Band: The Pawnshoplifters

The following feature was conducted by k@t and compiled by Gabe. Please do not copy+paste this; direct link to this feature! Give us credit for our work!

Now...it's cowboy hat time, with the Pawnshoplifters.



.Bio.

The Pawnshoplifters arrived on the scene in 2006. Roots Rock, Country, Americana, call it what you will. We just play what comes natural, and what most of us were brought up on as kids (wether we wanted to or not!) Having a great appreciation of real country and honkeytonk, the PSL's take from those genres the art of story telling. A hard edged approach to country, and a blue collar mentality, the PSL's deliver passionate, colorful tunes that go hand in hand with the stereo in your f-150.

.INTERVIEW.

(Questions answered by Wendell Johnson)

Did you grow up in Hampton Roads? If so, what cities? What high schools?

We all 3 grew up in Tidewater. Jeff and I went to Great Bridge. Alan went to Booker T washington

Describe your music to someone who has never heard it.

Hard edged Hillbilly Hoedowns!

What is your most crazy show story? (Any naked women running around? Drunk bar fights?)

Wow, crazy story.....we're all vets of the scene. We try to rock as hard as we can, and have a few beers and go home to our wives.



How would you like to see the local music scene change? (venues, fans, other bands)How do you think we can solve the problems we are having with venues doing little to NO promoting of shows, not paying the bands much, lack of good sound systems, and other issues?

Well, i've battled this since i was 16. I think it starts with the bands. Good, quality bands doing shows together and creating a cool place to see a show. There are a couple of places that have great shows regularly. And attendance is quite good. So, I think it starts there. We don't have real venues that just concentrate on having music. VA law requires a venue to sell a certain amount of food with alcohol, so they have that to worry about. So in that case, the Venue really has no time or money to promote shows. I think myspace has done a tremendous amount for getting the word out on bands. And having accurate websites that give updates is also crucial. It's space age baby!

What's up for the band in 2008? ( a tour, album?)

Our record comes out in JAn, with a release show @ the Taphouse on Feb 9th. Touring will be as far as we want to drive..

What local bands and artists do you recommend?

Recommend? thats a strange choice of words...like a dr. recommending pennicilin for vd. LOL I recommend the PSL's for your rash ma'm. All kidding aside, locally we like 1888 a lot. Brad recorded our record at his Clay garden Studio. They are doing some interesting stuff as a band. Rylo, Action Habit, Jason Manfreddi..the list goes on. I think when we can sense passion in a bands set, it always gets attention. Well, passion and songwriting ability...



What are your favorite venues to play at? How would you like to see the available venues to change when booking shows?
(better sound / lights/ pay/ promotions)

Any place that people come to see original music. The Taphouse, Hells Kitchen, Jew Mo's.

Who primarily writes the songs? Is there a certain process or does it come out during practice?

I write the songs, and I make demos to give the guys, and we get together and hash em out!

How do you market your music to the public? What seems to work best for you for letting people know about your shows?
(Myspace/ the paper / word of mouth)

All three are very practical in getting your music out. Myspace, like I said is a huge tool in getting music out there.



Finish these statements:

"You know you've made it when..."

cows fly out of my arse. we get to play our songs that we write in front of alot of people, and they have a great time, and sing them back to us.. I think that's "making it" in the music industry.

"It'll be time to pack up the gear for good when..."

never. We all enjoy it too much . You can always play music on some level, as long as yer standing.

"I'll never forget the first time I..."

heard some of the music genre descriptions these days... they get more and more ridiculous. It's freakin rock baby!



Let's have some fun with word association. Give me your immediate feelings on the following
(if you've got no discernable feelings, make something up that won't embarrass you in the morning)

Pembroke Area aka Downtown Virginia Beach-Downtown Virginia Beach?

No such thing.

The Oceanfront-

No such thing. Used to be a Haven for music...now it's just sad.

Granby Street- (in Cajun man tone)

Solution....revitalization!

Portfolio Weekly-

sure, what 's the alternative...

Independent Music Stores / Businesses / Restaurants-

Persistant

Mount Trashmore-

Tidewater's hillside.

Best Venue-

The Taphouse, it gets rawkus!

