Queer podcast stuff is all the rage these days. They’re a welcome respite from the undending 2019 shitshow, and most of them are around half an hour long, the perfect journey length (it takes around half an hour to get anywhere within central London, that is a proven scientific fact).
The latest queer podcast WE’VE been listening to is “Nothing U Say Matters”, a deep dive into Drag Race from East London denizens and best pals, Annie Pics and Matyi Vasicza.
We caught up with them in our very own version of the interior illusions lounge (Facebook messenger) to find our what makes them and the podcast tick!
HEY ANNIE & MATYI! Let’s kick off with the question everyone’s asking right now – what do you think of Drag Race UK?!
Annie: I was nervous for these girls – so many rumours were swirling that this season was gonna be a hot mess. But I’m so delighted and charmed by this cast in these first episodes, they’re really refreshing the franchise.
Matyi: So far so fierce! Even though it’s not a super accurate representation of the UK drag scene, it’s still one of the best shows on TV or streamed illegally.
Your podcast aims to represent the more diverse side of London that’s not represented on the show – tell us about that.
A: We found covering the last season of US Drag Race the selection of queens had so little to bring in terms of creativity, they were almost all very pageant-y and that just gets so boring and is *NOT* what I come to drag for.
M: London has such an experimental and diverse performance scene which spans drag, cabaret, comedy, music…we wanted to shine a light on that.
Any winner predictions?
A: The Vivienne and Baga Chipz seem to be leading the pack at the moment, though obviously we’re mainly rooting for our East London sister Crystal and her hairy titties!
M: That’s a tough question but I’d have to say… Serena Cha Cha
What do you think are the major differences between US and UK?
A: So many…but mainly the swearing! Fucking loving it!
M: The self-deprecating humour of the UK works so well in a drag queen’s vocabulary and I really felt the lack of that in the US show. But these queens are ready to read themselves to filth before reading everyone else!
It was recently World Coming Out Day – what are your coming out stories?
A: Eh…I was BORN! Have you seen me hunny?
M: Coming out in a country (Hungary) that has not quite yet caught up with western values was an absolute nightmare. Not only did I have to come to terms with my own repressed sexuality, I also had to convince my parents that it’s not an illness, which was a tall order. But I’ve gained so many valuable life skills through this experience and now I’m on super great terms with my family! My mom is probably wearing our merch T-shirt right now! As you should be too!
It was also Mental Health Awareness Day – people have been talking about mental health a lot more, which is great. What are your thoughts/experiences of it?
M: My unhealthy coping mechanisms consist of Crossfit, Mario Kart and counting the likes on my thirsty selfies. It works really well, my dad already muted me on Instagram and I haven’t cried since I watched the last episode of The Comeback!
A: Ok ignore Matyi’s answer, stop what you’re doing right now, well, first subscribe to our podcast and finish reading this, but then IMMEDIATELY seek therapy. Everybody could do with some. After years of struggling with unpredictable highs and paralysing lows I sought out a therapist and my life has been changing for the better ever since. I mean look! I’m in QX!
Who are your dragspirations?
A: I’m Irish and so was raised on a healthy diet of Panti Bliss aka the Queen of Ireland when I lived in Dublin, which definitely set a high standard for what I wanted my drag to be. But I also love people like David Hoyle and Christeene, who are seriously subversive and experimental.
M: I, like every gay man, dabbled a bit in drag during the mephedrone boom of 2014. But I soon learned that I’m not equipped with the necessary personality traits to be entertaining on stage. I’m just happy to support the local scene and be an emotional support animal to drag queens in need.
And finally – what can we expect from the rest of this season of Nothing U Say Matters?
A: Surprise guests (tbc)! Hilarious comedy (tbc)! Scalding hot tea from the scene and behind the scenes (tbc)!
M: We might also leak the audio clips that were so shady and offensive that they ended up on the cutting room floor for extra publicity later.
Queer podcast “Nothing U Say Matters” is available on Spotify, iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.
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