AUGUST 2011
august 1 Tea & a Biccie: Alexi Freeman 2 Crumbs 4 Debate: Is Online Shopping Replacing a Visit to the Mall? 6 Rise of the Locavore 8 Introducing: Alana Ferguson 10 Letter to my Unborn Nephew 12 He Says, She Says: The Chivalry Code 14 Featured Artist – Hanque Moore 18 Reality Killed the Video Star 20 Fashion - Into the Tide 26 A Splendid Weekend - Splendour Special 36 Interview: Abbe May 38 Sips 'n Nibbles - Cherry Ripe Cheese Cake Slice 40 Crafty folk: Dubbleyou 42 Poem: Photographer
ON THE COVER Photographer–Jacinta Rosewarne www.jacintarosewarne.com Model–Sahara Deng @ FRM www.frm.com.au Make-up Artist–Justine Bruers http://www.jusbruers.com
Editor Jil Hogan Creative Director / Co-Editor Sarah Robertson eb Design W Rowan Hogan Layout and Graphic Design Jodi Nicole Photography Sarah Robertson, Linsey Rendell, Jacinta Rosewarne Contributors Rebecca McGuire, Esther Gallois, Dani Hanrahan, Jake Fowler, Anna Angel, Kristian Hollins, Danni Bain, Stu Barnes Advertising & Marketing advertise@biscuitmagazine.com.au www.biscuitmagazine.com.au biscuit magazine is free and issued monthly. Email contact@biscuit magazine.com.au. ABN 33 407 496 992. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the copyright holder.
tea & a biccie
I am Alexi Freeman and I am a fashion designer.
If I could swap lives with one person, it would be Karl Lagerfeld because he seems like he I grew up in Hobart, Tasmania. has more license to fulfil his creative When I was younger all I wanted to be when I grew fantasies than anyone else. up was to be an artist. If somebody went through my brain right now, they I realised I wanted to be a fashion designer when I went to art school and started making wearable art. When I’m stressed out I always try to get some exercise. In order to succeed at fashion, you have to be prepared to work your proverbial butt off.
would find way too much stuff in there!
The biggest thing that motivates me is to make women look beautiful. My favourite place is my studio closely followed by bed!
If I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be Japanese food.
The worst person to lock me in a room with for four days is anyone who belittles creativity because we probably wouldn’t have much The best thing that has ever happened to me was in common. launching my own label. My favourite colour is fluorescent beige. My favourite thing to do on a weekday is dream up new collections. If I could choose my three favourite Melbourne boutiques they would be Milly Sleeping, Leonard St, & Lupa.
But seriously I love all colour.
You can check out my stuff at alexifreeman.com. www.biscuitmagazine.com.au
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crumbs.
THE 6 DEGREES INITIATIVE
DAFFODIL DAY
Do you know someone amazing who deserves oodles of recognition? The 6 Degrees Initiative is a non-profit organisation which has been set up to give something back to people in our community who selflessly give their time, home, money or some aspect of their lives to those who are in need, with no expectation of receiving anything in return. The initiative is a unique take on the theory of six degrees of separation and is open to absolutely anyone. For more info visit:
Brighten up your day this August and support a cause close to all of our hearts on Daffodil Day, August 26th. Make a purchase from the Daffodil Day range, including pens, pins, Dougal Bear or of course a bunch of fresh daffodils, and help raise funds for the Cancer Council. For more info and to donate visit www.daffodilday.com.au.
www.facebook.com/DegreesSix
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MAKING SPACES MARKETPLACE If you’re in the Parramatta area, pop into Making Spaces Marketplace – a part retail store, part market choc-a-block with gorgeous accessories, jewellery, homewares, children's clothing and toys, art and more all handmade in Australia. Located in Greenway Plaza, 222 Church St, Parramatta. Check out makingspacesmarketplace. blogspot.com for more.
_Thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have 10 double in season passes to Submarine to give away. For your chance to win, visit www.biscuitmagazine.com.au
INDULGE SANS GUILT!
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SUBMARINE is the highly-acclaimed debut feature from Richard Ayoade (star of THE IOWD and NATHAN BARLEY), based on the hilarious, bestselling novel by Joe Dunthorpe.
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In his head, 15-year-old Welsh schoolboy Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) is a cool literary genius. In reality, he’s socially inept and unpopular. Oliver has set himself two tasks for the summer: to lose his virginity (before it becomes legal) and save his parents' marriage. Suspecting that his mother (Sally Hawkins) is having an affair with old flame, Graham (Paddy Considine), a mullet-wearing, capoeira-teaching, new-age evangelist, Oliver monitors his parents’ sex-life by charting their bedroom dimmer switch. To bolster his endeavours, Oliver forges passionate love letters on behalf of his
unsuspecting father to his mother. Meanwhile, Oliver attempts to woo schoolmate, Jordana. When a calculated attempt at bullying earns him Jordana’s affections, she introduces him to the thrills of pyromania and dictates to him what he should be writing about her in his diary. Starring Craig Roberts, Yasmin Page, Noah Taylor, Sally Hawkins and Paddy Considine.
