday Our Weekly Obsession day, where we'll post whatever song/video/picture/meaningless internet meme we've been obsessing over for the week prior.

Like this one. Munk first caught our ears years ago with the wickedly fun song "Kick Out The Chairs" (Motherfuckers!) alongside LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy.

Now, they're back making a strong appeal to our love for sensual disco with the Shazam-remixed version of Down In LA with a synth line that has been soaked in catchiness and baked at the exact temperature of hot, passionate sex. It takes everything in our power to not listen to this song at least five times a day. Dance away, faithful readers, dance!


Down In LA (Shazam Remix) - Munk

Barbara Tucker Exclusive

Barbara Tucker is one of the leading voices in house music today—and a legendary diva—who continues to put out succulent sounds with her God-sent gift of a voice. She is at the forefront of dance music and provides her soulful vocals for some of the biggest dance tracks. Vancouver is blessed to have this amazing talent sing live for the very first time, thanks to the genius promoters that are LuVToucH. Barbara answers some of my questions, gives me insight about the current state of dance music, and tells me what she is up to.

BARBARA TUCKER: HOUSE DIVA
Interview by Michael Venus

What are you current projects?

Currently, I have my own record company, and I am in the process of releasing my new tune, “Feeling Like a Superstar”. I am also planning my annual party at the Winter Music Conference called “And Let the Singer Be Heard”, a platform that focuses on the artist.

You are adored by the gay community. Why do you think that is?

I really don’t know what attracts the gay community to various artists. I know that I am free, I love design and style, and I can be crazy on stage. I don’t look for a group; I just do what I do.

You are a superstar in Italy. Do Italians really do it better?

I don’t know what they do, but I know they love soulful sounds!

Europe has always embraced dance music. Why do you think North America doesn’t quite catch on?

North America follows the dollar. If you can sell them something—not necessarily great, but everyone is doing it—the masses follow the illusion. Money is behind the marketing of acts, but it’s not to say the lesser known are not hot. We just don’t have that kind of money, so we go where we are celebrated, and not just tolerated.

What is the “Underground Network”, and how did it come to be? Is there much going on with it today?

The “Underground Network” is a company that I started with partner, Don Welch, in 1992. We supported the dance scene and had over three hundred artists performing, supported by record labels and promoters. We were the avenue for soulful house music; everyone wanted to perform. Many celebrities passed through, from Janet Jackson to Queen Latifah, and so on. It was also a dancers’ hang out; real fierce dancers. For the holidays, we cooked for everyone; we were as family. My partner still does the “Underground Network”, but it’s more of an R&B scene now. When you don’t own a building, it can be pulled from you, and changes happen. But we do specialty parties every now and then.

What is the current climate for house music in New York City?

I think it’s always going to be there, but superstar DJs come to our town, change the sound, and the new generation follows that. But you can still find more than four house parties. In New York, there’s a party for every consciousness.

Who are your inspirations, and what are you currently listening to?

I love Ledisi; I love neo-soul, and gospel. I listen to music of inspiration, because that’s the most important thing to me. I will always love my Chaka Khan, and Jill Scott.

You are such a talented dancer as well. What is your background in dance? How was it dancing with Lady Kier and Deee-Lite?

When I was with Deee-Lite, I was not just a dancer, but a singer/dancer. Working with Bootsy Collins and the rest of the band was simply a fun experience. One of my favourite partners was Zhana Saunders, AKA Da Matrix. I did a lot of various dance classes, and was in a dance company called “Internal Combustions”, under the direction of the late Calvin Matthis.

What can we expect in the future?

You can expect other artists to come under my umbrella, more music, more conferences, and more inspiration. I’m also working on an online TV show, “Barbara Tucker: The Evolution of House”, on Axiom, so look out!

What is your favourite song to perform from your fabulous catalog?

My favourite song to perform would be “One”, and “Beautiful People”. “One” is a song I did with Peter Luts, and “Beautiful People” has so much meaning for the world. Ninety-nine percent of the songs that I write and sing have come from the heart, and they have an impact on my life based on what I see in the world, and what I want to give back: words of empowerment, lifting.

Any words of wisdom?

