INTERVIEW: ‘Drag Race’ star Tina Burner has a mixtape for you
Photo: Tina Burner’s new album is called Mix Queen. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by Jorgensen PR with permission.
Tina Burner, the drag artist who once competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race, recently released a new album called Mix Queen: A Relationship Mixtape. Listeners get seven songs on the new recording, all meant to complement Burner’s live cabaret act, which is touring the nation, according to press notes. The song titles speak to the combination of pop and comedy on the album: “The Cheese Stands Alone,” “100% Pure Plastic” and a tribute to Burner’s namesake, “Proud Mary Keep on Burning.”
Burner is known around the country, but particularly in her native New York City. Her previous shows include Maybe This Time and Witch Perfect. Her TV appearances extend beyond Drag Race and include Shade: Queens of NYC on Fusion. She also has many in-person cabaret offerings in the coming weeks.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Burner about her new album. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can listeners expect from Mix Queen: A Relationship Mixtape?
Mix Queen is a mashup of live singing, comedy and my signature mixes. It’s basically a mix tape of me dealing with my relationships with such topics as Drag Race, marriage, religion and more. The thing that sets this show apart is I have my accompanist with me, which gives a live aspect to the show, as well as a variety of my comedic mixes, which I have been known for in NYC the last 12 years.
What was it like to appear on RuPaul’s Drag Race?
It was surreal in the fact that it was like being inside the television. The only way I can really describe it is like Mike Teavee going into the television in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. It was something I tried for for so long, that it’s almost unbelievable.
What’s the drag scene like in New York City in 2022?
In 2022, I’m not in NYC as much as I was before, but drag, especially here, is always changing. I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over and take in all the different styles of drag, and it’s awesome to see such an eclectic mix based on specific regions.
Do you feel that drag culture has become more mainstream?
Oh, 1000%. As a child, I hardly knew, if at all, what a drag queen was. Now you see children doing drag and being accepted for who they are and the choices they are making. Drag has definitely become a more commercial art form — watching the RPDR finale is like watching the Super Bowl.
Where do you get your sense of humor? Has it been with you since you were a child?
Yeah, I think I’ve always had a sense of humor. My mom is very funny, and she went through a lot of difficult times as I was growing up. And we always used laughter and humor to get by. I think that set the tone for myself and has always stuck with me.
Still have a love for Tina Turner?
Tina Turner has always been, and will always be, my idol. The strength, the longevity and the sheer talent of this individual has shaped me into the performer I am today.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Tina Burner’s new album is Mix Queen: A Relationship Mixtape. Click here for more information.
