Glitzy Von Jagger is the alter ego of Darren James Day, a performer and DJ hailing from London. They recently unleashed their debut single with a reimagined and gender-neutral cover of ZZ Top’s classic tune ‘Sharp Dressed Man’. Titled ‘Sharp Dressed Them’, the dance floor anthem brings a fresh and inclusive twist that resonates deeply with today’s evolving cultural landscape.
Keen to learn more about Glitzy and their artistry, I was over the moon when they agreed to an interview! Chatting about some of their biggest musical influences and who they’re currently listening to, what they believe music’s role in society is, and what their plans are for the future, please give a warm welcome to our new friend Glitzy Von Jagger!
Hi Glitzy! I’m so excited to introduce you to our ever-expanding audience! Let’s kick things off with an easy one…Who is Glitzy Von Jagger and when did your love affair with music begin?
Glitzy is a rockstar here to save pop music and woo your father.
My love affair with music has permeated my entire life always, being in bands, on stage in shows, DJing and being an avid record collector.
I’ve fallen deeply in love with your reimagination of ZZ Top’s classic tune ‘Sharp Dressed Man’. I know it celebrates gender fluidity and sex positivity, but what initially drew you to the song?
The energy and vibe of it. It’s so celebratory of masculine power and I wanted to reimagine that for my queer family. I’ve got an eclectic music taste and wanted to bring one of my favourite bands to a different audience. When ZZ Top themselves gave me permission to release the track it was a wonderful stamp of approval.
You’ve been labelled as a drag icon, the UK’s new drag star, and one of the UK’s fastest-rising names in drag. What does it feel like to be recognised in such a significant way, and does it impact your approach to your craft?
It’s very humbling and very lovely when people write nice things and it feels affirming after a lot of hard work, healing and dedication to the craft. I would say it gives me the confidence to keep following my purpose, you need those wins as an artist, as much as it’s wonderful creating art for art’s sake, I want to be able to pay my bills and for people to enjoy what I do.
It’s a two-way thing, when what you create is received well it spurs you on to keep going. It’s a tough gig, but the successes stop me from spiralling into the “maybe I should do something else mentality”. Not that I really have that choice, it’s a calling as Gorgonzola as that sounds.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? And who would I see under “Recently Played” on your streaming service of choice?
The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, INXS, Britney, Chet Baker, Jamiroquai, Cher, ZZ Top, Chromeo, Bowie, Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Talking Heads, Orville Peck, Marty Robbins, Purple Disco Machine, Scissor Sisters, Horsemeat Disco, Girlbands.
I’m currently listening to Tove Lo, MUNA, Allie X, Billie, TayTay, Rina, and Sabrina. All the Alt-Pop Girlies are on rotation. I also listen to a lot of jazz, blues and classical as well.
What, to you, is music’s role in society?
Gosh, it’s inherent in culture isn’t it – a way to connect and convene together. It’s as human as giving birth. Music is spiritual, language is musical, words, cadence, rhythm. It’s beautiful, one of the best things about humanity’s creations. It’s so sensory as well and can aide in all manner of experiences.
If you were allowed to “steal” one song in the world and claim it as your own, what would it be and why?
Ooooh, that’s a toughie! I’m gonna go with ‘Sultans of Swing’ – Dire Straits. I love classics that you never tire of hearing, the groove to that track is addictive, so funky and fun. It’s amazingly well written, I’ll take that please!
Imagine you could collaborate with any artist or band. Who would you choose and what kind of project would you envision?
The Rolling Stones and we make as much music together as I can get away with of groovy funky bops in the vein of ‘Miss You’, with a B-Side remix album from Purple Disco Machine. I want to make that, listen to and perform it right now!
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us Glitzy! It’s been a treat getting to know you better! Before we say farewell, what comes next for you musically, and do you have any words of wisdom you’d like to leave us with?
I’ve got a few musical projects simmering away on stove Glitz, working with some incredibly exciting producers, and I can’t wait to share the new tunes with you all!
My advice is to speak only words of kindness to yourself and others, the mind and body hear everything. We are all powerful beings, magicians capable of wondrous things, use your energy, your words, and your magic wisely.
