THE WORLDS FIRST FREE TATTOO AND PIERCING LIFESTYLE PUBLICATION

ow this spring and summer season has been awesome and its not even close to over yet. Lots of tattoo conventions and travel, awesome bands, parties, and great tattoo related time have been abound since last we spoke. Through thick and thin we here at PRICK have tried to bring you a timely, high quality magazine every month without missing a beat. Sometimes we do get a bit rushed though.This new format, our new printer routine, new mailing processes/guidelines, new convention obligations, old obligations etc., etc. all add up to things getting busier in the PRICK world.All that being said sometimes we make mistakes. Last month we butchered the names of the guys at Lowrider Tattoos. They are world class artists and people and have my most public and sincere apology for taglining the Jose Lopez photo in the NTA article as Jose Garcia and to Manny Moonshine Navarrette for mispelling his last name. You guys are awesome. (Now please stop breaking my balls.) You know what else is awesome... this issue. More awesome-ness: the upcoming Miami TattooLaPalooza and the Chattanooga Tattoo Arts Fest.Well be covering both. See you there.

Publishers Note:

CONTENTS
9 ART TRIPPIN
Retro Pop at HOWL Gallery/Tattoo

10 TATTOO SHOW
Mohawk Valley Xtreme Tattoo Expo

15 HOT INK
JJ Diablo

18 TATTOO SHOW
Hell City Tattoo Festival

33 SHOP OF THE MONTH

Black 13 Tattoo Parlor

41 TATS AND TUNES

Darkest Hour

47 ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Anthony Ant Iannucci

55 MUSIC NOTES 56 PRICK PICKS 58 COOL STUFF 61 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Thomas Pendelton of Tattoo Highway

63 BULLETIN BOARD
ON THE COVER:
JJ Diablo photographed by Sylvia Hagar

Enjoy this issue, Chuck B.

PRICK MAGAZINE STAFF

CEO / PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF: CHARLES D. BRANK (AKA CHUCK B.) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: SUN RIM BRANK VP OF OPERATIONS / ONLINE EDITOR: GEOFFREY STEPHENSON MUSIC & MEDIA EDITOR / COPY EDITOR: LISA SHARER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: LISA SHARER, MAX BRAND, SEAN DETTMAN, CALU, LYNDSEY SARGENT, WILLIAM THIDEMANN, CHRIS SCHARFFENBERG, SYLVIA HAGAR, CASHEENA FRISON, GARRETT RANGE, KRISTIAN MISSER, ANDREW GREENBERG, ZAC HOBBS, PATRICIA VALERY, KALEY LUXE, SARAH CASEY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: MAX BRAND, SYLVIA HAGAR, BRETT MAYFIELD, GREG TRUELOVE, JAMES LINDLEY, KRISTA NEWSOME, JENNA ERWIN, CHRIS FARMER DISTRIBUTION / DEVELOPMENT: CRUDD, MAX BRAND, BRIAN FISCHER, OSSUR, CHRIS SCHARFFENBERG, SYLVIA HAGAR, RICHARD BAGUR (N.C.), JACOB LANCE ADVERTISING: COURTNEY KING, LISA SHARER, CALU, SYLVIA HAGAR

PRICK ADVERTISING & GENERAL INFO: (770) 723-9824

CONTACT PUBLISHER CHUCK B. EMAIL: CHECK OUT OUR AD RATES AND SPECS ONLINE AT: SEND CORRESPONDENCE TO:
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. ADVERTISERS INDEMNIFICATION: All advertising is subject to approval before acceptance. PRICK Magazine and Chuck B, Inc reserve the right to refuse any ad for any reason whatsoever, without limit. All advertisers in PRICK Magazine, for fair and valuable consideration, including but not limited to the printing of each advertisers ad, the receipt and suffering of which is hereby acknowledged, hereby agree ad hold PRICK Magazine harmless with respect to any claim made by a third party against PRICK Magazine, as a result of publishing said advertisement in said periodical. Said indemnity includes, but is not limited to, any claims by any party claiming that the publication of the ad violates any trademark, design mark or that it violates an individuals likeness or violates any fair business practice act, and includes indemnification of PRICK Magazine for any and all expenses in incurs in defending any said claim, including attorney fees and court costs whether said claim is successful or not successful plus any judgement that might be rendered and any settlement of such claim or judgement. Advertiser warrants and represents that the description of the product or service advertised is true in all respects. PRICK Magazine and Chuck B, Inc, assume no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. PRICK Magazine makes no recommendations as to the quality of any service provided by any advertiser. All views expressed in all articles are those of the writers and are not necessarily those of the publication and Chuck B, Inc. Publication assumes no responsibility and no liability for unsolicited materials. All letters and their contents sent to PRICK Magazine become the sole property of PRICK Magazine and december be used and produced in any manner whatsoever without limit and without obligation and liability to the writer thereof. Copyright 2008 Chuck B, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part or storage in any data retrieval system or any transmission is totally prohibited and violates copyright law.

chuckb@prickmag.net www.prickmag.net

PO Box 381,Tucker, GA 30085

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retro pop
howl gallery/tattoo
Courtesy of bermedia
ort Myers, Fla. got a jolt of energy when Andy Howl and Alainna Zwiernik opened HOWL Gallery/Tattoo, in the newly revamped Historic Downtown area. The gallerys 3rd full art show since opening in March, entitled Retro Pop, featured a solo exhibition of Howls comic book inspired paintings. The show brought out over 1,500 attendees to the sweltering downtown scene on June 5th. In a truly all ages show, gray haired art collectors, tattooed hipsters, and several baby strollers all mingled to view the artwork for sale. The evening culminated with an after party at Spirits of Bacchus that the god of wine himself wouldve been proud of. Howl has been pumping out comic book inspired paintings and tattoos since graduating from Savannah College of Art & Design (with a degree in comics) in 1998. Howls art features an array of obscure and not-so obscure images lifted off the pages of 60s and 70s era comics. He mixes in semimonochromatic color schemes with foreign languages and a slightly subversive sense of humor. A painting of Thor, Viking Proverb, translates to read No lamb for the lazy wolf and hangs next to a painting of a grey cartoon rabbit talking backwards with a gloss op-art pattern in the background. The art is grounded in Howls eye for line quality and love for pop art, psychedelia, and flat screen printed imagery. Art and tattoo enthusiasts visiting the Fort Myers area should stop into HOWL Gallery/Tattoo and check out the gallerys unique vibe, balancing a traditional art gallery with a modern, custom tattoo studio. #

For more information, go to www.howlgallery.com.