Worst Venue-

street corner

Best Kept Secret-

fluffer nutter. marshmellow creme and peanut butter.

Pungo-

backwoods. love it.

Favorite Dive Bar-

I don't have the time..used to be the ghent inn.

What's the most played song on your iPod (or an equivalent music playing device) in the past week?

our new record, listening to different mixes and mastering.



Who would be in your ultimate music supergroup, your all-star Olympic team of rock?

oh god....all the dead ones.

What came first, the music or the misery? Explain.

Well music changed after the misery, so music. But music that's miserable just because it's trendy, is just miserable.




.Links.

Official myspace page
Official web home

Artist: Lamar

The following interview was conducted by k@t and compiled by Gabe. Don't be a jerk. Give us credit for our hard work! Do not copy+paste this feature elsewhere!


And now, the ever-talented Mr. Demarquis Lamar Johnson.




Bio


Demarquis Lamar Johnson, aka LAMAr. Born of Military parents. Moved from place to place and school to school before going to Salem High School. Attended Virginia Wesleyan College. Demarquis has worked a number of jobs, including a brief stint as An Art Gallery Assistant. His artwork is consigned @ Serendip Arts And Antiques Norfolk Virginia, Detail Gallery Rehoboth beach Delaware. 100+ paintings of his have sold to places including : Childrens Hospital,Mayor of Norfolk,Doctors, Teachers, Artist Etc, and most recently the Four Sisters Gallery on the Campus of North Carolina Wesleyan College.


INTERVIEW

How long have you been creating?

I have been creating art since I was in diapers. The earliest art I recall were images of the Flintstones and dinosaurs. Then Disney movie box covers, and then my own creations.

How would you describe your work?

I would describe my work as "real art." My images are stories and concepts all of my own from my individual life. I consider it "real art," because of the self-experession factor, I really don't use my formal art training or techniques, I pour the paint or grab the pastels and just flow. "Real Art" [what Damarquis calls it]-meaning ones real views without copying, tracing, or using techinques from a "master."

What are you motivations for creating?

I do not really know if I am motivated. It is more of a way of life for me. Sometimes I roll out of the bed on to the floor and just start painting. I guess I can say it is a good feeling to help people through tough moments through reading my poems viewing my works.



What do you find visually stimulating right now? Any local artists that we need to keep an eye on?

I have googled some really good artists I use to attend high school with. [It's] pretty great to see what there doing. I learned from Michael Deweese, who is really successful in the feature film business as a storyboard artist. That is pretty motivational to me. Another local artist that has probably the most powerful work woudl be Francisco Burgess, I lost touch with him after I dropped out of Virginia Wesleyan College.

What other artists or movements inform your work/aesthetics/sensibilities?

I can not say an art movement really inspired my work. I used to aim to create work worthy of being good enough to hang in my Mom's living room. She collected a lot of black art when I was younger. Some compare my work to the harlem renassiance. I can somewhat agree with that, but then again, uh no. I would have to say Harlem renassiance meets south park. South park with a positive message though!



Do you think that the notion of an artist's "style" is fabricated to boost sales and marketability? Are artists then forced to limit their body of work to specific content or media in an effort to facilitate easy recognization?

Very, Very true! There are so many people tracing the styles Picaso, Jacob Lawrence, Jackson Pollock, and Monet. There are also artists creating work for shock value. Art is very similar to music. Artists create to market instead of just creating what they like. They compromise their art to be represented by a gallery. Art galleries no longer really display art; art galleries today look like Kinkos coloring books.

What do you do when you're not creating?

Honestly, I am always creating and playing with an idea in my head. My art comes from my life and the adventures I live.

What do you imagine is the role of your work in the lives of those who see it? What evidence do you see of your work achieving the goals you have for it?

My work is inspiration to people. It gives hope and allows them to see that everyone goes through things. Based on the success I have already had, and the realization that art galleries reject my work but respect me shows me that I know my goal is within reach. My goal being to inspire others, and be a significant artist in my day and time.



If there were no financial limits whatsoever for you, what constraints would you most like to overstep? Are there other mediums you would explore?

