By Rob Perez
When it comes to plus-size performers, they don’t get any bigger (no pun intended) than April Flores, the 2014 BBW Performer Of the Year. After briefly stepping out of the porn spotlight over the past two years to work on her and her late husband Carlos Batts' photo book FAT GIRL, then dedicating time to mourn his unexpected passing, April has come back in full, hardcore force. Marshmallow Girls, directed by Aiden Starr, is far and away one of the best showcase titles of 2014. While April’s BBW fans will surely pick up this title, with Evil Angel’s muscle April is bound to come away from this project with more fans who are just discovering the many sexual talents longtime fans (including this writer) have known for 10 years. April may be best known as a performer but she is also a long time body positive activist who has had a major role and impact on the growth of the BBW genre. It’s no surprise many of today’s younger BBW performers look up to April because without April many of them would not have a career in the adult industry. April is the BBW industry; without her the BBW genre would not exist the way it does today. XCritic was privileged once again to have April speak to us exclusively about Marshmallow Girls.
When were you approached about this project? Were you surprised that Evil Angel was behind having you being showcased?
Aiden Starr approached me about Marshmallow Girls earlier this year at an awards show. I have always wanted to work with Aiden so I immediately said yes! I wouldn't say I was surprised that Evil Angel was behind this project. My feelings were flattered, excited, and optimistic that things are changing for BBWs and how we are perceived by bigger companies.
Did you and Aiden collaborate on the scenes or was this mostly her vision in how she wanted to portray you?
Aiden and I had a few conversations about what the scenes were going to consist of, but the movie was mostly her genius at work. She is very smart and it feels like she knows exactly what she wants and those are great qualities in a director. I was open to all of her ideas. I just focused on doing my best for her and for the film.
You’re mainly known for doing mostly girl/girl and softer scenes. Was it fun shooting strictly hardcore scenes and do you want to continue shooting harder stuff in the future?
I like to shoot all kinds of scenes. I want to grow as a performer with each scene, so if that includes "harder" stuff, then I am open to it. I use my work in this industry to explore my own sexuality and that has allowed me to learn so much about myself. I want to continue shooting more and growing more!
You also hadn’t performed too much recently. How much did you miss performing and being in front of the camera having sex?
Carlos Batts and I dedicated most of 2013 to working on our photo book FAT GIRL, and because of that I wasn't shooting often. After his passing, I took about four months off to focus on finding my bearings and adjust to the loss of my soul-mate and partner in everything. Once some time has passed, Courtney Trouble asked me if I would shoot a scene for Lesbian Curves 3. I knew that the timing, director and project were the perfect elements to allow me to ease back into shooting while being in such an unfamiliar, raw state. Once I shot that first scene, I knew that performing had become more than a medium to express myself. Since Carlos' passing, I have learned that performing is a space I feel completely comfortable and safe in. So much of my life is new and unfamiliar now, but when I am performing I don't feel that way. Being in front of the camera is something I have done for 14 years and is one of the very few things that makes me feel a connection to Carlos and the person I was before losing him. It's all very complex but I am finding my way.
How do you feel about the title of your showcase DVD? Were you aware it was a cute, alternative way for calling a girl curvy?
I love the title Marshmallow Girls because loved ones have always said I look like a marshmallow—soft and squishy.
Have you watched your blowbang scene? Were you nervous going into that scene since it was your first blowbang and did you pick the talent for that?
I had never seen a blow bang scene before. I was a little nervous, but I was mostly turned on! I absolutely love giving blow jobs and one of my earliest fantasies consisted of being surrounded by hard cocks. It was really a dream come true for me. Aiden cast that scene and they were all wonderful! I had a blast and I didn't want it to end.
The chemistry between you and Betty Blac was clearly evident? How much fun was it shooting with her and did you two just forget about the camera while you shot that scene?
I am glad you picked up on the chemistry between her and I. I have had a crush on her ever since we hung out in Vegas at AEE this year. I can't speak for her, but I certainly forgot about the camera while we were together. She is so gorgeous and super sweet and genuine.
You and Tommy Pistol seemed to have a good time. Had you two worked together before and did you enjoy working with him?
I had never worked with Tommy before, but I loved his sense of humor and energy. We both love using spit and that scene was definitely spit heavy.
Did you have any kind of hesitation performing with men on camera for the first time in quite a while?
No, not at all!
How do you hope fan reaction will be for this release?
I hope my fans enjoy this release and see all the hard work and passion that was put into making it. Aiden works very hard and it was an absolute thrill to be in this showcase. I hope fans see this as a taste of what is to come.
Do you hope this showcase DVD will push the BBW genre forward and make it a bit more mainstream? Do you see the BBW genre making strong gains towards acceptance over the past year?
I hope this showcase DVD shows that there is a market for porn that features diversity in body size, ethnicities and sexual identities.
Would Carlos be happy with the end product?
I know Carlos would be happy with this film. I like to think that he is still around, celebrating the new projects with me but just in a different way now.
What are your goals for the rest of the year and do you have any other big projects coming out this year?
As always, I want to keep pushing myself and keep growing as a person trying to express myself. I am excited to say that I am launching my own production company under the Trouble Films umbrella. It is already in the works and I will give you more details soon!
What would you like to say in closing to your fans reading this interview in XCritic?
Thank you for your continued support and coming along this ride with me. I hope to have the chance to keep entertaining you and turning you on!
Follow April Flores on Twitter @theaprilflores
Follow me on Twitter @RobGPerez