Y’know…sometimes when the ol’ Zombieking walks down the street… sorry- ‘Lurches’ down the street, I always kinda wish I had my own soundtrack. Well kiddies, I FOUND that soundtrack! This time around I am talking to one of the founders of the band that plays the music in my head… the Reverb Syndicate’s Jeff Welsh! Here is a few excerpts from their bio: Since its inception over beers, The Reverb Syndicate has become one of the countries premier instrumental rock bands. The group has spent its short time together thrilling local and foreign audiences with a highly danceable blend of 60s surf, spy and go-go music. The Reverb Syndicate was formed in 2005 by guitarist Mike Bradford, guitarist/keyboard player James Rossiter, bassist Jeff Welch and drummer Mike Rifkin with the simple concept of exploring and re-imagining the music of groups like The Ventures and The Shadows and the soundtracks of old spy movies. Following this concept has lead them to two independently released albums of original music (2006’s “Operation: Jet Set!” and 2007’s “Sputnik A-Go-Go”), heavy gigging throughout Ontario and Quebec, and a headlining performance in New York City. In September 2008, The Reverb Syndicate played a series of dates in England and Scotland, hooking up with a variety of UK surf, rock and punk bands.
So… how does this relate to us being the Horror and Zombie source? Well, I was lucky enough to see them at the Ottawa Bluesfest, and while performing they did music that was inspired by cult faves like ‘the Prisoner’ and did a short speech about how then they watch movies, they tend to write their own scores to the scenes… I ran into Jeff in the lineup to ‘Night of the Living Dead LIVE!’ (more on that later) and we instantly started chatting about the show… These guys would DEFINITELY fit in to a Zombie film…and just might! *wink* Besides- I like them, and it’s my site!!!
Enough chitter chatter… here’s Jeff Welsh!
ZK: Heya Jeff, welcome to the site, thanks for taking the time to chat to us… Tell us about the band!
JW: Well King, can I call you King? The band was started 2006 when I asked my friend Mike Bradford (AKA Victor Tremolo) to start up a band while we were both between musical projects. Mike came up with idea of a surf style instroband that would write the soundtracks to “spy movies that don’t exist”. We recruited the other members (James Rossiter and Mike Rifkin), came up with a wacky fictional back story for our band and set to writing songs. And we’ve been shaking peoples hips ever since.
(CLICK FOR FULL SIZE!)
ZK: Let’s get the gushing out of the way quick- you guys blew me away, and NOT just because of the Go-Go Girls (but that WAS a nice touch…) You don’t see a lot of instrumental bands these days, what brought on that decision…or was it just the plan all along?
JW: Mike B. is a big fan of surf music and tiki culture. It’s one of his first loves. So when he suggested we do the surf /spy band (or Spy-fi as we call it) I thought that this would be a fun group to play in but no one would really “get it”. We would play a few shows, have some laughs and that would be it.
Now close to five years later we’ve taken our hobby band has fans across the planet. We have headlined shows in Toronto, Montreal, New York City and as far away as London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and other cities in the UK.
ZK: What kinds of things influence your work?
JW: Being an instro band, you don’t have lyrics to tell your story or narrative. So we look for inspiration from old 60s spy movies and TV shows or old spoofs of spy movies. Its the love of campy 60s culture that kind of solidified the chemistry of the band. We pay tribute to everything from “Get Smart” to “The Prisoner” and “Our Man Flint” or just B-movie in general. But you can’t just rip those thing off, you gotta make it your own.
Also, we use the concept of movie narratives as a link to the fan who is in the front row and wants to connect with the music but doesn’t want look like a tool playing “air-guitar”. So the fan can kinda tell the “Oil Slicks and Ejector Seats” is the soundtrack to the car chase scene in our little pretend movie.
We are writing our third album right now (“Operation: Jet Set” was released in 2006 and “Sputnik A-Go-Go” came out in 2007) but this album is shaping up to be more influenced by the people we’ve met and the places we been than any of others.
ZK: Now I realize that since we’re a ‘horror’ site it might have been weird for me to ask for an interview… but when you said you guys ‘write your own soundtracks to scenes in movies you watch’ I instantly could hear you in a zombie movie. Give us a couple of examples of where your music was inspired by cult/horror films…
JW: Well our stuff is predominately driven by the spy motif. So not much in the horror vein aside from my taste in movies in my personal life. Just for fun, we used to cover the theme song to The Munster’s in our shows, so I don’t know if that counts.