I still paint on paperbags, like when I was broke, and buy .44 cent paint from walmart. With that being said I really do not see things changing. Art to me is creating something beautiful from nothing...I enjoy that challenge. Judging my work on canvas compared to the bag work, [I think it's best if I] stick with the free stuff.

Did you grow up in Virginia? (If not, when / why did you move here?)

No disrespect to VA, but no. Luckily I have lived all over the eastcoast, to include the Big Apple, N.Y., South Carolina, and Mississippi just to name a few places.



Do you do gallery shows?

My art work is too much like real art for most of the local spots, however I do exhibit out of state from time to time. Libraries and Schools tend to appreciate art with substance, such as my work.

How do you start a piece? What is the process?

Well, Lets see. First I rip up a paper bag. Paint a background color, and go from there. I paint in layers. I really paint without clear concepts in mind at times. But when I am done I always have something to say about it, and I usually incorporate my words and signature in the piece.

The business side of being an artist: how do you market/promote yourself, and does it work? How do you cope?

I send out hundreds of emails to galleries, post on craigslist, and check art calendars for show opportunities. My work sells well. As far as coping, I can not stress about people not wanting to see my work, I realize not everyone wants to hear me nor see me! ...and that my friend is life.

LINKS

LAMAr's official myspace page

Artist: Mary Kay Hollday

Continuing our features on talented local ladies in honor of the Joan of Art show, we have hand selected the creative diva, Mary Kay Holladay to be included in this month's spotlights.

(please direct link to this feature and not copy+paste. Give us the proper credit for the work! thanks!)

Featured Artist:

Mary Kay Holladay

"Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life." ---- Pablo Picasso

Biography:

Mary Kay lived in the mid-west (Indiana and Ohio) until her retirement. At that time she re-located to Virginia Beach, Virginia. She has found Virginia to be an endless source of new subject matter for her paintings, enjoying the weather, the flowers and trees, but most of all the beaches.

Mary Kay spent her career in the highly regulated field of blood banking and transfusion medicine. She has always loved the creative process but for many years her time was spent working, making a home and raising her children. Because of these commitments, she had little time to draw or paint. Since her children are now grown and have their own lives and responsibilities, she has once again returned to her art. Painting has given her a sense of freedom she never felt during her professional life.

Mary Kay started painting in oils but has since switched to watercolors and acrylics. She enjoys painting landscapes, cityscapes, flowers and still life arrangements. Mary Kay is open to trying new things, new techniques, and new subject matter. While most of her art is considered to be representational, she has also done abstracts and (what might be described as) impressionistic work.

She has taken many classes and workshops in both Ohio and Indiana. Her works have been included in numerous juried exhibitions, won awards, and are included in both private and corporate collections.

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art in knowing which ones to keep." ---- Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert cartoons

Interview:

How long have you been creating?

Forever – in one manner or another!

How would you describe your work?

Mostly representational/traditional although I also love doing abstracts – there is such a freedom in that process.

What are your motivations for creating?

My motivation for creating is the desire to create something that gives me joy and (hopefully) is also a source of pleasure for the viewer.

What do you find visually stimulating right now? Any local artists that we need to keep an eye on?

What stimulates me now is the same as has always stimulated me and that is the beauty that surrounds me each and every day. Regarding local artists, there are a few that come to mind: Nancy Lucks, Pam Hill and Patricia DeHart – all of these women are extremely talented and like me, are working hard to build a following here in the Hampton Roads area.

What other artists or movements inform your work/ aesthetics/ sensibilities?

Gosh, that's a tough one. I love the impressionists but enjoy equally artists like Kandinsky, Mir'o, Pollack and then on to Georgia O'Keefe. So, I guess, for me each artist has something to share with me.

Do you think that the notion of an artist's "style" is fabricated to boost sales and marketability? Are artist then forced to limit their body of work to specific content or media in an effort to facilitate easy recognition?

I do think artist have a "style" but I don't believe it is limiting (unless the artist allows that). As with all things, there is always change and it seems foolish to think artists would be any different. As their lives change, so may their work. It is as it should be.

What were your favorite cartoons as a kid?

Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig (guess I'm dated myself). When my children were young, I loved the Smurfs – you may never have even heard of them. (Mary Kay, we happen to love Bugs and the Smurfs. Cartoons are never outdated or out of style! We are all kids at heart!-k@t/Gabe)

What do you imagine is the role of your work in the lives of those who see it? What evidence do you see of your work achieving the goals you have?

