Filmmaker, actor, viral content creator, recording artist, Drag Wars All-Star… ShimShim She!
Thotyssey: Hello ShimShim! Thanks for talking to us today! It’ll be November by the time the kids see this… how do you generally like that month and the season?
ShimShim She: I’m very mixed about November and fall in general. I love fall vibes, but when the weather suddenly is cold I’m immediately sad that the heat is gone… even though I was hating the hot heat all summer. But being in drag once it gets cold is definitely the way to do it. Summer heat and drag do not go well together!
That’s for sure! Did you serve any Halloween looks?
I did. I went a bit viral on TikTok with my costume as the girl with the bad haircut from Dance Moms.
This has actually been a big few weeks for you… congrats on winning “Drag Wars All-Stars” at Pieces Bar, the epic competition that Shequida hosts! What was that whole experience like for you?
“All-Stars” was crazy! Pulling four brand new looks and mixes in the span of three weeks was a lot, but I was so happy with the outcome. “Drag Wars” was the first place I performed in drag ever, so it was truly a dream come true. I really put all my efforts into my numbers, and almost everything was made by me or at least altered and enhanced in some way. I think my biggest asset with drag is my creativity, and my desire to do something that’s going to shock audiences. To see that I was able to take home the crown really made my efforts pay off. I’m extremely grateful to get the opportunity to not only show everything that I wanted to, but also to get an amazing response from the judges, audience, and drag community. It was truly a night I’ll never forget.
And it’s been a few years now, but I still vividly remember your Voldemort number for “Lady Liberty” at The Q!
Yes, my most famous number! That Voldemort number was actually my first ever win at any competition. I seem to always find myself putting on bald caps for drag numbers… even though they are the absolute worst!
You are many things besides a drag queen: you act, and make your own original films and music! Did you always have many creative pursuits growing up… and where are you from exactly?
Yes, I do have many other creative endeavors. I’m originally from New Jersey and came to NYC for school where I majored in film production. Alongside drag, I have a career in filmmaking; I am a freelance cinematographer and director. I also make music on the side, and am looking to release an album in the coming months. All my different creative passions come together all the time, and I find having so many different passions and skills comes in super handy. For instance, putting together my music production skills are super helpful for putting together my drag mixes. And even my video and photo editing skills have helped me make props for several of my drag numbers.
With all that going on, it’s probably not easy to simply go out and “be a bar queen.” You must have to select your gigs carefully!
Yes, I typically overthink all my numbers and am busy with a lot else in life… so I’m not out every night. But I’m trying to get out more often.
What some of people or things inspire your art and creativity?
Almost about anything can inspire my art and creativity. I’ve seen so many other queens who inspire me and do things that lead to me think of new ideas. The internet inspires me as well; I see videos of other performers and artists that become my inspiration. Even memes inspire me–especially with drag. I want to be witty and funny, and memes are a great source of what people are finding funny and interesting.
You recently produced and released a project called “Gross,” which seems to combine all your crafts.
Yes! I directed, starred, produced, wrote, and edited my most recent music video “Gross.” It was a crazy process, taking on so many roles. But I had an amazing crew helping me on this project, and I was able to accomplish so much. It was a super valuable learning experience for me, but it also was super rewarding because I was able to really combine everything I do including filmmaking, music and drag all into one project.
The film was shot over four days, and each day I had to become 3-4 different characters, changing makeup, hair and costume. It was very fast paced to get everything done, but I am a very precise planner so I made sure that everything was organized with the right amount of time to get every shot I needed. I wrote and produced the song a couple years ago, and actually performed it a few times in drag, once at the “Mx. Metal” Cycle 3 finale and also at Janelle No. 5’s “Are You the Ultimate Diva?” pageant. The song is about taking pride in being something that society deems as gross.
Absolutely incredible! Are you going to be performing anywhere, in any capacity, soon?
Yes soon. Not sure where or when, but definitely will be popping up soon!
Exciting! Okay lastly, from one holiday season to another: what do you want for Christmas, or Hanukkah, or other December holiday?
I want to spend time with the people who matter to me most. And maybe a new wig!
Thanks, ShimShim!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for ShimShim She’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and her website.
Thotyssey 