V-WEB: Our Weekly Obsession (June 29/10)

THE ZOLAS
by Matt Roy

First there was Rufus. Then there was Feist. And now... there are The Zolas. While America churns out one mediocre pop idol after another, Canada is kindling a flourishing group of indie pop marvels. The Zolas are the most recent inductees to a short but impressive list of Canadian artists that are making mindful but fetching music you won’t be ashamed to say you love.

An early press release suggested The Zolas sound like “Justin Timberlake meets The Beatles”, or “Coldplay meets The Clash”. Zach laughs about this: “We don’t really sound like them; we wish we sounded like them.” It may not be sound-alike so much as sheer musical inventiveness that is drawing such eclectic parallels.

Both born and raised in Vancouver, Zach and Tom like to credit the rainy city for some of their success. Vancouver has the sordid reputation for being no fun and a difficult place for artists to make it, but as Zach points out, “There’s the old saying that rain is great for art. That’s why the West Coast is good.”

Needless to say, The Zolas have all the gusto it takes to make a great group. As they culminate their tour at the Biltmore on June 30th, they intend to get right down to business and begin their next album. In a word: Whoop!

Win tickets to The Zolas at the Biltmore on June 30th! Simply email us at fans@v-rag.com to be entered into a draw for two tickets to the Vancouver show! And read the full interview with The Zolas in the upcoming July issue of V-Rag!

Thunderheist Jerks It Tonight

One of the best Canadian duos to dazzle us with their electro sounds is having their final show in Vancouver tonight. Thunderheist will be calling it quits after their Venue performance tonight at 9:00pm. With only one studio album, members Isis and Grahm Zilla made a huge impact on the Canadian dance scene with international hits like "Jerk It", "Bubblegum", "Horny" and "Nothing 2 Step 2".

We got to catch up with them to chat about the break-up and their future plans. Isis explains "Thunderheist became this animal beast that took on its own life, and I think we both just wanted to take this time to reconnect with ourselves." Of tonight's show, she has big expectations for all of us. "We'll possibly get people drunk and we'll possibly get people pregnant..." Can't wait!

To read the full interview with Thunderheist in this month's issue of V-Rag, click here

Back In The Day: V-Rag Classic Track

From dirty punk rock to glittery handbag house, V-Rag has very broad taste. After a fantastic night with the pioneering band The Buzzcocks, we're is feeling a little... homo... So what better track to put us in the mood than Livin' Joy's 1994 classic "Dreamer"? Sassy soulful vocals, a driving disco beat and a hook that screams 90's dance, everyone should remember this club anthem. And it's the perfect way to come down from a screeching rock show. Sweet dreams!

Never Mind The Buzzcocks!

All you punk rock fans, tomorrow night is your night! The legends of the scene and pioneers of the genre The Buzzcocks are playing at Venue Nightclub May 31st. These guys are gods, and if you're not convinced, check out the classic videos "Ever Fallen In Love" and frontman Pete Shelley's sexual anthem "Homosapien". Groundbreaking, genre-defining and 100% punk rock. Bow your heads in shame, Offspring. Full feature in the upcoming June issue of V-Rag.



Ever Fallen In Love - The Buzzcocks


Homosapien - Pete Shelley

Kylie Aphrodite

Oh my... For every gay, there is team Kylie and team Madonna. And while Madonna is a legend and a trendsetter, Kylie is the ultimate pop goddess. Which is the theme of her forthcoming studio album, Aphrodite. She's getting back to her dancefloor roots with production courtesy of heavyweights Stuart Price, the Scissor Sisters, Kish Mauve and Calvin Harris. We're very excited for July 5th to come, especially after hearing this teaser for the new single "All The Lovers". Oh my...

Back In The Day: V-Rag Classic Track

Finally the clouds are lifting and the sun is shining! Summer is almost here!! So for this week's V-Rag Classic Track I thought we'd revive something that screams summer. Summer of '95 in fact. Jamiroquai has never been a favourite of mine, but this David Morales club mix of their first huge single "Space Cowboy" is a true classic. So slather on the sunscreen and enjoy!

