This sexy, spooky campy vamp is shadow dancing her way into Brooklyn drag stardom. Enter Erotica! [Cover photo: @chase202 & @photochase_nyc]
Thotyssey: Erotica, hello! So, how is July treating you so far… did you do anything for the 4th?
Erotica: Hello darling! So far July has been very, very hot, and not in the way I usually like! This summer weather has been giving me a run for my money. I have actually taken a step out of New York for a moment to visit my family back in Arizona! So overall, it has been a nice month so far. I’ve never really been the biggest patriot, so I was happy to actually spend the 4th celebrating one of my dear friend’s birthday instead!
Is Arizona your original hometown?
Yes! I’m from Tucson, born and raised. New York is actually the first destination I’ve lived outside of my childhood bedroom! I figured if I was going to move out, I should set my sights high.
Were you a performer in any capacity while growing up in Arizona?
So I actually grew up doing musical theater all over AZ, and even participated in the Jimmy Awards when I was in high school. In 2020, when the pandemic came around, theater kinda became something that was no longer available to participate in. So naturally in my bedroom with all my free time, I began practicing makeup and discovering my style. So theater definitely is my first love, but now that I’m able to be involved in drag more full time I find I have never felt more creatively fulfilled than I have with Erotica. Drag has kind of been the culmination of all my different interests: singing, acting, fashion, performance, etc.
Your Instagram main image, and of course your name, brings to mind a classic era of Madonna! Is she an inspiration for your drag?
Funny you should ask… I’m actually doing a full Madonna medley at one of the gigs I’m doing here in Tucson! I mean, truly though, Madonna is definitely the ultimate blueprint. I think something I enjoy so much about drag is getting to pull a wide range of inspiration, anywhere from Elvira to Madonna.
That definitely brings us to: how might you describe your drag today, for those haven’t experienced you yet?
Erotica is so many things: she is campy, cabaret, vaudeville, burlesque some days. She is sexy, wicked, fetish, dominatrix some days. She is Halloween, evil, macabre, spooky some days. It really just depends what setting you see her in. I think the overall themes of my drag are always, simply, very vintage and very glamorous.
Are you a designer / sewer at all?
Yes, actually! It’s something I had kinda always done very casually–and now that I have more of a need for it, I’ve dived into sewing much further. However, that’s definitely one of my skills I’m always looking to improve, especially considering in New York I am surrounded by so many amazing designers and seamstresses.
Have you had a favorite moment in drag, on stage or otherwise?
I feel like my favorite moments always end up being topped by the next time I’m in drag, so I don’t know that I can pinpoint an exact instance. My favorite moments in drag always come less from the onstage moments of glamour, and more from the memories I get to share with all my sisters and divas. There’s something so much more special about those memorable after parties or ridiculous circumstances we end up in. I’ll be on stage for the rest of my life, so it’s more special for me to hold onto those little moments that will never happen again.
You’ll be back in town for a show on July 20th at Sleepwalk in Brooklyn.
I’m headlining for two of my sisters, Mr. E. Minx and Nxthing, at their party “Necropolis: Jewel Box.” It will be an evening of glamour and burlesque artistry!
Then on July 25th at 3 Dollar Bill, it’s a huge show for you: Nicky O’s “Night of 1000 Kims,” which pays tribute to the Kim Petras discography!
I am beyond thrilled to be involved! Nicky always puts on a good show, and I’m a big fan of Kim Petras–so I’m excited. I’ll be giving you a little Halloween moment from Kim’s spooky days. I won’t give away too much, but just know there will be blood!
Very cool! Okay lastly: what is your favorite item, cosmetics or otherwise, in your drag bag?
You saved the most challenging question for last! I truly don’t think my makeup look is ever really complete without a really stunning glitter. However, in this horrible summer weather… my go-to item will always a fan!
From one fan to another! Thanks, Erotica!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Erotica’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 