April 3, 2023 |
Tom Rasmussen would like to re-introduce themselves. You might know the non-binary multi-hyphenate as their former drag persona, the glitter bearded Crystal, with whom Rasmussen made a name for themselves through London’s queer nightlife circuit throughout the 2010s. Or you may be more familiar with Rasmussen’s written work, having contributed to i-D, Dazed and Vogue, where they are a regular columnist.
Though it’s with the release of Rasmussen’s debut album, Body Building, that we see the artist at both their most vulnerable and courageous. Spread over 13 tracks, the album is chock-full with floorfiller pop that touches on the day-to-day battles queer people are challenged with, from blatant transphobia in the mainstream press to the societal struggles that are placed on gender nonconforming identities.
“[The album] about grieving a part of you that has been taken by others, it’s about escaping violence, it’s about accepting — and attempting to thrive in — reality and not simply fantasy, says Rasmussen. “It is the last time I want to talk about all the violence I’ve experienced in my life as a queer femme person. But never say never. It is dedicated to queer people and trans people everywhere.”
With interludes by revered writer and performer Travis Alabanza, Sunday Times bestselling writer Shon Faye, and nightlife royalty Princess Julia, alongside a guest appearances from Kai-Isaiah Jamal and Michèle Lamy, Rasmussen has taken the album on the road with opening spots for Self-Esteem and Rina Sawayama. This summer, they’ll bring their show to Brockwell Park in Brixton, where they’ll perform at queer festival Mighty Hoopla on June 4th
Before all that, though, we grab Rasmussen for a quick natter about all sorts, really.
1. If your new album, Body Building, came with a scent, what would it smell like?
“Piss and queer club basements, with a deep undertone of roses. And then by the time you’re into the last third of the album, the smell of piss lifts and then it’s like the smell of rain on grass but in summer. Lol. I’m such a smell obsessed person, and I always think that being told you smell nice is like the best complement ever because it’s not appearance based, and any comment on your appearance, even if good, can always feel weird. Don’t get me wrong, love to be told I’m hot, but in truth tell me I smell good and I’m all yours!”
2. Ahead of your performance at Mighty Hoopla, what can we expect?
“I’ve been trying to think of how you can bring a whole show — with an arc, and features and moments of quiet and other moments of high drama — to a festival stage. I saw [redacted] at Glastonbury and everyone had said we had to go, we had to go! And honestly drying paint would cite this performance as the most boring thing to have ever happened. Honestly, give us nothing! In my current set I hope I deliver something that’s not that — we have light and shade, sunsets and sunrises, and a feature from the legendary Shon Faye, reading from her book The Transgender Issue which closes out the second act and delivers us from conflict to resolution. The resolution being to dance and, as my friend Finn Love says, Stop Being Cis.
3. Who’s been the best person you’ve seen at Mighty Hoopla?
“Sorry but the Sugababes reunion???? Are you kidding me? I floated. I literally floated.”
4. What’s your wildest festival story?
“At V Festival about twelve years ago my best friend, who I shan’t name (Beth), smoked so many cigs and drank so much Strongbow Dark Fruits that she – during The Killers –was sick in my gold wellies looool. I put them back on and was so pissed I didn’t really realise until we got back to the tent after being out the whole night. It’s the only way to do it baby, covered in vomit!”
5. What will we find in your festival bum bag?
“A portable nebuliser for my voice, a bottle of poppers which is of course central to my wellness practice, and Byredo lip balm.”
6. What song from the album are you most excited to perform live?
“I love “Joy”, personally, because I love to sing that opening. But playing “Look At Me” into “Dysphoria” on tour with both Rina [Sawayama] and Self Esteem has been mind blowing. People who have never heard the song like really dance to it? What a pleasure!”
7. You’re off to Mighty Hoopla 2024: who are your dream 3 headliners?
“Kate Bush, Anohni, Donna Summer. Or maybe a Girls Aloud reunion.”
8. What’s the recipe to a great pop song?
“Hmmm, not relying too much on that hook baby. Saying anything but ‘miss you’ or ‘I’m so hot I don’t miss you’. I love Caroline Polachek, because she deals in images. I love Kate Bush because she’s a master storyteller. I love SZA because she can do character and emotion at the same time, all while commenting on the cultural moment. Give me substance and I’m yours.”
9. What artist dominates your pre drinks playlist?
“Madonna. Although my friends and I all had this weird cultish year where we were OBsessed with Lorde’s Solar Power and everywhere we went someone was playing it. “The Path” is probably the song that’s materially changed my life the most.”
10. What does the rest of the year hold for you?
“More touring, some visuals and some exciting collaborations. I’m so thrilled the album is coming out I sort of can’t believe it. Also, I’ve co-written a musical which has been programmed at a very chic theatre early next year… so I’m excited to get deeper into the development process on that. And of course: writing the tricky second album! But really the want is to keep on developing a relationship with peace. Sounds like I’ve had too much therapy, maybe I have! Love you 10, thanks for having me!”
Stream ‘Body Building’ on all major platforms now. Tickets for Mighty Hoopla are available here.
