Steamline Issue 1 by Steamcheese

Cover Model: Dastardly Dandy Demondaz Artwork: Jason Juta www.jasonjuta.com

Magazine layout: Tim Beale Edited: Tim Beale Contributors: John Walton Sally Jacobs Paul Boswell Tom Brown

ISSUE 1 Contents: Dastardly Dandy Demondaz - Model, DJ, Promoter Artist - Sally Jacobs From across the pond - Montegue Jacques Fromage Justice in the Balance - Episode 1 Paul Boswell - Steampunk Street Artist Tom Brown - Graphic Novel Artist Supremo

Model, DJ & Promoter- Dastardly Dandy Demondaz gives an exclusive interview to Steamline Magazine work is a study of female subjects. I am supposedly agency represented but they never get me any work so I get my own and don’t have to give them anything! (Will send over a resume with noteworthy projects too)

So Darren (DD) thank you for talking to Steamline Magazine (SL) and being the cover model for the very first issue: SL - What led to become an alternative model? DD - It’s the cheek bones and eyes - they just beg to be photographed…. It all goes back about 7 years now and an ex, also a model, told me I really should get photographed and I did. The result formed part of an early portfolio that has lead to a number of interesting shoots and projects and a portfolio that, I hope, is impressive and eye-catching. SL - How long have you been modelling and who for? DD - It’s about 7 years now, man and boy, and I’ve been lucky to pick up a number of interesting roles and projects. I have modelled for David Bailey as part of a Nokia promotion, I am on numerous book covers (Steampunks may recognise me as Cyrus Darian on Raven Dane’s novel and I am on the Polish translation of Japanese Devil Fish girl and other tales by Robert Rankin) and have been the subject of a number of editorials including 3 in Bizarre Magazine and a good few in the cheap and nasty Lifestyle magazines that smell funny in doctor and dentist waiting rooms everywhere! Most recently I am the face of ‘Vampire Culture’ a non-fiction ethnographic account that introduces readers to the vampire community despite the fact that this

SL - Do you get to keep any of the clothes after? DD - Most of the clothes I model in are my own, I like to keep an elegant wardrobe and I am proud of my Vampire and Steampunk attire. Many items I have altered myself, some I have designed and commissioned. I hate to wear anything that looks off-the-peg or bought in Camden market! SL - Do you have the opportunity to input creatively on photoshoots? DD - Yes, it’s generally the case that I self-style most of my shoots even if offering a choice of outfit changes. Also as a fairly experienced subject I have a few moves which I know work well to be photographed. It’s very often down to the level of experience of the photographers you shoot with – many need the models to take charge to deliver striking images others, more experienced, will have directions they wish to give and ideas that they wish to try. I’m always happy to work with both and it’s often the case that by getting direction in a shoot you add to your own repertoire of moves.

Having a prospective photographer ask me ‘What would you like to do?’ may be dangerous as I’ve always dozens of ideas that I would like to explore. I must get chatting a photographer and digital artist that I know is going to Whitby, a friend of many years, in November too for an idea I’ve had for some time – Dracula 1930 – where the Demeter is a flaming downed zeppelin and Dracula and his 3 wives have dynamically leapt from the wreck with the ruined Whitby Abbey in the background. SL - Where can our readers see your work, other than here? DD - My main networking portfolio is on Purpleport here (http://purpleport.com/portfolio/demondaz/) SL - Do you have any favourite or memorable locations? DD - Many, I am lucky to be a Londoner as provides a plethora of wonderful locations - Everything from the medieval, through to the Victorian, and modern and derelict locations for contemporary shooting themes. Actual favourites include the Victorian Viaduct and gardens that is found behind London’s Arnos Grove tube station. This was the location for my first ever Steampunk shoot in 2008 (which was before the whole thing became rather popular in the UK) and here I first met my dear Hayley. Amusing that we both noted each other, as we were dating other people at the time, and a couple of years later we stated dating and have just celebrated 3 years together! We also have one of Brunel’s Bridges close to our home in Hanwell, a place where we both like to walk and we have done a couple of shoots there too as there is a beautiful park and woodlands behind the bridge. I will always love Whitby too, not just because of the association with a certain Victorian era Horror Novel that has become a modern classic or indeed the festival, but also as it is like going

