by Nicole Powers

Paradise is Diablo Cody’s fourth full-length feature film, but her first as both a writer and director, and is perhaps her most gloriously entertaining endeavor to date.

The film tells the story of Lamb Mannerheim (played by Julianne Hough), a young girl from a highly religious small town in Montana who has a crisis of faith after she loses her fiancé and is badly burned in a horrific plane crash. Scarred inside and out, she denounces her belief in God in the most spectacular of ways – in front of her parents (Holly Hunter and Nick Offerman), family, friends, neighbors, and entire community – from the pulpit of her local church during a sermon in which she was supposed to announce a substantial gift from her multi-million dollar settlement check. Instead, she takes herself and her windfall off to the Devil’s playground, otherwise known as Las Vegas.

On a mission to seek out the worldly pleasures she’s missed out on, she befriends a lascivious and licentious barman named William (Russell Brand) and his cohort, a nightclub singer named Loray (Octavia Spencer). Though running away from God and the narrow-minded morals of her hometown, Lamb’s spiritual journey through Paradise, Nevada (where the Las Vegas Strip technically resides) ultimately helps her find herself.

But this is no heavy-handed morality/immorality tale. Thanks to Cody’s wonderfully witty script, intelligent observations, and sharp direction, and the comedic talents of her incredible cast, Paradise is enlightening in more ways than one. We caught up with Cody recently to talk about the film.

Read our exclusive interview with Diablo Cody on SuicideGirls.com.

by Blogbot

Having been blown away by an underground warehouse set in DTLA last month, SG Radio hosts Nicole Powers and Juturna Suicide are excited to be joined in studio by the band SWIMM. Soak in the sound of SWIMM this Thursday, October 10th on TradioV between 6 and 8 PM PST.

You can listen – and watch – the world’s leading naked radio show live on Thursday nights from 6 til 8 PM at our new state-of-the-art all digital home: TradioV.com.

You’ll also be able to listen to our podcasts via Stitcher – download the app now!

If you have questions for the SG Radio crew or our guests, you can call in during the live broadcast at: 1-855-TRV-inLA (1-855-878-4652)

For updates on all things SG Radio-related, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

About SWIMM (@SWIMMmusic)

SWIMM is the music of Chris Hess and Adam Winn. They write, record, and play live with several friends including Spencer Petersen, Adrian Martinez, Jared Bowser, Gavin Little, Jonathan Berlin, Zac Sullivan, Justin Morales, and Thomas Carroll.

“Although the band’s American, fans of British guitar sounds a la Stone Roses, The Verve, Marc Bolan and Tame Impala will fall hard for SWIMM’s unforgettable music.” ~ iTunes

Blending elements of dance music, rock n’ roll and shoegaze/folk with psychedelia as the cohesive element, SWIMM has created an original sounding first release that has people very curious about what will come next from this Florida group. Following the release of the Feel EP, SWIMM began playing a number of energetic DIY shows in California, New York and Florida, building a rep for an experiential live show. The release launched the band into an abundance of positive press.

“Get ready to have your mind blown!” – Nylon

The Feel EP is out now! Download it for FREE at: SWIMMmusic.com

**UPDATE**

ICYMI: Here’s last night’s show feat. Chris Hess and Adam Winn of SWIMM.

Video streaming by Ustream

by Blogbot

Video streaming by Ustream

Everything You Need To Know About The Zombie Apocalypse But Were Too Afraid To Ask

This week on SuicideGirls Radio, hosts Nicole Powers and Juturna Suicide were joined by the founder of the Zombie Research Society, Matt Mogk, futurist and zombie aficionado, Heathervescent, and our resident post-apocalyptic political correspondent, David Seaman.

In order to raise awareness for the impending apocalypse and to encourage zombie preparedness, this week our panel explored a fictional – but entirely plausible – scenario. Find out what happens when a rabid Republican eats some strangely irradiated bottom feeding fish that was swimming in the waters off Fukushima before it was served to our “Patient One” at a Los Angeles sushi restaurant. Which of our panel will get bitten first? Who survives the apocalypse in fine style? Who has to resort to eating their spouse? Who has the best recipe for eating human flesh? And who will be our new leader in the post-apocalyptic world? All these questions and more are answered in the videopod above!

[..]

by Blogbot

This Thursday, October 3rd on SuicideGirls Radio, hosts Nicole Powers and Juturna Suicide will be joined on the phone by writer, filmmaker and artist Clive Barker, and in studio by the Vice President of his Seraphim production company Mark Miller. Art historian, author, and bon vivant Thomas Negovan of the Century Guild gallery will also be joining us to talk about Barker’s forthcoming exhibition, which he is in the process of curating.