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mohawk valley

tattoo expo
by sarah casey

tattoo show

he 2nd annual Mohawk Valley Xtreme Tattoo Expo was held May 29th-31st at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Frankfort, NY.The expo was a three-day event that hosted four bands, two stunt bike crews, and over twenty artists. The first day of the expo opened with stunt shows by Syracuses 315s Most Hated and Full Tilt Crew. As the afternoon went on, motorcycle gear and accessory vendors continued to file in among the expo patrons, setting up their wares in any space they could find within the main building that housed the artists and their tattoo setups. The motorcycle vendors offered everything from clothing to bandanas to traditional beanies donned with not-sotraditional neon mohawks. At 7pm, upstate New York band The Square Pegs took the stage, and performed covers from every genre imaginable. Two crowd favorites during the show were I Love Rock N Roll by Joan Jett and Missy Elliotts Work It. After the show, artists and patrons milled around the fairgrounds, noshed on Mr. McGills chicken riggies and fried dough and discussed their preexisting and new ink work and the much-anticipated wet t-shirt contest that was to begin in a few short hours. The Utica Roller Girls served as bartenders for the event, pouring Budweiser and Bud Light til the gates closed at midnight. Day two kicked off with another stunt show by 315s Most Hated and Full Tilt Crew.The sunny weather and headlining band, DIGG, brought a large crowd to the fairgrounds, just as Weller had anticipated. UFC fighter Matt Hamill helped draw in the crowd by signing autographs and taking pictures with fans in the main building. The mid-day motorcycle show drew
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the crowd to the classic bikes that were in the running for five categories: Best Paint, Best Custom, Best Rat Ride, Best of Show, and Club Participation. The day ended with a 9pm baby oil wrestling competition under the main stage that carried a 200 dollar prize for the winner. The third and final day of the Mohawk Valley Xtreme Tattoo Expo consisted of artists and patrons doing the finishing touches on the pieces that would be in the tattoo competition that afternoon. As the excitement for the competition grew, tensions flared between some of the shops and artists. One artist from a local shop, Tattoo by Ray Rutherford (formerly IsItInYet Piercing Co.), said that some of the larger, urban shops were shooting down the abilities of local artists. It would all play itself out in the competition, though, she said. At 4pm, the competition commenced and the artists finally got to watch their hard work in action. Competitors were judged on a number of categories, including: best portrait, best sleeve, best coverup, best piercing in a tattoo, best upper body, best tribal, best collection black work, best small and large color, best small and large black and gray, best traditional and best tattoo of the weekend.The judges were three former artists, and all members of the local Highwaymen. First-place best female tribal winner Jen Bristol took home the trophy for the second year in a row along with a first-place trophy for best female collection black work, but the star of the competition proved to be Sebastian DiCesare, who took home first-place trophies for best portrait, best large black and gray and best sleeve. Michael Bobik Jr. won best tattoo of the weekend with a black and gray graffiti design done by George Labrada of Evil or Sacred Tattoo. The competitors were not the only ones to get their fifteen minutes of fame during the weekend, however. Many of the artists who came to the expo gained a new fan base over the course of the threeday event, including Tod Del Duca, a 22-year-old artist from Infinite Visions Tattoo in Utica, NY. Del Duca spent a large portion of the weekend creating a custom chest piece for triple-trophy-winner Sebastian DiCesare, and is definitely an artist to keep on the radar at future shows. #
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jj diablo hot ink

by sean dettman photos by sylvia hagar hair by victoria diaz, make-up by Michelle king

hen I think of the word 'diablo', the first thing that comes to mind is the devil. The second thing that comes to mind is a snail, as in 'Diablo Escargot' or literally 'Satan's Snail' but that is a different, much stranger story. This month's Hot Ink, JJ Diablo, is anything but snaillike. She's outgoing, smart and attractive, and she eschews necessities like food and shelter to spend time conversing with us and modeling topless in a neighborhood park. Oh, the joys of freedom and the good life in America. JJs tattoos were done by a mix of longstanding as well as up and coming artists in the southeast. For the photo shoot, Victoria Diaz from Toni & Guy Salons did the hair and Michelle King from M.A.C. Cosmetics did the make-up. And thanks to Solstice Cafe for keeping us quite full of caffeine.

So now well starting talking professionally, or as professionally as this can be. Ill try to keep the tangents to a minimum.

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Why did you decide to start getting tattooed? I had really wanted one since I was about fifteen. As soon as I turned eighteen, I found a place that I was comfortable with. I really wanted to express myself. Where did you go to get your first tattoo? I went to Stone Age Tattoo, to Jason Wires. I dont know if hes still tattooing now, I think he went more into action figures and stuff. What was your first tattoo? It was Celtic knot-work on my lower back. It went from a small piece originally to something that I added on to later. Who are some artists that youve been tattooed by? Besides Jason, Miami Burgess did a tiny one on the back of my neck. Kenny Holland is the main

tattoo artist that Ive seen, he works at East Atlanta Tattoo. Mike Parsons who works at Doc Dogs Las Vegas Tattoo Company in Florida.Also, Mikey Webb and Justin Maughmer (or The Marm) from Psycho Tattoo. How tattooed do you want to be, you know, eventually? I think that Ive hit the first milestone where I feel like everything is kind of balanced right now.There are still plenty of ideas in my head, though. You obviously enjoy modeling. What styles are you having fun with right now? Ive been doing a little bit of everything lately. I like pinup and fashion, which have been the two big ones for me. The fashion world has been more attracted to the tattoos because Im not covered in them. I dont have sleeves and a chest piece. Non-alternative modeling is a little more traditional.

How long have you been modeling? About six months. It kind of came hand in hand with all the tattoos. I figured that I had all this stuff, I might as well show it off. Aside from modeling, you are also a writer. How did you get started? Writing is definitely something that Im very passionate about. I had always written since I was a kid. I would write essays to my parents when I needed to get out of trouble. I got into school for Public Relations, but there is no soul in sales and advertising. Id rather make less money and feel like I have a spine. What do you think of the devil? I think there's a little Devil in all of us. #

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HELL CITY 09 TATTOO SHOW

by max brand
lthough Hell City has become the tattoo convention that needs no introduction, were gonna tell you about it anyway.This year, all of the most fun people in the tattoo industry, and the beautiful people of Columbus, Ohio gathered in the two story ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Downtown on the weekend of May 29th. The accommodations of the Hyatt get two thumbs up, and all the local fun and food within a few blocks of the convention help make the trip to Hell City even easier to enjoy.

