Interview: Chris Cali | Photos: Sailey Williams
I was first introduced to up and coming independent queer recording artist AB SOTO in the downtown scene of New York City, witnessing his energetic performances on a tiny stage at East Village gay bar Eastern Bloc. Flanked by bearded drag queens and decked out in flamboyant prints, baseball caps and even the occasional quinceañera dress, his vibe was a mixture of “banjee realness,” “trade” and “genderfuck” with pulsing beats that incorporated hip hop, house and ballroom culture. Instantly intrigued, I began to follow his career through social media, witnessing a rise to notoriety that was noticeably orchestrated and executed in a refreshingly DIY fashion. Free of any label, publicist, managers or handlers, AB SOTO burst on to the queer music scene a fully unadulterated artist in control of his own image with a crystal clear and in your face aesthetic that made his movement hard to ignore. Having cultivated audiences both in his native Los Angeles and in New York City, he has already accomplished what many artists only dream of, prolifically releasing numerous videos, touring both nationally and internationally and capturing the attention of major press outlets.
As a fellow independent queer recording artist, I marveled at AB SOTO’s drive and determination, as well as his ability to deftly navigate the many aspects of his career. Witnessing his success has been nothing short of inspirational, both because of his fierce self-sufficiency but also because of his refusal to conform to anyone’s standards and stereotypes or to be boxed into a limiting category musically or aesthetically. Having had the pleasure of meeting him in person at one of his video premieres in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, I was more than enthused to get the chance to interview him and find out more about his latest projects, thoughts on the state of queer music and where he draws his inspiration.
There has been a lot of attention paid to emerging gay hip hop artists in the last couple years, despite the historically homophobic nature of rap music. why do you think hip hop has been the medium through which gay artists are breaking through?
I think rap has become very approachable and feminine in the last few years. Women have taken over rap and have given the genre a new visual makeover. Rap has become very “drag” in a great way. I think this is why we are all connecting with gay rap. Gay men can be witty and read you to filth and also serve you the fantasy of drag. It’s our turn to shine!
Are there any LGBTQ musicians in the mainstream media that you feel represent the queer community accurately?
I think there are a lot of great gay musicians out here but we have yet to be seen by the mainstream. The media is still somewhat trying to control the image of what gay men should be. An honest representation of who we are is definitely needed in the music industry. We’re out here grinding so it’s just a matter of time. It’s a really exciting time in music and I can’t wait to see us all get the credit we all deserve.
From muscle graphic legging to blue ballgowns you have showcased an array of unique fashion choices. How would define your personal style? Any favorite rising designers?
I describe my look as comfortable avant garde street style. I like to feel comfortable but like to wear items that require you to look closely or do a double take. I’ve always been really big on Daniel Palillo, Bernhard Willhelm, and Walter Van Beirendonck. A new designer I’m loving is Astrid Andersen. She’s got some fancy street swag.
It appears you enjoy playing on the concepts and preconceived notions of Masc & Femm. Was that a conscious decision? How does that play into dating?
Yes, I like to challenge people to rethink about what it means to be masc and femme. Being sexy is not about what you wear or how much skin you show. Being sexy is within. People have it all wrong. My fashion choices are a big FUCK YOU to all the stereotypes we have placed on gay men, mainstream media and cultural stigmas. For me fashion is a silent performance about who I am as a person. I like to tell a story.
Every time I go on a date, it’s funny to see how guys think they have me figured out. I don’t wear dresses on a date since that’s more of a performance stage look. Sometimes they get it and sometimes they just can’t comprehend. I’m pretty chill and relaxed but I am a bit complex.
“Huntress”, “Crunchy”, “Fashionz”. Becoming a AB SOTO fan comes along with its own vocabulary. What is some of the background on your lingo?
HUNTRESS means you’ve graduated hunty school. CRUNCHY means you are rough around the edges and you embrace it. FASHiONZ is about rebelling against the rules of fashion. These are all words me and my friends have used on a daily basis.
Between you and Rihanna we will never view Birthday Cake the same. Who’s brilliant idea was it for you to eat cake out of an armpit in the music video for “Hot Boy”?
Ha!! The cake idea was between me and director Jonathan Daniel Federico. We played around with some ideas and then decided on that. I chose Eduardo Martinez to be the platter because he is super sexy and I’ve always had a crush on him. Don’t tell him tho. Lol!
You have a strong social media following, how important is it to interact with your followers? What is your favorite social media platform or app?
I think it’s really important to connect with my fans via social media. I’ve met so many cool fans online and on tour thanks to the internet. A lot have become like family to me. I really like Instagram and FB because it’s so easy to connect.
You’ve lived and worked as an artist in both LA and NYC. what are some differences between the two that you’ve noticed in the social climate for an upcoming artist?
LA is super relaxed and easy going. I usually get a lot of quiet time to create when I’m in LA. New York has a different creative energy for me. NY also has different places to showcase different ideas. Both coasts inspire my creative process.
You just released a new single “Fuk Dat”, what inspired this track?
Fuk Dat was inspired by the 90s classic Funk Dat. I always loved that song and I wanted to reinterpret it with my story. It’s about being misunderstood, stereotypes and having fun with that. I think people can relate.
Any upcoming tour dates or performances?
I’m currently still touring and getting ready for Pride week performances on both coasts. If you’re in NY come checkout my performance at BAM Brooklyn Academy of Music for EVERYBOOTY Pride Party on June 27
EVERYBOOTY at BAM : Details
Take a look back @ AB Soto performing at XEX’s Party at The D.L last summer!