Click here to view the trailer ONLY IN CINEMAS 8 SEPTEMBER 2011.
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debate
Is online shopping replacing a visit to the mall?
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Yes
by Rebecca McGuire
I hate ‘going’ shopping. It means getting out of bed, showering, personal hygiene and the like. Yes; all too hard. But seriously, the amount of effort, car park stealing, and politeness required for face to face shopping is quite exhausting, whereas online shopping requires very little effort. And, it’s free. Take for example, the face to face shopping process: 1. Find a car park. This will take forever, and if you go into the city, it will cost you a fuckload. That’s an official measurement. 2. Make your way into the shopping centre, be harassed by loitering, smoking mallrats; struggle past families with strollers and crying, snot-faced children, and then eventually arrive at your shop. 3. Respond to the question, “Hi, how are you?” Then, try to be polite when asked the subsequent and obvious, “So, what are you up to today..?” 4. Be fake-complimented on whatever item of clothing the shop assistant notices on you. The number of times I’ve been fake-complimented on my old Havaianas is ridiculous. 5. Be told that you look just STUNNING in a dress, which quite clearly makes you look like a strapped ham. 6. Purchase your item, and then spend an extra $20 on something you don’t need, but are pressured into buying at the counter, because you can’t say no. After all, you can never have enough cans of shoe water-proofer. 7. Get out of there before it’s lunchtime and you’re forced to buy a $9 ham and cheese sandwich from the food court. ...versus the online shopping process: 1. Put in the www’s followed by your destination. 2. Search and choose your item. 3. Check Facebook. 4. Purchase desired item using your credit card, and then forget about your purchase. 5. Receive a SURPRISE GIFT in the mail a few days later. It’s free because you didn’t hand over any cash. That’s how it works. Enough said. Debate won. Thank you kindly.
by Esther Gallois
No
I have dabbled in ASOS and Strawberry Net. I have had headaches over buying and selling on eBay. I have sent about 10 complaint letters to Fishpond. And after all that I have decided that online shopping is seriously overrated. For someone who truly relishes in the thrill of shopping, the humble boutique still reigns supreme. I accept that online shopping has its benefits for you practical people but as far as the experience is concerned, the cold walls of the Internet leave me wanting. First of all, nothing ever looks as good in your own mirror as it does in Internet Land. I would say at least 87.3% of us look like a fat tub of lard in a body con dress. You browse through the pages and pages of lovely flownsy dressy things forgetting that actually the girl in the photo doesn’t look like you. Weird. Moving on. There really is nothing quite like the instant gratification of handing over your money and the pleasant sales assistant handing over your bag stuffed with tissue paper, taking it to the café, falling into your chair with a coffee, pulling out your purchases and rubbing them all over your face… or you know just looking at them. This heat, this rush, it is all lost online. First, PayPal takes three long days to process your payment and then it is another week or two before a card from Australia Post arrives in the mail saying ‘Sorry we missed you.’ By this time the package is a complete mystery because you bought it so long ago you have pretty much forgotten what was coming. Then there is postage. Ah sneaky conniving postage. Everything always appears to be so very cheap online. And you feel like master of all because you have discovered THE cheapest phone ever. Only to find out you actually pay for it in delivery costs. They don’t really tell you this until you get to the checkout and then you figure you have come this far so why not pay it? You shove to the back of your brain that all up it would cost the same in store and you could have it straight away instead of in a few weeks. This is where the rant goes full circle. Point is, shopping in store is better. This being said I am sure I have been soured by a few bad experiences and I may be bidding on a Doctor Who box set on eBay as we speak. But when I have had a really bad day, probably a Tuesday, and I need retail therapy I will not be running to the computer.
@rebeccajmcguire www.biscuitmagazine.com.au
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By Dani Hanrahan
RISE OF THE LOCAVORE No, it’s not the recently discovered remains of a prehistoric animal but a phenomenon that’s well and truly alive. The locavore is the scientific term for local eater; a person who gets their sustenance from food grown within a 100 mile (160 kilometres) radius of their home. As humans, we have evolved from Neanderthals hunting for food to techsavvy suits walking into a supermarket and buying a nicely packaged piece of meat off the shelf. In an age of convenience, we no longer know where our food comes from or how it gets to the supermarket. Once we do come to understand the grisly details however, it’s hard not to do something about it. After watching a documentary on the food industry in the United States, Sophia Brown was inspired to cultivate a better relationship with the food she ate. “[The film] made me realise buying from large corporations means you don’t know much about your food, such as where it comes from or how it’s grown,” she explains. “I thought I could do a bit of an experiment and, living in south Western Australia, believed it wouldn’t be too hard to eat like a locavore.” Her blog, A Hundred Miles from Anywhere, documented the
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difficulties of giving up certain imports, how she sourced local grocers and the joys of eating something grown in your own backyard. “As I’ve been making sure every ingredient I eat is within 100 miles of my home, I’m consuming a lot more wholefoods and less of the processed rubbish I used to have,” she says. “I have more energy since I’m not eating sugar, just honey to sweeten meals, and no flour because I haven’t sourced a local supplier yet, so I get my energy from eggs, meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables.”
an inspirational read for others who would like to be more self-sufficient. Alongside increasing concerns for the environment, obesity and healthcare costs, and the recent uproar over Australian cattle in Indonesian abattoirs, the locavore lifestyle is one more people are adopting.