Miss Sophie shows us this years Hell City trophy

By Nathan Kostechko

Joshua Carlton

Tattoo by Mike Cole, winner of Best Small Color

Jeff Johnson

Guy Aitchison at work on a new painting

Art Fusion Experiment in full effect

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By Sean Herman, winner of Tattoo of the Day on Friday

Craig Beasley

HELL CITY 09
Orrin Hurley

Stephanie Tomlinson

This year Guy Aitchison and Michele Wortman curated the Innerstate room where artists worked on paintings for more than four days in a dark comfortable setting with a live DJ.A few of the artists we didn't show you who spent the weekend painting were Marcus Pacheco, Kim Reed, Nikko Hortado, Damon Conklin, and Nate Beavers. The tattoo contest at Hell City is always a huge attraction, and the last few years have gone

Juan Salgado

Don McDonald painting above, tattoo below

Jeremiah Barba

By Craig Beasley
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By Anthony Dubois, winner of Best Traditional

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HELL CITY 09

smoothly with the assistance of computer tabulated judging, using a program designed by a student of Jeff Solin, MC of the show. Judges enter scores into laptop computers on several aspects of the tattoo being judged, and at the end of the contest the scores are ready, and trophies can be handed out. No waiting, no counting, and amazingly no ties! But no matter how the scoring is done, some artists just bring out heat, and are able to rule at Hell City. Jess Yen of My Tattoo swept the competition, and not for the first time at Hell City, with at least 11 trophies, including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Best
Collaboration between Nathan Kostechko and Adrian Dominic

Lenny Renken tattooing Lisa Lainey is from Avon, Ind. and has tattoos by Chris Borchik, Skot Sexton, Colin, and Jersey

By Brian Brenner, winner of Tattoo of the Day on Saturday

By Todo
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By Jesse Smith
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By Josh Woods By Aaron Is

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Stomach and back by Dan Hazleton, the back winning Best Large Color

By Tony Ciavarro

By Stefano Alcantara

HELL CITY 09
Jesse Smith

Some beautiful one of a kind machines by Dano Collins

Asian, 1st and 2nd Best Sleeve, 1st and 3rd Small B&G, 2nd and 3rd Large B&G, 2nd Best Portrait, and Best of Show.Wow, that was a lot. PRICK would also like to mention James Vaughn who won Best Flash, 1st Overall Male, and 3rd Overall Female, and Kyle Cotterman who won 1st and 3rd Best Portrait. # This September 4th-6th, Hell City returns to the Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Ariz. For more information, go to www.hellcity.com.

By Half Pint
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By Aric The Dark Horse Taylor

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HELL CITY 09

Andreas new tattoo by Ryan Hadley

By Orrin Hurley, winner of Tattoo of the Day on Sunday

Frolic and Radeo Suicide had their hands tattooed by Larry Bone...its a shark and an otter

Eva Huber

By John Montgomery

By Russ Abbott

Judges at the tattoo contest keep score on computers with a program designed by a student of Jeff Solin, the events MC

By Andy Swarbrick
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HELL CITY 09

View of the stage from the balcony in the Hell City Tattoo Convention

Winner of Most Unusual Tattoo enjoys the spotlight with a few SuicideGirls SuicideGirls!!

Jeff Solin is the MC at Hell City, and got tattooed on stage by Nathan Kostechko on Sunday while finishing the tattoo contest

Jess Yen and the crew from My Tattoo

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By Josh Duffey

By Joe Capobianco

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HELL CITY 09

Chris and Durb enjoy Guy Aitchisons best Chris Longo impression at the Roast, ending with Theres nothing more attractive than a heavily tattooed female. True words of wisdom

First class service for Philadelphia Eddie at the Chris Longo Roast, as Chris looks on in amusement

By Dee Dee Seruga

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By Jess Yen

rainchild of a musician and a seasoned tattoo artist, Black 13 is one of Nashville, Tennessees most contemporary tattoo parlors. Doy Gardner and Josh Woods were both looking for something different, and found it in a business partnership. Gardner knew Nashville could use a different type of shop and Woods could bring the artistic side to a new opportunity, and thus Black 13 was born. With a few talented artists, one shop manager, and one trusty apprentice, this parlor has already begun to show some real promise. Creating custom tattoos and catering to all types of tattoo collectors, their service and unique experience is what is most important. Recently, PRICK got a chance to ask the two owners of Black 13 a few questions.

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Give us a breakdown of your shop: Employees and their specialties. Black 13 Tattoo Parlor consists of Josh Woods, Doy Gardner, Steve Martin, Lenny Renken, and apprentice Marty "Riet" McEwen. Woods and Gardner own and operate the shop. Doy Gardner is originally from Loxley, Ala. and has

been a Nashville based musician for ten years now. He handles everything but tattooing everything business related along with scheduling appointments and emails. Woods is originally from Alpena, Mich. and apprenticed under tattoo Don at Nickel City Tattoo in Buffalo, N.Y. He has been tattooing for seven years now and specializes in good tattooing (cartoony illustrations with hints of realism and super bright colors). Martin is originally from Kingsport,Tenn. and has been tattooing for five years now. He specializes in good tattooing as well (black and gray, portraits, bright bold color work, anything you want). Renken is originally from Omaha, Neb. and has been tattooing for seven years. He also likes to partake in good tattooing (asian themed work, color reproduction, anything you want).We know that young apprentice, McEwen, will also participate in delivering great tattoos one day soon, but for now he is learning and keeping the shop clean and sterile. He is originally from Lavergne, Tenn. and has been

