Kaori Kawabuchi is an actress, a dancer and a motion actor in video games who specializes in Samurai Sword dancing and choreography. Her work as a motion actor has appeared in games such as “Final Fantasy 13″, “The 3rd Birthday”, “Dissidia 12 Final Fantasy” and more. She is a member of the sword performance team “IDEAL” which has performed in many movies and live events.

In addition to her performances as a Samurai sword dancer her band, “KAO=S” performs internationally. It features the playing of a Shamisen (a three-stringed, Japanese musical instrument played with a plectrum called a bachi.), a katana (samurai sword) and acoustic guitar. The Band will played in SXSW in Texas in 2012 and will perform again in 2013.

Kaori, it is a pleasure to meet you. When you were young what did you want to grow up to be and were you always interested in the Arts?

Hi Tom!! It’s my pleasure to me you too! When I was young girl I wanted to be Indie Jones because I really liked movies, adventures and traveling and yes、I liked many kind of arts

For example manga, video games, musics and especially anime.

Can you tell us a little about how you became a dancer?

Sure. The first contact with dance was ballet. When I was 8 years old my mother took me to the Ballet school. At first I didn’t like it because there were many feminine girls. I was a girl look like boy so it was boring for me to be like typical ballet girl. After 2 years I quit the ballet and I started Kung-Fu.

I really like Jackie Chan!! and it was good for me to fight. When I was junior high school student, I won the 5th prime in Japan. Now I mix ballet and Kung-Fu. It is my original dance style.

How did you first begin to train in swordsmanship?

It was about 7 years ago. My first sword play was for a historical drama about Samurai. The encounter with Sword Katana was so important for me. I felt that this is my way to perform!

 

How did you come up with the concept for IDEAL?

I love manga and anime and, of course, video games like FINAL FANTASY. So I try to perform and fight as one of the characters, wearing costumes like characters and learning to move like them. It felt so nice.

Then I thought that performing with many people would be much more exciting so I started to find team members to perform and fight with me.

How hard is it to choreograph the dance/fight moves?

Not so hard because I love to make performances. It is even happiness if I have accident when I make art. I try to always do something new but stay true to traditional Samurai sword fighting.

When you do motion work for video games how do they track your motion?

I wear special costumes and the motion engineer puts small balls on my body to record my motion. It is great technique of CG and ways of tracking motion are improved every day.

You are very beautiful, do you model as well?

Oh,Thank you ! Yes ,I am a model too. I also take photos. I like photo arts very much!!

Tell us a little about your band “Kao=S”.

Ka0=S is my band. The style is….. I think Japanese traditional meets rock!  It’s Kao=S’s concept. Hard, Deep, Beautiful and Dramatic.

Where does the name come from?

Kao=S is formed with Tugaru-Shamisen, Katana, Guitar and Shakuhachi. So many sources are mixed. It is Chaos and my name is Kaori so I mixed it into Kao=S.

We performed at SXSW in 2012 and now in 2013 too! We will appear in Texas!!I can’t wait. I am so excited about my show in Austin again!!

What do you hope audiences think of your performance?

I hope they come and just feel our sound. Feel my motion and emotion. My sword dance is so tender and so hard.

What goals do you have for the future?

I have many goals. One of them is that many people see our performances and love our arts and I wanna make a good wave to make the world happy.

Where can we go to find out information about you and your projects?

Here is my information. You can find my pictures too. Check it out!!

☆Sword performance Team 偉伝或～IDEAL～

http://actionideal.blog133.fc2.com/

☆Kao=S

http://www.kaos-japan.com/

☆Kaori Kawabuchi Facebook

http://facebook.com/kaori.kawabuchi

Abi☆Pop is a Cosplayer, Performer (J-pop/Anime Dancer) and cupcake addict. She is eternally 17 years old and from a little town in the United Kingdom. She is very hyper, friendly and loves to make people smile and have fun by spreading magical moe kawaii-ness to the world! She started out on youtube and NicoNicoDouga (a popular Japanese website) by uploading her own dance covers of popular j-pop/anime dances. She entered the world of cosplay in 2010 and attends cons around the UK where she cosplays and performs with her viewers. After a little while she found out about idols/net idols and maid café’s. This made her little heart skip a beat! from then on she has been working extra hard to make her videos fun to watch and even came up with a catch phrase “KissKiss CHU~”. Her favourite colours are baby pink, baby blue and baby purple. She Loves strawberry cupcakes and cupcakes in general and can’t stop baking and decorating them!

You will never see Abi Pop not wearing somthing super cute like a pair of white cat ears or a sailor fuku! She hopes one day to be able to be a maid in a maid café or even an idol who performs on the stages of Akihabara; Otaku central in Japan. Voice acting is another thing she would love to do due to her love for “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” and the amazing “Tara Strong” who has inspired her. She is currently working on lots of new Cosplays for the future one of them being “Rin Kokonoe” from “kodomo No Jikan”. As she loves performing and Cosplaying so much, a dream of her’s is to work at Disneyland Being either Alice in Wonderland, Tinkerbell or Rapunzel!

Drawing is one of her favourite hobbies to do along side with dancing and practicing to sing and she hopes to get some Japanese and singing lessons to be able to apply to perform places.

How did you first become interested in cosplaying and what was the first one you did?

My brother used to go to America a lot when I was very young around 8 or 9 and he went to a Comic Con and showed me all the photos! We then made a KeyBlade (from kingdom hearts 2) out of cardboard and wrapper paper rolls and from then on I had always wanted to cosplay Kairi from KH2~! In the year of 2010 I met a girl called Emily who went to the MCM London expo the year before and asked if I wanted to come along in 2010! ^-^ I was so so excited because I had no idea they had conventions in the UK so I went along cosplaying Kairi from kingdom hearts 2.

What is your favorite part of cosplaying? Is it the process of creating the costume, the dressing up and pretending?

I adore the whole process so much! getting all the parts for a cosplay is really exciting for me because you get so see it all come together and when you finish a cosplay, you just feel so good because you did all of that! when the day of the convention comes around I always get up at a ridiculous time to get ready. Not all Cosplayers get into character but I love to act like my character for the day! So I make sure i pick characters from Anime’s and shows I have watched and can relate to!

Can you tell us a little about where you are located and how you came up with your name, Abi Pop?

I live on the South East coast of the UK in a little town called Eastbourne. There’s really not much to do here~! but there is a DDR machine on the pier where I go every time I go shopping xD Abi pop was a nickname I used to get call when I was in school because my friends said I was like bubbles from The Powerpuff Girls and I was always happy and bubbly xD which then became “pop” which is the sound of bubbles popping!

Do female cosplayers generally cosplay both male and female characters?

I think it really depends on what characters you like! because most cosplayer’s like to cosplay characters they can relate to. for example I really love Honey Senpai from Ouran High School Host Club who has a very similar personality to me! so I would cosplay him if I were the right shape. ^-^

Were you a fan of anime and manga before you started cosplaying? What were some of your favorites?

Yes I was~! I grew up watching anime. My favourite’s have to be Ouran High School Host Club and Kodomo No Jikan and of course studio ghibli movies & Animal crossing movie!

When you make your costumes how long does it take?

If I buy the base of the cosplay then a month or so, or make it from scratch maybe a couple of months because school, college , youtube and dancing takes up a lot of my time. T____T

What events or conventions have you attended?

I have attended Hyper Japan in London, MCM London Expo in London, Brighton asahi anime festival and a few cosplay picnics! I hope to be able to attend lots lots more!

Have you ever competed or have you done a group cosplay?

I plan to enter Kawaii Star of the year at Hyper japan in November and the Masquerade in October MCM Expo London! ^-^ I can’t wait to enter them! i’ve never really entered contests like that before. ^-^ I always go to conventions in a group of friends but never have done a group cosplay! This is something I would love to do!

What has been your most difficult costume to make? What made it so difficult?

Probably my latest one “Cure Melody” because the top half of the cosplay had to hug my body and stay in a V shape. also the shoe’s were a annoying because I couldn’t find any that matched the colours of my cosplay! xD it’s always the starting of the cosplay that takes the longest but after you get that all together everything else falls into place!

How important is photography to the cosplay industry? What tips or advice would you give to new cosplayers who are still learning to pose or perform in front of the camera?