All our gifts and talents are given to us from on high. We are given these blessing to bless other, to lift them, inspire them, and bring them joy. When you give back in that way, you will always be blessed, so don't be selfish with your talent; share it, and make a difference in the world! Thank you for the love, and I anticipate coming to your town with a heart full of love!

Barbara will be performing live at LuVToucH (Ginger 62). Thursday, November 19.

November "Style Issue"

Since we’ve already churned out a Music Issue and a Film Issue in our short time as Vancouver’s gay arts & culture rag, why not a Style Issue too? We’re very pleased to make November Fashion Month at V-Rag! And it’s another doozy of an issue. We got to speak to Kaiti Dangerkat, the Mother of the House of Dangerkat. This voguing/fashion/performance art group is by far one of our favourite things ever, and guess what? They’ve got their roots her in Canada! On the cover is, of course, two of the most stylish people we know, Tegan & Sara, talking about their brand new album Sainthood. More on the music side of things, we have two Q&A’s this month, both legendary! The queen of soulful house, Barbara Tucker shows us why she’s a diva, and we get down and dirty with homo-punk-grunge pioneers Pansy Division. Nicki Nice of local rockers Pretty Vanilla discusses the emerging glam trend in fashion, while I geek out on Kylie Minogue’s first ever North American tour. Another first, V-Rag introduces Fashion Files, a monthly column focusing on local designers, stylists and merchants. It joins our host of regulars, Joan-E’s Rag, Cotton Around Town, Music:Notes, Film:Notes, Event Listings, V-Map and of course our Calendar of Events. We also have another great photoshoot courtesy of Brandon Gaukel and Valley of the Dolls. Phew! Didn’t think it was possible to top the last issue, but we’re even more full of content this month! Also, check back on the blog this week for exclusive content and a secret contest!

Amanda Lepore at Celebrities Contest!

Enter to win your chance to see Amanda Lepore live at Celebrities Nightclub on October 22, 2009! Just answer the fierce question below to be entered into a draw for you and a friend! Keep checking in for new updates, music, videos, news and exclusive content you won't even see in the magazine! At V-Rag, we don't know much about clothes...

Q: Who was the guest rapper in Amanda's hit "My Hair Looks Fierce"?

Email your answer to info@v-rag.com. The first 5 correct answers will each receive tickets to see her live at Celebrities!

October "The Film Issue"

Oh my! It's October, which obviously means Halloween. And horror movies... And of course... GAY! In this month's edition of V-Rag, we got to speak to legendary cult filmmakers Bruce LaBruce (Otto) and David DeCoteau (Puppet Master: Axis of Evil), as well as local icon Gwen Haworth (She's A Boy I Knew) and international star Jonathan Caouette (Tarnation). Also included in this spooky issue is a retrospective of the work of Kenneth Anger, a preview of this year's Vancouver International Film Festival and a fantastic photo spread of West End celebrities recreating classic horror films with a Davie twist... A Nightmare on Davie Street. Add to that our regulars Joan-E's Rag, Cotton Around Town, Music:Notes, Film:Notes, V-Map and our Calendar of Events, and you have the biggest V-Rag yet! Just in time for our favourite holiday. Just cuz we get to dress up...

Matt Alber Interview

You can read all about the next big thing Matt Alber in our September issue of V-Rag, but there's so much to talk about we couldn't fit it all in! Here's a V-Rag Blog exclusive, the full interview with this dashing Southern talent.

MATT ALBER
Story by John Britton
Photo by Paul Noblin

V-Rag has a serious man-crush on Matt Alber. We were first seduced a few months ago by the goose bump-inducing video to what has now become his signature song – the luscious, melancholic and achingly beautiful "End of the World" – which features Alber being romanced in a barber-shop and ends with a dreamy kiss to melt the most cynical gay heart. The seduction continued with the exploration of his beautiful debut album, Hide Nothing – an arresting collection of deeply personal songs that speak to the collective heart. And now we’ve actually had a long chat with the man (conducted by phone, from his car, by the side of the road, no less) and found him to be sweet, humble and disarmingly funny, we’re ready to take him home to meet Mom.

