An eclectic multimedia nightlife artist with tons going on in the next few months, Cheeks Voila is slapping!
Thotyssey: Hi Cheeks, Happy Weekend! We’re done with January, how did the month treat you?
Cheeks Voila: I’ve had a really productive month, creatively! There’s always that weird expectation to “measure up” in a certain way in January, so it’s been nice to feel like I’m doing that in an alternative way.
You do a lot: drag, performance art, multimedia stuff… do you write, too?
Yeah, I guess so! I don’t really think of myself as a writer but I do write…feels more like I’m doodling or something, though.
Can you tell us a bit of your origin story: where are you from originally, and how did you begin as a creative?
I’m originally from Hendersonville, North Carolina, which is close to Asheville if you’re familiar with the geography of the area. I lived there until I went to college and then moved to New York about seven years ago. I’ve been an artist since I was a young child—I even remember a career day in the first or second grade where all the students had to dress up as what they wanted to be when they grew up; I dressed as an artist. Professionally, I got my start performing as an actor before transitioning into the multimedia work I do now.
How you became Cheeks… and what inspired the name?
The name is something I saw on a sign somewhere, I think it was upstate maybe. I like to think it was the sign for some sort of strip club or brothel. It was neon pink and blue, though, so you can’t miss it. That might also have been a dream… I’m not really sure! I started performing as Cheeks a year ago, out of necessity while looking for a day job.
And how would you describe the Cheeks experience to those not yet aquatinted, as far as numbers and looks go?
I’ve been told a few times that my performances toe the line between performance art and drag / theatre, so I’d say the Cheeks experience is somewhere in that ball park. I’m inspired by clowning and have a background in theatre, so those things direct a lot of the choices I make in an act. As far as my looks go, I mostly try to inspire a sense of wonder or whimsy in my aesthetics. I’m less of a drag queen and more of a drag thing, which I think shows.
Have you had a favorite gig or onstage moment?
There’s an act I used to do that ends in an audience member pie-ing me in the face, which is always a riot! Oh, and I recently had the opportunity to perform as a moth at “Sylvester: Magnetta,” which was such a fun show all around.
You host a Drag Race viewing party at Mary’s Bar in Brooklyn every Friday! What’s that vibe like?
My cohost, A Drag Queen Named Darius, and I like to keep things very interactive! The event is sponsored by House Of Love Cocktails, so we keep the libations pouring and have a lot of swag we like to give away while we discuss the episode with the audience during commercials. We also do shows after every episode, so the audience gets to see NYC talent on the big screen and live in person, which I think is really cool.
And you also co-host brunch via “Brag Drunch Sundays” at Branded Saloon with Miss Woman the Woman!
Oh yeah, anything can happen at “Brag Drunch!” Miss Woman ask me to join her in October and we’ve been wreaking havoc ever since. It’s always such a fun show. No one does the splits like Miss Woman.
On Thursday 2/1, you’ll join Bertha Vanayshun, Didi Opulence and Kekoa for “Freak Show” at All Night Skate! What’s that show gonna be like?
Not positive; you’ll have to come and find out!
“Commit (to the Bit)” is an improv comedy dating show you’ll be part of at Pine Box Rock Shop on February 3! What is scarier in this world, improv or dating?
Ha! In the world of “Commit (to the Bit),” I’m an indomitable extraterrestrial force who has never known love or even felt a human emotion…so, I’d say dating. It’s funny to me that intimacy would be an alien assailant’s kryptonite.
Then there’s the recurring “Goth Night” returning to All Night Skate February 8, which you’re co-hosting with Blusa Susa! Drag is better when Dark, right?
My friends at Branded Saloon for “Brag Drunch the Drag Brunch” might say otherwise. But I will say there’s a killer cast of performers and DJs at Goth Night at ANS that always leaves the audience titillated!
You’re hosting “Battle Tits” at Purgatory on February 13 with Tootsie Lewd! Looks like a burlesque showcase?
“Sparkle Tits” is actually a variety show, but we often have burlesque performers in the mix! It’s a true variety show in that we aren’t looking to showcase one thing in particular. The one on February 13 at Purgatory is sure to be a spectacular showcase of some of NYC’s finest performers and artists across disciplines.
Miss Woman and others will join you for “Mouchoir” at Mary’s Bar on February 26! That looks to be an intriguing showcase!
Yes, it’ll be Cricket Brown, Miss Woman the Woman, and Rim the Drag Thing joining me for an evening of high clownery. It’s a piece I’m workshopping to be produced in the theatre in the near future.
Very exciting! What else is coming up for you?
My zine LIPS, has its first volume releasing on February 15, and we’re having a release party at Mary’s! I’m really excited about. It’s a multimedia design journal that will be released twice a year at its inception. Lots and lots of exciting shows on the horizon as well, so stay tuned!
And then last question: if you had to lip sync for your life to a Cher song, what song would be best for you to win?
I really couldn’t name a Cher song to save my life, to be honest.
Lol fair enough! Thanks, Cheeks!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Cheeks Voila’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 