Back in the early days of the band, we wrote our own radio play, in the style of the old radio serials like The Shadow. I always thought it would be cool to take that concept and do a radio play and record it, release it on CD with our music being interwoven with the radio play. An old horror style story would definitely work in that format.
If you like our stuff but want it with a bit more of spooky feel, I would recommend a band out of Toronto called the Von Drats or the Ghastly Ones from California.
ZK: The standard question: Fast or Slow Zombies- which do you prefer and why?
JW: Well what type of Fast Zombies are we talking about? Cause I’m not sure if 28 Days Later style ones really count as zombies. Personally, I’m more scared / a fan of slow zombies. They are like the never stopping, always lumbering, killing juggernauts. Slow and steady. You never saw Jason run in any movie. Why? Cause you always know not matter how fast the promiscuous teens run, he will always catch up. Same with slow zombies. That and they way they lurch gives me the willies.
ZK: So what is on the horizon for you guys?
JW: We are gonna keep writing the new album in the hopes of Spring 2011 release. We will also play shows locally in Ottawa and maybe do a run up and down the 401. Check out www.thereverbsyndicate.ca for details or friend us on the social networking tool of your choice. As long as you choose either Facebook or MySpace.
ZK: Where can people get your stuff?
JW: In finer independent music stores in Ottawa. Also through our website or on iTunes if you want a digital copies. You can also order our CDs at www.cdbaby.com in both physical format or in download form.
(CLICK FOR FULL SIZE!)
ZK: Now, the most important question… can I get… the Go-Go dancers numbers… ?
JW: Ha, actually we don’t even have their numbers. They work through their own top secret security agency and just magically appear 20 mins before show time. Or whenever we’ve drank the better part of a bottle of scotch. Its quite remarkable actually….
WHOOPS- ‘the Zombiequeen’ just caught wind of that last question… better not follow up on that one… Thank you so much for taking the time to chat to us, Jeff- we will keep an eye out for you guys! …Literally! Now- Go to their SITE!
I’m the Zombieking, and this topic is now DEAD to me…
Interview: Writer/Director/Actor …etc on Zombie Women of Satan: Warren Speed!
Greetings Shamblers! A little while back we did a post on Zombie women of Satan, which in my estimation is right up my alley… it was a film featured at Cannes, and has all the things that the Zombieking loves… Babes, Blood, and Zombies… Unfortunately it has the one thing the ol’ ZK HATES… a clown. *shudder* BUT at least we get to talk to him right? Warren Speed played ‘Pervo the Clown’ (which may just go down in history as the greatest clown name of all time), he also wrote, directed, produced, probably did some Craft service for… Zombie Women of Satan. BUT WAIT! That’s not all, he also is involved in ‘Growling Clown Entertainment’ (there’s those fucking clowns again…) that crosses a diverse entertainment landscape, including comedians, burlesque performers, stilt-walkers, fire acts, human statues, aerial trapeze artists, hypnotists, circus acts, singers, cabaret artistes, magicians, dancers and many more… I have to say… I’m kinda digging on this, but enough pandering: Here is Warren Speed!
ZK: Warren ! Welcome to Zombieinfo.com… Let’s dive right in, for those who don’t know about what you do- Tell us a bit about yourself!
WS: I perform male burlesque around the world, produce bizarre live shows and also make movies!
ZK: Based on what info I could find, it looks like ‘Zombie Women of Satan’ was your first film… how did you make the leap from live performance to film?
WS: Its always been my dream to make a movie and everything else has basically been preparation! Ive always written too, so when I got the idea for ZWoS I just went for it!
ZK: You wore a LOT of hats on the shoot- was there any particular job you enjoyed more then the rest and why?
WS: I liked the actual acting best, but I also enjoy the whole producer side of things and putting everything together.
ZK: We all know that no one does anything alone on a set- and the credits mention that you took input on the writing (Seymour Mace & Steve O’Brien), and producing (Steve O’Brien), and even directing (Steve O’Brien). Tell us a bit about those guys and how they helped contribute to the film.
