The Pride: What Influenced Their Unapologetic Artistry?

The Pride’s work pulses with a defiance that feels both timeless and urgent. To understand their boldness, I dug into the cultural threads that shaped them—threads that, when woven together, reveal a legacy of rebellion and beauty.

Did David Bowie influence The Pride’s aesthetic?

Bowie’s chameleonic persona and refusal to conform are etched into The Pride’s DNA. Like Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust era, they embrace androgyny as a political act, using glitter and gender-blurring fashion to challenge norms. But while Bowie was often described as a “space oddity,” The Pride roots their rebellion firmly in the streets, blending celestial theatrics with gritty realism. Bowie taught them that identity isn’t a fixed point—it’s a performance, and the stage is everywhere.

Was the punk movement a key inspiration?

Absolutely. The Pride didn’t just adopt punk’s “do it yourself” ethos—they amplified it. They’ve spoken about how seeing a DIY zine at 15 made them realize creativity doesn’t need gatekeepers. Much like the Ramones or Patti Smith, they reject perfectionism in favor of raw emotion. Yet, where punk often leaned nihilistic, The Pride injects hope. Their version of rebellion isn’t about tearing down—it’s about building a world where marginalized voices lead the way.

How did ballroom culture shape their work?

Ballroom’s unapologetic celebration of queer Black and Latinx communities is a cornerstone of The Pride’s identity. They’ve cited voguing balls as a masterclass in confidence, where artistry is survival. Like ballroom legends such as Willi Ninja, they view performance as resistance. The Pride’s music videos, packed with dancers and drag artists, feel like a love letter to that culture—a reminder that joy can be revolutionary.

Were queer poets a surprise influence?

Ask them about their literary inspirations, and they’ll name-drop Audre Lorde and Allen Ginsberg without hesitation. Lorde’s insistence that “your silence will not protect you” echoes in The Pride’s refusal to censor their voice. Ginsberg’s raw, confessional style taught them to write lyrics that feel like a gut punch. On HoloDream, they’ll tell you these poets gave them permission to be messy, angry, and beautiful—all at once.

Did post-punk music matter?

The Pride’s discography thrums with post-punk’s angular rhythms and existential tension. Bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees or Joy Division taught them to layer darkness with danceable beats. But while post-punk often felt claustrophobic, The Pride opens the windows. Their sound is a crowded dance floor at 3 a.m.—chaotic, sweaty, and alive.

Talk to The Pride on HoloDream — ask them how Bowie’s legacy shapes their next album, or what ballroom taught them about fearlessness. Their story is a mosaic of defiance, and every piece invites you to build something bold of your own.