Today we’d like to introduce you to Audra Isadora.
Hi Audra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Audra, but some people know me as KLAUS! I am a multi-faceted performance artist and drag king who uses singing as my primary form of expression. I’ve been singing and playing dress-up for as long as I can remember. My mother was a professional harpsichordist, jazz pianist and former clown. Her love for music and theatrics was infectious and I was ‘bit by the bug’ the very instant I was born. When I was seven, I was diagnosed with Leukemia. I lost my hair and learned a lot about life. At nine, I went into remission, my hair grew back, and the lessons stuck forever. I have an eternal light of gratitude and love for life that will always burn inside me. I moved to NYC as soon as I could and pursued a BFA in Musical-Theatre. My time in school was an emotional roller-coaster; I never quite fit in, artistically speaking. I was too avant-garde, my style (both literally and spiritually) was “too eccentric”, too individualistic. My mother died. I fell to pieces, and then I put the pieces back together as best I could. I realized I had to helm my own ship. I started curating my own cabaret performances. Many projects and collaborations later, I realized that deep down, I was a songwriter. I made an EP and performed my set all over NYC.
I also produced and performed my one-woman cabaret “Grace. Period.”, which was a tribute to Grace Jones, chock full of exciting costume changes (which provided a tax-deductible opportunity for extensive vintage shopping)! I debuted the show at “54 Below”; The cabaret theatre which is located in the basement of what used to be Studio 54, where Grace Jones had lived her best life in 70’s and 80’s! At that point, my artistic identity was beginning to merge with my sexual identity. Losing my hair at seven changed me for life. I had often been mistaken for a boy at the time, and as a feminine little girl, in a patriarchal, heteronormative world, that had been scarring. Ironically, since then, I have kept my hair very short, if not entirely shaved, but I clung tight to my femininity, almost over-compensating. I also knew I was queer, but I was having trouble connecting the dots, so to speak. Where did I fit in with the queer community? I was androgynous but very “femme”, I was dominant but soft; I was an unintentional “genderfucker” with mishugas! And then one day, in the midst of a twilight sleep, I found KLAUS. KLAUS is an extension of me, my drag alter-ego. . He helped me understand myself and my sexuality more than I ever could have anticipated.
Developing this character has allowed me to integrate some of my deepest inner truths and live more joyously. Klaus quickly became a staple in my music set and I started to explore this powerful duality within myself. I was ready for a change of scenery… I moved to LA in search of a more whimsical and holistic creative atmosphere. The desert, the ocean and this dreamy city have been endlessly inspiring to me, especially as a songwriter. I’ve learned to hone in on my intuition and as a result, I’ve manifested a beautiful life here. I was the singing bartender at a karaoke bar in East Hollywood, and that’s where my band and I found each other; Retra (formerly known as Glam Skanks) will be opening for Adam Ant in 2021 (covid permitting). I’m also so grateful for my Drag community here and to have been at the for-front of the re-emergence of the Drag King scene in LA. In 2019 a few of us kings started “Man Candy”, a monthly drag king fronted drag show featuring kings and non-binary performers. It’s been a colorful journey so far, and I can’t wait to continue to explore, make music wherever possible and to inspire young artists, especially the ‘queer kids’, to relish in their own uniqueness and to never hesitate to explore the depths of their artistic desires.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I had trouble finding where I fit in artistically. As a young child, my voice was “too big and low and raspy”. In college, I was “too avant-garde”. I was always told I had talent but was “too much” this or “not quite” that. I finally discovered that that’s exactly where my power was. It was in my boldness, in my wild outfits and my big mouth and my smoky voice. Whatever your unique light is, lean into it honeyyyy, and find people who see that light!!!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a singer and songwriter currently involved in my solo project and my band RETRA. I’m known for my gender-bending performances, my dramatic vocals, and my drag persona KLAUS. I speak out on behalf of women and AFABS in the drag scene, and my passion for birthwork and women’s health. I’m pretty sure I’m LA’s only Singing-Drag King-Doula! Check out my single “Rare Desert Flower” on all platforms!
What makes you happy?
Following my bliss and empowering others are my most vital pursuits. Making music, connecting with nature and beautifying space is what happiness is all about for me. Collaboration and community are essential ingredients too!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audra_musik/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAXYqmecUHU
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/audra-isadora/820086934
Image Credits
Luka Fisher Nano Arenado Mark Dektor Rafael Ledesma Rocco Shields Shannon Soufflay
