If you’re not familiar with this project, that is so very dear to my heart and always a constant work in progress, go here to learn more. The issue features: Duane Peters & Corey Parks, Franklin Rhi, Ben Weasel, Russ Rankin, Brad Warner and Lord Ezec (snippets from the chats below). CWP #7 comes in a variety of (200gsm cardboard) covers including purple, blue and green, featuring heart cut-outs in its design and a decorative lace feature. I’ve also handwritten the introduction in every single zine! Subscriber zines will be mailed out first thing tomorrow morning. If you’re interested in getting a copy please email me: conversationswithbianca [at] gmail [dot] com.

Duane Peters & Corey Parks snippet:

DUANE PETERS: …Religion is all about fear. Spirituality is all about yourself and tapping into something else that’s bigger than you that’s maybe running the show. Maybe not just one thing but an element of things—you can tap into good shit or you can tap into negative shit.

The word ‘spirituality’ only makes me think ‘hippie’ because of the way I was bought up. In the early punk rock days it was against the law to be spiritual so you never did it. You ran off fear, ego and through battling this that and the other and not dying. You came to the conclusion—if your brain is still working by the time you get to the conclusion—that maybe something else is running the show. Maybe I can tap into some of that. Maybe it’ll help me lighten up. Maybe it’ll help me find something. Maybe it will help me get out of this fear running the show and ego.

COREY PARKS: I’m about nine years off from Duane. He’s a ‘Kennedy era’ kid and I’m more of a Baptist upbringing, the Rapture and a lot of hell, fire and damnation, the devil.

DP: My grandpa was a Baptist minister. There’s all this heavy religion on one side of my family and the other side are cool.

CP: I was born and raised in Southern California in the 70s. My parents were hippies and the only church my mum took us to was self-realisation fellowship, meditation class and the whole concept of there being a power greater than myself. It’s a little bit closer to what I’ve come to believe as an adult. It was a real positive thing. ‘Spirituality’ was a word that I always associated with God not religion that was always too scary and weird to me… like the Revelation, that was all such weird science fiction.

Ben Weasel snippet:

BEN WEASEL: …I had a little revelation when I came home from Baltimore and I knew a door was closing. I knew that it didn’t have anything to do with me in a sense. For years I sat around and had these ideas, almost these revenge fantasies about how I leave music and I’ll make a big announcement and I’ll walk off into the sunset and tell everyone to fuck off! That is like my happiest fantasy [laughs]. That’s not what this was though; a door was closing and one of the things I realised is that, even though this part of my life is pretty much over, it’s not necessarily completely over. I don’t have to close the door completely. I don’t have to go anywhere. I can continue to work with and ideally mentor young bands, which I enjoy doing, and if one day an opportunity comes up to play a set, I’ll go do that. If an opportunity comes up and I can tape some of my songs I have, then sure, assuming I have the time. It’s not a matter of leaving it behind, it’s about leaving behind my attachments to all that. You don’t have to leave music or the scene behind you just leave your attachments to it. Once you do that ironically, you’ll enjoy it more.

Ben photo by Marc Gartner.

Brad Warner snippet:

BRAD WARNER: When someone asked the guitarist from The Cramps – Poison Ivy – if she had some advice for girls wanting to play the guitar she said: Give up, don’t even try. That comes to mind. There are things in the so-called spiritual world and religion that are worthwhile. You shouldn’t just reject everything straightaway just because it seems religious. It’s more to the point of just staying true to you. A lot of the problem is that people just fall into the same patterns, like how the punk rock way of dressing became just a uniform in the same way that everybody else has to have Louis Vuitton bags or whatever the trend is. When everyone in the punk scene has to have a leather jacket, exactly the right leather jacket, it kind of loses its meaning at that point.

Brad photo by Svetlana Dekic.

Lord Ezec snippet:

LORD EZEC: …If you don’t believe in yourself, who the hell will? …I do everything at 110%.  I am like a pit-bull; I can’t do it half assed.  Got to go with all heart and balls!  There is always someone younger than you, smarter than you, better looking than you and more talented than you who is willing to sell their soul to take your place! You can’t let them take your ground.  You’ve got to fight for what is yours and guard it with dear life.  You’ve also got to understand that it is not only about you, your fans are the reason why you are where you are so you got to be cool to them.  Also remember where you came from.  That is why I always tell people I am from Queens!

Ezec photo by Estevan Oriol.

Franklin Rhi snippet:

FRANKLIN RHI: When I was leading a straight edge kind of lifestyle, I did it because I got into the Krishna movement and the Hare Krishna philosophy. I never got into it because ‘Ray (Cappo) of Today’ told me not to have a beer. Getting into those kinds of bands added to my revolutionary spirit at the time, it made me look at things a lot deeper.

The first band I joined was 108. That band had a lot of spirit. You felt that on stage. Everyone in the band was a devotee. The more people you have that follow the exact same thing makes things a lot stronger on stage. Visually people feel it. Vic [DiCara] was living in the temple, Rob [Fish] was living in the temple, and I was living in the temple. Same thing with Shelter. People can see straight up if you’re following what you are preaching. I don’t really want to spill dirt on any body’s lap but, some of the things I saw in those bands also drove me away from the whole spirituality thing.