Aside from the obvious advantages of eating food close to home – consuming fresh fruit and vegetables, taking an active role in your health and discovering new flavours – what has really attracted people is the sense of It’s a lifestyle gaining ground not just community that surrounds community in Australia but America and Canada, markets, butcher shops and familywhere it first gained widespread owned patisseries. Harking back to the popularity with the influential story days of old when people knew their of Alisa Smith and James MacKinnon. local grocers, the food movement is After trying to find a meal in their a growing conversation that anyone, remote mountain holiday cottage in from any age, social background and British Columbia, the writers started geography, can contribute to. “You thinking about the journeys that the can meet the people who grow your foods they eat have taken around the food, which gives added value to what world and the environmental cost you’re eating because it’s not just of all those food miles – in North something you’ve grabbed off the shelf, America, food travels an average of it’s much more personal,” Sophia says. 1500 – 3000 miles from farm to dinner “We should support local farmers and plate – and what they could do to growers, rather than bringing food over reconnect with their food. The 100- from the other side of the country, or Mile Diet was the result of their year- overseas, because there’s an industry long experiment, and has since proved to support here.”
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_alana ferguson
When did you first know you wanted How hard are you finding it to break to be a MUA? into the industry? I have always had an artistic and creative flair and a love for all things fashion and glamour-related. I decided to do a course for my own personal benefit and as a side project to my full time work and study at the time (Childcare). Why do you want to be a MUA? I find it really enjoyable and love that no two faces are the same and every look I do is different! I want to share my skills with other people and help other women to look their very best. Have you studied? Where? I did a certificate course at Napoleon Perdis Academy in Brisbane. I currently study fashion styling at the Australian Institute of Creative Design and my course also covers hair and makeup.
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I am finding it difficult as there are so many makeup artists out there! I have been lucky enough to have a lot of work experience and am now gaining work through word of mouth. It can be disheartening but I am being persistent!
which I really enjoy, I also babysit here and there. I am a bit of a child at heart so I find it a lot of fun. How does working with makeup make you feel?
I love looking at the finished product or photos and knowing I have created something beautiful. Personally I feel Are you currently employed as so much more confident and feminine a MUA? when I wear makeup and I like making I have my own small business – Alana other people feel that too. Ferguson Makeup but it is still in its Where do you see yourself in the early stages. I am lucky enough to be future? What’s your ideal job? part of the creative team for modelling I hope to be working overseas in the agency Mirror Mirror Agencies so I am fashion industry. My ideal job would be involved in a lot of photo shoots and working for a high fashion magazine as fashion events. a fashion or beauty editor. Do you have a day job? If so what is it? Do you enjoy it? Being a student I am limited to the hours I can work, I currently work at an Outside School Hours Care Centre
introducing
What’s your plan to get to your What’s your favourite type of makeup? ideal job? I love Avant Garde makeup and creating Fashion is such a competitive industry something beautiful with lace, glitter, gold and sometimes can be a lot about ‘who leaf or whatever I can find in my craft you know’. I plan on networking and supplies.. creating strong contacts whenever I am Do you have any words of advice for given the opportunity as well as taking people in the same position as you? on any work experience while building a strong portfolio. I am also thinking of Be professional - even if you are not being paid, as word of mouth will get applying for internships overseas. you (or lose you) jobs. Be creative: You’ll Who/what are you inspired by? be surprised what you can create. Keep I am inspired by everyone and yourself busy and update skills in other everything. I collect images, magazine areas if you are not getting much work. clippings and crafty bits and pieces that Have fun and love what you do. I can look through if I am feeling uninspired. www.alanafergusonmakeup.com Music, fashion and photography are big influences on me. I love ‘Illamasqua’ makeup looks and looking at makeup trends from fashion weeks around the world.
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By Kristian Hollins
LETTER TO MY UNBORN NEPHEW Dear Peanut, I wanted to do something grand to welcome you into the world, but I’m not a very creative person. So instead I’ve decided to write you a letter to pass along the (limited) wisdom I’ve picked up in my own first 25 years. It’ll be a little while before you’re able to read it, but I guess by then I’ll have learnt a few more things. Anyway.
When the time comes, be decisive. After all, there’s no reward without a little risk. Where’s the fun otherwise?
While I’m on the topic of your Mum, let me just say: I’ve known her my whole life, and trust me, she wasn’t a saint. That said, she got me this far, so her advice is worth listening to. Your Dad is one of the smartest, most logical people you’ll ever meet. He’ll always be the voice of reason in the family. Your Mum is more much more emotive, and will passionately jump to the defence of those she loves. Best to lay low if they’re having a tiff. For the love of God, don’t ever tell her to “Shush”.
the breaking.
