RED VAMP

This months VoltGirl spotlight has landed on the incredible goth / alternative model that is Red Vamp. And yes, she's more than happy to known as both 'goth' and 'alternative' - we checked in the interview!

We also asked the most obvious question we've ever asked anyone - "where does the name came from?" (And, without spoiling anything here, yes, it does relate to the red hair and "vampire"!)

Still want more? We could only include nine of Red Vamp's great pics on our site, but for much more, and to say hello, check her out here.

How are you? And where did the name Red Vamp come from - did you chose it yourself?
Good, thank you. Yes, I did choose the name “RedVamp”. When I first started modeling in the gothic / alternative world, I did not want to use my real name for privacy and safety reasons. I noticed that many models of this genre use aliases or nicknames, so I chose RedVamp. The “Red” part was obviously chosen because of my long red hair. I am a natural redhead and the hair color is something that everyone associates me with and is a big part of my personal identity. The “Vamp” part was chosen for two reasons….the word as it relates to the meaning of a seductive woman with feminine charms and also the word as it relates to vampires, because I do like vampires!

If you were talking to a stranger, how would you describe yourself in just three words:
Unique, Fiery, Sincere.

How did the Classic Tales of Horror show come about? And were you a horror fan before hand?
I’ve always been a fan of classic horror, particularly from the 1920’s-1940’s and of a good vampire or ghost film. I absolutely adore Bela Lugosi and other great classic horror actors like Lon Chaney, Boris Karloff and Vincent Price. In fact, my husband and I are big collectors of Lugosi and classic monster memorabilia and films. Over the last few years, people kept telling me that I would be a great horror hostess and that my look, style, and personality were perfect for it. I had experience as an actress and model, but “horror hostess” was never something I gave much thought to…but people kept bringing it up. So, I decided to give it a shot and what better way than with the classics that I’ve always loved? I collaborated with ScreamTV.net and RedVamp’s Classic Tales of Horror was born!

Talking about horror, who is the greatest horror actor / actress of all time, and what is the greatest horror film?
Wow, that is a tough question because there are so many greats. However, I am very partial to Bela Lugosi, as I mentioned earlier, because, not only did he define the signature portrayal and image of Dracula, but also practically everything he did was horror related and he is synonymous with being a true horror actor. However, Vincent Price was an absolute horror genius and must be given as much recognition. As far as a film, I think I would have to say Nosferatu from 1922, because, even though it was stifled by Bram Stoker’s estate, it was a great horror portrayal for such early years of cinema.

Is the whole 'Vamp' thing an image, or are you vampish 24/7?
Well, I’m not clad in vinyl or corsets 24/7, but the personality and style is always there. I don’t think I could get away from it. That is just who I am. Really!

As well as films, music is also a big part of our lives here at Voltcase towers - does music influence you in any way? Any favourite bands / artists?
Absolutely! I’ve loved music all my life. The emotion in music is what is important and inspiring to me…. whether that is sadness, anger, fear, love, desire, happiness, etc. The mood and feeling of music does influence me, as well as fashion trendsetters of music, such as Robert Smith of the Cure or Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. So I guess music inspires me in attitude, emotion and style. I can’t imagine life without music!
I enjoy a wide variety of music, such as classical, gothic, industrial, swing, 1930’s-40’s standards, new wave, metal, electronic, etc. I listen to so much music that there are too many artists to name, but some of my absolute favorites would include The Beatles, The Cure, Duran Duran, Wolfsheim, Unheilig, Janus, Tool, Iris, Peter Murphy’s Carver Combo and Apocalyptica.

Some people get offended when you refer to them as an 'alternative' or 'goth' model. Do you prefer to be known simply as a model, or do you like being known as a 'goth' model?
A ‘goth’ or ‘alternative’ model is exactly what I am. I don’t fit in with the normal genre and I don’t try to, nor would I want to!

Do you ever get hassled by people who find your pictures on websites like MySpace? Any weird requests or messages?
Yes, I think that, unfortunately, comes with the territory. I get everything from flirts and sugar daddy offers to people who steal my photos and try to pass them off as their own or impersonate me in order to meet people online.

Was modeling your first career choice, or something that just happened?
It just happened. I’ve modeled on and off all my life, but I also hold two degrees, am a mother of two, and have owned my own businesses, so I wear many hats!

Alcoholic tipple of choice?
I only drink on occasion, but when I do have a drink, I prefer a good chocolate martini or a cherry vodka sour.

Why should the lazy general public make the effort to check you out, and what have you got planned for the coming year?
I’m an original! There is nobody else out there quite the same as me…at least not that I am aware! Plus, I am a supporter of good causes such as animal rescue, autism treatment and March of Dimes. As far as the coming year, I will continue with more episodes of Classic Tales of Horror and see where the horror-hosting world takes me. I will also continue modeling for gothic designers such as Gothica by Amira, After Dark Jewelry, Azrael’s Accomplice, Crimson Empress, and Madame Le Goth….so look for some new photo shoots coming up!

And finally..... what does the word 'Voltcase' mean to you?
Hmmm..when I think of the word “volt”, I can’t help but think of Frankenstein! So, let’s say that Voltcase is the box that Dr. Frankenstein drew the lightning bolt to, in order to give life to the monster!