Liberation: How did you become involved with the Howl! Festival?
Penny Arcade: They called me. I am a figure of prominence in the East Village art scene, both as a community member and a theatre artist. I have a problem with artists who just show up for high profile activities. They are never there when people are getting evicted...
Art In Odd Places asks the questions: What is public space? Is it a park or a street? Is a third floor apartment window public space? Art In Odd Places was conceived by Ed Woodham to give exposure the city's up and coming artists. "There seemed to be a need for a forum for emerging artists and I thought Art In Odd Places might help. I recently have become fascinated with the exploration of 'what is public space?'"
This month the Federation of East Village Arts (FEVA) kicks off its third annual Howl! Festival of East Village Arts. From August 21st through the 28th more than 40 venues throughout the East Village and Lower East Side will play host to over 1,100 artists, musicians, filmmakers, performers and activists who are dedicated to maintaining the creative integrity of the neighborhood.
Liberation: I am a huge admirer of the author Stephen King and I often wonder how a man who lives a somewhat normal (I use the term loosely here) life in the woods of Maine gives birth to the most heinous stories imaginable. As a married man with children, I can't imagine you hanging out in the lurid worlds you create. Where do these hyper-sexual men and women come from and why is their environment so turbulent?
Aidan Hughes: Fucking good question, mate! I grew up in a rough neighborhood where my father ran a small pub catering mostly to seafaring alcoholics. Although my upbringing was pretty cultural, (my old man was a painter and musician), I saw my fair share of fights.
With their impressive new EP, Ride Between The Eyes, The Soft Explosions offer up a psychedelic dose of glam inspired, alt-rock bliss. Ride Between The Eyes is a clear indication that The Soft Explosions fully understand what it takes to write a great pop song.
While living in Boston, brothers David and Nicky Kulund began working with guitarist Irina Yalkowsky and formed the band David James Motorcycle. After building a solid following in the Boston music scene, in 2002 the band decided to pack up and move to New York City despite knowing that they would have to start again from scratch. With new material, a new bassist, Dave Stahl, and a new name, The Soft Explosions began playing to receptive audiences at Don Hill's and the Mercury Lounge where their sound, a blurry mix of blues, glam, and rock n' roll, had people taking notice. Further building the bands momentum, The Soft Explosions played Iriving Plaza when they won Little Steven's Underground Garage Battle of the Bands.