I believe the role of my art is to bring joy and beauty to others. I have no social or political message.

If there were no financial limits whatsoever for you, what constraints would you most like to overstep. Are there other mediums you would explore?

I would be free to experiment more with different types of art and also see how different mediums interact. If money were not an issue, there would be absolutely no limit to what I would try or places I would go to learn different skills. It is just too much to even consider the possibilities.

Did you grow up in Virginia?

I have been in Virginia for only a year. I have always lived in the mid-west (Indiana and Ohio). When it was time for me to retire, my oldest son invited me to move to Virginia to be close to him and his family. I am glad I decided to do just that.

Do you do gallery shows?

I did some shows in Ohio and Indiana but have not had that opportunity as yet in Virginia. It is something I would certainly be open to doing.

Your work is very different from one another with subject matter and actual execution. What inspires you to create? How does a blank canvas become a finished piece?

I think the answer to part of this question can be found in my answer to question 9. I absolutely love to try different things! I love color and shape but I also find such joy in being able to put onto canvas or paper something that is as close to what nature has created as is possible for me to create. Not sure if that answers your entire question but it's the best I can do.

The business side of being an artist: how do you market/promote yourself, and does it work? How do you cope?

Recently I have joined with a few other local artists (we call our group Art X-pressions) and a great marketing person to work on getting our art 'out there' – that is how we got connected with Tanner's Creek Garden Center to form Tanner's Creek Marketplace. I do think it is working but we all realize it just takes time and perseverance. How do I cope? Well, I just believe it will happen and trust God will help with that – I'm a pretty patient person and believe anything worth while is worth waiting for ------ along with a great deal of hard work.

Upcoming Shows:

-Tanner's Creek Marketplace- Every Saturday 9am to 2pm.

(Tanner's Creek is located at the corner of Granby and Lavalette in Norfolk just past the Norfolk Zoo. It's a great opportunity to see a variety of art, check out beautiful plants, koi fish and pond plants and produce from local farmers.)

Links:

Mary Kay Myspace

artbymarykay@yahoo.com

Artist: 12:13 Photography

In the spirit of Joan of Art (MC7C's first event featuring the best and brightest female artists in the 7 Cities of Hampton Roads), the month of September, MC7C will be interviewing and spotlighting all female artists.
We hope that you check out their art work, attend their shows, and extend your local support to these artists.

Featured Artist of the Week:
Alanna Wiggins / 12:13 Photography

(feature and interview conduced by MC7C. Please give us the proper credit we deserve and do not copy and paste, direct LINK to this feature instead! Thanks)

Alanna Wiggins
Age 30 --Looks not a day over 20!
-Birth sign: Libra
-Lucky Number: 13 ( My 13th birthday was a Friday the 13th and....... I was born 13 minutes after midnight)
-Been using a camera since about 1993.
-Vegetarian since 1993.
-Vegan since 1997.
-President of the Board of Directors, Vegan Action (vegan.org)
-Webmistress, Vegan.org and VAveg.org
-Photography company is Twelve-Thirteen Photography.

INTERVIEW:

Do you have a particularly favorite (photo/ painting) you have created and why is it your favorite?

I don't have any favorites. I usually have a favorite for a hot minute but then I don't like it anymore. I think this keeps me trying to get better since I am never quite satisfied.

What about photography captivated your interest?

Once I learned to see the world in pictures I could never shut it off. I can't walk anywhere without seeing fantastic photos in my minds eye.


What advice would you give to a person interested in becoming a professional photographer?

Well, I started out taking every photography class I could and then moved on to working in a professional photo lab. Working in a photo lab allowed me to see how much crap is out there and what not to do when taking a photograph.


Tell us about your experiences getting started as a professional photographer. You have shot such nationally known bands such as Bella Morte and Synthetic Division, how did you hook up with them?

Um, well, there is no fantastic story for this but I have been friends with both bands for years. I'd do anything to help those guys out and photography happens to be the one thing they needed that I feel most comfortable with. I wish I knew how to book awesome tours but, sadly, I do not.

