Quick hits: Ryan G. Hinds

Place of origin: Toronto, Canada.

Upcoming shows: Tonight, November 1, at Pehrspace.

What can the Pehr audience expect?
I am bringing big vocals, lots of glitter, high kicks, and some dance-able house-pop-electro-y tunes.

There will be some great iPhone moments, and when I’m done I wanna party with eeeeeveryone.

See you on the dancefloor.

Photo: Greg Wong

Hey, Ryan G. Hinds—how have you been enjoying L.A.?
I’ve been to Los Angeles before, but I was coming off of a few years in NYC, so I had that East/left coast mentality ingrained. This time I’m loving the food, the hot hot guys, and the photo ops. Art and design in unexpected places, impressive crowds at Tigerheat, the palm trees… People here like a good party, and with all the mix of Latino culture, black culture, and party kids…there’s music and celebration everywhere. Not to mention the gayness of everything. Any city with this many pink houses is a winner!

How would you describe your style of performance?
James Brown is my father and Judy Garland is my mother. My diva-dom is mixed with equal parts electro, soul, gay disco, ’90s house, and drama. High drama. If you come see me, you’re gonna get a show.

When did you start performing?
I knew by age six that what I wanted to do more than anything was tell stories through song, dance, words, and performance. It’s hard to find photos of me as a kid when I’m not in a costume—so I was destined for make-believe from the start. I’ve done some wicked things (backing up Liza Minnelli was wicked, don’t hate!). I love doing a Pride festival, then a play, then recording a song, then being in a dance piece… I wouldn’t have it any other way; massive crowds or tiny spaces, both feed me. I will die onstage one day, hopefully at 95, and they will have to drag my body off. And then I’ll come back and haunt the venue.

Who are the most iconic artists to you?
James and Judy, for sure. Sylvester. Liberace. Chita Rivera is inspiring in her versatility. All of these people developed personal style, but backed it up with talent and discipline. I like Blondie, but then again, who doesn’t? Grace Jones is up there, too. I like that she inspires fear in a lot of people and can be deeply divisive, even though when you look at her body of work, it’s not really that extreme. It says more about us than it does about her.

If you could send a message to L.A. with a song, what would it be?
“Hold On, I’m Coming.” Applicable in oh so many ways.

Hear/download “Express (clip)” by Ryan G. Hinds

Hear/download “Miss Thang (clip)” by Ryan G. Hinds

Tonight—Monday, November 1st—Sean Carnage & Peter’s Pool Boys present…