April Olsen: The Path to XXX Immortality

Image Credit: Evil Angel

The pathway to becoming immortal in the land of entertainment is simple. You either break the box office as the old saying goes. Or, you take home a trophy and get your name stamped in the record-keeping books. Some people say you must first become a Hall of Fame inductee to receive such an honor. With those people, I do agree. But, before any of that, I firmly believe you must take home a trophy. You must. April Olsen, did just that with her massive win at XBIZ, with April Knows Best from Evil Angel and director Jonni Darkko

I have done industry promotion with this digital superstar from day one. What I can tell you about the woman behind the performer, is that she is one of the hardest-working people in the world. That, and she never misses a moment to show respect to her colleagues, and lead any situation with a smile. Even business. No, I should say, especially business. Sex work. Erotic art. XXX film performance and acting. These are things taken very seriously by April Olsen. Aspects of her being that are more than a means to put food on the table and keep a roof over her head. These are things that are embedded deep in her soul. In late 2022 April and I sat down to catch up. Talk about what a year has meant to her within the industry, and talk about her award-winning star showcase.

Don Juan DeMarko: First things first my dear. Thank you for giving me that extra day to get this done with you. You gave me time to sit down with my business partner. Pick out some wardrobe for a shoot, and go shopping with my best friend. You are a class act in this industry.
"April Olsen: No stress. I totally understand. I am always totally flexible when it comes to what we do. It is no problem."

DJD: You are a gem of this business. I can not tell you how much I respect the fact that you are always putting your best foot forward. In everything that it is that you do.
"April: Well, thank you, Don Juan. I appreciate you saying those nice things."

DJD: Since I last saw you, I just have to say. You got fucking robbed when it comes to winning Best New Starlet with every company. But, I see that as something bigger. Most Best New Starlets never win Performer of the Year. This just means you have bigger things in store for everyone.
"April: I have heard a thing or two about curses. But, I try not to put too much stake into those things. Because I know how hard it is that I work. It is not healthy for me to really, really worry about these things that I can not control. This year, I have been putting the focus only on the job that is in front of me. Then, maybe if the powers that be are cool with it, I will get a nice trophy for my mantle. If not, I am cool with that too."

DJD: Again my dear. You are just a humble, beautiful soul beyond belief. I wanna be the guy who is all ticked off. HaHaHa. To be serious for a second. When a person is paid to review porn like I am, I take great pride in finding talented souls and broadcasting that. You are one of those talented people.
"April: I see why they pay you right. As you have a way with words Don. HaHaHa."

DJD: So, let me dive into my notes here. I am anxious to hear how you are doing. I have been on pins and needles since you last told me that so much has happened since we last talked.
"April: When was the last time we talked? I want to say it was when I first moved back here. Which was about February, or March?"

DJD: Yes, I do believe it was my dear. How quickly time flies by. Yes, it was March because it was right around my birthday. The last time we spoke, you had not begun this epic production for your OnlyFans. You had not yet made this epic video for the XRCO nomination announcement. Madam, bravo! Too freaking awesome! The production with you and Aidra is magnificent!
"April: It was so good! It was shot by one of the amazing cinematographers who works for Brazzers. This guy is so good, and he is such a good kid. His name is Chris, and I think that he is twenty-five. He really knows how to work the camera. He is also a person who does his own editing as well. He is the total package, and those are the type of people I love to work with when I am working on my own brand, my own stuff. It helps me to be that much more creative at times."

DJD: Over the years, I have seen some great promo, created by some amazing performers within the business. The two greatest XRCO nomination videos that I have ever seen are Brittany Andrews' creations from two years ago. And, yours from this last year. Beyond fucking brilliant dude!
"April: I had to assemble my crew for that one Don Juan. I have a lot of friends who work in mainstream films. So, my friend Rachel was directing. She came up with the concept. Even wrote a treatment for the entire thing. My friend Ian shot it. He is just one of the most talented people I have ever met. I have another friend who did the editing. I had a lot of great people there helping me. Me, as a producer? I guess I just know who to hire."

