VIZIN Interview

VIZIN, a Native American drag queen, debuted her new single, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” on the Billboard Dance Club Songs Chart at #48 ahead of Taylor Swift’s “… Ready For It?” single that debuted on the chart at #49. VIZIN uniquely charted without having first appeared on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

“You Make Me Feel (Mighty Feel)” is a reimagined version of the original disco anthem by Sylvester. VIZIN’s version is produced by Chris Rosa (RuPaul) and remixed by world-renowned DJ Hector Fonseca (Over 20 #1 Billboard remixes including Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Rihanna, Sia) with additional remixes by John Dish, Taito Tikaro, Eduardo Lujan, Luis Vazquez and Chris Rosa.

The video, directed by JoseOmar (Justin Bieber) and Leo Madrid, includes cameos from Manila Luzon and Mariah Balenciaga (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”, Season 3, Vh1), Cassandra Cass (“Strut”, Oxygen) and model Brandon Cole Bailey.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Indigenous, Queen, Libra

How did you get in the industry?

A moment of Serendipity when I met my manager, Leo Madrid, who has worked with Mel B of the Spice Girls and Jessica Sutta of The Pussycat Dolls

What is your musical background?

I originally trained in opera as a tenor but have always loved all genres of music. I especially love singing the blues.

Tell us about your tour “I Was Born This Way”?

It was exciting. Touring with dancers and a whole stage production is a lot of fun. I’ve always LOVED traveling, so being able to see the east coast for the first time was definitely rewarding.

Do you ever get nervous performing?

We prepare so much that the only thing I get nervous about is my huge wig slipping or a lash going rogue. When I’m in the gig, there’s no time to be nervous.

Tell us about the success of “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”?

I have to give credit to Sylvester who is the true hero of the song. I covered this in homage to him and the spirit of the song came through. The song recently hit Number 24 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs Chart and I couldn’t feel any more blessed than that. I also have a great team including Chris Rosa (RuPaul) who produced the song and DJ Hector Fonseca (Lady Gaga, Beyonce) who remixed it.

If you could go and work with any artist on tour right now who would it be?

There are so many great artists that it’s hard to choose one. However, if I keep putting it out in the universe, maybe one day I’ll be able to work with Mariah Carey. She’s my idol and I love her, so we’ll just have to wait and see.
 
What inspires you to do new music?

I’m really inspired by life. I’m working on my album and developing my sound. I take a lot from life and hope that I can connect even more with the audience through my music.

What’s the best and hardest part of being a musician?

The best part is being so on point when I’m singing that I surprise myself, but the hardest part is the practice it takes to get to that point. Being able to sing on the spot is a talent I’ve always stayed humble with, but am also so happy to be blessed with.

Who else in your family sings?

Unfortunately, neither of my parents sang (although they made “joyful noise”, as my mother used to call it), but I heard my paternal grandmother sing on the radio as a child. I didn’t grow up in a musical home, so finding that outlet on my own was always a personal journey.

Best advice ever given? 

“Clean your lace!” ~ Bobby Zlotnik from WigginOutBZ on YouTube

Do you have a role model?

I’ve had a lot of mentors in my life, so I don’t think I can choose just one. However, my mother raised me as a single-parent and showed me a strength that I try to emulate as I grow through adulthood.

What is your favorite song? And why?

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”! I’ve heard many renditions of this song, I sang it my very first time singing in public; but every time I hear it, I still feel the same emotion and desire Dorothy had singing about a life with a little bit more to it (But, have you ever heard Patti LaBelle sing it?? Child…).

Any future plans you want to share with us?

I’m currently working on a new single and I’m excited to say this summer is going to be another one for the books.

What is your next goal as a musician/performer?

I want to infect the lives of everyone around the world with the positivity and joy that is drag.

Any loves, other than music? 

I love to cook.

Name 3 things you can’t live without?

My lighter, good music, and duct tape.

Name one of your strengths?

Fearlessness.

How is a normal day in your life?

I don’t think anything about my life is normal.

If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?

Let’s just say, Barbie! Because she can do and be anything and I like that sentiment.

Idea of a perfect Sunday?

Waking up and making brunch. Hanging out with my three dogs and watching a movie. Nothing better.

Do you support any charities?

Charity work is definitely something I want to get involved with, especially in the LGBTQ Community and with HIV/AIDS Prevention charities.

Where can we follow you?

Look for @vizinofficial on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also find my videos on YouTube.
 
Quote: “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” ~ Marilyn Monroe

Book: Handbook For the Recently Deceased

Movie: Tim Burton movies.

Actor/Actress: Meryl Streep
 
Food: Fusion

Tv Series: “Will & Grace” both the classic and updated series’.

Restaurant: Perkins (It’s a Midwest thing)

Sports Team: UCLA Bruins Volleyball Team Men/Women