GURL: Give us a little introduction for those who don’t know you?
Joe: I’m Joe Black, dark cabaret raconteur and high eyebrow connoisseur
GURL: When did you first dabble in the world of drag?
Joe: I’ve been performing in cabaret shows for 13 years, though in a more ‘drag’ sense i’d say maybe 2013? 2014? I always wore makeup and costumes for shows, though i would say only typically more drag since then. I think it was a case of too many look ideas for one gender!
GURL: Well we do love a bit of gender bending so we’re glad you found new way to express your creativity!
GURL: How did you find the transition from singer songwriter to drag sensation?
Joe: Well I sort of carried on doing the same thing but then the visual element was mostly what morphed. Over the past couple of years I kind of let the musician part take a back seat, though during this whole lock down situation I have rediscovered that and found my passion for it again
GURL: Well we will definitely be keeping an eye out for some more music in the future then, one of the few benefits of lockdown.
GURL: Which of your looks has been your favourite so far?
Joe: My FAVOURITE look I’ve ever done no one has seen yet! It was near completion when lock-down happened so I decided to put it away and wait until a big grand return. Though from what I’ve done in the past I would say maybe my floral purple look, which is now in Brighton museum as part of their queer history of Brighton exhibit.
GURL: Oooo well there’s something to look forward too! We do love your floral look though, it’s great that it gets to be shown off to so many people
GURL: What is your dream gig?
Joe: I’m obsessed with the idea of opening for Marilyn Manson. I don’t know why him specifically but i just love the idea of doing a camp dark drag show to a bemused Marilyn Manson audience
GURL: Of all the songs in the world, which one are you just dying to perform?
Joe: Squirrel Nut Zippers song The Ghost Of Stephen Foster! I’ve been dying to do it for years but i am holding out for the day i get a full big band and i kind of want to wait until that can become a reality so that it’s PERFECT
GURL: If you got to choose a circle of hell, which one is your holiday home?
Joe: Whichever one has seating, i wish to be as comfortable as possible while partaking in damnation
GURL: We’re sure you’ll have a VIP seat waiting for your pleasure!
GURL: Which horror icons inspire you the most?
Joe: Horror? Baby Jane. That’s my future… or present.
GURL: What does the future hold for Joe Black?
Joe: Well i hope it soon holds the freedom where i can go back to being a professional audience botherer. Working on lots more YouTube content, so i guess that’s the realistic and sensible answer!
GURL: Which performs would you recommend we check out?
Joe: Myra Dubois, Alfie Ordinary, Lawrence Chaney, Lydia L’Scabies, Rococo Chanel, Arran Shurvinton, Holly Stars, Ginny Lemon. I could go on and on and on and on. But there’s a lovely mixed bag for ya’!
GURL: What a fabulous set of artists, thank you!
You can find Joe over on YouTube for plenty of content and be sure to follow on Instagram below!