When you complete a cosplay, I think it’s great to have photo’s of it posted either on facebook or a cosplay forum or somthing like that! When I pose for the camera I pose like the character would! Don’t stand there looking like a model from a magazine! xD have fun with it! maybe you want to jump on a box and jump off it for a mid air shot or even have “Nyan” hands going on ^^ photo’s always look the best when you play the character~!

Tell us about your youtube videos and how you pick and choreograph your dances.

I dance on youtube and create vlogs in japanese and tutorials for everyone~! The Dances are pre choreographed, so all I have to do is learn them and add a little magical moe to it! *giggles* The dances I pick are either new one’s that have entered the world on NicoNicoDouga or I do some classics from anime’s like Hare Hare Yukai! I do the dances because I would love to be able to perform in japan maybe as a idol ^^ that’s a dream of mine.

Who are some of the people you admire?

Tara Strong is someone I really look up too because she has come so far! I would love to be a voice actor voicing all the cartoons she does! Kyary Kyary Pamyu is another person I look up to with her amazing sense of fashion and cute voice! also Team Dmp (ちぃむｄｍｐ☆ミ) they’re a super moe idol team! I Love their voices so so much~! <3 I hope I can sing like them one day!

The last person is Jessica Nigri! she is a normal american girl who has lived her dreams! I think what she does is amazing and the opportunities she has had are a once in a life time <3

Do you have any interesting projects planned for the future that you can tell us about?

I hope to get my singing lessons and release a cover of a few songs whilst I dance! I have a few cosplay’s planned~ Kin Kokonoe, Juliet Starling, Rikku ff and a duo cosplay of Princess Zelda and Link! But apart from that I haven’t got much planned! >____<

When you are not cosplaying what things do you like to do?

BAKE CUPCAKES! *giggles* Either playing PC/Video games or drawing , tumblring, sewing, dancing around, singing (badly) xD , working out, send parcels to people, eat cupcakes, make videos, watch anime’s and movies, make stir fry, tidy my room and see my friends & Family!

Where can we go to find out more about you?

You can find me on any of these sites~! I’m always online!

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/xabiipopx

Facebook page (xabiipopx): https://www.facebook.com/xabiipopx

Cosplay page: https://www.facebook.com/Abipopcosplay

Tumblr: http://abi-pop.tumblr.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/crazytabbix

Japanese blog: http://ameblo.jp/xabiipopx/

Betico collaborates with Japanese illustrator Macotic as her model and muse. Her illustrations take a wide form of variety. Together they offer modeling and photography for glamour and fashion in fresh and interesting way. They have worked locally in Japan but also have worked overseas.

Betico Rouge loves the stage and to dance. Her orange hair reminds you of the Goldfish Cleo from Disney’s Pinocchio. Betico is frequently asked to perform during fashion shows and other events. She also performs a pinup show modeled after US pinup girls like Betty Page and Betty Boop. She has been invited to perform at many clubs and house parties.

“One of the things I enjoy the most is being a woman and I want to show others the power of “kawaii”. I’ve been influenced by books, magazines, movies, manga and anime since I was a child. I always felt the feeling of “cuteness” when I was a young girl. That feeling is very important to maintain when we get older. Young girls, when they get older, no longer play with toys, watch cartoons or read picture books. I want that feeling to stay with them.”

Macotic and Betico have a unique collaboration. Betico is a real and living example of Macotic’s illustrations while the illustrations are 2D representations of Betico. It is as if Betico has walked off the page and into real life. Macotic recently had a solo exhibition themed around a girls feelings and is working on future projects that may include magazine and overeas exhibits. She wants to spread the philosophy of kawaii, not just in Japan but all over the world.

When you were a child what things did you love to do and play with and who were your idols as a child?

I loved playing house. My mother’s dressing table was my first toy. It felt like magic to wear lipstick and put on the accessories she had in secret.

I had a crush on all the heroines in Japanese animated cartoons. One of my favorites were the magic girls series. because they had magical powers.  <3

Tell us a little about your interest in pinup girls and cabaret.

When I watch pinup girls my heart beats very quickly. Although they seem innocent they have a mischievous streak. I always wanted to become an attractive woman like that. When I was a child I had the same feeling as I got when watching heroines in animated shows as I have with  pinup girls now and that is what makes me perform as one now.

The cabaret show is the same magical feeling. It attracts many women and men as well. It feels to me like the opening of an animated cartoon. It is a magical feeling but it is also hot!

When the audience sees your show what do you hope they think?

I hope their hearts beat quickly the same as mind does.

I wish I beat fast to see my show. It is Japanese” tokimeki”. I think “tokimeki” means of palpitation. I think that I want I feel the “tokimeki” and bring it to everyone’s everyday life <3

Why is it important that women remember the concept of kawaii as they get older?

I think it is a feeling that can make you feel younger and prettier no matter what age you are. A way of always feeling youthful.

I watched some women who had given up. They became ill-natured and sad. The feeling is infectious. It reaches the younger girls and they stop having the “kawaii” feeling. I think that I it to be a world where many women can continue having hope and youthfulness. <3

What other artists inspire you?

There is a lot. Pretty actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Betty Page, elegant actresses in old Japanese movies …and macotic <3  I am roused by all artists who have passion for what they do as well as an artist who produce pretty things. I really respect them. <3

Tell us how you first met Macotic? Did you have the same ideas in mind?

Macotic and I were immediately attracted to each other. I think that we were destined to work together. She drew an illustration of the crew of the Asian pinup model whom I belonged to in old days. I felt that we had the same goals and we spoke about working together in the future.

When we were together we do not plan in advance. We do not always talk about it. We both know and understand the other and we just work well together. I am always surprised by it!

What did you like about her artwork?

Her work makes me feel many different ways. I remember the comics that I would read in the  old days when I see her work. The girls in her artwork are my idea of ideal girls. I love their sense of fashion and their expressions.

What plans do you have for the future?

At first I want to have a exhibition with her abroad. I think that it is important to have people understand what we do. I want to meet people all over who have the same ideas and feelings as we do. I want to work with her on various projects including television, film and magazines.

I would also like to collaborate with a fashion designer and do fashion shows. Music videos and film are another way to spread the concept of “kawaii”. To be successful we have to get out word out more and expose ourselves in the media as much as possible. Finally, I want to become a pretty grandmother who continues to spread the conception of “kawaii”

Where can we go to find out more about you and your work?

There is my blog. But this is blog for Japan: http://ameblo.jp/beticorouge/

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/betico.rouge.naki

twitter: https://twitter.com/beticorouge

I intend to make an English homepage in future<3

Malice got her start as a personal muse for friends and photography students who took a liking to her endless energy and personal style. Later, after a short affiliation with the industrial band C/A/T (Chaos and Terror), she began to focus more on the visual arts and expanding her creative vision. A natural chameleon, no one knows what she might pop up as next.

 ”Modeling to me, is like any art. It requires dedication, vision, strength, confidence, creativity, and determination. I do not like to limit myself, but enjoy embracing imagination of all forms. I strive to work with a photographer to reach a common goal to benefit both of our portfolios and help each other grow.” ~Malice

 

And where as modeling is a passion of hers, she is not limited by any means. She also participates in various performance arts, go-go dancing, painting, crafts, musical instruments, and much much more!

Photo by Jim Parks

Malice, it is great to meet you. One of your fans wrote in and requested that we interview you. Your fans are pretty awesome, right?

Wow! Yes! haha absolutely! Personal thank you to whoever was so wonderful to do so! But truthfully, I love each and every one of my fans and try to make time for everyone as much as humanly possible. I’m a busy girl, with both a day job, modeling, and the like. So sometimes I have little time to even sleep anymore!

Tell us a little about when you were younger. Where did you grow up and what were you like when you were a child?

Most people that meet me think I’m a city girl right off the bat. Truth is, I’m actually a country bumpkin! I guess that’s where being a natural chameleon comes into play but honestly the hustle and bustle of the city, where it’s great for business, is often too much for me. I grew up in Wyoming, middle of no where, and spent a lot of time in the trees imagining wild worlds inside my head. I’ve wanted to be nothing but an artist, no matter what media, since I was 5 years old. And I can say that is very much true even today.

Since you are involved in many different types of artistic projects were there artists in your family growing up?

