Serving up Magic FM drag vibes wherever she goes, Miss Krystal Ball is an artist who has a special fondness for the classic music of bygone days.
This week, the man behind Krystal, Charlie Rowling, speaks to Jason Reid about starting out in the late ‘90s, favourite artists, the drag dream and more…
When and why did you first start performing as a drag artist?
It was about 1998; I entered a talent show at The Blarney Stone, which was a gay venue in Acton at the time. A friend said I should do it in drag, so I borrowed a dress, bought a cheap blond wig and another friend gave me some make-up samples. I made it through to the final but was beaten. I later joined with a friend and we became a duo called Dragpowa. The venue gave us six weeks of shows but we were a bit rubbish, so I then gave it all up for many years. About five years ago, I got a regular spot at The George in Islelworth which kickstarted my career again.
Describe Krystal in a sentence.
Miss Krystal Ball is a big, blond retro queen. Like a glam aunt you wished you had.
What do you like most about being a being a drag artist?
Making people happy. There’s nothing better than seeing an audience laugh and sing along. You also get to meet wonderful people, of course.
How do you prevent it from becoming a run-of-the-mill job?
Keep developing: try out new songs, new patter, adjust your look regularly and go to different venues when you can.
You’re a huge fan of 60s/70s music in particular. Where does that love come from?
Oh gosh, that started from childhood. Every Saturday my mum would put a stack of 45s on the radiogram (Google that, kids). Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black, Dionne Warwick and The Supremes were early favorites of mine. You can’t better the lyrics and sounds of those eras. Songs with classic storytelling.
What are your top three songs from that era?
There are so many to choose from so it’s very difficult to answer that, but I’m gonna go with:
You Dont Have to Say You Love Me – Dusty Springfield
Walk On By – Dionne Warwick
These Boots Are Made for Walking – Nancy Sinatra
What makes you happy?
Music. It has a healing power. During the day I work with older people with advanced dementia. Often they can’t verbalise their needs, but play music to them and the effect is beautiful.
What advice would you give to new artists entering competitions this year?
Enjoy yourself and be nice to other contestants, audiences and venues – it’ll pay off professionally. Try to find what makes YOU special. Finally, listen carefully to feedback, reflect on it, and use it to develop your skills.
If you could eliminate one thing from London’s cabaret scene what would it be and why?
Venues closing down has to stop. It’s harder to earn your stripes when so many performers are out there with only limited venues. All my locals are gone, sadly.
Who are your dragspirations?
So many, where do I start? Ok. Rose Garden, because I love her attitude to her art and life, and she is a beautiful person. I totally admire Miss Hope Springs’ musicality and persona. And I’m also loving Ripley, who has made me appreciate lipsync so much more.
What’s been your proudest
achievement as an artist to date?
It has to be performing at Dusty Day last year. Simon Bell, who was Dusty Springfield’s close friend and backing singer, kindly invited me to perform. It’s not a usual drag gig and there are always super-fans in the audience who are protective over Dusty’s memory. However it went so well and was a huge honour.
Looking ahead, what’s the drag dream for Krystal?
I really want to produce a show with a pianist, performing jazzy type numbers with a bit of Peggy Lee or Billie Holiday. Very supper club chic.