Steve Martin
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with us for about nine months now. His art background is deeply rooted in graffiti. How did you come to own this shop? Gardner: Josh and I met through mutual friend and tattooer, Sean Herman. Josh was tattooing in Atlanta, Ga. and working with Sean. Sean and I grew up together in south Alabama. For years, I felt that Nashville needed a shop with a better atmosphere that excelled in extensive work and that was more customer service based then most shops. No one ever traveled to Nashville to get tattooed, and Nashville is too cool of a city for that to be the case.Aside from that, almost everyone I had ever met here traveled outside of Nashville to get extensive tattoos. Once Josh and I met we realized we had a lot of the same ideas and wanted the same thing in the long run as far as a shop goes. Josh wanted out of where he was and I was over the instability of the musician lifestyle so Josh moved to Nashville and we began work on the shop in May of 2008. What do you think makes your shop different from others in your area, in the country? Gardner: The thought process behind Black 13 is to constantly create something that benefits everyone.We wanted our parlor to have an atmosphere that is comfortable and more upscale, not your typical strip mall shop. Due to tight finances in the beginning we did the entire build out ourselves. We knew we would be spending a

Lenny Renken

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Lenny Renken

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Josh Woods

hell of a lot of time here and that our clientele would not only be from Nashville, but from out of state and out of country. It had to be extremely comfortable and welcoming. We want to take care of people on every level. From the phone call, to email, to the actual experience in the shop and the tattoo, we want people to feel like they are in a professional environment. No tough guy mentality or egos. We are inside of a huge building right in downtown Nashville that used to be the worlds largest train warehouse 100 years ago. Its now called Cummins Station and its home to a wide range of different businesses from fortune 500 companies to yoga, 24 hour gym, lawyers, massage therapy, accountants, hair salons, live music venue and a few different places to eat. Its a completely different approach for a tattoo parlor to be here. Its been great because we get to break peoples negative stereotypes that have gone along with tattooing and shops in the past. Aside from the focus on clientele, Josh and I wanted to create a home for our artists.We want genuinely good people with a good heart that are amazing artists to be a part of our family.We want to take care of our guys to the point that they will never want to leave Black 13.We understand that the guys that are here with us are helping us build something that will take care of us all in the long run.They play a huge factor in what we do and our goal will always be to provide for them. The business partnership between Josh and myself is

Josh Woods

Steve Martin another thing that separates Black 13 from other shops. I know some people make remarks about the fact that I'm not a tattooer, but it works great for Josh and I.Tattooing alone is a full time job and so is the business side. Our partnership allows us to both focus on our passion and make sure we cover every aspect of owning and running a shop and taking care of everyone involved including customers. Josh and the guys here are super amazing artists and they deserve the chance to focus solely on their art! What is your favorite thing about owning your own shop? Gardner: Our favorite thing has been seeing a dream become reality. Its nice to see hard work pay off. Josh has worked hard creating a name for himself in the industry and striving to become a better artist so this whole experience has been rewarding for him. I've had a passion for tattooing for about twelve years now even though I'm not a tattooer. I've had the idea of creating Black 13 for about four years after seeing Nashville's needs for a different approach to tattooing.To finally be here is exciting. Its just nice to have control and invest everything you have into something thats ultimately your own.
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PAID ADVERTISMENT

What is your opinion on the current state of tattooing? Woods: The good - I love the fact that there are more and more great tattooers out there now more then ever. People are popping up worldwide and it's really cool.We need to weed out a lot of the negatives in our industry and push the positives. We all can help each other do that. The bad - I hate it for the followers...the people that are just doing what someone else is doing and not pushing themselves.A lot of people are in it more for financial status rather than doing what they love. I don't like the egos of the tattooers who think they are rock stars.We are just tattooers man, artists, fuck all the drama. We all have a lot of respect for tattooing and how it has progressed. It gets super frustrating when young guys want to claim old school mentality and issue threats just based on opening a shop or hiring someone that used to work for them. What advice would you give to a fellow tattoo artist looking to open their own shop? Gardner: Dont do it! [laughs] Honestly, make sure its really what you want and make sure you are ready to bust ass. Its a whole lot of nonstop work. Make sure you and anyone you intend to hire is capable. The last thing any city needs is another mediocre shop producing busted work creating a negative experience for customers and giving tattooers a bad name. What are your future plans? Gardner: As a shop we all want to continue to develop as artists and as family. We are surrounded by great talent here and we want to create other avenues besides tattooing to display it. We like to be involved in the arts here in Nashville and will continue to build on that over the years to come.With all the amazing talent in the industry we will continue to bring great guest artists to Black 13 so if you want to do a guest spot, send us an email (info@black13tatattoo.com). Many thanks to Steve, Lenny and Marty for all of their hard work and great talent! # Black 13 Tattoo, 209 10th Ave South Suite 218, Nashville,TN 37203 (615) 750-3741 For more information, go to www.black13tattoo.com. Josh Woods

Josh Woods
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Lenny Renken

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by lisa sharer
tattoo photos by geoffrey stephenson
group photos courtesy of adrenaline pr/darkest hour

ike many of the great bands we have interviewed, Darkest Hour is the collaboration that emerged from a few high school buddies that were looking to do something different. In 1995 Washington, DC., where much of the hardcore scene originated from, Darkest Hour was working on something that twisted the elements of that sound with a more punk/death metal version. As the years went on there were a few member changes, the original members got older, new members came along, and their music became more powerful. Darkest Hour is highly regarded as an innovator and leader of a music genre that has become a following for many heavy music lovers today. What exactly makes them so special? Theyve been hitting the grindstone for years, working hard, and always making music for the right reasons. Guitarist, Mike Schleibaum, took a few minutes off from the bands Summer Slaughter tour to tell us all about the Darkest Hour adventures. Five metal dudes leaning back in their camping chairs with beers, sweating in the Atlanta summer heat, and preparing for some intrusive tattoo photos, is a sight for sore eyes. In a circle sat vocalist John Henry, guitarist Mike Carrigan, bassist Paul Burnette, guitarist Mike Schleibaum, and drummer Ryan Parrish. Though not all of them were burdened with the task, they all sat together as pirates prepared to terrorize the stage. After fourteen years of

Johns rose on left elbow by Scott Sylvia in San Francisco, Cali., right leg by James Marlowe, Go! tattoo by Amy Black in Richmond, Va., Crown on neck done in Sweden