back in time whenever we visit and life there has a slower more relaxed pace. It’s more like a Spa in my mind where I can breathe clean air and watch wildlife at play. SL - You also organise the Vampire Villains vs Steampunk Slayers events, what inspired such a concept and can you tell our readers a little more about the events? DD - I used to run the events for the London Vampyre Group for over 3 years. Various mixed events that included lingerie catwalks, magicians, burlesques, bands, DJ’s and dancing before I decided to go it alone. Vampyre Villains vs Steampunk Slayers (VVvsSS I think is catchy) was born in 2008 and it was my most well attended, and enjoyed, event to date! I recently resurrected VVvsSS and moved the event from pub cellar function rooms to a noted London concert venue and took it to a bigger level with bands and cabaret acts. SL - Do you have any more events in the pipeline? DD - No dates confirmed but I have been toying with the idea of a H.P.Lovecraft themed VVvsSS event. It may be a bit niche for finding suitable acts and performances but HPL has always been a huge influence for me. Quite unique to mix gothic horror influences with bizarre science fiction and time-travel concepts! SL - Finally if you had to choose one band that epitomises Steampunk for you who would it be? DD - Just one! May I have two please? Mainly as they, to my mind, stand for the same thing. I like my Steampunk with a touch of darkside thrown in so Gladstone and TMWWNBBFN are my kinda Steampunk bands. If I must just choose one then Gladstone – so good I’ve put them on twice. I hope to put The Men on at some future event too, I did ask them about the last one but they were out of town playing a festival!

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The Frome

Steampunk Extravaganza II 30th May - 1st June 2014 Featuring:Nine Bands, Two Markets, Exhibitions, Workshops, Films,TeaDueling, Artists, Authors, Talks & Tours......... Tickets: Early Bird Weekend WB £30 Weekend Wristband £38 Grand Opening £18 Bohemian Ball £18 Sunday Soiree £12 (+booking fee) fse2.brownpapertickets.com

For more info visit: www.steamcheese.co.uk

Artist Sally Jacobs

My artwork often explores the darker/Steampunk side of faery and mermaids and Fae creatures are the focus of my work at present. It is hard to pinpoint what inspires me exactly, but I believe all art is about self-expression. To me, Steampunk is about being able to mix, sometimes anachronistic, things together. It enables me to merge my pre-Raphaelite influences with something darker to create slightly more edgy paintings. History and the past has a huge influence on my work and ultimately Steampunk is just me! Influences include the pre-Raphaelite movement and modern faery artists such as Jasmine Becket-Griffith, Brian Froud and Amy Brown. Sally’s work has been published in several magazines, including "pentacle", “Faeries and Angels” and "faeries and enchantment". Fantasy artist Sally Jacob, www.thepunkfaeryartworks.com

Nothing Left

The midnight oil

Traces of my mistakes

Our man from across the pond An exclusive interview with Steampunk Funk originator Montegue Jacques Fromage

SL - Where in the world are you right now? MJF - I’m presently in the UK. Will be returning to the US briefly in mid October to attend Teslacon/Madison, Wisconsin and almost immediately returning to the UK with scheduled gigs here, Germany, Holland and Luxembourg. Then returning to the UK until after Christmas/New Years. SL - What does Steampunk mean to you? and how did you get into it? MJF - "Steampunk" is, like any other genre, an avenue of self expression. I particularly like steampunk because, unlike many genres, it is open to "people of all ages". There is "room for everyone". It also has a much broader potential (personal creativity, interaction, self expression, etc.) in any number of genre-related areas. I had been vending a number of years ago at horror cons (which include "American Goths") and there was a definitive interest in "steampunk" accessories. Steampunk, as its own genre, was still coming out of the closet... and has now BLOSSOMED into a most formidable genre in its own right. SL - Steampunk Funk. Can you explain to our readers what this is and the thought processes behind it? MJF - There is no specific musical "style" that is exclusively "STEAM punk". Say "Cyberpunk" you think of goth, heavy metal, industrial, and pigeonhole them accordingly, but "steampunk" is a bit more elusive. It incorporates those mentioned above AS WELL AS indie, folk music, gypsy, big band, electro-swing, rap, blues, jazz and more. As far as "steampunk funk" is concerned, I’ve defined it my lyrics... "pertinent Victorian subject matter, words that rhyme, and a backbeat". Simple as that Although some people may disagree, "funk" is like "jazz" and "blues"... strictly American origin. The beat/sound is unquestionably recognizable, danceable and most importantly FUN! It strikes a chord with people from multiple backgrounds. "Funky" has been around since the ’60s (I have been around substantially longer ) Incorporating a funky bassline and brass with "Victorian rap" lyrics just seemed like the next logical step.