Alber’s debut is the culmination of a journey that has seen two brushes with reality TV fame for the Wichita-born singer (a brief appearance on Star Search and a never-made-it-past-concept show called American Pride, upon which Alber was slated to be a major contestant) and a far more rewarding five-year stint as a soprano with renowned male chorale group Chanticleer; the latter including two Grammy awards. “That was trippy!” laughs Alber. “I had visions of us collecting the award on stage next to Mariah, but the classical awards are given out during a commercial break. We all got certificates. I still have mine in a drawer somewhere…”

After American Pride failed to launch, Alber turned inwards and began to write songs with his musical partner, Jeff Crerie. The results can be heard on Hide Nothing. Comparisons with another openly-gay artist, Rufus Wainwright, are obvious and immediate – especially on tracks like "End of the World". “It’s quite a compliment, and I’m a huge fan of his” says Alber. “To be compared to a visionary like that, to think that people are likening me to him… that’s incredible”. But Hide Nothing is more direct than Wainwright’s often oblique approach. The album offers up hope alongside its despair, joy with its sadness – it’s a true celebration of the cruel beauty of love. It’s lovely to hear such deep, emotive tunes sung with free use of masculine pronouns, although Alber maintains that this is an album about life and love in all its forms. “Being gay is only one part of who I am; of course my experiences have shaped the music on this album but ultimately this is a record about the shared experience of love.”

One thing that becomes more and more apparent during our chat is Alber’s commitment to community – particularly youth. Just last year he found himself teaching an after-school music program to 6th graders at an LA public school. “We had to put on a show”, recalls Alber, “and the kids wanted to do Dreamgirls, and I was like, ‘OK, that’s fine if you want to perform other people’s songs… but what about writing your own show?’. They looked at me like I was nuts. So I told them how easy it was, just write about your day. Blank stares. I asked them what they had for lunch, and they told me they didn’t eat lunch because the food in the cafeteria was gross, the chicken was cold and greasy, that kind of stuff. So I pulled out my Mac book and started this basic R&B beat and just started making up rhymes about cold funky chicken legs. It sounded like Destiny's Child. They looked at me with stars in their eyes and they were hooked!” The result was an original show called Junior High School Musical, and it’s clear from Alber’s tone and the way he reminisces that this is something dear to his heart. “It’s so vital for kids to be able to find their own voice”, says Alber. “It’s important for me to be able to encourage that. Plus, I got to crack the whip a little, like Debbie Allen in Fame…”

This connection to youth has also seen Alber get deeply involved with not-for-profit organization LA Youth Network (LAYN), which takes in homeless youth. Christmas 2008 saw the iTunes release of a cover of The Roches’s "Star of Wonder", with all proceeds going to the charity. "Many of these kids are gay, lesbian or transgender who flee from abusive homes and schools”, says Alber. “They arrive by bus, they hitch-hike, they do whatever they can to get away and land here with nothing. There are an estimated 10,000 kids on the streets of this city, and only 2000 shelter beds. LAYN is more than a band-aid or a hand-out; they provide real homes, one-on-one social workers and even send these kids to college. Most of us have always had a roof over our heads. These kids just want a safe place to start their lives." We talk about this further, and Alber’s belief in education to end discrimination stands out strong. “It’s great that all this money is being raised to overturn Prop 8, and I fully support that, but what I’d really like to see is some of that cash go towards educating high school kids. What’s more effective, trying to change the mind of a middle-aged right-winger with years of prejudice behind them, or educating the open mind of an 11 year old? Gay shouldn’t be a bad word, not today. All the kids in my class knew I was gay, but it wasn’t my defining characteristic and we worked together and respected each other as people.”

On the other end of the spectrum, Alber is deeply committed to his work with GLBT seniors singing group, Forever Young Chorale. We urge you to check out the videos of Matt and the group on Youtube, as they really are a pleasure. “Closing the age gap in the gay community is our key mission” says Alber. “Gay seniors don’t have the same experience as straight seniors, families and grandchildren. One day, hopefully anyway, I’ll be 80 and gay and it’s so cool hanging out with friends who are 40 years older than me and sharing their experience of the world”. V-Rag is curious to know what vocal numbers a thirty-something guy and a group of over 60s perform. “Tracy Chapman’s "Give Me One Reason", some Earth, Wind and Fire, Franz Ferdinand, LCD Soundsystem’s "Daft Punk is Playing at My House". You know, the usual…”

Alber is particularly excited about his next venture - a collaboration with electronica DJ and producer Morgan Page, who has remixed "End of the World" into a dreamy, ambient piece that beautifully showcases Alber’s vocals. V-Rag heard an exclusive cut of the track, and it’s just lovely. Alber is equally happy with the results; “It really takes the song in a completely different direction”. This could be the track that pushes his unique talent into the mainstream, and we certainly hope that happens.