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Mike Schleibaums left arm (bottom half) by Jef Whitehead in San Francisco, Cali. and Brady Duncan (top half), entire right arm and neck by Brady Duncan, shark tattoo done during Ozzfest, snake on side done in Vancouver, right ankle by Big Frank

playing, recording, and touring, you might wonder what keeps these guys going. Schleibaum tells us his favorite part of being in this band, its going to sound dumb, but its kind of like the moments that you get when youre at the practice space and youre all kind of hanging out, just playing with something new and its not really serious at first. Youre just kind of checking out a new riff or something. No matter how old you get, it will make you feel young whenever you have that. However theres also those grand moments that are solely reserved for crossing the country with your friends. I like the piratesque aspect oflike tomorrow I think we have a day off in Jacksonville, Fla. and were just going to go terrorize it. Drive over night, go to the beach, get out there with a couple cases of beer, fucking just kick it. After photographing his tattoos and talking about the music culture, we ask Schleibaum why he thinks the two things are so often seen hand in hand. I think its because people that are musicians tend to be pretty expressive people, and when you combine that with the fact that people think it looks cool More specifically though, artists are drawn to it because its just another way of expressing themselves. You get on stage, and you can be loud as fuck, and play a blast beat, and scream, and throw beer at people. And then you can get a tattoo of somebody flicking somebody off. Its just another form of expression. And some people think it looks cool. [laughs] With the vast array of tattoos that checker a
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Mike Carrigans right arm by Greg Higgins at Sacred Heart Tattoo in Houston, Tex., pentagram by Nina in Baltimore, right leg at Electric Chair in Houston, Tex.

Ryans right arm (above) by Jeff Eaton at River City Tattoo in Richmond, Va., Easy Lover done during Ozzfest, left leg by Lee Odum

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few members of the band, there is definitely some expression going on. Between band tattoos, tour tattoos, hot dogs and maple leaf tattoos, one can get a pretty interesting read on Darkest Hour. Artists most likely, musicians surely, people that kick the shit out of lifedefinitely. Their artwork spans the world with tattoos from Sweden, some from Ecuador, and many from right here at home. Some of their tattoos are intricate pieces of art. Some are small commemorative tattoos that they all got together at the Ozzfest. Some are cover-ups of the distant past where their lives may have been more straight edgy. While some are silly bits that were simply done for a good laugh. [Originally], I just got into tattoo culture, and I like traditional stuff. Then I stupidly realized, after I had an entire sleeve, that its way more fun when youre fun with it. So, I think that at this point, I get the tattoos that I get because it will symbolize something. I tend to not go into really deeply interpretive tattoos, I like to be a little bit more fun and open to interpretation and just wild. So, thats what I pick now. So, tattoos are an expressive piece to have fun with. But, they are also an art form. Its funny because I give my artist friends shit, because I say, youre a tracer. You just fucking trace. [But], I do think its absolutely an art form, because Ive seen really great, really amazing, intricate pieces on people, and youve got to remember youre doing it with ink and needles and blood. You know its fucking plastic surgery. So, its really an art form to be able to draw, to carve up somebodys flesh forever in a way that looks like a drawing, its art. On the topic of flesh carving, Schleibaum also warns against letting anyone other than a professional do your work. I think doing your research and not focusing on cost are the two biggest things that a young [person] can do when thinking about getting a tattoo. I mean, what it costs is so far down on the list of whats important. Because in the end, youre gonna have it for fucking ever, and if youre cheap about it and it looks like shit eventually youre going to wise up and say Ive gotta get this redone, and youre going to have to pay for it again, and its gonna hurt again. Aside from all the tattoo art talk. There was also some discussion

about music. When thinking about a metal music life Schleibaum says, you dont really want to see the most calculated rock show of your life, sponsored by whatever energy drink, perfect to the tee. Its not really metal, especially. Then we would just be metal boy bands. So, the biggest, biggest thing is focus on your priorities. You shouldnt be making cash. Youre in the wrong industry to do that. A big insight as to how Darkest Hour has survived for so many years. Its not about the money, and its not about the groupies (well maybe), and its not about the fame. Its about playing music, as expressive people, getting those moments at the practice space, terrorizing any city in any country with some loud, inyour-face metal, and putting your all into it with four other fucked up dudes that just want to do the same thing. So check out their newest album not because it will give the record labels another ten bucks in their pockets, but because Darkest Hour put some real sweat into it, and they are proud of it, and it will melt your face off. # For more information, go to www.darkesthour.cc.
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ANT
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
BY stephen jefferson photos courtesy of ant his months featured tattoo artist Anthony Ant Iannucci is the owner of Ascension Custom Dermagraphics with two locations in Orlando, Fla. Born and raised on Long Island, in N.Y., Ant has been a professional tattoo artist for roughly twelve years if you subtract two years of kitchen table tattoos, he says. Ant has been a shop owner for nine years, and is also a digital and mixed media illustrator.We recently had the opportunity to ask Ant a few questions.

How did you get your start in tattooing? Being artistic all my life, I knew a career in the arts was the path I was headed [down], though I did not at all expect it to be a career in dermagraphic customization. I was going to college for a degree in General Illustration at F.I.T. and had the intention of probably becoming a comic book artist or something along those lines.
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That all changed the day my best friend, Seth decided we were going to become tattoo artists and purchased a start-up kit from a popular tattoo magazine. Looking back I am sure it was not the best way to learn a craft, still we shared the same kit for a few months and I practiced on my older brother and his courageous friends. Needless to say there are still a few tattoos out there I need to repair or cover. Soon enough our lofty goals took us down to Ft. Lauderdale where we were going to open up our very own tattoo studio. That didnt go as planned and luckily enough as we were not ready for all that. Around the time this revelation came to us, a good friend introduced me to Ian, the owner of Funhouse Tattoos. I showed him my work; tattoos and illustrations, and thankfully enough I and later on Seth were hired. I never had a formal apprenticeship, but I sure learned a lot working with those guys down there like Rob Soli, Gilbert, Ian, and Sicko. Crazy times too. What about your dream to open your own studio? After a couple years in Ft. Lauderdale, Seth and I decided we were ready and with the best wishes of the Funhouse crew, we moved out west, to San Diego, which Im pretty sure means whales vagina in German. Within two to three months we found a location in Pacific Beach and opened up the first Funhouse Tattoos SD. We had a different name picked out at first but after some discussion and consideration with Funhouse Fla., we made the decision to honor our beginnings and keep it in the family. Over the course of five years, Seth and I opened and with great success operated, three locations around the beaches and downtown areaand it was good. So what brought you from San Diego to Orlando? Funhouse to Ascension? San Diego was awesome, buts its a different game out there for sure. You have
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tattoo studio across the street from tattoo studio, next door to tattoo studio. Its way over saturated in my opinion. But I also started doing some of my best work out there. Clients were willing to go big and let me let loose on them which was different from what I experienced before; living in Ft. Lauderdale. I met my wife; my muse, out there. Shes originally from Orlando so after we got married we planned to move back to the east coast to be closer to both our families. I got bought out of the business and did the move. After traveling around Europe for a few months and working guest spots at awesome studios like Mo Coppolettas Family Business in London and Amazon Tattoo in Germany to name a few, we finally settled and set up shop near downtown Orlando. We named it Ascension because the word has always resonated with me, both on a spiritual level and on the basis of something to strive for on all levels. Its about constantly growing, overcoming, learningboth as an artist but also as a person and perhaps affect society through thatwhole vibe. I try to inject that vibe into my art.The original shop,Ascension alpha, has been open now for almost four years and this past December we opened a second location,Ascension omega, with another partner, Ryan. We have an awesome crew, and I am honored and blessed to work side by side with them. How would you describe your style? Im not sure how to label my style. I definitely would not consider myself old school. I like to do a lot of bright color, tight detail, and experiment with different line width. I also like to do portraits and black and gray. When left to my own devices, most of my work is infused with esoteric or spiritual concepts and a tinge techno-organics and the cosmos. I love images of outer