You can listen – and watch – the world’s leading naked radio show live on Thursday nights from 6 til 8 PM at our new state-of-the-art all digital home: TradioV.com/LA.

You’ll also be able to listen to our podcasts via Stitcher – download the app now!

If you have questions for the SG Radio crew or our guests, you can call in during the live broadcast at: 1-855-TRV-inLA (1-855-878-4652)

For updates on all things SG Radio-related, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

About Clive Barker

A visionary, fantasist, poet and painter, Clive Barker has expanded the reaches of human imagination as a novelist, director, screenwriter and dramatist. An inveterate seeker who traverses between myriad styles with ease, Barker has left his indelible artistic mark on a range of projects that reflect his creative grasp of contemporary media — from familiar literary terrain to the progressive vision of his Seraphim production company. His 1998 Gods and Monsters, which he executive produced, garnered three Academy Award nominations and an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. The following year, Barker joined the ranks of such illustrious authors as Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Annie Dillard and Aldous Huxley when his collection of literary works was inducted into the Perennial line at HarperCollins, who then published The Essential Clive Barker, a 700-page anthology with an introduction by Armistead Maupin.

Barker began his odyssey in the London theatre, scripting original plays for his group The Dog Company, including The History of the Devil, Frankenstein in Love and Crazyface. Soon, Barker began publishing his The Books of Blood short fiction collections; but it was his debut novel, The Damnation Game, that widened his already growing international audience.

Barker shifted gears in 1987 when he directed Hellraiser, based on his novella The Hellbound Heart, which became a veritable cult classic spawning a slew of sequels, several lines of comic books, and an array of merchandising. In 1990, he adapted and directed Nightbreed from his short story Cabal. Two years later, Barker executive produced the housing-project story Candyman, as well as the 1995 sequel, Candyman 2: Farewell to the Flesh. Also that year, he directed Scott Bakula and Famke Janssen in the noir-esque detective tale, Lord of Illusions.

Barker’s literary works include such best-selling fantasies as Weaveworld, Imajica, and Everville, the children’s novel The Thief of Always, Sacrament, Galilee and Coldheart Canyon. The first of his quintet of children’s books, Abarat, was published in October 2002 to resounding critical acclaim, followed by Abarat II: Days of Magic, Nights of War and Arabat III: Absolute Midnight. Barker is currently completing the fourth in the series. As an artist, Barker frequently turns to the canvas to fuel his imagination with hugely successful exhibitions across America. His neo-expressionist paintings have been showcased in two large format books, Clive Barker, Illustrator, volumes I & II.

About Mark Miller

As the Vice President of Seraphim, Mark Alan Miller writes, produces, and directs original content alongside master of horror Clive Barker.

Mark has been working as a writer since 2005 when he started as a columnist for OCWeekly. It was this that landed him the position of assistant editor on Barker’s recently released Novel Abarat: Absolute Midnight, for which he also directed the promotional trailer.

Since 2009, Miller has been shepherding the release of the director’s cut of Barker’s classic film Nightbreed. During that time, Miller has acted as producer on an in-house cut of Barker’s movie, which has garnered worldwide interest, and been featured in magazines such as Fangoria, Rue Morgue, and Empire magazine, and was just named TotalFilm‘s 14th best extended cut of all time.

Currently, he is editing Barker’s much-anticipated The Scarlet Gospels. His work can also be seen in the bestselling Boom! Studios comic book, Hellraiser, as well as the newly released Next Testament.

About Thomas Negovan / Century Guild

Century Guild was established in 1999 and has curated objects and artworks now on permanent display in a number of museums including The Art Institute of Chicago, The Detroit Institute of Art, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The gallery moved to Culver City in December, 2012 and specializes in works from the Art Nouveau era through the Weimar Republic. Century Guild is located at 6150 Washington Blvd in Culver City, five blocks West of the Helms Bakery in the heart of the Arts District. For information on current and upcoming shows visit centuryguild.net/

**UPDATE**

ICYMI: This week’s show featuring author, filmmaker and artist Clive Barker, Mark Miller (the Vice President of Barker’s Seraphim production company), and Thomas Negovan of the Century Guild (who is curating an exhibition of Barker’s work).

Video streaming by Ustream

Chivalry and Philanthropy are alive and well in Vancouver! Last weekend Tita Suicide teamed up with sponsors Lords of Gastown, and HUSH Magazine to host XOXO Erotica, a multi media art show and online extravaganza, designed to celebrate art, and raise awareness about women’s support services.

“Definitely not your run of the mill art show. #XOXOErotica proves that art, love, and the internet can coexisit with the greater good” – @tenimess

The show turned out to be an an outstanding night of music, mixers, and multi media, and the audience showed its appreciation by staying late into the night, sipping on local ales, and dancing, while videos by tmronin and tsurufoto played in the background.

Models and members of the SG community, including Aadie, Glitch, Harajuku, Meshell, Pirate, Peatrie, Rin, and Rydell Suicide were on hand to discuss the show’s powerful theme, contribute to charity, and enjoy incredible erotic art and media from across North America.

“Had SO much fun @xoxoerotica. Great to hang with my #Vancouver Suicidegirl friends. :)” – @AlexSevy84

Meanwhile an extended conversation was helped along by remote participants, who joined in online to advocate for erotic art. It was a perfect capsule in which to discuss topics ranging from the importance of nude modelling in the art world, to the NSA and freedom of expression in North America.

“Where are all my #XOXOErotica Vancouver people at? #wishiwereincanada” – @Jherm

With excitement for the next event already building, Tita and curator Fang Ling Lee are headed to New Jersey, where they will host the second round of the show during EXXXOTICA at the Edison Convention Centre, October 4-6th. This time East Coast Suicide Girls and members including Fabrizia, Spliff, Karma, and Lux have been invited to participate, as well as members from across New England. It promises to be a great addition to the already expanded dialogue and social commentary created by the Vancouver show, and will definitely give the internet something to talk and post about!

Check out the full event photos in the official Facebook albums of Du Jour Marketing and HUSH Magazine.

As always, you can keep plugged into the event by watching for the hashtag #XOXOErotica and following @cupcakedujour, ‪@DuJourMarketing and @xoxoerotica online.

Related Posts
XOXO Erotica: Art, Love and The Internet

by Blogbot

This Thursday, September 26th on SuicideGirls Radio, host Nicole Powers will be joined in studio by Audrey Napoleon, Chris Saint, David Seaman, and guest co-host Sawa Suicide.

You can listen – and watch – the world’s leading naked radio show live on Thursday nights from 6 til 8 PM at our new state-of-the-art all digital home: TradioV.com/LA.

You’ll also be able to listen to our podcasts via Stitcher – download the app now!

If you have questions for the SG Radio crew or our guests, you can call in during the live broadcast at: 1-855-TRV-inLA (1-855-878-4652)

For updates on all things SG Radio-related, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

_About Audrey Napoleon

Energetic talent and grace like hers are rare in any profession. Match it with a keen instinct for electronic music, edgy personal style and a playful personality to arrive at one of today’s most gifted new stars. While working at Hollywood hot-spot Geisha House, she discovered her passion for DJing. From there came producing original tracks, two residencies in Los Angeles (Avalon, Music Box) and continual invitations to play parties throughout Europe. Today, Audrey Napoleon’s sought-after music style reveals roots that are deep, dark, anthemic and techno based.

Her buoyant signature sound, which she describes as a dark romance, and her lively stage presence is what sets Audrey apart when spinning at top clubs around the world—destinations including Canada, the United Kingdom and Italy—and sharing the stage with an array of massive talent from techno legend Ritchie Hawtin, Deadmau5, Wolfgang Gartner and Nic Fanciulli to Umek, Joris Voorn, Simian Mobile Disco, M.A.N.D.Y. and more. To fully experience AUDREY’s production work, check out her singles like “Bird Lynch,” featuring Penny, “Everybody Has The Right,” her recent collaboration with D. Ramirez on Toolroom Records, or her newest single “Dope A La Mode” – out now on SQE Music.

On “Dope A La Mode,” Audrey takes her production prowess to a new high. The track features thumping electro/house bass, eerie and equally sexy vocals—with lyrics written and performed by Audrey herself—topped with her signature flair. The video offers one of Audrey’s raciest visuals to date with her as the heroine partaking in an S&M sex scene, a Gothic church wedding, a murder and a literal bloodbath. The video also features Semi Precious Weapons lead vocalist Justin Tranter who plays Audrey’s husband.

For more on Audrey visit her website, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

_About Chris Saint

English born and raised, Chris Saint restarted his piercing career by relocating to Los Angeles in 2007. Working in the heart of Hollywood, Chris focused himself on precision, creativity and presentation, and before long had succeeded in building a solid reputation within the piercing community.