Russ Rankin snippet:

RUSS RANKIN: …I can think about being a better person all day long. I can think about being a better citizen. I can think about making then world a better place but, unless I’m taking action it’s just thoughts. When I take action my thinking follows. The first few simple steps of hitting my knees and saying these words, saying these prayers – even though I didn’t believe there was anything out there listening to them – the fact that I was taking action caused my thinking to change.

A big thank you to everyone I had a chat with for this issue, love you guys lots! Thanks for inspiring my life with your creations. Thank you to the photographers who let me use their beautiful work. Thanks to my dear friend Franklin Rhi for being all kinds of awesome! Much love to my subscribers for being patient, supporting this project and being interested in it… you all mean the world to me. Thanks Jhonny for the constant inspiration and for being the best person ever! And lastly, thanks to Vincent for the quality control help ;)

Gratitude, Love & Light,

Recently I was cleaning up my desktop and came across this interview I did for an independent publication from my hometown, QPunx magazine. I’m not sure if it ever ended up being printed? I’m not sure if they’re still going anymore even? I haven’t seen an issue in a long while. Anyhow, I thought I’d share it with you! I even dug out some old photos from my archives to go with it. If you have any questions you’d like to ask me in relation to all that I do feel free to drop me a line: conversationswithbianca [at] gmail [dot] com. I’ve been putting together a series of posts featuring questions people have been emailing me asking. Want to know about zines? What to know about interviewing? Write me. I love connecting with you all.

Tell us a little about yourself on a personal level?

I value my family and friends dearly. I enjoy intelligent thought-provoking, thoughtful conversation. Writing and creating is like breathing to me—if I don’t do it, I will die. Singing makes me happy. Both love and creativity are sacred to me. I wish my artistic technical ability matched my ideas! I tend to always see the positive side of people. I really, really love interviewing people. It helps make sense of my life, the world and my place in it. This year I decided I wanted to live life a little braver and have been facing fears and challenges in my life head-on. My friends make me way cooler! I have the raddest friends on the planet; they’re the smartest, funniest, most loving, super talented people. I draw the greatest inspiration for those closest to me.

And on a professional one?

I am self-taught in all that I do. I come from a very entrepreneurial family—members have owned motorcycle, bicycle & skateboard shops, hair salons, restaurants, car yards etc. My parents inspire me greatly. My dad drove race cars in the 60s and my mum flew tiger-moth aeroplanes! I draw a lot of strength and inspiration from my grandfather Jose also. He was a playwright, actor, speech writer for parliament and fluent (and self-taught) in many languages.

Being a pro-active member of the punk community (making zines, putting on shows, having run a mail order) has taught me a lot. All of my business skills have been learned via my work in the punk world. Making a zine on the scale I did 15th Precinct, I had to fill many roles which also taught me many skills. Interviewing bands and artists over the years has taught me amazing communication and people skills. I feel that those I have interviewed over the course of my fifteen year writing career have been my greatest teachers.

I am constantly researching for my work. My mind is always on and open. I find inspiration in most things. I’m constantly working on my craft. It’s been really hard at times for me to learn and grow my writing in such a public way.

I started making zines around 1994. My first zine was called Social Stupidity, which was followed by my most well-known zine 15th Precinct. All my zines have been inspired by the punk community. I basically started making zines to share my love of all the wonderful local bands I would go see. First and foremost, I will always be the biggest fan!

I have made a handful of one-off zines to cheer up my friends when they’re sad. Recently I have made a couple of zines with a more personal focus Conversations With Bianca and At The Edge Of The World (if people want a copy they can contact me through my blog). I’m in the process of making a zine that uses punk lyrics as positive affirmations for daily life. We all know how pumped the lyrics: rise above / we’re gonna rise above gets us. I have also written for Brisbane street press Rave for fourteen years as well as various other national and international publications in print and online. I have recently formed a zine collective the Paper Cuts Collective with two fellow zinesters. We hope to create networking opportunities for zine lovers and makers and celebrate the awesome-mess of zines in general. Zines are really important, independent press is one of the most powerful tools we have to be heard, to express ourselves and share information and experiences.

What drew you to punk?

I first came to punk rock via way of my big brother Barrie’s record collection. My sister Julie also gave me a Sex Pistols tape. Growing up I idolised my older siblings and thought they were the coolest people ever so naturally I gravitated towards what they were into and it’s what I was around daily. Until my bro gave me the records I was listening to (and still do) Janet Jackson, Salt n Pepa and the like. I also have my brother and sister Juanita to thank for my love of hip hop.

The energy was a big attraction for me as well as the lyrics in both punk rock (and hip hop). I’m a huge fan of lyrics! I really enjoy the work of Matt from The Bronx, Efrem from Death By Stereo, Cinder block from Tilt, Brody from Spinnerette/The Distllers, Jesse from Operation Ivy/Common Rider, Jason from Strung Out, Rob & Vic from 108, Exene from X, Ray Cappo from Shelter and many more. Punk has been a platform for me to explore myself and in which I feel I have a voice. Punk has empowered me to believe that I can do anything that I want to in life.

Tell us the inspiration behind your work and what makes it so worthwhile to you?