space and translating them to skin. Who or what are your inspirations? I get inspired by so many random things; its hard to list them all. Ive always been more inspired by other art forms, such as sci-fi and fantasy illustration, comic books, animethan with tattoo art. The visionary work of painter Alex Grey, comic book artists like Joe Madureira and Marko Djurdjevic, Japanese artist Masamune Shiro. Big influences. There are so many phenomenal tattoo artists that I respect and admire their work. James Kern and Tim Kern, Hoffa, Nate Banuelos,Adrian Lee,Adrian Dominic, Rob Soli, Nikko, and Mike Cole just to name a small few. I try to admire the work and take what I can from it inspiration wise, without trying to bite a style. I am of the opinion that there are
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too many copycat tattoo artists out there. I want to find ways to do something different with each tattoo yet still keep a cohesive style of my own. Be artistic and true to yourself as an artist. After being in the tattoo industry for over a decade, how do you stay creative? Video games and comic books. I'm a bit of a geek in that sense, but I find these things stimulate me mentally and creatively. Beyond that, I really don't know where it all comes from. So many things inspire me to create, though for a long time now tattooing has taken up most of my time and creative energy. Clients shoot me their ideas and then I run with it. After a full day of drawing tattoos and laying them to flesh, the last thing I want to do is work on that painting I started months ago. Digital media is much easier for me to focus my energy on. I like the almost instant gratification and the lack of a mess...and if I mess up I can simply press undo. What do you like about the art of tattooing in general? I for one believe that if done with the proper intent and intention, on both the part of the artist and the client, that tattoos can be empowering and totemic. Another thing I love is how much impact you can be on a persons life by creating this art on their body. Sure, I can paint a

picture that hangs on a wall, and people can stare at it and possibly feel somethingbut you know that tattoo means something to the body wearing it, along with the possible viewer. What do you like to do outside of tattooing? Well, besides various artistic endeavors in all of its various mediums, I just like to chill. I used to party a lot. Not so much anymore, though our shop hosts a lot of events at various venues around Orlando. One of my passions is travel and seeing and experiencing new things in life and hope to do more guest spots before I spawn a mini me. I also like to read and study on a lot; mostly spiritual/metaphysical subjects, and actually wrote and illustrated a graphic novel a few years ago called ION:The Isness of Now. It was quite the project for me, taking almost five years from idea to finally publishing. Any future plans or final words? Future plans? The future is a dream, the past a memory...there is only now. # Ascension Alpha, 2510 N. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804 (407) 898-2013 Ascension Omega, 114 Semoran Blvd, Ste 5,Winter Park, FL 32792 (321) 972-8930 For more information, go to www.ascensiontattoo.com.

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Travels With Myself and Another [4AD Records] To be honest, Future of The Left is the most exciting band to enter the music scene in ten years.That is, of course, if you discount singer/guitar player Andrew Falkous and drummer Jack Egglestons previous act, Mclusky. Future of The Lefts newest effort Travels With Myself and Another sounds much more conscious and defined than previous releases while still managing to maintain the frantic and unpredictable sound-craft that listeners have come to expect from Falkous. After hours of deliberation, my friends and I could only cite Queens of the Stone Age as a close comparison. Still, this decision was only concluded based on both bands ability to execute stop-and-start rhythms on a dime.Track after track on this album continues to provide exciting and interesting twists and turns musically and with timeless lyrics like,Only the good die young, except for when they dont. Its not exactly fair or Stand by/ your manatee to If I eat what I fuck and I fuck what I eat, am I worth it? and I am civil service, among others. Future of The Lefts Travels with myself and another is a perfect record for the music listener that craves more from the artist. The boring and bland need not apply. - Garret Range
[JumpStart Records] Hardcore is a dangerous genre to dabble in these days, as hardcore bands have, at times, dug themselves into their own grave of mediocrity and pinned themselves in a corner of allof-these-bands-sound-the-same-ness that is nearly impossible to get out of. Honestly, how many Banes, Converges and Comeback Kids does the music world really need? Jerseys One Win Choice balance this line very well, drawing heavily from the bands that influence them while still putting enough of their own spin on the style without sounding too much like the aforementioned bands. Define/Redefine actually leans more to the punk side of things, but dont be confused, there are plenty of gang vocals, and quasibreakdowns. Define/Redefine somehow manages to find a way to take linear and atonal style of songwriting and somehow inject melody and complexity into the songs that make up the EP.This EP is proof positive that One Win Choice has all the potential to make a huge dent in the hardcore world for years to come. - Zac Hobbs