All my abilities, artistically, were self taught since I was young. Between reading books on it, watching shows about it, and then practicing it myself… it was all I knew. I didn’t really have any other artists in my family that I could learn from. We had art classes in my elementary school, but they were very basic. Any time there was a writer’s event (I also liked to write short stories, in which I would include detailed drawings) or artistic opportunities (I drew pictures for the school’s yearly calendars), I would jump on it. It wasn’t until I went to college that I finally was able to learn proper technique to push me to the next step.

Photo by Destroy Inc.

How did you get started modeling?

By mistake actually! I’ve always been a wildly creative spirit (so to speak), expressing myself however I see fit. Unfortunately in high school that often meant you were ostracized by your peers. lol But for me, if being “happy” meant plaid pj pants, a striped shirt, fairy wings, and pink hair. So be it. Once I was in college, I met like-minded artistic individuals that favored my “unusualness” and I became the happy helper for several photography buddies of mine that needed subjects for their class material. Later on, I finally decided to take things a little more seriously, and that’s how I met Jesse Bodas, from Destroy Inc. Together we started making beautiful art together and it kinda just exploded from there!

Since you do many types or styles of modeling, what are your favorites or preferred types of shoots?

I will try any and everything honestly. I’m not currently shooting nudes, but I have had several photographers who wanted to shoot them with me (artistic nudes mind you) but I politely declined. Perhaps in the future, just not right now. But when it comes to art, which is what I believe modeling/photography is, I don’t like limitations. I can’t say I’ll necessarily be good at every genre there is out there, but I’ll be damned if I don’t give it a shot! I do tend to gravitate toward alternative, fetish, cosplay, gothic, and horror genres however, since they speak very true of my personality and come much more naturally for me.

Do you remember your first experience in front of the camera? What was it like?

I do! It was for one of my friends in college. It was completely on the spot, and I had no idea what I was doing. And she didn’t have any idea of what kind of shots she was hoping to get either so it was mostly just the two of us giggling and romping around in a graveyard in hopes that something decent would come out of it for her class assignment. Professionally, my first shoot was a learning experience. I was only a bit nervous because it was the first pro photographer I’d shot with, but 5 minutes in, he was such a cool guy, that I relaxed. Over the years and with experience I’ve gained more knowledge the do’s and don’ts.

What do you think is your strongest feature?

Oh gosh. haha I never really thought about it honestly. I personally like my hands… but photographers have complimented me on things like my back, my eyes, my legs, and my stomach. I don’t think I can put any favoritism on one particular feature. If any part of myself were changed in any way I simply wouldn’t be me anymore.

Photo by The Perfect Exposure photography

Do you like to collaborate with the MUA, Stylists and photographers on a shoot?

I do! Although I haven’t had a whole lot of opportunities to with MUA’s and Stylists. Often photographers will ask me if I need one or would like one, but when they give me the option, I know I’m capable of doing my hair and my makeup myself so I usually just say no. But would I like to? Absolutely! The more artists taking part in the vision the better. Maybe they will see or think of something that I hadn’t and put a entirely new twist on an idea to make it so much greater.

What artists (models, photographers, musicians, artists etc.) inspire you?

This is a very hard question. -laughs- I’m literally inspired by nearly everything around me. I’m a very observant person and little goes unnoticed. I’d say as far as favorite photographers go, Destroy Inc of course, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Andy Hartmark, because I adore damn near everything he puts out. It’s so edgy. No Regrets Photography. Rosie does some really really great work. There are several others but I’m afraid of it turning into a gigantic list… The model Perish is inspiring to me simply because he is actively creative and he does design a lot of his own costuming. Maegan Machine, from Phoenix, is a fantastic model and an all around cool person. And Suzy Homewrecker as well. Love BOTH of these ladies! Maegan also does stage performance where she gets hit with darts and all sorts of rad things, and Suzy owns Homewrecker Clothing. I guess you can say just creative motivated people in general are an inspiration to me.

Although you model you also are involved in many other artistic activities. Dancing and especially painting I understand are two of your passions. Can you tell us a little about them?

Yes! You are correct! Like I mentioned before, being an artist is all I’ve wanted to do since I was little. And no matter how many people pushed me in whatever other directions, I had made up my mind. I do commissioned paintings sometimes but of course, painting is a tough business. I guess I’m still waiting for my lucky streak on that one. It’s easy work when people tell you what they want specifically but when you’re left on your own to openly create and the inspiration just isn’t there… it’s a no go. What’s worse is when you have too many ideas and for whatever reason, they just don’t come out the same way as you have in your head. It can be frustrating but I feel at peace when I’m painting something. It’s therapy and all else in the world just kind of fades to grey.

Malice with the Perish Dignam’s Hollywood Klowns (purple hair)

As for dancing, that’s just something I recently had the pleasure of taking part in. I’ve always gone out with friends, or if it’s a slow night at one of my fav clubs and one of the go-go boxes aren’t preoccupied, I’ll get up there for a song or two. But for NYE, I was contacted by my now performance manager, inquiring if I’d like to fill one of the spots for the NYE Massive Countdown celebration. Perish Dignam needed dancers to join his Swoon Entertainment team to perform on stage. I of course said yes! What an honor to be chosen! So several other lovely ladies from the bay area, a few whom I still work with, and myself, had an evening of lights, costuming, hyping the crowd, and being blinded by more camera flashes than I thought humanly possible (I now know what it’s like to have the paparazzi after me haha). After that, my manager founded a performance collective out of the bay area, Ajna Drops. So when I am able, I perform with them at various events. Right now the next huge one, that I will be able to attend, is Cognitive Awakening in Paradise, CA.

As a painter what types of subjects do you prefer to paint and what media do you prefer to use?

I literally will paint whatever comes out of my head. A lot of it is a bit disturbing or never quite finished. I’d say about 80% of my material ends up dream based, but the issue with that is sometimes, if I’m not quick to capture it, my memory fails me and parts of the full image are lost. I use mostly acrylic paints. I like how fast they dry and I can layer them easily if corrections need to be made. Sometimes other mediums work their ways into my pieces but not that often. However, when working on a piece, I become completely absorbed until it’s completion… which can be taxing if I’m working 9+ hours straight.

What is one of your favorite pieces?

Not anything extremely recently, as I’m extremely self critical of my own work. But I’m proud of a painting I did for my best friend for his birthday in 2009. It took me 13 hours exactly. 9 I worked straight, I slept for an hour and then completed what was left. It still hangs in his room today.

You also enjoy doing tattoo design. Have you ever seen any of your designs turned into a tattoo?

Not yet! But a friend of mine did buy one of my paintings off of me for specifically that purpose! He’s still trying to find the right artist to do the piece since he wants it to be exactly as I painted it. I’m currently designing a half sleeve for my best friend as well. It’s been a tedious procedure since I don’t want anything to have the least bit of imperfection.

What about yourself? Can you tell us about your tattoos and piercings? Are there any stories behind them?

Well, I’m an adrenaline junky. haha Although I keep it under control. Nothing too crazy… I can’t afford to give my mum a heart attack. But I’ve had 32 piercings in my face, the most I’ve had at one time was 12. But most rejected, so all but my snakebites, nostril, and septum have been removed. My ears are gauged to 5/16″ and I have several other piercings on each ear. Most wouldn’t guess it though, since I typically prefer to wear my hair down. I also have my nipples pierced, as some of my fans know from a shoot I had last year. -laughs-… My tattoo’s: two are going to be covered up eventually. They were my first tattoo’s when I was 18. Oh boy! Ink!… but they’re poorly done (they were cheap) and blown out over the years. My other two, my knuckles and my right calf, I will keep. My knuckles say FEARLESS, a reminder of the example my father always set for me growing up as a kid. I wanted more than anything to be like him. My mum says I succeeded. haha! The calf, a crow, is part of a full calf piece that my good friend, model, and tattooist Nikki Mayhem did for me. That is temporarily on hold for now, but she will be the one to complete that piece and I refuse to go to anyone else but her to do it.

Photo by by Bill Kratt

As a performer you were a member of the group C/A/T back in 2006/7. Can you tell us about that time and what you were doing then?

2006-2007, and then again in 2009-2010 actually! I was an avid C/A/T fan actually before meeting Ben Arp at a club that he was guest dj’ing. They had been looking for a new member and he was familiar with me from all the promotional work I did for his music and he thought I would be a nice fit. I didn’t even know they were looking! Very exciting. It was my first taste of the stage and I loved every minute of touring, performing, mingling with fans, and selling gear. I did assisting live noise for the band… I was the crunches and blips basically. We parted ways for a time but then reunited later right before the Chaos and Terror tour… which had so much catastrophe in it due to various things that weren’t in the control of any of the bands on the lineup but if I had to do it all over again, I would definitely say, I would.