That said, it seems that Matt Alber is exactly where he wants to be in his career. “I’m kind of glad the Star Search thing didn’t take off”, he says of his brief flirtation with reality TV, and the journey that could have sent him on. “My music has taken a completely different direction since then – one I want it to go in”.

So, no regrets about not being the new David Cook? “Not at all”, laughs Alber. “Besides, my challenger on the show was this fabulous African American woman with a crazy orange afro belting out ‘Lady Marmalade’. There’s just no competing with that!”

September "The Music" Issue

Three issues in and we're already putting out a Special Edition of V-Rag! Check out the September rag for our special Music Issue, featuring Canadian indie darlings The Hidden Cameras on the cover. Exclusive features and interviews also include up-and-coming superstar Matt Alber, the gorgeous Sarah Wheeler, local glam group Pretty Vanilla, and NYC punk legend Miss Guy. Plus a wild Fashion Rules and regulars Joan-E's Rag, Cotton Around Town, Music:Notes and Film:Notes! Special indeed, but then again isn't every issue special? :)

August V-Rag

The August issue of V-Rag is on the streets, after having a great presence at this year's Pride! A list of all the businesses you can pick this deee-lovely edition is soon to come, until then keep your eyes peeled all over Vancouver for us. In this issue, we cover Pride 2009, give you a sneak peak at this year's Queer Film Festival, meet up with Lady Miss Kier of Deee-Lite fame, as well as OutTV's Rob & Sean (Don't Quit Your Gay Job), plus music and film reviews, Joan-E's Rag, Cotton Around Town and some great photos from last month's biggest parties. Enjoy!

Wiggle & Pole Pride

Two fabulous events brought to you by the House of Venus and V-Rag! Miss Cotton was in fine form on July 15th for the 15th Annual Wiggle Art Show, and on August 2nd for Pride's newest alternative event, Pole Pride. Photos by Brandon Gaukel, go to www.gaukel.ca for more!

Bunny approaching!

July is coming to a close, which means Lady Bunny is fast approaching! Check her out on July 29 at Celebrities, but before you do, here's our exclusive interview from this month's issue of V-Rag.

THE LADY BUNNY
Interview by Michael Venus
Photo by Sergio Kardenas

If you’re talking about quintessential Drag Queens, this “Lady” is at the top of the list when it comes to movers and shakers and leaving a LEGENDARY lasting impression. I remember the first time I ever saw Lady Bunny live was at Stone Wall 25 Celebration in Central Park in New York City many moons ago. I was fascinated by her high-pitched southern belle voice and her sick, sick sixties style and sensibility, with numbers that always seemed to shock and offend. The “Lady” always manages to keep her manners in the gutter with her nutty humor, crass-trash talk and campy performances that celebrate pop culture with her twisted parodies. Bunny continues to appear on stages all over the globe, sharing her sassy sentiment and has been at the forefront of the Drag Movement that started out of New York in the late eighties and early nineties. This coincided with her outdoor drag festival Wigstock, an event that continues to this day (although currently on hiatus). I met The Lady Bunny ten years ago in NYC and later that year performed at Wigstock, which was surreal and fabulous. Over the years, Bunny has visited and performed in Vancouver for us, hosting Wiggle, Pride events and appearing on The House of Venus Show. She remains a hilariously quick-witted Queen who has become a cultural icon, and who isn’t afraid to be herself and speak her mind when it comes to social and political issues.