Lots of people will tell you that family is the most important thing, and there’s definitely truth in that. But don’t doubt the importance of your friends. Judge them how they act when things go wrong, rather than when things are going right. Hi. I’m your Uncle Kristian. I’m your Mum’s younger brother. The good ones will have your back regardless. Make sure I have to say little buddy–I can’t wait to meet you. Your you return the favour. Mum, Dad and I are pretty close, and I can tell you already It goes without saying, there’s nothing you can’t come and that they’re going to love you so much, no matter what you talk to me about. But if there’s one thing I know nothing do, what you say, how you act or what you get pierced. I about, it’s relationships. The only thing I can guarantee is know this because they’ve done it for me, and you’re going this: one day you’ll have your heart broken, and buddy, it’s to be much more important to all of us. going to hurt. Keep it in mind when you’re the one doing Other than that, love with intensity. And bud – one at a time. Play sports, always. You won’t always win, but don’t ever stop playing. Sometimes “winning” is just being there at the end. And, if you start something, make sure you see it through.
Think of your Mum on your birthday, it’s an anniversary for her too.
Booing the ref or the opposition is bad form. Without them there is no game. (Remind your Mum.) Play to the crowd, and fake it 'til you make it.
Grandma and Grandpa drive me crazy too. They’re never going to change, so you’re better off just dealing with it.
In all things, remember this: there's no shame in admitting you're wrong, but make them work for it; go down fighting.
You come from good Irish, German, English, Scottish, Sri Lankan, Finnish and Australian heritage. You carry the blood of poets, soldiers, labourers, writers, teachers and at least one accountant. Forget all of it. Be who you want to be. Ask advice from people, sure, but don’t let them dictate who you’re going to be. Find something to be passionate about, and invest some time in it. Every now and again, dreaming can pay off.
If you get arrested, call me. I'll do all I can, but you’ll have to tell your Mum and Dad. We've all been there at some stage. One day, when you're older, I'll buy you a beer and tell you a story.
But remember that sometimes, no matter how hard you want it or how hard you try, things will go wrong. It’s a test of character how you react when they do. There won’t always be a right answer. All you can do is make the best decision with the information you have available.
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Remember too, that drinking is bad for you. Unless it's your Dad's wine; he buys the good stuff. And that's about it, mate, at least for now. Your life is going to be many things, but don't doubt that it's worth living. I'll see you soon, Peanut. Try not to be late. Uncle K.
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he says, she says
THE CHIVALRY CODE 12
AUGUST 2011
by Jake Fowler
HE SAYS Chivalry isn’t dead, it’s on the couch where you made it sleep”. These are lyrics by the Hilltop Hoods and when I was going through my ‘hip hop phase’ they were some that really made me think. Is chivalry really dead? And is it a natural progression that as women are given more rights, they get more responsibilities? For example, opening their doors like men have always had to? I grew up in a family where you give up your seat to a woman, whatever the circumstances, so I find it appalling that it was only a few days ago that I had to tell a teenager to give up his seat to a pregnant woman. And the worst thing about it was that he was acting all indignant, like it was a big deal him using his own legs and letting the lady carrying two people around sit down.
realise that some people will probably say, ‘well how come I have to stand and she doesn’t?’ I’ll tell you why, because you’re not a complete tool! If you are, then continue sitting while the little old lady, or pregnant lady or guy with the broken leg remain standing. But just remember that when you break your leg and think you deserve a seat, karma’s a bitch.
I feel that the argument that as women get more rights, they also get more responsibilities is fair. This is often shown to me by how often, when I take a ladyfriend on a date that she’ll offer to pay. Now I appreciate the reach (and even the genuine offer), but if I ask you on a date, I intend to pay, just like if you asked me on a date I assume there would be Now I realise that some people have a habit of being a bit some sort of split bill or some such. The long and the short grumpy when they give up their seat and either don’t get of it is, while I still don’t have to work as hard to get the a thankyou or any sort of recognition. Well I say to these same amount of money, or ever have to push a child out of a people, suck it up, it’s not exactly difficult standing. It is, after hole that is substantially too small to do so, I’m willing to give all, what people have been doing for thousands of years. I up my seat to any one that needs it more than me.
SHE SAYS Chivalry committed suicide in an existential crisis a few years before the turn of the century. He couldn’t stop thinking back to the days he was respected among men and valued by women, wondering what his place was in this brave new world. He is survived by generations of men, unsure of how to navigate the courting phase of a relationship without him as a guide. Let me say I am a feminist, and my partner insists he is, too. Why should I, he asks, get foot rubs and free drinks just because I have lady-bits? Don’t I want equality? So, neither of us get unreciprocated foot rubs and we buy our own drinks. It is lovely to be given a jacket when it’s raining, or have a heavy bag carried. But in my own way, I show my partner little tokens of respect we shall call ‘womalry’ in return. Actually, let’s not call it that ever again. I don’t agree with women who find it offensive when men open doors for them or offer to give up their seat on a bus. I see these gestures as an act of goodwill between fellow humans rather than an expression of masculine dominance.