As I mentioned before it’s my friends and loved ones closest that inspire both me and my work. Also I think a desire to want to know more and utilising my ability to question why. I’ve heard a lot of punkers say over the years that punk inspired them to question everything—the system, authority etc. I’ve always been the million and one question kid (just ask my family) from the get-go. Maybe that’s a reason I was drawn to punk?

In regards to the Conversations With Punx project it was inspired out of many things. One of those was a deep depression that I had found myself in. I was in a really weird place at the time. I knew there had to be something more than what I was experiencing so I went on a search for something more, something better; my truth. I choose to explore that through what I knew, and that was the punk world.

What makes it worthwhile to me is the fact that it’s helped me so much in my life; it’s helped and inspired those that I have spoken to for it. Imagine sitting across the table from someone you grew up listening to and that had inspired your life telling you that you’ve inspired theirs—it’s unbelievably surreal. The project’s taking on a life and energy all its own. I hope people get something positive out of reading it.

Tell us where this journey (best way to describe it I think) began?

The Conversations With Punx… journey started as a feeling, an urgency that I had to do this. Often I found myself asking questions directly related to me or someone in my life and what we have been going through. I remember talking to Duane Peters about his ten years of drug addiction at the same time a friend of mine was going through similar troubles. I knew my friend really loved Duane and paid a lot of attention to what he has to say so maybe in some way I figured I could help my friend by talking to Duane about his battle with addiction and giving it to my friend to read. Pretty much all my work centres on helping others in some roundabout way.

What was the highlight for you doing the books?

There were so, so many. For real! I am thankful and blessed for the whole journey and where it will continue to take me. The highlight would be the connections made and friendships forged. Hearing all of the stories from everyone was mind blowing. I was really thankful that I got to spend some extended periods of time with some of the interviewees. Also, another highlight was getting to spend a lot of time with my niece, Leasha who I did the layout design with. She’s one of my best friends. All the people that have reached out and connected with me because of the project has also meant so much to me. It may sound a little corny but it’s just a project that keeps on giving and keeps on unfolding. I’m excited to see what happens next.

Is there anyone you wish you could have had in the books not there?

No not really, the people that were meant to be in the book are. There were a few people I approached that declined to have a conversation on the subject. Spirituality is a very personal thing and not everyone wants to talk about their beliefs which I respect. One guy had me pay him for an interview! I’ve spoken to Mike Muir about spirituality and I wish I could have included that but he choose not to be a part of it. As a rule he chooses not to be a part of ‘punk’ related projects/books/docos. There were a few instances too where artists managers were super rude to me, not returning calls as promised, hanging up on me etc. One artist’s manager declined for the artist and then at a later date I interviewed the artist and asked them myself and they hadn’t heard about my request at all (and were pretty pissed they weren’t told). There are a lot of bogus managers and self-important PR people out there… luckily there are many, many more lovely ones too. Thank goodness.

Are there any bands from Queensland you absolutely love (past or present)?

Yes, many! I adore (in no particular order): Blister, Hobo Obituaries (plus Jhonny’s solo stuff is AMAZING and Hobo DJs), the Death Set (originally form the Gold Coast), Pangaea, Dick Nasty, Knaw, Operator Please, Against, Felinedown, Mad Occupants, Reichelt, Mouthguard, the Greys (and Mark Duckworth solo work), Bantha Fodder, A Secret Death, Blowhard. Fur from the Gold Coast is one of my all-time favourite bands. I loved and was affiliated with the Gold Coast punk community for a long while so bands like Vicious and the Freuds will always have a place in my heart. I know I have forgotten a whole lot, sorry guys!

If you could ask the one question what would it be?

What does love mean to you?

Where to from here?

More creativity, more zines, more blogging, more writing, more interviewing, more music, more art, more magic all the time! I’ve got my Hip Hop Insight project underway. I’ve already spoken to twelve people in the hip hop world for that. It’s similar to Conversations With Punx but I’m talking to hip hoppers. Plus I’m working on music projects and several other exciting things that I can’t reveal just yet. I eventually want to become involved in a lot more ‘cause’ related work. My pal Heidi Minx has a really great D-I-Y approach to helping the world with her Built On Respect project–she inspires me greatly. I love surrounding myself with good people doing positive, constructive, creative things. My biggest inspiration is my Jhonny, he is an artist and musician. He has taught me so much about creativity and inspires me to be better and do better every single day. In all my travels I’ve never met another person like him, he is very dear to me. I’d really love to start my own print magazine again…  you never know, anything is possible!

CREATE FOREVER!

Jelena is the frontwoman for Melbourne, Australia hardcore band Outright. She is also the owner and operator of Bake Down The Walls – a cruelty free treats n eats not-for-profit vegan food stall she sets up at hardcore/punk shows to help raise money to give back to the community, bands and causes she thinks are important and passionately cares about. Jelena also works in sex offender management. Her positivity is infectious.

What do you wear on stage?
Literally, simply jeans, a band shirt and sturdy shoes. As long as I’m comfortable enough to move around when we play and not be self-conscious about my appearance then I’m happy. It’s also important to me that the person you see on stage is the same person you see behind the desk, in the crowd, working the door, amongst articles in a zine or before you, shaking your hand.

