On Ambition, Vibin' Performances and Unconventional Beauty: An interview with Belladonna
In December 2018, #BBATX is partnering with Unbounded Agency, Thank You For Sweating and Red Bull Music to highlight some of the incredible performers in their upcoming showcase, Equal Axis.
Today, we’re happy to introduce you to one of the evening’s artists, Austin-based creative Belladonna. “Belladonna is a gender-fluid performer and artist from Austin, Texas known for high-energy, conceptual looks, and artistic ability. Her work is multifaceted, always combining visuals through fashion and makeup, combined with dance, rap, and DJing when on stage. Her most notable opportunities of 2018 would be performing, at GayCL as well as at Charli XCX's "Femmebot Fantasy" show in Dallas.” (You can find Belladona on Instagram , Soundcloud and Twitter.)
This interview was conducted by #BBATX Projects and Operations Coordinator, Natalia Rocafuerte.
Q: Could you guide us through your creative process and work?
Belladonna: My creativity comes fairly naturally and effortlessly. I constantly have a desire to create whether it be writing, painting, music, or design. I pretty much just wake up ready and needing to produce something.
Q: How do you feel empowered before a performance?
Belladonna: I feel so much adrenaline and excitement before a performance. There's nothing quite like connecting with a crowd and the exchange that occurs between an entertainer and their audience.
Q: What do you look for in creative collaborators?
Belladonna: I like to consider all my creative collaborators as my friends and people I have put trust in. The most important part about collaborating for me is that there is a genuine chemistry and connection between both parties. It's all about vibin’.
Q: How do you set goals and boundaries for yourself as an artist?
Belladonna: As an ambitious new artist on the scene, my goals are vast and there aren't any boundaries I intend to set for myself. I dream big and I refuse to limit myself.
Q: What currently inspires you (could be people, places, things, instagram accounts—you name it)?
Belladonna: Recently I've taken a lot of inspiration from aliens! I adore unconventional beauty and beings that look otherworldly.
Want to dance all night with Belladonna? Head over to Redbull Presents: Equal Axis on Saturday Dec. 15 from 10 PM to 4 AM at 607 Neches St. Austin, Texas. Austin collectives, Unbounded Agency and Thank You For Sweating, have teamed up to create this incomparably unique event featuring local multidisciplinary DJs, performance and visual artists, running the spectrum of humanness. Equal Axis will be host to artistic contributions from POC, queer, gender non-conforming and non-binary creatives as well as allies, using the event as a platform for visibility around queerness through expression, performance, activations and installations, as well as Maya Jane Coles' Texas debut. ALL ARE WELCOME, just be yourself, bring yourself, and your dancing shoes. Tickets are only $10 and available now. Click here.