Known for displaying high concept artistry in her drag performances, Amygdala is giving her multimedia talents new platforms in the coming weeks. [Cover photo: Ziad Elkawlak]
Thotyssey: Hello Amygdala! So, how has the summer been treating you, as August is already coming to a close?
Amygdala: Hey darling! This summer has been an absolute whirlwind. Sad that it’s ending so soon, but I’m loving the little autumn breeze we’ve been getting this week.
Oh, definitely the same! That reminds me, the last time I saw you perform was for Tiresias‘ fantastic multimedia revue “Underworld” at 3 Dollar Bill last year, which had at least a partial environmental theme (relevant to today, when you see what’s happening to Hawaii and California).
Ah yes! One of my favorite shows I’ve ever been a part of. Tiresias is a mastermind world builder. There’s no other show I’ve been able to perform again as a cannibalistic sea monk suffocating on the shore… but I’m looking!
Do you prefer performances and shows that have important themes, or is it often better to be be silly / fun / weird etc.?
I definitely prefer shows that have some sort of thematic underpinning, or are making a greater commentary–but it doesn’t always have to hit the nail on the head. Sometimes a lot more truth comes out of fantasy, humor, and absurdity; just pure, raw, queer expression. I think that’s what’s successful with “Underworld” specifically; it’s making clear commentary on the real world, while enveloping the audience in its own fantastical one. I think Julie J, Paris and Voxigma Lo also do this really well with “Sylvester.” “What’s Happening” with MTHR TRSA and Brenda, too. So much inspiration everywhere!
Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from originally, and what sort of art or culture or just fun stuff you were interested in while growing up?
I’m a Jersey Girl, born and bred! The town I grew up in was in the valley below Bell Telephone Labs, so maybe the way I am is because of lingering radioactivity, lol!
I’m the youngest of four, so early on I had to learn how to entertain myself. When I was, like, eight, my older sister showed me the “Bad Romance” music video and that absolutely changed the trajectory of my life. I loved coming up with characters and over-complicated storylines when I played pretend, and it always had to end with some sort of devastating shipwreck for some reason. My best friend and I, when we were like 11, were obsessed with Paranormal Activity and used to make movies in the same style, where her American Girl dolls were violently murdering us. Talk about dramaturgy!
As a teenager, I was very much a child of Tumblr: Lana Del Rey, flower crowns, Zoloft, and grunge Disney edits galore. I did a lot of theatre, classical music, marching band, choir, etc. In middle school, I once played a human-sized cockroach that dreamed of being a famous singer.
Overall, I’ve always done a lot. My interests and references change, but that need for seeking new modes of expression has always been a part of me.
How did Amygdala get born… and is there a story behind her name?
I literally decided on the name Amygdala in my psychology class senior year when we were learning about the brain. I was like, “wait–that’s glamour.” My first name was Minerva, after my dead cat. I think I definitely use drag as a way of expressing emotions that I can’t put into words, so Amygdala ended up fitting really well.
When I saw you at 3DB, you were covered in blue lights! Does your drag often include visceral props / elements like that?
When I have the time to prepare… absolutely! My first performance ever, I tore out my heart. I also used to perform a lot with this pregnant stomach puppet that would lip sync with me. I do a lot of projections as well. But sometimes I do just love to be pretty and sing a little song!
Where was that heart-tearing first performance?
It was in 2019, in a competition at The New School in their main auditorium. I performed part of Lana’s “Ride” monologue into “Woman in Love” by Barbra Streisand. I was very deep in a Babs phase then.
So here’s a loaded question: what are your general thoughts on the state of drag today: exciting? Diverse? Oversaturated? Stale? Fun? Appreciated? Etc?
Oh, girl–big question! I think there are incredible shows being produced right now, especially community-centered ones: “Stand Up NYC,” “Takes the Cake” [now “Dirty Mantini“], “Lil Park Drag Show,” among others. There are more open set shows now than I ever remember there being, which is fantastic for fostering new talent.
But on the other hand I think Drag Race–while it’s been great for platforming amazing artists–has created parameters for drag that don’t necessarily need to exist anywhere outside of the show. Drag is so much more expansive, it’s all about breaking the rules!
In my own performances, I usually try to play around with the track. When I perform a song straight, I question how much of the performance is really mine. Lately, I’ve loved trying to reconfigure the relationship between me and the audience. One of my favorite numbers to do is “From the Air” by Laurie Anderson, where I conduct the whole song and force the audience to follow every single move I make. As it gets faster and harder to follow, it’s always fun to watch who gives up and who keeps on trucking.
We have the unique opportunity in nightlife to construct our own ideal worlds, so I’m always a fan of anyone who shakes up the standard format.
We’ll have a few upcoming opportunities to see you shake things up, starting with: “Blow Pop” at All Night Skate on Saturday, August 26! That’s an event from the Haus of Quench, a collective you collaborate with, which will also feature Silly Brown and Spawn!
Yes, diva! After a lil’ hiatus, I’m so excited to be back at our home bar All Night Skate. It’s one of my favorite places to perform. Hosting with my sister Silly is always so, dare I say… silly. Spawn is also such an incredibly visceral and captivating performer. I’m excited to see what they bring, along with our fabulous six open set divas. Angel Kitten on decks is always a carry; it’s a family affair! “Blow Pop” and the Haus of Quench are all about providing space for faces both fresh and familiar, to show us what they’ve got! All love, all support… a cute monthly ki!
Then on August 31st, you’ll be a contestant in Untitled Queen’s “Untitled (Art Star)” competition at C’mon Everybody!
Oh diva, I’m quaking in more ways than one! Untitled has long been an inspiration of mine, and the past two rounds of this competition have been both incredibly enlightening, and made me want to quit drag. These bitches are so good. I’m beyond excited to see what everyone brings. As for my piece, all I can say is it’s probably gonna involve a lot of tangled yarn and uncanny unbound glamour!
What else is coming up for you?
On September 8th, Ill be a host for “Euwhoria Fashion Week” at TV Eye, produced by Xana 101 and Cyb3r.Bull with an absolutely cunt lineup of DJs and live sets. Then on September 22nd, I’ve got the next “Blow Pop” with Thee Cake Taker himself, Xaddy Addy. And on the 23rd, I’ll be in a very special experimental Sinead O’Connor tribute show at C’mon Everybody produced by Paris Alexander.
Outside of the drag world, with fall coming in, I’ll likely be opening my crochet commissions. So I’m available for all your knit needs.
What’s you’re favorite thing that you’ve knitted?
Definitely my two divas for my undergrad thesis!
Work! And lastly: what’s your favorite drag cosmetic product?
It has to be my Ben Nye black tooth paint.
Of course! Thank you, Amygdala!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Amygdala’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 