How important is your stage outfit to you?
The aesthetic is not a concern to me at all. It only has a practical purpose in our culture where music, message and mates are so much more important. If anything, I might choose to wear a shirt that represents a valued cause/idea or a band I’d like to support or promote, but most of the time it’s just whatever I feel comfortable in on the day. Being on stage doesn’t make me any better or more important than anyone who is not, so I prefer to not reinforce that divide. In such a male-dominated scene, I also try my best to do what I can to deflect the male gaze that is on me and other women and focus on our performance and message, as a group, instead.

Make-up-wise what’s your onstage must?
Considering how much I jump, kick and stomp around the place, sweat and probably bash my mouth with the mic, make-up is not a priority or consideration. It doesn’t last and I can’t really be bothered keeping up appearances when I’m just trying to keep my breath haha. In the everyday though, I choose to wear the select MAC products that are vegan. I think they’re good quality and I prefer to support ethical companies.

What’s your biggest beauty indulgence?
I’m afraid I’m not the indulgent type (unless you place a vegan cheesecake in front of me haha)! My biggest indulgence though is probably a gym membership or a tropical holiday full of mountain hikes, invigorating bike rides and sunny days in the surf. I feel most radiant when I’m fit, healthy, strong, relaxed, confident, happy and energised and this encapsulates true beauty to me. However, I have been known to splash out on a gorgeous vintage playsuit or sundress when the opportunity allows!

What are your offstage outfits like?
Much like my onstage ones! Nice weather permits an increase of the before-mentioned vintage dresses, skirts and shorts but what you see is what you get at all times.

Who are your style icons?
If I have a style it is not an “inspired” one, I’m sorry. I love my street wear and tattoos, and appreciate the curves, colours and playfulness of the 1950s-60s when I embrace my feminine side as well, but hope that my personality and mind speak of a style that’s more important in the long run.

What do you do creatively when you’re not creating/playing music?
I often struggle with this question (even when I ask it to myself) because I don’t believe I have a creative bone in my body haha. However, I have some kind and supportive friends who fervently deny this and argue that my baking and written contributions to zines are creative and demonstrate a drive and skill I’m likely to dismiss. With some friendly helpers I designed and stencilled my band’s demo CDs and tried to provide variations of these so as to offer the recipients a sense of their own individual right and reward in owning a special copy for being kind enough to support us.
I also create and run a non-profit homemade vegan food stall at hardcore punk shows to inject a sense of community into our culture, offer my own way of giving back to the scene that’s given me so much, and hopefully motivate others in taking small steps to make significant and positive changes in the world around them. I’ve been doing Bake Down The Walls for almost 6 years now and, with the support of generous and hungry friends, have raised thousands of dollars over the years for domestic violence crisis services, animal rescue groups, environmental initiatives, mental/medical health schemes and our own DIY shows and local or travelling bands. I guess this can be considered creative in the methods I use to accomplish these goals, the different flavours I try to produce in my dishes and the challenge I enjoy in taking mainstream favourites and veganising them for the stall. Because it encourages such an awesome exchange of ideas I hope to compile a zine of recipes and tips in collaboration with local artists and photographers but I am subject to time’s harsh constraints at this stage! While I’m not skilled in any visual arts or any particular instruments I have a keen ear and eye and a true passion that exudes me. I guess my outlet is my expression of this passion in everyday life and, considering what life throws at you, this can be quite creative in itself!

What makes your musical style different?
Musically, Outright is not that different to all the hardcore, punk and metal influences that inspire and energise us. I hope our songs can be seen as an expression simply of what we love to hear ourselves!

Have you ever encountered sexism within the music community?
I find it an anomaly that we still experience sexism in the counter-culture of hardcore punk when it strives to be a refuge from, and fight against, mainstream injustices and norms. While I have experienced the obvious forms of sexism in the jokes, insults, discomfort and sense of rejection women feel in punk as a male-dominated culture, I think the underlying expressions of this sexism can sometimes be more damaging because they are not as obvious and are harder to fight against. It’s easy to talk someone down when they insult you or tell you that you don’t belong or don’t match up but it’s much harder to fight the identity politics that subconsciously try to undermine women, sexualise them and relegate them to stereotypes, genered roles or pure invisibility. I think this is best challenged every day by ensuring that women are thoroughly supported, heard, accepted, encouraged and respected, and that we do not defeat ourselves by subjecting each other to the competition and judgment that degrades us in the first place. Sexist behaviour needs to be confronted and challenged at each opportunity and, in a positive environment of open-minds and compassionate hearts, I hope that this gradually creates the culture both punk men and women speak about and actually deserve.
Despite these negative experiences though, I do still believe in the hardcore punk scene that appeared to me as a beacon of hope and change in the first place. This is why I and other women like me have stuck with it despite the struggles – to not let it defeat us, not let it steal the music and message we live for, and to make sure our presence alone remains as a “fuck you” to the ignorant and weak majority that can’t be bothered striving for more.

How do you deal with the haters?
I speak up and stand up if I sense an injustice to myself or others but, for the most part, I reject the haters and prefer to focus my energy on the positive, encouraging, open-minded and open-hearted few instead. I also think it’s important for us each to embody and represent the change we want to see around us so at each opportunity I try to deal with the complacency and insensitivity of others by demonstrating and celebrating the joys and accomplishments in my alternative.