Malice with the Perish Dignam’s Hollywood Klowns (purple hair)

You also were part of Perish Dignam’s Hollywood Klowns. What event was it for and can you tell us a bit about the experience?

I mentioned this a bit previously in an earlier question. The NYE Massive Countdown event. It was originally supposed to be held in Pleasanton CA but later got moved to Tulare when something happened with the venue. Our SF girls almost got cut from the lineup due to the relocation but luckily that didn’t end up happening and the 10 of us that were still able to make the event despite the distance, were on board. It was an insane night. 4 costumes, I of course was a Klown. We all had our parts and we played them well. They rotated us on and off of several stages from 8pm until 2am. The whole thing was invigorating. I loved every second. If the opportunity arises, I would probably do it again.

Since you have a very busy schedule I imagine you do not have a lot of free time but when you do what do you enjoy doing?

SLEEPING!… No seriously. Well I typically paint or read in my free time. And if I’m lucky to have a few down days in a row, I usually try to make it out to the city to see friends, make it to clubs or events that I typically would have missed. I tend to be kind of a homebody on my down time. Between my day job (retail) and modeling, both are very heavily socially reliant jobs with lots of being face to face or networking even when I’m flat out pooped! So my days off, are literally OFF for me. Lots of movies, books, and cuddling with my kitty or boyfriend (if I have one at the time).

Photo by J6 photography

What do you think about the modeling industry in general?

Brutal honesty. Here it goes (it’s what I’m good at). I think it’s really over saturated right now. Everyone wants to be a model. Everyone wants to be a photographer. Hell, half the time I don’t even call myself a model because I don’t really feel like I have ‘earned’ it yet. And often times, people just don’t have the knack for it. Or they try to do things they aren’t good at and force it without developing what they Are good at. It’s art. ART. Just a different medium. I think often times that’s forgotten. It can be frustrating when those of us who are working really hard and are serious about our work are shafted or receive less opportunities or recognition than those who may or may not be doing it for the right reasons or who’s work maybe isn’t as hard earned. I’ve heard many of my model friends say the industry is “a joke” these days. Understandable. But honestly, I think this is an issue in ANY genre of creative medium such as music, visual arts, film, etc. But I can’t say it’s discouraged me. I’m going to keep doing what I love to do no matter what.

Do you have any advice for someone just starting out?

Modeling, it’s hard work. It IS a career. Sometimes it means driving ridiculous hours to get that one good shot for your portfolio. Sometimes it means spending money on wardrobe, gas, or whatever else and no money back. Sometimes, you might not get paid, especially starting out. My advice for anyone aspiring out there: If it’s something you’re passionate about, by all means do it. But don’t do it for attention. Don’t do it to be liked or remembered. Don’t do it to “feel good” about yourself (lord knows some of us get the harshest reviews). Do it because you love doing it. Do it for you. Do it for art and the sake of creativity and vision. And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Your haters are your biggest and most devoted fans. Modeling is just as much work as being a photographer, musician, painter, or whatever else out there. We all like to be “liked”, but when it comes to passion, that’s not what it’s about.

Where can we go to find out more about you and your work?

Currently you can find me either on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ProjektMaliceModel

or on Model Mayhem: http://www.modelmayhem.com/projektmalice

My website is coming soon!!!

Photo by The Perfect Exposure photography

The art project Tokyo Dolores was founded by dancer and artistic director CAY Izumi, who equipped it with a cute (“kawaii”) and cool appearance like the inner surface of a secret garden.

The evolution of its conceptual performances include tying Japanese pop culture to acrobatics and aerial dancing, incorporating visual representation and original fashion, and conveying Japanese culture and spirit.

Tokyo Dolores performed in New York in 2010, then scored a great success on Italy’s beautiful stage performances in 2011. Scheduled performances in 2012 include Italy, France, USA, Shanghai and elsewhere, and they have attracted much future attention at home and abroad.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you became a dancer?

In order to expand my breadth of expression, I tried various genres of dance as a child. I also gained experience from theatre and as a film actor. I am interested in Japanese fashion and culture on a mental level, and I have modeled for Japanese Gothic-Lolita fashion magazines like KERA.

I chose the road of dance as a means to incorporate the experience of theatre and film and to express my spirituality and fashion sense.

How did you come up with the idea for Tokyo Dolores?

Though Japanese fashion and culture today arose from a mental state unique to Japan, I felt as though it outwardly acknowledged only cuteness and fun, without including spirituality. I wanted to convey to others that a Japanese girl’s spirit is more complicated and much deeper than this, and to do so I launched Tokyo Dolores.

Who are the other members of your team and how did you meet?

The leader CAY, cute character ALOE, eccentric Nancy and mysterious girl Jill constitute our members. Each brings a special talent besides dancing, like modeling and design.

Though meetings primarily occur from member referrals, TOKYO DOLORES members are not selected just because they want to express their dancing in a strictly philosophical sense.

Your shows involve pole dancing but also costumes, video and music. Who designs and created the elements for your shows?

 Ideas for my shows and things like costume design come mainly from my feelings within the streets of Tokyo, which are overlaid with fables and fairy-tales.

Each time, based on the concept, I make a TOKYO DOLORES world with high-quality video artists, designers, and musicians. Though there are many creatives who want to participate in TOKYO DOLORES as an art project, the underlying idea and detail is made from Tokyo Dolores itself.

Tell us about some of your shows like “Eline, the Mermaid” and “Dear My Red Hunter/Akazukin”

 “Eline, the Mermaid” is a show whose motif comes from the fairytale “The Little Mermaid”.  It’s a showcase depicting this new world seen from the point of view of a girl in the water, and there are many messages within it. For one, like this little girl, there are all these different concepts of the “world”. There’s a feeling that “perhaps this is how the world is” is the customary answer now. As well, there’s a feeling that individuals’ ways of thinking are narrowed by this.

The story begins with the girl protagonist getting plunged into the water by her friends. But these actions weren’t difficult for her, because her friends’ understanding of the world was that it would make her happy to join them in the water. As a result, this heroic girl might have become happy, just like her friends thought. Or maybe it wouldn’t work out that way. But I think it’s a good thing for “Eline”’s message to include a variety of answers.

Another important point is the acceptance of darkness. In the story, the girl protagonist finally reaches the world of death, and it’s like she’s never seen until now, a difficult, painful world like wicked, wriggling insects. At first she doesn’t accept death, but once in the world of death, no matter how she struggled to run away, of course escape was impossible. However, by accepting death, with her eyes fixed on that world, her soul is finally absorbed into darkness, and she is permitted into the next world.

“Dear My Red Hunter/Akazukin” is a showcase featuring a philosophy on society that came from a motif of the fairytale “Akazukin” (in English, “Little Red Riding Hood”). In the story, the “Wolf” is portrayed as now living away from human presence, though it coexisted with humans since ancient times. Its presence signals its role in accepting the negative side of humans. By consuming human beings’ negative parts since ages ago, it rapidly grows larger and becomes a distorted form of itself.

Though human beings accepted the existence of darkness and coexisted with it, they are frightened by the wolf’s rapid change. Thus, the humans reject the wolf into that faraway darkness and lead their lives in an entirely separate direction. As a result, only exterior beauty and pseudo-righteousness prevail, while the reality existing within darkness is ignored completely. Human beings cease pursing real things, contenting themselves to repeat indifferently the same things over and over.

Akazukin is uncomfortable in such a world, questioning where her true self is and why the world is so empty. Troubled, she flees. While running away, she sees the ritual of death in accepting darkness, personified by the wolf. Akazukin is impressed by the beauty of this ritual, such that she’d never witnessed before, and wishes to be eaten by the wolf to accept its darkness. After the wolf consumes her, Akazukin experiences the darkness within its belly. Though it is a painful, difficult, terrible place, the true nature of human beings is there as well.

But the outside world is in an uproar over Akazukin’s disappearance, and they kill the wolf and rescue her from its belly. However, as Akazukin has experienced the darkness, all that wasn’t visible to her before now is, and the outside world looks entirely different. Within the hollow humans she discovers tiny darknesses. In speaking to these darknesses, all of a sudden they break into the existing world. From this moment, Akazukin goes on to make the real world.

