You seem very influenced by scenes like roller derby, burlesque, and rockabilly. How does subculture influence your art?

Paige: Growing up in the suburbs of Maryland in that dark time before the internet, I desperately wanted to be cool. I’ve always skipped around subcultures dipping my toe in various scenes all through adolescence in an attempt to find myself. But I’ve always been first and foremost a big ol’ nerd with a wicked case of OCD when it comes to my obsessions, so I always treated each different subculture that I monkey-barred to and from as almost like a costume of different characters I was trying to be.

Paige: I’d also explore different subcultures in my art and creative endeavors as well, especially when I played tabletop RPG’s in high school like Vampire: The Masquerade and Shadowrun. As the Dungeon Master/Game Master/HBIC/whatever they call it I would have to create several characters for my player characters to interact with and any subculture at the time I had a slight interest in I’d have a character be a part of, who would require an illustration to show what they looked like to the players and mostly just served as an excuse to draw a cool outfit. I’ve also always had a love of crazy clothes and good music, which really is the basis for so many subcultures floating around. The best way I can express my love of them is through my artwork.

You frequently appear at conventions, dressed almost like one of your characters. How do you find this sort of socializing and interaction with fans?

Paige: I’ve been going to conventions for over 12 years, starting in 1998 at Otakon, an anime convention in my hometown of Baltimore. I’ve always been one for dressing up, from Halloween to Rocky Horror to goth clubs and getting into cosplay was yet another outlet for me. Plus at conventions people actually KNEW and appreciated who I was dressed up as, unlike at Halloween. Plus the pictures and attention especially as a nerdy, awkward late bloomer just coming in to her own sexuality was intoxicating. The first guy I ever had sex with I met dressed as a Pikachu. I had my John Hughes-esque prom queen moment of the slow descent down a staircase with all eyes on me dressed as the Baroness from G.I. Joe in a hotel lobby during Katsucon. So I cosplayed for a good 6-7 years before I realized I should probably start getting serious about attending conventions as a professional, since editors don’t tend to take you seriously at portfolio reviews when you’re drunk and high in a Sailor Moon costume. I had my first Artist Alley table at Baltimore Comic Con 07 and as the years have progressed my outfits have gotten crazier and crazier. I’m basically my own booth babe. Sometimes I do get the semi-patronizing “you did these all by yourself?” from random passerby, but also I kinda take that as an off-handed compliment at the same time. I’m like one of those deep sea fish with the dangly light-I lure folks over to the table, then chomp on them with my art. I’m kind of starting to see myself as almost like the Christina Hendricks of the comic book industry. Which I’m totally fine with.

Is there a “type” of Paigey girl you draw?

Paige: The Paigey girl, like myself, has evolved over time. A lot of people say that I look like my artwork, or that my artwork looks like me, I’m not entirely sure where one begins and ends sometimes. I think it’s always been that I draw the kind of girl I’d want to live vicariously through. Now it’s these perpetually giddy girls with hips and thighs and tummies and smiles that are dancing and eating bon bons and having a great old time. The stuff I do now seems to make people happy. When I see people flip through my art book or portfolio they’re always smiling, and I like seeing that.

You’ve branched out into jewelry, figurines, even lipstick cases. Tell us about making objects with your art.

Paige: Originally when I started selling my artwork I was sticking primarily to prints. But then I encountered a problem at conventions with buying stuff myself where I had bought so many prints from artists I like that I ran out of wall space. I can only assume my customers would encounter the same problem. I want to get my artwork into the hands of as many people as possible, so I try to put it on items that you would use everyday. I have several friends who are big into crafting and are generous enough to share their ideas and suppliers with me and we’ve formed a bit of a network. And especially at comic conventions, which are so male dominated, my Artist Alley tables have become known as the ‘Girlfriend Table,’ which is a slot I don’t mind filling especially at the more mainstream comic shows. I’m also collaborating with my best friend Fenny’s DIY company Little Asian Sweatshop on specially designed hairflowers, bags, wallets and eventually my own line of dresses featuring my Paigey pinups.

What’s next for you?

Paige: Next year will be a very exciting time as it will be the beginning of my first calendar year spent as a full-time freelance artist. I’m planning on expanding my fanbase as I vend more events than ever, branching out to include concerts, hot rod shows, festivals and roller derby bouts, and as always continue working my beloved comic conventions. I also plan on releasing my second artbook which will collect my artwork from 2008 until now and I also want to help a few of my other very talented artist friends get their own artbooks together as well. There also will be plenty more handcrafted products bearing Paigey artwork in the future. And as always creating newer, awesomer artwork.