FUTURE OF THE LEFT

ONE WIN CHOICE

THEE OH SEES
Help

The People or the Gun [SideOneDummy] Whether you approved or vehemently disapproved of last years Bright Lights of America, one thing can be said about Anti-Flags latest release, its a politically charged punk rock kick in the nads.This band caught a lot of slack in 08 for trying to expand their sound. The People or the Gun shows them getting back to basics with a boatload of anger and aggression.The harsh opening track,Sodom, Gomorrah,Washington D.C. (Sheep in Shepherds Clothing) gets mad props for the long title and its blatant attack on fundamentalism thats sure to keep these boys out of lots of peoples prayers for a long time. - Patricia Valery (Evilneedles.com)

ANTI-FLAG

Define/Redefine 7/EP

[In The Red Records] If you aren't already familiar, San Francisco's Thee Oh Sees, have been showing their appreciation for rockabillypsych/avant-garde for twelve years now. Lead singer, John Dwyer, is former member of garage acts Coachwhips, Pink and Brown,The Hospitals, etc. Help starts out strong in "Enemy Destruct" with distorted lyrics, heavy guitar, and a repetitive bass line you can't forget thats similar to The Stooges' "I Wanna Be Your Dog." A lot of fast-paced rock n roll and harmonics between Dwyer and Brigid Dawson in "Ruby Go Home," "Meat Step Lively," "Rainbow," and "I Can't Get No." Dwyer's voice reminds you of a mix between Fred Schneider and Lux Interior. Top pick for this record is the charging and experimental drone of "Destroyed Fortress Reappears." This release is pretty satisfying from top to bottom. - Casheena Frison

EVERYONE EVERYWHERE

[Evil Weevil Records] Remember when emo wasnt such a dirty word that conjured up images of guys with bad haircuts and mascara? Well, Philadelphias Everyone Everywhere surely does, and it couldnt be more apparent than on their A Lot of Weird People Standing Around EP. Drawing heavily from the likes of the Promise Ring and other 90s emo and power pop, Everyone Everywhere certainly highlight all of the magnificent elements of the genre emo without becoming redundant.The songs are short and punchy, chalk full of enough quirkiness and sing-along-ness to keep your attention from beginning to end. With songs talking about pool parties and the awkwardness of being surrounded by people you dont know, A Lot Of Weird People Standing Around is the perfect summer anthem for anyone looking to not take everything so seriously this year. - Zac Hobbs [XL Recordings] Listening to Peaches is, personally, like a steamy guzzle of hot PBR at three in the morning. It usually indicates raunchy, debacherous behavior and obvious neglect for my own wellbeing., which is hands down the best description for the foul mouthed Canadians new release, I Feel Cream. At the ripe old age of forty (pun intended), Peaches is still spitting the same venomous, techno-dirty dance music that fans expect.The first singles,Talk to Me and More, bleed summer sex appeal and the whole album leaves nary a disappointed ear or filthy mind in the house. - Lyndsey Sargent
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A Lot of Weird People Standing Around 7

the paper chase

[Chorus of One] Back in the day kids in Trans-Ams and customized vans cruised the local strip blaring Deep Purple and Ted Nugent. Granted, the customized van is not likely to make a comeback, but one thing that will always be in style is ass kickin rock n roll. Boozed definitely fits the bill and their latest effort, One Mile rocks like a bat outta hell with big time guitars, over the top vocals and just a touch of punk.This Italian band has mastered everything that makes classic rock classic and have brought it up to modern standards. - Patricia Valery (Evilneedles.com)

boozed
One Mile

PEACHES

I Feel Cream

[Kill Rock Stars] The hum of coming trains, the buzz of a billion bees, none of these things really fit when youre trying to explain The Paper Chases new album, Someday This Will All Be Yours, Vol. 1, to someone whos never heard of the band before. If you are one of those people, you may have a hard time understanding this band at first.All the songs are interpolated, seething works of music-based art that take time to become comfortable with, possibly after days of repeated listening. I happen to be someone who likes that sort of thing because its intelligent and substantive, two things that are increasingly unfashionable as far as music goes in the world right now.Thematically, this album touches on things like quantum mechanics, natural disasters, God and religion, and of course death and destruction. This is out now on Kill Rock Stars and the band is currently touring to support it. Look for Vol. 2, which is as yet unnamed, as early as later this year. - Sean Dettman
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Someday This Could All Be Yours, Vol. 1

PICKS
Tattoo, music,art events, contests & more that you cant miss!

CLUB TATTOO

GRAND OPENING PARTY

Las Vegas, Nev. - Clubtattoo.com On the Fourth of July, Club Tattoo is hosting a great day of events at their newest location inside the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.The grand opening party will feature an autograph signing session with Chester Bennington, co-owner of Club Tattoo and Linkin Park band member, in celebration of opening their only Las Vegas location. Free tickets will be available to pick up during the session for a special performance by Benningtons new band, Dead by Sunrise, later that evening inside the Steve Wyrick Theater. The flagship Miracle Mile Shops location features an extremely talented group of tattoo artists and body piercers. In addition, the store features a full boutique of Club Tattoo brand apparel, fine fashion jewelry and many other unique brands.

SIREN MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 18
Coney Island - Bowerypresents.com The 9th Annual Siren Music Festival returns to Coney Island on Saturday, July 18. Siren is a free, all day, all ages music festival on two stages in historic Coney Island. The lineup features performances by Built To Spill,The Raveonettes [pictured], Future of the Left, Thee Oh Sees, Spank Rock, Grand Duchy, and more.The 2nd Annual Official Siren After Party returns to Music Hall of Williamsburg that same night; Francis and the Lights, and Gordon Voidwell are scheduled to perform. Check it out.

