Lina LecaroTraci Lords may never live down her porn past, but after almost three decades in the entertainment industry — most of it mainstream — it's become a small, if admittedly significant part of her career and persona. The underage scandal (she was 16 when most her X-rated films were made) cost her producers money because all of her work subsequently couldn't be sold once her underage status was known, but it also gave the adult industry a boost with more free publicity than ever before.
Somewhere between her transition into mainstream film roles, such as the unforgettably foxy Wanda Woodward in John Waters' “Cry Baby,” and the release of her brutally honest autobiography, “Underneath It All,” Lords became a pop culture icon.
Lords' love of performing led her to explore music-making in the early 90s, and it's an arena she's been having fun in ever since. We caught the alluring lady (and mom: she is the very defintion of “MILF”!) at a couple of Los Angeles club appearances, including Mr. Black at Bardot in December, where she DJ'd a rather impressive set of dance jams.
She unveiled her latest single, “Last Drag,” at Trannyshack LA by performing the catchy track herself, and the mostly gay guy crowd ate it up, regardless of the fact that the song isn't actually about queens or cross-dressers.
Clad in a sexy see-through dress early in the evening and then a burlesque-like satin bodysuit covered with strategically placed tassles for the set, Lords was as alluring as ever. She oozes a sexual magnetism in her every move and with every word she speaks, more than maybe any other female entertainer we've covered (even Katy Perry whom she cites as a fave).
Below is our brief chat with Lords the next day in which she reveals her secret to looking hot, her favorite music, and what she's up to next.
With Johnny Depp in John Waters' “Crybaby.”
LA Weekly: You have a huge gay fanbase — as I've witnessed during your club set. Why do you think that is? Does your John Waters work have anything to do with it?
Traci Lords: Yes! John Waters has a lot to do with it! As does my dance music and my history in porn. I'm a bit of an outlaw. A format fucker. I make my own rules…and I think people can relate to that.
Have you always been into music? What did you listen to when you were younger and what do you listen to now?
I grew up listening to AC/DC, Pat Benatar and The Pet Shop Boys! I was all over the place! And I still am. I cook to Chet Baker, I clean listening to U2, and I dance to Avicci.
Famous initially for your adult film work, you are one of the few actresses from that industry who transitioned and enjoyed mainstream success both in film and other media. How difficult has that been over the years and now that you're doing music, do you think it helps or hinders your music career?
My past in porn has cost me more roles than it's won me! It was and still is a battle in certain media. Prime time is conservative. Not my problem. My attitude is, keep knocking and walk in the doors that open.
Lords' “Last Drag” cover.
What inspires your music? Who turns you on today musically (artists male or female)?
Life inspires my music. Love is always somewhere in there. I'm turned on by Maxwell's voice and vibe. And I love the cotton candy of Katy Perry.
What do you think about the adult film industry these days? Is it cooler than when you were in it? What about the music used in these movies?
Porn needs better music! Nothing cool about it!
You are looking hotter than ever! What is your secret?
I don't smoke and I have a lot of sex.
What are you working on at the moment?
I have a film coming out in October called “Excision,” new music in the fall, and a huge video game — which I can't name — out in November. In the meantime, I'll be popping up in clubs singing my hit song “Last Drag!” Maybe I'll do a show in Vegas next? Hmmmmm… Gotta go girl, taking my 4-year-old to lunch with John Waters. Seriously!
Keep up with Lords' via her website, www.tracilords.com
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.