Do you prefer working with digital or film cameras? Why?

I love film but I have moved on to digital because of the ability to instantly see results and adjust them as needed. Also, I don't enjoy processing and scanning film by hand. Digital is far from perfect but works best for my lifestyle. You just have to make sure you don't blow your highlights out if you are not shoot RAW.


Can you tell us about your technical process.(camera type/ photo editing programs)

I mostly shoot with a Nikon D70s but an unfortunate camera disaster is allowing me to upgrade to the Nikon D80, which I am excited about. I also have an old pentax k1000 and a holga. I edit and color correct all of my photos in photoshop cs2 on a color calibrated monitor. I used to do very little with photoshop and I felt it was "cheating." I'm way over that now and will create a new face if I feel like it will make the end result better. Actually, I still general only edit out minor blemishes on people but I could give them a whole new face if I wanted too! They would probably be really confused when they saw the end result. I'd just say "I don't know what you are talking about."



Can you tell us about your creative process.

Most of my ideas tend to come to me when I am in the shower in the morning. I also have a book next to my bed that I write and draw out all of the strange ideas for shoots.

What are predominating concerns as an artist, and how do you express them?

My only concerns as an artist is to produce something that I am not afraid to put my name on. I don't think that I have any grand message that I want to lay out on the table for the world to see. Not yet.

What do you want to photograph that you've not yet shot?

I have always wanted to travel the US for a summer and photograph family farms and vintage signs for some sort of coffee table book. I'm sure it has been done 1,000 times though.



Can you think of a particularly fun client or project that you've had?

Shooting with Bella Morte has been a really fun experience. They are all great guys but they are a handful of chaos when they are left to run around the woods or sit in a studio within arms reach of food coloring. They always have me laughing to the point of tears.

What about a really boring project that you did just to pay the rent?

Weddings. This is, by far, a stressful job because you have to be able to capture all of these really important moments under a lot of different lighting situations. Then you have to sit and edit a billion boring pictures of some boring wedding. Part of my regular job it to look at wedding pics all day. The shots are generally all the same no matter who shot it. Personally, I would be excited to shoot unconventional pictures of an unconventional wedding. If I can use my creativity, I am happy. If I must fit in a small box, I am miserable.

What are your present works about? How would you describe your work?

Lately, I have been experimenting with light, movement, ghost images, and long exposures. There is a creepy kind of feel that I want to leave the viewer with. This is not horror movie creepy, this is glowing transparent man outside my window kind of creepy.

In general, I don't really have a description of my work. It is forever evolving. Ask me again in 20 years.


What other interests do you have? (besides photography)

Nature, gardening, vegan cooking and baking, playing with baskets full of cute puppies...(k@t and Alanna share the same puppy interest)
I also love anatomy, exploring abandoned buildings, uber low score bowling (because I'm not good), learning to play guitar, playing in the James river, and road trips. I have an unhealthy addiction to Mexican art, religious art and idols. I am recently obsessing over getting lots of new tattoos to make up for the years I had none. I've got to squeeze them on my body before it starts to get wrinkled and fall apart. I am learning about making daguerreotypes and ambrotypes. Both are probably super bad for my health but I'd like to experiment with them regardless.



What artists have influenced you, and how?

Edward Gorey, Tim Burton, Mark Ryden, Frida Kahlo, Gustave Doré, Albrecht Durer, Hieronymus Bosch, and Sue Coe have deeply influence my mind. Emily Dickinson and Adela Florence Nicolson have influenced my heart. All of these artists and poets have a bizarre and macabre style that produces a giddy feeling in my gut. I strive to reproduce these feelings in my photographs. The best compliment I over heard one person say about one of my photographs was "that's depressing";in an aggressive and disturbed tone of voice. I smiled and my heart glowed a bit. What's the proper term I'm looking for? Pathos.



What advice would you give other artists just starting out?

Keep pushing and learning. Drive and determination are the qualities that get you places in life. Pay attention to what others photographers are doing and learn a bit about marketing and branding. Offer your services for free until your portfolio is overflowing with amazing work and people will want to pay for it. Be willing to make sacrifices and take risks. Equipment wise, I would make do with what you have until you can afford better. I wouldn't live way outside of your means and hope that a basket of money will fall in your lap.

What were your favorite cartoons as a kid?

The Smurfs, The Snorks, Fat Albert, DangerMouse, He-Man, Thundercats,Transformers, GI Joe, and Thundarr the Barbarian. Basically, my brother and I would probably spend all Saturday morning watching cartoons and would watch whatever was on. As I got older it became Beavis and Butt-head, Ren & Stimpy, Futurama and Family Guy.



If there were no financial limits whatsoever for you, what constraints would you most like to overstep? Are there other mediums you would explore?

Ah, my dream list. I know I would like a lot of different cameras, lenses, and lights. I'd love to have an awesome studio space and amazing sets. I'd hire a make-up artist for some of my shoots. I'd hire someone to location scout for me. I'd actually rent areas to shoot on or in. I'd spend months traveling and making daguerreotypes and ambrotypes. Right now it is all about making do with what is around, available, I can afford, I can borrow, or my friends can make.

Links:

12:13 dot com
Va Veg dot org
Alanna Myspace
12:13 Photography Myspace

MC7C Featured in Portfolio Weekly!

Hannah Serrano, journalist extraordinaire, interviewed MC7C, at Hindu Pez's show at Gil's Bar and Grill last week. This is the result of that interview and noise event!


(For the complete article and features on more local artists. click on the link provided! Portfolio Weekly's Article)

MC7C

Is: Gabriel Perry, 24, Oceanfront; and K@t Marsh, 26, Pungo. Gabe is a freelance photographer and an industrial music DJ that goes by the moniker, Hindu Pez, while K@t is a painter, freelance writer, model, event promoter, and all-around businesswoman.

Makes: The Seven Cities underground art scene what it is today. Their name is on everybody's lips when talking about the local, underground music and art scenes, which the two have helped to turn into a near renaissance.

Says: "We were sick of it. From my aspect, nobody could get a show. If you didn't sound like Nickelback, you couldn't get a show. If you didn't know somebody at the venue, you couldn't get a show. A year ago, there weren't the art shows that we have now. There was almost nothing. We started talking about how we were irritated about it. We had frustrations with different aspects of music and art, and we wanted to at least try to fix it. That's all we can do is try."

"There are some artists that are really introverted who really express themselves mostly through their art. I feel like the music and art scene here has grown to [one in which] everyone can relate to each other now. And it's through the art, and through the scene, and it's not about just yourself anymore—it's about how we can help each other. We don't make a penny off of what we do. The art show [Joan of Art]—we're not getting paid for that."

"Everybody's going to each other's events now, too. It's not like, 'Oh, I'm better than that person, so I'm not going to support them.' It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if you're in the hip-hop scene, it doesn't matter if you're a painter, it doesn't matter if you're an acoustic singer, or whatever. You go, and you support the music, and you support the art. It's crazy—you look out when you go to these art shows and these events, and there'll be a hip-hopper there, a guy who's covered in tattoos, a guy with a Mohawk…That line is totally being broken around here. A year ago, none of this was going on. And we wondered recently, 'What is it that changed?' I think it was just that we said, 'No more excuses.' We started asking people, 'OK, what can we do for the scene? What can you contribute? Can you make a flyer? Can you come out to the show and support us?' And the meeting ground there is art. There are politics involved, of course. But there's this unspoken thing: art."

Network: MC7C is the sponsor and coordinator of the art exhibition, Joan of Art, which features several local women artists, including Elizabeth Henry, Amanda Page Stephens, and Renee Hamilton. To keep up with their future events, as well as other events in the area, check out MC7C's site, www.myspace.com/monochromatic7cities.

Add Portfolio's Myspace page to your friend's list
Portfolio Weekly

Many thanks to the entire staff of local wonder publication Portfolio Weekly, Hannah, alllll the ladies we are going to feature at Joan of Art, Fuzion Ink for sponsoring and hosting the art show, Gabriel Cece for sponsoring the art show, and of course....all our supporters that have made MC7C successful!
(In other words, YOU!)


cupcakes and grenades
k@t & -Gabe-

Band: Morgueasm

Featured Band :

(feature and interview has been compiled by MC7C. don't copy and paste, direct link to this page if you want to share with friends. we know where you sleep and will send Darien to come get you...mwahahahaha)

Samantha Shameless: Vocals and Bad Reputations.
Darien Starr: Programming, Keys, Guitars
Sett: Bass.
Andrew: Live Drums.

