Stigma, The Band

Often referred to as “The Godfather of NYHC,” Vinnie Stigma is the longtime guitarist of legendary musical acts Agnostic Front and Madball. Along with his guitar playing gigs, Stigma currently runs New York Hardcore Tattoos on 127 Stanton Street in New York City's Lower East Side.

His new side project, simply called Stigma, is compiled of members straight from the streets of New York. I had the privilege of speaking with Josh Tilotta, one of the guitarists. Tilotta describes the band's music as a mix of everything from Agnostic Front to Johnny Cash.“It has [a] little something for everyone without losing its hardcore roots.” When asked who Stigma's major influences are,Tilotta merely replied,“We are our own influence.” At the end of the interview, I asked him if there was anything else he'd like to add and he responded by saying,“Hardcore lives on, don’t turn to emo!”

Stigma’s new album, New York Blood, is out now on I Scream Records and is produced by Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) and Phil Caivano (Monster Magnet), and is mixed by Zeuss (Hatebreed, Agnostic Front, Shadows Fall).

For more information, go to www.myspace.com/vinnystigma.

 

 5-7-0 Tattooing Co.

Nestled in the valley of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. sits 5-7-0 Tattooing Company. 5-7-0 opened its doors in October of 2005 under the ownership of Geena and Ron Russo.The couple bring a refreshed, modern twist to the mom and pop shop: He is creating the beauty and she is the brains behind the shop. A beauty in her own right, Geena is V.P. of P.R for Gypsy Queens National and, as Ron puts it “she's the boss, nothing would happen without her!”

5-7-0's standard of business is to treat their clients without attitude and with the respect they would want for themselves and their family.The dynamic duo didn't realize the impact the shop would have at first, and new clients (as well as old) are constantly showing up to get tattooed.

5-7-0 hosts guest artists monthly. Artists like Tim Victim and Pastor of Deep Six. Ron has been tattooed by these great artists and wants you to have the same experience. With two locations and eight artists, this is their opportunity to say thanks to their loyal clients. Because without clients, the shop would never be successful!

5-7-0 Tattooing Company, (570) 825-7270

For more information, go to www.myspace.com/geenarusso.

 

Hawk GQ 

Hawk lives in Wallingford, Ct. and currently models for Gypsy Queens and H2Ocean. The striking, 22-year old beauty was modeling for another organization when she met Frankie Scorpion, GQ founder, at a convention two years ago.The other organization discouraged Hawk from talking to Frankie but, before long, she was in love with her and everything the Gypsy Queens stand for. Hawk encourages women who are interested in being a GQ to go for it! If you want to model for an organization that promotes beauty and self worth, this is it.

Hawk enjoys spending time with her dog and her boyfriend. She also enjoys painting, hiking and playing video games. Hawk's favorite tattoo is a silhouette of an eagle. Being Native American and German, the eagle represents her heritage, a journey to a better place, and immortality. If Hawk were a comic character she would be Aeon Flux and her theme song would be “Free Bird.”

If Hawk had a final statement, it would read ‘Be yourself and don't let anyone change who you are.’

For more information, go to www.myspace.com/hawksuicide22 or www.modelmayhem.com/546759.