Tell me about your latest projects.
Outright are touring interstate more in the next few months and writing new songs to hopefully record a 7″ shortly. We have been added to an Australian Hardcore compilation being finalised as we speak, are often contributing to lots of zines, blogs and other interviews, and are looking forward to more local shows as they come up. Bake Down The Walls pushes on whenever time allows and I love my job in sex offender management so I see my goals there as a project in themselves as well. Personally, I’m working through intensive training to rehabilitate my back after experiencing some vertebra out of place and this is a mission every day!

Outright HC – Takedown from ABADIGITAL on Vimeo.

Listen to Outright: 

Bake & Destroy!

*Photo Credits: 1 – John Hatfield / 2 – Paula Delley Photography / 3

• I’m super loving UK lady musician VV Brown’s new mixtape!! She’s inspired by CSS, B52′S,White Stripes, Ella Fitzgerald, Mystery Jets, Imogen Heap, Feist, Blur, Elvis Presly, Yo Gabba Gabba, Nintendo, Science Books, PULP, Aretha Franklin, Ruth Brown & Disney movies. 
• ‘The Other F Word’ a documentary on punk rock fathers. Rancid’s Lars Frederiksen, Bad Religion’s Mr Brett and more!
• There’s a Courtney Love memoir in the works! I cannot wait to read this (I’ve been a huge Courtney fan forever, I’ve been collecting interviews with her/features on her since I was 15! I’m such a dork! But a dork with lots of Courtney clippings! ha!) … it’s to be co-written by one of my favourite writers Anthony Bozza. 
• Henry Rollins Speaks On His Consciousness-Expanding Trip to the Library of Congress With Ian MacKaye!
• (One of the greatest ever) Australian-based hardcore zine(s) Rest Assured takes a look at Cro-Mags’ frontman John Joseph’s NYHC walking tour of the LES—art, crime, drugs and punk rock.
• Lots of interviews with one of my favourite artists Audrey Kawasaki. Her work is otherworldly!
•  The Story of Rock – Johnny Ramone and the guitar he used to define The Ramones’ sound.
• Arrested Development’s emcee Speech on the Arts & Entertainment Conference 2011.
• There’s a Rock n Roll Hall of Fame exhibit happening highlighting women in music: Pioneers Of Rock.
•  I cannot wait for the doco Eastside Punks to come out! It’s about Los Angeles’ ‘other’ punk scene! 
• Inside the J.C. Unit One aka Johnny Cash’s tour bus of two decades.
•  “Baby I Love You” in 2011. 68 and still rocking it!
•  How a Coffee-Powered Car Crushed a World Landspeed Record.
• A Quiet Riot: Latinos Making Noise in Hard Rock & Heavy Metal. Art featuring Tom Araya, Mike Muir and more.
•  In All Our Decadence People Die – A Collection of Crass Fanzines!
•  Omg! A Toki Doki and Barbie collab!!

 What awesomeness have you come across this week?! Sharing is caring!

 Happy Trails!

*Courtney photo by Hedi Slimane (I originally saw it in Love Magazine)

On the weekend as part of Australia’s leading independent arts festival This Is Not Art - which “is a supercharged convergence of writers, performers, thinkers, independent and industry musicians, creative researchers, electronic artists, dilettantes, and DIY culture makers in a showcase featuring over 400 local, national and international artists” – The Golden Stapler Awards for zines and celebrating zine making were held (presented by Format and the National Young Writers’ Festival). And guess what? 

I won the Australian Zine Maker of the Year award as well as a second award for the Best Zine Produced in Australia (as a series this year) for Conversations with Punx: A Spiritual Dialogue!!

 I am beyond stoked! As regular readers of CWB know I’ve been making zines for 17 years, since I was 15 years-old. It truly is one of my favourite things to do in the whole world. I look forward to making many, many more. Thank you for everyone who helped make Conversations with Punx what it is, you know who you are! I’m glad I decided to follow my heart and make it a limited edition zine series before I turn it into a book. It was important to me to be able to be hands on with the process of releasing it. Each zine that I send out is personally copied, hand-bound, sometimes hand drawn on and made by me (with help from JR with the cover screenprinting). If you’re interested in getting one please go here. Questions? Contact me at: conversationswithbianca [at] gmail [dot] com.

 Thank you to everyone that has supported and encouraged this project. It truly is super appreciated. It has been, and continues to be, the most AMAZING journey! Conversations with Punx is dedicated to the True Hearts, True Believers & Truth Seekers.

 CREATE FOREVER!!

