All images © Nails Inc. Photography 2011
Earlier in the year I had an absolutely amazing shoot with Serena Toxicat in her temple with her beautiful kitties.
All images © Nails Inc. Photography 2011
After 2 months of searching for a new venue, House of Voodoo has resurfaced at The Blue Macaw in San Francisco’s Mission District.
Here are some photos by yours truly of the grand re-opening on January 21st, 2011!
All images © Nails Inc. Photography 2011
So the other night, Mr. Decay approached me with a list of questions. The idea was to get a look inside my life, and to answer all those frequently asked questions. From my past to the future, music, photography, and more…here is me…Rayden SINN, an interview by Mr. Kazzy Decay.
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Hello everyone! It’s time to get personal with the owner of our very own Saint SINN Productions! Rayden Saint Sinn.
So Rayden where did you come up with your name as well as the companies name?
I used to have a Yahoo screen name (yeah yeah) of rayde. The name came from an old nickname of mine given to me by my first boyfriend and it just stuck. When first considering a stage name I had actually gone from Bloody Nails to Nails to Rayde, and Rayden finally stuck after being called such so many times. Saint Sinn was another Yahoo name that seemed to mix well with Rayden (sounds lame, I know) so I soon became Rayden Saint Sinn, or Rayden Sinn for short. As for the company name, both Nails Inc. Photography as well as Saint Sinn Productions kind of speak for themselves now.
What is your favorite kind of music?
My taste in music varies by mood, but there are genres that always stick. I’m into deathrock, goth, post-punk, new wave, horror punk, techno, trance, ebm, avant garde, electro, darkwave, classical, death metal, even some happy hardcore. I always say, if I can dance to it or if it will make my ears bleed, I’ll listen to it.
Who has influenced you are far as your art goes?
My biggest art influence was and always will be my high school art teacher Deyo. He was an amazing man with a passion for all things creative, and a love for life. He really made me want to be a better artist in every way. After his passing from lymphoma just a couple years after coming into my life, I pushed myself even harder to be better at the things I enjoy doing. Other influences have been Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol.
Does any of your songs mean the most to you?
An unfinished song of mine called “Scared Eyes Open” has been probably one of my most meaningful so far. I assure it will be completed eventually, it’s just one of those things I need to dig deep to find inspiration for.
What is your religion?
I practice Kemetic Paganism.
So what prompted you to move to San Francisco?
I have always wanted to visit. I needed a change from LA and a place closer to the man I love. It just seemed like the perfect place and was the greatest last minute decision I’ve ever made!
How long have you been a unique model?
Unique is a good word for it. I’ve wanted to model for quite some time. I’ve actually wanted to be a nude model for a very long time. I started taking a lot of random self-portraits just to play around and got really good at it. Little by little I got the courage to apply for numerous sites, and share my work with others. I have had my members-only site for a little over a year now, and have been working with some really cool people.
Who have you modeled for?
I have been on flyers for Crimson Ivy, modeled a custom leather mask for Knightscross Leatherworks, and custom dreads by Oblivions Raven Crow. I’ve also included a custom hat from Gunner Foxx in a few of my sets and promote the hell out of Sik World, and have a partial sponsorship from Herione Clothing. I have been shot so far by RLS Foto, and have some upcoming fetish shoots for a BDSM accessory company.
What type of modeling have you done?
I have done everything from abstract and conceptual to casual to fetish. I even did a fun Christmas suicide shoot last year.
Tell me a favorite memory from a shoot, or a favorite shoot.
A favorite memory would be during the Christmas suicide shoot with RLS Foto. I got stuffed in a cramped wooden box for a good 20 minutes after having my face wrapped in plastic for a good 2 hours (with air holes of course). It was a good time. My favorite finished product was the “Slime” shoot.
Do you have any hidden gifts?
I can make incense. Other than that, I feel my disease is a gift. I am a paranoid schizophrenic, and I feel that being so, I have an opportunity to see the world in a different light. I use that gift to create.
Do you like the way your life is heading?
I’m loving life right now. I’m in a new place with amazing friends, an amazing boyfriend, and things are going exactly the way I had wanted.
I heard you’re working on a book. Tell us more.
I’m putting together a coffee table book comprised of images and words. The photography will be obscure, and the words even more so. All in all I would like to give an in-depth look as to what goes on in my head and as to how my schizophrenia influences me creatively.