About:
(in their own words)

We will probably piss you off and fuck your girlfriend or boyfriend. We can't manage to stay sober or keep a guitarist. We write music in a dark dark hole underneath the city of Richmond. We hate being told what to do. We rock the fuck out to some Three Six Mafia in the hot tub. We don't care what style we are. We don't fit in a scene. We are working hard to get this album finished.

Morgueasm - (noun)

An orgasm that occurs when having sexual relations with a corpse and or a Realdoll(tm). "The initial pleasure of Karen's tightness was tempered by the feeling that I was humping a cadaver and was about to experience my first morgueasm." - Grant Stoddard from Nerve.com article: "I Did it for Science"

Interview:

Describe your music to someone who has never heard it.

Darien: I like to consider Morgueasm "Death Pop". We draw elements from dark, electronic / industrial influences, but growing up on MTV we can't deny that there are some elements of Hollywood Glamour inside us.

Samantha Shameless: We have a completely different sound than anything out right now, and we like to experiment with combining different elements of goth, metal, and pop in a way that most people wouldn't think of doing.

What is your most crazy show story? (Any naked women running around? Drunk bar fights?)

Darien: When I was with my first band (Empty from Washington DC – many years ago) we played at Jaxx. We got about 30 pounds of raw meat from the butcher, and brought it on stage in a baby carriage. It wound up everywhere. I'm surprised Jaxx had us back after that. We had ordered a pig's head as well. We were going to put our singer's penis in the pig head's mouth against his will. He's lucky it didn't show up in time for the show.

Samantha Shameless: Performing a song about an ex bandmate who was front row at the show was pretty crazy.

How would you like to see the local music scene change? (venues, fans, other bands)How do you think we can solve the problems we are having with venues doing little to NO promoting of shows, not paying the bands much, lack of good sound systems, and other issues?

Darien: The music scene all over the country has grown stale. Everyone takes themselves so seriously, that they don't have a good time while they are performing, and the fans can feel that. As far as promoting and venues, personally I don't consider it the venue's responsibility to promote. I believe the band has to do their legwork, play the free shows, until they build up a following – THEN they can think about money. I look at it as a sacrifice that has to be made. Sound systems are serious though. If your club sounds like crap, you shouldn't be booking bands. ALSO I hate not getting a soundcheck. Every club has a different system, and it makes a big difference being able to test it out.

Samantha Shameless: I would like to see the scene change period – as well as the music scene – to not be so closed minded and pretentious.

What's up for the band in 2008? ( a tour, album?)

Darien: We are almost done writing the full album, and we will hope to have that recorded and mastered this year. We will be playing shows in the region, and then hitting up key cities when we are ready. DC, NY, Miami, Philly, etc. Taking our time and trying not to put on half ass shows.

Samantha Shameless: Definitely completing our first album, and being bigger than Jesus.

What local bands and artists do you recommend?

Darien: Local bands and artists… XUBERX from DC impressed me with their high energy show. Of course Bellamorte never fails to impress live. They always have a tight sound. I am sad that we will not get to see In Tenebris again. Myotis, Synthetic Nightmare, Hindu Pez, Angel 99 are all unique local artists working hard at their craft – there is definitely a renaissance coming around.

Samantha Shameless: Killing the Cure, Angel 99, Synthetic Nightmare, Bellamorte, Social Distortion ( I mean Synthetic Division lol ) we'd like to see more local bands. I wish we had more time to see shows but we are working hard on the album.

What are your favorite venues to play at? How would you like to see the available venues to change when booking shows?

Darien: I like venues with hidey hole backrooms. It really helps you get into character. I don't like wandering the crowd during a show. I like to have some of that mystery around us. Alley Katz has a nice layout… Rocks if the weather is nice… I feel like (in Richmond anyways, I can't really speak for the Norfolk / Va Beach area) it is kind of hard for mid size / small bands to get a decent date – a Friday or Saturday. There are several new clubs opening up for larger bands, which is cool because we are getting some of the harder bands back in town, but nothing is really changing with the local bars.