When I caught up with Lady Bunny, asking simply how she was, her reply was as colourful as her skirt; “The recession has really hurt my hooking business – or could that be my advanced age? So I’m touring more. But that’s not a real complaint in a recession. I just hate that nervous feeling when the wolf’s at my door. I want that wolf to come inside and fuck me...again. But I would never dream of having sex with an animal that was underage. Unless they were already dead. I do maintain certain standards”.

Right there she set the tone for the interview – classy and great wholesome family fun. The Lady Bunster has a duet with Drag Sister RuPaul that they co-wrote called “Throw Ya Hands Up”, which appears on Ru’s new album. “We were reminded of what drew us together as roommates in Atlanta in 1982 – our sick sense of humor. She is a nut! Since [the collaboration] we’ve been in contact more than we have in 15 years! Mainly throwing things at each other,” recalls The Lady Bunny. The pair have known each other for twenty-five years and re-bonded while filming Another Gay Sequel where she says, “It was super-fun with a wonderful cast. But it’s tough learning those lines – and I didn’t even have that many! It’s one thing to go over them with the script in front of you, but recalling them while the wind on the beach is whipping your false eyelashes so fiercely that you feel like you’re about to take flight à la Sally Field as The Flying Nun. But that TV show’s so old that I’m dating myself. Too bad no one else wants to date me! That’s why I bring date-rape drugs to all of my shows and dose myself in front of the audience while reminding them that I’m about to receive a huge cash payment.” Now that’s hard to follow! So what’s next?

Currently, Bun-Bun has a cameo on Tori Spelling’s new show on the Oxygen Channel, travels, performs and DJ’s all over the planet as well as her two weekly club residencies – Splash on Sundays and the all new Rockit! in NYC where she spins her delicious disco treats. Bunny says she loves Manhatten in the summer. “A lot of people think it’s gross because of the humidity and the dirty streets so they escape to Fire Island or the Hamptons, but the kind of guys I like can’t always afford to take vacations! There’s nothing quite like the ripe perfume of an unwashed homeless man’s hemorrhoids. But I don’t have to tell you that.” Class all the way, Bunny.

V-Rag Is Here!

The July issue of V-Rag hits the streets today, and it's packed with great stuff! Features include Wiggle 15, Nina Flowers, Lady Bunny, Circlesquare, July Pride Preview, as well as great regulars like Joan-E's Rag, Cotton Around Town, Fashion Rules, H.I.M. Speak, and our Music and Film Reviews! Come down to Pulse tonight for the Official Launch Party to pick up your own copy. Until then, check out these exclusive interviews to the V-Rag Blog...

Nina Flowers Exclusive

We're starting this issue off with a bang! If a feature on the incomparable Nina Flowers wasn't enough, here's the full interview with V-Rag. This is just the first of many exclusives you'll be able to read (and watch) on the V-Rag Blog.

NINA FLOWERS
Interview by John Britton
Photo by Norman Dillon

It’s only been three months since you rocked ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with
your unique persona and performance, and already you’ve travelled
extensively with your act. What has life been like for Nina since the
show wrapped?

Wow, very busy. I’ve been traveling every other week while still
fulfilling my performance and DJ gigs here locally. I’m also trying
to expand into other forms of entertainment, collaborating with a
couple of DJs (DJ Rhani and DJ William Umana) on coming up with some
new vocal mixes. Also, I’ve been focusing on a new show that I’m
producing, called “DRAMA DRAG” which takes place the last Friday of
every month at the hottest club in Denver, TRACKS - the same club
where I’m also a resident DJ (www.tracksdenver.com).

You are performing at Vancouver PRIDE’s biggest dance party, Rapture
Recovery. Will this be your first visit to Vancouver?

It’s my first visit to Vancouver and I look forward to seeing
your beautiful city and to perform in this great event. I’m very
excited to come to your city after all the great e-mails I’ve been
getting from all the fans I’m getting from that area. Unfortunately,
I won’t be able to stay too long because I’ll have to return to
Denver, but perhaps next time I’ll have an extended stay to see more
of your city.

As with the latest season of ‘American Idol’, it was quite a surprise
that the popular favourite didn’t take the title of ‘America’s Next
Drag Superstar’. However, NOT winning seems to be a better career
move for many reality TV stars. Would you agree that coming in as
first runner-up allows you more creative freedom than coming in first
place?

