Making Friends in the Underground

I often read  the woeful comments of readers and bloggers alike bemoaning their complete isolation from the underground scene in their area. "I'm the only Goth in my town!" "No one likes the same things as me!" "I never have people to go to concerts and cons with me!" "My cats won't cosplay with me!"

Of course, an edgy mysterious new friend isn't going to show up in your city with piercing eyes (that for some reason, only seem to see you) beckoning you onto their motorcycle with their vintage collection of comics and WGT tickets as incentive (a la perfect 80's teen movie at Monster High). However, nine times out of ten things aren't as dreary as them seem.

The underground scene isn't a small village beneath the sewers - it's a coincidental community of like-minded individuals that come together for the sake of some fantastic event. And I'm not talking about concerts or M'era Luna Festivals. I'm talking about regular old hobbies that will introduce you to more than regular people.


Roller Derby

Roller Derby is a fantastic sport for a variety of reasons. It's quick moving, has a built in niche community, leaves room for creativity & self expression, and is one of the few times you can see your old english teacher don fishnets and completely deck people for the sake of female empowerment. It really doesn't get much better than that.


If you're not athletic yourself, or bruise easily, it may not be the best course of action to join a team, but there's plenty of ways you can enjoy the roller derby community without having a complete set of scars to show for it. You can help manage a men's or women's team, volunteer to do dramatic bout makeup, photography or sell or design t-shirts. You can loiter around the games, and join the pack of vendors that set up shop on derby nights and take your Etsy store out into the world. Even simply going to games is a fun way to spend time, and meet lots of interesting people.



Join the Zine Scene

More and more the underground zine scene is gaining momentum in lots of cities. Zines are best described by wikipedia as "an abbreviation of fanzine, or magazine and is most commonly a small circulation self-published work of original and/or appropriated texts and images usually reproduced via photocopier."

"Most zines suck. There's no nice way to say it...Zines (pronounced "zeens," from fanzines) are cut-and-paste, "sorry this is late," self-published magazines reproduced at Kinko's or on the sly at work and distributed through mail order and word of mouth. They touch on sex, music, politics, television, movies, work, food, whatever. They're Tinkertoys for malcontents. They're obsessed with obsession. They're extraordinary and ordinary. They're about strangeness but since it's usually happening somewhere else you're kind of relieved."

                                 —Chip Rowe, Excerpted from The Book of Zines

Zines can be a cacophony of images or organized anthologies of prose and poetry. They become a sort of currency, and ticket to meeting new people. They can be left stapled to telephone poles, hidden in coffee shops, or exchanged from author to author. They can generate an audience for zine conventions and meetups, or be based online, gathering submissions via tumblr and mailed worldwide.

Zine conventions aren't just happening downtown and near college campuses either. Don't believe me? Zinebook.com is a great resource for understanding zine culture and finding zine events, and more importantly, meeting the interesting individuals that come along with the scene.



Magic & RPGs

There are few things more underground than the basement where you play D&D.

But in all seriousness, everything from Magic The Gathering--all the way to the fantasy role-playing games that originally influenced it--offer a unique combination of creativity, customization, strategy & socialization that is hard to find anywhere else. In addition to unique ways to play, communities like Magic and D&D boast a large diverse population of players from all ages and backgrounds: so far reaching that you probably already know a handful of players at the time of reading this.


Though there are many trading card games, none can compare to the complexity and following that MTG has. Take the item closest to you at this moment, throw it out a nearby window; it will probably hit someone who plays magic. FNM, otherwise known as Friday Night Magic is the weekly meetup of magic players worldwide at many local game, card and comic shops. FNM allows players to have organized tournaments, be beginner friendly, and simultaneously provide traffic and revenue to these indie shops while giving players a place to hangout, meetup, and enjoy the smells of magic.

In the realm of role-playing games, Dungeons and Dragons is not only the best-known and market leader in role-playing games, but also boasts an estimated 20 million players. Like MTG, its following is expansive and represents a hobby gone subculture. The community to this day remains very welcoming and amicable, organizing D&D Meetups worldwide. You don't mess with the D&D community, they got eyes everywhere, man.


Costume Clubs

So your cats really aren't into the whole cosplay thing? That's ok! There are people all over the world who are!

There are costume clubs of every variety and locale, some of which are so large members and fanatics can even send out requests for an "invasion" at their conventions or events. Most of these places have forums for members to chat and collaborate online, or face-to-face meetups where you can even find people to cosplay certain duos or character groups with you!



