Stating clown drag and outer space as her biggest influences, Xochi Mochi is determined to change how the world views drag. Starting out as a club kid, she also experimented with fishy drag and went through different phases to find out who she was as a queen and performer. A one of a kind aesthetic with a twist and a personality that wins over her audience members, she's sure well on her way to a successful career in drag.
1. Who is Xochi Mochi?
Where do I even start with this? Right off the bat Xochi Mochi is a killer clown from outer space, just like the movie! But she’s so much more than just that. She embodies different cultural clowns such as the traditional American White Face, French Pierrot, Japanese Harijuku and sexy interpretations of aliens with combinations of each other to embody a certain look or emotion.
2. When and why did you begin doing drag?
My “drag” started back when I was a wee young gayling many moons ago. At the time I could be labeled as a “Club Kid” because I loved to listen and dance to electronic music, going to the 18+ clubs in outlandish costumes and face paint. Shortly after I experimented with “fishy drag” and looked straight outta Tijuana. Girl, she was your typical Mexican chola turning all the tricks. See, I’ve always been a clown and Xochi has never been an alter ego, but more of an extension of myself. It was never a “why” but more self-expression.
3. Where did you get your drag name?
During my Tijuana phase I wanted the most straight up Mexican name I could think of. Naturally my stoner mind doesn’t work that well, so I went into my straight roommate’s room at the time and asked if he had any sisters and what their names were. He went down the list of many (typical Mexican) and the last was Xochitl and let me tell you... I could hear Mariachi trumpets firing up and the screams of sticky brown children running amuck. It was magic and I knew that was it. Over time I realized how hard it was for most to say it (correctly), dropped the “tl” and this year my dear sister, Dakota D’Vil was the one to dub me “Xochi Mochi” and I’ve been going by it ever since.
4. What inspires you the most?
Outer space genuinely inspires me most. The concept of how infinitely large and small things (in theory) go excites me most. Which segues into how much I love aliens, or the idea of other intelligent life from other planets. Regardless of what I’m going through, in the grand cosmic of things, they really are quite small and petty. So I try to be the best person I can by brushing them off and following what’s most important and exciting to me.
5. What is your favorite and least favorite thing about doing drag?
My favorite part is when you’re when you’re getting ready makeup, padding, etc and that final moment when I have everything in place and I see Xochi as complete character is my “ah ha” moment and I’ve officially in character.
My least favorite is when queens can’t take a read out of fun and games. I’m notorious for spouting out a couple here and there but I’m always the first one to read myself or play along with the joke. I mean, it’s part of the game! Just have fun and loosen that tuck a little, sheesh
6. If you could work with any drag performer in the future, famous or not so famous, who would you pick and why?
Oh I love this… First who comes to mind is Trixie Mattel cause she’s only clown out there involved more in the joke than the rest of us and contours darker than my eye liner. Bianca Del Rio because slays me beyond death on the mic and Grace Towers because she is the sweetest bearded queen that has a really cool gig going for her.
7. How has drag changed your life?
Drag has opened so many opportunities, so many friendships and bonds with friends and family. I never thought I would be working with the people I am today nor talking about front lace wigs with my mom!
8. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Biggest peeve is going on stage or any event without wearing nails or gloves to “hide the boy” or seeing queens do the same. Throw on some huge rings and slap some polish on at the least. I pay attention to the finest details and nothing breaks the illusion more than this!
9. What is your most embarrassing moment during a performance?
I still find my wig flying off the most mortifying! It’s happened 2.5 times and I’ll never let it happen again. It’s best we don’t bring these up… Thanks…
10. What has been the biggest lesson you've learned pertaining to drag so far?
GLUE YOUR WIG DOWN IF YOU WANNA BE SEXY AND WHIP YOUR HAIR AROUND. It’s completely a horrifying comedy because everyone in the audience wants you to succeed and cheering you on while your sisters are waiting to rip you a new one backstage.
11. What would you like to do with your drag career in the future?
TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD AND BEYOND COLLECTING ALL MY FAVORITE CREEPS ALONG THE WAY! No, but really… Ultimately, I want to change people’s perspective – how they view drag (not everyone is fish or glamour) and out of drag (I’m still a boy, living with HIV, who does not let anything prevent me or anyone bring me down from what I aspire to be). I want to star in a few movies and/or tv-shows and when the time comes, I want to pass along the torch and nourish the new generations of drag.
12. What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a drag performer so far?
Sewing is still my biggest challenge. I can do makeup all day every day and learn songs in a few days, but ask me to sew a simple leotard and I’m already ugly crying on the inside. I look at my sister Valerie Von Boom and her partner Fuzz who can whip out some of the most elaborate designs in hours and I’m floored. But they’re pretty patient with me when I’m trying to learn something new! They’ve been great sewing masters.
13. What is the "Xochi shuffle" and how did it come to life?
Oh wow! You’ve really done your homework. The “Xochi Shuffle” came to life as soon as Xochi was reborn this year. I upgraded the height of my heels to meet the minimum height I need Xochi to be. It was like taking off your first pair of floatees in the shallow end of the pool. Instead of dramatically sinking I decided to shuffle my way into the deep end. Now I love to strut around in 6-9” heels like a champ. I’ve always been known to be a size queen in and out of drag 😉
14. Tell us about Cosmic Carnival and how did it begin? What other shows do you host?
Cosmic Carnival embodies the true essence of Circus and Carnival Freak show acts. The first with fun, colorful and energetic numbers. The second with eerie, gender bending, live singing acts with gimmicks that laughing your ass off or shielding your eyes in shock. I’m really proud of my main freaks (Luna Lovecock, Valerie Von Boom and Pinche Queen) because they have really helped me build the aesthetic of Cosmic Carnival. Word travels fast because with the new queens I’ve been booking they F*CKING BRING IT and truly put on a show. I sit in the back watching the show with a huge grin on my face. It really started with me co-hosting Divas of the Valley also at Cfrenz every other Sunday. The bar staff saw I had something extra and offered me my own night.
15. What advice do you have for performers who are just starting drag?
At the end of the day YOU know EXACTLY what you want to deliver whether it be on stage or your overall look for an event. It wasn’t till the day I stopped asking for others opinions on what I should do and took drag into my own hands and started listening to my gut instinct. It was that day I noticed a huge change within Xochi and owned everything I delivered. I’ve hit a few bumps in the road since then, but it’s all experience and you learn so much that way versus someone telling you what to do. To me that’s all the success you can ever ask.
Photo Credit:
Branden Marcus
Instagram: @brandenmarcus
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