From the first cymbal crash to the last glitter bomb, Carolina Reaper brings the kind of performance that defies expectation and demands attention. Equal parts drag queen, drummer, DIY event producer, and punk provocateur, Carolina isn’t just performing in Corpus Christi’s underground scene—they’re helping to shape it. While they won’t be taking the stage at this year’s Pride, their work behind the scenes and in alternative spaces makes them a vital voice in the community’s artistic pulse.

“I describe myself as a glamorous dumpster fire,” they say. “Drag, to me, is subversive and explosive. DIY culture is in my blood and I live for the thrill of a rowdy, raucous crowd.” Carolina’s performances channel chaos with purpose—equal parts punk show and glitter-streaked séance.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carolina Reaper (@dontfearcarolina)

That raw aesthetic is part of what makes Black Lagoon, the alternative drag-meets-metal-and-surf-goth event they host, one of the most distinct shows in town. “Black Lagoon has always been a dream show of mine,” they share. “With such a badass music scene in Corpus, mixing it all together with a dash of John Waters, a smidge of Siouxsie Sioux, and a healthy handful of Bozo the Clown was a no-brainer.”

Carolina describes their role in the event as both curator and chaos conductor—intentionally bringing together “beautiful weirdos” for a multimedia experience that’s as much about building community as it is about spectacle.

Now, as the newest member of the riot grrrl band Piso Mojado, Carolina’s musical world is expanding even further. “I may or may not have lost my voice from yassing too hard when they played Black Lagoon,” they admit. “When they asked me to be their drummer, I was ecstatic. And yes—I will be drumming in drag.”

But their influence doesn’t stop at the stage. Through their curated Spotify series Reaper’s Radio, Carolina offers listeners a window into their sonic world. “Every volume is completely anthological. I like to tell people to imagine me as a little midnight radio host putting on a special set just for them.” Their mixes offer an intimate look at their influences, often echoing in their live sets.

When asked about their style, Carolina doesn’t hold back: “Carolina Reaper is a zombified, punk terror who sold her soul for rock and roll. She’s here to do a little shimmy and maybe get a dollar or two from you.”

While they’re not on the Pride lineup this year, Carolina sees Pride as both a celebration and a reprieve. “It’s the opportunity to be surrounded by art, uplift talent, and radically exist as you are. It’s healing—and it also means sweating my eyebrows straight off my face.”

Through music, drag, and event production, Carolina’s message is loud and clear: show up, be weird, and make it count. “I would love to see more benefit shows locally,” they say, citing Studio B’s abortion rights rally as a powerful recent example. “It was beyond touching to see people assembled, contributing to an important cause, and distributing vital resources.”

As for advice to other queer creatives who feel out of step with the mainstream? Carolina offers a heartfelt invitation: “To all queer, trans, goth, punk, or just generally DIY creatives who feel like they don’t fit—reach out to me, babes. Let’s make something special.”

Carolina Reaper

Any/All

Spicy. Southern. Spooky. Total glitter bomb and all around glamorous dumpster fire.

View Full Profile