Sitting With Spencer: An Interview with Mariah Balenciaga

This week I got to conduct a very exciting interview with a very special person. When I first started writing about a year ago, I interviewed a wide array of different artists. In my head I told myself, if there was one queen I could interview, it would be my favorite Mariah Balenciaga. I am very happy to say that my wish came true and I finally got to sit down and talk with one of the fiercest queens in the business. She conquered the Ballroom scene of Atlanta, she thrived in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 as well as RuPaul’s Drag U Seasons 2 and 3, and she can do hair like you wouldn’t believe. Ladies and gentlemen of Not Safe 4 Werk, I give to you the queen they call… Mariah!

Spencer: Mariah Paris Balenciaga… it is a pleasure to finally speak to you! I’ll try my hardest to not to have any excited fan moments during this interview. (Fun Fact: We have the same birthday) Anyways, how are you? I know you must be incredibly busy with your plans to move to the big Los Angeles.

Mariah: Hi Spencer!!! I have been great, a little stressed, but great. A move across country isn’t as easy as it sounds. I am fortunate to have A FABULOUS support system in Atlanta & LA , they have helped make it a smoother transition.

Spencer: Oh dear. Moving is never easy. You have definitely been in Georgia for a long time. From what I believe, you were born and raised in Georgia. You chased your dreams to become a hair stylist within Georgia, you were deemed legendary in the Atlanta Ballroom scene, and your audition tape for Drag Race came out while you were in Georgia. It sounds to me like you have conquered Georgia… so why now the move to Los Angeles?

Mariah: Yes, I have done quite a few things in Georgia & definitely made my mark. I’m ready for new challenges, new energy and a new environment. I am now in a place where there are no excuses but to be adventurous. After all, that’s what life is……. an adventure!

Spencer: Sounds to me like Los Angeles is where you need to be then! Every day i something new.I am a huge ballroom fan, and you are seriously legendary when it comes to ballroom. From what I understand, you aren’t really participating in the “ballroom scene” anymore. But tell me, what was it about ballroom that you enjoyed?

Mariah: After fourteen years of “ballroom”, I have definitely slowed down. I’m really not active in the competitions anymore, unless it’s a special event. The climate of the “ballroom scene” has changed so much; I thought it best that I step away. I still love ballroom culture for the many lessons it has taught me. Because of ballroom, I am a stronger competitor, I have a tougher skin, and I’m more understanding of different types of people & personalities. Ballroom also gave me a place to create and refine my craft. I have met many interesting people in my years of doing Ballroom & some have become lifelong friends.

Spencer: Ball room is truly remarkable. Hopefully one day people realize that ballroom isn’t just an event made take up some time during the weekends. Ballroom is  a lifestyle that teaches you the value of honest competition while you make connections and build friendships that can last a lifetime. So recently you came out with a pretty bad ass song called “Mug 4 Dayz” featuring E.D.N.A. as well as several remixes for it! It is pretty sickening! The “Get Yo Life” remix is my absolute favorite. I definitely could see it playing in all of the clubs or even during one of my future runway shows possibly. Tell me a little about the “Mug 4 Dayz” track?

Mariah: The “MUG4DAYZ” track was my first music venture. I co wrote the lyrics worked with upcoming vocal talent, E.D.N.A, & DJ Ben G of Atlanta. It’s a fun song about loving the skin I’m in & and anyone who doesn’t like that can sit the corner, watch me twirl & GAG! Because, I’m going to have a ball regardless.

Spencer: You always have a ball! Listening to that track makes want to party,Speaking of partying, do you have any upcoming projects you are working on that we should be excited for?

Mariah: I would love to pursue some television work. I am also excited for the Al&Chuck.travel “DRAG STARS” cruise at the end of November. If you love Drag and love to cruise, it’s a must!!!!!

Spencer: Oh yes, the Mayan Adventure cruise line, how I would love to go! Just please let me know if I can at least try and fit inside your carry on or something… Well my queen, it has definitely been an honor speaking with you. You are a true icon and I am very excited to see you around L.A! You are going to kill it out here! Thank you so much for your time!

Mariah: It’s been awesome talking to you! I hope everyone will check in with me, get all of my performance dates and any Mariah Balenciaga updates!

Want to keep up with the fabulous Mariah? Want to be the first to know when Mariah is in town? Check out these links now! Because baby… if it’s right… it’s right. Gimme my pocketbook, i’m outta here.

Mariah’s Facebook

Mariah’s Twitter

Mariah’s Instagram

And dont forget to check out Mariah’s recent single as well as all of the remixes on itunes!