• For some awesome new music check out Living Too Late: Fast Weapons Radio Sundays from 10:00PM to 12:00AM  (Punk, Post-punk, No-wave, and Noise) … you can also listen to previous shows at any time too.
•  The Little Cupcake and Cookie Shop make the raddest cakes… Exhibit A – a red velvet Hello Kitty cake!
• Seriously cute! Jedi Kittens Strike Back.
• Thanks to my homegirl Nas Kat I’ve been turned on to the uber-awesome Australian-based Lotus Mendes jewelry line. Goddess rings. King Tut handcuffs. Reach for the Stars bling. If you’re after a statement piece with heart this is the place! 
• Have a Debbie Harry, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé of your very own to put in your pocket. Paper dolls.  Hell yeah! Fun, fun!
•  “The stage will belong to you” in rock goddess Corey Parks’ (and longtime friend Yohanna Logan) Stand & Deliver high end couture line. Worn by Rancid’s Tim Armstrong, Black Eyed Peas’ Fergie, Jennifer Herrema and more. The label was named after the Adam Ant song—here’s No Doubt, Katy Perry and Hayley from Paramore rocking their version of it!
• Want to know what Lemmy’s hat collection looks like?
• A bootleg of the 13^th Floor Elevators recorded on the Sump’n Else television show from 1966.
• Burlesque performer Beatrix Von Bourbon wrote a really frank piece on Going from full-time performer to a performer with a part-time job. An interesting read I think many creative can relate to.
•  One of my favourite bands Elysian Field has a new record out Last Night on Earth. Jennifer and Oren talk about the album… their interview answers make me love them even more!
• Ever wanted to know what it’s like to work at a fashion magazine? Jazzi McGilbert one of my favourite fashion bloggers has interned at the best of them. 
•  10 Weird and Wonderful Women Musicians (Who Eat Lady Gaga For Breakfast)  
• Graffiti Wars examines street art and graffiti, and the creative tensions and conflicts within this artistic arena.  
• Want to know how How Hip Hop Changed The World ?  
• A couple of nights ago in the US Planet Rock The Story of Hip Hop and the Crack Generation aired.
• One of my favourite underground hip hop acts of late The Lost Children Of Babylon (LCOB) performed live at The Zeitgeist Media Festival.
• Vogue editor-in-chief of 10 years (and a lady I find inspirational) Carine Rotifeld answers what she’s been up to since leaving Vogue and what’s next on the horizon? Her book Irreverent featuring photographs culled over her 30-year career is published on October 5.
•  There’s also an interview between Carine Roitfeld and Karl Lagerfeld up on Interview.
• More interesting music writing from Collapse Board that’s resulted in an interesting comment read. A Letter to a Disgruntled Goyte Fan.
• Where does Bikini Kill/Le Tigre/The Julie Ruin’s Kathleen Hanna get her hair cut? Bandmate Johnanna Fateman’s NYC hair salon that’s where! 
• Australian zinesters chat about The zine scene: Underground world of self-publishing
• Vivienne Westwood chat to Rolling Stone about her Spring 2012 Collection.
• Beth Ditto performing at the M.A.C. Soho Fashion’s Night Out. She performs Madonna’s Vogue and Dolly Parton’s Jolene!
• And lastly this week, my photographer friend Mark Lobo has started a new site called Von Vintage which takes a look at preserving the beauty in objects that were once common place, all through film photography.  

Wishing you happy days!

*Image sourced from Teen Vogue.

• As the name suggests Women In L.A. Punk is a collection of interviews with ladies active in the Los Angeles punk scene before 1980. Questions asked include: What was the role of women in the early punk scene? It’s awesome to see a site that pays tribute to these daring individuals and that gives an oral history of the community from a female perspective.
• I cannot wait to order Violence Girl! A memoir of a Chicana feminist and punk musician. 
• Debbie Harry performed on the US Today show a couple of days ago.  
• All-girl Japanese punk band Shonen Knife celebrate their 30 year anniversary by releasing record Osaka Ramones, a tribute to one of their favourite bands ever The Ramones! (make sure you click the audio link to hear the podcast). 
• A Rolling Stone Italia video interview with Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir. SxTx also have a brand new film clip.
• Devo costumes for Halloween anyone?
• Learn The Art of Handling Criticism. Figure out what’s helpful and steer clear of what’s not.
• I just can’t get enough of Mama Biscuit! 
• Hands up if you love Tom Waits. Hands up if you love the Cookie Monster. With their powers combined you get this. 
• A Beautiful Mess always has fun d.i.y. craft projects like How To Make a Flower Headband (Frida Kahlo stylee).  
• The always gorgeous Amelia Arsenic has been touring Europe with her band Angelspit. 
• This week I have been totally obsessed with levitation photos. 
• My Los Angelian friend Mike Mason a.k.a. Shmoe makes rockin’ podcasts. Mike Patton. Iggy Pop. Grinderman. Ouch My Face. Queens of the Stoneage. Black Flag. Ween. Need I say more? He also makes his own killer music too… check it!
• Songs by Wesley Willis make me smile: I Whipped Spiderman’s Ass, Kurt Cobain, Oprah Winfrey, KMFDM  and Jello Biafra.  
• Henry Rollins talks about selling out.  
• Burlesque star Dita Von Teese has her own fragrance coming out mid-Oct. It will feature “top notes of fresh peonies, fizzy bergamot, and spicy Bourbon pepper; a heart of Bulgarian rose, Tahitian Tiaré petals, and fresh jasmine; the base features patchouli, musk, and smoky Gaiac wood and sandalwood” …with such beautiful ingredients I can’t wait to try it!
• Oh to be in Baltimore this weekend to celebrate Frank Zappa! This event looks like so much fun! There are even activities for the kids where they imagine themselves as a monster and can draw it on a t-shirt to take home. Plus they’re even having a ‘banned book’ fair.
•  A TIME magazine feature Anatomy of a Zine: When Magazines Go Indie.
• And lastly for this week, as always the site I write for Collapse Board, delivers fine music writing. Favourites this week include: Top 10 Disney Songs of All Time and Amanda Palmer live in the UK. 

