Vamp Jenn's Corner

Film

‘Talk to Me’ Horror Movie Review

July 24, 2023August 4, 2023by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments

Sophie Wilde as Mia in Talk to Me (Photo credit: © A24) — Sophie Wilde as Mia in *Talk to Me* (Photo credit: © A24)

Imagine having access to an embalmed hand that allows you to contact spirits when you touch it. That plot is at the core of the Australian horror film Talk to Me, which marks the directorial debut of brothers Danny and Michael Philippou. I had the opportunity to attend an advanced screening at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, CA. The event was sold out and the space was bustling with excited viewers. When the lights turned down, we were all in for quite a supernatural thrill ride. Don’t worry, there won’t be any major spoilers, but there may be some scares.

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halloween, holidays, Lifestyle

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Guide

July 21, 2023September 14, 2023by Jennifer Vasquez10 Comments

There’s a significant date during summerween that denotes the nearing of spooky season, and it is the 100-day mark to Halloween on July 23rd! The time has come to get serious about preparing for All Hallows’ Eve, so I’ve created my annual “Countdown to Halloween Guide” for 2023. Find out where to shop, what music to add to your creepy playlist, what events are transpiring and more.

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Art, Events

The Art of PeeMonster & Michele Melcher at The Dark Art Emporium

July 14, 2023August 10, 2023by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments

Michele Melcher's 'The Villagers' at The Dark Art Emporium

PeeMonster's 'The Hybrid Children' at The Dark Art Emporium

The Dark Art Emporium has unleashed its latest exhibit, which is a double feature highlighting the works of PeeMonster and Michele Melcher. After nearly two years since my last visit, I was elated to return to the gallery for the opening reception. The show brought together elements of the ethereal and macabre and definitely satiated my appetite for dark art.

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music

Spirit Tomb Weaves Gloomy & Wistful Tales in Debut EP ‘The Lotus of Dahlia’

June 7, 2023July 22, 2023by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments

The album cover of Spirit Tomb's The Lotus of Dahlia — The album cover of Spirit Tomb’s *The Lotus of Dahlia*

Spirit Tomb is the solo music project of musician Leon Kristoffer who’s based in Norway. Since forming in 2020, he’s now released his debut EP titled The Lotus of Dahlia, which constitutes part one of his Aandegrav trilogy focusing on themes of grief, loss and catharsis. The tracks in this opening chapter are laced with gothic sentiments and dark ambient undertones.

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History, holidays, Lifestyle, Literature

Celebrating World Dracula Day With Dacre Stoker

May 26, 2023July 13, 2023by Jennifer Vasquez20 Comments

The cover to the first edition of Dracula — The cover to the first edition of *Dracula*

Every year on May 26th, a marvelous vampiric event occurs annually: World Dracula Day. The occasion marks the date Bram Stoker’s notorious gothic novel, Dracula, was published in 1897. I thought, what better way to celebrate the holiday than with a chat with Bram Stoker’s great grandnephew, Dacre Stoker!

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entertainment, Events, Nightlife

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans World Tour

May 10, 2023July 20, 2023by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments

Horror, filth and glamour. That is the unholy decree of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula enterprise, which is currently taking the world by storm with the Titans tour. For those who aren’t aware, The Boulet Brothers are drag queens of darkness Dracmorda and Swanthula. The pair launched the hit competition TV series The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula in 2016 and four seasons later, it’s fiercer than ever. They even created a spinoff titled Titans, which debuted in 2022, and have hit the road putting on amazing performances with the competitors from this series. I attended the Los Angeles show and am so excited to tell you about it!

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History, music

The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth Book Review

May 1, 2023June 5, 2023by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments

John Robb (Photo credit: John Middleham)

“Nothing exists independently; goth was a kind of fever. It just seemed to seep in on a tide of black lace and black leather.”
–Nina Antonia quoted in The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth

Various books have been written attempting to unravel the mystery of the goth subculture and trace its roots. A new text has recently been added to the canon, The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth by John Robb who’s the frontman of the post-punk band The Membranes and head of the online media publication Louder Than War. His behemoth of a book takes a deep plunge into the musical origins of goth, and it’s quite an adventure.

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entertainment, Events, History, Travel

Inside the Haunted Encounters Tour Aboard the Queen Mary

April 13, 2023May 9, 2023by Jennifer Vasquez22 Comments

When the world practically shut down in 2020, so did the Queen Mary. The historic liner was already in need of major repairs, and even when establishments began to open their doors for business, her royal highness remained closed. I’ve kept a close eye on updates regarding the vessel, and it’s undergone not only significant renovations and maintenance but also a change in management, putting complete control back in the hands of the city of Long Beach, CA.

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music

Absinthe Vows: ‘Sunlight Stabs’ Album Review & Interview

April 4, 2023May 1, 2023by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments

Hailing from Columbus, OH, Absinthe Vows is a band blending gothic rock, post punk and darkwave with hints of alternative rock. The variety of genres their music possesses makes it interesting and entertaining to take in. They released their second album, Sunlight Stabs, earlier this year, and I’m reviewing it, as well as interviewing the group about their music.

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Lifestyle

Vamp Jenn’s Crypts: Welcome to Spooky Little Halloween’s Home

March 27, 2023April 23, 2023by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments

Do you want to know where you can go to celebrate Halloween year-round? To Spooky Little Halloween’s abode, of course! Well, unless you’re an invited guest, you may have to hold off on visiting her residence in person, but I’ve done the next best thing by featuring her on this edition of Vamp Jenn’s Crypts! Get ready for an inside peek at this haunted apartment located inside a century-old building in Houston.

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