A local horror queen and podcast host, CryBaby has us laughing and screaming through the spooky season. [Cover photo: Danielle LaRose]
Thotyssey: CryBaby, hello! Are you getting into Spooky Season with horror movies and tacky decor, or are you more of a pumpkin spiced autumnal girlie?
CryBaby: Oh yeah, Spooky Season is here, baybee! Truth be told, I’m always all about the horror movies and tacky decor. It’s in my blood. But this time of year provides a special opportunity for me to relentlessly share my enthusiasm and love for horror with people. My friends and family always come to me for advice on what movies they should watch, and how they should celebrate the Spook.
Do you have a random movie recommendation that’s on the top of your head?
Right now I’m very into 80’s camp and schlocky horror for some reason. It’s just tickling the right part of my brain these days. So in that realm, I’d say Frankenhooker is a wonderfully trashy time. Chopping Mall is another great option. But if you want something that’s really gonna scare you, When Evil Lurks shook me to my core. It’s a lovely, dark and twisted Argentinian film that goes to some really messed up and scary places.
Frankenhooker is screening as a shadowcast at Pine Box Rock Shop on October 15… free plug for them!
Ooh, that’s good to know. I may. have to go check that out! Also, I’m just curious….what’s your favorite scary movie?
I tend to veer towards 80s camp myself. Right now I find myself in a Night of the Demons sort of mood.
I literally just watched that a few days ago!
How might you describe your drag today, as far as looks and numbers go?
My drag loves to dance on the intersection of all things scary, sexy, and stupid. With horror being such a love of mine, it’s hard not to fold it into my work as an artist. There’s such a fun whimsy and cleverness to the genre that I find quite inspiring and energizing (plus horror is a very queer genre). Not only can there be spook, but there can be a sense of humor and irreverence while also saying something important and profound. I also really enjoy showing body and celebrating being a big girl, and being worthy of sex and pleasure. In my mind, all of that is connected and can be blended together in numbers and looks that can speak to things subversive… while also being entertaining, without taking things too seriously.
Does “CryBaby” come from John Waters?
Funny you should ask that, because it’s probably the number one question I get asked. And as much as I’d love for that to be true, it’s not! The truth is way more candid and heartfelt. I started doing drag during a pretty dark period in my life. I frequently found myself crying, anywhere and everywhere (hence the handle @cryin_in_public). And I wasn’t really kind to myself during this; I was just filled with a lot of shame on top of the BS I was going through. Eventually I hit a point where I realized what I was doing to myself. I decided I wanted to not only use drag as a way to guide myself through these hard moments, but also reclaim a moniker I was always taught to be ashamed of. Growing up as a boy, I was taught to never be a crybaby. So I kinda said fuck it and labelled myself as one, loud and proud. I’ve never looked back. I’ll gladly cry any chance I get.
I do love me some John Waters, though. What an icon and absolute gremlin (complimentary).
Where are you from originally, and did you grow up with interests in things like makeup and performance?
I grew up in Las Vegas–which at the time felt so normal. But in retrospect, it was definitely an interesting experience being a child growing up in a city designed for adults to be the worst versions of themselves. I do remember being, like, five years old and living for the glitz and glam of the showgirls. I was low key very jealous of these girls because they got to be so creative with their styles, and how they expressed themselves. But I repressed that at such an early age because I never wanted to be seen as feminine. So I was very shy until I hit high school.
Eventually I found theater and music, which kept me creatively engaged for a while. But it wasn’t until I hit my early 30’s that I realized I wanted to play with the things I taught myself to ignore as a child… and it was scary. I never touched a makeup brush in my life, and I low key genuinely believed I didn’t have a visually creative bone in my body.
But drag just felt correct! It was the perfect combination of the skills and interests I had acquired throughout my life. I had a lot to learn (I still do!), but it was the first time in my life that I felt like I was truly expressing myself and connecting with people through my work and art.
How do you find the New York drag scene to be? Joyful, plentiful, diverse, exciting, scary, challenging, weird, etc.?
For where I’m at in my career right now, I’d say it’s exciting, scary, and maybe a little overwhelming. Up until this point I’ve basically been developing my drag in a cocoon. I’ve spent a lot of time working on my podcast and using that as a space for my drag persona, and the voice I’m building as an artist. Beyond that, the majority of my gigs have been with friends or self-produced–and very few of those have been in the bar/club scene. I think this is where the “scary” comes in. Despite being hungry to step out of my comfort zone and be a part of the larger NYC drag community, it’s a very scary and vulnerable step to take–especially for something that has been a lifeline for me.
At the same time, I find myself excited and inspired by the connections I have made and the artists I’ve worked with. They’ve all been so wonderful and fun to watch–and even though the voice in my head tells me there’s not a space for me in the scene at large, I’ve come to learn that’s not true. I’ve started to dip my toes into gigs and opportunities I otherwise would have shied away from, and I’m learning to relish the fact that I will only continue to get better if I let myself do the work (and enjoy it). Even if I flop from time to time. I know that the people in my corner will encourage and support me through that process, and I’m eager to do the same for other artists.
An incredible journey!
Thank you so much. That’s very kind
Before we talk about upcoming live gigs, tell us more about your podcast! What’s it “about,” what inspired you to create it, etc.?
It should come at no surprise that my podcast is, in fact, a horror podcast, lol. It’s called Whorror Icon, and it’s your queer playground for all things scary, sexy, and stupid. On the show my guests and I discuss horror movies and look at them through a queer lens. Like I said earlier, horror is a very queer genre–and I’ve found a lot of queer people drawn to it. Many of the so-called “freaks and outcasts” see themselves reflected in these stories, for better or for worse. And that’s very exciting! So I wanted to cultivate community and create a space for us to celebrate the genre, and talk about what we love about it. Not to mention, mamma’s a yapper. I love to talk and hear other people’s thoughts, ideas, and opinions. So it only made sense to create a podcast.
It’s been a lot of work and quite challenging, but I’ve been enjoying the process. I’m excited to continue to build it up and evolve the show into something delightfully horrific.
Tell us about your show at new Brooklyn venue House of Nancy on October 16th.
It’s a Halloween Comedy Show highlighting the winners and placers of the Alphabet City Laughs Comedy Pageant, which I competed in and placed Runner Up last year. It’s gonna be such a fun time! Anyone who wants to come support can use code” crybaby” to get 20% off tickets.
And on October 23rd, you’re gonna be hosting the Halloween showcase Thicc or Treat at a Brooklyn venue called Nook.
Yeah! I developed Thicc or Treat as an opportunity to celebrate (and selfishly work with) some of my favorite artists and family. There’s a variety of acts from musicians to kings and queens, and there’s even an artist making their drag king debut. My goal for this show is to showcase all different styles of drag and artistry, and I want it to feel very much rooted in celebration and community. I did a similar show for the holidays last year, to great success,. My goal is to continue to develop this to be even more inclusive and diverse, and to give all kinds of artists space to be their queer freaky selves.
Since Nook is a coffee shop that holds community events, I don’t want anyone to feel unwelcome or removed from the space. So tickets for the show are donation-based to keep the show accessible, while also making sure the artists can get their coin.
What else is coming up for you, or is there anything else you want to say?
I’d be silly if I didn’t throw a shout out to BAX (Brooklyn Arts Exchange). I spent some time with them this spring for their emcee intensive with Theydy Bedbug, and I found the experience to be quite joyous and empowering. I really enjoyed my experience there, and I have a lot of respect for the work they’re doing in the community.
To conclude: what experience would you rather have, an alien abduction or being trapped in a haunted house?
While being abducted by aliens would be an exciting new adventure, there’s just something sexy and classically scary about being trapped in a haunted house. The history. The yearning. The horny rage. It speaks to me. Plus, the logistics of surviving and returning from an alien abduction seem far too complicated. Lock me up with those spirits, baby!
Thanks, CryBaby!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for CryBaby’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and LinkTree. Stream her “Whorror Icon” podcast across multiple platforms.
