Glad Rags: Jodie Harsh on Subverting Gender in Fashion

Get your glad rags on gang! Glad Rags is a column where we chat to some of our favourite musician's about their best garms. This week we're joined by London-based DJ music producer, promoter, and drag queen, Jodie Harsh.

How important is clothing to you for a stage presence?

I guess my image and clothing are two different things. My image is really important - I like consistency and having an instantly recognisable style (like Anna Wintour or The Queen..it’s a girl boss thing) In terms of actual clothing when I DJ, dressing up has become less and less important. I’m more into being able to dance comfortably and not be a sweaty mess so I’m often in a blast vest or a bobber jacket or something - and I’m wearing flats when I DJ now so i can jump about (they are Balenciaga though!)

___STEADY_PAYWALL___

Do you have a different style on stage compared to off stage?

Yeah totally - I like to turn my stage / work persona on and off like a light switch, it keeps me sane.

Do you think image is important for musicians wanting to be successful?

It’s a part of it and always has been really. Obviously the song or the music has to cut through the most, but I definitely come from the school of thought where the image is part of the art so it’s important to get that on lock at some point before you start presenting your work.

Who are some of your style inspirations as an artist?

Anyone that’s subverted what it means to be a musical artist that people look at, and has played with what it means to be masculine or feminine. Grace Jones and Madonna were doing it decades before anyone else.

What is your favourite piece of clothing to wear on stage and why?

Just got these new Prada boots that are like Dr Martins, they are really horny. They’ve got these little pouches on the sides of them which I’m assuming most people would bring drugs into festivals in but I’m gonna bring my USB’s onto stage in them.

What is your favourite piece of clothing to wear offstage and why?

I’d rather be naked then wear drag.

Do you think people look down on musicians who like fashion too and if so, why?

Aesthetics have always played into stage performance so I think you’d have to be a bit of a dickhead to hate on a band or artist because they play with clothing and looks. You come for the music, and you stay for the world that’s built around it and and the experience that can create - and that includes something nice to look at.

How has your style evolved alongside your journey as an artist?

I used to wear massive heels and uncomfortable clothes and false nails and all this other stuff that I worked out my brain was navigating rather than being focused on doing the best show I could possibly do. I like things to be a little more comfortable these days so people can get the best show out of me that they’ve paid for. If I was a Drag Race queen or used ever-changing aesthetics as part of my performance then it’d be a different story but I really feel like these days it’s more about the music with me and rather than how I’m going to look on stage. I just want to look like Jodie Harsh!

What advice would you give someone struggling to find their image as an artist?

Focus on the music and that will lead the way.