Meet Jolene Tempest – Tattoo Artist, Heavy Metal Singer, and Proud New Zealand Bogan

Jolene Tempest isn’t just a tattoo artist—she’s also the powerful voice behind a New Zealand heavy metal band. As a self-described boganette (Female version of bogan), Jolene lives a life that breaks the mold and embraces everything loud, bold, and real.

In this interview, Jolene opens up about what it means to live as a New Zealand bogan and be part of the heavy metal scene. She shares her journey into tattooing, what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated music genre, and how she deals with people who judge her just for being different.

From motorcycles to music, and from ink to identity, Jolene talks about the things that make her feel alive—and why she wouldn’t change a thing. Her story is a reminder that being different is something to be proud of, and that staying true to yourself is what really matters.

If you’re into music, tattoos, or just love hearing from people who carve their own path in life, this video is for you.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What it really means to be a New Zealand bogan

• How tattoos and heavy metal culture connect

• Why being yourself—loudly and proudly—is the ultimate power move

  
  

  Watch the full video here:

  https://youtu.be/V-fgwjRRTvI

🎸💚 As NZ Music Month wraps up, I want to give a massive shoutout to the amazing guests who joined me on the podcast. You brought the riffs, the rhythm, the real talk—and reminded us why local music matters. Here’s to you, you glorious legends:Steve Francis 🤘🎤Steve proved that being an outcast just means you haven’t found your mosh pit yet. Even when metal wasn’t “cool,” he cranked it up anyway—and found connection, community, and the courage to be himself. Loud guitars, louder heart. 🖤Nick Clark 🥁🎸ADHD? Learning struggles? Nick turned them into superpowers. He’s now an artist, musician, teacher, and full-time legend. Also probably has three side projects and a drum solo happening right now. 🎨💥Nick Granville 🎶🎸Nick’s never had a “normal” job and we fully support that life choice. From jazz to rock to “wait, what key is this in?”, he’s always ready. Cool under pressure, fast with a fretboard, and plays for the love, not the LinkedIn. 🎧🔥Mark Mundell 📚🎮Mark writes songs inspired by old books, comics, and video games—and somehow makes it all sound metal. He’s the wizard of Wellington’s heavy scene, summoning catharsis with every scream. Total bard energy. 🧙‍♂️⚡Sam Leamy 🎹🎸Sam’s unique brain is his secret sauce. Being autistic gave him a fresh way of seeing—and hearing—the world. Now he crafts music that’s honest, interesting, and full of feeling. Also: ultimate bandmate vibes. 💫💬Sam Sheppard 🥁🔥Raised on Iron Maiden and good taste, Sam brings heart, humour, and hammering drums to every band. For him, metal is freedom. Therapy. A full-body YES. Also probably the guy keeping your group chat alive. 🧨🤟Ben Mulchin 🏟️🎛️Scientist turned venue wizard, Ben runs Valhalla like a boss. Without him, half of Wellington’s gigs wouldn’t happen. He’s proof that you don’t need to play an instrument to change the game—just care a lot and know how to fix a PA at 11pm. 🙌🎟️💥 To all of you—thank you. For your passion, your stories, and your sound.NZ Music Month was louder, prouder, and way more awesome because of you. 🎉See you at the next gig—or side stage with snacks. 😉🎤#NZMusicMonth #SupportLocalMusic #ThanksLegends #MetalWhānau #ValhallaVibes #HeavyMetalHearts #AotearoaSounds🍿

Get ready to dive deep into the world where bogan culture and heavy metal collide, as we sit down with Sam Sheppard—renowned drummer, audio engineer, and true heavy metal devotee. He is also the front man of a heavy metal band Imperial Slave - hailing from Palmerston North in New Zealand.In this episode, you'll get an insider perspective on what it really means to be a bogan in the heavy metal scene, and why this unique subculture remains such a powerful force in New Zealand and beyond.Sam shares his own story of growing up , blasting Metallica and Iron Maiden, and navigating the challenges—and wild fun—of playing in heavy metal bands. From recounting crazy stories on tour, recording in Berlin, and building a tight-knit community around music, Sam reveals the unfiltered reality of a life fully immersed in heavy metal. You’ll also hear his take on the often misunderstood bogan label: is it just about mullets and classic metal, or is there something more meaningful at its core?Whether you’re proudly bogan, a heavy metal enthusiast, or just curious about this raw corner of music culture, this episode is packed with laughter, real talk, and insider advice for anyone looking to dive into the world of heavy metal. Expect to discover the connections between bogan identity and heavy metal bands—the riffs, camaraderie, and freedom that make this lifestyle unforgettable.What’s in it for you? You’ll walk away with a genuine understanding of bogan culture and the heavy metal scene, hear never-before-told stories from the road, and get practical insights on music, creativity, and thriving as an outsider. If you love metal, are intrigued by the bogan spirit, or just want unfiltered behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is for you.Turn it up and connect to the true heart of bogan and heavy metal culture!New Zealand Music Month and New Zealand Music Culture. New Zealand heavy Metal.

You can find the band here:https://www.facebook.com/ImperialSlave/

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