Sherry Vine Exclusive

Sherry Vine has recently gained immense attention from her parody videos on YouTube, most notably her Lady Gaga spoofs, which have millions and millions of hits. Sherry came out of the New York City club scene in the early nineties, an original that continues to bring her bombshell charm while performing live. Recently, she has added television guest appearances to her list of credits. Sherry now lives in Berlin, honing her craft and gaining even more cabaret credibility.

SHERRY VINE: THE FAME QUEEN
Interview by Michael Venus

You have been getting so much attention for your fabulous video spoofs, especially The Lady Gaga "Bad Romance" one. How did you start making them, what is the process and have you met Gaga yet?

I've been doing video spoofs for a few years just for fun and to generate some publicity on YouTube. But I never expected the success that came with the "Bad Romance" parody [Sherry's Version is titled "Shit My Pants"]. Who knew poo was so popular? The process is a dollar and a prayer. Haha! I'm blessed to be surrounded by so many talented people who are into helping out. I met Gaga once right before she exploded into superstardom. She was SOOOOOOO nice!

What are some of your career highlights?

I have so many highlights! I've been so lucky to have been making a living doing what I love so I give thanks every day.

Who are you current inspirations?

I am inspired certainly by Lady GaGa - I think she's the hottest thing since adult diapers. And anytime I need inspiration I look at videos or pictures of Debbie Harry!

What are you fave things about Vancouver?

My fave thing in Vancouver is Cotton of course! I was only there for a short time but I remember a lovely day strolling along the water.

Upcoming projects?

Right now I'm focused on the tour with Joey. I have a new video parody of "Telephone" coming out this week. And then I will be performing the Gay Pride circuit in Europe all summer.

Any words of wisdom?

Get The Money First!

Joey Arias Exclusive

Joey Arias is a New York-based drag icon who came out of the pivotal eighties performance art scene. Gender bending and hanging out with Andy Warhol while performing alongside Klaus Nomi and David Bowie, he later re-invented himself into a Fantastical Fetish Diva who shocked audiences with his ability to “channel” Billie Holiday. Joey has dazzled the globe ever since and continues to perform and inspire. He is an accomplished and infamous living legend.

JOEY ARIAS: DRAG QUEEN SINGS THE BLUES
Interview by Michael Venus

Tell us about working with Klaus Nomi and David Bowie.

Klaus was my best friend and we did everything together. When Bowie invited Klaus to work with him, Bowie asked if I could join them. That was a dream come true. I've always loved David. He was the funniest person I ever met. Just vibrating with excitement!

Highlights while working on Zumanity?

Working with Cirque du Soliel was just an amazing experience, especially with Manfred Thierry Mugler as Artistic Director of the personas to be presented. There are so many stories that I could write a book. For instance in the orgy scene, a 90-year-old woman took her tits out and started sucking them and wanted to suck cock on stage... She was a horny fuck, thank god. Sex is Beautiful.

What are some of your career highlights?

I think a NYC highlight was to perform at Carnegie Hall channeling Billie Holiday. That blew me away.

Who are you current inspirations?

My inspirations are anyone who has an open mind and wants to create... Like Basil Twist. He's a child and lover of dreams and magic. Working with Sherry Vine and her aspirations of searching for the ultimate show. And the of course Mr. Thierry Mugler who directs me and watches that I don't do anything stupid. And my future husband.

What are you fave things about Vancouver?

I love Vancouver and it’s really been so good to me... I've met so many wonderful people... Love the landscape from the bedroom window. Vancouver is so open-mined from the times I've been there, and the boys were lined up around the toilet waiting for a good conversation... And I saw some big conversations there.

Upcoming projects?

Upcoming, I'm working with Miss Vine in our new show... The film Arias With A Twist, the docu-fantasy that's opening many film festivals... and my new solo show presented by Earl Dax and directed by Manfred Thierry Mugler. It’s gonna be something very musical.

Any words of wisdom?

