GLOW Artist Trixie Mattel Reflects On Her Pop-Infused Inspirations

The world was introduced to the high-camp comedic antics of Trixie Mattel in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. A fan favorite, she returned in the show’s third season of All Stars and went on to win the entire competition. 

But the drag queen is also a longtime singer-songwriter, taking inspiration from the likes of Sheryl Crow, Avril Lavigne, and Michelle Branch. In 2017, she released her first studio album, Two Birds, under her drag name. Since then, she’s released several albums full of glamorous pop tracks and has even collaborated with Branch. Now she’s one of Spotify’s featured GLOW artists for the month of June. 

GLOW is our global music program celebrating and amplifying LGBTQIA+ artists and creators all year round. We’re supporting Trixie on-platform with a dedicated hub and flagship GLOW playlist, and off-platform via billboards like those in New York City’s Times Square—a long way from her rural hometown.  

“My journey in music started in my childhood in the deep country of Wisconsin with no neighbors,” she explained in an interview with For the Record. “This was pre-digital age, so I spent a lot of time playing guitar, learning from female acoustic-pop music. I saw a guitar sitting around the house, so I bought a book that taught me how to play. I also learned a lot from playing with my grandfather.”  

In Trixie’s own words, she’s “looking good and feeling gorgeous” as an artist and queen. Read on to hear about her musical and queer inspirations. 

Why is it important to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices year-round?

It’s important to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices because our voices are present at all times, not just one month out of the year. We need to loudly amplify them, not just with a soft pause and a golf clap. We have always been here and we are not going anywhere. 

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

One thing people might be surprised about is how boring I am! Outside of my career as an entertainer, I love spending my time jogging, playing video games, and snacking. I lead a pretty ordinary life outside my work. 

What do you hope people take away from your music?

I want people to know how committed I am to my music, whether it is an original record or a cover song in any genre. I love to put my own spin on things and be the conduit for others, in addition to having a good time as the artist/songwriter.

Who are some queer artists or cultural icons who have inspired you? 

RuPaul, Divine, John Cameron Mitchell, The B-52’s; each of them has just been very true to themselves, which really showed me that I could do all of the things I do in drag. 

What makes you GLOW?

My Vitamin C brightening serum (before moisturizing), and these mega glow highlighters from Wet n Wild!

What is the best advice you received when you were growing as an artist and as a person?

When I was told to stop taking it so seriously; believing in the process of creating has shown me to be authentic to myself and the art I create.

How does music empower queer communities?

Music empowers queer communities through the voices of the community members themselves; queer people are the trendsetters, tastemakers, and curators of music. We’re always behind the scenes influencing what is cool and new, and chances are we made it. 

Catch Trixie and many other LGBTQIA+ artists this month and all year round on our flagship GLOW playlist.