Archive for February, 2011

-WALK AMONG US-

There’s only a handful of musical acts we can say, “Oh, that band? One of my faves.” You can listen to their tunes for years on end and not get sick of ‘em. You still love everything about the songs, the imagery, and the attitude. The feelings and memories take you to a place you love and will probably be there for ya when you create new wonders as well. No matter how much you change and grow in life, this music has remained with you, un-calloused.

Quick story……

- Discovery for a young Chad Cherry in the record store…
(Dream like flash back waves and sound fx placed here…)

“What’s this creepy lookin’ shit near the MC-5 records? Whatever it is it probably sucks … Hey, wait just a minute here … It looks like some kinda … Some kinda horror movies in the form of 7′ vinyl records!!! Hold on… Is this for real?!?!

And without question I knew I needed them.

“I’m stealing these fuckers.”  (My credit was good.)

- A young Chad Cherry back at his room playing his new find on the turn table … (The record player wasn’t stolen.. Don’t judge me.)

“B-horror and sci-fi inspired songs! Painted skeletal patterns on performance clothing! Devilocks!!! Holy shit! I’m home! They’re singing about Jackie O doin’ what?!?! This is like ‘Night of the Living Dead’ meets ‘The Ramones’ in a dirty basement filled with hooks … but not stabbing hooks … melody hooks!!! Hairs at end! THE MISFITS!”

“Favs”

‘The Misfits’ it was … and ‘The Misfits’ it is …

A name taken from Marilyn Monroe’s last film, The Misfits in each incarnation have made use of horror and science fiction inspired themes and imagery with make-up, clothing, artwork, and lyrics that came from B-movie and t.v. serials. They are recognized as the progenitors of the horror-punk sub-genre and have drawn from punk-rock, heavy metal, and 50′s era r-n-r, rockabilly (the song ‘Angel Fuck’… Soooo greaser tough.) to inform their killer style. “The archetypal horror-punk band of the late 70′s early 80′s.” They are considered icons in punk rock and culture.

I always thought of them as a “punk-rock” band but there was something different about ‘em. They were not your average by any means. Associated with the hardcore punk movement of the early 80′s for sure, but check it. Steve Blush, author of American Hardcore, notes “Though crucial to the rise of H.C., they were in fact in a league of their own … The Misfits delivered a hyper-yet melodic assault based in 50′s/60′s style of rock, taking the Buddy Holly/Gene Vincent foundation and making it nuclear.” Indeed.

I think, for many generations to come, I’ll still see that skeletal figure mascot inspired by the 1946 film serial “The Crimson Ghost” on t-shirts. (Even if the kids don’t listen to the music. Or we all die from this “Zombie Apocalypse” I’ve been hearing about on all the news channels.) I think I’m cool with this. And I’m sure Glenn is too.

My favorite quote while inspecting old Misfit’s videos on youtube. Coming from one day ago. “I miss the old punk-rock. And I’m 13.”

The Danzig era (or the incarnation now) of The Misfits will be timeless music/horror/sci-fi entertainment. This band has been an obvious influence on me and a fuck-load of other rock heads (including Metallica and G-n-R) who still look up to Alice Cooper as … well, Alice Cooper. No matter how much music changes and how many fads come and go, I think the Misfits will never not be cool.

You should already know this fashion fiends. But I wrote about it just in case you didn’t. “Lets go where eagles dare.”

Now take off my Lip Service clothes and give me a bath … Not you … Your girlfriend.

-Chad Cherry at his ‘Fortress of Blood’:

I’ve been listening to a few final mixes on several new tunes from The Last Vegas at casa de Cherry and I’m very happy with what I’ve been diggin’. (I will refuse to rush anything on these babies.) Johnny K, our producer, is just as nuts as we are … this is good. I will listen to the new songs and then want to listen to them over again. This is also good. I’m enjoying rockin’ ‘em out at my place instead of the studio which, to me, is another good sign. My black cat, Knuckles, goes bananas crazy wild when I play some of these mixes (he’s a v.i.p., gets all the new TLV goods first.). I’m not sure what this means but it’s funny as hell and I like watching him get rowdy to the shit. Animal rock. (The only other time cat acts up like this is when I play ‘Mississippi Queen’ by ‘Mountain’…?)

For those of you that are antic……………………………….ipating the new Last Vegas… I like you for it. It will be out of this world for sure, astro baby!

All Hell Breaks Loose
-Chad Cherry
TheLastVegas.com

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The Squid Man Lives!

Story by: Dan Barrett

The rotting cottage loomed ominously at the edge of the murky bayou. These ruins, long forgotten by the present civilization, would not appear on any map you could buy, nor would any boat be traveling in their vicinity. The place was deep in the Louisiana bayou, south of New Orleans near a place that was once called Ascension Bay. The remains of the bungalow would suggest something had resided there at one point or another in history, though none of the locals could recall what, nor when, it had been anything other than swampland. There was no point in traversing the thick marsh to get near the ruins anyway; the useful items and prey could easily be gotten in the bog’s less dense and dismal regions. Despite the place’s seemingly uninhabitable nature, there was indeed a creature who called this place home. A terrifying hybrid beast, long severed from the lineage of normal swamp man: Squid Man.

The anthropomorphic squid monster made its home in this shadowy everglade, undisturbed, for countless years. It sustained itself by hunting and killing fish, like the fearsome barracuda (note: though not native to the ecosystem, much like the Burmese python in the Everglades this invasive species was introduced by disillusioned pet owners and, strangely, thrived in the brackish waters of this particular bayou. Squid Man enjoyed hunting these due to their ferocious nature), and shellfish which lived in the waterways, along with swamp deer, nutria, and whatever else it could wrap its slimy tentacles around. It spent most of its time grazing in the rivers of the great swap, and could submerge itself for longs periods of time to track prey. Primarily a nocturnal creature, it would occupy many a night with relaxing in the water, enjoying the murmurs and buzzes of the swamp, and gaze at the stars, the sky unjaded by the brightly lit touch of the humans which the tentacled one so detested. When necessary, it would take shelter in the remains of the lone antiquated gator catcher’s shack, the remnants of which, scarcely four walls and what could questionably be labeled a roof, would provide adequate lodging until it could return to hunt or swim. When researchers entered its lair, some years later, they discovered the organism had ornamented the walls of the broken house with the decorated pelts of many of its kills. The adornment seemed to be somewhat artistic, perhaps even ritualistic, although the purpose of keeping these items is still undetermined. The few people who had ever ventured that deep into the swamp have reported the area surrounding the house was permeated with a dense fog, and noted they thought they had seen faint green lights deep within the mist in close proximity to the edifice. This was probably the main factor which would lead to the rumors the marsh monster was of either demonic or alien origin.