Some of the biggest names in costuming clubs today remain The Rebel Legion, The 501st Legion, and of course, The Mandalorian Mercs. All of which are —you guessed it— Star Wars Costuming Clubs. In addition to providing con eye-candy, many organizations are also known for their charity work, children's hospital visits and community service. (Rebel Scum?)

Though many clubs have moderate to strict costume quality standards and can be very pricey to be a part of, there are just as many clubs that are more relaxed and budget friendly for the average geeky college student.

Cosplay.com offers DIY costuming advice, event calendars and forums for cosplayers seeking cosplay companions with a special emphasis on anime culture.




First Fridays,  & Art Walks

An activist, an art snob and bass player walk into a bar.

No, that's not the beginning to a cheesy joke, it's what happens at first friday and art festivals every month.
You know what's a great community? The art community. You know why it's so great? Because it's so diverse within itself!

First Friday is the collection of events in some cities the first friday of every month. They offer such fun as pub-hopping, gallery openings, a wide array of street vendors (Etsy street team, anyone?), live music and performance art. Whether you're there to debut your art, book your band, have a couple drinks or just socialize, art walks are a great way to do so.

First Fridays are most common in the United States, but similar events exist all over the world under titles like "Market Days" and "Art Walks"

An activist, an art snob and bass player walk into a bar. They sit there for several hours partaking in lively discussion and fostering a lifelong friendship. Ziiiing!

Need More?

Meetup.com is an amazing site where you can find everything from Lolita Meetups to Coffee Shop Geek Discussions within your area, and all over the world.

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Best of The Web: April Round-up

Great Reads:

Dirigible Days

• Geek magazine wrote an awesome article Titled "The Five Most Powerful Pieces of Jewelry in Geekdom"

• Emilie Autumn released her very first music video! See the F.L.A.G. Music Video here.

Emilie Autumn






• Cracked  posted a Roundup of Not-too-long Sci-Fi movies you can watch from Youtube. A roundup inside of a roundup? Is that even allowed?

• Madam Noire's makeup studio posted this great tutorial for this black and white feathery eye makeup with sclera contact lenses.

• Pitchfork posted their 2013 Guide to Summer Music Festivals around the world, with everything from Vivid Sydney to BET Experience, to Coachella.

• Geek Syndicate wrote the very hilarious The Bluffer's Guide to Geekdom - Star Trek, where you can learn everything you need to act like you're a faux Trekkie.

Illmasqua "Paranormal" Collection

• Illmasqua's new makeup collection Paranormal was launched this month as well. Phyrra: Beauty for the Bold posted A summary of the new collection, here.

• The Neo-Victorian Parlour posted a short History of Victorian Burlesque.

• Geek Magazine also posted a gallery of images from Disneyland's Iron Man 3 Innovations Exhibit where you can see a collection of Tony Stark's Armors from all 3 movies. (Hey Americans, the movie just came out!)

Kickstarter of the Month:

We love indie projects, hell, we are one!

Artwork by Teresa Flowers

•  The Steampunk web series Dirigible Days is campaigning to make the next installment into a comic book. Help them out and give them a buzz on twitter.

• Artist Teresa Flowers has an amazing project she needs funding for, Check out her Echoes Exhibit, which combines elements of photography, drawing, and installation.

Hope you liked April!

Sincerely, The SBM Writers

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Makeup Tips From Drag Queens

  Need to know how to paint yourself up like royalty? Take it from a Queen.

Yara Sofia

Cook Your Makeup

When applying highlights, foundation and cover-up, slather up on the makeup, and let it sit for a little while doing your hair or eye makeup. Let the heat from your face naturally "cook" the cosmetics, or melt onto your skin so it can blend over smoothly rather than settling into your pores.

Shadow isn't just for your face

Collarbones, jawlines and cleavage can all benefit from a little shading, shadowing and contouring.
Using some art technique and spare eyeshadows, features can be enhanced - and even in the case of cleavage - faked.

Raja Gemini

Eyelashes - You need them

If eyelashes are a societal symbol of femininity, then you need A LOT OF THEM, right? Putting an emphasis with fake lashes and heavy mascaras adds an extra dimension (literally) of results.


5 Minute Face Lift

What's under those shiny fabulous wigs? Tape. Hidden under the glamour can often be found
drugstore micropore tape ( also known as surgical tape) around the hairline. Why, you may ask? Surgical tape is great for tightening the face and lifting the brows!

Yara Sofia

High Hair = High Impact

Even if you're not into the big hair, the effect of a little bit of volume on your hair can give your look that extra presence and give your hair some extra life.

