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Chris Fleming (also known as stencil artist IDa4 and drag artist Latrine Lurka) celebrates Queer excellence, past, present and future at a special event at Vane. He chooses some of his favourite tracks in Mixtape
Words: Chris Fleming
I’ve been cutting stencils for about 15 years now and performing in drag for six years. I host Latrine’s Haus of Fun and Bin Juice at Cobalt Studios as well as monthly karaoke at The Grove. This summer I am a finalist at the Mx Drag GB Pageant held at Alnwick Gardens on Monday 26th August and as part of that I am fundraising for the Charlie and Carter Foundation and Pride Action North East. I am holding a charity auction to raise funds and the artwork will be on display at Vane Gallery, with a preview night on Wednesday 7th August and the exhibition running until Monday 12th, with an artist talk and demonstration on Saturday afternoon. It’s a group exhibition which includes amazing artists, local and national, all donating their work for the cause. They’ll be available to bid for online and I’m really excited by the work that’s going to be on display. I’ve got some brand new artwork of my own going on display and some treats planned for the preview show.
Getting into drag and cutting stencils are very time-consuming and requires a lot of behind-the-scenes preparation, and a lot of time goes into the final image. The recent mural that I painted on Charlotte Square took two and a half days to complete, but has been years in the making, and countless hours with a scalpel in hand cutting holes in bits of card. I’m generally alone in my studio so music is my company and helps keep me going. This Mixtape features some of the songs that get me motivated in my studio.
Robert Miles – Children
I was 17 in a nightclub in Swindon, and this was the last track they played. I remember the smoke and the lasers – that moment probably changed me forever. It was amazing. I really loved dancing after that.
Kelis – Acapella
So many memories of this tune and I cannot be still when this is on. This track will always lift my mood.
Whitney Houston – Love Will Save The Day
I love a strong female vocalist. Beyonce, Tina, Aretha, I love them all, but Whitney will always hold a special place in my heart. Tony Daly played this as the ‘one last tune’ at the last Bin Juice and I honestly think it’s the happiest I’ve ever been on a dancefloor.
Shirley Bassey – I Am What I Am
I performed this track at the 2018 Drag Idol final and it remains one of my favourite lip-syncs to pull out. This is one of those songs that makes me feel like I can do anything and makes the hairs on my neck stand up. The live version at the BBC Electric Proms is my favourite.
Björk – Wanderlust
Björk is probably the artist that I have listened to most in my life. I’ve loved her since I was a kid, and I still find her back catalogue exciting and fresh. Seeing her live is my favourite musical experience ever. I can’t imagine anything will ever top it. I think she’s one of the greatest artists of all time and I can’t imagine I’d ever get bored of her music.
Orville Peck – Fancy
I love a good story in a song and there’s nothing like a country song to tell a tale. I love all the versions of Fancy but the Orville Peck version hits hardest for me.
Prince – Let’s Go Crazy
I could make a playlist of just Prince and I’d love it. Purple Rain is one of my favourite albums and this is my favourite song. I want it at my funeral. I have a Prince stencil which is one of my favourites, the cuttings are pretty simple but the final image always makes me happy. He’s a legend.
