As an introduction to their forthcoming “Novox 10” anthology, Skyshaker shares their thoughts on the current state of ballroom alongside two members of the international community. With the blessing of fellow SVBKVLT stalwart Hyph11E, her cavernous “Escapism” track serves as the backdrop of a startling confrontation between three international members of the queer ballroom community.

Mexico’s Lenchanter Medussa infiltrates the next evolution of “Escapism” with a disembodied Spanish-language taunt that literally reaches critical mass. Skyshaker’s “Vemanei Transmission 072720” is a sobering moral reckoning with unspoken violence and power dynamics underneath the glamour and theatricality often associated with the young queer subculture. Tokyo’s Chris Eclipse closes the release with a classic New York chant with an African prince-inspired music video to match.

In Sky’s own words, “Ballroom is at yet another crossroads in which they have to decide how much to embrace the corporate America that now smells money on them. Not everyone is okay with the way they are being observed, not everyone is okay with that scent.”

Hyph11E –Escapism (Skyshaker & Eclipse Lunar Edition)

SVBKVLT