Amanda Lepore

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Exclusive Interview: Amanda Lepore and Cazwell

By kristenamber on | From socialvixen.com

Recently at Le Club Perrier, I met up with famous DJ Cazwell and fashion, art, music and nightlife icon, Amanda Lepore.

Amanda has been the muse of groundbreaking photographer David LaChapelle, and has lent her image to Heatherette and M.A.C. Cosmetics, to name a few. She has also appeared in videos for Elton John to Cazwell and toured internationally to adoring fans, squeezing in shows with Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, LifeBall, and Christian Dior. She has also been the inspiration behind a series of dolls designed by Jason Wu and even has her own fragrance! Cazwell is one of today’s most unique and charismatic performers, who in his own words describes his style as “if Biggie Smalls ate Donna Summer for breakfast.” Bringing his rambunctious style to performances and DJ sets across the country and beyond, Cazwell maintains his connection to his growing legion of fans. Interview Below:

Where do you derive your inspiration from?

Cazwell: The New York City nightlife Just going out an partying and being a part of fashion culture, club culture, and cocktail culture Just being a part of the city and the upbeat artist movement that’s going on.

You’ve traveled quite a bit, how would you compare the international nightlife scene to that of New York? Does any city compare?

Cazwell: No city compares to New York, it’s so alive and the culture is still up and running 24 hours a day. It definitely has some of the most creative minds in the United States of America, if not the world. Also the London/Paris nightlife is superior. I’d put those up there as well, they’re also really inspiring.

Amanda: I love being everywhere. I always have a good time wherever I go. I love to experience different night clubs and parties.

So, Paris and London are two cities that would possibly compare to New York?

Cazwell: Yeah definitely. There are some great minds putting together parties in London that we’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of. As well as Italy.

How did you get into this business and get your work noticed?

Cazwell: Just never stopping and going out every night.

Amanda: We just have a passion for what we do. Eventually, if you just keep on doing the same thing your going to get reception.

So is that something that you would say to up-and-coming artists who are fighting to get into the music industry?

Cazwell: Yeah. It’s like if you’re driving down the highway and you keep going…eventually you’re going to get somewhere. Just don’t stop. See it in your head, do it, and don’t stop.

Where there some major setbacks for you on the path there that made you think “maybe I should just go become an accountant”?

Cazwell: The whole thing is, we never saw them as setbacks. The average thought would be; “You’re gay and a white rapper and she’s a famous transsexual. How are you going to make it in the music industry or club industry or be famous?” but I never saw it as an obstacle.

Amanda: I didn’t really have an ambition to start with. It kind of just fell into me. I started out hosting in night clubs and it snowballed into a lot more. I really have embraced a lot of opportunities. I can’t believe how different my life is than when I first started.I think you have to have a good outlook. As long as you’re having a good time, people sense that. If your just going to be bitter, people are going to get sick of it.

Having faith in yourself and passion is something that people pick up on.

Cazwell: Amanda also has an amazingly positive attitude that always puts me in check.

Amanda: You always have to look on the bright side.

Who has been your favorite artist to collaborate with?

Cazwell: Well I love collaborating with Amanda to tell you the truth. I just finished producing her album and she’s on of the most interesting people I’ve ever met and one of my favorite people. To do an album that has been autobiographical and her life to music has been an accomplishment for me.