SL - You spend a great deal this side of the pond. How do the UK Steampunks differ from the US crowd? MJF - Dare I use the Professor’s word? Both UK and US steampunks are SPLENDID! UK Steampunk (as a genre) differs greatly from US Steampunk (imho). The roots are the same (Victorian Science Fiction) but the interpretation and growth has been entirely, no, UNIQUELY, different (as it should be). UK and US steampunks are individually expressive in their appearance and demeanour based on their personal exposure/involvement. Because steampunks are amazingly creative, look and style are important. There are basic "visual cues" that identify people as "steampunk" (goggles/tophats/pocket watches/walking sticks) but from that point, there is a delicious variation with regards to look, style and presentation. UK steampunks also have the advantage of several thousand years of history to draw from. The US (as a country) only has several hundred SL - Having recently attended Dragon *Con in Atlanta can you tell us something about the con and what it was like there? What were your highlights there? MJF - Dragon*Con is a multi-genre con, not exclusively Steampunk. Within D’Con is an "Alternative History Track" masterminded by a very good friend, Doc Quincy E. Quartermain (Doctor "Q") that is pretty much a "con within a con". D’Con itself was 60,000 to 100,000 people, 24 hours a day, 6 massive hotels within a 10 city block area that defies description. It must be seen to be believed. Highlights? I suspect "being part of the whole thing" and my MCing/performing at the Midnight Burlesque ... both unbelievable experiences. SL - And finally of each of these three what/who would you recommend to our readers: a) Your top Steampunk band? MJF - In all humility, SteampunkFunk Bizarre (me) b) Book? MJF - BONESHAKER - Cherie Priest c) Male grooming product? MJF - "Cement" ... US product for setting my mustache

Justice In Balance! Episode One - “Wool Gathers” I pulled open the solid wooden door to the dockside tavern, The Keg, in Greenwich, and entered from the night, trailing damp fog. My hood and overcoat dripped water onto a wood floor already covered in slick dirt and coal dust slurry. Inside the air was thick with smoke from the fire and pipes in slackened mouths and the rank smell of, fish, sweat, wet clothing, sour beer and bodies. My entrance prompted no break in the hubbub of conversations, the only acknowledgement being baleful glares from those sitting near the door as they hunched against the draught I had brought in. A gust of cold moist wind blew across the wet wharf and slammed the door shut behind me.

Habit had me turn my back to the wall and keep my own counsel. As I sipped, I studied those around me over the top of my mug. Most of the clientele looked like dock labourers, regulars, with a couple of sailors huddled here and there. Not encouraged, but tolerated for their transient wealth. My clothing was unremarkable amongst the, worn, patched, hard wearing clothes and the sturdy scuffed boots of the patrons. A week’s carefully cultivated stubble gave me a scruffy look that fitted in with my surroundings; my neat military hair-cut was covered by the hood which helped conceal my features. The man I had come to meet, Bob “Topper” Stagg, sat alone at a table, as befitted a man of importance. “Topper” did not refer to the threadbare short-crown top hat that lay on the table beside a black lacquer walking-stick, its brass handle shaped into a clenched fist.

The drinkers returned to their business and I wove through the throng towards the bar, the crowd reluctantly bunching together as much to keep from my wet clothes as allowing me access. ‘Ale,’ I said unnecessarily, for that was all they sold here.

No, it referred to the occasions when he followed up on the fatherly advice he gave when he hired, special, help.

The barman soundlessly took my sixpence and slopped an over-filled mug down on the filthy counter in front of me and dropped my change alongside. I took the mug, and the penny, spilling some of the sticky brew over my hand as I did so, and went to stand as near the fire as I could for warmth but at the same time trying to keep in the shadows.

“If you work for Bob Stagg you do what you’re told, how you’re told, when you’re told. And you keep your mouth, shut. Or I’ll top yer.” He was dressed in the same working man’s rig as the rest of us, but his were less frayed. Chunky gold rings stood out on both hands and a thick silver watch chain was displayed across his belly, wrapped round his neck

was a royal-blue silk cravat with a gold pin, all these accoutrements were meant to accentuate his status. He had a foreign almost theatrical air with hard black eyes, gold flashed in each ear, and heavy black stubble covered his jaw, though not, I was pleased to note, as thick as mine. Less than a pace from him, one on either side stood his two bully-boys. Both of them adopting a threatening stance as I approached their hands on hips and coats open, so that their cudgels could be seen. Looking at them, I made sure I stopped short of the table, as would a normal supplicant. ‘Robert Stagg?’ A grunt was the only answer. ‘Sir, I hear you’re hiring to-night for a job on the dock.’ My face was partially hidden and I was sure he would not recognise my voice with the whine I had affected. He had been watching me, now he gave me a more detailed study. ‘What’s your skill then: coal-whipper, stevedore, general labourer, river-man, stoker, bargee? Show us your hands.’ It was now, or never. He would either recognise me from the diamond fields near Kanteen Koppie and keep mum, or set his bully-boys onto me. On second thoughts. No, on this one he would prefer to get his hands dirty.

and extended my arms. My hands and wrists stuck out from tattered cuffs, the nails thick with black dust and grease. He looked down at them, unimpressed. ‘Turn them over.’ I did so. He didn’t move, not even an intake of breath. He was good. Always had been. On my right hand, against the dirt, the ridged white line stood out, across the base of the thumb down onto the arm curving around the wrist. His hand slid beneath the hat in front of him and I heard a small metallic click. ‘If, and I say only if, I was to hire you, what would you call yourself?’ ‘Fox.’ I stood tensed, ready to run, not sure how this would play out. ‘Ah, Fox. Good English name, but can we trust the fox, tonight, in the hen house as it were.’ He looked me directly in the eye. After a drawn out pause he gestured to the man on his left. ‘Toby, take Mr Fox up to my room; and make sure nothing happens to him, a stranger here and all that. Mr Fox, I’ll be joining you shortly.’ Throughout the exchange he did not remove his hand from under the hat nor shift his gaze from me. I allowed Toby to grab my arm, and to hustle me across the room and up the stairs, pleased with myself for reducing the odds against me to Stagg and only one of his thugs, and not both bully-boys and possibly the entire tavern.

With apparent disregard for the posing guards I stepped up to the table, put my ale down

From the journals of Reynadine Ferine Freelance Investigator Artist: Harriet Gill

Paul Boswell AKA Los Mutartis Steampunk Street Art.....

Emerging from Rural Somerset Boswell presents us with a mixed up twisted world where the likes of freakish anthropomorphic creatures stalk apocalyptic landscapes co-existing with lost and obsolete technologies, which have mutated and taken on a new life. Boswell’s weird and wonderful visions are fuelled by a powerful imagination, a soup of the mind whose ingredients range from a childhood brought up on comics, old horror movies, sci-fi, northern European fairy tales, weird 1970 s kids T.V, and Punk Rock to name but a few of the influences.

main. The eternal outsider Boswell pushes the boundaries of the art form creating a fantastical and sometimes unnerving universe of mutated possibilities.

After getting into Graffiti in the 80s through discovering the seminal book Subway Art like so many others of his generation, Boswell’s art found a new means of expression on walls. In some ways the antithesis of more bubbly traditional Graffiti forms Boswell’s work dwells in a twilight world, an edgier and atmospheric do-

Tom Brown Artist for the Hopeless, Maine graphic novel series published by Archaia Entertainment. (among other strange things)

http://copperage.deviantart.com/

Li'l Eddie: Edgar Allan Poe for Kids

Help the kickstart project to see this book published!! Visit: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/baronmind/lil-eddie-edgar-allan-poe-for-kids

Steamline Issue the 1st Notes from the editor: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to thank all the contributors to this the first issue of Steamline an online magazine aimed at Steampunks covering art, music literature and any other randomness inbetween.... If you would like to contribute to the next issue email: steamcheese@gmail.com

Illustration by Tom Lynn