The origins of Squid Man are unclear, at best. Until approximately 6 years ago, the cephalopod was completely unknown to the local residents. There were no confirmed recorded sightings, although perhaps the nonsensical stories of a few drunken thrill-seekers did have an iota of truth to them, though understandably these had been brushed off as intoxicated fantasies. But then, oddly, after years of concealment, it emerged from the confines of the bog. It took up residence in a nearby town, somehow renting an apartment and compiling a remarkable assortment of music making machines. The owner of the apartment building was spooked when asked about the being, and all he divulged was he was convinced that through an old voodoo curse his family bloodline was under a hex, and the squid headed entity was an ancient demon from the abyss watching him to make sure he paid his debt to society. For this reason he gave the briny horror a room. Tenants often complained of strange, disturbing noise and the overwhelming smell of raw, putrid fish coming from the room. About a year after isolating itself in the apartment, the green beast materialized once again, and further integrated itself into society. Now, it had created CDs of music and was distributing them out to the local clubs and DJs. It was calling the sound on these discs ‘power noise’. Surprisingly, this music apparently appeals to some remote faction of the population, and the Squid Man’s project actually caught on. Some promoters even asked for it to perform at their club. Word of the phenomenon spread, and the muck-encrusted one went on to perform its power noise at many a venue in other cities. The harsh, crushing beats pummeled audiences as much as their confusion when they realized an actual monstrosity was creating these sounds. Through it all, it never lost its hatred of humans. It refused to ever give interviews or talk to either press or fans. It was even rumored to have eaten the brains of several paparazzi who ventured too close looking for a scoop. For several years, the creature from the swamp captivated, terrorized and perplexed the denizens of the industrial scene until one day he was offered a major record contract with Universal records. Unfortunately, as it was a squid, could only shoot ink from its detestable mouth, and could not give enough vocalizations to auto-tune. Upon realizing what auto-tune was, the slimy fiend, in a fit of rage, destroyed the studio and mauled several interns, consuming their brains in the process. After the incident, the label was forced to tear up the contract and Squid Man, unable to bring himself to sellout, returned back to the depths of the ancient swamp to again gaze at the darkness of the nightsky, untainted by the bright lights of human civilization. He was never heard from again, but his legacy lives on through 15$ plastic discs covered in seemingly alien symbolism, and t-shirts bearing his visage. They say on calm nights if you stand at the edge of the bayou and listen carefully, you can still hear the faint crackle of power noise in the distance.

Disclaimer: All taxidermy props showcased within the context of this photoshoot were thrifted.

Inspiration List: Cinematic swamp sleaze( Namely Hatchet), cephalopods, Ziggy Stardust(though admittedly I’ve never quite developed a taste for Bowie’s sound), recycled taxidermy, fog enshrouded bayou lore, Worms of the Earth live shows, The X-Files, knitted headwear bearing a slight similarity to Lovecraftian horrors, cryptozoology and power noise.

Behold the biogenesis of a new species!

Creepy cryptids that lurk in the murk favor dead-fauna-hued apparel that will easily allow them to blend into snarls of decaying parasitic vines that make up the seemingly impenetrable, tangled overgrowth of the quagmire that they call their home. The Squid Man wraps his mantle in a soft acrylic knit long sleeved Black Dog Sweater 34-51 Tunic Top in the olive colorway prior to embarking on his nightly swamp stomp. The black stretch canvas contrast at the shoulders and twill tape accents on the back add further points of interest to this sexier, significantly more form fitting alternative to the ghillie suit (though ensembles fashioned with the purpose of transforming man into a vaguely humanoid mobile bush are pretty damn sexy in their own right, don’t you think?)

Clever marine invertebrate disguise

Moss draped MIDI controllers, partially moth eaten raccoon pelts and spoiled fish carcasses all make for mire mutant-turned-the-next-big-thing-in-electronic-music approved accessories.

Regardless of what tall tales might have been spawned deep in the heart of the South’s hazy wetlands(or the narrative above), the Squid Man’s true origin is less enveloped in a cloak of esoteric phenomena than many were initially lead to believe. The betentacled menace was brought forth into our world one sunny November afternoon. Matter-of-factly, not a single cumulonimbus cloud threatened the skies with its ominous, stormy presence as four twentysomething adventurers combed Washington DC’s affluent Georgetown neighborhood, presumably in pursuit of fun.

Truth of the matter was that, my boyfriend Dan’s project, Worms of the Earth played in Baltimore the night before, which prompted several of our New Jersey friends to take a little “down South” road trip in order to catch the live performance. This resulted in us hosting two of them, namely Ray and Val, at our apartment for the remainder of the weekend. During one of the days we ventured to one of the two sections of town that actually stays open on the weekends. It was here that we decided to pay a visit to the local purveyor of assorted hipster tchotchke. It wasn’t necessarily a conscious decision; it was more of a spur of the moment “I wonder what kind of silly garbage they are peddling” inquiry. In between the overpriced books on Lego depictions of fornication, holga cameras, and the history of pointless tattoos, we discovered the diamond in the rough: the face-protecting form of the mighty giant squid. Dan had been scouring the net for this very thing for quite some time, and to make it even more ironic, he had eaten calamari earlier that day (and not, as he expected, calamari rings, but the squid grilled in its original form; head, tentacles and all). So, between the consumption and the dawning of the visage, he fully absorbed the squid’s power and gave rise to the fabled Squid Man persona.