Yes, I believe there is probably more freedom. I’ve received
great exposure, and I’m working on my own and I don’t have the kind of
contracts that will limit me from expanding to new things.

Your online blog whilst on the show was incredibly frank and honest;
on the week that Jade was sent home, you questioned the ‘nature of the
show’ and ‘are they really looking for the best of the best?’ What
does being the ‘best of the best’ mean to you, both in terms of the
show and as an artist?

They picked a diverse group of girls with many different talents
and backgrounds, and the best of the best was as described by RuPaul
stated was having Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent. There were
girls that may have not brought that on when compared to Jade, so when
they voted her off I was surprised by the decision.

Your latest promo shots are reminiscent of another great performance
artist, Leigh Bowery. Was this your inspiration for the look? And
who would you list as your other key style influences?

Honestly, this is the first time I’ve heard of Leigh Bowery but
the inspiration for the photo shoot was a team work effort between my
fashion designer, Jessica Rowell and I. On my last photo shoot my
inspiration for this came from the movie, Party Monster. As far as
individuals, I get my inspiration from perfomers like Nina Hagen –
while she is not drag, I love her character and her drama when
performing. I also find inspiration from artists like Boy George, the
Annie Lennox, and Pete Burns. They inspired me and where entertainers
that added to my drag persona.

Your success has seen you working alongside some of North America’s
most renowned DJs. What has this experience been like, and who are
your most-admired DJs?

Wow!! I’m still looking to make more connections. It’s been
amazing and there’s are so many I admire... but my favorites are
Ralphi Rosario, and Abel (I love when these two bitches get together
and create Rosabel). I also love Manny Lehman, William Umana, and
some great Brazilian DJs like DJ Ranny, Altar, E-Thunder, Edson Pride,
DJ Lapetina, and many others.

One of the challenges on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ centered on a ‘Paris is
Burning’-inspired ball. You seemed like such a natural in this
challenge. Did the New York ball/vogue scene have any particular
relevance to or influence on your life?

That was during my early days growing up – it was a great
influence. It thought me much about my history and culture. I
started out as a club kid and let that time evolve me to what I am
today. My interpretation of the art of drag comes from that era.

Drag is an integral and universally recognized facet of gay culture,
yet you have been described as more of a ‘performance artist’ than a
‘drag queen’. How do you feel about the terms ‘drag’ and ‘performance
artist’, and do you see yourself as more of one than the other?

Personally, for me I use them interchangeably. It’s through the
art of drag that I perform – I don’t think I’m exclusive or solely
meant to be one or the other. My love is in the art of entertaining
and that’s what I believe the fans want from me.

How is your unique interpretation of drag received within the drag community?

According to my fan mail, I believe it’s been well received. I’m
honored to have inspired others in the art of drag and to think
outside of the box, and explore their own identities as they interpret
the art of drag.

You are a talented DJ, an incredible make-up artist, a performer, a
fashion designer… what is next for Nina Flowers?

Yes, thank you. I know that since the show, the main focus has
been my work as Nina Flowers. Though, there are so many things that I
want to do aside from my drag persona. At the moment, while still
performing as Nina Flowers, I’m dedicating time to music and becoming
a recognized DJ and musical producer. I’m now working with two
incredible DJs individually - DJ Williams Umana, and DJ Ranny. Before
the summer is out I’m hopeful that we’ll have a couple
tribal/progressive house mixes out, so stay tune. For now, there is
a lot of traveling for this year, and hopefully an appearance on the
next season of RuPaul’s Drag Race - We’ll see.

For more info on Nina, check out this month's issue of V-Rag or go to www.ninaflowers.com
Nina will be performing at Rapture Recovery at the Commodore Ballroom on Aug. 2. Visit www.tfdpresents.com for more information.

Circlesquare Exclusive

The Circlesquare feature in this month's issue of V-Rag is just one of many great interviews that include Lady Bunny, Miss Cotton, and of course Nina Flowers. For those of you curious to know more about Jeremy Shaw, here's the full interview exclusive to the V-Rag Blog.

CIRCLESQUARE
Interview by Jeff Lawrence
Photo by Zoe Bridgeman

Can you talk about the tour you just did - where you went, how long, and where this fits in on your 'biggest tours ever' list?

