Needle Talk - Edd / Chrome Inc Body Piercing December 22, 2015 09:00

Welcome to the third instalment of Needle Talk our monthly blog series that tells you everything you need to know about yours, and our, favourite piercers and body modification artists.

Ever wondered what your piercers first body mod was? Or what their strangest request has been? This is your time to find out. This series is a monthly dose of all things modified and a chance to get to know the people behind the needle.

We've a great list of piercers and body modification artists lined up in the coming months and if you would like to see your piercer or body mod artist featured then get it touch, we'd love to hear from you.

Our newest instalment of Needle Talk is with Edd owner and piercer at Chrome Incorporated Body Piercing in Cardiff, South Wales. Chrome Inc opened in 1996, aside from being featured on television programs such as MTV's Dirty Sanchez and and Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience, Chrome Inc was the first purpose built piercing only studio in South Wales. 

Outside of the the piercing industry Edd is an avid drummer and bassist, he was one of the original recording line-up of punk band Icons of Filth, and did 2 tours of the US with the band as well as many gigs around the UK and a festival in Slovenia. Since Icons of Filth disbanded in 2004 Edd still continues to play shows with multiple bands throughout the UK, many of which benefit multiple causes such as local food banks and grass roots projects. 

Emba Mods:  Who are you?
Edd: Hi I’m Edd and I work in Chrome.

Emba Mods:  Where do you work? 
Edd: That would be Chrome Incorporated Body Piercing Studio. In Cardiff South Wales.

Emba Mods:  When did you get your first body mod and what was it? 
Edd: I was a little punk rocker and my first piercing was my nose when I was about 13/14. I would pierce myself and take them out when I went home because my mother did not like them. My first piercing was 40 years ago now!

Emba Mods:  What job title do you give yourself? 
Edd: I like to call myself boss hog.

Emba Mods:  How long have you been a piercer?
Edd: If your talking professionally Chrome has been going since November 96’ - so that would be 20 years.

Emba Mods:  What do you love the most about your job?
Edd: When people come into the shop feeling nervous but then leave laughing and feeling good, that does it for me. I’m literally sticking needles in people and getting hugged in return.

Emba Mods:  What would you be if you weren't a piercer?
Edd: If anything I would probably be a chef, or a professional drummer.

Emba Mods:  Do you do your own body mods?
Edd: Yes I do. I have had the odd apprentice do an eyebrow on me back in the day, the bulk of my piercings I have done myself.

Emba Mods:  What is your favourite piercing to do?
Edd: Do you know I don’t really have a favourite….whatever you want.

Emba Mods:  What is your least favourite piercing to do?
Edd: I wouldn’t say least favourite but I always stress over septums. I’ve done a few and some are perfect but some are difficult due to a deviated septum. I’ve been doing this twenty years but it still bugs me if I don’t get it perfect first time.

Emba Mods:  Are there any body mods you want to do but haven't done yet?
Edd: Yes there is plenty, but at the moment I am researching them before I attempt them. 

Emba Mods:  Do you prefer projects or individual piercings?
Edd: It all depend on the project. If you're doing a corset then you get your head into the game and do a good job. I treat every piercing the same and am always clean and efficient with all of my work.

Emba Mods:  Whose work in the body modification industry inspires you?
Edd: Lewis Dodd Ventosa at Civilized Tatoo in Exeter is a great guy for body mods and piercing. He’s my Yoda. He’s a great piercer and a gentleman.

Emba Mods:  What has been your strangest request? 
Edd: Let me think.. ok um this guy once asked me to put tunnels in the back of his hands and his feet so he could get crucified. He wanted to do a performance art piece and make it look as realistic as possible. I also had a call from a girl who asked me to pierce her hymen.

Emba Mods:  What is the most regular piercing you get asked for? 
Edd: To be honest it used to be the navel and now it’s the tragus. It’s very popular right now.

Emba Mods:  What is the most uncommon piercing you get asked for? 
Edd: It’s probably an ampallang and apadravya. I’ve done a lot of PAs though.

Emba Mods:  Do you have any studio rituals? 
Edd: Yes. Basically when I get here kettle goes on first!  Clean up, cuppa sorted. 

Emba Mods:  Do you have any advice for people wanting to get into the industry? 
Edd: Follow your dreams and go for it.

Emba Mods:  What irritates you about the industry?
Edd: Poor Hygiene.

Emba Mods:  Any news in the industry that excites you?
Edd: No.

Emba Mods:  What are your industry predictions in the coming years?
Edd: Take everyday as it comes.

Emba Mods:  Any advice for people thinking of getting body mods/piercings?
Edd: Just pick a good artist and don't just go to the cheapest one. Not everyone is a professional. Always go to someone who uses an autoclave to guarantee cleanliness. Once you find someone you're happy with stick with them.

Emba Mods:  Where can people find you?
Edd: Im on Facebook and I have a website (links below):

Emba Mods:  Any final words?
Edd:  Find a job you are happy with, there's nothing worse than being in a job you hate.