Described by RuPaul as “the kind of talent that comes along once in a generation” and “a drag and pageant legend” by VOGUE, Sasha’s Drag Race victory is followed by the launch of Sasha Colby Hair (released 10/18), a debut single (released 10/18), and making history as Live Nation’s first headlining tour with a drag artist. 

Sasha Colby: Stripped Tour Here

How do you think winning Drag Race changed your life? Both from a personal and artistic perspective. 

SC: Drag Race has changed my life in every single way. Personally, it’s allowed me to be successful and notable in a career that I’ve been doing my whole life. To be able to do what I’ve always done as a little kid and play dress up, and to have so much influence doing something that’s just for you, feels really powerful. As far as how it’s changed my life artistically, it’s given me artistic freedom. Winning and being successful in whatever you do allows you to dream bigger. Because of Drag Race, I’m able to have the freedom of being creative, playing with my friends, and to wake up not knowing what new blessing is coming my way. 

Your tour is fast approaching. What can we expect from it? 

SC: For the Sasha Colby: Stripped Tour, you can expect a lot of stories, a lot of glamor, it’s not named “stripped” for no reason. 

Styling is Laurel Thomson @laurelthomson_style

Hair, Makeup & Photography will be Preston Meneses @prestonmakeup

Graphic Designer Diana Flynn @dianaflynn_

interview Luca Di Fabio @luca_difabio_music

How did you know you wanted to pursue dancing and art as a career? 

SC: I don’t think I ever realized that I could do dancing and art as a career. I think it was just something that I loved doing as a kid. When I found my tribe in the dance studio, it seemed like I was home. It seemed very familiar. If something feels good, especially when you’re younger, you keep doing it. To be able to have learned so many great skills that have allowed me to make this a career has been one of the most amazing surprises I’ve ever had. 

What attracted you in the universe of drag, burlesque and such forms of not only performance but creative expression? 

SC: I think what attracted me to the universe of drag and burlesque, is that I’ve always been obsessed with old school Hollywood and high femme glamor. Being a trans kid growing up, I just looked at these ultra feminine goddess people that were around me and wanted to emulate that. I think for me, the biggest thing is that the glamour, beauty, and ultra femininity comes with drag and burlesque performing. I think drag and burlesque are also a great way to show empowerment, they allow the person and the people who are viewing it to feel powerful in their sexuality, their presentation, and how they want to be perceived in life. 

What was your time at Drag Race like? Any memorable moments, hardships, teachable lessons to note? 

SC: I am very grateful to say that I had one of the best experiences in Drag Race. I was able to watch RuPaul every day and every week and see how much Ru loves what they do. She has her friends that have been doing this for years, and it’s so inspiring to be able to see it done on a huge scale and watching her knowledge at work was really special to watch.

RuPaul said, you are a “once in a lifetime type of talent.” How do you feel about that and what have you learned from your time with such a timeless icon? 

SC: When you get any sort of compliment from RuPaul, it’s deafening to your ears and you don’t even realize it’s happening. But to see the kind of career that RuPaul was able to have, you just know that this person really understands what they’re talking about. I think drag in-itself is very “once in a lifetime.” As a performer, that’s the excitement about doing live performances and even doing the Sasha Colby: Stripped Tour. It’s this idea that you are doing this once in a lifetime moment that just these people who are witnessing can share, which I think is really beautiful. 

You are Live Nation’s first drag artist as a headliner. Such an accomplishment for yourself and the whole LGBTQ+ community. What are your thoughts on the role of trans artists and creatives in today’s industry? 

SC: Artists and- trans artists especially- have always been around in creative spaces, especially in music, television, and film. It’s nice that our stories are getting told now, and that trans people are telling their own stories, which is really powerful. That’s why I’m really excited to be teaming up with Live Nation for my tour this year. To start this performance journey that showcases queer art, artists, and stories, is a very important moment, especially with a company as large as Live Nation. For them to be putting their name behind LGBTQ+ artists is really exciting and I can’t wait to see what other artists collaborate with Live Nation. 

What are some of your inspirational performers of all time? 

SC: My all time most inspirational performers in the world of drag would be Monica Monroe and Chevelle Brooks. Their musicality, their excitement, and their energy is timeless. As far as pop stars, I’m a 90’s-Y2K kid, but I’ve always loved some Janet Jackson and Madonna. They’re the divas that have shown decade after decade that they have what it takes.