by Anna Angel
It does upset me, however, that popular culture still deems it okay for a woman to slap any man who’s acting like a tosser, and he’s to laugh it off or perhaps even apologise. Would we ever allow the reverse situation into our living rooms? When I tried this move on once, years ago, my pathetic defence was ‘but you’re stronger than I am’. In excusing such blatant double standards, we lose sight of the ultimate feminist ideal – equality. Doesn’t everyone, no matter what genitalia they have, really just want to be treated with respect? Both sexes need to practice basic manners and the delicate art of accommodating the needs of others. That’s what the issue comes down to, rather than adhering to a blanket set of rules for all situations. It is inexcusable that we allow pregnant women or people with disabilities or injuries to stand on public transport. Whenever they do, every person without the balls to give up their seat is to blame, whether they’ve actually got a pair or not.
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interview
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Brisbane based visual artist, Hanque Moore, sits down and answers a few questions that we were dying to ask..
When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? It was never a matter of “wanting” to be an artist, for me. I have no choice. This is how I’m built. I feel like it’s either inside you or it’s not. Like a creative parasite that you’re born with, so to speak. I’m now picturing a xenomorph alien holding a crayon. That amuses me.
You always want your work to be exactly the way you envisioned it in your mind, yet it sometimes falls short. But on this occasion, I feel that it turned out far better than I originally imagined. How does creating your works make you feel?
I’ve been drawing all my life, but I only probably sat down and decided to dedicate myself to it about 10 years ago, or so. Before that it had always just been a hobby, but one day I realised that it’s really the only thing that makes me happy. Writing, drawing, creating; that’s my basic diet.
Depends on the subject matter and the tone of the piece, but when all is said and done, I guess it’s just rather therapeutic and makes me feel complete. Art is good for getting the demons out, y’know? I can have a really bad week in life and it will only take one awesome little sketch to make me happy again and remind me of what I really care about in this world.
Do you have a day job?
Who are you inspired by?
Yes, I work in an office. Did y’all see the new Transformers movie? The job that Shia LaBeouf’s character does? That’s what I do, basically. Just less robots.
Movies, video games, books, European comic art, WW2 propaganda art, pre-90s movie posters, beautiful women and fellow artists... who can beat my artwork in a fist-fight. Benoit Springer, Mignola, Adam Hughes, Phil Noto, Sean Gordon Murphy, Josh Middleton; the list goes on... I love getting beaten by superior artists. It lights a fire beneath you, keeps you hungry and maintains your focus. The moment you think you’re flawless and untouchable is the moment you start to suck and get stale. I always want my edges to be sharp, y’know? There’s always more to learn. There are always ways to improve.
How long have you been creating for?
What is your favourite medium to work with? My weapons of choice are a good ol’ mech pencil, my WACOM tablet and Photoshop. Sketch-Scan-Colour; that’s the name of the game. I rarely draw straight to tablet. I think I’ll always prefer the physical paper + pencil combo for sketching. Do you have a favourite piece of your own? Hmmmm, probably ‘The Emerald Samurai’ (at the moment).
http://cabinetminister.deviantart.com/
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featured artist
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Reality Killed the Video Star Saturday mornings for me as a child were synonymous with Coco Pops and Video Hits. Gluing my unassuming eyes to the TV, I’d chill out with my pals Hanson and The Spice Girls. Of course I shared these friends with a couple million global fans, but for half an hour, whilst my senses feasted on the visual and aural sensation that was the humble music video, it was just me and the music. I didn’t realise back then something I hold dear now. I was receiving an education on those Saturday mornings. I met my music idols; I saw what they looked like, and like poetry, their visual representations left me begging for more than the average four minutes. Of course, back then in the old days as kids, we couldn’t YouTube a song we’d just heard on the radio. MySpace hadn’t landed. There was no such thing as iTunes, and if there were, my Nokia 3310 certainly didn’t allow me to access it. Although in its defence, it did have a pretty badass game of snake, but I digress. What we did have back then was the radio and cassettes with playlists you couldn’t ‘Ping’. We had television you couldn’t TiVo. You could conjure some sweet VCR recordings however. We also had to visit a shop if we wanted to purchase music. Looking back, it all seemed a bit complex. It required a certain level of dedication to the
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music. But there was something about it I liked. I especially liked how Video Hits brought my favourite bands to the comfort of my living room in shiny analogue definition. Sure, Video Hits is like the commercial radio equivalent to Rage’s independent radio. And yes, I think I outgrew the show long before Gaga was flaunting her Poker Face, but for the integral stage before I was
allowed to stay up for Rage’s late night programming, Video Hits was what I had. There are few people out there who haven’t been exposed to Video Hits in their formative years. And to those rock-dwellers who did, you sure missed out. If everyone loves it so much, then why is it departing after claiming the title of the second longest running music
Words by Danni Bain
television show? Television networks shed little light into the bottom line factors, however I can’t help but point a judgemental finger at Reality TV, and its keen accomplice, the Age of Digitalism. Let’s tackle the first, reality. Nowadays, it’s not enough to follow, like, poke, update, tag and tweet. We want to see ourselves, and we want to see us on a LCD screen in high-definition, at 7pm as we shovel food in our mouths and attempt to make the seemingly ordinary subject of our lives a 15 minute slot of fame. Masterchef, The Block, My Kitchen Rules, The Amazing Race. Survivor, The Hills, Jersey Shore. We yearn for depictions of people going about their day, as we relax at the end of ours in front of a TV screen. In front of YouTube. In front of Facebook. Even Video Hits’ godfather, MTV could suitably rebrand as Reality Television, as music and music alone appears no longer the station’s trademark drawcard. Sure, the demand is present for music television, but growing consensus spotlights a concern for the welfare of this music video experience as it’s diminished to specific time-slots that the average person isn’t exposed to. Why, we must ask? As the obedient audience we are, how rarely do we question said programming, and the dwindling presence of actual music on the station that proudly
positioned itself a pioneer of the affirmative. Digitalism will save our souls, surely. Jointly responsible for the death of a walkman, Myspace, Napster, iTunes, Facebook, YouTube, MP3s and others, rock up to the crime scene promising greater accessibility and sharing of music than ever before. And we follow.