To date Chris’ work, including his surface anchor arrangements, can be seen in publications worldwide, on television networks including MTV, FUSE, OXYGEN, E!, and in music videos by artists such as From First Till Last, Angels & Airwaves & Marilyn Manson.

Chris has been a member of SuicideGirls since 2007, and is now an extremely proud member of the Club Tattoo, Las Vegas Team. He is currently in Los Angeles filming a reality TV show.

For more info visit Chris’ Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

Sawa SA INDIEGOGO V1 from Sawa on Vimeo.

_About Sawa

Covered in tattoos with long flowing pink hair, Sawa has been a part of the SuicideGirls community for 10 years and is both a model and a photographer for the site. She is a well-known internet personality, with followers all over the world (some of whom even have her portrait tattooed on their body!). Sawa’s image has been used on playing cards and in a calendar, and her art has been internationally published in books and magazines. She has her own snowboard coming out with Arbor, and her own sock coming out with California Uber Alles.

Her latest project, The Sawa Travel Diary, is a video mission that is already in progress, and the message is simple: Get out there and do the things that you want to do, live your life the way you want to live it, instead of wasting and waiting to buy the freedom to be able to do so someday later.

In Sawa’s case, this meant living for art and adventure.

The Sawa Travel Diary is the chronicle of an artist and photographer going off of the grid, traveling through foreign countries to photograph alternative models and do street art, collaborate with other artists, and document the entire experience on video, through a point of view that is unique to Sawa (and never one of a traditional tourist).

Having put all of her belongings in a storage unit, Sawa traveled to Europe to do art all day everyday, and lay the foundations for this ongoing endeavor. Next, Sawa plans to travel to South America, through Columbia, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. The expedition will navigate beaches, freaky clubs, marble caves submerged in water, villages, and a grand finale of a snowboard expedition in Chile!

Sawa lives and feels life to the max, and wears it on her sleeve. She is not only looking for adventure, but is on a spiritual journey too, and is not just making art, but using it as a vehicle to connect with other seekers, creators, healers, and rebels.

Support Sawa’s South American Travel Diary via Indiegogo and follow her adventures on Facebook and Twitter, and see more of her work on her website and on SuicideGirls.com.

_About David Seaman

David Seaman (@d_seaman) is an independent journalist. He has been a lively guest on CNN Headline News, FOX News, ABC News Digital, among others, and on his humble YouTube channel, DavidSeamanOnline. Some say he was recently censored by a certain large media corporation for posting a little too much truth… Catch Seaman on his brand new crowd-funded Rise Morning Show (@RiseMorningShow). For more, find him on G+ and Twitter.

**UPDATE**

ICYMI: Here’s last night’s outrageously fun show featuring Audrey Napoleon, Chris Saint, David Seaman, and guest co-host Sawa Suicide.

Video streaming by Ustream

by Nicole Powers

“I’m a pop junkie,” says Victoria Hesketh a.k.a. Little Boots, whose stated goal is to write the perfect pop song. It could be argued that the British singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has already done that with the 2009 single “New In Town” from her debut album Hands, but Hesketh modestly insists she has yet to attain that songwriting holy grail.

The word “pop” when describing any artistic medium is often considered to be synonymous with shallow and disposable, but the music Hesketh makes is most definitely not of that ilk. Unlike many who seek popular music success, Hesketh has put in the work and refused to sacrifice her individuality. She’s learnt her craft, paid her dues, and stayed true to her somewhat geeky self, and in doing so has created a DIY electro-pop aesthetic all of her own. Rejecting over-polished pop, Hesketh incorporates lo-fi sounds from offbeat gadgets such as the Stylophone and Tenori-on into her well-crafted songs.

It’s this down to earth, quirky, and honest approach that resonates with fans, who appreciate that she’s never conformed to the pop princess mold – though conversely it’s something that no doubt frustrated her first major label Warner Music Group home. Creative differences led to an amicable split after the release of her first album, and now Little Boots is doing her own thing her own way.

Her second album, Nocturnes, which was produced by Mo’ Wax co-founder Tim Goldsworthy (now of disco-punk label DFA records), was released via Hesketh’s On Repeat Records imprint earlier this year, and a video for the song “Satellite,” which she directed, debuted this month.

We caught up with Hesketh by phone as she was preparing for her upcoming US tour, which kicks off in Santa Ana, California this weekend.

Read our exclusive interview with Little Boots on SuicideGirls.com.

Little Boots album Nocturnes, featuring the single “Satellite”, is out now. Her US tour kicks of at the Constellation Room in Santa Ana, CA on Sunday, September 22nd, 2013. For more info visit littlebootsmusic.co.uk/.