There are no words more overused in drag and nightlife than “legend” and “iconic,” but in this case there are just no better words to use. Joey Arias (aka Justine) has been a dynamic and popular figure in the New York nightlife scene since the late 70s, known for fierce punk rock vibes and incredible live vocals that can scarily imitate jazz legend Billie Holiday. She’s been a part of historic theater, film, TV, fashion and music moments… and her epic story is far from over, as upcoming show dates will prove! [Cover photo: Steven Menendez]
Thotyssey: Joey, hello! Thanks for talking to us today! I was browsing your socials and I see that you now have some very cool t-shirt merch honoring your famous Saturday Night Live appearance alongside another legendary nightlife vocalist, Klaus Nomi ,from 1979 where you were both supporting David Bowie! What inspired you to produce that now?
Joey Arias: The t-shirts were made for a Bowie convention! It was the first time they invited someone from that SNL appearance. [Bowie collaborator] Carlos Alomar was there also; a thousand fans were gagging! And they loved the t-shirt designed by artist Ruben Toledo.
That SNL performance was such a classic pop cultural moment. How did that come to be?
We met Bowie at The Mudd Club one late night. Klaus and myself approached him, and he had just returned from Berlin and been hearing about Klaus’ shows in NYC. It was a very special moment, and we knew we were going to create musical history.
You’re well known for your dynamic and versatile singing voice, which can sound like Billie Holiday or Robert Plant or Janis Joplin, but is still entirely unique! How did you discover and develop that sound, and who are your favorite artists to sing?
I grew up singing, and loved hearing so much music. The neighborhood band I played with was loud and rocking! I was always pushing my voice. But it wasn’t until I heard Billie Holiday’s voice that I realized I wanted to have that same vibe, so I started singing softly and with conviction. Everything changed with my approach to my singing style. I love Robert Plant for his unique style, but it’s only Billie that guides me.
Can you tell us a bit also about where you’re from originally, and how you came to discover drag?
I’m originally from North Carolina, and at six years old my parents were going to move us to Australia–but stopped in LA to say goodbye to friends, etc. And at 19 years old, I escaped and reinvented myself in NYC. I knew of drag, and hated drag shows! But years later Andy Warhol was having a Halloween party, and the theme was drag. I was so pissed, butf friends helped me get ready and [my drag persona] Justine was born.
Was lip synching ever a part of your repertoire?
I don’t know how to lip synch!
You were a fixture of Lady Bunny’s Wigstock festival, which showcased the evolution of New York drag in increasingly larger showcases. You also appear in the 1995 Wigstock concert film, and you were even on stage for the massive revival concert back in 2018! Were those all incredible experiences for you… and do we need more Wigstock in our lives?
Wigstock was fun and silly… but every year, it grew. One day, Bunny asked me to do a Billie Holiday performance… then it all changed again for me! I think Wigstock ran its course; it became too much for Bunny. All the fun was being sucked out by corporations.
Also in ’95, you were one of the great NYC queens who appeared in the first part of the beloved drag comedy film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar. That must’ve been a wild experience.
To Wong Foo was amazing! Too bad they edited the opening; I had such fun with the choreography! Patrick Swayze and I became very close!
Is drag inherently political, do you think?
Drag is not political anymore. It’s mainstream! It’s now for kiddies and everyone.
What are your thoughts on RuPaul’s Drag Race?
[Production company] World of Wonder made it finally, with RuPaul and drag. It took off immediately, and became a great platform for future dreamers! It’s out of control, but fun. Only a few have become big stars. I’m happy for everyone.
These days, you perform mostly in cabarets and concert halls, as opposed to bars and clubs, often with a full band. Is that a natural evolution of what you’ve always been doing?
As a performer, you have to try all mediums. I do prefer live music; I get to really open up and play with my voice! Doing tracks works for certain venues, but I prefer live. I haven’t performed in a bar since 2003.
You’ve given a number of great shows in recent years at Joe’s Pub, a Public Theater venue. Would you consider that your home base these days? When might you be back?
Joe’s Pub is amazing, and it is my home base! My next show there is February 6th: “Metal Love III!” It’s gonna be off the hook.
On November 25, you’ll be serving a holiday show at The Nines Supper Club on Great Jones.
The Nines is quite chic and elegant! I’ll be doing Billie classics, and a few original songs.
By the way, do you have a favorite Christmas song?
For sure: “White Christmas!”
Back in the glory days of 90’s New York drag, you’d host legendary shows at Bar d’O in the West Village with Sherry Vine and Raven O! How might you describe what made them so special?
Bar d’O just happened because nothing like it was around. Raven, [French born model, artist and performer] Edwige and myself were the originals. Then Edwige had to go back to Paris for a bit, and I had met Sherry and invited her to join. The rest is history.
That space is no more, but you, Sherry and Raven (the latter two now both live in LA) have been reuniting for annual shows at Indochine to revisit that bribe. This will happen again on December 15th, and it’s a major milestone!
We’re thrilled about Dece,ber 15th– our 30 year reunion! Flotilla DeBarge will joining us, and there will be other surprises! It’s going to be something, for sure.
As a recording artist, you’re signed to Beige NYC with whom you’ve released a lush and eclectic full album last year: Past Present Future! Is recording in the studio a very different experience from live performance… and do you have a preference between the two?
Recording is a controlled experiment. You have to remember that what you put down is forever! Live is about a living vibration, and right up in your face! I don’t like to sound like the recording; every show is never the same! I always sing them a bit different.
What else is coming up for you, or do you have anything else to add?
I’m currently and finally working with someone on my memoirs! And that’s going to be insane because of my history; it could easily be three or four volumes! And Beige is working on securing a deal to do the film documentary. That’s going to be spectacular!
I’m walking art, and I feel as though I’m not of this time zone. I feel like I came from the future to bring a message! It comes out through art, and sensuality. Remember, it starts with the first kiss, and my motto is “let’s make love.”
Lastly: what’s the best Christmas present you ever got?
My sobriety–so that I can continue this journey for the hundred years still!
Thanks, Joey!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Joey Arias’ upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkTree.
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