We just finished a short US trip and then a 2 week tour supporting Junior Boys around Europe and the UK – it went from Turin to Zurich to Basel to Brussels to London to Dublin to Manchester to London again and then to Paris. It actually was probably the longest solid time we’d played on the road as such – 12 shows in 14 days… We left Junior Boys after Paris and went on to do Luxembourg with Telefon Tel Aviv and then Moscow on our own for the final night; which was easily the craziest, and best show we’ve ever played. We just got home last night from playing the Glastonbury festival which was also something else…

On tour, did you receive different reactions from different crowds?

Yes always – each city varies so much! One night people will be losing their shit and the next they’re staring at you like you’ve just insulted their Mom. The European crowds were generally quite patient and polite, whereas the UK ones tend to usually be a little more out-to-party I find – and I wouldn’t necessarily deem us a real party band at this point. That said, our European shows on this tour were generally week nights, and the UK were weekends so… I think there can be a huge difference in what people are wanting out of their Friday night as opposed to their Tuesday evening. But a Saturday night in Moscow is a whole other story…

Talk about what you put into this album in terms of studio hours, energy, etc.

Well there was a lot of everything really. I worked on this record for nearly 3 years technically, but because I often had art commitments and live shows, it was worked on in bursts – sometimes things would get stalled and not returned to for months – I had to keep putting it down and then going back and inevitably reworking things as I’d forgotten what I was doing with them in the first place. There were definitely a lot of studio hours logged and a lot of energy put into it though - probably more so than any of my previous records as I was working between 2 different studios and working close with other people which was a something I hadn’t done in years - and even though it seems like that should expedite things, it rarely seems to.

And how do you take all that work and transfer it to the stage without losing the idiosyncrasies of your music?

I think that my music inevitably loses some of it’s detail when transferred to a live setting- but in knowing that, we’ve worked really hard to create a live sound that is different, but hopefully captures the essence of those missing intricacies. It’s hard to translate finite details of electronic music and production in a live setting in general, so we’ve learned to not be quite as precious with the sound when playing live – and to embrace the sort of machine-in-malfunction sound that tends to happen when we play. As we were still playing shows while the album was being written and recorded, the live show and this new sort of looseness influenced the final recordings quite heavily – so I think this record lent itself to the stage a lot better and easier than the past ones.

It's been interesting to read reviewers' analyses of the album. Do you ever find Circlesquare's music being misunderstood?

It’s difficult as the sound of Circlesquare isn’t easily categorized – which in turn leads people to some pretty odd conclusions. This can also be frustrating at times as it seems more like laziness by critics, than misunderstanding. Just like “Oh this is moody and has monotone vocals – they must want to sound like Joy Division!” (not that I don’t love Joy Divison, but really, listen a little closer…). I don’t think that there’s a particular way to ‘understand’ Circlesquare and it’s inevitable that the hyphens will come out in full-force when describing the sound (ie. pop-noir-shoegaze-techno-folk) as it really is a hybrid form. That said, I do think it requires a certain amount of patience and definitely more than a quick listen off a laptop before people can really make up their minds about it. It’s music that should be able to exist on varying levels and that I think you get a lot more out of on repeated listens (as well as proper speakers). It is really wonderful though to come across a review or text that real nails it in a way I’ve never been able to put into words. I think critics/writers can often explain what an artist is doing much better than the artists themselves – I guess that’s technically their job…

As an artist, do you care about reviews?

Sure yeah, of course I do. But at the end of the day I’m not writing music for good reviews. They can be really offensive at times – especially when you feel like the critic didn’t take enough time, had preconceived notions, or didn’t do their homework (see above). But you’re exposed to so many opinions these days because of the internet that you really can’t worry about it - absolutely everyone seems to be a critic and a ton of them feel the need to let the rest of the world know their opinion, so you can only accept whatever they feel the need to say very lightly otherwise you’d go crazy worrying. I do read them, I can’t help it – but I’m actually starting to enjoy both the good and the bad… the Youtube video comments (and subsequent arguments) are my favorite!

For more info on Circlesquare, check out the latest issue of V-Rag or go to www.circlesquare.ca.

