The producer behind drag queen stars

DONNA, Texas— Joel Garcia started experimenting with his uncle’s computer programs and created mixes when he was a child. One of those mixes included a voiceover from the movie “Austin Powers.” Those mixes were his introduction to producing music.  

Now, 37-year-old Garcia produces music for “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq the World Tour” and HBO’s “We’re Here.” He has also performed music for several celebrities, including Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj, and worked with YouTuber Patrick Starr. 

“I’ve practically done music for every person, every popular drag queen, every LGBTQ in the industry,” he said. 

He explained that many of the drag queens he has worked with approached him thinking that they should do a “silly number,” but Garcia said he always replied, “Let me tell you what you’re gonna do, okay?” One of those instances occurred after India Ferrah was unsure of what to do on “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” season five in 2020. Garcia said he knew Ferrah had to do something to make Ru laugh, so he created a mix for her that included the now popular phrase, “Drag is not a contact sport!” It was something RuPaul had said to Ferrah during a lip-sync battle that went viral and remained online since.

“You go out there, honey. You perform this and turn it up,’” he said he told Ferrah. 

When Ferrah won that challenge, Garcia said he told her, “I told you to listen to me, girls. I told you.” 

Yet, what most people do not know is that Garcia was the one who sang that track.

“That’s me singing because she didn’t have time to go to the studio to re-sing it in her voice. So, she’s actually lip-syncing to me on the show,” Garcia said while laughing. 

However, the highlight of Garcia’s career was when he made a mix of many of Beyoncé’s songs for Shangela, who competed in seasons two and three of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and season three of “All Stars.” Shangela performed the mix at the GLAAD Awards, and Garcia said Beyoncé was seated in the crowd. And Beyoncé loved the mix. 

“After the performance, Beyonce went up and said, ‘I’mma steal that mix and use it in my show,’” Garcia said.  

Looking back on it, Garcia said the experience left him “shook” or surprised.  

Apart from making music for drag queens, Garcia also does drag. 

Under the drag name, Joelapuss or Joella for short, Garcia runs a YouTube channel. This is her second year on YouTube, and her signature look is dressing up as a cat and wearing glam makeup, which is a mix of old Hollywood style glamorous makeup and soft glam. In her videos, she also gives reviews, talks about gossip and features other drag queens, including Shangela.

At first, though, Garcia said he was not comfortable showing his face anywhere. For about four years, he kept his face hidden. 

“I would never post a photo of me,” he said. “I’ll post like, little cartoon photos. Because I just wasn’t—I mean, I grew up in the 90s. I wasn’t used to FaceTime. I wasn’t used to Skype and also was very insecure.”

However, Garcia said he soon reached a point in his life when he knew he needed to overcome that.  

“My life—it comes and goes, and this is not the way I want to live. I feel that people need to know who I am. People need to see who I am,” he said he told himself. 

The Donna resident also loves working for “We’re Here,” which centers around three drag queens, including Shangela, visiting small towns across the country and helping people who may be struggling with their personal drag journey. 

While Garcia is not a star on the show, he had an experience that felt like it could have come from an episode of “We’re Here.” 

About two years ago, Shangela had gone to a Zumba class with Garcia. There, Garcia said they were told they could not join the class because of their “lifestyles.” 

“I was so shocked. I’ve never ever dealt with that, and Shangela and I had just [come] off of season one of ‘We’re Here.’ So we’ve been dealing with that and to find out that we’re basically going through our own episode with no cameras,” he said. 

Garcia, who identifies as gay, said the experience broke his heart, and he would like people to know they should not be frightened of the LGBTQ+ community and drag queens. 

“We exist. Don’t be afraid, honey. We are probably the most nicest people and the most funnest people that you could ever meet. And if you ever see a drag queen out in town, don’t run the other way. Run to us. Get to know us. Take a picture. Let’s laugh. Let’s share makeup tips. Let me tease your hair … That drag queen can be your best friend. Don’t be scared of us,” he said. 

As October is also LGBT History Month, Garcia said honoring the achievements of LGBTQ+ community leaders and icons is important. 

He said, “We wouldn’t be here, you know, expressing ourselves, running downtown and wearing makeup in a wig, we wouldn’t be able to do those things if it wasn’t for the people that have fought for us to be able to do those things. We need to celebrate and show our love for those people.” 

According to Garcia, one person who should be recognized for their activism is Kween Beatrix, a Brownsville-based dragtivist, or drag queen activist. Beatrix uses her platform to discuss issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community and is co-chair of the City of Brownsville’s LGBTQ+ Task Force. 

“I always think, ‘Wow, she’s really making a movement down here,’” Garcia added. “She’s been doing so much for the community and every time I see her post, she’s always fighting for our rights. I’m like, ‘You go, girl.’” 

Regardless if it is to make history or to pursue their talents, Garcia said one should not give up. 

He said, “Whatever talent that you have, don’t stop. Keep pushing because you’re gonna get a lot of nos before you get a yes.”