Words of wisdom... Let inspiration guide you and don’t be afraid of the dark... The only monster is you. Chase your nightmare because it will pay off!

Tonight Sherry Vine & Joey Arias

What a night for Vancouver nightlife tonight! Two NYC drag legends, Sherry Vine and Joey Arias will be performing tonight at superclub Five Sixty. The duo have been on the scene for years, and tonight you can see why they're considered royalty. Arias now performs with Cirque du Soleil in Zumanity and Vine is an internet sensation with her Lady Gaga parodies. Here's a couple of examples of what all you lucky people are in for tonight...

www.sherryvine.com
www.joeyarias.com

Back In The Day: V-Rag Classic Track

Since we're all about the vogue battles this month, I thought it would be fitting to have the definition of vogue as this week's V-Rag Classic Track. Malcom McLaren's seminal track "Deep In Vogue" beat Madonna to the punch by a long shot. He even used vogue legend Willi Ninja in the video! This is gay New York summed up in one song. "In my black tights just throwing shade, doing this dance that some queen made".

OPULENCE: The Countdown Continues!

Only 2 weeks to go until Opulence returns to the Lotus Sound Lounge on May 5th. And the incentive to be the fiercest on the floor is heating up! Not only will the winners become Legendary Children, but they'll receive trophies, gift cards from Little Sisters, mix CD's and goodie bags full of cool stuff. So it's definitely time to choose your categories and perfect your walks! This is a war on the floor...

Tickets are now available at Little Sisters, Priape and Pulp Fiction Books.

Back In The Day: V-Rag Classic Track

With just over two weeks left till the next Opulence Ball, I thought it would be appropriate for this week's classic track to be a vogue and ballroom legend. Ellis D (a.k.a. Junior Vasquez) samples "Love Break" by the Salsoul Orchestra to create one of the most recognizable voguing classics, "Dub Break". Work on your fierceness by whacking, death dropping and voguing to this jam!

V-WEB: Our Weekly Obsession (April 15/10)

You may not know this, but V-Rag is made up of a whole bunch of movie geeks. Which makes this week's obsession a full-on infatuation. One of the campiest, wildest and most tripped-out films ever is making its Vancouver (and North American) debut this week. 1977's Hausu is like a cross between The Ring, Beetlejuice and a Michel Gondry music video. It's almost impossible to describe, so I'll let its distributor, Janus Films, give it a try.

“How to describe Nobuhiko Obayashi’s 1977 movie House? As a psychedelic ghost tale? A stream-of-consciousness bedtime story? An episode of Scooby-Doo as directed by Dario Argento? Any of the above will do for this hallucinatory head trip about a schoolgirl who travels with six classmates to her ailing aunt’s creaky country home, only to come face to face with evil spirits, bloodthirsty pianos, and a demonic housecat. Too absurd to be genuinely terrifying, yet too nightmarish to be merely comic, House seems like it was beamed to Earth from another planet. Or perhaps the mind of a child: the director fashioned the script after the eccentric musings of his eleven-year-old daughter, then employed all the tricks in his analog arsenal (mattes, animation, and collage) to make them a visually astonishing, raucous reality. Never before released in North America, and a bona fide cult classic in the making, House is one of the most exciting genre discoveries in years” (Janus Films).

Hausu will be screened at 7:00pm and 8:45pm April 15 – 19 at the Pacific Cinematheque, 1131 Howe Street (off Davie)

OPULENCE: The Countdown Is On!

Well, Children... The wait is almost over. O.P.U.L.E.N.C.E. You own everything. Everything is yours. In 3 weeks time, the Opulence Ball will return to the Lotus Sound Lounge at 455 Abbott Street, Vancouver. Fierce voguers will take to the stage with Vancouver's best performers such as Joan-E, Symone, Jenny Magenta and Carlotta Gurl. All hosted by the Mother of the House of Opulence, Conni Smudge and presented by V-Rag! If you're new to the ball and Opulence scene, watch Paris Is Burning and come down to compete in a category, or just watch Vancouver's best vogue battles! Listen to classic house and disco from back in the day, win a trophy, dance your ass off and work the runway! Keep up to date on Opulence news at www.houseofopulence.blogspot.com, or join the Facebook group! It's time to prepare for the War on the Floor. May 5, 2010

Categories Include:

Butch Queen
Femme Realness
Schoolboy/Schoolgirl
Vogue
Luscious Body
Banjee
High Fashion Parisian
Vegas Showgirl


Willi Ninja and Voguing from Paris Is Burning


Working the runway from Paris Is Burning


The Opulence Ball, April 2009


The Opulence Ball, April 2009

Burn The Floor with V-Rag!

