27 Apr 13 - Nocturna

They come out at night ...that’s when these fashionable vampires party especially til dawn at the monthly Nocturna meeting, blogspot readers. SouthSide highly recommends attending the next one happening in May at Bottom Lounge (more details on date when it comes) if you want to be seen and/or dance to the requested playlist of classic and modern music featuring industrial and post industrial to shoegaze and more. Hosted by the fabulous DJ Scary Lady Sarah for nearly 25 years, this monthly event gathers cross-generational spectrum of partygoers from all walks of life under the space cadet glow while she spins from the stage. It’s a fantastic way to hang out with likeminded people as well as meet new friends free from any social competition. Yet, tonight’s Nocturna meeting was a little special for this reviewer – she was officially celebrating her 44th birthday.

 

One of the main things this reviewer enjoys about Nocturna is that you don’t have to outdo the next person while in your punk, military, steampunk or whatever the creative mind desires, blogspot readers. Personally, this is your night to strut the style that’s designed and fitted to you as well as your personality. For example, SouthSide went for her classic boyish look in her tuxedo t-shirt (from The Alley) ...perhaps for the next one or the 25th anniversary one, she’ll wear something different. Here, while people watching (a favorite past time amongst some of the Nocturna attendees), you can also draw inspiration from what the others are wearing. What’s popular? Well, the color black and leather seems to be the popular trend (even in summer) but also the 50s look ...the military and of course, the post industrial and punk were present. No matter the fashion that was represented tonight, there was plenty of creativity rockin’ the dance floor.

 

Speaking of dancing, blogspot readers ...there’s NO dance competition! Trust, SouthSide on this fact. Seriously, everyone here in attendance does their own thing on the main floor. Whatever or however the song moves you to move – that seems to be the basic rule amongst the Nocturna regulars. You have plenty of space on the main floor to show off your fancy footwork, blogspot readers. There was a couple doing an tango during one song while one woman was seductively enchanting a few with her belly dancing. As this reviewer noted earlier, the songs aren’t personally picked by DJ Scary Lady Sarah but by Nocturna attendees. Here’s a tiny sample of the songs recently featured on Saturday night – The Cure’s Fascination Street, Zola Jesus’ Vessel, Nine Inch Nails’ Wish, Duran Duran’s Planet Earth, Project Pitchfork’s The Longing, New Crayon’s Pitch Black ...even Psy’s latest Gentlemen was requested. And don’t think SouthSide spent her entire evening reviewing the fun. Oh no, she was out there with the others dancing too. But do take a break and enjoy the sweet candy from the cauldron (located near Sarah’s booth) to replenish you sugar level.

 

Besides the music, dancing and hanging with your friends, Nocturna’s also about supporting local artisans and vendors, blogspot readers. Tonight’s special focus was on Paul Stefanik representing Phantasm Interiors (http://www.phantasminteriors.com) – a home decorating design business for those who want that “Everyday is Halloween” feel and decor or something vintage to your personal taste; and the other was Dreaded Jenocide (http://www.etsy.com/shop/dreadedjenocide) – “...the place for lovely spooky things...”. This reviewer highly suggests checking out the fashionable hair accessories (hair clips, bows and handmade wig pieces) to leather skirts, ear bobbles and much, much more. All pieces displayed Saturday night were reasonably priced for purchase.

 

Stay tuned to this blog for details of when the next Nocturna meeting will be held at Bottom Lounge. However, please make plans to attend the 25th anniversary Nocturna party happening Saturday June 22 at Metro ...it’s 18+ to enter / 21+ to drink / $10 entry fee.

 

 

Also every Wednesday night at the Smarbar (located in the underbelly of Metro), there’s another dance event but geared for the 21+ crowd (sorry, kiddies) that starts at 10p known as Machina. This free event features a crew of rotating DJs (like Scary Lady Sarah – 1st Wednesdays only, Greg Corner and Trancid on May 8, and DJ Psycho Bitch Teri Bristol on May 15) spinning the best from the 80s and 90s of new wave, industrial, classic house and techno until 4a! SouthSide will be there Wednesday to review the happenings at this mid-week party just for you, blogspot readers.