Love & light,

 *Dita pic sourced from Harper’s Bazaar. Peep the behind the scenes video.

Inspiration Notebook. I’ve been keeping art journals full of images I cut from magazines and all sorts of places that I find inspiring since I was a little kid. It’s something that I’ve never ‘grown out of’ nor think I ever will. It’s so handy to have collections of images that make you happy, whenever you’re feeling a little blue you can open up the pages and your spirit can be instantly lifted. The little blurb says: You’re a leader with far-reaching vision, resilience and an uncanny understanding of people. Your nurturing abilities make you a true friend. It came from a magazine star sign section—my star sign! Inside the notebook.

This week: listening to The Gossip really really loud in the car, warmer weather, candy coloured heels, digging through boxes of zines, rad interviews with stylish ladies, musical buttons, super fun packages from awesome bands in the mail and familia.

Writings of Jose Valentino. I never got to meet my grandfather, I was born after he passed but I am lucky enough to have a collection of some of his writings. He was a playwright, radio announcer and journalist. This particular piece is called “Thunder Over Mexico”.

JR’s Art. Another favourite photomontage art piece gracing the walls of my abode. When J first made it all the eyeballs in spacesuits freaked me out! ha ha! Now I love it! He has a whole bunch of great works on his art blog All Birds Deserve To Die please take the time to check them out and if you’re so inclined you can also purchase your favourites. Help keep the creative goodness rolling and support local artists!

Time to put the sweaters away. It’s that time of the year in the Southern hemisphere to pack that winter wardrobe away and get the cute dresses, skirts and shorts out! This particular one is my favourite. I found it in a local op shop. The tag says it’s made in Italy! The photo doesn’t do it justice… it’s got an incredible glitter through the knit. I love my vintage jumper collection, especially the pieces from the ’80s. If you know of any great places to buy vintage sweaters please point me in the direction.

Button, button who’s got the button?  Me that’s who! My Regurgitator play button finally arrived with their new album on it. These things are seriously the best way I’ve seen music delivered to fans in ages. Who doesn’t want to wear a button repping their favourite band while being able to listen to them. It’s frickin’ genius! The other smaller button features art by one of my favourite Brisbane artists and friend, Philip Dearest. His work blows my mind—peep it here. It’s definitely unique.  

Zines! I found a few extra copies of my zine back catalog in storage. If anyone is interested in owning any of these get in contact (conversationswithbianca [at] gmail [dot] com). This is a super limited offer. The issues of 15^th Precinct come with punk rock compilation CDs that I put together of local, Australia-wide and a few underground overseas bands I love. A lot of bands featured aren’t together anymore and it’s almost impossible to get their work.

Girl at the front. I also found my setlist collection of gigs from over a decade ago. I think I must have more Blister (the Gold Coast punk band) setlists than anyone ever—there’s over 20! In my teens and well in to my 20s you could find me front row centre at every show. Now days I’m working on getting on that stage myself! Stay tuned.

Stickers! Another find in storage… if anyone is keen I can send them a whole mess of punk rock stickers. Get in contact.

Bloom to blossom, bloom to perish. I love being out in nature and I love being out in my garden. I’ve always wanted a rose garden since I was a little girl. When I met J I told him of the dream and in no time I got one. I’m the luckiest lady in the world.

A rare occurrence. ME in high heels! Ha! My whole life I’ve always been a sneaker and boots kind of girl. I find heels pretty much impossible; I’ve always been a comfort first lady. I’m sure that’s from growing up a tomboy… skateboarding, playing video games (the old school stand-up arcade style) with my bro, going to every concert I could—not really the most ideal heel wearing conditions. That said I’m starting to expand my heel collection slowly… very slowly. So this spring/summer you just might see me out and about in heels…. maybe! ;)

Tell me how your week is going….

Love & sparkles,

Faith. Conversations with Punx #6 was finished this week. This was the cover art in progress. It was so nice to cut & paste, I find it quite meditative.

Tea. It’s one of my favourite things in the whole wide world. Currently there’s around 12 different teas in the cupboard! It’s what fuels my days—jasmine green or rose green are my drink of choice. I love my teacup and teapot collection.

Reminders. My big sis Julie gave me this sign as a housewarming gift. Seeing it everyday reminds me not to sweat the small stuff and that if I fall down in any part of my life, things will be ok, I just have to take a breather and get back up and keep going forward.

Rubaiyat Records rules! This seven inch arrived in a package that the lovely folks from Rubaiyat (a little indie label from Europe) sent me when I wrote them wanting to buy a record they put out several years ago by Designer Imposter. This particular seven inch’s art is AMAZING! Each copy is unique handmade, stenciled and limited edition. I wish more artists/labels took time to do art like this.

Bizoo. Staples co-founder of the Paper Cuts (zine) Collective sent me this, it’s a collection of work/features from his former zine/street press he once did. It’s an interesting read. Staples’ zine was around at the same time my old zine 15^th Precinct was happening. Reviewing my zine in Bizoo, Staples kindly called it “the Australian punk rock bible” …it also mentions ‘beef’ we had way back when but you know what? I have no recollection of this! I’m super curious to know what that’s in reference to because I’ve racked my brain and checked back over our correspondence and things seemed all good to me.