WS: Seymour is a stand-up comedian who improvised loads of funny one-liners. Steve had all the technical knowledge of making movies and put together all the crew etc – without Steve it just wouldn’t have happened.
ZK: Standard question time: Fast or Slow Zombies- which do you prefer and why?
WS: Fast – they’re more exciting and harder to kill.
ZK: Now… your zombies are in various states of dress… thank you for that by the way, when shooting was it difficult to keep your mind on the shoot??? I mean C’MON MAN !!!! I would think the hardest part was getting the blood splatters to match up from shoot to shoot…
WS: I’m used to performing at burlesque shows where they’re are usually lots of scantily clad girls – but its always a bonus having pretty girls about! And even better of they’re topless or in their underwear !
ZK: Now, the DVD is available in the UK … any word on a North American Distributor?
WS: We have a few possible deals we’;re considering so watch this space.
ZK: Any Tee-shirts, bobble heads… other merchandise available on the film? If so where can we get it?
ZK: SO, what’s next on the horizon for you Warren?
WS: I’m currently writing a movie about an all-girl rock band who get possessed by demons !
ZK: Any plans to do more films? ‘Zombie Women of Satan 2’ has a nice ring to it…although you might need to add a little ‘zazzy’ tagline to it… like ‘ZWoS2: Electric Boobaloo’ …or something… maybe I’ll just shut up now… Thank you very much for your time Warren , we really appreciate it!
WS: I wanna make loads more films – I’ve got so many bizarre ideas !!
He has a ton of sites to check out…Go… take a look!
Double post Monday?!?!? What the hell? I thought since I am away I’d throw something special out there… and this one is that…read on!
Interview: Lyle Perez-Tinics –Undeadinthehead.com creator, author and Book Publisher?!?!?
Heya Shamblers!
This time we prove that us zombie and horror freaks have a heart… check this out:
He is ‘self publishing’ an anthology of holiday themed Zombie stories, edited and compiled by himself- It’s called ‘The Undead That Saved Christmas’ and is a charity anthology of short-stories. All proceeds will go to the Hugs Foster Family Agency (www.hugsffa.org) to help them give their foster children gifts this holiday season.
I realize the Zombieking has a cold, dead heart…but that’s fucking cool. I actually might have even felt a little shudder in my heart as it tried to beat. Lyle also has a website called ‘Undead in the Head’ and reviews stories and books there. Now, enough of listening to me tell you what he does- let’s get it from the source: Ladies and Gents: Lyle Perez-Tinics!
ZK: Welcome to the site Lyle, tell us a bit about yourself!
LPT: Thanks for having me. Well, my name is Lyle Perez-Tinics and I am the creator ofUndeadintheHead.com, a website dedicated to zombie books and author interviews. Not only am I a zombie book reviewer, but I am also a writer. I love writing about zombies, and I always try to keep my writing fresh and original. I started reviewing zombie books early January 2010 and I haven’t stopped since then. I have a goal to reach 100 posts (Interviews/Reviews only) by the end of this year. With my newest project, The Undead That Saved Christmas, taking off I might not reach my goal.
ZK: Ok, so you are taking on this project to benefit the Hugs Foster Family Agency (FACEBOOK LINK HERE), tell us about that and how that all came about?
LPT: My charity anthology is titled, The Undead That Saved Christmas, and all the proceeds will go to the Hugs Foster Family Agency. Hugs is a nonprofit agency that takes in kids who have been, abused in any way or their biological parents are not able to care for them. Their sole purpose is to set these kids up with a foster parent until someone adopts them or their biological parents clean up their act, and are able to get the child back. I chose them because last year I donated toys once I saw their massive wish list. There were over 100 kids on the list. A lot of them were asking for shoes, shampoo, gift cards so they can buy clothes and so much other stuff, which to you and me is easy to buy. If I need shampoo I’ll go to Wal-mart and get some, but for these kids that’s difficult.