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

08 Sept 12



"... up next, V Is For Vengeance..."

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! SouthSide has been kidnapped!

Have no fear, readers of this blog, Lt Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard is on the case! He suspects the band, V Is For Villains, is responsible for dastardly deed of her disappearance after visiting Angels & Kings ...and now he's on the hunt for: Mr. Agitator, Fallon Flynn, Veronica Jade and The Pulse.  When caught, he vows to bring these four criminal masterminds to justice!

*evil laugh*

Yeah, your precious SouthSide is safe ...for now. She's tied up as my prisoner by me, Eva Trix, criminal extraordinaire of all evil trickery with words, blogspot readers. Tonight, I'm taking her place to document the villainous ongoings at the House of Blues (Chicago) when other fashionably dressed villains like Thee Bluebeard and his lordship, Lord Baron, from points near and far of the Steampunk community converged to heed our fearless leader's call - Evolve or Die. This special mandate was put forth by Mr. Agitator and his villainous members of V Is For Villains as they prepared to take over this music establishment (and perhaps one day, the world) headlining the lineup that featured Pyschopathic Daze and Punch Cabbie. Yet, who are these V Is For Villains and what of plans to spread their villainy music to others as well as what is this steampunk that has suddenly made a strong presence in the music scene? Before getting herself kidnapped (that's what chickie bird gets for taking the short cut down the wrong alley at the wrong time of day, folks), your SouthSide was caught with a taped interview of Mr. Agitator.

For those not in the "know" about your villainous band, how would you describe V Is For Villains to them?

Mr. Agitator: I usually like to describe it visually as Steampunk Carnival Noir. Sound wise I think it blends elements of Electronic, rock and industrial. I feel like its a fun project because we can borrow elements from various genres and different forms of media all together. There is no form of media that is off limits.

In a brief nutshell, could you explain what is steampunk and how does this music genre and lifestyle relate to V Is For Villains?

Mr: Agitator: Steampunk is a modern neo victorian style. It is very interesting to me because, like the band, it isn't afraid to encompass all different forms of media. There are Steampunk bands, Steampunk clothes, Steampunk cons, books, toys, movies, etc. I have always loved the Victorian era style. I thought it was very sharp and classy. To be honest though I don't think I understood Steampunk until I started running in the circles. As far as Steampunk as a music style is concerned I never wanted to be bound to the label. I feel the same way about Industrial music. We borrow elements from all of these genres but it is hopefully in the pursuit of making something fresh and entertaining.

It has been over a year since your last interview with SouthSide and debut performance at Bottom Lounge, what has changed for you and the other villain members?

Mr. Agitator: A Lot of things have changed with us. We have two new members; Veronica Jade, who does live keys and backing vocals, and The Pulse who does the live drums. We obviously lost the other band members Ava Vice and Foster Von Trox. Sometimes you find as you move forward that you don't quite share the same vision and that's okay so it was an amicable split as far as I am concerned. I LOVE this group though. They are great friends. It's like getting to work with family. We laugh a lot during rehearsals and band meetings. That's a great dynamic to have. I feel like we are finally starting to understand this show and I feel like it has become pretty tight.

Ever since your debut within the local scene and now steampunk community, is Villains poised to take over the world?
Mr.Agitator: Unapologetically so!

Seriously, what's next for Villains in terms of spreading its music villainy to other steampunk/electronica rock fans beyond Chicago?

Mr.Agitator: We have been playing Anime, Comic book and Steampunk conventions all over the Country since April. It has been an extremely rewarding experience. You have so much time to get to know the communities who support these conventions and the staff who runs them. There is such a love for these ideas and we feel very lucky and privileged to be invited into their worlds. I feel like as far as music politics are concerned there is a change happening, a real shift that I am excited to embrace. It used to be you were a signed band or a local band and that was it. That's not the case anymore. We are independent entertainers and we are VERY proud to be independent and play Chicago as well as all the fantastic cities we have visited this year.