Father’s Day. Though I didn’t get to spend the day with my dad I was thinking about him often throughout the day. I have a photo of him in his racecar on my office wall (pictured). He’s a great man. He’s helped my mother raise five kids—they’ve been married 55 years this year! That to me is an achievement! He also selflessly looks after my ma who has advanced Alzhiemers. He’s one of the best people I know. The photo of the man in the hat is my grandfather (my dad’s dad) Jose who was a writer.

Paints! The homestead is always full of art supplies and ready for creation at a moments notice! ha ha! It’s so lovely to live in an environment that nurtures the creative spirit.

Om. This is one part of a four part art piece that was made by my friends Greg Attonito and Shanti Wintergate for my Conversations with Punx project launch I put on last year at Bleeding Heart Gallery. The work is one of my most treasured art pieces, the om is made from a map and the border is all handwritten with wonderful positive thoughts.

Fresh flowers. I love bringing nature inside. I adore keeping fresh flowers on the kitchen table and at my writing desk. These roses were so beautiful I simply couldn’t walk pass them. Why not give someone that’s awesome in your life flowers this week? You don’t have to spend $ buying any, just pick some from a garden! I guarantee it’ll make whoever you give them to smile. The two little pups in the photo are my salt & pepper shakers, a gift from JR! Too cute!

I hope your week is magical!

Create forever!

The official doorman! This is the little guy that greets all that come to visit the casa. He was the very first purchase I made with the first pay cheque I got from my first fulltime job! I used to walk passed him on the way to work – he was at the door of a hippie store that looked like Aladdin’s Cave of Wonders – it made me smile every day to see him because he was so bright and happy! The day I got paid I took him home and he’s been with me ever since no matter where I’ve lived. I like my décor bright & quirky just like my life.

Office organisation. Finally for the first time in my life I have an office! I’ve always wanted my own little space where I could hang all the tour posters and music memorabilia I’ve collected over the years on along with all the art made by the people dearest to me. I love decorating!  I love surrounding myself with inspiration. I snagged the Hole poster when I snuck into their 18+ show in 1995 when they played Australia, I was only 15 at the time! Ha!

Wardrobe malfunction! No I didn’t pull a Janet Jackson at the Superbowl or a Nicki Minaj on GMA but… my wardrobe literally imploded on itself! Too many clothes broke the fittings holding the bar in place! I took it as the Universe telling me it was time to have a spring clean and to get myself ready for the warmer months. This is what it looked like once I had it sorted again. As you can tell, I love colour—there’s hardly any black in my wardrobe! Bright prints, leopard print, polka dots, tie-dye, stripes, hailspots! Not to mention lots of texture and exotic embroidery and sparkle.

Anime! I’ve been in love with animation since I can remember. I adore a lot of the Japanese stuff. This is one of my animation cells from my collection. There’s a lot of fancy computer generated animation around these days but I’ll always be the hugest fan of the old school style. It’s nice to have an original piece of the show/film, it’s something really special.

Vinyl. JR seriously has one of the best vinyl collections I have ever seen. Every single thing in it is gold! Exhibit A = Ramones – Acid Eaters on marbled vinyl! Recently while in Melbourne I noticed how amazing the place is for vinyl shopping! If you’re headed that way, here’s a comprehensive guide for vinyl diggin’ in Melbourne.

Creation! New music. Working on new tunes! I feel so lucky I get to listen to JR’s creative process every day. It’s been inspiring me to pick up the guitar and start writing for my dream record. It’s funny ‘cause I’ve always wanted to play music and I’ve pretty much watched everyone of my friends go on to do so… for me it’s been a little more complicated than just picking up an instrument and doing it (but that’s a whole post in itself… which may just materialize on Conversations with Bianca soon). JR also does super fun party time mash-ups! It’s way fun trying to guess the tracks he’s melded together.

Piñata Purple! is the latest nail hue I’m rockin’. It’s from the Kit Cosmetics nail polish range’s new Viva La Color Collection. Out of all the nail polishes I’ve ever used I find the Kit brand to be one of the best. It goes on with minimal effort and it dries super quickly – two things that are important to me, as I get really impatient waiting for polish to dry and my time is limited. I couldn’t even dream of spending lots and lots of time applying and wearing loads of cosmetics. Because I hardly wear make-up I get my colour/girlie fix painting my nails. I can appreciate the cuteness of nails done like this Hello Kitty creation but it’s not very practical – if you’re like me and write/type a lot and play instruments, it’s just totally out of the question.

Zine mailout. Going to the post office and sending zine orders off as well as copies of my zines to the folks putting together The Golden Stapler Zine Awards (you can vote for me)! The GS Awards is such a great idea, I’ve discovered so many new zines to check out. Toki Doki yay!

Books! Another favourite past time, I love hitting all the secondhand book stores and book fairs to find treasures. I love so many different subjects that I can always find something wonderful. A favourite subject is: Ancient Knowledge! … I’m looking forward to the David Icke tour in September!

 How’s your week kicking along so far?

Hearts & hugs,