Where do you like to see your music go?
I released “Te Iubesc” and “Bliss” as The Asphyxia Project with my former bandmate. Due to several differences, we parted ways, and I have started anew. I would like to get both of my current projects off the ground and start working on a new album.
What artists have you worked with?
I released a song for The Asphyxia Project with Sin Synthetic and recently worked on a track for Crimson Ivy’s upcoming album.
What music production software do you use?
I use both ACID as well as FL Studio.
Where did you get your start in music?
I have been into music from a young age. I started playing guitar at about 8, took flute lessons and started dabbling with the keyboard at 9, was part of a choir from 10-12, and have been playing the cello since 11. I was in my first band at the start of jr. high, and continued from there. I was initially a punk vocalist and guitarist, then put down my guitar and focused on singing. I went from punk to death metal, then right back to punk with a Misfits cover band. I decided to finally start creating electronic music in the winter of 2007, and am about to go back to punk once again for a new project.
When did you realize you loved photography?
When I was about 10. I absolutely fell head over heels once I turned 15 and my mom bought me my first 35mm SLR.
What type of camera do you use?
I currently use a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi but occasionally use it’s 35mm counterpart, the Canon EOS Rebel Ti.
Who have you photographed that we may know of?
I’ve shot shows for Skumlove, Warner Drive, Super Black Market, Love and a .38, Operation Downfall, Crimson Ivy, and more. I have also done some cool band photography for The Radioactive Chicken Heads as well as a shoot with Jeremy of 45 Grave and Frankenstein.
Who was your favorite to work with?
The Chicken Heads were super fun to work with. That whole shoot was full of amazing memories!
We’ve noticed that you have some ink done, what all do you have done and what are you wanting done?
I have a lot of random tattoos, but the ones that are most commented on are my half sleeve, the stars on my temples, and the copyright symbol under my collarbone. Right now, the ink I’m really focusing on is the completion of my half sleeve. If I even got started with everything else I want, I’d be rambling on forever.
Do you have any piercings?
Just a few at the moment, but there will be more in the near future.
What’s your worst fear?
My worst fear is being alone, both physically and emotionally.
Are you a fighter?
I’d like to say I am, but I can be incredibly weak at times. I’m slowly but surely overcoming obstacles and fighting for what I believe in. A fighter at heart, yes.
How long have you been running Saint SINN?
I started Saint Sinn Productions in the Fall of 2008 initially as a clothing company. As time went by, I realized I’d rather use the company to inform, so here we are!
What is your favorite song by each of your 5 favorite bands?
In no particular order:
“As We Descend” – Bella Morte
“Sadist Sagittarius” – Cinema Strange
“Disintegration” – The Cure
“Graveyard Picnic” – Voltaire
“New Zero” – Rasputina
Have you ever painted? And what was it?
Yes. I’ve done quite a lot of painting, mostly abstract work.
You should go back and try to be a piercer. Why did you even stop?
I really should, and really want to. At the moment in my life when I originally started an apprenticeship I had a lot going on, and had to focus more on priorities. Now seems to be a perfect time to get back into it assuming I can find a setting I’m comfortable in.
What is your favorite Lush product?
My not-so-secret love!! Lush is sadly one of my biggest investments, I swear I’m addicted. My favorite product for the time being is the Ocean Salt face and body scrub. That stuff is AMAZING!!
Do you drink?
Yes, although not nearly as much as most people would imagine.
Drugs?
I am a recovering meth addict and have been clean for almost a year now.
You’re into the BDSM lifestyle, explain.
I have been into the lifestyle for a few years now. I’m a sub and a masochist. I’m currently being mentored by an amazing Dom, and that’s kinda where I stand at the moment. There are a lot more details, but I’m not sure those are really necessary…I’ve done enough ranting.
What kind of porn would you like to do?
I’d like to get into doing more fetish work. bondage, latex, etc. I’m happier than hell doing stills at the moment, but am also hoping to move on to videos in the near future. We shall see!
Something I have been wanting to do for a little while.
Initially titled “Zydrate” based on the reference from the movie Repo! The Genetic Opera. The syringes were all supposed to be filled with a blue liquid, but I switched to pink and blue last minute…and obviously kept the set name.
All images © Nails Inc. Photography 2010
Saint SINN Productions 