I started my website this year. Since then I have been making wonderful contacts with authors and publishers. I was sitting at my day job and something in my head clicked. Why don’t I use all my connections and writing talent, to put a book together and donate the proceeds Hugs? I mostly write about zombies so it was a no brainer to do a zombie anthology. Because the proceeds are going to buy the foster kids Christmas gives I decided that a Christmas/Zombie themed anthology was the best choice. There isn’t that much Zombie/Christmas content out there, so I thought this would be hit. Now I needed a name, I thought about it and came up with, The Undead That Saved Christmas. That’s how it happened. Everything has been falling into place since then. People love the idea and it truly warms my heart.
ZK: How can people help out (I’m looking at all the writers out there especially…)?
LPT: I am looking for short stories 3000 – 10,000 words that have strong Christmas and zombie themes. I’m not just looking for stories about a family who has just sat down for Christmas Eve dinner and zombies start knocking on the door. I want writers to get into the spirit of Christmas and use all those things that make Christmas wonderful. The North Pole, Santa’s workshop, Christmas trees, elves, lights, presents, snowmen, sleighs with reindeers, red and green M&Ms, Rudolph and now that you have that in your head, add zombies!
I am also accepting short comics 15 – 35 pages in length. It basically has the same guidelines as short stories but in comic form.
One more thing to add if people would like to submit a story, but can’t make it to 3000 word, I am also looking for Christmas themed Poems. Try to keep it 500 words or less.
If there are any artists who would like to contribute I am in need of Christmas/Zombie clip art. I also need a few artists to help with some special art that will be included in the book. If you’d like to know more about this please contact me atUndeadChristmas@yahoo.com
There are many ways to help out. If you have a blog or a website please feel free to share the links above.
I am also selling stickers of the book cover as a fund raiser to help fund the project. Stickers are only 3.00 each with .50 cents shipping. All of the proceeds from that go toward funding the books first print run and any money left over will go directly to Hugs. You can find these for sale on the http://www.TinyURL.com/UndeadChristmas link, just click on the PayPal button next to the picture of the sticker.
(Click for full size)
ZK: Gotta ask- (cause we always do) which do you prefer and why- Fast or Slow Zombies?
LPT: I am a true zombie fan. I love them all and really have no preference. Ok, ok, I do favor the shamblers a little bit more, but both are equally horrifying. Sprinters are terrifying because they can run, while shamblers are terrifying because they can sneak up on you. Next time you watch zombie movies pay attention, do you get frighten when you see a running zombie or do you jump when the main charter turns around and (BAM!) there’s a zombie.
ZK: You run a review web site, you write, and you take on big projects that make horror fans look good… I hate you. Ok, not really … but what is next for you?
LPT: As of right now my main goal is to make The Undead That Saved Christmas, a one of a kind book. I have no many fresh and new ideas that will make this anthology stand out from the other on the shelf. There are so many wonderful authors onboard, one being, S. G. Browne, author ofBreathers: A Zombie’s Lament. Mr. Browne will be doing the introduction for the book. Even I will have an original story in the anthology. At first I felt a bit ‘odd’ I guess you can say, about putting a story I wrote in my anthology. After I asked the question, should I write a story for my own anthology? on my twitter account (http://www.Twitter.com/LylePerez) I got a good response saying to do it. So I did, and the story is called, The Gingerbreads. Before adding my story to the anthology I sent it to fifteen test readers. Everyone single reader loved it and said it was very original. So now my story is in the anthology.
Some of my other Works have been published. The more recent stories areDement, which will be published in The Undead Nation anthology. Dead of Old, which is in the Eye Witness: Zombieanthology. I also have a flash fiction story for an anthology that is being published by Pill Hill Press.
I recently started writing for a project called Dead on Earth. It’s a collection of journal style writing with different viewpoints of a zombie apocalypse. My character, Xander Annapolis, lives in a small town and is a local garbage man. He loves doing manual labor so he doesn’t mind being a garbage man. Just when things start to go his way, the dead rise. To learn more about this project you can go to http://www.DeadonEarth.com
Dement is truly my pride and joy. It is the first story I wrote and actually finished. Well I shouldn’t say that, Dement is the first story in a long series of short stories that I have been writing. For anyone who will buy a copy of The Undead Nation anthology keep in mind that Dement, doesn’t end there. I will be releasing the other stories to follow sometime later this year in a short novella. I will post more information as time progresses on my twitter page.
