Le Fil – Splash Zone

By starrymag | July 31, 2023

By: Dana Jacoviello

 

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences? 

 

A) I am such a massive pop fan. So, the artists that have seen me through the many reincarnations of pop music have been legends like Kylie [Minogue], Madonna, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and the Spice Girls. They all really inspired me to lean into my pop desires. Each of them taught me to embrace my authenticity and express myself the way I deserve to – the way everyone deserves to.

 

Q) Congratulations on your first song “Splash Zone.” Talk about the meaning/story behind it. 

 

A) Well, speaking about authenticity – “Splash Zone” is about encouraging people to dive in for what you want. You know the area next to a pool where people tentatively sit? Well, if you’re going to sit there, you’re going to get wet anyway, so you may as well embrace the water and jump right in.

 

Q) When did you first begin working on “Splash Zone” and how long did it take to complete?

 

A) It was when my water-themed outfit aired on “Drag Race UK” in October. I decided I really wanted to do a song for it. So, I spoke to my music producer, Lostchild, and said let’s do something around the idea of a “Splash Zone.”  Lostchild then produced an instrumental idea and sent it over to me. I sat on it for a while until inspiration took over. Usually, I let the tracks sit in my subconscious for a while. I find that melodies and lyrics automatically start forming themselves around the track. So, by the time I sit down to write it, I can write it quite quickly.  We recorded the song just before my “Drag Race” tour started in April. It took a couple of months to mix, master and get everything ready. I even filmed the visuals while I was on holiday in May. We photographed the single cover on the beach. It looks super peaceful and tranquil, but behind the camera were hundreds of people watching. They got a free show! No rest for the wicked.

 

Q) Did you plan to stick with a specific genre of music or experiment with different beats and tunes when you began working on your new single?

 

A) We definitely wanted to do something more dance orientated. In my Le Filosophical EPs that I created as a soundtrack to “Drag Race UK,” I didn’t really have that big dance-club moment. All the songs were inspired by my runway concepts, and none really leant itself to that club vibe. So, that was in the back of my mind. I really wanted to release a summer track, so it was perfect that Splash Zone really fell into our laps for that.

 

Q) When you wrote “Splash Zone” did you pull from your life experiences or is it in anyway personal to you?

 

A) Lyrically, it’s actually inspired by my relationships with straight or bi-curious men. The ones who are in the closet, who fancy me and want a piece of the action, but are too scared to dive in.  The lyrics are really fun and flirty. There’s a section where I’m luring these men into the pool and it references the witches casting spells in Macbeth – “Bubbly bubbles, towels and troubles. Come from the shade under your parasol. Let me show you your potential. Escape the mental, let’s get physical” It’s fun!

 

Q) What kind of fan reaction have you been receiving to the song?

 

A) It’s been really good. My fans love the change in direction, and it’s been so rewarding to see the streams increasing with this single. I am an independent artist and support myself financially – so word of mouth is really how I can share my music. I didn’t have much promotion with my previous Le Filosophical EPs as they kind of got lost under the whole “Drag Race” promo juggernaut. So, only my hardcore fans really got it and appreciated it. With “Splash Zone” it’s amazing that it’s attracted lots more fans, and that they’re embracing this new track.

 

Q) What message do you want the song to convey to the audience?

 

A) I want people to enjoy it, embrace the fun and enjoy a shame-free experience.  Sometimes we get too conscious of what we like and we second guess it. Lyrically, the song speaks about it. We hold back because we’re scared of what people may think. Even with pop music, some people only like it if they describe it as a “guilty pleasure.” There should be no guilty pleasure, just pleasure! We get one life and we should enjoy it. If you’re not hurting anyone, or doing anything wrong, then live your best life.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) There’s plenty more music in the pipeline. As an independent musician, I find it easy to write, but it’s the structure around the music that takes a lot longer. It’s about putting the parts together in the best way, so I’m currently really focused on one single at a time. I have so many amazing songs I can’t wait for people to hear! So, you’ll have to wait and see when the next surprise drops.

 

Q) We loved seeing you on “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.” What did you personally take away from your time on the show?

 

A) The whole show was a phenomenal experience, especially culminating with the tour. What I learnt is that it’s so important to maintain your own artistic voice and have control over your art. My runways were always the moments where I could shine because I had full authorship on what was being presented and how it was shown. Everything outside of that felt like I was handed over to other people to be sculpted. And as an artist, that’s a really scary position to be in. That’s why my performance on the “Drag Race UK” tour was so enjoyable. It was a three-part pop opera condensed into tightly packed artistic piece that I centered on “More Asian Love.”  It discussed my Asian heritage and took you on a journey of acceptance and pride. It also let me showcase my design skills. I designed a costume that could fill any size stage on the tour. It was like an art and fashion installation. It was epic. I’m so happy with how the tour turned out as it really was a chance to regain control over my artistry and create a performance that really showed every ounce of me.

 

Q) Stepping away from music, you are a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ and Asian community. Did you struggle at all growing up or have any particular experiences that empowered you to speak out?

 

A) Growing up Asian and Chinese in a western society is difficult. As a femme, androgynous boy, I didn’t see anyone in the media who I could relate to. It was so rare to see an Asian person cast into lead roles or into significant parts. So, for a long time I never thought it would be possible to follow my dreams – and I didn’t. It is so important for a child to see someone like themselves in the world around them. That’s what role models are. That’s what inspiration is. It’s the chance for you to say, “You know what? That could be me,” and to believe it. It gave me the confidence to be bolder, seize the opportunities – and to speak about it so that others can have someone to relate to too.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you? 

 

A) I’d like to say you’ve got really good taste – and don’t you forget it! You’re the ones who have supported me from the beginning. I never forget the people who are kind to me, who send messages of support or who share my work. For that, I am so thankful! At a time when drag and gender politics are so heated – it’s really important to support all forms of queer art. I’m really proud to be a part of the change that we want to see in the world, and so proud to have my supporters with me. Thank you!