Remember, we've got two free tickets to give away for BURN THE FLOOR on Tuesday April 13th at the Vogue Theatre! All you gotta do is get your friends to join our Facebook group and post one word to describe V-Rag. Contestants will be entered into a draw, and the lucky winner gets two tickets to the groundbreaking ballroom sensation! Time's running out, and the odds are in your favour!

Back In The Day: V-Rag Classic Track

Take the human touch, combine it with a digital computer and you've got Giorgio Moroder. Found this little promo video gem on the internet while searching for his epic 16 minute version of "I Feel Love" by Donna Summer, and although it's not technically a "track", it'll work for this week. The announcer sounds like Troy McClure but the album E=MC2 is an electronic masterpiece. And Moroder rocked that moustache way before the Village People. Viva Italia Electronica!

V-WEB: Our Weekly Obsession (March 25/10)

What do you get when you mix the style of Leigh Bowery, the voice of Sylvester, the body of Divine and the electro-synths of Giorgio Moroder? Why, it's Italy's own Disco Queen Hard Ton of course! The latest addition to Gigolo Records, the label which discovered Tiga, Vitalic, Miss Kittin and Fischerspooner, is set to be the wildest Italian export since the Versace family. Check out their videos for the full Hard Ton experience, prepare to be dazzled!

Back In The Day: V-Rag Classic Track

Last night was the biggest, glitziest drag night of the year in Vancouver, where every queen from the city, the country and even the continent gathered. It was Coronation 39: A Night in Athens, and there was more glitter and rhinestones than a Cher tour bus! We'll be uploading all the photos from the event in the next day or two, but until then, let's keep on going with the RuPaul vibe. This week's V-Rag Classic Track is my favourite tranny house track, "House of Love" produced by Eric Kupper in 1994. It wasn't the huge hit "Supermodel" was, but superior follow-up singles sometimes miss the pop radar. Hope it brings back some memories, Come On In!


"House of Love (T-Empo's Kitsch Bitch Mix)" - RuPaul

V-WEB: Our Weekly Obsession (March 11/10)

Yup. We're addicted all over again. Last year, our television world was changed by RuPaul's Drag Race, the over-saturated airbrushed spectacular that introduced us to Nina Flowers. Oh yeah, and that other queen that won. Season 2 is now in full swing after its debut in February on LogoTV. And since Glee is on hiatus, we're in desperate need of some prime-time gay TV! Although it's not on MuchMore here in Canada yet (WHEN?!), you can watch full episodes online or on Logo. So far, guests have included Tanya Tucker, Kathy Griffin, Dita Von Teese, Alec Mapa, Phoebe Price and Mike Ruiz. Face it Tyra. Every week, drag status is going up and yours is going down. Deal with it.

Check out the official RuPaul's Drag Race site on LogoTV.

V-WEB: Our Weekly Obsession (March 4/10)

The Junior Boys are nothing new to anyone who enjoys indie Canadiana. But holy hell, is their new video HOT! The Hamilton, Ontario natives have served up a glitchy beepy electro masterpiece dripping with soul from their album Begone Dull Care. And the video for "Bits & Pieces" is a gay love letter from the boys. House of Monroe, the Toronto-based vogue troupe show us who the legendary children really are with glow-in-the-dark neo drag courtesy of Mary Messhausen! What do we really wanna see now? A vogue battle between House of Monroe and House of Dangerkat! WORK!


"Bits and Pieces" - Junior Boys