‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Editor Reveals How The Show’s Iconic Shady Sound Effects Are Done
Credit: World of Wonder/Paramount+ ©2023 World of Wonder Productions, Inc. Reading Time: 2 minutes
RuPaul’s Drag Race has left an unforgettable mark on pop culture, and a significant part of its allure lies in its extravagant glamour, fierce competition, and legendary shade. The show’s iconic sound effects, often referred to as its “shady” moments, are a cornerstone of its charm, providing a cheeky and theatrical auditory accompaniment to the on-screen drama.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Editor Talks About The Show’s Sound Effects
Matthew D. Miller, the Emmy-nominated Untucked editor, is the creative mastermind behind these soundscapes, orchestrating their placements to perfection. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Miller lifts the curtain on his process, shedding light on how these audio gems come to life.
Immersed in the vibrant world of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Miller not only appreciates the iconic sound effects during his working hours but also actively listens to them even in his personal time. As the editor responsible for crafting one of TV’s most engaging aftershows, Miller’s responsibilities extend beyond mere editing.
His role involves reviewing hours of raw footage, distilling the essence of the queens’ interactions, and selecting the perfect moments to punctuate with the show’s signature sounds. To achieve this, Miller draws from an extensive library of amusing sounds that have accumulated over the show’s various seasons.
The appeal of these sound effects is their ability to adapt to changing times while still maintaining a sense of familiarity. Miller also emphasizes that the creative team continually introduces fresh elements to the mix. That will also ensure that the soundscape remains as vibrant and dynamic as the show itself.
Miller Shared How He Creates The Show’s Iconic Sounds
The diverse cast of Season 15 has played a pivotal role in shaping the timing and nature of sound effects. Each queen brings a unique personality, and Miller strives to align the sounds with the energy and emotions on display. With input from executive producers and RuPaul’s team, the sound effects are curated to seamlessly integrate into the narrative.
Miller recognizes the distinctiveness of RuPaul’s Drag Race, a platform where creativity knows no bounds. With a varying number of queens per season, Miller finds ample room to experiment. Which then resulted in a sound design that resonates with fans and contributes to the show’s magnetic allure.
For Miller, crafting the perfect soundscapes is a blend of technical finesse and intuition. He listens closely to his inner voice, waiting for those moments when a sound effect feels instinctively right. Yet, he emphasizes the delicate balance between both the artistic expression and maintaining the story’s integrity. The goal is to enrich the narrative rather than overshadow it.