"If a girl is feeling a little fat, if a girl is feeling short, if a girl is just not feeling right about herself all she needs to do is jack out her hair. It will make the proportions of your body look so much better if you have bigger hair. You must have a good back-teasing comb for that. You can find one at any beauty supply store for like $2 "

                      -Manila Luzon

Porcelain

Deo-Your Face

To deal with sweat while dancing or performing under hot lights and heavy wigs apply deodorant around the hairline (this will go underneath your foundation)

Set your makeup
(The Cheap way)

Dancing, partying, and being fabulous can be sweaty and long-going. Once you've completed the perfect mask of makeup, keep your hard work in tact by misting a setting spray over your face and neck. Urban Decay's "All Nighter" is a popular choice by many, but Skindivina's "No more shine" setting spray is far better than urban decay's (Urban Decay buys all their setting sprays from Skindivina!).
The real secret is (though not designed for skin) - hairspray works just as well!

Stay Fabulous!

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Ten Reasons to Spin Vinyl Part II

  Let's see, where did we leave off.....

 

  6. T H E   S C E N E

Who, what, when and why? If you rounded up everyone who collects vinyl, it wouldn't matter the size of their collection because it's the scene that's in common with them all. Collectors are  everywhere, but you have to find them. Sure, skimming through records is fun enough by yourself, but there are plenty of awesome music lovers lurking about that would love to share. Those who collect vinyl are hard to find because they don't boast about it to the world, and just like the football players and Speech and Debaters, crate-digging is a hobby too. If you really want to be part of the scene, and to find the hotspot for vinyl records, go to Southern California. The music scene in metropolitan cities like L.A. and Phoenix are plentiful with wide range of listeners and musicians that trickle into the smaller towns surrounding them. The range of people still listening to vinyl truly is widespread, from dj's, middle-aged parents, teenagers, college students and musicians everywhere. Just ignore   the dreaded term, H....i...hi...hipster.  God, that word really is getting old. The truth is, if you know your music and you contribute to the music scene, you're hip as hell - as in you're cool. If someone calls you a hipster for collecting vinyls, just remember that they wish they were as cool as you. I could say that vinyl is an underground scene, but it's been out from under the ground for decades before us so just remember, that being part of vinyl media and music in general, is being a part of something that will never get old. 

7. R A R I T Y

Chances are, if you don't buy," Zendooni: Funk, Psychedelic and Pop from the Iranian Pre-Revolution Generation" today, it might not be there tomorrow. That's the fun in the rarity of existing vinyl. It's rare to find the bootleg series, and early mix tapes of big name bands and it's rare to find albums hanging on the wall at a cheap price. That's the price of collecting though, and it's worth it if your favorite 45's can be framed and marveled at for the rest of your days. There's a reason why it's safe to call the crates in your garage a collection, because records are vintage items. The progression of our media convenience is only going to increase, and the farther away the world strays from vinyl, the tighter collectors are going to hold on to their collection. What's nice, is that due to the demand for newer artists to make vinyl media, new vinyl is being made for the current generation.  If you don't listen to records and you think you might have a rarity on your hands, check it out. Ask somebody. You may be surprised at what it's worth, especially if it's in the proper condition. Another reason to treat records gently with appreciation, and if you see a record you think of as a gem, go for it. If you don't, it'll just be added to someone elses collection. Collecting isn't competitive but rare albums catch the eyes of many interested listeners. All the more reason to visit the record store every week, right?

  8. F L I P P I N G

As I stare at the ceiling, listening to the last song on "Sound of Silence" I hear Simon and Garfunkel through a muffled, classic vibe. I imagine myself sitting beside all of my favorite artists at once, all from different eras with their own musical persona. Then I snap out of it as I hear the click - the click that says, "I'm done! flip me, flip me, flip me!" I rush to flip the record because of the unspoken rule : NO DEAD AIR. Don't forget that kids, let it ring but keep it going. It had been a whole season since I'd heard this album and I was reminded that side two was just as good as side one. Ask anyone about what first comes to their mind when they think of vinyl and  almost every single time, someone will say the sound. The crackle of the needle through the grooves and the muffled projection filling the room. It's fun to gently flip the record, and if you're worried about having to get out of your big comfy chair,  just remember that records are not just physically fragile, but emotionally too. They want to be played, front to back and they don't want to collect dust because music of any sort is meant for absorbing. Ultimately it's the flipping of the record that crosses the line between listening to an album, and participating in an activity. Speaking of which, I just heard a click.

