Margaret Cho was back in full effect this year at SXSW, and despite the hundreds of compelling and competing acts on the massive SXSW schedule, Cho managed to sell out every one of her shows. Her act was pure in-your-face, yet charming Cho. She brought down the house sharing her secrets for using olive oil, encounters with her American Idol voice coach, and strategies for having sex into her 90s. Her new music comedy album Cho Dependent comes outs out in August, and will be followed by a national tour that includes a stop in Chicago. Margaret shared some thoughts with Windy City Times on her newest work and SXSW.
Windy City Times: Last year when we saw you here at SXSW, you were premiering "Guitarded," your first major show as a musician. How did you like touring with that show, as opposed to your comedy and burlesque?
Margaret Cho: Touring as a musician had a much different feel than doing burlesque. My music is very similar to my comedy, where as dancing isn't the same at all for me. Being on the road with these guitars and songs was much more familiar to me. People loved it, which was very exciting, but to me it was just another way of approaching standup comedy as opposed to doing something really new.
WCT: What is your favorite thing about SXSW?
Margaret Cho: Seeing all the different bands play! Its amazing and overwhelming. Everyone you love and more to discover. The party goes on all night. I'm most thrilled about seeing Broken Social Scene!!
WCT: How is the queer scene at SXSW?
Margaret Cho: Everyone is mixed together. Its all queers, straights, tops, bottoms, middles everyone! We all come together in the music.
WCT: You have a huge following in Chicago. When will you be back to see us?
Margaret Cho: I will be launching a major tour in august and so I'm gonna be there soon!!! Hopefully I will be able to do something with Andrew Bird, my fave Chicago person. I collaborated with him on my record and we just made an amazing music video, directed by Liam Sullivan.