creation. We witness artists creating motion masterpieces with little to no budget, armed with an original concept, and the social media and technological space to share it. The stakes are high though, and the audiences more savvy than ever. We demand freshness, originality, and something to stir us from within.
only hope it continues to do so, albeit one soldier down.
We are lead to a sphere of boundless sharing capabilities and free-reign
And hell, we want it on demand. The result? Music that moves. And we can
Watch and listen well.
With bittersweet symphonies and all the rest, in tribute to the end of an era, and vowing continued appreciation of the humble music video clip, I have compiled a [short] retrospect of generation-defining music video clips.
GREATEST STATEMENT /CONTROVERSY INDUCING CLIPS 10 Radiohead – All I need 9 RATM - Killing in the Name Of 8 Midnight Oil - Beds are Burning 7 Madonna – Like a Virgin 6 Black Eyed Peas - Where is the Love 5 Lily Allen – Fuck You 4 Lady Gaga – Born This Way 3 The Dead Weather – Old Mary 2 Nine Inch Nails – Closer 1 Pearl Jam – Jeremy
FAVOURITE ORIGINAL CONCEPT CLIPS 10 Gotye – Heart’s a Mess 9 The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army 8 Beyonce – Single Ladies 7 Bright Eyes - At the Bottom of Everything 6 Basement Jaxx – Where’s Your Head At 5 Josh Pyke – Make You Happy 4 OK Go – Here We Go Again 3 Bob Sinclar – Love Generation 2 Radiohead – Just 1 A-ha – Take On Me
TOP ‘BIT OF FUN’ CLIPS 10 The Spice Girls – Wannabe 9 Cake – Short Skirt Long Jacket 8 Britney Spears – Baby One More Time 7 Foo Fighters – Learn to Fly 6 Bloodhound Gang – The Bad Touch 5 Billy Idol – White Wedding 4 Blink 182 – All the Small Things 3 Elton John – I’m Still Standing 2 Culture Club – Karma Chameleon 1 Robert Palmer – Addicted to Love
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to the tide Photographer Jacinta Rosewarne
Photographer assistant Shae Eliza Model Leah Jonsen @ Scene
Make-up artist/Hair styling Vicky Papas Stylist Krissie Cao Jewellery designer iona Capris @ Retreasury Clothing designer Rose Brinkley
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AUGUST 2011
fashion
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By Sarah Robertson & Jil Hogan
A SPLENDID WEEKEND Splendour in the Grass 2011 = most epic lineup for a festival in a long, long time. The sun was warm and the music was loud when Woodfordia sprung to life to house Splendour 2011. The three day festival saw the onslaught of 30,000 people, most of them camping, and the performance of over 90 bands; including Kanye West, Cloud Control, The Jezebels, Coldplay, Pulp, Jebediah and so many more. The experience was surreal. For those of you who didn’t make it, we have done our best to capture and review the essence of the day, as best we could.
Kicking off day one, New Zealand singer/songwriter Kimbra burst onto the GW McLennan tent in an Alice In Wonderland-inspired dress, taffeta included. Her final song, Samaritan, was a crowd favourite, but didn't get anywhere near the same reaction as when she joined Gotye on stage later in the day for their hit, 'Somebody That I Used To Know'. As one of the most anticipated acts of the festival, Kanye West hit the stage in a flurry of dancers, fireworks and some stylish outfits. Despite the rumours of Jay Z joining Kanye on stage not eventuating, he left the masses talking about his set for the rest of the weekend. As you’d expect The Jezebels rocked! They had the GW McLennan tent packed to full capacity and then some as lead singer Hayley Mary twisted and turned her way across the stage to pitch perfect songs. Next time, they need a bigger stage, a backdrop and perhaps a few fireworks. They were spectacular. At the Mix Up Tent, American Indie popsters Foster The People worked the crowd into an electro-infused frenzy. There wasn't a body in the tent not moving, as the boys pumped out the hits from their debut album, Torches.