Find out more about Paige Pumphrey here:

theartofPaigey.com

twitter.com/PaigeyPumphrey

facebook.com/ArtofPaigey

PaigeyPumphrey.etsy.com

Interview by Molly Crabapple (@mollycrabapple). Below showgirl pic by Aniline Black.

Drop The Lime (born Luca Venezia in NYC) is not only an electronic producer and DJ, but he found the dance label Trouble & Bass. He unleashed his unique brand of dance/rockabilly onto a fevered crowd this past Friday night at Avalon in Hollywood. Deep resounding bass bombs forced your attention and moved your feet. DTL’s refreshing blend of the classic rock n roll standards with an electronic rhythm that leads you resoundingly into the night.

Plus, and you can’t always say this about DJ’s, the man can actually sing. He’s got a swagger and confidence that is a unique find in the DJ set.  If you will be in Atlanta GA on July  22nd head to The Quad to catch him. This might be the last chance you get for a while. In the meanwhile, let the music play…

Drop The Lime by Drop The Lime

First came their short movie/music video for “Machine Gun Blues”, both a tribute to 1930′s gangster films and perfect showcase for Social D in all their punk glory: Dressed in dapper Brooks Brothers suits, and sporting Thompson submachine guns/vintage Les Pauls, the quintet robbed a bank, pumped a few wiseacres full of lead, and made their getaway. The same could easily be said of their stage performance: custom clothing (Mike Ness looked more like Elliot Ness), rapid-fire riffs, and then — gone, like Bonnie and Clyde in a hail of gunfire — leaving hundreds of lifelong and loyal Social D-ers wanting more.

Mike Ness swung that guitar as effortlessly as his tommygun, pummeling the crowd with classics like “Ball and Chain”, and their cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” — lined up perfectly alongside new gems like the aforementioned “Blues” and “California (Hustle and Flow).”

And man — this crowd ate up every riff. Other than The Bouncing Souls, few modern punk rock bands command such audience loyalty. It was packed at the Music Box, with a lot of the older Social D fans towing their youngins’ along for the ride. They were likely afraid of getting sucked into the pit (no need to worry, as girls helped guys up, old dogs helped youngbloods back to their feet, and the vortex sucked them in again).

“Rock n Roll has been good to me,” yelled out Ness after a rousing rendition of “Prison Bound.” Few rock n’ rollers manage to stay so optimistic, especially considering the numerous lineup changes Social D has weathered (he’s the last original guy in the band). 30 years later they’ve proved that, like a Howard Hawks gangster film, the classics never die.

Words by Jeff Nau. Photos by EMS

If you have no idea who the Supersuckers are, then I feel sorry for you.  Sorry because you have not yet experienced the (self-proclaimed) greatest rock-n-roll band in the world!  If you have heard of them then, I’m jealous of you.  Jealous because…well, let’s just say if the Supersuckers had a spread in Tiger Beat, they’d be plastered all over my bedroom wall.

The Supersuckers have almost a cult following of die-hard fans.  You just don’t kinda sorta like the Supersuckers…you fucking LOVE the Supersuckers.  Their sound is honest-to-goodness American rock-n-roll: unpretentious, tongue-in-cheek and sacrilegious.  Their songs have an anthem-like quality to them, with raking guitar intros that make you jump up and down waiting for the rest of the band to kick in.  Their songs are about fucked-up relationships, getting fucked up and not giving a fuck.  They draw upon an archetypal rock sound to make their music: from the Ramones to Thin Lizzy to Social Distortion.

Frontman and bassist Eddie Spaghetti’s usual shtick includes getting the crowd to flip each other off, striking some well-rehearsed “rock poses” with Dan Bolton, the guitarist, and seducing the everyone into the ritual of “the fake encore”.  Ron Heathman, also on guitar, always wears a sweet baseball T and looks like he should be coaxing you to smoke up behind the gym.  Scott Churilla is on drums, veteran drummer from the Reverend Horton Heat’s band.  They can take anything and transform it magically into rock; their cover of Outkast’s “Hey Ya!” is a testament to that.

After breaking with the Sub Pop label in 2001, the band started their own label, Mid Fi.  And, in 2008 they celebrated 20 years ion the biz.  Their indie label gave them the freedom to create kick-ass music without the worry of appealing to demographics or a certain market sector.  Rightfully so, because you can’t really pigeon-hole a Supersuckers fan in one genre.  Their music appeals to rock, punk, rockabilly and psychobilly fans so that we’re all one big happy family in the mosh pit.  And, the band seems like they’re genuinely nice guys – ones that I want to bake cookies for – and you can’t but be happy to see them succeed.  The list of greats that they’ve worked and played with attest to this: Bad Religion, the Ramones, the Dwarves, Motorhead and Willie Nelson.