PITCHFORK MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 17-19
Grant Park - Chicago, Il. For $35 a day, you too can pack in with 45,000 other fans for the 4th annual Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicagos Grant Park.The festival, which aims to give concert goers a positive, fun, and comfortable experience, will showcase the likes of The Flaming Lips, Yo La Tengo, Jesus Lizard [pictured], and tons of indie rock heavyweights. Surely Grant Park hasnt seen this much action since election night! [Lyndsey Sargent]

MILE HIGH MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 18-19
Milehighmusicfestival.com A massive crowd of music enthusiasts will take over Dicks Sporting Goods Park outside of Denver, Colorado, on the weekend of July 18th for the Mile High Music Festival. Mile High will feature the talents of Tool [pictured], Widespread Panic, Ani DiFranco, Incubus and more. Tickets are $90 for a single day and $162.50 for a two day pass to the all ages show.Also, anybody who shows up with 10 cans of food to donate gets a free concert poster and helps the Conscious Alliance with their food drive. [Lyndsey Sargent]

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cool stuff # prick approved

#
#

vintage tattoos
the book of old-school skin art
By Carol Clerk $29.95 - Universe - Rizzoliusa.com Beginning with a brief history of the craft, Vintage Tattoos explores the trade from its earliest days to the rise in popularity during the 1940s and 50s. Author Carol Clerk also highlights a few tattoo legends whose names have become synonymous with this specialized trade. Replete with hundreds of flash images and archival photographs, this is sure to be coveted by anyone who has an appreciation for this truly original art form.

retro-a-go-go
hellraiser patch
$20.00 - Retroagogo.com Retro-a-go-go presents this large Hellraiser patch, measuring 10 high and 8 1/2 wide. From the silver metallic highlights in her pistols to her flaming red sombrero and jet black hair, this pistol packing mama is as dangerous as she is beautiful. This patch is comprised of 12 vibrant colors with a very high thread count, which means top quality and best finished look.

japanese goth
By Tiffany Godoy and Ivan Vartanian $27.50 - Universe - Rizzoliusa.com Japans impact on the fashion word is undeniable. Tiffany Godoy uses examples of the most dynamic fashion, music, art and design to present the world of Japanese Goth. Taking elements from mythology, contemporary and classic art, as well as literature these many influences are meshed together to provide a delicate balance between the beautiful and the macabre that is Japanese Goth.

photo courtesy of apple

apple
iphone 3gs
$199.00 - Apple.com

ink dish
irezumi dinnerware set
With help from her American husband, tableware designer Caroline Pople and Paul Timman, a Los Angeles-based tattoo artist, came together to create the award-winning Irezumi dinnerware set composed of plates, bowls and mugs. Prices range from $14 for single pieces all the way up to $50 for gift sets. $14.00 - $50.00 - Inkdish.com

If you havent already heard the news, Apple has come out with the new and improved version of the iPhone. The biggest improvements are the camera which now records video and the voice control. While it may not seem like a huge difference, you should ask the people who waited all day in line to get one.
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by lyndsey sargent
photos courtesy of electric artists

homas Pendelton has no qualms about voicing his opinion. He doesnt sugarcoat. Pussyfoot. Beat around the bush. Instead, he tells you what he is going to do and why it will be better than what you wanted. Welcome to Tattoo Highway.

Many people know Pendelton from his stint as an artist on Inked and it comes as no surprise that A&E decided that the world needed more shows devoted to the lifestyle. This time, however, the shop is mobile and the clients are spread wide and far. The shop is a former tour bus from the 70s, revamped into a mobile studio that ferries Pendelton, his wife Monica, and their Ministry of Ink cross country to the holy grails and hell holes in the world of tattooing. As a fifteen-year veteran of the trade and a skilled artist, it is safe say that Pendelton knows his way around a tattoo gun. It is undeniable that he is professional, enthusiastic, and talented. His degree

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of craftsmanship and discerning eye are called into play during Tattoo Highway, though, as customers come to him with an idea or a drawing and Pendelton overhauls it into something different, yet in his opinion, better.A young girl getting her first tattoo requests something ghoulish ripping out of her skin and ends up with a spookish Virgin Mary and child because Pendelton thought it would be more appropriate. So what does this make him, narcissistic or experienced? Perhaps a bit of both, but it is well deserved.Working tirelessly for years to master a skill allows for a certain amount of cockiness and atti-

tude, while knowledge and know-how make it easy to quickly identify a tattoo faux pas waiting to happen.There are times, though, when the customer gets it right and the tattoo they have requested or sketched out is what they get.There is no objection when a widowed husband wants the cremated ashes of his wife mixed into the ink that will be used in a memorial portrait or the Apache stars on the forehead of an elderly woman. Sometimes they just get it right. When they dont, Thomas Pendelton is there to step in. From the creation of the art, to the environment that I tattooed in, it has always been about my customers

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experience, says Pendelton. In a street shop it was easy to forget just how personal that experience should be. Rolling up and parking the shop right in the middle of someone's life, well, there is nothing more personal than that. Before you start thinking that traveling the country and tattooing for weeks is all good times and laughs, there are also chaos and uncertainty.Thomas and Monica have to leave their three small children behind, prompting heartache and longing. The bus, while immaculate on the inside, doesnt always run like a charm. These things, along with the uncertainty of being out of their comfort zone and on someone elses block, create some tense moments during the trip. So while its great to travel, meet new friends, and revisit the old ones, it goes to show that every job, no matter how amazing it may be, has its downside. From Las Vegas to Phoenix, here and there, Tattoo Highway has everything you want from a tattoo show: stories, characters, history, good times, and bad times. The show has a thirteen week run this summer in A&Es 10 pm time slot on Wednesdays. If this isnt enough for you, you can always check out more of Pendeltons Ministry of Ink at www.ministryofink.com or his personal blog at www.thomaspendelton.com. #
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# PRICK BULLETIN BOARD #

July 10-12, 2009 TattooLaPalooza Miami Beach Convention Center Miami Beach, Fla.

ALL THINGS PRICK,tattoo conventions, events & more

July 16-19, 2009 4th Annual APT Tattoo Rendezvous Convention Embassy Suites-Tiffany Springs Kansas City, Mo. July 24-26, 2009 3rd Annual Chattanooga Tattoo Arts Festival Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn Chattanooga,Tenn. August 7-9, 2009 Seattle Tattoo Expo Seattle,Wash. August 14-16, 2009 14th Annual South Florida Tattoo Expo Deerfield Beach Hilton Deerfield Beach, Fla.

JULY
SEE MORE AT PRICKMAG.NET

August 14-16, 2009 Alberta Bound Tattoo & Arts Festival The Stampede Round Up Centre Calgary, Alberta - Canada August 21-23, 2009 Alberta Bound Tattoo & Arts Festival The Shaw Conference Centre Edmonton, Alberta - Canada August 21-23, 2009 Denver Body Art Expo Denver Merchandise Mart Denver, Co.

PRICK on InkedNation Visit our spot on InkedNation at Inkednation.com/prickmag PRICK on MySpace Visit our spot on MySpace at Myspace.com/prickmag PRICK Girls on MySpace Visit our PRICK Girls spot on MySpace at Myspace.com/prickgirls

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