Allusia’s Animal Nature

Allusia emerged onto the drag scene in the Pacific Northwest 21 years ago in punk rock hair and political statements. Inspired by artists that marched to the beat of their own drums like Cyndi Lauper and Nina Hagen, as well as savagery of the animal kingdom, Allusia always strove to unapologetically carve out her unique spot in the ecosystem of art. With lyrics inspired by prehistoric desires and looks divined from esoteric fever dreams, she crashed into the scene like a bull into a china shop – and hasn’t had time to look back.

Her first drag performance was a fundraiser for Stonewall Youth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and a place of belonging for queer youth. From there she went on to perform in various drag shows, house parties, and seedy garage rock shows as well as becoming part of local grassroots political movements. At 19, she became the youngest ever co-chair of Olympia Gay Pride and has ever since strived to make the world a better place for the queer community.

At 25, Allusia packed a U-Haul and moved to Los Angeles with no plan, no money, and no clue. Wasting no time, she quickly became a staple in the West Hollywood party scene with residencies at Here Lounge, Micky’s, The Abbey, Hamburger Mary’s, The Factory, and more. She has appeared on stage with Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, La Bouche, Bright Lights, and a slew of others that she cannot remember due to various blackouts.

Fueled by the delights of being a nightlife socialite, she became a video ho in countless music videos and made saucy drag appearances in movies and television shows such as AJ And The Queen, Bones, Glow, Dorothy, and We Are Your Friends as well as casting and starring in cult drag favorite Cherry Pop.

After a six-year break from making music, Allusia rode back in with a sex-fueled do whatever you want party single called “Psycho Pony.” Her upcoming EP Animal Nature remains true to her riotous roots while including a glossy pumped-up new feel. With the second single “Party Rhino” near the horizon, it feels like the after-party might go on forever.

We caught up with Allusia during one of her epic hangovers for this month’s Drag Centerfold.

Hometown?

Well, I am originally from the depths of hell, but I grew up in this tiny, tiny town called Montesano, WA. We had one stoplight. I remember what a huge deal it was when a Subway opened there. It was the most exciting thing that had ever happened. Think “Schitt’s Creek.”

How did you arrive at your drag name?

Drinking! It’s a combination of “allure” and “illusion”. I slurred them together and a legend was born.

Guilty pleasure?

I don’t feel guilt. Or pleasure. But I would say my favorite guilty pleasure is Mariah Carey’s Glitter. The complex characters and Oscar-worthy acting really shaped my youth. It made me the woman-adjacent creature I am today. That and pills.

Favorite part about doing drag?

My favorite part about doing drag is the performance. I never feel more alive and connected to people than when I am onstage. It’s like everything else in the world falls away and there are just sparks.

Least favorite part about doing drag?

Oh my gawd. Hands down least favorite thing about drag is to wear pads and tights. It’s like wearing a parka in LA. Instantly raises the body temperature by 20 degrees. 

Craziest drag story?

We somehow ended up at Diane Von Furstenberg’s estate for an after-hours party. Someone, I have no idea who, just threw me in a car and we ended up there. I remember we were all hanging out in the hot tub, in full drag. I’m pretty sure we weren’t supposed to be there because I heard people got fired the next day. 

Most un-drag thing you do?

I can hang sheetrock.

Strangest hobby or talent?

I enjoy underwater macrame and communing with the living.

What celebrity do you think most needs a drag makeover?

Me. Please come give me nice things.

Favorite nightlife hotspot?

It used to be Here Lounge, may she rest in peace. Now of course it’s The Abbey – a great place for a strong cocktail or five and I always run into a bunch of fun people.

Favorite non-profit organization?

Impulse. I love that they approach their messages in a fun, engaging way. Education through music and media.

Favorite binge food?

I will literally binge on any and every food. I am what you would call a “food motivated individual.” Of course, I love your classic binges like pizza or buffalo wings. But I’ve been known to order $200 of sushi and eat it all in one sitting. If you put your mind to it, there is NOTHING that you can’t binge on.

Go-to cocktail?

Ah, yes. Now we’re getting to the important questions. I think the most important cocktail, and my go-to, is vodka/water with lemon. Vodka, because it’s classic and you can’t go wrong. Water, because if you’re going to be drinking all night you need to stay hydrated. And lemon because it prevents scurvy.

What would the name of your biography be?

The Life and Times of The Dead and Late or Confidently Unsure.

Favorite song to perform to?

It’s really hard to pick a favorite song. My performances are like my children, I usually forget about them. I really love performing artists that have strong vocals and personalities. Heart, Cyndi Lauper, Jessie J, Nina Hagen, the McDonald’s jingle. 

What is your after-drag ritual?

Self-care after a night of drag is essential! After a show, I sandblast my face, have a few shots, and order Taco Bell. 

Favorite pickup line?

I’m actually KNOWN for my unique and creative pickup lines! “What’s a boy like you doing outside of a girl like me?” “My pussy is haunted, and I need you to come bust my ghosts.” “The first one is free.” “I’ll give you a coupon for Dave and Buster’s if you make out with me.”

What is a “Pyscho Pony”?

Have you ridden one? “Psycho Pony” is a state of mind. It’s when you lose all control and give in to your wildest most erotic desires. It’s bold and buckwild. Everyone should ride a “Psycho Pony.”

What is a “Party Rhino?”

Have you petted one? A “Party Rhino” is that person that just appears at the party. You don’t know where they came from. You don’t know how they got there. But you know that they just convinced you to do four shots in a row and make out with a stranger. Never ever pet a “Party Rhino,” but you can ride one like a “Psycho Pony.” If you’re brave.

Animal Nature is the title of your upcoming EP – what is your fascination with animals? What is your spirit animal?

We’re all just animals, aren’t we? Animal Nature is about the different beastly natures within. The raw unbridled feelings. My spirit animal is a fat toad.

Strangest place you’ve had “relations”?

Find me in the bar and I’ll show you.

Where can we find and follow you?

I’m on Twitter and Instagram as @allusiatogo, Facebook @allusia.alusia, and you can always find me at the bar.

Psycho Pony link (for online): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcxwTHpZL90

[All photos Courtesy of Allusia]