Who: Zola Jesus
What: Synth pop. Dark wave
Why: Her voice is really spectacular. She could sing anything that she desires.
Where:
Zola Jesus: #AtoZChallenge
Tag Archives: #atozchallenge
Thundermother : #AtoZChallenge
Who: Thundermother of Sweden
What: Rock and roll.
Why: You might be thunderstruck by the ladies of Thundermother. They are fans of Janis Joplin. I think Janis Joplin would be a fan of Thundermother.
It is my opinion that they will deliver on a solid rock and roll album, which will be out in the fall of 2020. Their music videos are also a good time. Check out their links and videos.
Where:
Main Page
https://www.instagram.com/thundermother
Jenner: #AtoZChallenge
Who: Jenner of Serbia
Aleksandra Stamenković – vocals & guitar
Marija Dragićević – drums
Katarina Henc – bass guitar
What: Heavy/Thrash Metal.
Why: They rock as much as any other great rock or metal band. Jenner reminds me of Vixen if Vixen was a touch more metal.
Where: If you feel so inclined, visit the band at the following links. Show them some love!
The post is part of the 2020 installment of the A to Z Challenge. My topic for 2020 is Rock Goddesses. All of the bands have female lead singers.
Gallia: #AtoZChallenge
Who: Gallia of Belgium.
Elyn Vandenwyngaert: Vocals
Yannick Maris: Lead guitar, compositions
Davy Coningx: Rhythm guitar
Laurens Vandebroek: Bass guitar
Dieter Vantilt: Drums
What: They play symphonic metal. Their name reminds me of a spooky ghost town that is within an hour of where I live. Gallia is also a little spooky. Do they go on ghost hunts in between gigs? I think that whenever it’s possible, Gallia should do a concert/ghost hunt. Play music and hunt for ghosts at the same event.
Why: Besides being spooky, they are pretty kickass. I’m hoping that they get the following that they deserve – millions and millions of fans that love metal and ghost hunting.
Where:
The post is part of the 2020 installment of the A to Z Challenge. My topic for 2020 is Rock Goddesses. All of the bands have female lead singers.
The Anchor: #atoZChallenge
If you are looking for a new favorite metalcore band, The Anchor should definitely be on the list. Who is going to tell if you are rockin’ out to The Anchor in the privacy of your own home? Plus, we’ll all have time to get psyched up for their next concert – fingers crossed.
Who: The Anchor of Denver, Colorado. Linzey, Sham, Cory, Adam, Ryan
What: Metalcore with a rock goddess. Check out their album, Breathe.
Why: They are badass. They also have awesome merch. Go buy some to support the band.
Where:
https://www.theanchorband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheAnchorBand/
https://twitter.com/theanchorband?lang=en
https://www.instagram.com/theanchorofficial/
The post is part of the 2020 installment of the A to Z Challenge. The topic is Rock Goddesses.
a to z bucket list: KISS in concert
Can you believe that I’ve never seen KISS in concert? I can’t either.
I have watched two seasons of Gene Simmon’s reality show but no live concerts. Gene Simmons in footie pajamas is one of my favorite things in the world.
So this summer, my boyfriend and I are going to the Chicago Open Air Festival. KISS was the deciding factor between that show and Rock on the Range. We’re driving three extra hours.
It will all be worth it so I can cross the KISS concert off of the bucket list.
P.S. I was not able to attend the concert. My boyfriend went with his dad and they had a great time.
Alina Urusov: A to Z Challenge
Alina Urusov has done art and colors for comic books such as X-Force and Young Avengers Presents and X-Force #11. She has also done the cover art for NYX: No Way Home and other Marvel Comics’ publications.
I’m still in shock that she agreed to do this interview. Enjoy!
What was the first thing that you were proud of drawing?
Some early things include Jesus, naked women, horses and princesses, and this one awful painting in art class at age 5 that must have looked like a tortured soul’s divulgence into insanity..
What are you working on now?
I will soon start work on a personal contribution to a comics anthology, but I have been taken a hiatus to travel and raise my toddler lately..
Who has influenced you the most as an artist?
Everything has, but probably the art books my mom had when I was a child, because I became so familiar with art that I could easily see myself carving masterpieces too, haha
Who is your favorite female superhero/villain/comic book character?
honestly I dont follow comics and I never attach myself to characters, I just enjoy pieces of fiction as a whole, for the atmosphere they create and to escape my own headspace.
Do you think people expect a certain type of art from you since you are female?
I hope by now I have sufficiently proven myself, so that’s probably not the case and I enjoy the darker things just as much as the cute things, actually when the two are combined it creates an indispensible balance..
How often do you go to comic book conventions? Do you enjoy conventions?
I dont go anymore.. I used to when I was producing more.. they are work for me.. another way of selling my product, and doing sketches for 3 days straight can get tough. I enjoy the cosplays immensly though..
Are you an introvert or extrovert?
