We Can’t Resist This Temptation: Pandora Boxx

Pandora Boxx first hit our TV screens over 14 years ago, making her reality TV debut in Drag Race Season 2, placing fifth and winning the title of Miss Congeniality. She returned to the series for Drag U, and the 1^st and 6^th seasons of All Stars. Entertainment Weekly listed her as “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” Powered by the artist behind the persona, Michael Steck, Pandora has established herself as a powerhouse in the industry, with other TV appearances, music, directing, writing, and playwrighting, all while hosting and appearing on stages all around the globe. This summer, she released her most intimate and ambitious musical project to date. Pandora’s BOXX, is a quirky retelling of various aspects, sometimes heartbreaking, of her life through dance music.

We had a girl group challenge on All Stars 6, and I was beyond disappointed in my verse. That’s part of the reason I wanted to do more music. The song “Laugh” is my own redo of that verse. It took me a while to decide to do a Kickstarter for the album and I’m glad I did. It was funded in three days. So, it was all of those people who believed in me that pushed me further. Then when my friend Brandon James Gwinn came on as a producer the album really took shape. He also believed in me, and it made me go deep with some of my lyrics. I wanted it all to be ‘dancey’ and fun but if you really listen to the words there’s more to it.

The first single for the album is “Dance,” which is an homage to little Michael, who would escape the world of being bullied by locking the door and dancing away to Madonna. She is a self-described theatre geek, who was artsy but shy and had to deal with getting picked on at school daily. “Dance” encourages everyone to dance like no one is looking. What was it like revisiting their childhood for the single?

It definitely made me cry a little bit. That little boy felt so lost and alone. He dreamed of being on stage and having everyone know his name. It all just seemed hopeless. I just wish I could tell him that he wasn’t alone.

The album comes from a place of personal work that Pandora has done. Therapy, internal work, and therapy have expanded Pandora’s world of artistry, this is not the Pandora who entered the Werk Room in 2010. Even with an expansive list of credits, she is on the move to branch out. The playlist to BOXX represents chapters in her life. “Raspberries” pay homage to her Snatch Game performance as Carol Channing, “Gay” is her response to Don’t Say Gay legislation, and “Pill” is a rock-fueled, Alice in Wonderland exploration of the issues she’s dealt with as an adult. Even her love for Star Trek and science fiction is represented by her song, “Stars.” Fun fact, she is a big Trekkie.

I would stay up late to watch the original series. It was on TV at like 1 or 2 am. Star Trek taught me diversity. It gave me hope for the future because all these different people worked together and got along. I wrote my song “Stars” as an ode to how it made me feel as a kid. I would dream of going to the stars.

Photo by Davide Laffe

What is your hometown?

Rochester, NY.

Favorite part about doing drag?

Money.

Least favorite part about doing drag?

Tucking.

Craziest drag story?

I made a blood pact with Darienne Lake to never reveal it.

So many Drag Race alum have put out music, even Pandora has a lengthy list of parody songs. But this album has a different approach. She wrote all the tracks herself and details the winding journey her career has been, harkening back to her love of the spotlight as a kid, writing and performing their first play in the 5^th grade. This project comes from a sincere and emotional place. This album celebrates all of that as well as her drag journey.

There is so, so, so much drag right now. I can’t even keep up. I’ve been doing drag since I was 19 years old. Drag for me is a roller coaster. Lots of ups, some downs, and a bit of spinning out of control. I made the album I wanted to make. I’m happy and proud of it. If others like it, great.

And once again, this album brings her back into the spotlight, a place she does not drift far from.

I guess I just like attention. But honestly when I’m not on stage I can be quite quiet. I used to be painfully shy. I was afraid to speak. It carries over to my adult life sometimes. When I was on stage as a character, I could do all the things I was scared to do as myself. And honestly, I really do enjoy making people laugh.

Your strangest hobby or talent outside of drag?

I can make farting noises with my hands.

What celebrity most needs a drag makeover?

None, there are too many drag queens.

Favorite hotspot?

My couch.

Favorite non-profit(s)?

The Trevor Project and the ASPCA.

Favorite cocktail?

A good vodka and club soda.

She has established herself as an entertainment brand outside of Drag Race, how has she done it?

It’s a tough business. It’s also exhausting at times. You just have to push yourself. I have bills to pay which is a big incentive to keep on keeping on.

Drag Race has clearly been a jumping-off place but by no means the finish line. What did she learn most about herself from appearing in the franchise?

I did learn how much I can get into my head and my thoughts spiral. It’s that downward spiral that is my enemy. I’ve learned to recognize when I’m doing it and I’m much better at stopping it now. Going back on All Stars 6 was a lot. I’m not sure I was as mentally ready as I thought I was. Halfway through I was going to leave the show. I’m grateful for the experience. I just wish I had been in a better headspace then.

What would the name of your biography be?

The Boy Who Would Be Queen.

What is your after-drag ritual?

Hose down, cheese and crackers, and watch Raising Hope or The Middle.

What’s your favorite pickup line?

Keep the change.

How has she changed the most since her debut on Drag Race?

I’m definitely not as skinny. But seriously, I think I’m on a journey to be a better version of myself. I think I’m doing a fairly decent job with that. Also, just to be happy with what I have. I try to take time to appreciate the good things in my life. There’s more I want but I try to not spiral down that rabbit hole and just live in the moment.

And her message to the community this Pride season?

Be proud and loud! We have to fight. We have to vote. Love will eventually win out.