The Squid Man made its debut at a show in Baltimore where Worms of the Earth opened for power noise mainstays Terrorfakt. People seemed to thoroughly enjoy the gimmick, and, as an added bonus, nearly everyone likened the mask to Cthulhu, which works out considering Dan’s love of HP Lovecraft and the influence of said author’s work on the Worms of the Earth project.

More information can be found on the Worms of the Earth website and you can hear the latest EP, Bugs Crawling Out Of People, released via industrial label bandcamp. Additionally, he is working on putting together a compilation of IDM, Industrial and Dark Ambient music for the Wounds of the Earth blogzine.

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Credits

Photography & Set Design: Wynn Studio

Model: Dan Barrett(See more of Dan in In Abandoned Places II and MKSEARCH, Subproject 55)

Concept & Styling: Vanity Kills

Location: Parkville, MD

<3

Vanity Kills

I’m from Vancouver, Canada — yes, La Carmina is a proud Canadian! But I ran away to New York City after high school, so I never got to experience much of my hometown’s Goth scene.

So when a local alternative clothing boutique, Deadly Couture, invited to come play dress up, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. (I learned that the store carries a big selection of Lip Service, and that LS is hugely popular among Vancouver Goths!)

I met a lovely, bubbly pink-haired lady named Tracy, who was sprinkling fairy dust all over Vancouver’s Goth/alt subculture scene. Who better to interview about the city’s dark fashion? Read on to learn about the evolution of Gothic and alternative fashion in Vancouver, Canada! Watermarked photos are by Michael R. Barrick (“Atratus”) from Gothic BC.

- Let’s start with an intro! Who are you, and what you do?

My name is Tracy Rodger, and I am a stylist & makeup artist living and working in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Canada. You can find me on Mondays & Tuesdays working at the Deadly Couture boutique in historic Gastown… I am fairly new on the scene, 3 years approx., and make my living in the local Maritime Industry (but that’s for another interview… ^_~), but I am a passionate student of all things Alternative & Fashion and really try to put my all into the work that I am given. I’ve organized and run a few fashion shows for the boutique. I love to help people feel Sexy & Confident, and it’s my mission to bring out the inner Freak in all of us…  <3

- How did you first become interested and involved in Goth / Underground fashion and subcultures in Vancouver?

Well I grew up in North Vancouver, and was always a little bit of a punk, riding the bus downtown as a teen to Granville street to buy hair dye and studded collars at “The Underground” boutique (RIP). (La Carmina’s note: I did the very same as a teenager.) My fashion hunting skills evolved as I graduated high school and started Marine College and a life at sea. Then I had the opportunity to travel internationally and get ashore in random places where I would tourist, get tattooed, and seek out the local street style, always my favourite part!! I love to shop, and picking up items that were inspiring to me from those places was a huge thrill of that life.

I finally settled as a landlubber back in Vancouver a number of years ago and met up with a old friend who introduced me to Sin City, a fashionable fetish club night in Vancouver… and that was the beginning of my LOVE for all things freaky, sexy, & alternative. After that, I went out 3 times a week, at LEAST, for the first year 1/2 to all the Goth/Industrial/Fetish/Burlesque/Metal/Rock/Alternative nights I could get my hands on, I hadn’t been ashore in one place for so long, Ever!!

I ended up befriending the owner of Deadly Couture, Miss Jenni Wong, and eventually started working/volunteering for clothes to flesh out my wardrobe for my many adventures about town. There’s a different outfit & style to fit the million types of events, and inspired by it all, I love to work at the Boutique where you can find clothes you love to rock out!

The more I meet people in this city’s darker night life, the more shades of “goth/underground” become apparent. It’s more relevant to say that with all the subcultures we do have, we are really united by one thing, being Alternative.

- Can you tell me how the Gothic scene in Vancouver originated and evolved? Are there aspects that are distinct to the scene?

Well, I can tell you what I know, but really all you’d have to do is come out to one of the many “goth” club nights in the City and ask one of the regulars, lurking at the pools table usually, who’ve been coming out since day 1 and they’ll be happy to tell you, mind the fangs… ^_~ I would say that the “Goth Scene” centers around the couple of clubs that us freaks gather at to dance, on a weekly basis.

But in the late ’70s, early ’80s, things really got started in Vancouver with LUVAFAIR, originally a gay disco attracting alternative artsy types. The venue turned out to be THE place to party to New Wave, Punk, etc., anything other than the top 40 of the day. You could be dressed goth, punk or in full drag and that was the club you mixed & mingled at. It continues on in spirit today, but has transformed into hosting special events that cater to the fashion elite, mixing fashion, art, and music all into fun, glamorous, and charitable events that are attended by the fashion industry types (Luv n’ Grace Entertainment).

After meeting up with similar types at Luvafair, Sanctuary was formed. * Est. 1997! And continues to be the place for Goth/Underground clubbing scene & fashion to mix. “Sanctuary is the longest-running night in the city devoted to underground and alternative music and culture since Day One, and the second longest running night in the city overall, keeping Vancouver freaky for 12 solid years to date! Come dressed to the 9′s in your swankiest or freakiest gear or come casual, and join the weekly worship – whether it’s the simple experience of the music you’re after, heavy consumption or incessant dancing, this is the best kept secret in town! This is the -real- dance underground, drawing simultaneously from the heavier and more electronic genres and rejecting the tired tunes of the mainstream, and delivering a mix of favourite classics and fat new tunes.”  ~DJ Pandemonium, Restricted Entertainment & Sanctuary Founder.

It continues to be the “Sanctuary” for the darker types among the alternative crowd, and consistently puts out great themed parties too, like the popular Sci-Fi Night (for our inner nerdy needs!), or the White Party (Ever seen a goth in all white? How about 200 of them under black light?). The themed decor is always top notch as the Promoter’s day job is in Set Decoration for the Film & TV Industry. We’re spoiled in Vancouver by great talents all putting together this night from the decor to the photo booth, to, of course, the Dj’s who always throw down a stompy great time! Dress to Impress, whatever your alternative style bent, and you’ll contribute to a great night out.

Even for a relatively small city, we’re lucky to have a few options to wear our Freaky Fashions out to. There is now also a weekly goth/industrial night, Descent Sundays, who spawned out of a move by Sanctuary to a different Venue and from a Sunday to a Friday (now alternating Saturdays), leaving a space open where people still wanted to party. Descent has been holding down Sunday nights at the Red Room Ultra Bar for a number of years now, and as their website says: “With wicked music, great people, awesome drink specials, and cheap cover, you’ll come to know why we say, To HELL with Monday!” We locals consider it “Family Dinner” night, and while not the hugest night out, you’re sure to run in to someone you know, and it’s a great place to dress however you want that week, goths in ball-gowns and metal heads in jeans are spotted weekly.

I think one thing that makes our scene distinct is the large cross over with other alternative communities, notably the fetish & burlesque communities. The scene in Vancouver is relatively large if you include all alternative types, but there are not that many venues catering to them so you really interact with all types at various events.  You can come to Goth night and see a few of the local Sweet Soul Burlesque girls on stage performing their darker routines, and then see the of Goth girls out at the weekly Kitty Nights Burlesque show. There’s even a whole Goth-esque troupe called Bloody Betty’s Burlesque who are freaky bloody sexy messy girls on stage, as the name suggests.

And what to say about Sin City Fetish Night?! Dress Code Enforced! This fetish night is a great mix of regular kinksters and freaky alternative types come out to dress up & play. Tons of cross over with the Goth community of this city, it’s a night for all Freaky People to get in to their sexiest Kit and get their party on. Best Place to dance topless in the city, if that’s your sort of thing… ^_~ and winner of the Vancouver Nightlife Awards Event of the Year in 2010, beating out Deadmau5’s event even! Fetish and Goth Fashion really push each other forward here. Dress to Sexpress yourself and definitely rip it up in the cages if you dare!!

- How would you describe Gothic fashion in Vancouver? Has it changed over the years?

I would say that the gothic fashion here firmly has its roots in traditional American gothic style as Shrine jackets are always a coveted fashion item. The major outfitter of the scene is Lip Service. Everyone has a large portion of their Goth necessities made by LS. We don’t have any major retailers of alternative fashion, so boutique hopping, online shopping and trips South across the US border are norms when hunting for that unique look.

However, we are an ever evolving scene, very broadly influenced, and are open to combining looks into something uniquely Vancouver. We look West to the UK and Europe for dressier looks, and the Steam-Punk movement has help to reinvigorate the more traditional Gothic Victorian, Edwardian, vintage, etc fashion looks, with people being cross-inspired by it. Cyber styles are also a staple! And with all the latex making such a crossover from the Fetish scene, cyber looks evolve too.

Looking East, We’re also lucky to have close ties to Japan, and the Asian influence in alternative fashion is very strongly seen in Vancouver. Lolita and JRock crossover looks are definitely huge here, with the “Creepy Doll” themed Sanctuary Goth night, bringing out the fluffy dresses in droves. I think it’s really the eastern spirit to create unique over the top looks that influences Vancouver fashion.

Also, there is a lot of Pin-Up inspired fashion both in Sweet & Goth styles, and our girls love their actual Vintage finds! There’s a lot of people who rock the more stompy Industrial style too, as usually seen on the dance floors going through their Demonia Boots on a monthly basis. Then there’s the Rockers, fashion from Goth, Punk, Rockabilly/Psychobilly, Indie, Metal, to Grungy Glamsters, this city likes its “Rock”! I think our scene is lucky to be in the middle of things, and will continue to evolve as we have the benefit of options, and influxes of new people and ideas. We really aren’t afraid to sample what the other alternative types are up to, from fashion shows, to club nights, to art gallery openings. I get inspired most by the people out and about at events who are spinning their own look, the unicorns.

Candid shot Backstage, before the Love, Sex, & Industrial fashion show for Deadly Couture

- Can you recommend some Vancouver-based Gothic clothing brands, designers and shops?

Yes for sure! Well, of course come visit me at Deadly Couture’s boutique for our in-house Corsets and Cinchers, a staple I think! (Goth, Alt, Lolita, Latex, Fetish club & day wear) We’re also expanding our in house line to include Latex garments & accessories from Deadly Dichotomy Designs. While you are in the Gastown Neighbourhood, be sure to check out New World Designs (Pin-up & Goth), Venus & Mars (Goth & Renaissance-Faire inspired), Hitz Boutique (Skate & Day Alt wear, Iron Fist, etc.), and wander up Granville Street for the Newly re-Opened Millennium Boutique (Goth day & club wear). Flaming Angels is also a local brand with a store on Main Street selling locally made goth & pinup inspired clothes & accessories. Melons & Sweet Cheeks brand is the best local place to get your PVC Bullet Bra needs. Also check out Scout Boutique for more classic pinup and rock styles, some locally made notably by Misty Greer’s Trunkshow, and shop Lace Embrace Atelier for beautiful and classic corsets made locally.

Candid shot Backstage, lining up for Candyland Fashion show for Deadly Couture

- What is the Vancouver club scene like? What are your favorite places? Where can you find the best fashion?

Eep, I kinda answered already above, but to summarize, the Goth/Alternative Vancouver Club scene is very vibrant and has great party atmosphere, welcoming to new people and ideas, and there’s enough locals who’ve been out since the beginning to give the scene a grounding and history. Show up in your Gothic/Alt best to Sanctuary, and for Decent, dress up or down as you feel inspired to, But show up in your sexiest dark gear to Sin City for a great night of fetish fashion eye candy. I’m at all of them regularly, and parked next to the dance floor usually.

Photo by Jamie Shutterbug Coles. Summer Goth, at the 2010 Pride Parade, in full Moustaches

- What do you predict for the dark fashion / scene in Vancouver? Is it growing, changing?

There’s a lot of artistic talent in this town, and I think it shows in the fashion, makeup, & styling that people put together week after week. It’s literally taken me Years to get to recognize some people who come out regularly because they change their look drastically from event to event. I think there will be a lot more expansion in the area of Latex fashion and we’ll be seeing how it mixes with traditional fabrics  and crosses over into more everyday dark club wear. It’s not just for fetish models in glam magazines anymore! The people in Vancouver themselves aren’t always happy being labelled or pigeonholed as one style, and are interested to combine elements of different fashion ideas into their own, or simply to dress up in different genres as the mood suits. It is growing and changing every year, just come check out one of Restricted Entertainment’s fashion forward events like the Candyland or Wild Kingdom parties in 2010 to have a taste of what’s next.

Lastly, I highly recommend checking out  GothicBC, “ a resource for Goths and like-minded bohemians, artists, musicians, etc. from Victoria to Fort St. John. Promoters and patrons of B.C. events can upload pictures to the photo gallery to showcase these events.” It is, In my opinion, the best source of Vancouver’s current Goth/Underground/Fetish fashion inspiration, hosting all the professional photos taken at various local Goth & Alternative events. Spend some time looking through those galleries to get a good taste of the broad range of Dark Fashion in this city.

You can see that both Tracy and I are fans of Lip Service’s Sassy Sailor dress! I wore the skimpy costume to an Anime Burlesque night in Los Angeles, where girls dressed as Sailor Moon and Pikachu took of their clothes. Here are more photos from the night.

Lots of great news lately… I’ve begun to write for Huffington Post Travel and Style. My Huff Post blog is now up — will you kindly “Like” and “Fan” it? Pretty please?

I also have several exciting TV hosting projects in the works, was profiled for a Spanish Coolhunting book, and am currently in  a Norway TV commercial (the program airs Feb 25th on NRK).

Finally, Sebastiano and I are helping the NOH8 Campaign go to Japan for the very first time! We did a shoot for the campaign, which fights hate and inequality, and are very excited to be spreading the message worldwide.

To keep track of my latest travels and spooky adventures, please visit La Carmina blog – I update daily, with plenty of Goth fashion photos!

† Dark Wishes †

LA CARMINA

It’s that time of year again. Do you feel it yet? The stink of forced romantic sappiness, the dread of the upcoming Bataan death march to florists and confectioners alike, the flop sweat of trying to somehow write something on a card more romantic than your lady’s friends’ partners?

Oh yes, the VD is in the air!

During my time here at the LS ‘zine, I’ve already shared my thoughts about this lame excuse of a holiday. I’ve also discussed the much groovier, freakier and sexier precurser holiday, Lupercalia. This year, I thought I’d try something a little different. This Valentine’s Day, I will endeavor to make my peace with VD. In that spirit, I will try to help in the process of making it a holiday everyone can enjoy.

Let’s be honest with ourselves, Valentine’s Day can be a great thing, a magical day filled with romance and giving to our partners. Now, I may be painting with a broad brush, but it seems where the holiday runs off the rails and heads straight to Crazytown is in the realm of man/woman relationships, where the visible elements of power struggle are played out to sad effect. It is as close to one gets to a fact of life, men with female partners, for the most part, get the shaft in the VD festivities. This, my lovely fellow degenerates, is where the help is most desperately needed, so where I will focus.

** Of course, these suggestions can work for any sort of couple. Romantic is romantic, no matter what.**

Ladies, this will mean giving up some ground, as well as some of the usual VD swag. It will also mean opening your mind to accept alternative forms of romance, the sort which are less about stuff and more about appreciating our partners. We’ve not been great at that kind, so there’s a lot of suggestions cast in your direction. Try not to take it too personally; I mean no harm, merely to save our souls from the evil clutches of VD gone awry.

Guys, it may seem at the start I’m letting you off pretty easy; don’t be fooled by the lack of pointed suggestions your way at the start of the list. We’ll be getting to you further down and, I assure you, it will not be as easy as a couple raggedy flowers. In this campaign to take back Valentine’s Day from oppression and stress, we all have some work to do.

If a truly romantic night with a fabulously amorous partner is your goal, isn’t it worth a little compromise?

Of course it is.

Why can’t we somehow mesh what guys would find romantic (or at least hot) and the mushy stuff many of you ladies want? Seriously, it can be done. Here are a few nifty ideas for a VD you both can love!

10 – Gift for HIM, not you

Forget the not-so-subtle hint gifts, ladies. You know the ones I’m talking about, the love coupons, scented oils and bath stuff, the passive-aggressive gifts which are not so much for him as for your fantasy sex life. Instead, why not get him something he really wants, something which will melt his heart knowing you truly “get” him? It may not sound romantic to you, but you may be surprised at the romantic effect of a pair of tickets for him and his bestie for his favorite team, a toy robot, a collectors’ set of the Die Hard movies. Think beyond you to what would make HIM happy and you’ll have a much happier mate far more willing to go the extra mile for the stuff you’re wanting, too.

9 – Skip the restaurant

Dinner out on VD is strictly for suckers. Seriously. Ask anyone who works in the food, restaurant, and service industry. There are few days when one can expect a worse level of quality and service for a greater level of stress and cost. Restaurants are slammed on Valentine’s Day, packed full of herds of misguided folks feeling they must spend a bunch of money on a meal to be romantic. Take care of both of your needs by just staying home!

You heard me … just stay home!

For a fraction of the cost of a VD restaurant night out, you can assemble a rather luxe night without the crowds and stress. Even if you can’t cook, how romantic is it to have a just-the-two-of-us picnic on your living room floor? Very romantic, I can say from experience. It doesn’t even have to be fancy, just what you both like and can enjoy together. He’ll appreciate the consideration of not draining his budget and you’ll have him all to yourself. It’s a win-win!

8 – Romantic is in the eye of the beholder

Now that you have a night in on your own, don’t try to over-reach into forced romance territory. Maybe his idea of the perfect mid-evening is hanging out with you and a big bowl of popcorn while you watch The Dark Knight or Monty Python or some wrestling … whatever. Maybe he’d love to play some World of Warcraft and beat the crap out of some monsters together. It’s a great opportunity to show how much you appreciate him and what he likes, as well.

Romantic, after all, is in the eye of the beholder. We womenfolk should at least try to understand their version, too.

7 – Gifting role-reversal

I may get a bunch of rotten cyber-tomatoes thrown at me for this one, but here’s an idea … Give him his VD card early and include a message in it (no florid poetry needed) which tells him the only gift you want for VD is his smile. If you are truly romantic, this should be more than enough of a present. How much more happy will that smile be, knowing you want nothing but him. If you want to take it up a notch (and go where many men do each year) get him something really thoughtful anyway (and make sure to mind tip #10). He will feel appreciated and just a little spoiled, which cannot be a bad thing.

6 – The gift of Me-time

Here’s another before-VD idea, but not necessarily for you if you really don’t want to give up the VD tradition of women’s rule. Inform him right about now, so he has time to plan if needed, your gift to him is to have Valentine’s Day (and night) to do whatever he wants. If he wants to go for a day of golfing with his boys, then come home late for some X-rated fun with you, that’s exactly what he’ll have. I know, it feels like not a romantic night for you at first blush but, if you’re thinking that, you would be mistaken. He’ll be the envy of all his friends and feel like the Luckiest Guy in the World. You’re the one who gave that to him; you will reap the deliriously-happy-man rewards.

5 – The gift of yes

Perhaps you want for him to want to be home all night, showering you with affection? It’s certainly a noble thought. Instead of trying to do the usual romantic song and dance with the rose petals, candles, and such, let him name his romantic night. Are you ready to give him a night where “No” is not on the table (within reason, of course)?  Where you serve him his favorite foods, dress (or undress) as he requests, entertain and amuse him in whatever way he desires? I’ve always been pleasantly surprised at just how open and ravenously amorous men can be when they don’t have the threat of judgement or refusal to hamper them in requesting what they want. Sometimes (read: often) we can actually better get what we want (a romantic and sexy mate to ravage us in a romance novel sort of way) by not insisting on the path we think will get us there.

4 – It IS the thought that counts, so think instead of spend

Guys, I’ve been pretty lenient on you so far. Obviously, you’ve had a lot of weight to carry for a lot of VDs past. But, this year, I’m going to challenge you to throw off that weight in favor of a bit of mental exercise. Sure, it’s easy to just do the common knee-jerk thing and book a table at an over-priced restaurant or grab a bunch of flowers … you know, the stuff which empties your wallet but costs no strain on your brain.

Not this year!

You know you’re slacking in the good-guy department when you trade money for romanticism. If you’re not the stereotypical caricature of a dude, the guy who smiles and nods instead of actually listening to his woman, you already know what you should do. As I’ve advised the ladies, you gentlemen need to step up your game. Don’t just settle for some lame VD crap, think about the things she loves, the stuff which makes her feel all ooey-gooey inside. Even if it’s a silly 99 cent wind-up toy and some of her favorite kinds cupcakes (ideally, that you made for her), if it’s her thing, she’ll love the thought you put into finding her the right thing rather than just doing the guilt-flowers thing.

3 – Write it down

One of the most unfortunate occurances on VD is the attempts at wordsmithing or, even worse, poetry by folks without a gift for prose. It can and should be much easier to express our feelings for the one we love. Instead of trying to be all florid and Shakespearean, why not just write something simple, straightfoward and from the heart? It doesn’t have to be Hallmark-worthy; actually, the less greeting card the better.

Try a little something daring this year, put your heart and feelings out there without the verbose flourishes. Sit down with any old piece of paper and a pen. Yes, I said a pen. There is a reason for this, my aspiring bards. I recommend sitting with that piece of paper and spend just a moment thinking about the most fond memory you have of your lover. Don’t take too much time or you will most likely overthink it. As soon as you have that memory fresh in your mind, before you have a chance to craft some wordsmithery around it, just write down how you feel and how that moment shaped how much you love your significant other. Don’t go back and read anything, just let the words run out of you as they will; in this case, I think a few typos will be forgiven. Once you’re done, fold over the paper, again, without reading it over or trying to edit your thoughts, and seal it up. When you’re celebrating VD, give it to your love and explain what you did and how you wanted to share your unfiltered thoughts about how much they mean to you.

Now THAT’s some romantic stuff! If you don’t have an off-the-charts passionate and romantic night, you may be with a member of the Borg, just sayin’.

2 – Give romance to others

This may sound a little nutty, but hear me out. The true path to a romantic VD may very well be to give the gift of romance to others. What do I mean? Do either of you have parents nearby or maybe older friends who have been together for a long time? You know the folks I mean, one of the couples who has such an ease together, just their very presence together makes everyone feel romantic dreams of soul-mates. Try doing something truly romantic and unselfish by giving them a beautiful Valentine’s Day. Set up a wonderful night for them based on their favorite things. Maybe it’s a romantic dinner you’ve cooked, served, and cleaned up after. Perhaps it’s being chauffered around town for a cocktail tour or an afternoon of getting to enjoy the favorite places they rarely afford themselves the time off to visit. In gifting others with a lovely bit of togetherness, you will be acting as a team for the sake of unselfish love … and that’s pretty damned romantic.

1 – Two VDs … It’s just crazy enough to work!

Once again, you might gasp a gasp of horror at the unseemly suggestion that, perhaps, the key to a successful and happy VD for everyone might be to spend it apart. Gads! Yes, I know, it seems the antithesis of all things traditionally romantic, but it’s just crazy enough to work.

Over the years, I’ve known far too many women than I can count who desperately want for their man to WANT to do the candlelight dinner, dancing, roses, etc VD thing. I have, conversely, known equal numbers of men who just as desperately wish their woman would find a vigorous romp in the sack the height of romanticism. More often than not, the twain shall never meet.

Why not team up for the best VD for everyone involved? If the ladies want a refined, candlelight dinner with a beautiful floral centerpiece, they can go out with their best girls and enjoy a gorgeous evening of sensual eating and drinking over soft lights and romantic music, maybe even go out dancing afterward, strut a little and flirt with handsome strangers (which you guys will, in the spirit of romantic generosity, not give them a hard time about). The guys, on the other hand, can go out and do boy things. They can grab a bite, watch guy flicks, maybe even go to a strip club if they so desire (and we ladies will, in the sense of romantic generosity, not give them a hard time about this). After everyone has had what they consider a great night, each couple can go home with their smiles firmly in place. The ladies are feeling romantic and a little high on giggly girly flirtation, while the guys are feeling bold and turned-on. Everyone’s loaded for bear and ready for some passionate “us” time in the best place possible to enjoy it. By not trying to force our own idea about romance on our partners, going further to trust them for a fun and slightly randy night out on their own, it sets the stage to be even more happy to see each other, which is a sure-fire recipe for a hot night of togetherness of the sweaty abandon sort.

What could be more romantic than that?

There are days I am elated we have a Facebook page. One of those was this past week, when a gorgeous pin-up drawing of Metal Sanaz in the Molten Metal Devil costume popped up. If you’ve seen it, you know why I was so excited. My first thought was, “We need to give this guy a gallery in the ‘zine!”

So this, my fine Fashion Freaks, is exactly what we’ve done.

Age (Adrian) Velez has a wonderful knack for creating beautiful, whimsical pin-ups. He not only has his own book of his original art out, he’s also had his work emblazoned on everything from tattoos to billboards and even slot machines. His deft skill with the female form as well as his finesse with the pin-up style is wonderful to see, especially in a time when even photographers seem to be losing touch with the delicately brazen appeal of the form. Where others may attempt to bend and twist the form into something far less refined, his work shines with the original (and much more visually appealing) qualities of managing to mesh coy innocence with bold sexiness and just a touch of madcap glee here and there.

Here is just a small taste of his work. If you would like to see more, which I assume you probably will, there are more treats awaiting you on his DeviantArt page. Thanks again, Age, for letting us share your work!

** Oh, and, do most of the clothes look awfully familiar? Because they should! **

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Isn't it romantic?

Closet check!!

Well, the new year is off and running and it’s a good time to get a head start on spring cleaning. I know … UGH!!!

But, if you’re at all like me, your closet and every available drawer is overflowing with clothes you just can’t seem to part with. Look at it this way, anything you have not worn for the last 6 months is probably old news and there’s no point waiting for that rare moment when you might wear them again. Set them free and rid yourself of the ties that bind you!!

Whatever … it’s the best excuse to shop for new clothes!! I know money is tight for all of us, but getting yourself motivated to get out there and live life starts with looking good. Ever notice how when you go buy something new to wear, it’s the first thing that pops into your head when you wake up? Your outlook for that day, on your way to work, is nothing short of amazing!

Lippy invades Houston for the Halloween & Party Expo

So, just do it then!! And, here’s a great way to start!

Pack up a bag of “has been’s” and head down to Buffalo Exchange or some thrift store and cash that junk in!! Then, take the cash and buy something new. Remember, the more you let go, the better your shopping spree can be!! If you’re in L.A., (not be be favoritist or anything, but …) Lippy’s Bargain Basement is a great place (or www.lip-service.com if you’re not). Or head out to that store in your area you love to hit but seldom do because not having the cash to get something makes you too sad (because, this time, you’ll have a nice wad to play with).

Trust me on this you wont regret or miss the pack rat stuff at all!!

Lippy land has been crazy the past couple weeks, with a trip to Houston for the Halloween & Party Expo. We now have over 50 packaged costumes in our 2011 line and are set to represent our scene to the rest of the costume world in a major way this year and years to come. (There are a few more photos below with sneak peeks at more new costumes!)

The hottest Lippy look of the night winner. Congrats!

January 15th, we descended on Bar Sinister for a celebration of my band, Cold Blue Rebels, record release party with giveaways courtesy of Lip Service all night!! A best look contest was held, with the Lippy staff cruising the club unnoticed throughout the night. to select a winner presented onstage with a $100.00 gift certificate for the Lip Service  retail website, or at the Bargain Basement store. Blood Guts and Rock n Roll was the theme for the night and CBR delivered one of our best performances, ever. Big thanks to Tricia La Belle and the Bar Sin crew for making the night a big success!

This week it’s crunch time, once again, with the design team working feverishly to complete details for our big trade shows in London followed my Magic in Las Vegas, then the International Lingerie show back in Vegas again. All before the end of March … Yikes!!!

Well, it is painted on the wall of our Original Cult warehouse, “It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure”.
True, and an adventure ain’t always a vacation! But its always a trip!!
Until next time………….Fashion+Music+Life
Mickey Finn

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This month’s featured star is Eric Schreeck!
He is an Aquarian in the truest sense of the word and the Master of Ceremonies at the single greatest karaoke night in all of Los Angeles, Ground Control Karaoke at Jewel‘s Catch One. It’s one of the many places where his role as the Water Bearer is very much expressed.
“Andrew [GC’s promoter] calls me the ‘conscience of Ground Control,’ says Eric. “It may seem to an outsider that I all I do is announce singers’ names and tell people to keep drinking, but there is actually a bit more going on than that. Besides having worked out a organization system over the years that actually works … even if I’m blind drunk, I have to ‘feel’ out the room and balance my role as Master Of Ceremonies with dollops of other personalities. Sometimes I can get away with being a fool and some nights I have to be a bit of a schoolmaster. If things are really getting out of hand, I’m a dictatorial zookeeper but that rarely happens, at least for long.“
When he’s not wrangling the Ground Control herd, Eric performs with two amazing bands, each of which has graced the Los Angeles underground club scene.
“To paraphrase something The Edge, of the band U2, said about Bono, “I’m a nice bunch of guys”. As far as my current bands, I’d say I’m a bit of a crazed vaudevillian cabaret Expressionist mixed with a revival tent preacher when I sing for Unextraordinary Gentlemen, and a post-apocalyptic rock-and-roll survivor prone to fits of violence and delusions of twisted charm when I’m fronting BloodPenny. Which doesn’t actually answer your question at all, does it?”
Actually, it did. But, then I’m an Aquarian, too.

GroundControlKaraoke.com

And now for the ‘Scopes, Folks!

