Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Sex, Hate, and Religion: Jayy Von Monroe

(Photo by Wonderland Photography)


Before everyone reads this, I need to say something. I know some people weren't fond of the fact that I chose Jayy to interview. In all honesty, I've met him before, and after this interview it's made me realize he is extremely misunderstood and he is one of the most down to earth people anyone could ever get to know. I asked him to do this because I wanted people to start seeing him differently and when I asked he was more than willing to do this without hesitation. So, before everyone judges this, please take in the whole interview and don't listen to the Internet rumors. This interview in particular is something I'm very proud of and he was nothing but sweet about it. For those of you who don't know this, Jayy is part of a band called Blood On The Dancefloor which has always been part of the Internet rumor mill in the past. A lot of what is said can be pretty bizarre and it's basically like a huge game of telephone on the Internet. A story gets twisted or someone takes something the band members say the wrong way and it turns into a huge war. Regardless of everyone though, this band still keeps going, and right now both of the singers are working on their own solo projects.



1. For people who aren't familiar with who you are, describe yourself.

My name is Jay, I'm 23 years old. Raised in the south, currently living in Cali. And I'm pretty much a freakshow.
(Photo by Wonderland Photography)


2. When and why did you start doing drag?

When I was about 14, I seen a movie called "Party Monster" - as I'm sure everyone is familiar with. growing up in a small town, Before the internet became so accessible, I had never seen anything like what the club kids were. Shortly after moving out of my childhood home when I was 15, living on my own. I started dressing up and wearing makeup. it became a regular thing to go to punk rock shows all decked out in vinyl and dreads. by the time I was 17, I was working at every goth night and fetish event in North Florida as a clubkid/Host/Entertainer. I stopped when I turned 19. I had joined the band I'm in currently, touring and that life pretty much took over. About 6 months ago, I picked up my sewing machine, and painted my mug, and I haven't looked back since.


3. Most people know you from the controversial band Blood On The Dancefloor, what is the most misunderstood thing about you?

The truth is, when I first moved here to San Diego, when I would go out, I wouldn't tell anyone what I did for a living. Because everyone has a perception of me from the image I made for myself in the band. But really what I want is for people who meet me, get to know me, and base their judgments from that. People say hurtful things all the time on the internet, it's never bothered me, but people who read that smut might actually think I'm the biggest douche bag alive...when in reality I'm quite shy, and introverted. I want people to see that side of me, that I am strong willed, well mannered, and I am very accepting of everyone. 
(Photo by Wonderland Photography)


4. What is the one object that you can't live without?

Eyebrows. 


5. What do you plan to do with your drag in the future?

I'm working on a project right now, that involves the future of my drag. 
I'm performing my first time in a few days. at a MAC aids fundraiser show. I'm really stoked!
(Jayy's first performance was on Sunday September 14th, 2014 at Numbers Night Club in San Diego for the MAC Aids Fund.)


6. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I'll be 33. so probably with a man that's about 60. 


7. I heard rumors of a solo album...is that true?

Yes! I'm building my new empire as we speak. I'm working with Producer James Egbert, And Rusty Wilmot. 
I plan to have a few special features on the album as well. My first single comes out on Halloween. The project is just titled JayyVon, and the album is "10 Commandments Of Sex Hate And Religion". The name itself comes from a modified view of the three topics not to talk about, like Money, Politics, And Religion.  I like to push buttons, really get under a persons skin, and based on how they feel about it, it can relieve, and satisfy them. Or make them really uncomfortable...which are two things I take pride in making people feel.
(Photo by Wonderland Photography)


8. Is your drag personality different from your actual personality?

I think it's possible that I'm a nicer person in drag. I'm not one to read every bitch at the bar. If she looks bad it don't affect me none. I'm more outgoing and talkative in drag. as a boy, like I said - totally introverted. I don't care too much to be around a crowd or anything. 


9. What is your favorite makeup product to use?

I like to seal my highlight with cocaine. 


10. Do you have a drag family?

I do. I have an amazing drag family. 
Bebe Gunn is my Drag Mother. She's introduced me to some of the most amazing queens. Lady O, Saint Peter Dvil, Lucious. Before I met bebe, I actually had never had a friend that did drag. Being in a band puts you in  an environment where being gay isn't the coolest thing ever. at one point I was the only openly gay man on warped tour. I didn't have gay friends, cause I had never been around gay people. Bebe Gunn changed that for me. I think she sets a solid example of what a well rounded queen is. Lady O is the girl that got me to come out finally in drag. and I'm so happy I did. For both of them, I owe them a huge thank you.


11. What have you learned so far that has helped you when it comes to being a drag queen?

Alcohol.


12. What is your advice to someone just starting out with drag?

Well maybe I'm not the best candidate for this question since I'm a new queen. But I will say, it don't matter what the fuck you look like, it's how you feel. Put on an ugly dress and get the fuck out of the house. you'll thank yourself later. 


13. Would you ever consider auditioning for Rupaul's Drag Race and if you made it on the show what would you deliver?

Actually No, I haven't considered. By my own standard, I don't think my drag is polished enough to be on my "A" game in that kind of event. 


14. Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

Jesus. 


15. If you could work with any drag queen, who would it be and why?

Okay so I loooove Alaska. And definitely Willam. But depending on the project would be the decision maker. 


16. Who is the one person that you couldn't live without in your life?

My mother. She's my biggest fan, and most loyal supporter. without her allowing me to do what I did growing up, I would never be where I am today. 


17. If you were stranded on a deserted island and only had one thing with you, what would it be?

A boat. 

(Photo by Wonderland Photography)



Thank you for reading!

Find Jayy here:
Twitter: @JayyVonMonroe
Instagram: @jayyvonhatesit
Youtube: www.youtube.com/jayyvonmonroe

Check out Blood On The Dancefloor!

Find Wonderland Photography here:
Instagram: @emilyinwonderlandd

For Emily:
Thank you so much for letting me use your photos for this interview! :) 

Follow The Drag Enthusiast:
Twitter: @dragenthusiast
Tumblr: dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

PRE-ORDER JAYY'S ALBUM: http://jayyvonhatesit.bigcartel.com

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