DJD: You know, you and I. We seem to always share a similar path. Since we last spoke, I too have begun producing and it is a path that I wholeheartedly enjoy. I’m dying to know how you like producing?
"April: Well, since I first moved here last year, my MO was to just shoot for everyone, and shoot as often as I could for these said companies. It was a no questions asked kind of thing, and that is what I wanted as a performer starting out. Now, I think that I have accomplished that. My new goal is to focus on my new content. Begin to get creative and seek out all of the people that I really want to work with. I have learned the importance of scouting a location. I have learned to appreciate a good visual fantasy. That is what I want to focus on. I am not looking for my content to be filled with too much dialogue. Two hot girls, in the hottest type of interaction. That is what I am really trying to hone in on. You know what I am trying to say here."

DJD: Woman, yes I do! Woman, you are bringing back the mystique within a production. What I have seen from you already, is this suave, elegant type of erotica. I have not seen that in such a long time from a performer. Maybe in the days when Jewel De’Nyle style roamed the sets of Hollywood.
"April: Thank you, Don. You're just the best."

DJD: April, I love that you are opening up your brand to your own creations. Your own business plan. Your own creativity. This generation of performers really has an advantage over previous generations they must take advantage of.
"April: It is something that I think performers really need to get their heads wrapped around. It is the key to longevity, and you do not want to be that person who is just always working for the man all the time."

DJD: You have to in this day and age. You just have to! It is stupid to not capitalize on what a performer brings to the table. That is just the truth. Plus, who does not love the ability to make things that you really want to make?
"April: That is it right there. You get to control what you are putting out, and how you want to look. Let’s be honest here. There are a lot of companies that I have worked for that are, let’s be honest, not the best post-production-wise. Let’s just face the facts. That is the biggest value of being able to have control of your image and your brand."

DJD: Well my dear, I want you to know, I have seen many performers within this industry. What I will tell you, and I know that won’t. Don’t listen to any of these nay-sayers. Do not listen to these people who try to fit you in a category production-wise. You are one of the most unique stars in the industry today. You are kind, you are sweet, and you are intelligent. But, you also have drop-dead gorgeous good looks. There is no classification for April Olsen. That is what will have you soaring in the clouds. Reaching the mountain tops.
"April: Thank you for saying that Don. It is really funny that you said that. First off, I do not listen to anyone but what is in my gut. Yes, I am honing into my female intuition to guide the way a little bit. I had a conversation with my fiance the other night, and I asked him, “what is my brand?” Talking with him, it was hard for him to see me as a business, and not as his partner. He said, “you can not really encompass what you are in a category.” So, I think that I am going to go with that. I think that I am just going to be me."

DJD: You know truthfully April. What you are bringing back into the industry is the superstar title that comes with being a porn star. Once upon a time, there were only April Olsen’s as far as I could see in this industry. Many older performers say that superstars do not exist in today’s industry. I don’t think that is true. I don’t think we have given performers the real tools to be successful in the digital age. Oh my God woman. Seeing you doing what you are doing, makes my heart sing as a businessman. As a writer. As a producer in this industry.
"April: Well, thanks, Don. It is a lot of fun. I think that I have learned a lot since we last spoke. I am doing so much on TikTok right now. There is so much that you can do on TikTok. It is probably my new favorite platform. People there. They are just so friendly. It is such a fun way to talk about the industry, and you know, just be real."

DJD: Oh yeah. I know just what you mean. So, are you doing what many new age performers are doing? I am talking big, theatrical productions! Is that what you are doing? Creating these cool graphics, and tons of editing with music?
"April: My TikTok is a little bit more low-key than what most people are doing. What I like about Tik-Tok. The algorithm does not care if I am being sexy or not. In fact, it is the exact opposite. They just want to see me chatting. It has me totally addicted. There is one video, it has well over six hundred thousand views. It is just a video where I have the fans accompany me onto the set. Just a regular day. A lot of people have misconceptions about what the industry is like. So, if I can bring them in and show them that it is safe, sanitary, and fun. It could do something good for the industry. It could help to decrease the stigma."

DJD: I agree. Nobody ever gets to know who you guys are. That is a travesty to me. I was sitting down for brunch with my business partners a while back. As I was making an attempt to be a part of a production company. We had a little mixer down in Colorado Springs, and we posted some pictures. Fans just could not believe that we were just sitting down to have food. That is how little the world knows about us. Yes, we do sit down and eat food.
"April: Truly! We are just normal people, and I get a lot of comments like that. “You are so normal.” Yes, I just have kind of a funky job."

