Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon.
Hi Brandon , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started performing in drag October 9, 2001, 25 years ago. I can remember thinking, “there is no way I will make it even 10 years, I can’t believe that some have done this for so long”. Now, look at me and my drag career. It has been amazing to say the least. I started in a bar called Brothers in Kalamazoo, MI as one of the queens said, ” I think you would look pretty in makeup.”. At the time I barely even knew what drag was, however, I was in awe of who I did see and the transformation. So I ended up getting painted and bodied up by a queen friend and they put me in as an extra in someone’s talent in a pageant. I was terrified and still unknowing of drag itself. It was a crazy cool experience and exhilarating. I couldn’t believe I had just been on stage in drag. And the best part, they won the pageant. The thrill was deep in me at that point and I wanted more. The show director immediately booked me for my first show two weeks later on the date I mentioned. My first song was Brandy’s “Have you ever”. I will never forget that night and seeing my friends come to the show. I worked there for the next year or two and then sadly the building burned down and never recovered. I moved my drag up to Grand Rapids, MI where truly, the rest is history. Back then you would come in drag to watch a show, with having a CD on your person in hopes they might put you in the show for a number. And that is what happened. the show director had recognized me from a pageant I had competed in and put me in the show. That bar was called the Cell. My true Grand Rapids start. I competed off and on for years winning a handful of titles. I worked at Rumors Night Club the night they opened as a featured entertainer. Then eventually was part of house cast and worked as one of the hosts for stripper nights there. Eventually I worked there as housekeeping cleaning the bar twice a week, to then becoming a server, then Show Director, then General Manager AND Show Director for a total of 14 years. The best of my years were being in those roles. It allowed me to see so much and have the privilege to be involved in so many community events. When I quit Rumors in 2018 to pursue more drag opportunities and with my other love, theater, I didn’t realize how it would open up even more doors I wasn’t expecting. I became house cast at the Dunes Resort in Saugatuck, MI and a ‘Brunchette’ with Michigan Drag Brunch, based in Grand Rapids. Then on top of it, I became a wig and hair designer for our local theaters due to my experience with wigs. And here we are today living a life I never thought I would have.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a fully smooth road throughout the 25 years. With anything, there are ups, down and wins and losses. Show Directing AND being the General Manager of a nightclub is NOT for the faint of heart. It is hard work with rarely a weekend off in my 14 years there. With Drag changing over the years so much, you have to be ready for that change and ok with change yourself to stay relevant in the business, just like any show business work. Trying to establish myself as Dymond, figuring out who she is, while adhering to the needs of those customers coming to see shows was a tough time, at times. The community had open arms in all that I did and the respect was out of this world during my time as Dymond and as the GM. I look at it this way though, if it wasn’t for those rough roads, I would not be as well rounded as I am as a performer and as a person.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Being a Drag Artist requires a level of creativity, from makeup skills, costume making or embellishment, to the music you chose to perform. And in these 25 years it has been challenging and yet, very rewarding to have a creative outlet. I have prided myself in becoming a polished entertainer, meaning I have mastered ( at least that’s what I think), making sure you don’t see all the “levers and pulleys” holding everything up. I have, over the years have deemed myself a bit more of a pageant queen as I have always loved the art of competition. It is an art to realize where you are performing, what the demographics are of that bar and understanding the audience more than you would think. It all can play into a successful night of performing and in the money made as well. I am a strong believer in not focusing on the money itself and rather focus on what the customers are thinking and wanting. money will come if you do your art successfully. Focus on the art and the creative outlet that drag brings. My BEST numbers (and favorite), are those that I feel in my heart, specifically a ballad. If I am having a bad day or off day, I will do a song that can make me feel the emotions I want and it can give a great performance by letting them out. I can release emotions and the audience gets a great performance. I am also a strong believer in not always sharing my thoughts and feelings prior to doing a number because I would much prefer the audience to pull their own story out of that song which lends to a great connection with the audience. Even with receiving tips, I make it a point to thank each person that is willing to give a dollar (or even more at times). That is their hard earned money and hey felt the want to share their own thank you for my performance. The art and creative aspect does not end with costumes or numbers chosen, it continues into how you treat customers, respect can go a long way for sure in any business, but especially in the entertainment business.
Over the years I have sewn and embellished my own costumes, I style my own hair and I do my own makeup. It is so rewarding when you are all ready for a show and see what you have created personally, and then you get to display that to the audience. what a great feeling it is! As I mentioned before, my work in the theater is a direct result of my experience with drag. I wouldn’t have what I have now if it wasn’t for drag.
The world is changing daily it seems and in that world you have to be willing to change to adhere to the wants and needs of those coming to the shows. Self Marketing is also an art in this business. This is your own self employed business, all should handle it with such and with care.
What matters most to you?
The thing that matters the most to me in the drag world is definitely the customer, we would be nothing if it wasn’t for the customers that show up faithfully to drag shows. It is up to us to then show them a good time and make their time worth being there. They have paid a cover, they have bought drinks or food, they are also tipping us. that can be a lot of their own money going in. The least we can do is show them a good time. It is a release for those coming to a show, a way to escape the crazy outside world, even for the 4 minutes you are on stage. They truly matter the most to me. Staying humble and showing gratitude to all makes the world go around for me!
Pricing:
- Pricing would be discussed on a personal level, and depending on event, and what they are wanting for that performance
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dymonddenae/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dymonddenae/
