Drag queen, makeup artist, recording artist, DJ, event producer, photographer and all around gorgeous gal, Aimee Amour makes for an amazing addition to Brooklyn nightlife. [Cover photo: Matt Vidaurre]
Thotyssey: Aimee, hello! Thanks for chatting today! I wanna first off shout out this gorge recent look on your IG–the black stoned gown with the huge train. An amazing statement!
Aimee Amour: Thank you so much! I’ve actually worn the gown a few times, but I wanted to wait for just the right moment to capture it–with just the right hair and accessories to really make it as grand as I envisioned.
Well done! How might you describe your overall fashion aesthetic in drag?
I love channeling a blend of old-school drag and modern fashion references. Sleek, edgy, and form-fitting garments, but with some big Texas hair… and bejeweled to hell!
Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from originally, and the sort of things and people who inspired this current state of fabulosity?
I’m actually a military brat and grew up overseas, so I’ve drawn inspiration from all the different places I’ve lived in — Berlin, Seoul, Prague, just to name a few. Every country and culture had something different and exciting to offer, so I feel like I’ve taken all the little things I find beautiful and gone from there.
How did makeup and drag come into your life? And how / when did you wind up in NYC?
I used to be a portrait and fashion photographer, so I’ve always had my finger on the beauty pulse–but I didn’t start getting into makeup until the Covid era. I had a lot of free time on my hands and a lot of makeup that I bought on impulse, so then I just started playing… and Aimee was born.
I moved to New York from Virginia in 2021 with my now-husband. He works as a stage manager in theatre, and we both just felt like NYC had way more to offer. And we were right!
How might you describe your numbers and performances as a queen?
I’m all about presence! I may not be doing flips, dips, and splits, but your head won’t turn away from me. I’m gonna come dressed to the nines, mug painted flawlessly. And I feel like whether I’m doing a ballad or something more upbeat, I always inject a bit of sex, drama, and tongue-in-cheek humor. I mean, that’s drag.
You’re also a DJ. How did that come about?
I’ve been producing dance music since I was 10, and during my time in Berlin I discovered my love for the underground techno and bass scene. I always knew that one day I was going to DJ; I just didn’t think I would be doing it in full drag! Shoutout to my girl, Kekoa, for pushing me into the deep end by booking me for my first DJ gig.
You even have some original music out there for our streaming pleasure!
I do, I do. And some new stuff soon on the way.
What’s it been like to mix it up with the Brooklyn drag scene?
We always joke that I’m a Manhattan queen who got lost in Brooklyn, and just stuck around! On the surface I just give beauty queen, but there is a stupid and edgy side of me that loves to push the boundaries of what drag can look like. I believe that’s what the Brooklyn drag scene is all about; stretching the art itself into something you haven’t seen before. I think that’s why I get along so well there, instead of in Manhattan.
Folks have a few upcoming chances to see you perform amongst other Brooklyn drag greats, starting with Wednesday, August 7 at C’mon Everybody: “Drag History Hour,” celebrating queer icons!
My sis, Bertha Vanayshun, has curated the most amazing talent to introduce to the children some untouched corners of queer and POC education (like pirates and biker culture) but through the fun of drag. We’re an all black cast–I’m actually half-black–and this time we’re gonna be teaching our audience about some queer icons you’ve probably never heard of. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and I’ve already learned so much myself.
And on the 17th, you’ll be at Sandy Jack’s for large cast benefit for PFLAG! An amazing lineup for a great cause!
Yes! I’ll be joining such a diverse and talented lineup to raise money for PFLAG, and I’m so excited. Sandy Jack’s has always championed supporting local drag, so the “Defend Us” night is a fantastic opportunity for us to give back to impactful organizations that help so many queer individuals both in the community and nationwide.
And looking ahead to August 30, and and Paris Filter will be producing and starring in another Sandy Jack’s show, “Extra Extra!“
Yeah! Paris and I first brought “Extra! Extra!” to a typically straight venue to kick off Pride month this year, and it was an absolute success! Sandy Jack’s is my home away from home, so we wanted the show to have a place to really grow and continue to showcase incredible drag talent from every corner of NYC nightlife. We’re going to be bringing you so much beauty, glamour, silliness, and tomfoolery. I’m really just looking forward to ki and perform some new numbers I haven’t tried yet.
Amazing! Anything else coming up for you, or anything at all you wanna mention or discuss before I ask the closer?
If you’ve ever wanted to dance to some great music with a queen in a floor-length gown, book ya girl for your next party or gig. That’s all!
Absolutely! Okay, finally: what is your favorite, most essential item in your drag bag, cosmetics or otherwise?
Got to be hairspray; it is the fixer of flyaways, gluer of lace fronts, and the occasional makeup sealant if my mug starts to melt. It’s either that, or my dab pen.
Thanks, Aimee!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Aimee Amour’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Stream her music on all available platforms.
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