Interview with the Multi-Talented Patt Attack!

Patt Whelan is a 27 year-old tattoo artist based out of West Philadelphia. He currently works at Sick Creations Tattoo in West Deptford, NJ.  Patt was born in NYC and raised in nearby Westchester County.  After studying Illustration at FIT in Manhattan, he moved to Philadelphia to pursue tattooing.  He has been involved in the punk and hardcore scene since he was a teen and has illustrated many record covers, show flyers, and shirt designs.  He started tattooing professionally in March of 2006 and is always looking to learn and grow as an artist.  His artwork is inspired by low budget horror movies, 80’s gross out culture (like Garbage Pail Kids, Madballs, etc.) and skateboard graphics.

1. When did you realize that you had some real artistic talent brewing in you?

PATT- I’ve been drawing as long as I can remember, literally. I have memories from when I must have been 4 or 5 of drawing big epic war scenes with all sorts of tanks and fighter jets.

2. What’s it like working such long hours at Sick Creations Tattoo parlor?  

PATT- It’s not bad at all. It only feels long if it’s a slow day, otherwise time flies when you’re having fun! It’s pretty awesome making a living doing something I love.

3. What does a typical day at work entail?

PATT- A typical day starts with me getting in 5 to 30 minutes late. Do some drawing for the days appointments.  Then I’ll do a few tattoos, either appointments or if I don’t have any, whatever walks in.    Between tattooing and drawing throughout the day I’ll work on paintings, dick around on the internet and watch DVDs and cable (we just got a TV).

4. Now besides tattooing you are in two bands, how the hell do you ever find time for yourself?

PATT- Good question, the only day I don’t have work or band practice is Sunday. And Sunday is dedicated to going to church…. psyche!

5. The Claw is a metal band based in Philadelphia.  Where do you play out at?

PATT- We play a lot of DIY spots in West Philly, and the occasional bar show in center city. Places like The Khyber,Tritone, M Room…

6. The second band is a Garage Punk band called Teenage Whore-Moans. How did you get into this one? 

PATT- Teenage Whore-Moans came about this last December.  Matt and Bender came up with the concept of the band, and when they told me the name I knew I had to be a part of it.  The Claw had recently been forced into hiatus by the death out singer, so it was an opportunity to keep playing shows.

7. You have been on you tour with one or both bands?

PATT- The Claw has done a couple small tours on the east coast, Midwest, and down south. Teenage Whore-Moans will do our first tour this September.  We’re doing 2 weeks down to New Orleans and back.  I also toured with the now defunct Low Budgets as a roadie and as a fill in bassist on 2 US tours as well as a European tour.

8. Do you indulge in the fast lifestyle of partying and groupies?

PATT- I definitely like to party, and groupies would be nice, unfortunately my bands don’t have any!

9. What’s the longest tour you have ever been on?

 PATT- That would be 6 weeks with the Low Budgets. We went across the country and back, good times!