Fashion is also a large part of your shows. What styles of fashion do you like?

I’m not good at categorizing it, but concerning style I like quirky, eye-catching things. Not what is just stylish or cute. I find it very attractive if the clothes themselves have a story and philosophy, and if the stylist shows a thought process or meaning to their work.

Photo by Senesi Michele (palonerofilm.com / asianfeast.org)

Where do you usually perform?

Places where art and philosophy are easy to express, such as theatres and churches.

Until now, we have had many performances in clubs and at shows or theatres. After the events at Lucca Comics and Games in Italy, in a venue like the church where art and philosophy easily translated into a performance, big events overseas have been increasing.

Of course, we do a lot of live shows as well where the sense of distance between fans is close.

You also direct and choreograph all the shows. Is that correct? That seems like a lot to do!

I don’t think it’s too much. It’s not just an individual effort, but the involvement of many people. I create shows with lots of members along with the staff.

I think collaborating with various people really hones the production into something awesome.

What was your trip to New York like and how did the audiences enjoy your performances?

Reactions to the NY performances were different than in Japan, but the trip was as much a challenge of how far we could go on our own.

Of course, we received different reactions in NY than in Japan, and I heard many opinions on the shows. In addition, the NY responses were direct, and the fans were as well. Royalties were high, and there was a sense of respecting the art, so in working together to make these productions, the span beyond the performances was really huge. I believe that, if feelings and opinions changed toward fashion and Japanese culture, then it was a good experience.

Photo by Senesi Michele (palonerofilm.com / asianfeast.org)

You also traveled to Italy. How was that experience?

 Responses to our show in Italy were really great. During the show, it was a challenge to display an originality of fashion, worldview, and Japanese culture. Supported by an excellent staff, I was able to exchange opinions with a lot of fans and succeeded in building many new communities. I think the show was a big success. I got to enjoy a new way of expressing fashion and culture from everyone in Italy.

This year, there is a performance at Italy’s Far East Film and Napoli COMICON. I want to see more fans from Lucca, Italy and the various cities around there.

Dancing can be very physically demanding? What do you do to stay in shape?

 Things like “best performances” means constantly living inside your head.

I study the movement of the human body, of animals, and study insect movements toward performances. Concerning fitness, dance expression is a completely different type of training.

Is there anyone that inspires you?

 Absolutely, there are many things that inspire me. For instance…historical Japanese tales, animals, spiritual things… plus Harajuku’s cute fashion. I often watch videos from all over the world on Youtube.

 Besides these, my dreams when I’m sleeping. (laughs)

What do you hope to be doing in the future and what do you hope Tokyo Dolores can expand to?

 With Tokyo Dolores, I want to defend the “Tokyo Dolores” philosophy, while at the same time collaborating with various artists and having these interactions. I want to continue spreading a new representation and exchanging various interpretations of Japanese culture.

 I think making Tokyo Dolores like a virtual nation is a good thing. From that, I want our YUMMYS fans to be confident and lead a creative and fun existence.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

 I enjoy watching different animals move around. (laughs) I know it doesn’t sound that interesting, but I do it all the time. It always makes me laugh.

 I’m always looking at fashion, too.

Where can we find out more about you and Tokyo Dolores?

 Of course, the whole world can see our performances! We are all interested in different cultures and want to challenge ourselves to more and more new things. Please join the Tokyo Dolores community.

 We interact on social media like Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter, and as information comes in we update our website.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TokyoDolores

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/tokyodolores

Twitter: @tokyodolores

Web: http://tokyodolores.com

This year’s plan: the Napoli Comicon, Far East Film (Italy), plus a Japan tour and other events.

Mila De, also known as Mila Deguzman, dancer, model, and aspiring actress. Also, a former gymnast and ice skater. She’s been dancing since she was 4-years-old. Her favorite styles of dance are contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. Mila has danced with many popular faces from Littleton, CO to Roseville, CA to Las Vegas, NV, has done many dance shows, conventions, competitions, and also performed for the Sacramento Kings and Monarchs.

Mila is a small girl with big dreams, and a big appetite. She stays positive and looks at the brightside of any situation. When it comes to her work, Mila puts her heart and soul into it. Getting to know Mila, she may start out shy and smiley, but once you get to know her, she’s extremely clumsy and fun to be around. Her weaknesses are sweets, street bikes, import cars, shopping, and Hello Kitty.

As a little girl, Mila loved being in front of a camera. A few close friends inspired her to start taking interest in photography or modeling. In 2008, modeling became a part of her life. Mila hopes to pursue her dream of becoming an actress and a singer.

“Family is my admiration. Culture is my fascination. Music is my medication. Reading is my imagination. Love is my inspiration. Never giving up is my motivation. Positivity is my disposition.” — Mila Deguzman”

Mila, a pleasure to meet you. Can you tell us a little about youself. Where you grew up and what you were like as a child?

Oh boy, aha, I’ve moved around a lot when I was little. I was born in Fayetteville, NC, lived in San Jose, CA for a couple years, then to Las Vegas, NV for a couple years, and raised most of my life in Highlands Ranch / Castle Rock, CO, then decided to live with my dad (my parents are divorced) in Roseville, CA and finish high school there. After graduation I moved back with my mom who moved to Las Vegas, NV and now I’m in Los Angeles, CA. As a child, I was a tomboyish little girl who loves Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Sailor Moon, Dragonball Z, drawing, and playing a lot of video games.

Four years old is pretty young to start dance! What do you like about dance?

I love dancing, contemporary being my all time favorite. What I like about dancing is the fun and the beauty of it, wearing costumes, the jitters you get before performing on stage, the ability to express yourself not through words but through your movements and I think it’s amazing.

When did you first begin modeling and how did you get started?

I wanted to be like Adriana Lima except I’m short. I had a few girl friends who were models, it kind of inspired me to get into it. I had my first photoshoot in the winter of 2008 when I was in an agency at the time, but I left the agency as soon as I found out my agent was fired. So doing photoshoots just became a hobby, I never really considered myself a “model” until I recently got into the import industry in November.

Can you tell us about some of your favorite shoots and modeling experiences?

I like to meet the photographer before shooting with him/her to rid the jitters and avoid awkward/shy looking picture(s). Picking a favorite shoot is difficult, I always have fun at all my shoots. I’ve done a few shoots that I really enjoyed when the photographer is helping mentor the model(s), instructing the model(s), or giving the model(s) tips on what and what not to do. That makes a good modeling experience for me.

What do you enjoy about modeling? I read somewhere that you feel it is a good way to overcome shyness. Are you shy and has modeling given you more confidence?

I enjoy wearing whatever you want and makeup, feeling pretty, looking “tall” in photos, and meeting different photographers with different styles and making the capture look amazing. Oh yeah, I remember saying that! I used to be super shy, I still am a little shy though … I’ve never really had confidence, I had a very low self esteem back then. I do believe modeling has given me more confidence and helped me break out of my shell.

I also know you are into fashion and when you were younger would cut up and re-design your clothes. Is that something that still interests you and something you would like to pursue more in the future?

I’m not like a fashionista or anything, but I am into fashion. Haha, I would cut up and redesign my clothes, if I didn’t wear a certain top anymore, I’d make it into something I’d wear again or I’d give it to my little sister. I planned on going to FIDM a couple years back, so I can one day make my own brand and style of clothing, I still do, but there were complications with my dad’s military benefits and for me getting into the school. So I’m just going to attend college somewhere else. In the future I wanted to pursue my dream in becoming an actress, I’ve been training in acting and martial arts lately so I’m crossing my fingers.

You wrote something really beautiful on your website,

“Life is like a piano. The white keys are happiness, the black keys are sadness. As you go through life’s journey, always remember the black keys make music too.”

Would you say this is your philosophy and how you approach life?

I would say that is my philosophy and how I approach life … I love this quote because it’s about music, and the music that comes out of a piano is whether it’s happy or sad, it’s beautiful, and life even with all it’s problems around the world is beautiful.

Later in the year you will be at Comic Con. What will you be doing there and what other events do you attend?

I’m HOPING to be at Comic Con, aha, it’ll be my first. I’m not even sure what I’ll be doing there, but I’m so cosplaying! I’ll be attending C.A.M.E. 3, Extreme Autofest, more Hot Import Nights, Import Face-Off, etc. …

As a dancer and model, what do you do to stay fit and in shape?

