Correct Culture: Man Bags, Muffinhead, Max Steele

Caution: Correctness Ahead - Max Steele is a NYC-based performance artist/ blogger du jour/ go-go sensation whose personal sense of style often includes random correctness such as the Mickey Mouse tank he sports above. The kids in NY are really working the vintage again, thank God, and I’ve noticed that even though this never-ending 80s retro regurgitation refuses to leave us, there is a current of the future starting to creep up. I sat down with Max recently to ask him a few questions.

Tell me about growing up- where you’re from, were you out, gay, and performing?
I’m originally from LA, but my family moved to a tiny island Bay Area suburb called Alameda when I was nine. My parents are both actors, so I was out from the get-go. Real artsy hippie CA vibe, I’m very lucky.

What made you come to NYC and what was the first fierce thing that happened to you?
I came to NYC because when I was in high school this really cute punk band played SF on tour and I had a crush on the guitarist and they said they were from New York. The first fierce thing that happened when I got here was that for the first time in my life, dudes started cruising me. All of a sudden I existed.

What do you aspire to, and what inspires you?
I aspire to share my work (performance and writing) with more and more people. I want to widen the discussion to include as many people as possible. I’m inspired a lot by the work of my brilliant friends, and by literature.

What all do you do to do what you love to do in NYC?
I work days as a law firm receptionist, I go-go dance, and do freelance writing gigs to get money. I wish I could support myself without having a 9-5, but I’m still young.

Favorite color / drink / restaurant / club nite / performance-nightlife artist?
Green, soy White Russian, Kate’s Joint, three-way tie (Queers Beers and Rears @ Cake Shop, JUDY! @ The Hose, and whenever there’s an East Village Boys party), Tayisha Busay.

Upcoming projects, dream jobs, and correct e-mail/web site contact info?
I’m playing Starr Space on 10/17, opening for Ana Da Silva from the Raincoats, working on a new solo performance art show called Encourager, and writing the next issue of my psychedelic porno poetry zine Scorcher.