ZK: Thank you for taking the time Lyle- we REALLY want to know when this book is available so we can all buy a copy… or 2, I’d bet they would make an AWESOME Christmas gift! So Please let us know when they are ready!
LPT: I will let you know the progress and thanks again for having me on.
Ok shamblers, that is it for this one… and I know my ‘tagline’ is usually ‘I’m the Zombieking and this topic is now DEAD to me… but not this time.
I’m the Zombieking, and this topic will rise again! (Once the book is ready!)
Take a look at this… we got something special this time around, here’s a brief bio taken from his MySpace:
“Amer Shihab is an illustrator from Bristol, United Kingdom, specializing in Horror/Macabre illustrations and creature designs. Previously worked on Artwork for several underground Death Metal bands, and has been featured in several Paperback Magazines (Bizarre, Girls and Corpses) and online sources.The gory and explicit imagery has ultimately led to a solid online fan base, through the use of social networking sites, such as MySpace.This has helped establish ‘DeadArms Productions’ as a strong competitor in the underground art community, with his distinctive, creative style and the shocking scenes portrayed in his work.”
Blah, blah, blah.,… You want a quote? Here is my fucking quote: ‘the Zombieking’ says: “Fuck YEAH! Cool ass art, creepy as fuck!” Print that one… I dare ya!
Enough waiting around- here he is: Amer Shihab!
ZK: Heya Amer, welcome to the site, love the work… let’s dive right in and tell the people about yourself and just what the hell is wrong with you!
AS: Thank you Zombie King, I love the site!
I am a horror illustrator, born in New York, grew up in Dubai and I have recently moved from Bristol, UK, to Los Angeles. I have relocated to chase the American dream, and promote my work relentlessly. The horror market in general over here has a much wider following, and this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase my work. Also there is a very close circuit in the underground art community around here, and they are so welcoming and supportive, so yes, there is more of us! But what I love is that the way we express ourselves and present our work are completely different, yet we share many of the same themes. I really feel part of a community here and it is fantastic, I don’t feel out of place! I am a very shy person in real life, and I usually create my art to express myself and let it do the talking!
ZK: You have a lot of zombie work, so I’ll get the ‘standard’ question out of the way early: Fast or Slow Zombies- which do you prefer and why?
AS: Slow Zombies! They are just so much more fun and decayed, That’s what I usually like to draw in my work. I believe the whole fast zombies idea is a cool modern twist on the genre, to some extent, but it’s only there to replace the underlying themes and social commentary that the George Romero classics always had. I think the genre has taken a U turn and relies too heavily on cheap scare tactics, instead of using the undead as some kind of statement on the society we live in. I personally think it is getting old now and something new needs to be done! I am currently working on a script for my first full length movie, it’s set in an alternative reality, and is at heart a spiritual successor to the golden age of ‘Zombie’ movies. This representation of a worldwide zombie apocalypse follows in tradition the generic codes and conventions set in stone by the creators of the genre, but also brings a modern twist to the frame. I don’t want to give too much away – but it’s going to be terribly good! So painfully low budget, but full of original ideas and subtle references to the classic zombie flicks! And it is not going to be yet another zombie movie, there is something very different about it!
CLICK FOR FULL SIZE!
ZK: Tell us a bit about your influences, are you a movie guy? Music guy? Comic/book guy? Were you just dropped on your head ( or is that just me??? Haha!) ? What???
AS: I am definitely a movie guy! I am a big horror movie buff and it has been the biggest inspiration for my artwork. Also, I love video games, in particular – games made by id Software, 3D Realms and Epic Games.
My mother used to allow me to watch all of the 80s classics when I was younger, such as Hellraiser, The Thing, Childs Play, The Fly, Alien – And she would even buy me the violent video games of the time, such as Doom, Mortal Kombat, Killer Instinct, Primal Rage, Splatterhouse – This certainly fucked me up as a child… Haha! So In a sense, it’s probably just as damaging as dropping me on the head as a baby!
ZK: What is your favorite medium to work in- any specific habits you get into when you create? For example- when I’m writing up an interview, I am usually pantsless with cottage cheese in my undergarments… while listening to the Dixie chicks played backwards…it helps me create… How about you?