DJD: Well darlin’, I always enjoyed the first conversation we had. Your sex positivity, the way that you carry yourself in daily life. In the hopes of keeping this interview fresh. I would love to tell the fans what fetishes you are into. You seem so cerebral in every part of your life. I have been dying to ask this since we last spoke.
"April: Well, I work a lot. Let’s begin there. In my personal time, I do not devote a lot of time to discovering, or trying new things. However, when I am creating a video for my brand, I am always interested in trying new things. So, let’s approach the question this way. Lately, I have really been into hosiery. Sue me okay? Thongs, pantyhose, things like that. I have been so into things like that as of late. I have been making videos surrounding that. You know, dressing us girls in pantyhose, and long socks. That is a fetish, and it is hot. That is the visual part of the fantasy that I am just in love with when it comes to creating."

DJD: I had to interject that question into our interview. The way that you speak. So many people relate to it in the business. You are such an intelligent woman, and I have found that it is usually intelligent people who dive the deepest into things like BDSM, domination, and so on, and so forth. It is why I was dying to hear about this side of your character.
"April: Oh, yeah. A little while back, Kink brought back their Divine Bitches series. I got to direct those four episodes with the help of JP, and Becky. They are just so awesome with Kink in Las Vegas. I really adore those people. I really got to showcase some of my dominance. I really love the people who know what it means to be a real, true “bottom". It is a really tough job. We absolutely rocked it."

DJD: I dig it. The second part of this question. Producer to producer. Do you find it difficult to try and work with people who do not want to add variety to their repertoire as a performer? I have reached out to some performers and asked them to be dominant or submissive. Most will only do one aspect of the scene. I find that so frustrating.
"April: No, I do not find it difficult. Some people just like what they like. I would like to say that I am a pretty versatile person. Some just prefer to take one roll or the other. I think something that will help you, is that you seek out that exact performer, who does exactly what you are looking for."

DJD: As always my friend. You are a wealth of knowledge. You know, I think this is the perfect time to talk about you being the great early bird that you are. Few know that you are a woman who will get down to work. You are a simply badass woman.
"April: Oh, yeah. I am always up early in the morning. I have been going through a bit of a transformation too. I have been sober since July 2022. Drinking wasn’t really my thing, but I realized that I was smoking way too much pot and that I needed to get away from it. It just became a habit that was not serving me the way that it used to. It has let me become a more “chipper” version of myself. I am the wide awake, bubbly early bird now. It has been anything but a demise for such in my life right now."

"I was up at seven-thirty the other day. I was just ready to clean my garage out. It is amazing how clear-headed I have been feeling lately. I have never felt better."

DJD: I have been on the same boat, my dear. Not as long as you have. My goal with this production company, and this mixer that we had. Was to party our asses off, then spend the better part of a year getting this production company rolling. It has been so remarkably calm getting to do this without booze. I was a big partier, and this newfound clear-headedness is so welcomed.
"April: I have just been partaking in these habits for eight years. I just want to see what it would be like, to just be like me. I feel so like myself. More so than I ever have before in my life. I do not think that I have felt, or thought this way since I was a kid. I am a person that preaches about my sobriety to everyone. It can be a little boring to people at times. I think it is cool though. For now, it is just me, my actions, and my thoughts. I dig every minute of it."

DJD: Never darlin’! Never would I see this as something boring. Your sobriety is very important. Especially when it comes to what else is out there. What self-discovery can be with this wonderful life choice? People like you and me, and I see it in you. We are such great conversationalists without booze. Without something to smoke or drink. There is a “high” within the human spirit. That allows us to have comfort with these situations in life. All without aids.
"April: I feel the same way. I feel that I can connect with people. All without social crutches. I am discovering so many more real interactions with the people that I meet now. More importantly, the people are worth getting to know on deeper levels."

DJD: Patience is such a massive virtue in this department.
"April: Yes it is. I am learning that as I get ready to turn twenty-seven. I had always thought twenty-seven was going to be a unique time in my life, and it is. AVN was in January. It was a place where I really got to train myself to see this other side of my being. That is what I am doing. I am training myself."

DJD: You are a person of evolution my friend.
"April: I always like to keep things moving. Keep things growing!"

DJD: I really wanted to ask you this question. This is all about being the best version of ourselves that we can be. I have noticed that now that I have started my production company. I must leave certain people behind. People that I really care about, and that fucking sucks. Have you had to leave people behind now that you are sober?
"April: I find myself saying things like this all the time. “It is just business. It is not personal.” I can not tell you how many times I have said this in the past few months. It is to be expected when you are running a business. If you trust your gut, and you know that it is going to pay off. You have to go with it. I guess. It’s tough, but this is the way that it has to be. If I could offer some advice. It is that I try not to cross too many boundaries. That may work for you as well. If I meet someone through work. I will just always keep things very professional. I do not let anything we do, cross over into my personal life. Things happen, and there will be instances where you just have to cut ties. It is even more difficult when it is on professional terms."

DJD: Damn, that is some wisdom right there homie. This mixer we had. It brought out so much in me that I have not utilized it in this business. Or, myself. This meeting was business casual. People dressed up and were very professional. I mean dare I say, I felt like I grew up in many ways after that. I don’t think it's anything to be ashamed of.
"April: Yeah, absolutely. I just don’t have the energy for that. I really don’t. Energy, I put it in a reserve for when I am on set and the cameras are rolling. That way, when the cameras turn off, it stays exactly what it is. Just business."

DJD: I look back on my drinking days, and I don’t see how I did some of the things I did. I would go to work and kick ass. Now, if I drink like I used to. I lose a day, which then can put the week behind. I just can not do that anymore. I can only imagine what it is like for you my dear, being a performer and facing that scenario.
"April: Oh, my God! Oh, yeah! I did a lot of drinking when I was in college. There were always times when I didn’t as well. I can remember going to class so hungover. I remember going to work hungover and just feeling like absolute crud all the time. Then, the toll it takes on your body. Being bloated, being sick. I do not know how my body would react now. I don't even want to try. I know it will not be something good. It would be like me waging a war upon my body and my mind. That is why you really have to keep things like this in check. That is one thing that I love about the industry. It has really guided me to really, really take care of my body. I have to stay sharp. Otherwise, things get bad."

DJD: Oh, my God. I am now dying to tell the fans. What does a morning consist of with April Olsen? Are you like this huge coffee drinker who gets all amped up, and then hits the gym?
"April: I actually just quit coffee. I am off of the energy drinks too. I drink vache. That is how I get my caffeine boost now. Then, yes. I spend a lot of time in the gym. You would not believe how much time I spend in the gym now. I just signed up for this very, very fancy gym as well. It is so lovely. It is all clean and nice. Everyone who works there is as well. They have this amazing sauna there. After my workout, they have this place where I can take a “luxurious” shower. They have all these cool products that come complete with eucalyptus towels. It is one of the best things that I have done for myself in a while."

DJD: So, how does April get her groove on in the gym?
"April: Well, I do a lot of weight lifting. Then, I partake in some Yoga. To reverse the damage that I am doing while I am weightlifting. I am super fit Don Juan. I am in the best shape that I have ever been in my whole life."

DJD: Woman. You are always evolving. That is what I respect so much about you darlin’. In one year, look at all the ways that you have become the best version of yourself.
"April: I am telling you, Don. I am on a journey right now. I am in the midst of a transformation. It all started for me when I started cutting gluten. I was starting to see the benefits of what was happening to my body when I was cutting out something like gluten. I have not stopped there. That was truly the beginning. It has become this really positive cycle of change. I feel as if I am thinking the clearest that I ever have. I feel that I am physically the strongest I have ever been as well. So, on a typical morning. If I am working, I will just save my energy for the set. If I have energy after the shoot, then I will go to the gym as well."

DJD: Are you getting your full eight hours in? Or, have you become like me, only getting in those five required hours, and living off of them?
"April: No, I definitely prioritize my sleep. I am in bed by 11 PM every night. I just wake up early, and I go after it during the day. I try to make the most out of every hour during the day. Then, I spend the night relaxing."

DJD: No, I dig it, woman. I dig it. When I was in the best shape of my life. I always managed to find that time for eight hours of sleep. I have been dying to find all this out about you. Because you remind me of me. I remember in college, learning to make five hours of sleep work. Now, that is all that I am used to. Especially now that I am in my forties.
"April: Really? Some people can function, and operate really well with only five hours of sleep. Some people do not mind not getting eight hours. I like to get a full night's rest. I have noticed that since I quit smoking, I have woken up feeling more refreshed, and way, way less groggy. I do not have that feeling anymore like I want to stay in bed all day."

DJD: That is so gangsta that you are doing resistance training dude.
"April: Oh, I love lifting. It is a lot of fun. I began doing things so that I could strengthen my joints. That is so important for what I do for a living right? Then, I began to see how much better I felt when I began to strengthen the muscles around the joints. I love to lift weights, and I love to see other women do it too. It is pretty badass. Now, my fitness journey. It began when I stopped trying to get the fattest ass possible. That is what made me prioritize full-body health. It has all paid off my friend. I just love a good arm workout. I mean I love it! It makes you feel that much more powerful. When you are lifting weights in the mirror."

DJD: You are so fucking, funny woman. I used to love doing preacher curls. That makes you feel like such a badass when you can get down with some preacher curls.
"April: I love those shorter curls. Oh, my God!"

DJD: I have the greatest idea for you. You should dress up like a sexy nun. Be all revealing, but not too revealing. Do some sweaty preacher curls and record it for your Only Fans. That would be so badass. We would have the wardrobe custom-made. So we could see your guns as you lift. That would be so gangsta!
"April: So gangster!"

DJD: April, you and I are like cosmic sisters. Walking the same damn path of success, evolution, and creation. You know, as I was researching for our interview, I was seeing what you have been up to professionally. I had to tell you that I just shot Dee Williams. She is so fucking amazing.
"April: I agree. She is wonderful. Beyond amazing like you said."

DJD: I never admit to people who I am a fan of. Especially to friends and colleagues in the business. But, I will be here. I am one of the biggest fucking fans of Dee Williams. Always have been. Ever since the days she was Darlin’ in the fetish world. In your shoot together. You not only matched her word for word. Move for a move. You also made her stammer. I have never seen anyone do that with Dee Williams. That is the might you bring to this business.
"April: Oh, my goodness Don. Geez! (She blushingly laughs.) We just vibe really well. She has great energy, and I just really admire the person that she is. She is just a great woman."

DJD: She is amazing beyond words. Just like you darlin’. I love older women. I just always have and I always will. I must ask, do you still have that nervousness when you go onto a set, and it is someone like Dee Williams who is on the call sheet?
"April: Oh, yeah, yeah. When I first met Dee, we were at a Naughty America shoot in Vegas. So, yeah. I felt that nervousness. I am still intimidated by performers who have been around longer than I have. But, I also feel like I have so much to offer, and that helps to balance out my emotions in situations like that. During that shoot with her, I just let her lead the way. I was just in the palm of her hand, and I remember that day fondly. I love being with women. Well, you know this already Don, but I love being with all types of women. It all comes together to make a snowflake. It is all so pretty. Let’s just say, a wish came true when I got to work with Dee Williams that day."

DJD: Oh, she is so much like you too. She is this brilliant, sex-positive woman. She is a woman who loves the industry through and through. She is a woman who does not have a bad word to say about anybody. I can not tell you how much I love that positive side of her being and character. We need more of that in the world. That is one of the scenes that should get you a trophy come awards season. We are going to riot if you do not get some love this year for your hard work April.
"April: No stress my friend. I am going to do, I am just going to focus on what is in front of me. But, one can always hope that they get re-booked with someone. Who knows what the future may hold."

DJD: You know, looking at that scene. If BSkow is the one who cast you two together. That in itself deserves an award. You two sell that scene. You sell the story of the entire film before any clothes even come off. I think that is the most impressive thing about true performers in our business. That, you both are. To put together two true sexual creatures like you two, and I am talking beyond your sex worker roots. That is what makes a true presence in our industry.
"April: You know, when I look back on it. We did have some fun that day. So Don, did you know that I have a showcase coming up?"

DJD: No! You do? Please, tell me all about it.
"April: So, you can see what I have been up to already on Evil Angel. I have been so excited about everything that is coming up with this showcase. Again, it is from Evil Angel, and it is Jonni Darkko that has directed it. It is called April Knows Best."

DJD: That you do darlin’!
"April: This was one of the greatest experiences of my career Don. Darkko basically gave me free rein to create so much within this project. I loved getting to do so much with the wardrobe. This showcase has so many things that I really love, that are all me. It is something that I am very proud of. Back in January of last year. I worked out what all of my goals were for the year. One that was highest on the list. Was to have my own showcase. So, I sat him down. I pitched him the ideas that I had. The people that I thought best to work alongside."

DJD: So, walk me through this procedure of set-up. I can only imagine when it comes to your mind April.
"April: Well, I had mapped out so many things on my iPad. From presentation and story-boarding, to what my thoughts were in general on this goal. Darkko was just down right away, no questions asked. So, I am excited for all of you guys to see it."

DJD: Woman, you are so deserving of this honor. It is something that could not be done with anyone else but Jonni Darkko. Your head is always in the right place when it needs to be April. Jonni is a pal. I love the man and respect him so much as a colleague, but he is also a man who has given me great advice over the years. This is going to be something massive. This is going to define the term grandeur.
"April: You are going to love this Don, and it is because it is so freaking hot. Okay, now I have to give you the backstory on everything. April Knows Best! It has a lot of "college-girl” themes within it. Or, should I say, college-girl themed? There are all these great skirts and shirts. There are elements of teacher and student. Vanessa Sky is in this as well. There is some strap-on anal in there."

DJD: As I look at this promotion on Evil Angel. My stars, it looks like you have every base covered. Oh, hell yeah.
"April: You know I had to get at least one girly in there. You also know that I love my ladies. Now, the second scene of the film. It is my first DP, and it is with Jax Slayher and Rob Piper. Two men who are just pros."

DJD: You know, that is the first thing I said when I saw every person that is cast in this film. It has the power to win trophies with just what is seen on paper.
"April: You are going to love this scene. I have both of them dressed up like two frat boys, and I am the little sorority girl. It is so hot, and yes Don, this is one of my real-life fantasies."

DJD: Hell yeah! I am just on the edge of my seat listening to all of this.
"April: Well, what else do I have for you? I also have an “air-tight” scene, and the boys are dressed in some sporty gear. I play the cheerleader of course. Then, we conclude everything with a double anal. It is a story of me, and my two guys at a feature. So, it has a lot of fun, crazy sex that I have never done before. Also, the hot outfits that I hope everyone loves just as much as I do. It is a little cheesy. But I think that is what makes it so good."

DJD: I think that you must include that “porn” aspect that can only be done by our industry performers and directors. That type of look, theme, and humor. That is all you. That is what a spotlight should always be.
"April: It has an April Olsen feel to it, Don. That is what I feel. It is so fun to make that kind of production. I think it will be fun for the fans who are watching. It was just a total blast to make. After doing a double anal. I really do feel that I can conquer the world, Don. I did not know if everything was going to fit. I did not know how I was going to feel about everything, both before and after the shoot. And, there really were no problems at all. I feel that I have increased my sexual athleticism. That is what this film means to me, and has done for me already."

DJD: Don Juan's Note: In most performers' interviews, I ask them to say something to their fans in closing. April Olsen, I think her fans already know how much she loves and appreciates them. We spoke for a little longer after this interview's conclusion. Her pride in this picture could not be expressed enough, and her multiple wins at XBIZ 2023 showed that this woman is loved by her peers, and even more respected. April Olsen has accomplished so much during her career already. Accomplishments that few starlets ever know in a lifetime. I think that stems from more than being a constant professional. More than being reliable and dedicated. April is the first person who brings a positive outlook to any meeting, circle, group, or production. Could it be that this is the true culprit behind her success? As ludicrous as it may sound, planning your goals out, following through, and not being an irritable ass to everyone you meet is what leads a person to the top of the mountain? All joking aside, that is what I think makes April Olsen who she is. The respect she gives every single person she has encountered on her beloved journey. Maybe we can all take a cue from Miss Olsen, and see that the secret to our own success lies in the way that we have respect for others. All while never letting our own voice fade. We at Fleshbot just want to once again congratulate April Olsen on her big wins. And we can not wait to see more in the future.

Click here to read the full Fleshbot Film Review, for April Knows Best.

All images are courtesy of Evil Angel.