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Musical darling Regina Spektor took to the GW McLennan stage, in her only performance for 2011, armed simply with her paino, keyboard and alluring vocals. Reggie gave the crowd what they wanted, but unfortunately due to bad acoustics at the stage, she was drowned out from the electro beats of a neighbouring tent. The Kaiser Chiefs blew their audience away. Seriously - what an amazing set! Every song that they played hit the right spot and had people singing and dancing in their little patch of dirt. “Ruby” as you’d expect had the crowd going wild, along with “I Predict A Riot” and opener “Every Day I Love You Less and Less.” Who better to wrap up the impressively lined 3 day festival than Coldplay? The British high hitting band were a pleasure to watch from the minute they stepped foot on the cold, Amphitheatre stage. Chris Martin stole the show with his cheeky commentary and love for Australian fans. Not a note went wrong, Coldplay are one of those bands who just steal your heart during a live set by outdoing their own recorded sound. It was a perfect ending to the perfect festival.
Photos by Mark Metcalfe, Cassandra Hannagan, Zac Kaczmarek 2011
splendour special!
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Photos by Mark Metcalfe, Cassandra Hannagan, Zac Kaczmarek 2011
splendour special!
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style spotters
e k a J & Amy Amy (left) – hand-me-down stockings, General Pants dress Jake (right) – Lee jeans, Universal shirt, vintage overshirt
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Captured by Linsey Rendell @ Splendour
Melissa & Char ly Melissa (left) – vintage shoes and dress Charly (right) – Op-shop shirt and Doc Martins
splendour special!
y c u L & Maya Maya (left) – Orange shirt from an op-shop, Something Else tights
Lauren & M atilda Lauren (left) – Miss Shop red cardie, dress of unknown origins Matilda (right) – Stripey dress from a secondhand shop
Lucy (right) – Vintage dress, jacket from Laos
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Photos Sarah Robertson
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(1) Jess, Melbourne
(8) Vanessa, NZ
(2) Aarani, Sydney
(9) El, Brisbane
(3) Paran, Sydney
(10) Tracey, Sydney
(4) Adrianna, Brisbane
(11) Alana, Brisbane
(5) Keren, Brisbane
(12) Brooke, Melbourne
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(6) Charnell, Moranbah (7) Jemma, Brisbane
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splendour special!
What was your Splendour highlight for 2011?
'Kanye – Loved it.' Matt, Brisbane
“Kanye! He put on such a stage show. Even if you weren’t a fan you’d love it!” Margie, Brisbane
'Dancing to Kanye.' Jay, Brisbane
‘Does It Offend You, Yeah?” Geoff + PJ, Brisbane
'Jebediah. They just smashed out everything we knew.'
“Kanye West! I’ve seen him before but his new show was amazing!” James, Sydney
'Coldplay.' Sarah, Brisbane
Justin, Melbourne.
‘Thousands of people running down the hill during Cloud Control’ Emma, Newcastle.
'Kanye. It was unreal!' Mel, Brisbane
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AUGUST 2011
Jil Hogan chats to enigmatic Western Australian artist Abbe May...
interview
y a M e b Ab You’re not long back from the UK. How was your trip?
with quiet vocals. It’s definitely quite an eclectic style.
It was great! It’s an amazing place. I spent most of my time in London. I had a few music things to do but I definitely holidayed it up while I was there as much as I could.
The album is a bit of a change from your previous work – what inspired the change?
How did it feel to win best female vocalist at this year’s WAMIs (West Australian Music Industry Awards)? It was really lovely! It’s a really important organisation, particularly for regional musicians like myself. So to have them to give me an award was a pleasure. Your latest album, Design Desire, is a really eclectic mix of genres – how would you describe it? I think that’s a pretty good description really [laughs]. We wanted to kind of really blend heavy, masculine guitar
I’ve been working with different people and it’s been a long time since my last recording. I’m a quite different person–I’ve been reading different books and watching different films and listening to different music, so it’s quite a natural progression. I think I’d be worried if I was playing the same music that I was playing 2 years ago. There was an element of consciousness in it as well – I don’t like to repeat myself. So I was really looking for new ways to deliver what I wanted to write about. Who would be your dream collaboration? I’d like to collaborate with an American blues singer who died in the late 40s –
her name is Lucille Bogan. From what I can tell, she was the first person to say ‘Fuck’ in a recording. There’s something about that kind of brazen disregard for social norms that I’m quite attracted to and I think she would be a lot of fun to work with. Tell us about your upcoming tour. I get to see pretty much most of the capital cities. It’s been a while since we’ve been on the road and it’s a new band, so it’s kind of cool. I’m looking forward to the tour with the new players – they’re friends of mine anyway. So it should be a lot of fun! Abbe May will be touring the country during August, visiting Bunbury, Perth, Margaret River, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. For dates visit www.abbemay.com.
