Dorian Wood on Queerness, Creativity, and Transformative Art
Image by Laura Pardo
Hi Dorian! Your work is so powerful and boundary-pushing—I'm in awe of how you blend emotion and art across so many forms. What was the inspiration behind your latest project, and how did you approach weaving together music, visuals, and performance to bring your vision to life?
I think I have about six active projects right now. This has oddly remained my comfort mode for many years. "Canto de Todes" is one that I've been working on the longest. It's a 12-hour composition centered on queerness and labor. I've been touring it for almost two years now. I'm hoping to tour it more in 2025.
Image by Laura Pardo
You work across many mediums—music, visual art, performance. How do you decide which form will best express a certain idea or emotion?
I don't know.
How does your personal identity influence the music you create? Are there aspects of your journey or experiences that you feel are woven into the sound and stories of your work?
Undeniably. And yes.
Image by Laura Pardo
What has been one of the most memorable moments you have experienced with music?
When I first started performing live, almost 20 years ago, I had gone to a party a couple days prior. I got so wasted that I puked on myself and on several friends who were standing around me. I felt so embarrassed, dreading having to face them at my show. But I knew there was no way out of it, so I decided to wear the same t-shirt at the show, all covered in dried puke. This last-minute change of perspective set the tone for the rest of my career.
Are there any upcoming projects or ideas you're excited to explore next? What direction do you see your work moving in?
I'm working on new projects about monsters.
Image by Laura Pardo
What’s one hope or aspiration you have for the future, either personally or in a broader sense?
I want all of us to unite against white supremacy and put it in the ground once and for all.
Finally, here at Pop Palace, we all have our own little 'Royal Court' of artists who inspire us and keep us going. So, if you could build your own musical palace, who would be sitting on your throne, and who would be in your royal court of all-time favorite artists?
I would do away with all thrones and instead invite everyone to jump into a gigantic pool filled with grape soda.
