Go deep inside Pandora Boxx’s musical escape
| 07/30/24
The Drag Race alum releases her debut album and exclusively reveals her three travel essentials
“I think some people may realize after listening to Boxx that I am much more than the Pandora that they’ve seen on television,” Drag Race icon Pandora Boxx reflects from the carpet of Drag Con in Los Angeles.
After winning Miss Congeniality in the second season of the iconic show, Boxx appeared in the first and sixth seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and in all three seasons of the show’s spin-off series, RuPaul's Drag U.
“The first show aired in 2010,” she continues. “I’m not at all the same person I was then.”
She admits to doing a lot of internal work since her time on the show and even some therapy.
“I think healing myself has made my mind more open to create better artistry,” she says. “I’m at a point where I’m ready to branch out and try new things and other avenues.”
That includes recording her music.
This summer, Pandora Boxx is out with her debut album, Boxx, and it’s a tour de force. She explains how recording it was an emotional journey and how she’s excited for people to come along for the ride with her.
The cover of Boxx, Pandora Boxx's debut album
Image by Davide Laffe
Would you say Boxx is your most personal work ever?
Pandora Boxx: It’s quite the ride through my mind. I really delved deep to make a lot of the tracks very personal. But it’s still fun and dance-y, so listeners can party to it or they can sit and really listen to the lyrics.
Image by Davide Laffe
Has music always been an escape for you?
Boxx: Yes, for sure. I was picked on every day as a child. I would come home from school, lock my door, and blast Madonna. It gave me hope of something more. It created a safe space for me to block out everything and dream of being on stage.
Image by Davide Laffe
Your new single is “Dance.” Is it meant to whisk listeners to ABBA’s Sweden?
Boxx: I love ABBA! I think ABBA is just a general influence on my life. They have such an amazing library of songs. How can any artist not take inspiration from them? I’m part Swedish, so I think I’m required to like them. I always think of Muriel’s Wedding and how she just wanted her life to be as good as an ABBA song.
Image by Davide Laffe
Dancing is another form of mind-escape.
Boxx: It is and my song “Dance” is really about letting go of what others think of you. Who cares? Just unburden yourself and dance like no one is watching.
Image by Davide Laffe
As an artist who has traveled the world performing shows, which is your favorite US city?
Boxx: That’s tough to say because often times I see the airport, the hotel, the venue, and that’s about it. There are so many cities I’ve been to a few times that I love performing at because the audiences are always so lovely. Cities like San Diego, Chicago, Seattle, Columbus to name a few. Oh, and Hawaii! I had a chance to enjoy Hawaii and it is just exquisitely beautiful. I need to go back when I have time to absorb it even more.
Image by Davide Laffe
Do you have a favorite international vacation destination?
Boxx: Sweden. We took my mom there for her 70th birthday and it was such a lovely vacation. I can’t wait to go back.
Image by Davide Laffe
What are three things you always pack in your Boxx when you head for a fun getaway?
Boxx: I rarely get them but when I do I leave the drag at home, for sure! Three things I always pack are sunscreen, my MacBook, and lube.
Image by Davide Laffe
You can learn more about Pandora Boxx and her debut album Boxx at pandoraboxx.com
Follow Pandora Boxx on Instagram @pandoraboxx
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