Review Fix chats with The Lavender Scare’s James Delos Reyes (songwriter and multi-instrumentalist) who discusses the band’s new Single, “Drag For a Queen.†Discussing how the Beatles played a role in the song’s creative process, as well as the video for the track, Reyes lets us know why it’s a special track.
About the Band:
Los Angeles rock band, The Lavender Scare, debut new single, “Drag for a Queen.” The band formed in 2016 and is comprised of core members James Delos Reyes (songwriter and multi-instrumentalist) and Luis Servin (multi-instrumentalist). Reyes, who often pulls his songwriting inspiration from struggles with his own sexual orientation in his youth, crafts music heavily influenced by his own experiences. Branded “Inspirational Music for Heretics and Backsliders,” their grungy, melodic sound pairs with Reyes voice, a gritty, poignant howl that drips longingly from every melody.   https://soundcloud.com/thelavenderscare/drag-for-a-queen
Their debut single, “Drag for a Queen” is the satirical story of a drag queen who renounces his old lifestyle and finds God. It’s in the church that he works to convert others, preaching about the dangers of the life they lead, only to secretly fall back into his old ways behind the scenes. It’s deeply reflective of the times, condemning the use of conversion therapy and showcasing the harm that comes to those who are put through it. The reverberating, dark instrumentation hums and crashes along with Reyes gritty, frustrated growl. The sound builds as the dissatisfied emotions do, booming away to an intense finish that leaves a lasting impression.
Review Fix: Why is music important to you?
JDR: Music has always helped me navigate life. This is just one example, but Radiohead’s “OK Computer†has always helped me hold on to a healthy, cyncial skepticism about the world. Growing up in the church, it’s a feeling that really guided me even through my most religiously optimistic phases. It’s been a long journey to get to where I am today. Throughout life, through my many different phases, music has always been there in the background disrupting what could have easily become routine.
Review Fix: How did you first get involved in music?
JDR: I had learned how to play guitar in high school, but it wasn’t til I was asked to play for my church’s youth group that I got involved playing music with others. So imagine being an innocent and hopeful teen singing about Jesus to now being a not-so-innocent 30-something year old singing about drag queens.
Review Fix: How did the band get together?
JDR: Craigslist. Luis, our guitarist, was the first person to respond to the first ad I posted for band members. We’ve been friends ever since, and that was about a decade ago. We played for a while under a different band name with a different lineup. We stopped for a while and then started writing music again recently. The rest of the guys in the band are newer but everybody has joined via Craigslist.
Review Fix: How was “Drag For Queen” written?
JDR: I originally wanted to channel the Beatle’s “Honey Pie†but with a darker, more sarcastic flavor.
Review Fix: What makes it a special single?
JDR: Besides being our first single, I find the social commentary unique in the music industry. It’s the type of commentary that I’ve craved to hear in others’ songs. It’s a humourous satire meant to poke fun at the serious topic of conversion therapy which has overwhelmingly been proven not to work. Another aspect that makes it special is that it’s a song about a drag queen that isn’t focused solely on the subject of a man dressing up as a woman. There’s more layers involved that evoke a larger picture.
Review Fix: How do you want this track to be remembered?
JDR: I want it remembered as the first introduction to the Lavender Scare. It’s always a bit nerve-racking to pick any song as a first single since people will make their first impression. It doesn’t paint the entire picture of what we’re about as a band. As more songs roll out, I think people will see the versatility of who we are as a band and what we’re about. Either way, this song will almost certainly set the pace.
Review Fix: What do you think is the best reason to listen to this song? Why?
JDR: It’s different than most things you’ll hear out there. The listener can make a judgement on whether they like it or not, but it’s at the very least different.
Review Fix: What’s next?
JDR: The music video! No spoilers but there’s a drag queen involved.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
JDR: Yes, the amazing artwork for the single features the ominous eye of a drag queen against a minimal pink backdrop. It was done by Rafael Suriani who’s a Brazilian/French street artist based in São Paulo/Paris. His work has frequently featured drag queens from Divine to RuPaul’s Drag Race queens. Look him up! His work is great.
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