Serving sexy / scary vibes onstage, rising indie popstar Pasco will be pulling us in this Spooky Season with live shows and new tunes.
Thotyssey: Pasco, hello! ! So it still feels like summer, but we are definitely rocketing into the spooky season! From what I’ve seen of your performances, I’m guessing that’s a happy place for you, right?
Pasco: Thank you for having me! It definitely still feels like summer–I’ve been holding off on having my first pumpkin spice of the year. It’s absolutely a happy place for me; Spooky Season feels like my comfort zone. I grew up on watching horror movies, so that vibe is indefinitely ingrained in me. I always have it in mind when I’m making music or planning a show.
I recall your performance at the Queer Talent Show at Metro several months ago… it was both sexy and “bloody!”
Ah yes, I learned a lot from that show. I think it’s about exactly a year ago, actually.
Is it fun to work with those horror elements and props onstage, or are you always nervous that they’re not gonna work properly, lol?
It’s been about two years and change since I started performing, and I’m gradually becoming less and less nervous when it comes to things like that. A year or so ago, my stomach would be in knots a week before an event. What if the batteries for my lasers die, or the smoke machine doesn’t work? But I’ve become more focused on preparation for success rather than possibility of mishaps (which can always happen). I love to incorporate different elements, and it’s super fun to work with. I always try and add some kind of “wow” factor into a performance.
Your stage looks also veer towards the SexyScary: leather and pleather, fishnet, prints, metallic pieces, etc. Are you always thinking about curating a stage presence, or is this just your own personal fun style?
I always have the stage presence in mind, for sure. I feel like it’s just as important as the music itself; it’s something I’m always working towards improving and refining. I’m a minimalistic gal by nature, so I’ve learned how to layer pieces and step outside my comfort zone. I actually want to get more into prosthetics.
How might you describe how your music has evolved over time, and what is your general sound like today?
I’ve completed two projects, and am working on my third. The first one called On My Way was kind of just me getting my footing, and getting a feel for releasing music. The second was Neptune Avenue, and that felt like I began to find a signature sound. Working on my third one, I’m focusing on it being a conceptual project and further solidifying my sound. I like to try different things, but at the base of everything my sound is sexy, edgy, electric, and pop.
Can you share a bit of your origin story with us: where are you from, what sort of music and art did you grow up loving, and were you always a performer of some sort?
I was born and raised in southern Brooklyn. I’ve always had a love for music, but I didn’t perform as much as I wished I did growing up. My earliest memories date back to having Britney Spears’ first album on cassette tape, and having a million private world tours in my bedroom. I’d lock myself in there and go for hours. Britney was, anyways, the epitome of popstar while I was growing up. Combine that with my favorite movie being Bride of Chucky, and Pasco was birthed.
My first performance was my preschool graduation. I would bring the Britney cassette to school, one of the rare times my bedroom tour went outside. My teacher saw how much I loved it, and asked if I wanted to sing a song with my two best friends. After that, the next time I performed wouldn’t be until my high school talent show during senior year.
What inspired you to become an indie recording artist, and what are the joys and challenges of navigating that landscape?
Kind of cliche, but it dates back to the 2020 pandemic. I started posting little covers while I was home; I liked how it felt to share art. This snowballed into me learning how to produce and record my own music. I owe a big part of that to my time spent working at The Apple Store. I was surrounded by creatives and iPads with GarageBand.
When I started my pursuit, I felt like because this was the only thing that felt natural and right for me to do, that everything would fall into place right away and I would skyrocket right to my ideal place in life. The challenge has been that this is not the case, lol. I learned that manifestation is real, but it doesn’t work the way you expect and you need to still move the pieces to make it happen. The pieces are heavy.
The joy is being able to express myself and seeing it resonate with other people. I’m naturally a quiet person, so when I go on stage that’s my time to show people who I am.
Nightlife is no doubt in a state of flux, and venues are struggling through whatever this transitional period is. I have a theory–or at least a hope–that on the other side of this, live music and indie pop performers will have a big place in the queer bars again, like they did once before! But has it been your experience in recent years that the bars and clubs aren’t booking tons of original music artists… even performers that could mix well with drag queens and gogo boys?
I have the same theory. In a world where everything is AI and automated, people are going to crave something that they can see and feel live and in person.
Since I’ve only been at it the past two years or so, the current day has kind of been my only experience. So to me, this is the best I’ve seen it. I’ve had the honor of being surrounded by nightlife folks who love to book independent artists, and that is where you can find passion and drive that you may not see in more established artists who already have it all. I would have loved to experience nightlife and venues at their prime, and I think it’ll get back to that eventually.
One gig you have coming up is Rainbow Rising at the restaurant Tokiodelic in Soho on September 20, hosted by by drag rapper Aria Jae! What can you tell us about this event?
I’m super excited for it! Rainbow Rising is a showcase of all types of queer artists. There will be singers, drag, clowns, etc. I don’t think you’ll find a place as eclectic as Tokiodelic. My bestie, Pudding does regular events there, and Aria is our mama… so I’m looking forward to us all joining forces.
What else is coming up for you?
I’m working on a new album, and the next single will be coming soon! There’s some wheels turning for Halloween gigs, so I’ll keep you posted on that. I would say if I wanted to plug anything else, it would be the first two singles for my upcoming album; “Arrogance” and “Muscle Memory.” I’m building a world and a character for this album, and those songs are the starting points for that.
Last question: what have you been listening to nowadays?
Recently I’ve had “Crank 2” by Slayyyter on repeat. I love a nasty, hard, instrumental. I’ve also been revisiting Vie by Doja Cat–hot take, but this is my favorite album of hers. I’ve been feeling nostalgic lately, so I’ve been going back to my roots and listening to The Weeknd circa 2011, as well as Mac Miller. I’ve also been really into “Don’t Hang Up” by Britney.
Thanks, Pasco!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Pasco’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram and LinkTree (where you can stream and download his music).
Thotyssey 