V-Rag Official Launch Party

Well, the time has finally come. You got a teaser last month of the newest gay arts & culture magazine from your friends at the House of Opulence. Tonight, be the first to see the official debut of V-Rag! Hosted by Miss Cotton, with performances by Conni Smudge and Robyn Graves, as well as some surprise performances, prizes, vogue-offs, DJ's Betti Forde, Jef Leppard & Coleo and OutTV filming live for their brand new series Don't Quit Your Gay Job! It's going to be a legendary party for a great first issue. Doors open at 9:30, with the fun going all night long.

Miss Cotton

It's a House of Venus Extravaganza for the first issue of V-Rag! Miss Cotton's Wiggle 15 is the cover feature this month, and she hosts the official Launch Party at Pulse Nightclub on July 3. Check out this fierce performance from April's Legends Ball.

V-Rag Preview Party

Get your hands on the limited preview edition of V-Rag on June 5 at Pulse Nightclub! Come down for an Opulence Ball style vogue-off, some special performances, great prizes, fierce DJ's and your chance at an exclusive look at V-Rag, all hosted by Conni Smudge (the Mother of the House of Opulence if ya didn't know).

Calling All Artists

If you're interested in fashion, film, music or art, or if you're a photographer, writer or artist, let us know! We're currently looking for contributors for the summer issues. Contact cole@v-rag.com

Who Are We?

V-Rag is an exciting new venture to help promote Vancouver’s gay arts & culture scene. From fashion to music, art to film, the free monthly magazine will be the first of its kind and is working closely with the House of Opulence, H.I.M., The House of Venus and some of the finest writers and photographers in our community. At a circulation of 5,000, focusing on downtown, Main Street, Kitsilano, UBC, Commercial Drive, East Van, and the West End, this is the perfect time to advertise with us. It’s a great way to get maximum exposure in the community, while getting unrivaled advertising value.
With the current economic situation, advertising is something most businesses will be cutting back on. Since V-Rag is a not-for-profit community publication, we can offer some of the lowest ad rates in the city, starting at just $40. We also have special deals for advertisers who sign on for 6 month and one year agreements. The purpose of V-Rag is to help promote local LGBT events, not to turn a profit.
Every month will feature a calendar of events, which is sure to become the most comprehensive listing in the community. Regular features from Cotton Venus (The House of Venus Show), Alison McLaughlan (BC Business) and Paul Nixey (H.I.M. Magazine) will have readers coming back month after month.
Exclusive features have already been finalized for the coming months, including interviews with internationally renowned artist and author Douglas Coupland, infamous queer punk film maker Bruce LaBruce, acclaimed fashion house/dance troop/New York sensation House of Dangerkat, newly inaugurated Empress of Vancouver Iona Whipp, Rough Trade recording artists The Hidden Cameras, New York Times’ “Next Big Thing” Final Fantasy, and Project Runway Canada winner Evan Biddell. Major event coverage will include Vancouver Pride 2009, East Van Pride, Wiggle, The Legends Ball, The DMS Investiture, Out On Screen, as well as local concerts, fashion shows, film screenings and gallery openings.
V-Rag is the brainchild of designer Cole Johnston and gallery manager Matthew McGale, who bring a wide range of combined experience. Cole most recently produced the 2009 DMS Coronation Program Guide, and is no stranger to local magazines. He worked for over two years at iconic music rag Discorder as Art Director, while becoming Editor and designer for Vancouver Fashion, a publication put out by Vancouver Fashion Week. Currently, he works as Art Director for Visitors’ Choice, a travel magazine with a circulation of over 2 million worldwide. Matt holds a Fine Arts degree and is a fixture of Vancouver’s art scene. He is currently manager of one of the city’s finest art galleries.
Our goal at V-Rag is to create a totally unique publication, one that is completely inclusive and serves the community, while establishing itself as a stylish and thoughtful arts & culture companion. With such low ad pricing, this is a great opportunity for any business to gain exposure and become part of a worthwhile cause. As an introductory special, we’re also offering one free month of advertising when you sign up for six months. For advertising inquiries, please contact:

Cole Johnston cole@v-rag.com
or
Matthew McGale matt@v-rag.com