Today we’d like to introduce you to Icky Stardust.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
My story starts somewhere between earth and outer space. I was lost in the stars trying to figure out this certain “drag persona” I was attempting to create through years of makeup. Until one day in June of 2021, I finally discovered that persona known as Icky Stardust. I started practicing with a makeup look and ended up loving the character staring back at me. So, I put on my best outfit, picked a song I loved, and knew I was ready to take off at that moment. I landed right on an open stage, performing/lip-syncing for the first time, and since then, I haven’t looked back. Upon doing Drag and being a Public Figure in the community, I’ve taken a big interest in being an activist for the LGBQTIA+ community. I want Icky Stardust to be known for more than just makeup or fashion. I want to be known for being a leader and changing the world.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel like with any art, there are always struggles. Struggles with doing better, doing more, and wanting to only sometimes do or create the same things. You have to find the roads worth taking and go for it. Work on the road or move to another road if it isn’t smooth. As artists, we can express ourselves any way we want to that fits who we are. You must stop worrying about everyone else’s thoughts and do your own thing. That’s what makes a good artist. It’s not been a smooth road during these battles, but I think our community is doing a great job standing our ground and fighting back! Recent events within the world of Drag have been pretty rough. Especially in Tennessee. Did you know they are trying to pass a bill that makes doing Drag in public a felony? Is something like that being discussed?
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
Icky Stardust is a fully developed Drag Artist specializing in makeup, fashion, and entertainment. Icky Stardust is known as The Alien Rock Star and takes huge inspiration from Ziggy Stardust and the Punk Rock scene. What separates Icky from others is originality. Drag is a very popular thing now, and it’s not easy to stand out from others, but the goal is to create your brand and stick with it.
In July of this year, I was presented with an amazing opportunity to host a Drag show called “Punk & Drag, ” a mix of Punk Bands and Drag Artists in a huge event space, sometimes with vendors in a type of flea market atmosphere. It ended up being such a huge success that my business partner, Mike Billups of Coffin Curse Records, and I purchased the LLC, making Punk & Drag a full-time business. We already have about 6+ shows scheduled in 2023 in a mini tour around Tennessee and our first out-of-state show in North Carolina. I’m extremely honored to be a part of something so amazing.
I am extremely proud of how much I’ve accomplished in the almost year and a half I’ve been doing Drag. I’m doing 4 to 5 shows a month now within Knox County and the surrounding areas of East TN. I’m proud of all the activism I’ve been doing in and out of Drag. I attend many city and county meetings, spend time educating myself politically, interview with news companies to defend Drag, and use my social media platform to bring awareness to the problems we are facing within our community.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Some of the most important qualities to have to be successful are to remain humble, be nice to people, and stick to your specific brand. Constantly keep improving your skills, and don’t be afraid to try new things. You have to work hard and want success because it isn’t just going to fall into your lap. Stay driven and educated within your community and your art. Know your worth, and don’t settle for anything less than what you truly deserve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ickystardust.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/ickystardust
- Facebook: facebook.com/ickystardust
- Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCZVtT07JJX6JYsmT5Vtn8VA
- Other: https://linktr.ee/ickystardust
Image Credits
Alyssa Cook Taryn Ferro Emily Chavarie