 9.  C L A S S I C S 

       So, about classics. What makes something classic, is it's ability to live on through generations with the same appreciation. Beethoven is classic. Louis Armstrong is classic. Bad Brains is classic. From classical to punk, music has been changed by the legends of each era and vinyl, as well as other media sources help them stay alive.
    If you watch a lot of classic movies that few people have heard of, but you secretly know are awesome, you could probably find the soundtrack in vinyl.Consider the soundtracks to your favorite musicals and cartoon shows. It's not often that you find the Sound of Music musical score, or the Grimm's Fairy Tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Do you know how much cooler the Star Wars soundtrack sounds on vinyl? If not, check it out...because it's easy to fall in love with the classics when experiencing it through new media. Your favorite classic black and white movie scores can most likely be found in the classic or soundtrack section of the record store, thrift store, and often enough - garage sales.

   

 The classics will never die, but vinyl makes them seem new. I dare you to bring your parents into the record store, just to hear them say, 

"god, I had forgotten all about Cream," or 

"geez, I remember when Black Flag first came out," or "man, where the hell are these guys now." 

They might've forgotten about the classics, and the albums that mark their youth, but  Vinyl records can serve as a great reminder because they go farther than the singles played on the radio. Of course what's classic to me is often different than what classic is to you, but there are always the classics that bind us together and they can always be found through vinyl.

   

10. L E V E L  O F  C O O L N E S S

    Who's to say what's cool and what's not? Well right now, me. I could tell you right now that if if you listen to vinyl you're about 8x, 30% more cool. Many people are strangers to the fun of crate-digging through endless vinyl, and if you join in on the trade you'd understand what it is to bring it back. Kinda like bringing sexy back, or permed hair, typewriters and ripped jeans. Where do you think the term, "groovy" came from? The grooves on a record of course!

   Think of the children, think of the CHILDREN. They already question what a tape recorder is, but I guess that's beyond my time too.  It's impressive to meet an 12 year old, who knows what a vinyl is. He's part of the scene, he's cool. Some of us grow up remembering the vinyl that our parents spun and sang to, and the fondness of the music is carried on our backs.

  

  We can bring it back to funk. All different kinds of funk : Afro funk, disco funk, free funk, UK funky, Disco, soul. I mean, think of their style. The music and style go hand in hand, so if you're listening to freshest, grooviest stuff, you're gonna be groovy.  If the chosen media is vinyl, I promise you will feel cool as you put your new records in your bike basket, or as they stick out of your back pack when you walk downtown, and as you line them up perfectly on your bedroom shelves. You're bound to feel cool after a long day as you kick back with some chocolate milk and ease into the crackled oldies of Shaolin Soul.

  Oh, and just a word of advice: keep it low key. The bros in your class, or the clerk at the grocery store  simply don't care about your newest disco record, and if you keep it low key, your coolness will soar amongst those who do care.  Vinyl is cool because is not just new and old, but it's classic. A perfect hobby for music lovers everywhere who are willing to dive into any genre with two feet in.

  Happy Spinning!

                        

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Best of the Web: February-March Round-up

Sincerely Boots can't have everything. We can't do everything. But Between the three of us we spend enough time on the web to find everything.

Until that day when we can offer you everything, here's what's the best of the web!

• The fabulous Stella Rose of Confessions of a Female Drag Queen wrote a short article about How to dress for snow, and STILL look good. She's been running around New York City's Fashion Week in endless snow and sleet, compiled her own "NYC Blizzard Look" and was kind enough to share! Like her? Know that she has moved her blog to buzznet this month if you want to follow her.

• The Everyday Goth has a very  article titled "Is Goth Music Dead?" that is surely worth a read.

• Thais Gusmao has released a new comic-inspired collection of swimwear and lingerie and men's underwear all licensed by DC comics. They're pretty spectacular. I'm really digging the wonder woman set. Shout out to Geeky Glamorous for putting the word out!

• Anti.Muse shared the Matthew Shave Beetlejuice-inspired Fashion Editorial: Homage to The Modern Goth for Karen Magazine; which is not yet viewable on Shave's website.

• F Yeah Lolita posted a really well written article about "What Makes 'Lolita', Lolita?" in regards to the never-ending debate about silhouettes in Lolita Fashion. What? You didn't know that was a thing?

• Did you know men's skin is up to 25% thicker than women's? Beautylish posted a handy guide to Men's Skin care (Written for women).

Any great articles you've stumbled upon in the past month?

