Before our interview we both called ourselves yappers, eager to chat about anything and everything. However, as you can see from the interview below, I think the title of gift of the gab goes to Art Simone. One thing was clear, though: she is someone who is very passionate about advocating for the art of drag (pun not intended) and, even more importantly, making sure she uplifts and showcases her drag sisters across the world whenever and as much as she can.
A very funny individual who is nothing but a dream to talk to. Before Drag Race, Art was undoubtedly a well-known artist, a recognisable queen on the drag scene, and someone who many of us were eager to see compete on Drag Race. Everyone’s dream came true back in 2021 when season one of Drag Race Down Under finally aired. Fast forward to today, with season six having just wrapped up and a new winner crowned (congratulations to Lazy Susan.). We talk about the Australian drag scene, podcasts, and, well, pretty much everything else in between.
KB: Let’s jump straight into Drag Race Down Under, which was around four years ago now?
Art Simone: Well, it aired around 3 years ago, 3 ½. I want to sound relevant, so I will say three years ago (laughs).
KB: Does it feel like a long time ago?
Art Simone: Yes and no, because once I joined Drag Race, I became part of this big global family of drag artists. So I felt up to date with it and I feel like I’m still reliving the excitement of Drag Race through all my drag sisters, especially with each new season of Down Under. I’m still very much part of it all, and I love it.
KB: and a lot of them are here today, getting a lot of love. What’s your favourite part about DragCon?
Art Simone: It is meeting all the fans, really, because you know we are so isolated in Australia. We are so far away from every single country. So to come here and see that other people around the world love and celebrate what we do is just phenomenal. And I wish that all of my Down Under sisters could experience this. I really do wish that this experience could be shared with all of my Down Under sisters because, you know, we often get a bad rap in terms of the other franchises; people like to make fun of us or they mock Down Under.
KB: I do wonder why that is, especially since your season was really good. I think part of it might be that people don’t always keep up with every franchise. They might catch bits and pieces on social media, but it’s hard for them to watch every season from each franchise.
Art Simone: Thank you, thank you. I do think that sometimes, especially as there are so many franchises now running back to back. But back home, we have something called “tall poppy syndrome,” where we tend to get shot down by our peers. If you’re doing well or exceeding, it’s just this weird Australian thing we do—you’re not supposed to talk about success with your mates; you just don’t.
KB: Oh, so you feel the need to be humble.
Art Simone: You have to be humble and normal. It’s tough as if you mention anything about your experience as a contestant. It is really hard because you’re in a situation where you are allowed to be proud of yourself or to toot your own horn, but we don’t really get to do it. So to come over here internationally and meet people who love what we do is so rewarding. I tell all the girls back home, “Oh my God, they mentioned this moment that you had; they loved this about you; you’re their favourite.” It’s just amazing. I do really wish they could be here to experience it too.
KB: It’s like you’re their country representative for them (laughing)
Art Simone: I am, aren’t I (laughs)? I always like to shine the spotlight that I have on all of my drag girls, not just the Down Under queens, but all of the queens who have helped form me into the person that I am today. Because I didn’t turn into Art Simone just by sitting in my room, I became who I am through my experiences and where I am from. From all the people that celebrated and surrounded me in my community. They’ve all helped me become the crazy person I am today. So whenever I can shine, I make sure to shine that light back on them and give them a bit of a moment. Especially when someone gets eliminated, I want to make them happy.
KB: That’s such a great way to use the platform that you have. You were quite popular and well known before going onto the show—did you feel any pressure because of that?
Art Simone: Oh, I definitely felt the pressure. That’s why I had that breakdown. (Laughing)
KB: I think you carried yourself very well (laughs).
Art Simone: You do? (Laughing) Well, thank you! I don’t think I carry that pressure anymore because I’m really proud of what I’ve done and who I am, and I feel much more confident in myself and who I am. Celebrating my drag peers has always been part of my mission statement since I started drag. For example, with my WowPresents Plus show, Highway To Heel. I used to showcase six other drag artists from across Australia.
Then there’s The Kick-Ons, where we review Down Under on YouTube. Each week, I bring on a new guest—someone who isn’t necessarily a Down Under queen—to give the audience someone new to fall in love with. At the end of last year I had a book come out called Drag Queens Down Under, where I travelled around the country, profiling over 30 drag artists, and I documented the history of Australian drag through their eyes. From the Priscilla era to the club queens, to Drag Race, and beyond, as the drag world keeps evolving, it’s so exciting to be part of new spaces and new platforms.
KB: Drag is everywhere now and easily accessible to people of all ages, no matter where they are in the world. You can’t escape it—which I think is great.
Art Simone: You really can’t! It’s great that we have so much out there now. I recently interviewed some people that are involved in DragCon and those that are bringing drag into new spaces, you know, like TikTok stars or performers taking drag from, you know, the gay clubs out into regional areas. Their aesthetics are inspiring the future of drag, and I just love drag, and I really love Aussie drag. So whenever I can celebrate it and tell more people about it, I’m very happy.
KB: Your love for drag is very clear, and having given others a platform through your Youtube channel, and then publishing a book. What else is next on your goals to achieve?
Art Simone: Sleep.(laughs) I haven’t done that. I haven’t slept in forever, so that would be on my cards this year. (laughs) I’ve currently been touring with a show called Fountain Nation Lockdown, which is a drag parody play of Kath And Kim.
KB: Omg, I love Kath and Kim.
Art Simone: Who doesn’t? We did 50 shows across the East Coast of Australia last year. I’m about to fly to Perth to do Perth Fringe, and then for our UK lovers, something is coming.
Editor’s note: A lot was said off the record, but let’s say a lot of fun is coming to some countries soon. Stay tuned!
KB: I always say your season kickstarted the franchise with an iconic set of characters, and that’s why the UK loves to see you all over here continuing to tour.
Art Simone: Yes, thank you! Well, if you look at our season, the only way they could cast it was because we were in the middle of lockdown. The only way New Zealand would let Aussies into the country to film was if there was no one else that could replicate what they do, so they had to have people that were at the top of their field. So our cast ended up with some of the biggest names in Aussie drag.
Normally, when they cast a season, they have a mix of everyone; they’ll have a few big names, some emerging names, and then people from the outskirts etc. But they weren’t able to do that and get the visas and get us through quarantine, so they had to stack the cards. And I would highly encourage people to go back and check out the talent that we had because we have the best of the best. I’m so glad I got to share that experience with them. It was a wonderful time.
KB: So besides sleeping, what would be your dream goal this year?
Art Simone: My dream goal? Honestly besides getting some sleep in between the touring, maybe taking a nap on the floor somewhere. Or maybe I could help an old lady cross the road. That could be fun! But No, on a serious note I am seriously really excited about this tour, this Kath & Kim tour that I’ve been doing is amazing!
KB: Those two women, in my opinion, are the pinnacle of well-executed comedy. Have you had a chance to meet them?
Art Simone: Well, I was on the 20th-year anniversary special for Kath & Kim because they saw me as Kath on Drag Race. So then after that they invited me to be part of the special. I got to meet them half and half. So, I got to meet Gina and Jane, and they arrived in full character and it was just so surreal it was like heaven! They even thanked me for showcasing Kath & Kim to a brand new audience, who perhaps might not be familiar with the show, and bringing it to a new sort of crowd.
KB: You really went from living the dream to reality! (laughs)
Art Simone: (laughs) I really did! And when they mentioned introducing the show to a new audience it’s true. As I met someone yesterday at the meet and greet who told me they hadn’t heard of the show before, and was like now I love Kath & Kim because of you.
KB: It’s also on Netflix now for the kids to watch!
Art Simone: Yes.That was never on there before! Yeah, that’s probably because of me (laughing). You’re all very welcome (laughs).
KB: Alongside everything else going, the Youtube Kick On is coming back and your podcast is back for a new season.
Art Simone: I’m having the best time with that, and I’m just going to enjoy it. We’ve got more Kick Ons with Art Simone over on our YouTube show coming out. Plus, my podcast has a new season launching in March, Concealed It with Art Simone. So Season 4 is coming out in a couple of months, which is pretty exciting.
KB: Everybody nowadays has a podcast, which I love. It’s great that everyone has their own platform to freely chat about anything and everything. It also seems to be that there’s a niche topic for each one; for those who might not be familiar, what is yours about?
Art Simone: Well, again, my podcast Concealed with Art Simone is all about throwing the spotlight on interesting Australians. Each episode I bring someone in; they come into a room, and I’ve never met them before, and they’re concealing something from me. Whether it’s their work, something personal, or an experience they’ve had. It’s my job to guess what it is. Then once I figure it out, we then get to interview them. A lot of people that I feature are relatable as they’ve faced a judgement of some kind in their lives.
KB: Which is a really unique take on a podcast and a fun way to get to know your guests.
Art Simone: It really is, because we could create a safe space for them to talk openly about what they do. We’ve had crime scene cleaners, competitive eaters, and even sex workers. We dive into all topics in their industries. One of the most recent guests took me by surprise, as I’ve had my mum surprise me. I walked in and was like, What are you doing here? And she said, Well, this episode we’re talking all about you. Then she went on to reveal all the things that I didn’t want to talk about (laughs). So we tried to keep that as our last episode to come out; it’s been sitting at the top for a little bit!
KB: Were you worried about what she’d say?
Art Simone: All the Secrets (laughing) No, I was like Oh My God, I couldn’t believe it, Very rude of you mum. Anyway, it’s been very fun to record all these at the iHeart network and we’ve got another season coming out in March. It’s go go, I will try to schedule in some sleep this week.
KB: How?
Art Simone: Well, not this weekend, because we all die don’t we? (Laughs) Maybe on the flight home I’ve got 18 hours too. So I’ll sleep.
KB: I hear alcohol helps (laughs)
Art Simone: (laughing) Oh my goodness, please do not tempt me with a good time. I’ll rock up in Perth, like hey how’s everyone? Let’s do a shot. (laughs)
Season 17 of RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE exclusively drops weekly in the UK on the streamer of all things drag, WOW Presents Plus. Subscribe now at https://uk.wowpresentsplus.com/
