Interview by Ballerina Bizet.
Photography by Maro Hagopian.
I recently sat down with the talented Horrorchata to chat about her current artistic endeavors as well as the 2nd Annual Bushwig Festival, of which she is the founder.
To start off, tell me a little about yourself.
My name is Matty Beats from the streets (just kidding). I am full blood Latino, what I like to call Tejana (a Hispanic from Texas). I love margaritas and chips n’ salsa. I have clothes for days in my closet for both my girl and boy persona. I love a good thrift store, making my own clothes, and I believe in no drama just love. I am currently single, I have no eye brows but a big heart.
When did you start performing/working in the nightlife scene?
My mom is an event planner, I really think it is in my genes. I started working in nightlife in Austin, Texas seven years ago. I moved to New York City four years ago. My first performance in the city was at Colin Self’s party, CLUMP.
How would you describe your drag persona?
Selena and Morrissey had a baby and you have Horrorchata. Texas Latina and punky rooster princess with a pinch of hood.
Tell me about any of your weekly/monthly parties–the venues, your co-hosts, the energy, etc. From our conversations it also sounds like you travel overseas quite a bit. Can you tell more about that?
– Be Cute at One Last Shag Bar in Bedstuy every first Saturday of the month.
– The Merrie Cherry Game Show at This N’ That Bar in Williamsburg every Tuesday from 9PM-11Pm with my co-hosts Merrie Cherry and Lucy Balls.
– I work behind the bar every Friday at Happy Fun Hideaway in Bushwick with Babes Trust.
I also have some big shows in the fall to look forward too. My next RAZOR 5000 event is coming soon. I been so lucky!! I have been flown out three times in one year to perform at The Real Tranny Olympics and was just with the House of La Dosha in Sweden this past April for a party called BODY. The energy is great, the only thing about performing overseas is doing your make up. I am use to getting ready in my apartment and jumping in cab.
I hear that! I have not experienced it overseas but I have definitely been there–changing in a tight space, doing your makeup in a movie vehicle, and hoping you come off as somewhat decent.
What are your thoughts on the current NYC nightlife scene?
RAGE!! So many great things are boiling here and I am happy to be at the surface to see it happen. Push the arts to no limits and let’s party! Make sure you can pay your rent girl!!!
So I know you are the Founder of the Bushwig Drag Festival, which will be having its 2nd annual event on September 7th. Can you tell me more about Bushwig–what the inspiration was, what the process is like?
I walked into a wig store on Broadway in Brooklyn and the name just popped in my head. Lady Bunny’s Wig Stock, was definitely a big inspiration as well. I had no clue I would be making history. I like to think we are the future, not just Bushwig, but art and fashion and everything else in between. I have so many friends that or amazing and are popping off in their chosen career. Magic you can only get in this city!
What are your drag plans for the rest of the year/beginning of 2014?
I am just finishing up with my European tour. I have some fun shows lined up in October, I am also planning my next Razor 5000 party in the Fall. Right now I am writing music for live performances and getting ready for my West Coast tour in November and Texas tour in December.
Be sure to catch Horrorchata and some of nightlife’s finest performers this Saturday September 7th at the 2nd Annual Bushwig Festival. The Festival will be held at Secret Project Robot on 389 Melrose Street between Knickerbocker and Flushing from 1pm to midnight. There is a $20 cover, $15 if purchased in advance online. Price is only $10 if dressed in drag. For more information check out www.bushwig.com or the Facebook event here
Just a taste of what you’ll experience this Saturday!