AS: Haha! That is pure awesome! Well to be honest I find that the more positive feedback I receive, the more motivated I am to do more work, and aim higher. Jem, my fiancé, is a big motivation to me, always nagging me to get on with work, so I got to give her some credit!
I have recently stopped drinking and smoking, and have been the most clear headed I have been in years. I have been focusing on my artwork, and I think this change in lifestyle is showing in my newest work. It’s definitely the best thing I have done, as I am now a lot more proffessional when I approach my art.
I wish I had my own studio to work in, but unfortunately I don’t right now, and I just make do with anywhere when I get on with my work! At the moment I am renting an unfurnished room, so I pretty much lay on the floor and draw!
ZK: You did some work for a couple of my favorite magazines: Girls and Corpses, and Bizarre- how did that come about?
AS: You know what, it’s a strange story. I sent my work into Bizarre and they featured my artwork in their magazine, but Girls and Corpses magazine had a big feature the page before mine… I think this must have had something to do with it! They must have turned the page and saw my work. Robert ‘Corpsy’ Rhine (great guy!) contacted me on MySpace and asked if I wanted to be featured in their mag, It was awesome!
The following year he invited me to L.A to represent myself as one of the top 20 horror artists in the world for Girls and Corpses magazine at Hyaena Gallery – So I flew out here and actually met him and many of these artists in person, whom I had previously only spoken to on the internet and never thought I would meet! This ultimately led to my decision to move out to L.A and carry on some ‘unfinished business’!
CLICK FOR FULL SIZE!
ZK: What is on the horizon for you ?
AS: I am always open to new challenges and pushing myself artistically. Currently my main project is a major collaboration I have organized, which involves around 15 artists each illustrating their own horror themed stories, and putting it together to form the ultimate collaboration in the history of underground horror art! I have gathered some of the top underground horror artists such as Lou Rusconi, Reuben Splatterbeast, Jose Gabriel Angles, Taco Comics, Shane Ryan, Jason Covelli, Jack Burgin, Bianca Olsen and many more! My story is called ‘Cry Baby, Die Baby!’ and is about cannibal twin sisters giving birth, so that they sacrifice each others child to each other. Ultimately, The second one to give birth becomes attached to her child and tries to hide it from her sister… It’s turning out great so far, and is some of the most goriest work I have produced!Also, I am working with Mike Schneider from ‘Night Of The Living Dead – Reanimated’ on a short holiday-themed zombie comic for the anthology ‘The Undead That Saved Christmas’ organized by Lyle Perez-Tinics (UndeadintheHead.com). This is a for-charity book (www.hugsffa.org) with proceeds going toward buying x-mas gifts for foster kids. Our story is called ‘Gold, Frankincense and Murder’, it is about the nativity of Jesus and the 3 wise men turn out to be zombies, and rip up and eat everyone in site, including the virgin Mary and baby Jesus… It’s going to immense and very violent I assure you! Lastly, I will be exhibiting my work at the ‘Slum Circus’ Art and Comic Expo in L.A on 28thAugust! I am really excited about this one, and really look forward to meeting many like minded people! (more info @ www.SlumCircus.org)
ZK: The most important question: How can people get your stuff???
AS: You can view a wide portfolio of my work on MySpace, and I can also be found on Facebook. My contact details are as follows!
FaceBook: www.FaceBook.com/AmerShihab For commissions or to purchase any original artwork and prints, feel free to contact me, I am a very easy going guy and I love meeting new people.
ZK: Amer- thanks for putting up with me- I need to get this cottage cheese out of my gitch… it’s making me irritable… Maybe I need a new interview muse…
Thanks for your time and keep up the great work!
AS: No problem sir, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to ramble on about myself and my work! It is much appreciated and If ever you need any artwork done, let me know! Wishing you all the best and keep in contact Zombie King!
AS A BONUS: Amer did up this EXCLUSIVE pic for us here at Zombieinfo.com of yours truly, enjoy!!!
CLICK FOR FULL SIZE!
I’m the Zombieking…and this topic is now DEAD to me…
As you are aware- I like art. Not this pussy crap you see in the museums… no I like things a little … ‘darker’. I also think that art is not limited to paint, ink and sculpture… so one night the ‘Zombiequeen’ was lurking on the net… and she brought to my attention this artist she found. There are no ‘big’ things she has contributed to, any television shows or celebrities endorsing her… yet. That means we are in on the ground floor, because what she does is damn fine art… her bio (from her site) is understated:
“I am in love with any and all art forms.
