In 'Life Be Lifin',' Monét X Change Explains How She Found Her Voice Through 'Jerking Off' (And Other Things)

EDGE: As a professionally trained opera singer, what part does music play in your comedy?

Monét X Change: Music is my life. I listen to music every day and all day long. In the car, in the shower, and my house. I put wireless speakers throughout my house so I can constantly have music playing in every room. People think it's crazy, but I love it. In doing my comedy, I wanted to infuse other disciplines into my routines. When I start singing opera some people are surprised and just gag. I wanted to incorporate Opera into my standup somehow, and I didn't know what that would look like. So, one day, while I was smoking a blunt, I said I am going to do a song about fisting. I don't know why fisting. Fisting is not a service that I offer in either direction, but I think it would be interesting and fun. I don't know many comedians out there who sing arias about fisting, but I am. They may exist. I don't know them.

EDGE: What is the one life lesson you want the audience to walk away with from your coming-of-age story?

Monét X Change: One life lesson for me would be how to clean jizz off your stomach. Do not use 1-ply toilet paper. It is criminal. You should always use a rag or 2-ply. 1-ply is a futile mission. No one is successful. Everyone is upset, and now you're stickier than when you started. I recommend using a rag or 2-ply at least.

EDGE: Personally, what are you most looking forward to on this tour?

Monét X Change: From this tour, I want to teach people that drag exists outside of "RuPaul's Drag Race." Drag is a vehicle for me to do my art, but it is not the end of the road. It is how I access my art. The queens from "Drag Race" can sometimes get pigeonholed for what they do. Some people think that they are just going to see a drag show, but it's more than just a drag show – it's our talent and what we can offer. It could be a stand-up routine, a one-woman show, or a concert. All these things drag queens are doing, and people just need to limit us because they can't see us outside of the TV show we have been put into. I want people to know that drag is more than that. Drag can be bigger than that and will be bigger if they want to go along for the ride.