How to Choose the Right Song for Your Drag King Performance

Whether it’s your first time on stage or your next big number, this guide will help you find a song that matches your vibe, your values, and your Drag King persona.

You’re standing on the precipice of your next Drag King act. You can feel the excitement bubbling, the anticipation of stepping into your persona and commanding the stage. But first—you need a song. The right song. One that amplifies your energy, supports your movement, and aligns with your values. Choosing a song is more than just picking something you love. It’s about creating a whole experience for yourself and your audience. So, let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: The Brainstorm

Start with a big, bold brainstorm. Every song that excites you, moves you, or makes you think, “Oh, that could be fun!” goes on the list. Don’t overanalyse—just get everything down. 

Think about:

- Classic Drag King songs with strong male vocals

- Songs that match your persona’s energy (Are you suave? Rebellious? Playful?)

- Songs that have the kind of beats and tempo that get the audience engaged

- Songs that you feel in your bones, the ones that make you want to move

Once you’ve built your list, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Listen and Visualise

Go through your playlist and listen to every song with intention. Close your eyes and see what emerges:

- Do you picture a particular movement, formation, or action on stage?

- Does the song lend itself to dynamic choreography?

- Does it make you want to strut, grind, leap, or command the room?

Make notes. Let your imagination run wild. If a song sparks a full-blown concept in your head, highlight it.

Step 3: The Process of Elimination

Now that you have your raw list, it’s time to start crossing off the easy ‘nos.’ Ask yourself:

- For group routines: Does the song hold enough density and dynamism for multiple people on stage? Example: ‘Everybody’ by Backstreet Boys is high-energy and layered, perfect for a group. But something sparse like ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’ by Elvis? Probably better suited to a solo.

- For duos: Does the song naturally allow for two personas to play off each other?

- Does it align with your values? Lyrics matter. Is the song deeply heteronormative in a way that doesn’t leave room for parody? Does it reinforce toxic masculinity without critique? If so, cross it off.

Step 4: Does It Have to Be a Well-Known Song?

It depends on where you’re performing. If you're in a club where you don’t have everyone’s full attention, using a well-known song will help grab people’s focus. Familiarity makes people tune in. However, if you’re in a variety show where the audience is sitting down and fully engaged, you don’t have to use a well-known song. That’s not what makes or breaks a great performance. Other things matter more—your stage presence, energy, and what you’re communicating.

Step 5: Song Length Matters

Now, let’s talk timing. You want your performance to be impactful, engaging, and leave the audience wanting more. Consider:

- 2.5 minutes: Short and punchy, perfect for high-energy acts.

- 3.5 - 4 minutes: The sweet spot—enough time to tell a story, develop the act, and sustain audience engagement.

- 5 minutes: Epic territory. This can work if your performance concept has layers and build-up.

- 6 minutes: Unless you’re George Michael singing ‘Freedom’ (which, let’s be real, I adore), this is too long. If you fall in love with a long song, get it professionally edited down.

Step 6: The ‘Cancelled Artist’ Dilemma

Do you use a song by an artist who has been ‘cancelled’? At Kings of Joy, we don’t do cancel culture. Art has its own life beyond the personal lives of its creators. That doesn’t mean we ignore problematic behaviour—but cancelling a person entirely leaves no room for growth, accountability, or redemption. 

Ask yourself:

- How do you know what you’ve heard is actually true?

- Is the controversy around the artist something that will impact your audience’s reception of the performance?

- Can you separate the art from the artist in this context?

- Does the song itself carry any problematic themes?

If the answer to the last question is yes, maybe reconsider. Otherwise, don’t let internet noise dictate your choices.

Step 7: Narrowing It Down

At this stage, you’ll likely have a few contenders that you just can’t decide between. This is the hard part. Here’s what to do:

- Sleep on it.

- Play the songs in different moods—how do they feel in your body?

- Start visualising a rough performance. Which one sparks the clearest and most exciting vision?

- Trust your gut.

Step 8: Own Your Choice

Once you’ve made your decision, celebrate it! This is where the real work begins, but choosing the right song is a huge step in crafting an unforgettable performance. The song sets the tone, fuels your movement, and connects you to your audience. So stand by your choice, make it yours, and get ready to bring it to life.

Your Drag King journey is all about expression, play, and pushing boundaries. Your song is the foundation—so build something spectacular on top of it. Now go forth and slay that stage!

Xx

Danica Lani

The King Coach

P.S. Wanna be a Drag King? Click here to join the Kings of Joy community

Hello handsome, 🌈 I'm Danica Lani, also known as The King Coach. I'm here to empower you in your exploration of gender, sexuality, and performance. I have proudly mentored and choreographed 132 first-time Drag Kings since December 2020. Welcome to the joyous community of Kings of Joy, where we uplift and celebrate each other every step of the way! 🎉🤩 Let's embark on this Drag King journey together! 🤗💖 #KingsOfJoy