I eat, a lot, of salads — and junk food. I have a crazy high metabolism, and all I do yoga and go to the gym every now and then, not much really. ^^;

Would you have any advice to offer a young girl just starting out in the industry?

Hm… Stay humble?

What do you enjoy doing when you are not attending school or working?

I like reading, no not magazines, or Twilight, blogs, or pop-up pictures books even though I think those are awesome. I like reading actual books, playing video games, watching movies, at Disneyland, or visiting Las Vegas… I don’t know, aha, I don’t go out much.

What do you hope to be doing five years from now?

I am so hoping to be acting, and landed somewhere in the entertainment industry, traveling the world, and helping those suffering and animals around the world. True story.

Where can we go to find out more information about you?

My website http://www.Mila-De.com
or http://www.facebook.com/MissMilaDe

Ron Gejon Photography

Born in Philly, raised in South Jersey. Growing up, Murder Nurse was always attracted to the performance lifestyle. Her vocal style has always been a little more symphonic, progressive and gothic metal. She started taking acting and piano lessons when she was young, and was in almost all of her highschool plays – being cast as the star of her very first one. Her favorite role was being the bride of Dracula.

She started doing photography before she considered being a model. She started to venture to the other side of the camera because of her growing interest in Cosplay modeling/photography & fashion in general.

As she was testing these waters, she came across a new and most fascinating interest: Burlesque. Her first show was a Cosplay Burlesque performance. After expressing interest, she was given lessons by Lily Stitches herself and was soon accepted as a member of the troupe. Shortly after, Geek Girl Productions picked her up for their shows as well, and is now a member of a new trio on the scene: Ink & Paint Club Burlesque. She specializes in survival horror video game themed acts, but has also done anime, as well as shows based on holidays, mythology & internet memes.

Her modeling portfolio has grown since then, burlesque serving as a magnificent springboard into it. She has even started to do some runway modeling.

Murder, may I call you Murder? It is very nice to meet you. You talk about your vocal style. You are a singer as well as an entertainer?

Of course you may! And thank you for taking an interest in me – I’m still getting used to this interview thing so go easy on me. ;D Aha, now for your question, yes – I am a singer! And sadly, most people don’t know that because it was before I got into doing much modeling so I didn’t quite have a “name” for myself then. I’ve been in multiple local metal and gothic rock bands as a lead vocalist. I still sing and absolutely love to, especially along to Kamelot or Serj Tankian in the car. It’s something I hope to start pursuing again in the near future – so expect more on that from me soon. For now, I’ll just let my wonderfully talented boyfriend Chris Rivers from ‘Time Will Tell’ be the musician in the relationship. ;]

How did you come up with the name, Murder Nurse?

I get asked this a lot. Honestly, it was something I asked my friends to help me come up with because I was completely lost for a name. Obviously it’s very heavily inspired by the video game ‘Silent Hill’ (One of my favourites!) and I chose it because I like that it portrayed not only my love of gaming but of horror, which is also really important to me. And who doesn’t love a sexy nurse by their hospital bedside with a bloody scalpel?

What is it that first attracted you to cosplay?

Probably the idea of getting to become a character. Cosplaying is a lot like acting – you get to take a step out of yourself and a step into that fantasy role. I had already had a huge fascination with Halloween and dressing up, so my love of costumes also played a part in what drew me to cosplay. I never knew it’d lead me to so much more from there.

What have been some of your favorite cosplays?

Babydoll [Suckerpunch], Bunnysuit Deadpool [Marvel], Panty [P&SwG], Catherine [Catherine], Black Cat [Marvel], Mitsuru [Persona 3], Rise [Persona 4], Juliet [Lollipop Chainsaw] and of course my No More Heroes cosplays, Sylvia and Bad Girl. I especially love cosplaying from Atlus and Suda51 games, so I tend to really enjoy those ones the most.

Are you a big gamer? If so, what are some of your favorites?

Is that a question? Haha. Unfortunately, yes. And I say unfortunately because I practically live in front of my console – but what can I say? Gotta feed my addiction! Some of my favourites include No More Heroes 1&2, Catherine, Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Fatal Frame, Bioshock, Assassin’s Creed, Prince of Persia, Jet Set/Grind Radio/Future, Phoenix Wright, The World Ends With You, Soul Calibur, Enslaved, Splatterhouse, Shadows of the Damned, Decay, Persona 3 & 4, Dead or Alive, World of Warcraft, The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim.. Jeez, I better stop there before I name everything in my collection, but I tend to stick more with survival horror. Nothing satisfies me more than a really good horror game. Well, almost nothing..

One of your best known cosplay is Lollipop Chainsaw. Now where did you get that huge chainsaw?

A friend of mine, Nira Wolffe, made it for me! She’s quite the crafty one, isn’t she? If I remember correctly, she made it out of Styrofoam, so it’d be light weight and easier for me to carry around such a large prop – because let’s face it.. a little girl like me would have quite a hard time lugging around a real giant chainsaw.. even if it is really tempting.

You are gaining a reputation as one of the “hot girls” of cosplay. How does it make you feel?

This is the first I’m hearing of it, honestly. *laughs* But that’s quite amusing! Well, I suppose I find it a bit flattering since most of the more well known ladies of cosplay tend to have a curvacious figure, so it’s nice to know a petite girl can get noticed once in a while. I just try to be myself and do what I love, so if people enjoy it then it’s just a plus!

Tell us about your move into burlesque and what is cosplay burlesque?

Cosplay Burlesque is a troupe of burlesque dancers that perform shows at conventions as anime, video game, manga, fantasy and geek fandom characters, performed by fans for fans. The idea is to take those characters everyone fantasizes about and not only turn them into reality, but bring a bit of sex appeal with it in a very classy and entertaining and sometimes humorous way. The shows go over amazingly, the first show I saw as an audience member being the show that inspired me to want to be on that stage right along with them – and people just love to see everything this troupe can come up with. I really loved the performance and entertainment aspect mixed with something I already adored doing, so it really just wasn’t even a question for me and more of a calling.

You trained with Lily Stitches. Tell us about her and what she taught you.

Lily is such an amazing performer. The first show I saw her perform I just fell in love with her acts and her stage presence – because she has the ability to really win people over no matter what she does. I met her after the show at the convention and made sure to let her know how interested I was in maybe trying it out for myself. She invited me over from some lessons one day and taught me the basics like glove peeling, pasties, some tricks of the trade when it comes to teasing and some really great advice on how to go about it all. I’d be so lost without her guidance!

Traditional burlesque entails dancing as well. Are you a dancer?

If by dance you mean that thing I do whenever music comes on and all of a sudden people are asking me if I need to see a doctor, then yes, I’m a dancer. But I honestly wouldn’t call myself much of a dancer despite taking classes when I was younger. I enjoy stage dancing, burlesque dancing and pretending I know how to shake it with the best of them, but if you threw me in a competition it’d most likely be disasterrific.

Aside from you cosplay you also do other types of modeling. What types of modeling do you do?

Mostly lingerie and alternative. I’ve modeled for a few clothing designers, from every day alternative wear [featured on Too Fast] to fetish and latex [Vengeance Designs]. I’ve also done pin-up, gothic, steampunk and club wear!

Is alternative modeling something you want to do more of?

Of course! It’s something I’m always looking to do, so I try to take as many opportunities as I can when they’re offered to me. I have the advantage of also being best friends with a really well known and successful alternative model, Jeanne Killjoy, so with her to learn from and look to as an inspiration I can see myself getting better with each shoot.

Ron Gejon Photography

What are some accomplishments you are most proud of?

Coming so far in everything I’ve done so far is something to be proud of. Getting to do runways even though I’m only 5 ft and not very experienced, along with performing in front of thousands so far in burlesque. My most recent however, is getting into IGNs Lollipop Chainsaw contest for the spot of their official Juliet rep. I got into the contest as an exception (as they were only casting agency models) by starting a twitter movement supported by an army of people dedicated to helping not only a gamer, but also a huge Suda51 fan get an audition. Well, I ended up being chosen as one of the top girls out of hundreds of hopefuls so although I didn’t win the contest overall, I still made it farther than I could have ever dreamed, got to fly to LA twice and do an official Lollipop Chainsaw photoshoot with the top 4 girls. It’s certainly an experience I’ve learned a lot from and will definitely never forget!

You have a number of areas you could branch out into? What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

As long as I’m performing, I’ll be happy. Whether I’m still doing burlesque, singing, acting, etc. I plan on following my dreams and overcoming whatever obstacles necessary to achieve them. All the experiences I’ve had so far have given me the drive to never give up, so I’m a lot more confident in my abilities than I used to be. Hopefully it’ll pay off and you’ll be seeing me in a band or some horror movie soon enough! Haha.

How important is it to interact with your fans?

Extremely important! I do livestream Q&As once a week just for the purpose of not only communicating with them more, but to allow them to get to know me on a more personal level. I try to meet as many as I can at conventions and am never one to blow someone off for a picture or a hug. I also try to hold a lot of contests for them to participate in to show my appreciation and do something fun for them. They mean the world to me and without them, I couldn’t have possibly gotten this far. I’ve come to believe you’re nothing without the support of others, and I have an incredibly dedicated and close-knit Gorehound Army to thank for being such strong and awesome fans!

Where can we go to keep updated on you and your work?

I am constantly updating my facebook page ‘Murder Nurse’, both my vlog and burlesque YouTube pages and try to keep up with my DeviantArt. Anyone is also welcome to come to the livestreams for a chance to talk to me personally if they’d like to get to know me more!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Murder-Nurse/172483190874

Personal Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/murdernurse

Burlesque Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/murderlesque

DeviantArt: http://murdernurse.deviantart.com/

Livestream: http://www.livestream.com/murdernurse?t=621462

Born in Orange Countyand raised in Seattle, Suemomo loves to party, dance, model, bartend, and create. She moved back down to Cali 3 years ago for a change of scenery and to step her game up. She is a graduate of Abram Friedman Occupational Center for Visual Communications and a lover of any and all forms of expression and wellness.

Although dancing and modeling are her bread and butter she has many other side talents. She has been fortunante to dance and pump up the crowd as a performer, mix delicious drinks for any mood, sell a few of my paintings, design some awesome nails, sew and sell some garments and accessories, and model for cars products and brands. It’s been a tireless road that was paved with initiative and a resilience to rejection. She is a creative spirit with a strong background in business administration whose dream is to find a job that would continue to let her be a “maven of all trades”.

Coco Katsura is a Japanese rope bondage/fire/suspension performer. She started to work as a body modification performer in the year 2000 in the Tokyo underground scene. Her unique style is a mix of cult Japanese classic form and modern gothic decadence. Coco has performed on over 100 stages across the world including Japan, Holland, Germany, Finland, England, Greece, Belgium, and France. Her intension toward her art is to reach out to other people’s hearts through the use of the body and herself.

Coco, it is a pleasure to meet you. Can you tell us a little about when you first became interested in expressing yourself thru the arts?

Hi and thank you. Oh, It’s a long story that I have to tell. I promise to reveal everything before I die!

Officially I started performing 13 years ago but it was something I remember being interested in when I was a child. I remember being interested in african culture books and the Japanese book, “The Kitan Club by Teryama Shuji & Tenjo Sajiki which was printed in 1951.

You started out as a body modification performer. What were some of your first performances?

I had great team of performers I worked with. We called ourselves Chiteki Koui. We acted and used fresh blood to write messages and poems. I thought blood was the a natural link to our souls and a very important part of our bodies. It was a very natural material to use.

In Japan, Kinbaku (Japanese Rope Bondage) is considered an art form and has many details to it such as how the ropes are tied, they types of rope and the positions (kata) that the subject is tied. How did you first begin to become interested in Kinbaku?

Japanese rope bondage is very beautiful to me. It makes a body beautiful. I am proud to use bondage for artistic reasons.

You also are a suspension performer. Is this a natural extension of your rope bondage?

No suspension is completely different than rope bondage. Performing suspension for me is much more pure . I like pure and used all my body and feeling. . suspencion is also some ritual means. i proud it. after earth queick in japan i did a lot of suspencion.. i felt really true life and nature is strong for us. now time for think about it . i was being much more simple.
 

 
Do you find it pleasurable and is there a certain amount of pain or discomfort you feel during your performances?

I do not have a problem with pain. Pain and discomfort is just a part of the performance. It is always different. Sometimes I enjoy it. sometime I don’t.

What do you hope your audiences think and feel after seeing your performances?

I hope they try things they see themselves at home! ..haha

How do you feel during and after a performance?

I feel very at ease, natural and my mind is clear. Sometimes I just feel sleepy!

You are in Germany now, is that correct? How did you come to be living there?

Yes. I am in Berlin now. I have lived in Europe for almost 5 years now. I lived in Amsterdam for awhile too. After March 11th in Japan (I was there at the time) I decided to go to Berlin. I had a clearer understanding of what I wanted to do and I knew some friends in Berlin I had wanted to work with so I moved there.

You have done many performances in different countries. Can you tell me what some of your favorite places you have been to are?

I have beautiful memories of everywhere I have traveled. It is too hard for me to pick favorites!
 

 
You are also a fire performer. How hard was it to train with fire?

Not hard at all. It felt very natural to me.

When you are not working what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy taking walks, listening to music and cooking and enjoying a incense smell. i love incense.:)

Do you have any interesting projects or events coming up?

Yes, Yes. I have some very interesting projects in this year. In may Madrid for suscon, Filmfestival in frankfult and etc. My projects always come back to the beginng point, so now I am working on it with every performance but I can not say what they are just yet. You will have to wait and find out!.

Where can fans go to keep updated on you and your projects?

Right now I am working to create a new website. It should be online soon. I will update here when it is live. I also update my facebook page and have a myspace page too.

http://facebook.com/cocokatsura

Born in the small village of Leibo, in the province of Sichuan China, Ayi has risen in 4 years to become China’s foremost international Lady of R&B and the first Chinese R&B artist to truly find favour in the West. Dubbed the Chinese Madonna she has remained independent and built a following of millions worldwide. Her ability to crossover and reach so many people through her music, video, film and games has seen her become a cultural Ambassador for The United Nations and other global organizations. Her humanitarian work has made her famous not just for her music and dance, but for her heart and love for the planet and everyone on it. Ayi Jihu is an historic artist, building bridges between East and West socially, in business and through entertainment in a way that no one has been able to do before.

Ayi Jihu continues to represent China despite not being a part of the Chinese Entertainment system. She was the first Chinese artist to represent the Chinese community in London at the London Week of Peace Concert. The first Chinese artist to be awarded so many Social and Cultural Ambassadorships representing not just Chinese, but people in need all over the world. From Sichuan EarthQuake victims to those in Haiti and Japan Ayi can be found working hard to help people all over the world no matter their color or creed.

Through her Art and music Ayi Jihu also builds bridges and goes where very few Chinese artists have gone before. Her latest album sees artists such as Bobby Brown, Kasinova Tha Don, Lil Mo, Eagle E, Jagged Edge, Hipost, Punjabi MC, Bre, and many more on board. She has worked with many great R&B artists from all over the world as she fulfils her dream to bridge the gap between China and the West and help billions of her own people discover true R&B while helping those in the West truly get closer to understanding China and her culture.

Ayi has worked alone with her label Shlepp Records/Shlepp Entertainment Ltd, she has forged her own path, turned down much to keep true to what she believes in and now she stands on the brink of being one of the world’s greatest icons.

You may only just now be learning about Ayi Jihu as she is set to take US and UK TV by storm in 2011/2012, As her Fear Chaser Movie gathers momentum and the Fear Chaser game picks up more and more players already reaching 110 Million kids worldwide, Ayi Jihu will become a household sensation on a global level, it may seem as though it all happened overnight.

However those in the know, will know, that behind every overnight sensation is at least 10 years of hard work. This is China’s time to shine and this is also Ayi Jihu’s time to Shine. In her own words: “If i had listened to people I would not be here. People have questioned my dancing, singing, acting, speaking, even my right to even try what i am doing. If you give into your fears and listen to the wrong people you will not achieve anything, because what I realise is that people are just afraid, of almost everything. I do not allow these people or anyone to stop me from following my dreams and doing what I was born to do and so far every day I wake up I smile and think I proved them wrong again.

Ayi, it is a pleasure to meet you. Tell us a little about your childhood in Leibo and what it was like growing up there.

My Childhood was fun. I was just like every other girl in my village I guess, having the pressure of being a good student and finding entertainment at the same time playing, singing and dancing around. I did not know much of the outside world really. To me my life was just normal, but when I came to the West I saw that things were very different. It was a bit of a shock, mostly the people. In China we have to study much, much more.

Do you come from a family of entertainers? Who inspired you when you were young?

Not really. but Yi people have it in their culture to sing and dance. I’ve always knew I wanted to sing and dance since I was in kindergarten, as soon as I hear music I want to dance, i’ve always taken part in any festival or school entertainment, I guess you could say I was the head girl in our version of Glee Club lol, so it’s always a part of me, as I got older we heard about Michael Jackson, after watching his videos I wanted to be become an entertainer! We had never experienced anything like him before. Everyone wanted to sing and dance like Michael Jackson. We had no clue what he was singing about but still new every word!

How did you first get started in your singing career?

It was something I always wanted to do. I used to go clubs watch and try and copy what I saw. People would tell me just how good a dancer I was, but I never took it seriously. I grew up singing and dancing but I never thought a Chinese girl like me could do anything in the Western music scene as it no one had ever done and I did not even know where to start. I went to help out a friend on a video shoot and once again I somehow stood out and caught the eye of the producer of the video. It all started there really. When I look back on it now, It may sound silly to some, but I believe it was destiny or being led by god or something, because I met the person who has so far made me able to realise all of my dreams. It has to be more than luck.

How did you get the reputation as “The Chinese Madonna”?

I have no clue! When I first started performing in Macau and China, no one had seen anything like me before. They called me the crazy Chinese girl who danced like a black woman and sang rap! Lol. I guess it just got around that I was different, I had a rapper on stage with me, two dancers who were more Rap video than casino. I think it may have something to do with the fact that Madonna is known for doing her own thing in China, not falling into line so to speak and that is the reputation I got in China. Being a bit sexy I guess Madonna was all they could think of!

You have represented China at many functions. Do you think the timing is right, on the heels of the Olympics, that China take a larger role in the entertainment industry?

I have represented China at many, many things but all unofficial. The London week of peace, The United Nations, Music from a bottle, A Celebration of Women Foundation Inc, I could go on and on. I am always representing my country and people, but I do not wait to be asked. I just do it. I think China’s role in the music industry will grow, but I do not know how fast. I think it is mainly up to the people to decide how they want to represent themselves in the new world they are building. Chinese people tend not to make a big fuss and noise in other countries, even in their own. Something has to change and perhaps I can help it change a bit. One thing for sure the time is right now!

One of the things I have read about you is that you raised funds for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake. Why is it important for you to give back to the community?

It is the most important thing one can do. Giving is what we are here for, not taking. It was very important to me to build my philanthropy along with my music, not wait until I am a big star and then start doing all that stuff. A big part of what I am doing and why I am doing what I am doing is to help people. I have a voice; I might as well use it to raise awareness of what people need around the world just to be able to have a decent life. Otherwise what is the point of it all? The best part about all of that is I really enjoy it. When you give something to people, help people or make something change for the better it’s the best feeling in the world.

Tell us a little about the albums you released?

‘Try Me’ was my first album and that was the more rebellious me. I guess that helped me get the Madonna tag too with some of the lyrics. I wanted to make a statement about what it’s like to be a woman these days. I wanted to let women know it’s ok to be strong and sexy and in control, but that we must also remain women. I think my other tracks, and EP’s have all been part of the growing and learning process for me. It has been hard for me to make loads of music as I don’t have a normal artist life. My charity and philanthropic work and my film and tv work are constant. However I will be releasing a new album in 2012 and it will be the new Ayi Jihu. Still R&B, still hard edged, but my lyrics and direction are now about what I am doing and what I believe in which is Fear Chaser and helping people fight their fears, in love, life, in everything.

Can you describe to us your creative process?

My creative process is very weird but it works for me. When we write a song or get songs given to us I have to translate them to Chinese to get the natural tone and vibe in my native tongue then I translate it back to English. It can sometimes be a bit time consuming but that is the best we that works for me. My producer wanted me to feel and sing natural and fuse my Chinese inflections and tone with my western one, not just to be all western or all Chinese. I am fortunate enough to work with great people, writers, producers etc, they are the best and I am very comfortable with them. When it comes to the writing of songs I do most of that with Stevie and we tend to write things from experience or vibe as we go along. We have about 20 songs ready to record which we have been working on for over a year.

You have collaborated with many artists. Can you tell us some of them and is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in the future?

What many people don’t understand about this business is that not everything you do gets released. It’s like that with movies, so many are made and never seen for one reason or the other. I have collaborated with several cool artists, like Punjabi MC, Sisters of Harmony, Eagle E, Fugative, snoop, Kasinova Tha don, Case and others, some of the tracks will be out soon, some may never really show up. It’s not always in my hands I just go and do what I have to do. As for who I would love to work with, man there are so many, Sean Paul! Is one for sure. I love him.

You also have worked in Film, Television and Fashion. Can you tell us a little about your work in these fields?

With Television I have been blessed to have done several TV shows in Asia and in Europe and I am hoping to do one in the USA this year called Flyy Girl. With Fashion I am not quite sure what to say. I think I’m short for fashion, but photographers and designers seem to like me and keep asking me to do shoots so I go and do my best I think I have done more than 10,000 pictures since I started, wow! I always feel a bit funny taking photos though because like I said I don’t see myself as a fashion model at all. With Movies, I have been asked to do a few, but so far nothing has really panned out. I never thought I could act at all, but once again people keep telling me I have a natural talent for it and that the camera loves me. I am getting acting lessons and training in when I can though. I am working on my own movie Fear Chaser which has really taken off. We are starting with the short version of the movie and I know it will be huge.

Your pet project now is your Fear Chaser short film. I understand it has a personal meaning to you. Can you tell us about it?

It’s all about Fear and how it affects what we do and how we act and react in life. I realized that fear was holding me back in many ways and when I spoke to Stevie about it he told me ‘well you seem to be doing a good job of fighting your fears Ayi’ That got us both talking and thinking about the subject and out of that Fear Chaser was born. We created a kind of super hero who could see and fight your fears. We thought it was a cool concept and a great idea, and when we got approached by Adventure Quest to make it into an online game we were really surprised but said yes, what did we have to lose? We did not expect it to go ballistic and have 25 million kids play the game. Now Fear Chaser is this huge global movement in the making, we have big directors, actors and Names in Hollywood looking at the movie idea, and the TV idea, it’s just gone crazy. I guess we struck a chord in people. Fear Chaser means the world to me. I use it in the schools when I speak to the kids to explain how fear makes them fail to achieve or bully other kids. I want to make this movie and we are going to start with the short film version. This is my mission for the foreseeable future. It’s all about Ayi Jihu the Fear Chaser!

 
Where can people go to support Fear Chaser?

I am asking people who wish to be a part of this movie or just support us to go here:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shlepp/fear-chaser-short-movie

and get involved. Because the movie is live action and animation it’s very expensive and we need a bit of help. We also want to keep control of the project and make sure it is done the way we envisioned it in the beginning. Hollywood has a way of watering down and changing things to suite themselves and we do not want this to happen to Fear Chaser. We know we have a winning formula and a great fan base to build on, and we just want to get it done right and honest.

Kickstarter is the perfect platform to get people involved and fund independent projects. Many people look at me and think I am part of some massive company or situation, but we are small and independent and we have remained so despite offers to go with big players, because they do not understand me, what I am doing or about and where I am going. They just want to use me to make some money for them. So it is really important that we grow ourselves and keep control and we need the help of people with the short movie.

All it takes is a few moments of your time to check it out and show your support get involved. You could end up being in the movie or even coming to the launch party and premier. It’s a great opportunity for everyone.

Aside from your current projects where do you see yourself branching out into in the future?

If i told you all the plans being spoken about and offered to me right now you would think I was crazy. I just want to take each thing as it comes and do my best. I do not want to limit myself. There are many things on the horizon for me and 2012 could be my most important year. It has already started well. I am blessed in that many people are beginning to realize the importance of China and how I can help them move forward. My fan base just continues to grow around the world and therefore I feel if I keep my feet on the ground and remain humble and my team sticks with me I can do just about anything I put my mind to.

Where can we find out more information about you and your work?

Please just go to www.ayijihu.org to find out what I am doing, get the press and blogs etc. My website iswww.ayijihu.com and you can get most things there. People can download my songs on itunes just type Itunes Ayi Jihu, twitter is @ayijihu, facebook page www.facebook.com/chinesestarayi