Recently Villains released its full-length CD, Evolve or Die, which song (or songs) would you personally recommend listening to and why?

Mr. Agitator: Personally I go back to the The Black Swan Love Song and The Disease a lot. It's hard for me to say. They are all my babies and I feel like I can't pick one kid over the other. I will just say what my Mom would say. I hate you all the same.

Lastly, any special announcements, shameless plugs or final words to your Villains fanatics out there you want to share?

Mr. Agitator: I wan't to say thanks to our Villain crew and Fans. Everyone believing in this project is the only thing that makes it worth while. Without that it is not real. I would also like to thank you Southside for all of the support through the years and coming to the shows. It is always a real pleasure to see you and chat. Spread to word, warn them all. The Villains are coming!

That's right, Lt Inspector Lestrade, The Villains are coming ...and they're here to stay!

If you are villain, this was THE one show you should have witnessed in person. However if you're like SouthSide, bound and gagged, no worries, Eva Trix was there enjoying the night's villainous festivities galore. It was a party of celebrating the arrival of the new Victorian age of villainy, my friends!. V Is For Villains did more than put on an amazingly instense performance on stage. They essentially united all factions of villainous ranks into one solid army. Through the use of blended sound of rock, electronica, and industrial music, this local band of villains stormed their way offering us a World Without Rules even though Playing The Villain will mean you have to Evolve or Die. There were no ifs, ands or buts about this mandate. The time seriously had come for all of us to chose sides - either be a villain or be an antivillain. Not one moment did our fearless leader, Mr. Agitator, or his villainous band hold back on the intensity or music. We along with them were allowed to do anything we wanted. This was OUR night to be had!

*more evil laughter*

And the glorious lighting fx that surrounded Villains most definitely highlighted the night's experience and fun. This performance had everything a villain could want. Villainous anthems (ie March of the Villians, Rise Above), steamy yet sensual tension between Mr. Agitator and Veronica Jade during Just Another Sinner ...so believable and quite romantic especially when he knelt before her. And yes, villains do feel the pains and aches of love, my friends as demonstrated during the ballad The Black Swan Love Song. Here we get to experience the heartfelt emotions from our leader's voice though not normally heard (somtimes) at Villains' previous shows but tonight, it made its strong presence known. And despite minor technical problems with Fallon's guitar, Mr. Agitator easily conveyed that we villains too have hearts that can break. Of course no Villains' performance wouldn't be without its fan favorite - the diabolical Disney cover from Dumbo - Pink Elephants. Fellow villainess, Poison D'Arte quiped that if Disney ever releases Dumbo again on video or Blu-Ray, they should consider adding the fiendish Villains' version as an extra to the movie's special features section.

Now, villains of the world unite once more when V Is For Villains takes over Hard Rock Cafe Oct 26 along with a special appearance by Digital Mindy!

Until next time, support your local villains!
Eva Trix

11 Feb 12

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide knows an event where one can dance to retro tracks by Ministry and The Cure to current music like Grimes and Ladytron under one roof. For over 23 years, good friend DJ Scary Lady Sarah had kept Chicago's underground Goth/Punk/Steampunk/etc scene alive and fashionably well by hosting a monthly Nocturna. Yet, Nocturna is more than just any ordinary local event ...it's a party ...congregation of like-minded individuals of all ages (18 and older), genders, race and backgrounds mingling and having fun until early dawn. Recently this reviewer took a semi-break from reviewing to join her fellow festive Nocturna group members at Bottom Lounge for a pre-Valentine's New Love & Broken Hearts event.