Follow my SBM with Bloglovin

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Gaging and Giggling: A Short Review of the novel American Psycho

Thoughts on American Psycho. Where do I begin? Maybe I’ll start off by saying that reading this book was self-inflicted torture every night for two weeks straight. Of course, I would have to follow that statement by telling you that American Psycho was also one of the most powerfully captivating and intellectually stimulating books I have ever read.

Bret Easton Ellis quickly throws the reader deep into the wealthy scene of successful New York City business men of the 1980’s.  As seen through the eyes of Patrick Bateman, New York is full of self-centered characters, expensive restaurants, and fancy suits. As the reader, I found myself scoffing at the mindless conversations Patrick and his colleagues partake in while dining on five hundred dollar meals (that go mostly uneaten), laughing out loud every time a character mistook someone else's identity, and mind numbingly bored as Partrick described even minor characters’ attire down the make and model of their tie clip! Of course, I was also deeply disturbed (often struggling to hold down my last meal) as I read the horrifying descriptions of Patrick’s murders through a completely emotionless narration.

But this book is so much more than gags and giggles. Ellis uses Bateman to illustrate the horrors and filth of corporations. Patrick is the embodiment of successful enterprise. What if corporations were living breathing people? They would be Patrick Bateman, they would be psychopaths. Just one more reason to hate suits I guess (although the artists[you know, people like you and me] in the novel are just as bad). American Psycho also comments on the dangers of a materialistic and self-centered society. For Patrick and his peers, A person is defined by the brand of their suit. People’s political views, their faults, addictions, loves, passions, and even crimes are all inconsequential. All that matters is “What are they wearing?” “Can they get reservations at that new hip restaurant, Dorsia?” Perhaps the most entertaining aspect of the novel is the ludicrousness of society. The world of the book is one where everyone is cast into complete and utter oblivion. Patrick proves this constantly as he outright admits to being a murder several times and even threatens people to their faces, but is never met with any satisfying repercussions. The Patty Winter’s show, a recurring motif in the book, depicts how society has adopted insanity into itself. I'd like to share with you my favorite bit concerning the Patty Winter's show. “On The Patty Winters Show this morning a Cheerio sat in a very small chair and was interviewed for close to an hour.” Patrick is a living reflection of the insane, uncaring world that he lives in. Honestly, a world not too unlike our own.

American Psycho is the greatest book that I never want to read again. If you enjoy disturbing stories told from a numb perspective and have a strong stomach, I would suggest you pick up a copy and plan on getting really terrible sleep (and don't forget dirty looks!) for the next couple of weeks.

"Kill...All...Yuppies."

Bret Easton Ellis is an American novelist, screenwriter, and short story writer. His works have been translated into 27 languages.

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Review: Portland Black Lipstick Company

After my initial black lipstick article it's clear that there are in fact, quite a lot of black lipsticks on the market. After after trying to hunt down MAC's "Black Knight", or nearly buying Illmasqua's "Pristine" ...

I thought about taking a chance with an indie brand I've heard great things about; 

The Portland Black Lipstick Company.

I started with their namesake,
 the original black, And I must say, the hype is definitely worth it.



T e x t u r e :    4.5/5

The color is moisturizing without being too creamy or waxy. The formula could be a tad harder for my taste (though it is not runny) but other than that I have no complaints.







C o l o r :   5/5





The black is cool and completely opaque in one light stroke. Dark and very flattering.







W e a r :    5/5

This lipstick has the best wear of any I've ever used. You read that right. It hold ups fabulously against eating and drinking, and never becomes runny or even near dried out. For a black lipstick, too!? You gotta be kidding me.

Due to the nature of black lipstick, it always feels as though you must keep a sharper eye on it, it's far from natural, and each smudge looks far from flattering - but I'm truly amazed by their formula. I don't feel the self-conscious need to re-apply or babysit this color, it stays in place.




P a c k a g i n g :    2/5


I can hardly say I'm a fan of the chapstick tube The Portland Black Lipstick Company's shades come in, on aesthetic and both functional grounds.  Applying the black with a flat top in a standard sized tube isn't that easy of a task. Eventually I hope the company expands into some unique or sleek black tubes, but in the meantime it might be advisable to use a lip brush.








All this, using plant-based oils and waxes, lanolin, beeswax, mineral pigment and essential oils? Ok, I'm very very impressed.



What? This lipstick has a fantastic peppermint scent that I've never encountered in a lipstick in the past. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I thoroughly enjoy the little kick of peppermint.

Has anyone else ever tried their lipstick? I'm dying to try Chlorosis, a lovely sea green. Or any of their other shades? How'd you like a tube of your own? :)

Psst, yes, They do have an Etsy Store too!

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