I paint on canvas, digitally, and live for photography.
I am 36 yrs old and have been capturing what I feel on paper and canvas since I was little.”
Pretty fucking simple- she makes art that she loves making, her digital stuff in my view is mind blowing. I had to reach out and show you her work- its right up our alleys, and after reading our interview you can be one of those people in the know… Ladies and Gentlemen, Heather King!
ZK: Heya Heather, Thanks for taking the time to chat to us… So- we NEED to know more! Your bio is so sparse! Tell us about yourself and your art!
HK: Such a pleasure ZombieKing, thanks for having me. Inspiration comes in so many forms, and people neglect to see what is in front of their very eyes, what is so obvious. There is light/dark in everything, beauty/horror just the same. I try my best to capture both sides. There are times where I can spend a full 24 hrs working on one photograph (creating layers and textures) I will go without sleep or food, time stands still and it’s almost like giving birth when the creation is finished. Rarely do people ’see’ what I am trying to say and I am fine with that. There have been a few people who I have spoken to in volumes through my images and that to me is worth more than the lottery.
ZK: You seem to work in several mediums- do you go in phases, like ‘today I will work on a painting… or today I am going to do digital’ or do you have a favorite that you come back to?
HK: I would give ‘ANYTHING’ to be able to paint or draw, so I don’t paint as often as I should. My dream would be to turn my photographs into paintings. A camera is a better friend to me. I don’t really think I have phases, what I create just flows through me, I don’t even need an idea or a theme, it just happens, sort of like being possessed. There are even some pieces I have done that if I look at them I will cringe. Many have been premonitions (of a dark/horrible nature) that I have created, and a few months later the terror depicted in my images had actually happened and came true. I can’t photograph someone dark or bloody that I love or care about, otherwise bad things happen.
ZK: What influences your work- it definitely has an edge to it…
HK: What influences my work? Life…the hardships that others suffer and no one seems to care about. I have never seen so many homeless or painful people than in Ottawa, especially in the area of town that I live in. It breaks my heart. That being said, ‘pain’ is an influence as well as music, ‘the legendary pink dots’ have inspired me throughout the decades unlike anything or anybody else.
ZK: You have some work that features some creatures (Oooo! A rhyme!)…like Vamps and such (thank you for not adding a ‘sparkle’ effect by the way…) Do you have a preference for any particular ‘monster’?
HK:Ha ha ha. Never ’sparkle’ effects. Bleh. Do I have a monster preference? I hate the vampires are ‘trendy’ now with all the bad films out there (cough cough ‘twilight’)…but they are my favorite. I remember when I was little I would always leave my bedroom window open in hopes that one would come to ‘change me’…never happened. When ‘Fright Night’ came out, I was hooked. Wrote down every word from every actor, had that movie memorized. Their power and seduction is very attractive. Best vampire movie people have got to see is ‘Thirst’ by the lovely Park Chan Wook.
ZK: You don’t get away from our standard question around here… even though it has NOTHING to do with art… Fast or slow Zombies, which do you prefer and why?
HK: I like slow Zombies best. There is a delicious lingering of them following, moaning, coming for you.
When I was very young, my dad showed me the classic ‘Night of the Living Dead’ and I fell madly in love.
ZK: What is next on the horizon for you?
HK: I am having a show with another artist at Cafe Dekcuf ( In Ottawa Ontario, Canada) on July 29th. There will be massive amounts of our art, and 2 amazing dj’s. Admission we are asking for a donation, even pocket change.
Sometime in August I will be showing/selling my work at an erotic show, yet to be announced.
ZK: The most important question… How can people get your stuff?
HK: Most of my work can be viewed here www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl. But to get my stuff, sizes you want for a MUCH more reasonable price, it’s best to contact me directly, here locustgirlphotography@live.ca
Heather, we won’t keep you… but thanks again for taking the time to chat to us! We will be keeping an eye on you!
That’s it for this interview, keep it locked to zombieinfo.com for more cool ass chats with cool ass people…
Here is a couple of digital pieces by Heather of yours truly… the Zombieking…