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it is When Winter feels like , going on forever and ever mething sometimes you need so pick simple, yet delicious, to e your spirits up. This recip to is quick, easy, guaranteed you make you friends AND don’t have to bake it! SON BY SAR AH ROBERT
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JULY 2011
Cherry Ripe Cheesecake Slice
sips & nibbles
WHAT TO DO:
• Crush biscuits using a food processor until they resemble coarse sand. • Cut butter into cubes and melt in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time. WHAT YOU NEED: 2 packets Chocolate Ripple biscuits 250g butter ¾ cup dessicated coconut (extra to decorate) 500g Philadelphia Cream Cheese 1 tsp gelatine 30ml hot water 400ml thickened cream 2 Cherry Ripe bars 100g dark chocolate chips 6 drops rose food colouring 250g cherries (leave 3 aside for decoration) 1/3 cup brown sugar Cling wrap 1 rectangular slice tin
• Pour butter and coconut into biscuit crumbs and mix to combine. If the mixture looks overly wet, add more coconut. • Once mixture looks just damp, line tin with cling wrap and push mixture into base of tin to form a 0.5cm crust, both on base and up the sides of the pan. • Place base into the refrigerator. • Mix cream cheese, cream, food colouring and sugar in a large bowl and stir until smooth. • Chop cherries and Cherry Ripes into small pieces and stir through mixture with chocolate chips and extra coconut. • Dissolve gelatine powder in warm water and then stir through the mixture. • Remove the base from the fridge and spoon cheese mixture into it, making sure that the top is flat. • Sprinkle extra coconut on top of cake and garnish with leftover cherries. • Place slice into refrigerator for at least an hour and a half before serving.
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crafty folk Chec Dubbleyo k out u youngrep 's work @ ublic.com .au
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We chat to Sara Spence, founder of Dubbleyou…
U O Y E L B B U D Tell us a bit about your background – what path led you to What’s your favourite piece that you’ve created? do what you do? Last month I designed a range of jewellery called 'Vertebrae' I am originally from New Zealand. I moved to Sydney and it is made up of a full set of vertebrae based on medical after school to study design. New Zealand has a very drawings. I got the beads cut locally by a laser cutter makeshift, 'can do approach to creativity, so I often found and sourced the chains and fastenings from A&E metal myself designing things using strange joining techniques and merchants in the city. For each necklace sold I will be giving processes. I knew that design was going to be a part of my a donation to the Australia Spinal Research Foundation. This life from very young–I was fascinated by the visual language is my favourite piece I have created so far. of the world and distinctly remember the first time I saw Where do you get your inspiration? a balloon creating a coloured shadow. I studied object and graphics and had a strong interest in creating a sustainable I often find inspiration comes at fairly unusual times. From all design practice for myself. This has evolved into the design of my completed designs, there would be 1,000 discarded philosophy for Dubbleyou – ‘Always for the Good & Always ideas. I often dream ideas (sort of like an incubating time for the Joy’. I will strive to find a balance of design which from the day’s bombardment of images) and many come allows me to make the things that make me smile without from just chatting with people. Materials provide me with impacting on anything too much. Joy is my practice-if you lots of inspiration and manufacturing techniques like laser laugh, that is the biggest compliment. So that is it, good cutting. I especially like to push the boundaries of how a material is used, I am currently working on a series of lights designs that bring joy without impact. out of bolted cardboard. Tell us about what you create. What’s your creative process like? I create mainly for the home and sometimes for the body. My range this year has consisted of two major works, a letterbox This is where the name of my studio comes from. Dubbleyou and a swing, and smaller works–tea towels, candle holders, references how I tackle a new idea or project. To ensure the cushions and jewellery. Each of my designs is created by project is considered and not just thrown together I try to simple, local processes. Anything I get cut, stitched, sanded, ask all the "W" questions: Who is the design for? What will printed, folded, bolted or pressed is either done by myself it form? Where will it be based? Why is it being designed? or by local manufactures. Everything is very simple–I try When is it needed by? I work in my converted garage which to use one process per design and a process that has little is fairly cold at the moment but am working on that. Layers environmental impact. I try to design objects that can be and spot jogging are doing the trick for now. I love spending sent flat (all my candle holders and my letterbox) and then time in there surrounded by all the junk and mess that I collect and try and turn into objects with new life. hand assembled by the user. www.biscuitmagazine.com.au
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_Photographer
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By Stu Barnes
poem
Nightly this Apollo prays to the Pleiades, distances composed, high depth of field. Through curious apertures the sky’s a firstborn’s coat, the moon a haloed candle, each star a Japanese carp. Eight green planets eddy round the torso, rasping earthquakes, pleural tapping lungs; yellow meditations Hedgehog blitzkriegs. Uranus’ doggy tongues caress the scalp, Hades’ cattish tails lash the footsoles, purifying, purifying you – not obsolete like Polaroid, Cibachrome, Kodachrome, but heir to Henson, Tillmans, Lynch. Tallest Doric column, in the darkroom you dodge and burn in blacks, sweet, metallic tangs – E-6, C-41, D-76 – rising, rising.
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