Words / Rory Alvarez
Photos / Davide Laffe
From the Werk Room of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14, Kerri Colby captivated audiences with her stunning looks, undeniable charisma, and a runway walk that could stop traffic. A proud trans woman and a member of the iconic trans ‘House of Colby,’ she quickly became known for her advocacy, her infectious energy, and her signature blend of elegance and high fashion. Now, Kerri is stepping off the runway and into the recording booth, making her mark on the music scene with the fierce, self-affirming debut single, “H.B.F.” (Hair, Body, Face). We caught up with the rising star to discuss her transition from reality TV icon to recording artist, the personal journey embedded in her new anthem, and what it truly means to launch the “T Pop” movement.
Kerri, with “H.B.F.,” you’re stepping into a whole new world – how does this track elevate your identity beyond the Drag Race stage?
Music and sound has always been a driving force and goal for me, on Dragrace I almost considered giving up on my dreams of being a music artist all together when I didn’t receive the recognition or critiques I was hoping for on our music challenges. Instead I used that same energy to create something completely born from myself, something not based in a competition of camp, but still relevant to my audience and supporters as well as authentic to my biggest competition, myself.
Is this anthem a reflection of your personal evolution?
Absolutely! Throughout my journey its been so hard to just get up and get going sometimes. I had to amp myself up with the tools | possessed, tools every listener possesses. We all have Hair, Body, and a Face and each is unique. Each is our own super power.
From Drag Race star to music maven — Is “H.B.F.” an evolution or a full-on revolution in your creative journey?
I think of H.B.F as a new beginning, a genesis of creativity according to me, Kerri Colby. I feel like I’m able to sit in the creators chair and make something that I’ve heard and toyed with for many years of my life. I am so grateful and excited to continue creating as an artist but, most importantly, as myself.
With “H.B.F.” being your debut single, what can we expect next from you? Are you ready to redefine the pop scene, or is this just the beginning of your musical adventure?
This is what I consider to be the first base of my sound. There are many elements, all bright, colorful, and full of base. I intend to push the boundaries of what pop music can be and what it can look like. I’ve been calling my songs T Pop anthems and I can’t wait for others to join the movement.