Introvert mostly, but its important for me to have one on one connections with others. I dont do well in groups as much.. unless we are all busy being useful.
Where do you find your inspiration?
In visual things of an articulate design.. I have a lot of wondefully designed nicknacks.
What do you do if you have writer’s block?
well I havent tried being a writer but inspiration and meditation or just Doing Something Else should solve that problem.
Have you had any interesting or awkward experiences since you’ve been an artist/writer?
Yes and yes, I actually have a great memory for awkward moments in my life, but listing them here would just cause a daylong journey into a bad frame of mind.. in a nutshell I will simply say, deadlines and perfectionism don’t mix, for those who are looking to be a writer or artist, mkay..
Beverage of choice?
green smoothy.. I am into health and taking care of the temple that is my bod these day ya dig.
When was the last time that you dressed up for Halloween?
Haha what is this Halloween, I have deadlines and a baby to dress down to.. but seriously, I just wore raver gear and hooped at a rave last time – something everyone should do.. every day..
What do you want people to know about you?
I am no longer an artist.I am a citizen of mother earth and I am committed to dedicating my life to taking good care of her and myself by doing creative things when i please and staying healthy and happy dammit! People, make sure you are doing what feels right and feels right the morning after as well.. it is high time end the suffering we create for ourselves so we can have no regrets later.. the end.
ALL ARTWORK © 2010 ALINA URUSOV
ALL CHARACTERS © TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
Corinna Bechko: A to Z Challenge
Corinna Bechko is a really fascinating individual. I mean, look at that picture of her with the bird – not everyone can be so brave. Besides being an animal lover, she writes comic books. Plus, she loves coffee.
If I was having coffee with Corinna, I think our conversation would be something like this . . .
What was the first thing that you were proud of drawing?
CSB: Sadly, I can barely draw a box. Working in comics would be much easier if I could draw as well as write, but I’m stuck with language as my only means of expression.
What are you working on now?
CSB: I’ve got a few projects going: Co-writing INVISIBLE REPUBLIC with Gabriel Hardman for Image Comics, writing LORDS OF THE JUNGLE for Dynamite, writing COURT OF THE DEAD – RISE for Sideshow/Heavy Metal, and a couple of other things that haven’t been announced yet.
Who has influenced you the most as a writer?
CSB: That’s a tough one to answer. A lot of stuff inspires me, but I’m not sure who influences me the most. I think that in the unlikely event that I’m ever famous enough to have a biography written about me I’ll leave that to the biographer to figure out. I’m sure it’s someone who I wouldn’t even think of since so much influence is unintentional.
Who is your favorite female superhero/villain/comic book character?
CSB: I don’t follow too many superhero books regularly, tending to follow creators more than characters, so I guess my answer will have to be a little more ambiguous than someone falling neatly into superhero/super villain. I fell in love with Zan Jensen, the troubled protagonist of Sebela and Moustafa’s HIGH CRIMES, and I also have a soft spot for Forever Carlyle of Rucka and Lark’s LAZARUS. There are many, many more, including pretty much everyone I’ve written, but those ladies don’t seem fair to list since of course I love all of them.
Do you think people expect a certain type of art from you since you are female?
CSB: Not really, but I think that’s because it’s always been pretty apparent that my favorite things to write are horror and sci-fi. My first published comic, HEATHENTOWN (with Gabriel Hardman, from Image/Shadowline) was atmospheric horror, so people knew what they were getting. I do tend to be offered female characters to write, but they are usually horror or action, like Vampirella or Lara Croft. I’ve never made a secret of my love for these types of stories, and it’s paid off in being offered characters and arcs I’m suited to writing.
How often do you go to comic book conventions? Do you enjoy conventions?
CSB: It depends, really. I usually attend at least four a year, but sometimes more and sometimes less. It has to do with my workload, mostly. I do enjoy them, but they are incredibly exhausting. I work from home so it’s nice to get out and meet new people and reconnect with old friends, but the extra work before and after can be a killer. Conventions themselves are hard work too, especially since most of the rest of my job is so quiet and focused and cons can be the opposite of that.
Are you an introvert or extrovert?
CSB: Definitely an introvert
Where do you find your inspiration?
CSB: I read a lot, as much as I possibly can. I read comics, prose, fiction, nonfiction… Whatever catches my interest. I also try to travel as much as I can. Getting out in nature is important too. And so are music and film.
What do you do if you have writer’s block?
CSB: It’s a funny thing, but I’ve found that you can’t make a living as a writer and also deal with writers block. So I just ignore it. If I can’t write, I STILL write. That’s what rewriting is for: if you’ve written a bunch of garbage, well, you can always improve it. If I’m seriously burned out I give myself tiny goals and rewards, like a cup of tea if the page gets finished, or an M&M after a certain number of words. The promise of a fancy cocktail waiting at the end of a script is a great motivator.
Have you had any interesting or awkward experiences since you’ve been an artist/writer?
