Music: Music video for Gorgeois with Heidi N Closet & Plastique Tiara
“Looking gorgeois and I’m feeling gorgeois.” My latest music video for my single “Gorgeois” included big names Heidi N Closet, Plastique Tiara, and was a collaboration with rapper/producer Ocean Kelly. Released Friday, July 24th, exactly three months after the release of my very first music video, “I Can’t”, the music video made an instant splash.
The video release received some exciting coverage internationally, including Culture Fix who said, “We have fallen in love with the bold, over the top aesthetics of the high class video and Rigel’s elegant, glamorous vocal delivery. From Heidi’s whistle in the video introduction, we’re sucked into the Gorgeois world that Rigel crafts.” And Pause Mag, an elevated British fashion and culture magazine published a great review: “Serving looks, vibes and all things jaw-dropping, you don’t want to miss out on what is considered a ‘fashion fantasy’ of a music video.” (Video embedded at end of article.)
Naturally, I was completely gagged at the opportunity to work with both Heidi N Closet and Plastique Tiara. I have been a fan of both since their appearances on RuPaul's Drag Race. Heidi N Closet appeared on the most recent season (Season 12) of Drag Race and won Miss Congeniality. She was also called the “heart” from ‘Out Magazine,’ during her time on the show. Plastique Tiara competed on season eleven where she placed eighth, was a fan favorite, and was the first contestant to reach one million followers while the show was airing along with being the first season eleven contestant to reach one million. Heidi N Closet and Plastique Tiara both immediately understood the concept of the song and brought the over-the-top energy of “Gorgeois” to their performance in the music video.
Gorgeois taps into the dark side and is soaked in opulence and lavishness, but in a fun, campy way. Which is one of the reasons I collaborated with Ocean Kelly, a queer producer and rapper from based in Atlanta. He is very talented when it comes to his raps and videos. Kelly gets super creative when he does his own freestyle versions of popular songs (videos can be seen on his Instagram and Tiktok). I originally saw a performance from Ocean Kelly at a New Year’s Eve show and knew he would be able to add the totally new sound I was looking for in Gorgeois.
When it came to the creativity and the vision of the music video we wanted all of the scenes to embody luxury. I needed somewhere I could “stun like crazy,” and lucky for me my friend had just the place. My husband, Cameron Lee, shot and directed the entire music video on an iPhone 11 Pro Max. I am so lucky to have a husband who is my creative partner and artistic director. In addition to videography, he came up with final styling, created the sets and lighting, and even did my different makeup looks!
Mario Andrew Fierro, Video Editor, added the polish and sizzle that made the video what it is. He did such an amazing job taking the different footage and creating something cohesive. With rainbow light flashes and stutter effects, he created a beautiful production. Personally, I thought the indoor shots and especially the pool shots are what really made the video stunning to watch.
As for my wardrobe, I have to give my credit to Marissa Motley, an LA-based stylist. I was styled in Ada Zandition Couture, designed by non-binary designer Ada Zandition, and hot LA-based brand Des Pierrot. My platform combat boots, PVC shoulder pieces, and cross body harnesses gave me the avant garde aesthetic look I was going for.
I have released three songs in three months, and I’ve made three music videos since April. 2020 has been an unusual year and a time of change for me. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with many amazing people, and I do not see myself slowing down any time soon.
