ByChristopher Fragnito
Pandora Boxx’s new dance album is her most personal work ever. Boxx is fun and quirky, with
songs like ‘Pill’, a rock track that depicts some of her real-life struggles; ‘Stars’, her tribute to Star
Trek; and ‘Raspberries’, Pandora’s ode to Carol Channing that marks her farewell to the impersonation she famously performed on RuPaul'sDrag Race. The album’s first release is “Dance”, a song Pandora wrote for her younger self who was mercilessly picked on at school, and would come home, lock his
bedroom door, flip on a Madonna cd and dance his troubles away. “Dance is a song for everyone,”
Pandora explains. “It encourages people not to pay any mind to what others think and to dance like no
one is watching.” She explains more.
Christopher Fragnito:What inspired you to create an album based on your life?
Pandora Boxx: The music I had done before was silly and ridiculous. I felt like it was time to do something a little more personal. Something that might resonate with other outsiders and make them feel like they aren’t alone in the world.
C.F:You cover some heavy themes in Boxx.
P.B: Some of the songs are about loneliness; others are about ageism and being happy with who you are. I cover lots more, but I want to leave it a little open to the listener’s interpretation.
C.F:Do you have a favorite track?
P.B: It’s hard to pick one because all of them mean something to me in one way or another. Even some of the sillier songs have their own story. I will say that ‘Pill’ is a standout. It was one of the first I wrote and is probably the most personal song I’ve ever written.
C.F:How has your journey as a world famous drag queen influenced your music?
P.B: I don’t think of myself as famous so that kind of makes me giggle. There are songs on the
album that deal with the pressure of having to get on stage and make people laugh even when I’m not
happy at all. There are also tracks on the Drag Race fandom and how they can be truly amazing and yet
there is a fraction of them that can be horribly cruel.
C.F: You don’t see yourself as famous?
P.B: I wouldn’t call myself famous. I do think that drag has presented me with incredible opportunities and every now and then, I will stop and reflect on how I have achieved many of my childhood goals. However, I’m still dreaming and I aspire to do more.
C.F:How do you hope fans relate and connect with your music?
P.B: I hope they enjoy it and dance along to it. It’s a dance album, after all. I also hope they’ll buy it!
C.F: What advice do you have for aspiring LGBTQ+ artists who want to pursue a career in music?
P.B: Do it! There are so many ways to have your music heard these
days. If it’s in your heart and soul, you have to go for it. Have regret over a bad lunch choice but don’t
have regret over not pursuing a dream.
C.F: Looking back at your journey, what is the most significant
lesson you have learned?
P.B: To not give a shit about what others think. It’s important to focus on the people who support you.
They are the ones that have your back and will be there for you. And listen to your heart. Trust and
believe in yourself. Boxx would have never happened if I listened to the voices in my head and the
naysayers outside of it, that all said I couldn’t do it.
Pandora Boxx’s BOXX is
available on streaming platforms.
The Dance music video is be on
YouTube. Visit Pandoraboxx.com
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