The Supersuckers are a mainstay on the Hootenanny stage; and if they’re playing somewhere within a 50 mile radius of LA, I’m there.  And, as Eddie warns, when you do come to a Supersuckers show, you’d better wear your clean underwear.  Cuz they’ll rock the pants right offa you.

Words by SailorBewar  photos by Curious Josh

I have a secret to admit…I don’t like the Horrorpops. When given the task of reviewing their set at the Hootenanny, I did my best impersonation of a 4 year old boy forced to go clothes shopping with mom. But, I have to qualify my statement. On the road trip down to the ‘nanny, I listened to a few tracks, just to get primed. Heavy upright slap bass, poppy drums, ska influences, and a strong but youthful vibrato, occasionally dropping to a whisper or rising to command. Then it hit me: Patricia Day is the psychobilly Gwen Stefani!

I like Gwen Stefani. I like rockabilly. I used to be way-goth. I like girl-fronted bands. Therefore, I *have* to like the Horrorpops. And, according to the Horrorpops’ rules, my only answer must be, “Hell YEAH!”

The story of how the band got together is actually pretty sweet. Singer and upright bass player Patricia Day met her now husband (and the Nekromantix upright bass player) Kim Nekroman in the fervent punk / psychobilly scene in Copenhagen in 1996. One sees visions of a Scandinavian “Valley Girl” epoch blossoming. In forming the Horrorpops, Day and Nekroman decided to switch-up instruments for fun; he taught her to play the upright bass and she taught him to play guitar. Super-cute, right? The pair is joined by Niedermeier on drums.

I was floored by their stage presence. It was what made me give up the ghost and really appreciate their performance. Day commanded the audience. She knew exactly what they were longing for! She coyly bantered with the crowd with a sexy, raspy voice. I could have a girl-crush on that voice! She wailed on her bass with confidence, wearing a skirt with a slit up to her hip.

And, how cool was it that she was the only girl singer to perform on the main stage at the Hootenanny. Day is one of the ONLY women in the testosterone-fueled rockabilly / psychobilly world. She could part the ocean of brawny, sweaty men like the red sea, all of them ogling her presence. They completely were into the music, but were so respectful of Day; they didn’t want to get too rowdy. I was amazed. The respect was palpable.

So, hell, yeah, the Horrorpops were great. SoCal kids love their psychobilly. And while their signature go-go dancers were absent at the Hootenanny, Patricia had enough sex-appeal to leave the crowd zomb-i-fied.

Words by SailorBeware, photos by Curious Josh

Undeniably, The Reverend Horton Heat, aka Jim Heath, is the biggest, baddest, grittiest, greasiest, greatest rocker that ever piled his hair up and pounded the drinks down. Without question, for all of his outlandish antics, blistering stage performances and legendary musical prowess, the one thing The Rev always gets asked about is the story behind his unusual and rather clerical moniker. “Well, there used to be this guy who ran this place in Deep Ellum, Texas who used to call me Horton- my last name is Heath,” says The Rev. “Anyway, this guy hired me and right before the show he goes, ‘Your stage name should be Reverend Horton Heat! Your music is like gospel’… and I thought it was pretty ridiculous. So I’m up there playing and after the first few songs, people are saying, ‘Yeah, Reverend!’ What’s really funny is that this guy gave up the bar business, and actually became a preacher! Now he comes to our shows and says, ‘Jim, you really should drop this whole Reverend thing.’”- (taken from their website).

The Good Reverend and his band of mischievous choir boys rocked the socks off at the Hootenanny. We drank the Kool Aid and were re-born to rockabilly. Halleilujah! Amen!

Anybody steeped in a certain subculture has to endure time when they are not among others of their own species.  “Civilians”, I call them.  Be it punk, goth, rockabilly, psychobilly, emo, or electro-whatever.  This time spent in the midst of civilians can be exhilarating.  The dissonance your individuality causes can be something that defines your boundaries with the rest of the world.  Saying what you aren’t can define what you are.  But, time spent among your kind is a whole other kind of experience entirely.

Transport yourself to Oak Canyon Ranch on July 4th for the Hootenanny and you’re suddenly on Planet Rockabilly.  No hair was to greasy, no sled too low, no pin-up too cheese-cake, no cuffs too big.  Everyone there understood your gig; there was no need for explanation.  Rows of vendors in tents were selling all kinds of doo-dads you’d be more than happy to accept from mom as a Christmas gift.  And, there was almost too much good music to endure.  I got a workout running from stage to stage in the sweltering noon heat trying to catch all the acts I wanted to see.

