By Barrett White
In 2018, Houston-based genderqueer artist Stoo was ruminating over their intentions as a solo artist. Stoo’s music career had jumpstarted with Bling St., a musical duo collaboration between Stoo and Luis Cerda. The duo’s EP, Costume, was unanimously well received, but the band eventually split, leaving Stoo with the freedom to develop their own voice and aesthetic.
Spectrum South’s “Vie de Femme” celebration presented Stoo with their first opportunity to perform as a solo act, as well as with a twist of fate—a chance meeting with gender nonconforming poet, activist, and fashion icon Alok Vaid-Menon. The encounter led to a deep discussion about what it means to be true to one’s self as a femme person of color.
Both the performance and conversation were thrilling and left Stoo feeling electric for days. “They were my inspiration,” Stoo says.
That feeling evolved into Stoo’s freshman solo album, Supersuit, released earlier this month. At times ethereal, and others stirring—but all worthy of the next spot in the Top 40—Supersuit is a strong breakout. “Life’s too short. With Black trans women being murdered, I can’t be silent about things like this,” Stoo says about the album. “This is my life and I need to share it as much as I can. Someone’s going to need this. Someone like me is going to need to hear these words because they don’t know how to identify with other artists.”
Adopting such a vulnerable writing style has helped Stoo to shed their shell. As an actor first and foremost, Stoo is used to playing a character. “Like, I’ve never actually been a legit human,” they said with a hammy chuckle. “I don’t know how to do human things!”
The album’s intimacy is arguably felt most tenderly in “Powerline,” an emotional ballad that, like most of the album, feels very ‘90s R&B.
As a child and adolescent, Stoo found confidence through their grandmother, who encouraged flashiness and theatricality. “She would take me to Ross and tell me to go pick out the most outrageous thing I could find and tell me, ‘Okay now wear that to school tomorrow,’” they laugh. Though hesitant at first, Stoo grew to own their identity and confidence.
In the opening track of Supersuit, “Catch”—which opens with applause—Stoo chants over an arena-thumping beat: “C-A-T-C-H, learn to appreciate,” and later, “Can’t they see that I’m a catch?” It’s hard not to vibe along and feel Stoo’s contagious confidence.
Before you know it, you’re on track two, “The Dragon Ball,” a galloping song that wants to gas you up. “Show ‘em what you got” Stoo sings. “Yo sis, be extra, snatch wigs, give life, because you are that bitch,” they continue.
Supersuit is filled with gems like these. Following the album drop was “Supersuit: The Presentation,” held at Darbly on July 13. Hosted by BECK and featuring performances by Space Kiddettes, Attxla, and Melancholiaah, Stoo presented their freshman album by introducing the supersuit itself—their stage costume and its accessories. “It’s like Steve Jobs meets Edna Mode,” Stoo offers.
With“The Presentation,” now behind them, Stoo plans to complete local tour dates and hone their “Supersuit” era, while intentionally living their best life. “Continue to be patient with yourself, but know that if you feel like you’re in the right place for yourself, then you’re in the right place for yourself,” Stoo says. “And no one can take that away from you.”
Supersuit is now available on iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud. Catch Stoo’s next live performance at the Opening Night of QFest 2019, taking place on Wednesday, July 24, at Rice Cinema—RSVP here.