CSB: Oh, sure. People have weird ideas about the life of a writer. But previous to this job I worked as a zookeeper, so I’m no stranger to fielding weird questions. The most consistently awkward thing that happens now is when I meet new people and tell them I write comics for a living. Often they will “correct me” with “oh, I’m sure YOU write GRAPHIC NOVELS, not comics.” And then I have to tell them that I’m not ashamed to write comics, I think comics are great! Graphic novels are just a format, not a genre, just as comics are a medium, not a genre. That can be kind of difficult.
Beverage of choice?
CSB: Coffee, tea, more coffee.
When was the last time that you dressed up for Halloween?
CSB: Hmm, it’s been a while since I wore a costume, but last year I dressed up fancy to see a live orchestra preform THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS at the Hollywood Bowl. And I dressed up my dog as a dinosaur, and one of my cats as a raven. I love Halloween, it’s my favorite holiday.
What do you want people to know about you?
CSB: That I co-write INVISIBLE REPUBLIC with Gabriel Hardman for Image Comics and that the second volume will be out this summer. I also write MISS FURY and LORDS OF THE JUNGLE for DYNAMITE, In addition, I’ve been doing quite a bit of work on the COURT OF THE DEAD line for Sideshow/Heavy Metal. I’d also like people to know that you can find me on Twitter and Facebook. I’m Corinna Bechko in both places. If you look me up on social media you’ll see a lot of animal and conservation related content. I’m very passionate about rhino and tapir conservation.
Meredith Finch: A to Z Challenge
When Meredith Finch agreed to do this interview, I may have turned into a complete and total fangirl. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Meredith Finch, she is the writer for Wonder Woman. She is listed in the DC Comics talent directory.
Do you think she’d wear a Wonder Woman crown made by a random fan not associated with this blog? Maybe she’d put it on the shelf with all of the other crowns. Maybe she would wear it to comic book conventions.
So I’m really excited to present this interview.
What was the first thing that you were proud of drawing or writing?
I would have to say that I am proud of the very first comic book I ever wrote, Tales from Oz: The Cowardly Lion because it was a huge step for me to write for someone other than myself. Equally I’ve very proud of Wonder Woman Issue 51, because I feel like it shows how much I’ve grown over the last few years as a writer.
What are you working on now?
I’ve just turned in script for Wonder Woman #52 which I had a great time working on. It is the finale of the arc I have most recently been working on. It’s been a lot of fun exploring Wonder Woman’s relationships with her family of Olympic Gods.
Who has influenced you the most as an artist?
I love fantasy fiction and the works of CS Lewis, Robert Jordon, David Eddings and Melanie Rawn . Scott Synder has recently had a huge influence on my work and I really credit his mentorship for what I feel I was able to accomplish with Wonder Woman #51.
Who is your favorite female superhero/villain/comic book character?
I don’t think that there is any answer here but Wonder Woman.
Do you think people expect a certain type of art from you since you are female?
I think that we often limit ourselves in that aspect, even more than other people might. Prior to writing the Grimmes Fairy Tales: Tales of Terror #3 and 5, I would have never told you that I could write horror. I made my 11 year old sit through The Others with me and tell me when the scary parts were over. You never know what you can do until you do it.
How often do you go to comic book conventions? Do you enjoy conventions?
I absolutely love going to conventions. I think that it is a great way to immerse your self in the culture and interact with like-minded people and fans. I would say that I probably get to 4-6 conventions per year.
Are you an introvert or extrovert?
If you had asked me that question 5 years ago I would have definitely said that I was an extrovert. Working at home and being in my own head so much has definitely pushed me in the other direction.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I think you have to find inspiration in your own life. Comic book readers are very sophisticated and they can absolutely tell if the feelings and experiences you are writing about are not authentic.
What do you do if you have writer’s block?
Sometimes it can take a few days to work through a case of writer’s block, but ultimately for me, I find sitting down and forcing myself to at least put something on the page is the only thing that works. Going back to pencil and paper makes the experience feel more intimate and helps me get more into the mindset of the character I’m writing.
Have you had any interesting or awkward experiences since you’ve been an artist/writer?
I really haven’t. I have been so blessed to meet so many amazing writers and artists in this industry, and ultimately at the end of the day we are all coming from the same place, a love for comics and a desire to give our work and our fans our very best effort.
Beverage of choice?
In the morning… tea. At night when I’m cooking dinner… red wine.
When was the last time that you dressed up for Halloween?
It’s been a very long time. The last time I dressed up, I was a single mom and I took my two boys, Hayden and Everett out. I was the Cat in the Hat and they were Things One and Two.
What do you want people to know about you?
That’s probably the hardest question to answer. I’m a very private person and it’s very difficult for me to open up, even with my close friends, about how I’m feeling. I think that’s why I’ve been so drawn to writing. It’s an opportunity for me to express myself without feeling too vulnerable.