And what a grand event it was, blogspot readers. Under the dancing neon glow, DJ Scary Lady Sarah and her crew decorated the Bottom Lounge within the holiday theme to set the atmosphere while the carefully chosen tracks for the night (some requested) wonderfully provided the Nocturna mood of love. Adding to the fun, the cool photographers of Glitter Guts were on hand to capture everyone's fashionable red carpet moment with free pictures. Plus there were delectable vegan chocolate treats (homemade) by Lady Sarah ...before you say "ew, yuck", blogspor readers - SouthSide was daring enough to try the candy treats and found them to be a little sweeter yet very delicious. Tasted way better the chocolates she got on Valentine's Day. Also partygoers were able to peruse and try out the lovely selection of masks as well as buy Valentine's (for that special someone) mirrors and more created by local craftsman Eliza Stockfish. This reviewer hopes to add a couple of her mask creations soon to her collection.

Upon SouthSide's arrival, Nocturna was already in full swing however the real fun didn't truly start until close to the bewitching hour. The dance floor was always in a constant state of motion from the enchanting yet cat-like moves by the mysterious phantom to couples and individuals displaying their unique dancing skills to each selected track. Even Lady Sarah took a quick break from the booth to dance with the crowd ...so did SouthSide from time to time throughout the night. There were no wrong or right way to dance, blogspot readers. Simply move as the rhythmic tone and beat affected you to move whether it was to The Crux Shadows' Marliyn, My Bitterness ...or Depeche Mode's I Want It All (the roland remix version) ...or Eisenfunk's Conquer. With the right song and/or genre, the dance floor was the life and soul of Nocturna fun especially when Soft Cell's Tainted Love was played. Can't have a Valentine's dance without that infamous "love" song. And to honor the memory of Whitney Houston, Lady Sarah rocked the party by featuring the deceased artist's break out hit - How Will I Know as part of the night's music linuep.

If dancing isn't your cup of tea, blogspot readers, you can do major people watching during your stay at Nocturna. This reviewer, between resting from the dance floor, spent some time meeting her Facebook followers and blogspot readers as well as observing the costumed world around her. Nocturna may project an Euro club/dance atmosphere yet to truly experience it one should "dress" up in their Goth/military/steampunk/punk/etc finest. SouthSide observed many of the retro punk with colorful mohawks to Villainized wear (Mr. Agitator and Fallon Flynn of V Is For Villains) as well as military and industrial. Plus many like this reviewer creating their own style to add into the Nocturna mix. Somewhere lurking amongst us was Ceila Sin - a haunting ghostly figure who necromances and necrotizes everyone ...everywhere with her kiss.

SouthSide highly recommends NOT missing the next Nocturna event which will take place at Metro on Friday 2 March - it's Carnivale fashion and fun from 10p to 4a. SouthSide plans on making another Nocturna appearance ...maybe she's pass out her stash of authentic Mardi Gras beads to partygoers. ALSO: Friday 17 February at Lucky Number (1931 N. Milwaukee - upstairs) from 9p to 2a, it's Back To The Grave - all deathpunk/goth/post punk! The Pirate Twins (Scary Lady Sarah and William Faith) and Dirt Nap will be spinning your favorites. 18 and older - $8. Want more? Then return to Lucky Number on Saturday 25 February for Noctronica - a sister version of Nocturna where along with Scary Lady Sarah - Jessie, Carlos, Sarah B., Alpha-Omega will be spinning current and future to electro and noise and more from 10p to 3a. 18 and older $7.

Also happening on February 25 - The 1901 Gallery/Theatre (located on Belmont and Wolcott) presents Sleepier Cinema "The Wicked Winter Edition". For 12 straight hours (8p til 8a), the 1901 will be showing rarely viewed horror flicks and rarities like "Spider Baby" (shown at 10p) and "Andy Warhol's Blood For Dracula" (shown at 1:30a). The event is BYOB with a $5 entry fee. Also return on Sunday 4 March for the next craft fair and say "hi" to SouthSide's new friend, Eliza, while there. For more details about these two events, visit http:///www.the1901.com.



Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide