Thursday, April 26th, 2012
Hibernating bats in the northeastern United States are dying at an alarming pace due to the onset of White-nose Syndrome. Named for the white fungus evident on the muzzles and wings of the affected, this fungus thrives in cave temperatures. Apart from the physical ailments, afflicted bats awake early out of hibernation in an attempt to cleanse themselves of the fungus. This early awakening inadvertently leads to death from freezing temperatures as these animals attempt to find food to replenish their stored winter fats. White-nose Syndrome has already killed ...
Tuesday, October 11th, 2011
Here at Blow The Scene we like to spread the love – this time by focusing on our amazingly talented staff who donate countless hours to the site and help make it what it is.
We pride ourselves on showcasing quality over quantity. Music lovers who want in-depth coverage with substance come here. Those who are looking for regurgitated PR emailers have thousands of other sites to reference. We are very fortunate to have a staff that is comprised of artists and musicians alike, who have true passion for whatever they are covering. Our writers and photographers are a part of local artist communities in several cities throughout the ...
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
Andrew Myers is a renown painter and sculpture from Laguna Beach, California. His works have been published within the LA Times’ Coastline Pilot, OC Register’s Laguna New Post, H Magazine, and NBC San Diego’s spread on The Port of San Diego Sculpture Show. Myers placed 1st Sculpture at the annual Sausalito Arts Festival and 2nd in Sculptural Pursuit Magazine’s National Sculpture Competition. Sculptural Pursuit Magazine then also featured Andrew's pieces with a 6 page spread in the July 2008 edition.
We had the great opportunity to talk with Andrew Myers over the phone recently, and reach deep down ...
Monday, January 24th, 2011
Ectoplasmic Meltdown: Special Edition! Interview Andy Horn of Cannabis Corpse and BattleMaster
Greetings Ghouls and Ghoulettes!!!
Yes I know, it has been a LONG FUCKING TIME since I have given an update. I must say that I have been quite the busy little ghoul!
My requests for artwork have been higher than they ever have, so I have been keeping extremely busy. On top of that, I just graduated from WCU with a BA in studio arts, and Coffin Dust also completed our first tour (although it was just a weekend, it was a WILD weekend) at the beginning of December! We ...
Thursday, January 13th, 2011
Local Artist Spotlight - Pittsburgh, PADarrell Kinsel Interview
By Andy McNeil, Assistant Editor
Vibrant child-like paintings of colorful crayon meadows and wax mountains cover the walls of Calli’s restaurant in Pittsburgh. Despite the country themes and elementary appearance, these works of art were not created by some rural rascal. These are the doing of a 26-year-old city slicker who slightly resembles a thin Mr. T - without the jewelry obsession and affinity for punching people’s lights out.
Darrell Kinsel, sporting a thick beard and often found rocking a mohawk, is not a conventional painter by any means. He is a self-taught artist who grew ...
Thursday, November 18th, 2010
Scene Stompers Vol I: Ashley Ryon of Yinzer Party & Hott Mess
By Andy McNeil, Assistant Editor
The staff at Blow The Scene loves a good party – so much so that we’ve decided to dedicate a new column about the folks who set up the parties, shows and events that give us an excuse to stay out late. Scene Stompers are the people who are out there crushing their local scene with positive party energy. This month BTS’s resident friendly giant catches up with Ashley Ryon, a real guru of gettin’ down, over a pint at the Tiki Lounge in Pittsburgh’s South Side.
If wildlife photographers think they have it hard - they should try working in the concrete jungle as a nightlife photographer. Spilled beer, dangerous dance moves and the occasional pudding wrestling matches are common place for Ashley Ryon – a nocturnal beast best known for her party photography.
The petite Ryon is the mastermind begin the YinzerParty.com Web site. She is also the creator of a monthly indie pop dance party called Hott Mess, hosted at Pittsburgh’s hipster-mecca Brillobox, which is celebrating its one year anniversary, appropriately titled Best of Hott Mess, on Thursday, November 18th.
Since beginning the site in July 2009 – Yinzer Party has posted over 10,000 photos of the best of Pittsburgh’s underground parties and shows. She was inspired to start the site after moving to the city of steel in 2008 when she was still unfamiliar with the scene and wasn’t sure were to head to find a good time.
“Living in Vegas and New York - you go to photo sites and you see these rad looking people - you want to be there with them,” Ryon says. “[Pittsburgh] didn’t have that here. I’m a bit of an entrepreneur – I get super excited to start projects and so I started it trying to discover what’s cool in the city.”
In addition to indie parties and bar events – she has been busy shooting shows as well. Ryon has snagged images of bands such as Electric Six, The Flaming Lips, Municipal Waste, Valient Thorr, GWAR, The Bronx and Portugal the Man.
Ryon’s first exposure to the party photography came when she was living in Baltimore and was frequenting shows at Sonar back when Diplo (half of DJ act Major Lazer) would play there regularly. At the shows, she noticed a photographer taking everyone’s picture, but thought little else of it until her mug popped up somewhere unexpected.
“One day I find myself on a flyer for Sonar and I’m like ‘What the fuck is this?’”
Saturday, October 30th, 2010
Ectoplasmic Meltdown!: HALLOWEEN EDITION!
GREETINGS ALL YOU GHOULS AND GHOULETTES! and pardon my vulgarity but HAPPY FUCKING HALLOWEEN!
I decided to hold off on talking about the pinball table and the interview with Jon until next time, and instead decided to do something quick, fun, and relevant to the season, and spirit....I don't know how many of you heshers out there still get stoked to do this, but i sure do...I decided to carve a sweet pumpkin!
Last night, i stayed up late in the kitchen, listening to the misfits, ate a pizza, and carved a head. Talk about gnarly rituals!
I had a little bit of a tough time getting some ...
Friday, October 29th, 2010
Dave White has been creating award winning art since the early 1990's. Born February 19th, 1971 in Liverpool, UK, Dave developed his technique and graduated from John Moores University with a BA in Fine Arts Painting in 1994. Today, Dave White's art has held residencies across the globe. He has been recognized by AOL, Nike, Wall Street Journal, and dozens more publications internationally.
TJ: Hello Dave White! Please give our readers from around the world the skinny on who you are and what it is you do!?
Dave White: Hi all, my name is Dave White I am an ...
Saturday, October 2nd, 2010
ECTOPLASMIC MELTDOWN VOL II
By Matt Slime Bucket
This month’s slime!
Greetings ghouls and ghoulettes! And welcome to this month’s upchuck of Ectoplasmic Meltdown! Despite the fact that classes are back in session (most non excellent), I’ve been busy at work in my cellar putting together some new monsterpieces for all you sick little gore goblins….I’m going to show you some finished products, and a couple platters of splatter that have been in the works for a decent amount of time now. Also, as a special treat (because it does just happen to be the month of my favorite holiday >:] I think you can ...
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
I'm Always Right (sided): Third Edition - Product Placement
by Joe Baker (Pittsburgh Based Tattoo and Visual Artist of Independent Ink)
You’re only as good as the company you keep. Surround yourself with books and you’ll most likely do well in school. Surround yourself with whores and you’ll most likely get herpes. The “company” you keep could be friends, movies, music, hang out spots, etc. So if you hang out under a bridge with a bunch of junkies there’s a good chance your company ain’t that good. Many people can feed off the energy of their surroundings that’s why the saying “product of their environment” rings true. Creating ...
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
Jordan Buckley has changed the course of underground metal forever. Widely recognized as one-half of Buffalo’s favorite guitar duo in metallic hardcore group Every Time I Die, Buckley and his guitar work (along with partner-in-crime, Andy Williams) seamlessly fuse elements of Southern Rock, Punk, Metal, and Hardcore - consistently pushing the boundaries of extreme music with each new album. Having seen four full-length releases on Ferret Recordings and latest work, New Junk Aesthetic on legendary label Epitaph, Every Time I Die have wowed fans ...
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
Hi Ryan! Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a self-taught, Louisville Kentucky based editorial photographer and a bit of a "Good-Time" Charlie. I collect Pez and Mr. Potato Heads. I actually have a whole room dedicated to my toy collection! I have a huge Rat Fink tattoo on my arm. Oh yeah, and I like to shoot people!
What is your favorite style of photography?
I would have to say classic pinup is my favorite genre of photography. Concert Photography is a close second. Explain what makes you an expert in the “Lifestyle Portrait” compared to other photojournalists. I have a studio, but shooting portraits of kids and families ...
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
D.I.Y.
By Lo
Original Artwork By Joesph Baker
Talent is a gift that is useless unless it is nurtured and molded onto something great. It is like a child, it’s a beautiful creature that needs love, guidance, and support to reach those vital developmental stages of life. Talent is no different; it takes discipline, determination, and passion to create art and develop your true artistic style regardless of the area of expertise. If you are blessed with any talent at all, you'd be a fool to waste it.
The only way to ensure that your talent isn’t’ decaying away in a dark corner is to take it upon ...
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
Hi Adam Potts! So tell us, what's your short story?
I do tattoos at Acme Ink in Louisville, KY. I do them as clean and nice as I can and I do them very fast. I also paint a little.
How long, and with whom, did you apprentice before coming into your own?
I apprenticed under Tattoo Charlie Wheeler for around fourteen months before I started tattooing for money in November of 2001. I don't feel like I came into my own until a year or two ago, but that's not to say I'm finished learning or moving forward. That's one of the things I love about my ...
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
Any lover of experimental music in the New York area should be aware of Pendu’s 3rd Annual Eye and Ear Fest! All acts are New York based and experimental in nature-but most of the similarities stop there. The diverse line-up promises that this will not be another endurance test music festival of the same thing over and over. Pendu’s website allows visitors to stream songs from each artist participating in the festival.
Check out the Pendu Presents NY Eye and Ear Fest and listen to everything that this festival has to offer!
Following Courtesy of Pendu's Facebook
Pendu presents: NY EYE & EAR FEST …a massive Annual Music ...
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
I’m always Right (Sided)
Bi-weekly/First Edition.
By Independent Ink Artists Prof. Lauren & Joseph Baker
“If you’d have half a brain, you might get somewhere in life.” A phrase that I’ve heard more times than I can remember. The fact is, I do have half a brain. That’s right, only half. The good half - the right half. Good old 1 ½ pounds situated on the right side of my skull, filled with spaced out thoughts and visuals of the unimaginable philosophies and dreams - unfathomable even to myself at times. The right side of the brain is responsible for the music we’re so passionate about, the ink in our skin, and our favorite movies. Needless to say, the “right ...
Friday, April 30th, 2010
Stephen TompkinsFor our readers who may be hiding under an artistic rock, how would you answer, “Who is Stephen Tompkins?”, in a paragraph or less?
Hey. Come out from under that rock. My name is Stephen Tompkins. I create.
How would you best describe your style of art?
Cartoon limbo, cartoon explosions, complex synchronic visceral experience. Eye candy.
Explain your philosophy behind creating multiplicities.
In a very brief nutshell...and I promise this is the longest answer of the interview...I don’t like the idea of just creating a static subject or presence. Right now I'm focused on the way absence and negative aspects of spatial arrangements as well as multiple partialities ...
Thursday, April 1st, 2010
"Buzzzzzzz"
Little more than this sound could better describe the glory of the Philadelphia Tattoo Convention held this past weekend in the city of brotherly love.
As you approached the Sheraton Hotel on the corner of 17th and Race Street, nothing seemed out of place. The hotel entrance seemed to be as cold and dead as the March air I was sucking down with every drag off my cigarette on the walk from the train station.
The doors open to reveal a semi-packed, plush hotel bar, and a circulating line of punks, metal heads, goths, and many more useless classifications of my fellow ink addicts. Two single line escalators revolve a massive moving underground art gallery either to grab a back door smoke or up to one of Philly's best kept multi-level secrets.
Hibernating bats in the northeastern United States are dying at an alarming pace due to the onset of White-nose Syndrome. Named for the white fungus evident on the muzzles and wings of the affected, this fungus thrives in cave temperatures. Apart from the physical ailments, afflicted bats awake early out of hibernation in an attempt to cleanse themselves of the fungus. This early awakening inadvertently leads to death from freezing temperatures as these animals attempt to find food to replenish their stored winter fats. White-nose Syndrome has already killed ...
Ectoplasmic Meltdown: Special Edition! Interview Andy Horn of 
Local Artist Spotlight - Pittsburgh, PA
Darrell Kinsel Interview
By Andy McNeil, Assistant Editor
Vibrant child-like paintings of colorful crayon meadows and wax mountains cover the walls of Calli’s restaurant in Pittsburgh. Despite the country themes and elementary appearance, these works of art were not created by some rural rascal. These are the doing of a 26-year-old city slicker who slightly resembles a thin Mr. T - without the jewelry obsession and affinity for punching people’s lights out.
Darrell Kinsel, sporting a thick beard and often found rocking a mohawk, is not a conventional painter by any means. He is a self-taught artist who grew ... 
Scene Stompers Vol I: Ashley Ryon of Yinzer Party & Hott Mess
By Andy McNeil, Assistant Editor
The staff at Blow The Scene loves a good party – so much so that we’ve decided to dedicate a new column about the folks who set up the parties, shows and events that give us an excuse to stay out late. Scene Stompers are the people who are out there crushing their local scene with positive party energy. This month BTS’s resident friendly giant catches up with Ashley Ryon, a real guru of gettin’ down, over a pint at the Tiki Lounge in Pittsburgh’s South Side.
If wildlife photographers think they have it hard - they should try working in the concrete jungle as a nightlife photographer. Spilled beer, dangerous dance moves and the occasional pudding wrestling matches are common place for Ashley Ryon – a nocturnal beast best known for her party photography.
The petite Ryon is the mastermind begin the 
Ectoplasmic Meltdown!: HALLOWEEN EDITION!
GREETINGS ALL YOU GHOULS AND GHOULETTES! and pardon my vulgarity but HAPPY FUCKING HALLOWEEN!
I decided to hold off on talking about the pinball table and the interview with Jon until next time, and instead decided to do something quick, fun, and relevant to the season, and spirit....I don't know how many of you heshers out there still get stoked to do this, but i sure do...I decided to carve a sweet pumpkin!
Last night, i stayed up late in the kitchen, listening to the misfits, ate a pizza, and carved a head. Talk about gnarly rituals!
I had a little bit of a tough time getting some ... 
ECTOPLASMIC MELTDOWN VOL II
By Matt Slime Bucket
This month’s slime!
Greetings ghouls and ghoulettes! And welcome to this month’s upchuck of Ectoplasmic Meltdown! Despite the fact that classes are back in session (most non excellent), I’ve been busy at work in my cellar putting together some new monsterpieces for all you sick little gore goblins….I’m going to show you some finished products, and a couple platters of splatter that have been in the works for a decent amount of time now. Also, as a special treat (because it does just happen to be the month of my favorite holiday >:] I think you can ... 
You’re only as good as the company you keep. Surround yourself with books and you’ll most likely do well in school. Surround yourself with whores and you’ll most likely get herpes. The “company” you keep could be friends, movies, music, hang out spots, etc. So if you hang out under a bridge with a bunch of junkies there’s a good chance your company ain’t that good. Many people can feed off the energy of their surroundings that’s why the saying “product of their environment” rings true. Creating ... 
Jordan Buckley has changed the course of underground metal forever. Widely recognized as one-half of Buffalo’s favorite guitar duo in metallic hardcore group Every Time I Die, Buckley and his guitar work (along with partner-in-crime, Andy Williams) seamlessly fuse elements of Southern Rock, Punk, Metal, and Hardcore - consistently pushing the boundaries of extreme music with each new album. Having seen four full-length releases on 
Talent is no different; it takes discipline, determination, and passion to create art and develop your true artistic style regardless of the area of expertise. If you are blessed with any talent at all, you'd be a fool to waste it.
The only way to ensure that your talent isn’t’ decaying away in a dark corner is to take it upon ... 
Any lover of experimental music in the New York area should be aware of Pendu’s 3rd Annual Eye and Ear Fest! All acts are New York based and experimental in nature-but most of the similarities stop there. The diverse line-up promises that this will not be another endurance test music festival of the same thing over and over. Pendu’s website allows visitors to stream songs from each artist participating in the festival.
Check out the 
Following Courtesy of 
I’m always Right (Sided)
Bi-weekly/First Edition.
By Independent Ink Artists Prof. Lauren & Joseph Baker
“If you’d have half a brain, you might get somewhere in life.” A phrase that I’ve heard more times than I can remember. The fact is, I do have half a brain. That’s right, only half. The good half - the right half. Good old 1 ½ pounds situated on the right side of my skull, filled with spaced out thoughts and visuals of the unimaginable philosophies and dreams - unfathomable even to myself at times. The right side of the brain is responsible for the music we’re so passionate about, the ink in our skin, and our favorite movies. Needless to say, the “right ... 