Samantha Shameless: I love the space that Alley Katz offers – also Rocks is nice because it has an outside stage which is great for Spring shows.


Who primarily writes the songs? Is there a certain process or does it come out during practice?

Darien: Morgueasm operates half on process / step by step writing, and half on spontaneity. Usually it starts out with a beat and some synth tracks that I have tucked away on a dusty floppy disk, and Samantha Shameless hears something that she digs. Sett will lay down a bass line, I'll take a stab at guitars (though I'm no guitarist – p.s. Morgueasm is looking for a guitarist! lol) Then, along with our friends and management team, we will collaborate on lyrics, melodies, etc. We are very communal. If you come to a practice session, it is usually full of craziness, jaeger, and shenanigans!

Samantha Shameless: Darien has a lot of songs stored away in his little computer, and sometimes we'll get bored with the songs we're working on and say "hey lets work on a new song" and then I'll find something I like – then Darien and I do it.

How do you market your music to the public? What seems to work best for you for letting people know about your shows?

Darien: We are taking our time with marketing. We are still in the process of writing the album, and we don't want to sell ourselves too early. We rely somewhat on internet marketing, but also good ole' word of mouth. We are all characters, and we like to go out and have a good time and dance, and act a fool. That is a good time to hand out a cd, or let people know we have a show coming up.

Samantha Shameless: The best way I do it, is to hand out cds and flyers to people at clubs – and word of mouth.

Finish these statements with what ever comes to your mind:

"You know you've made it when..."
Darien: Your sipping on a margarita with Dr. Dre.
Samantha Shameless: You don't have to fucking work any more.

"It'll be time to pack up the gear for good when..."
Darien: Ha. Never.
Samantha Shameless: When Darien dies.

"I'll never forget the first time I..."
Darien: Got to ride around in a band's limo. (Monster Magnet / Manson down in New Orleans)
Samantha Shameless: Puked and peed outside of a club in VA Beach.

Let's have some fun with word association. Give me your immediate feelings on the following:
Hampton Roads, VA -
Darien: Traffic?
Samantha Shameless: Ryan Roboto aka Angel 99.

The National Museums –
Darien: I love ancient things.
Samantha Shameless – What the fuck is that?

Richmond –
Darien: Good place to hide from the rest of the world.
Samantha Shameless – Keep talking about me bitches. You're only making me famous.

Independent Music Stores / Businesses / Restaurants –
Darien: Having a tough time. I co-own Curio ( http://www.curiorichmond.com ) so I can relate.
Samantha Shameless – Curio – Duh!

Best Venue –
Darien: I think Rock and Roll Hotel in DC is a cute little place
Samantha Shameless: Alley Katz is a good place to see shows.

Worst Venue –
Darien: I don't want to get us in trouble lol.
Samantha Shameless: I plead the fifth.

Best Kept Secret –
Darien: Tan A Supermarket
Samantha Shameless: Sakura Sunday Brunch.

The RVA Goth Scene –
Darien: Trying to stay alive
Samantha Shameless: Waiting for something new.

Favorite Dive Bar -
Darien: I don't go to Dive Bars.
Samantha Shameless: Wherever I can get a cheap drink.

What's the most played song on your iPod (or an equivalent music playing device) in the past week?

Darien: I don't have time to listen to music outside of the studio. Um… Last song I remember listening to was Fetisha by Orgy.

Samantha Shameless: What's an iPod? But if I did have one, I'd be rocking out to some Rob Zombie.

Who would be in your ultimate music supergroup, your all-star Olympic team of rock?

Darien: Ryan Shuck, Twiggy Ramirez, Myself, Dr. Dre, and Samantha Shameless. Hell yeah.

Samantha Shameless: Darien, because we work so well together, Shikhee from Android Lust, Three Six Mafia, and Christina Aguilera.

What came first, the music or the misery? Explain.

Darien: Definitely the misery. A true artist has to feel suffering before they can really tap into the subconscious powers around them.

Samantha Shameless: The misery. Without misery there would be no art.

Links of Love:

http:www.myspace.com/officialmorgueasm
http://www.morgueasm.com/