Aries

Your career gets a powerful jolt, early in the month. Long-term plans had better become flexible so that you can cash in on some of that outrageous fortune, now. If you’re too attached to your own version of what should be, then you may fail to recognize better opportunities before they’ve passed out of reach. Stay on target during the later part of February, as there will be lots of sparkly things attempting to distract you from taking out the proverbial garbage. Just because it doesn’t stink yet doesn’t mean you should keep it around. You know it has to go so, lose it.

Taurus

February sends an electrical current through your belief system and puts unusually keen focus on your personal philosophy. Where you’d normally find yourself drawn to calm and peaceful pastures, you can’t seem to shake the sense of wonder tempting you away from what‘s familiar and into the throes of wanderlust. It’s a classic Hero’s Journey waiting to happen. New insight could propel you onto a brand new course of travel, study or even a reinvented career path. It’s time to exhume the childhood hopes and dreams you’ve kept long buried in the interest of practicality. Dream bigger!

Gemini

Trust issues flare up early in the month, calling into question the terms and agreements of your relationships. You’ll want to come back to the negotiation table to redefine your wants and needs in light of new developments. You grow and change, so why shouldn’t your desires do the same? Unexpected (and not entirely logical) career developments show up later in the month. Let go and ride the momentum of growth before you know your precise direction and you’ll find you’re on a better track than the one you had in mind.

Cancer

Eruptive energies crack the foundations of your close relationships. Now, before you start screaming at me, take a good look at the relationships in question. Are they healthy, functional and balanced as they are, or could they use a makeover? Are you participating in them as an agent of harmony or of discord? Either way, you’re getting evicted from your comfort zone because said zone is under construction until mid-June. In the area of spiritual and philosophical growth, you have a unique opportunity to expand beyond anything you’ve ever seen. Solitude and introspection are just the thing to illuminate your perspective.

Leo

Schedule a lot of extra time to compensate for the unexpected suck that will attempt to disrupt your regularly scheduled activities. Be extra careful with that sexy body, too as your customary super strength is likely to get hit with a bit of the ol’ Kyptonite, early in the month. You are not alone; if you let people help you, things will ease up considerably mid-month. When you decide to trust someone, you are not losing your independence, you are practicing the fine art of delegation. It’s all about getting the job done and flexing your creative muscles to invent new and effective ways to tackle the myriad projects to which you have over-committed. Again. Have you considered a personal assistant?

Virgo

Other people’s crises are your specialty. You could deliver a supermodel’s baby in the back of a speeding limousine being chased by paparazzi and never break a sweat. That’s good, because there will be some intense moments early in the month that require your unparalleled gift for structure and time management. It seems everyone else has lost touch with reality. All around people have been drinking the proverbial kool-aid and pragmatic concerns have been altogether abandoned. Just remember that not every problem is *your* problem. Save who you can and trust the rest to sink or swim on their own.

Libra

It’s the thought that counts, right? …right? Not if that’s all there is. If words and ideas aren’t backed up with action, after a while it’s hard to take them very seriously. Saturn’s retrograde in your sign is bringing up matters of honor and integrity that will likely affect all of your interpersonal dealings through mid-June. In the short term, you just might resurrect some deeply buried desires for an intense, intimate encounter around February 9th. After the 17th, deadlines at work get a lot more flexible and the office vibe is unusually laid back. If you have projects that need to get done on time, do them early and enjoy the break.

Scorpio

Your creative energies are running very high and artistic self-expression could become a uniquely powerful, even spiritual experience. Or, maybe you’re just drunk. Either way, you’re getting a lot of attention, this month. Prepare to handle top secret information that could blow a hole right through your current perceptions, especially as it relates to friends and lovers. This is a pretty uncommon occurrence, given your penchant for sleuthing so, be willing to hear outside opinions regarding your personal life. Some pivotal matters of the heart may escape your notice but be very obvious to everyone else.

Sagittarius

Your financial situation is likely to change suddenly – and perhaps unexpectedly – in the first half of the month. Truth be told, you probably saw this coming. Dial down the spending for a week or two so that you have a bit of a cushion, just in case it‘s a bad change. It seems the emotional chaos that’s impacting so many of the people around you is somehow having a positive effect on your life, individually. Near the end of the month, you’ll feel a bit impatient with the dreamy, laid back pace but, the extra drive and motivation can launch you far ahead of the pack long before the slackers get their shit together.

Capricorn

Gaaaaahhh! No, just kidding. It’s not that bad. Venus will meet up with Pluto in your sign on February 9th, bringing old relationship issues to the surface in a rather eruptive way. With that retrograde Saturn in Libra, it seems like everyone is having to deal with love issues to one degree or another so, at least you’re not alone. We are in Valentine’s season, after all. In your professional life, it is time to unveil the secret weapon you’ve been building in the garage since mid-July of 2010. The public may not instantly bend to your mighty will but, they’ll certainly think twice before fucking with you.

Aquarius

Happy Birthday, brainiac! Perhaps you might descend from your ivory tower and have some cake with us here, in the material world? Mars in your sign means a whole lot of enthusiastic thinking, talking and planning but, not much actual doing. This is not such a bad thing, in the short term. You’ll need the time to perfect your strategy for reinvention before you tear down the old structure. An intense spiritual awakening occurs unexpectedly in the early part of February, followed by several weeks of exploring the cosmos and not a whole lot of pragmatic productivity. Make an extra effort to stay on top of your finances.

Pisces

You may change your opinions, this month about how you fit into the bigger picture. The motivation that kicked in last month gains momentum as people continue shift their focus to you. It’s all a bit confusing. With all of this attention and collective conversation, it’s easy to miss some of the information being discussed. On Friday, the 25th there is a perfect conjunction of Mercury and the Sun in your sign so, you’re likely to get caught up on whatever went previously over your head. Don’t take any support for granted; people are far more accommodating if they don’t feel their help is expected.

About Forest

Forest is available by appointment for personal astrology and tarot readings. To make an appointment, visit her website: NuiCobalt.com or call 818-906-8263.