It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Danny Wylde. He is really good at what he does on camera and one can tell from reading his blog that he definitely has something to say. He speaks out on industry issues and has a great sense of humor. He sounds like a prime candidate for an interview if you ask me.
Without further ado, our first 20 questions interview with a male performer:
1. How (and when) did you get started in the industry?
I did my first scene right before I turned twenty years old. I believe it was in the Fall of 2005. I’d recently moved out of my mother’s house to go to school at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Like most young students, I quickly learned the difficulties of financially supporting one’s self while in school. So in the midst of a job search, I applied to Kink.com’s MenInPain.com website as a male model. They called me back the following day and I was shooting for them within a week.
However, I wouldn’t say that I was really in the industry until practically two years later. I moved to Los Angeles to pursue further education and a (now) ex-girlfriend, at which point porn became my full-time job.
2. If you weren’t in the adult industry, what would you be doing?
I went to film school… so I would probably be doing a lot more low-level production work on mainstream sets, trying to work my way up the ladder in mainstream Hollywood (behind the camera).
3. What’s the best thing you’ve learned or best advice you’ve received from industry?
I think I’ve created a certain dichotomy within myself in regards to my feelings about the industry. I try not to take the actual work too seriously – other than the fact that it’s a job so I need to show up on time and do my best while I’m there. But I’ve never really tried to promote myself in regards to getting more work. Being around long enough (and not fucking up too badly) has inevitably provided me enough work to support myself. I don’t think it’s something people need to stress out about in terms of doing something “right” or “wrong.”
On the other hand, I’ve come to find it very important to take seriously the ramifications of what we do, and how people perceive us. Because in the grand scheme of things, pornography is pushing the boundaries of “free speech,” impacting sexual behavior, and effecting the beliefs outsiders have on sexuality and sex workers. Without some sort of rational voice coming from inside the industry, outside opinions become largely shaped by hyperbole.
4. What’s the funniest thing that’s happened while filming?
I still think one of the funniest things that’s happened to me (or around me) took place during my first shoot. I was tied to a table, getting fucked in the ass by a female dom. I heard a loud thud and then laughter. The girl had slipped in a puddle of lube and landed on her ass. It was funny at the time and I still think it’s funny.
5. What do you think is the biggest misconception about women in the industry?
Every time I think we’ve moved past sex worker stereotypes, I hear them come up once again. Not everyone thinks this way, but the idea that female performers are drugged-out, sleazy, stupid, hookers still holds water in the minds of many.
Let me just say that there are all kinds of people who work in this industry. But the ones who last more than a month or two seem to have a solid head on their shoulders. We’re not all saints, but women in porn are no worse than any other average girl their age. I’ve worked with women who do this to support their children and I’ve worked with girls who do this while pursuing a Phd. There are women from all walks of life in this industry. So whatever conception you might have, it doesn’t fit everyone.
6. What did you do today?
I went grocery shopping, did some video editing, helped my girlfriend with some music production, and answered some emails. Tonight, I will be attending a book reading by fellow performer, Ashley Blue.
7. What would you rather have done today?
I think my day was fairly productive so I don’t wish it had gone all that differently.
8. If you could do a movie with anyone (living or brought back from the dead) who would it be?
I feel like I’ve had sex with most of the people I really wanted to have sex with. I’m sure new ones will come up. But I don’t stray far from the pornographic talent pool, to be honest. And I’m not sure that I want to at this point in time.
9. Who is your favorite adult performer?
There are a few. It changes, and I’m usually thinking about people I’ve worked with recently. But off the top of my head: Lily LaBeau, Andy San Dimas, Dylan Ryan, Asphyxia Noir, Gia Dimarco, and ummm… I’m sure there’s more. But that’s a pretty good list to start with.
10. You’ve got 20 bucks left to your name; what would you do with it?
Am I about to die or something? Or I just have twenty bucks?
If I’m to be explicitly realistic, I’d probably buy something to eat. I’m constantly hungry and food seems to be where most of my money goes.
11. If you were president, what’s the first thing you’d change?
In a perfect world, I’d enact a real, universalized, free health care system. I think that’s something this country really needs. But I know that’s not just up to the president.
12. What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done?
This is the first thing that comes to mind. I think it was the last time I actually got drunk. I was maybe 16 or 17. Don’t remember doing this, but I guess I shit behind my friend’s drum kit and then wandered into his house without pants on, and proceeded to vomit all over the bath tub. The only reason I know it’s true is that I had to clean it when I woke up.
I’ve since quit drinking.
13. Which is your favorite project that you’ve worked on?
If we’re talking porn movies…
I like the outcome of a lot of the Eon McKai movies from the now-defunct Vivid Alt.
But from a level of pure enjoyment, I’m going with any number of Tristan Taormino films I’ve been involved with.
14. If you could have 1 superpower what would it be?
I don’t know. Flying? That seems fun and sort of useful with all the Los Angeles traffic.
15. Meat or veggie?
Meat – as long as it’s ethically farmed.
16. What is your favorite book?
A tie between two Dennis Cooper novels – God Jr. and The Sluts.
17. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Excessive lack of punctuality. A few minutes is fine, but hours are not.
18. What is your best piece of sex advice?
Don’t knock until you’ve tried it… Unless it’s likely to kill you.
19. What is your favorite adult movie?
Hmm… I’m still a huge fan of Eon McKai’s “On My Dirty Knees.”
20. Tell me one thing you’ve never told anyone else.
I’m drawing a blank here.
21. What is your favorite non-adult movie? I know it is hard to pick just one, so feel free to name a few. I added this because Danny has a BA in Cinematic Arts. I had to know.
It’s very hard for me to pick an “all-time” favorite. But these are some films I enjoy very much: Taxidermia, Happiness, Enter the Void, and Head-On.