The hard-hitting Southern Rock of Good Man Down started my day off right.  Later, I caught the greatest rock-n-roll band in the world, the Supersuckers.  A rockabilly festival wouldn’t be complete without its evil twin; the Nekromantics and The Horrorpops also played fantastic sets.  Big Bad Voodoo Daddy made me wish I had a swing dance partner and who wouldn’t love the Reverend Horton Heat’s traditional southern gentleman charm and Jimbo’s raucous upright bass playing?

And, where else could you just run into a hottie who looks like she stepped off the pages of an Elvgren calendar?  The place was practically brimming with luscious ladies in skimpy leopard print bathing suits with perfectly coifed hair!  Miss Lola, proprietor of The Pin Up Angels was enticing concert-goers to donate at her booth.  The Pin Up Angels is a not-for-profit organization that compiles care packages for our military boys overseas…we’re not talking Hershey bars, y’all. She and her ladies support our boys by sending them eye-popping traditional pin-up photos.  She said it’s the best when she hears someone in the scene who was displaced by the military gets one of her photos.  They really appreciate seeing something that speaks to their mindset…everyone has the latest swimsuit issue.  Check them out at thepinupangels.com.  Who says rockabilly ain’t political?

People used to get tattoos or wear spikes or certain band t-shirts or shoe laces as a social filter: you could scare away the people who just didn’t get it and you didn’t want to associate with anyway.  And, you knew you found a like-minded individual if they understood your appearance.  Today, it’s just so easy to blur the lines between culture and sub-culture.  Between honest-to-goodness individuality and off-the-shelf-crap.  But, being at a festival like the Hootenanny makes me have faith in my own kind again.  Even greater was the fact that the freaks are breeding.  The number of babies in tiny, tiny Vans was astonishing!  One dad even trekked Junior into the pit!  Not recommended by Dr. Spock, but….it’s pretty rock-n-roll.

Words by SailorBeware, photos by Curiuos Josh

Saturday night marked the opening of Bettie Page: Heaven Bound – an all-star art extravaganza curated by Lenora Claire held at the World of Wonder Gallery in Hollywood. This exhibit, dedicated to the late pinup legend, features iconic portraits of Bettie by Olivia and tribute photos by Austin Young among others. The carefree smile and electric attitude that left an impact on an entire generation grace the gallery walls, captured in a variety of mediums from watercolor to acrylic sculpture. In usual World of Wonder reception style, the party drew a colorful crowd – drag queens, fashion butterflies, booze enthusiasts and Hollywood culture favorites were out on full force to salute the unforgettable, the one and only – Bettie Page.

Words and Photos by Zoetica Ebb

World of Wonder Gallery 650 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA‎ – (323) 603-6300‎

Every year Jesse James has a birthday, just like you and me. Except he gets to be married to Sandra Bullock and party like a rock star with the likes of the good Reverend Horton Heat and some of the sickest toys you can create.  Lucky Bastard. Check out the birthday event below with about 1,000 Rockabilly Cats and Kittens through the door and classic Rat Rods out the ying-yang!

Photos by Dustin Downing

This line of work sometimes has its perks. Example, this little ditty offered me the chance for a free hair cut and sparkly shoe shine. Saaaweet!, except for the matter of me being mostly bald and wearing flip flops the majority of the time. Let’s just say this anecdotist hasn’t been bought. But, I digress.

Bird’s Barbershop was created surprisingly not from the minds of Minolta, but from 2 guys just lookin’ to get their hair did on the cheap.  3 years-ish ago, the first of a now trio of Bird’s blasted open their front doors with Rock n’ Roll and cheap chops. It’s a place where Lone Star beer flows like barley wine and the foosball tables rattle with conjecture as to who is a winner.  Parking lot concerts are the norm and wi-fi is readily available to Tweet away to your subscriber’s list delight. Yea, all is welcome with open shears.

I find the taxicab motif is quite chic and very chill compared to the abundance of swanky snob snip-shops which seem to have been proliferating this town (Austin) as of late.
I am welcomed with a lovely 2009’ vintage Lone Star a la gratis’and there is a live DJ spinning an intriguing mashup of what seems to be TV on the Radio -vs- Kriss Kross supported by the subtle undertones of a Joust video game(gratis’ tambien) bleep-blurping away against the wall.  I introduce myself to stylist Mark D. to my right buzzing away with his shears atop the dome of my first customer encounter.

“Steve”, we shall call him, do to some probationary inconveniences, has just literally stumbled in from the bar adjacent to this joint to get have his hair situation handled. When I inquire as to why this spot for a clipping, “Well, I’ve had a couple beers and figured why the hell not.”  Always a good time to make pertinent style decisions in my book, Steve.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’ll call that 2 thumbs up and a good enough for me.
I think I’ll just sit here and see how many beers it takes before the gratis’ wears off….

Words and photos by Dustin Downing

Bird’s Barbershop is located at : 2110 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX