Reigning Supremes: SXSZ

Drag is fast becoming a popular form of entertainment outside of the queer scene, and drag artists are breaking out into the mainstream. Reigning Supremes is an ongoing series that profiles drag artists of all kinds, showcasing their stories and their art. They've been featured a few times here on Critical Madness and now it's time to really get to know the queen of androgynous art - it's SXSZ! (Edit note 31/01/21: SXSZ recently informed me that this is now their name and brand. Previously known as Clare Successfully, SXSZ is a shortened form derived from their original name - pronounced "Success")

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How did you start getting into drag?

I had a flatmate at uni who did drag and prior to that had been a fan of various queens and shows, including Coco Peru. Once I saw more drag on TV I soon realised it would be a perfect way to combine my interests in fine art, fashion, body art and music to create something as unique and personal as I wanted. Naturally my first time was on Halloween.

How would you describe your drag aesthetic?

I feel as though every few weeks or months I will try something different and my aesthetic will shift a bit. However the running themes are 80's fashion, eclectic colour combos, androgyny and surrealism.

How would you describe your performance style?

I like to have a more mysterious vibe while performing, so I tend to try and look pretty while creating interesting shapes with my arms and looking above everybody. I've tried various styles before, including more comedy and camp, but they're not for me. I just make sure that any pretentiousness comes with a little bit of camp or irony to tone it down.

What kind of music do you like to perform to?

I'll perform to any music I like so long as it feels right. Most of the time that tends to be either more experimental, slower tracks by the likes of Imogen Heap and Laurie Anderson, or classic bops by pop stars I like such as Kylie or Lady Gaga. Occasionally I'll dip into some rock or metal but I have to be in the right mood at the right venue.

How do you approach creating new looks and performances?

I tend to let ideas for looks come to me naturally - inspiration can come anywhere from a can of juice to new ski suit I found at a vintage shop. I come up with a makeup look to match an outfit and add finer details from there. I tend to match performances with my looks - I have a playlist of songs that have piqued my interest, so I will decide which ones on there work best with the aesthetic I'm planning for a gig.

What's been your favourite moment in drag so far?

Definitely DragAid. It was my first time organising an event and I was so proud that it went successfully (no pun intended). I was incredibly nervous leading up to it as I felt I had no idea what I was doing, or if I was forgetting something crucial. Hats off to all the queens who are able to organise events weekly or monthly.

Have you got any upcoming gigs?

Sadly no. Coronavirus really moved everybody's gigs to live-streaming and I haven't yet figured out the best way to do that for myself. I'm considering doing a look series instead and embracing my inner bedroom queen for a while.

What's your ambition for the future of your drag?

I want to reach a wider audience and keep creating things that are new and interesting. Other than that I try not to focus on specifics - there are too many routes drag can take you down for me to decide just yet.

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Tens Across the Board

Want to get to know the Reigning Supremes a little better? Tens Across the Board is a new segment asking ten quick-fire questions aimed at finding out more about our fabulous entertainers.

1. What is your favourite outfit you own?

Definitely my newest ski suit which I'm finishing adding some stones to right now.

2. What is your favourite makeup brand?

Kyrolan is a kween's best friend.

3. What is your favourite mix you've made

My Kylie Minogue megamix ending in a mashup of "Get Outta My Way" and Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory".

4. Who are your favourite singers/bands/producers?

Imogen Heap, SOPHIE, Laurie Anderson, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue and Azealia Banks.

5. What are your favourite movies/TV shows?

Steven Universe, Steven Universe The Movie, Steven Universe Future...

6. What are your favourite videogames and/or books? Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, Pokémon, classic Sonic and Mario platformers.

7. Who are your favourite drag artists?

Frans Gender, Havana Meltdown, Weird Alice, Simple, Prozac, Milk, Sasha Velour and Vander Von Odd.

8. What do you do outside of drag? I work in financial services, currently for a bank. I also eat lots of Chinese food and nap plenty.

9. What 3 things would you take to a desert island? A Pot Noodle, a kettle and a fork.

10. What top 3 things to do would you put on your bucket list?

Get way more tattoos, perform in the US and live long enough to listen to Chromatica.

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Thanks again to SXSZ for taking part in another interview and providing photos! Also thanks to Simon Crawford for allowing the use of his photography. You can check out more from SXSZ by following their Twitter and Instagram, and more from Simon by checking out their Facebook and Instagram.