PRIDE WATCH: Q&A with Pretty Poison's Jade Starling

In anticipation of her performance at this weekend's Triumphant Pride celebration, CP's Christopher Seybert talks to Jade Starling about her new music, gay rights and why Lady Gaga should be the next Oprah.

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PRIDE WATCH: Q&A with Pretty Poison's Jade Starling

POSTED: Thursday, June 9, 2011, 4:15 PM

Filed Under: LGBTQ

As we mention in this week's A&E section, lead singer of Pretty Poison and South Jersey resident Jade Starling will headline and shoot footage for her new music video at nightlifegay.com's Triumphant Pride celebration on Sunday. We recently caught up with her for a chat about her new music, gay rights and why she think Lady Gaga should be the new Oprah.

City Paper: So a lot of people know you from the '80s group Pretty Poison and the hit song “Catch Me (I’m Falling),” but what have you been up to recently?

Jade Starling: Basically, this past year I’ve been trying to finish [my new] album, [Captive], and get all the producers and remixers together. I’m looking forward to putting out new music. I’m still with the group Pretty Poison. My bandmate and producer Whey Cooler did a lot for the new album.

CP: What can your fans expect from your new music?

JS: What they know us best for is dance and club music, so we’re getting back to the roots about what we do best. I love my fans very much and it’s great for me to be back in Philly again reaching out to the people who put us on the map. I’m so excited about doing Triumphant Pride and seeing all my family and friends from the area.

CP: After over 20 years in the business you’re still recording music, what’s the biggest difference of the industry from then to now?

JS: Well, now you can do it yourself. You don’t need a major label behind you. With Facebook and iTunes we’re able to have our own studio in Cherry Hill, N.J. At this time we’re self-contained. It’s just amazing how much we can do without a major label. We like to have more control of the situation. One thing has stayed true, the love of making music and entertaining people. That will never change.

CP: So you’ll be performing at Triumphant Pride on June 12. Will it be your first time attending Philly Gay Pride?

JS: No. This is the first time in a while, though. I’ve played Pride quite a few times. I remember playing Outfest a couple of years ago. This is a little more intimate. So I get to have more face time with people — meeting and greeting and signing autographs. We'll [also] be filming scenes for my new music video, “8 Daze”, that day. We want everyone to dress to impress. Put your best wig on!

CP: You’ve always been a huge advocate for gay rights’, why did you get involved?

JS: Growing up I was always a little different. Some people used to call me a "freak" with my bright, red hair and crazy outfits. And I just always felt appreciated and comfortable around the gay scene. I didn’t feel criticized or put down. I appreciated them just as much as they appreciated me. From day one, performing at Prides and circuit parties, I’ve always felt the most comfortable with that community and they’ve stayed loyal to me all these years. It just goes to show that they’re truly my family and they will always be that way.

CP: How do you feel about the progress for gay rights since you started your advocacy?

JS: I think it is phenomenal now that gay marriages are getting legalized in most every state. It should be equal rights for everybody, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be. People are people. You choose who you love and who you want to marry and I feel like everyone should be able to do that. I’m so happy that we seem to be getting beyond the stereotypes and narrow-minded ways.

CP: Because of your activism, you’re an inspiration to many. Who inspires you?

JS: Lately I’ve been inspired by Lady Gaga. I think she’s just incredibly brave, putting it out there how she supports everyone — especially the gay community. It’s so great that she has that platform. She’s a very powerful person. I think Barbara Walters said that Lady Gaga would be a great replacement for Oprah one day. Oprah is another person that comes to mind. She’s trailblazed her way to bridging so many gaps and bringing so many people together. That’s something I’ve always tried to do. And I’m inspired every day. Music is one of the biggest ways that we bring people together.

CP: If you could pick one musician — alive or dead — to collaborate with today, who would it be?

JS: There are a lot of people I’d love to collaborate with. Again it would be great to collaborate with Lady Gaga. I’d love to co-write a song with her and have her play the piano.

CP: Any last comments about your performance at Triumphant Pride on the 12?

JS: I hope to see everyone there. Make sure you dress up. Put your best face forward. I will be there with open arms. I can’t wait to see everyone. And I can’t wait for people to hear the new music and celebrate! I've got my cute little boys backing me up, so it will definitely be a sight to see. We’re gonna turn that place out!

See Also:

Queer Bait: William Way Homecoming 2011

City Paper's LGBTQ listings

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Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

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