Marilyn Manson's Born Villain Tracks: We Heard Them First
Have you seen Marilyn Manson's short film "Born Villain"? The new work (which some are calling a music video) advances his upcoming album of the same name. It also reaffirms his "shock rocker" status, though perhaps the most shocking part is its director: Shia LaBeouf! 
Lina Lecaro Marilyn Manson and Twiggy Ramirez at Studio Servitu
There's a lot of surrealist imagery and violent, NSFW antics in the thing, and while some may have a hard time watching it, we just had a hard time trying to figure out what it all means.
Well, if anyone could break it down, it'd be Nick Kushner, the NY artist whose opening Saturday night at Studio Servitu saw not only a screening of the film, but a DJ set by Marilyn Manson's band mate Twiggy Ramirez. It quickly turned into an album listening party when Manson himself got behind the laptop and unveiled his brand new music for the first time.
Kushner met Manson through his website Nachtkabarett, which explores the imagery seen in Manson videos, art and music. But his own creations are nearly as macabre. After all, his medium is his own blood. If it sounds exploitative, it is -- intentionally so. Given the subject matter and aesthetic -- not to mention Kushner's gift for exquisitely detailed likeness -- there really couldn't be a better, more expressive "paint" he could work with. Blood dries brown, of course, so Kushner's works have an old-timey, almost sepia-toned hue that complements each drawing. The portrait of Manson and Kushner's Jesus-like self-portrait were particularly impressive. 
Lina Lecaro Nick Kushner's bloody talented
Manson came out to support his fan-turned-friend, Twiggy, and one of the main stars of Born Villian, Miss Crash, a revered suspension artist who also happens to co-own Servitu (with fellow fetish model Jane Jett). The downtown studio has been hosting some innovative and provocative events, from Dr. Sketchy's drawing sessions to sexy photo shoots to art shows. Saturday's opening saw one of the most seductively dressed up scenes there ever, with comely corseted cuties and black guyliner galore. 
Lina Lecaro Talk about suffering for your art
Speaking of which, Manson is looking good these days; refreshed, as they say. Though he insisted on wearing shades whenever we shot him, his minimal makeup and new haircut made it seem like someone could approach him. 
Lina Lecaro Tempting trio
So we did. We tried to get a scoop on the new record, as he sat down with Twiggy behind the laptop. "When will it be heard?" we asked. "Now!" he said and then proceeded to play the new release all the way through. (His assistant told us it will be released next year.)
So what does the new stuff sound like?
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