Miss Mag by MISS MAG

Miss Mag To entertain and empower

ABOUT THE WRITERS Chloe,19

“I work hard, train hard and play hard.” Favourite quote? “Destruction leads to a very rough road but it also breeds creation” The Red Hot Chili Peppers sing this in their song Californication. To me it simply means when bad things happen in our lives things can become tough but through it all something new and exciting will come.

Clara, 18

“You will always find me on the dance floor” Who’s your icon? Mindy Kaling. She’s a comedian and writer so naturally she’s hilarious, smart, successful! I admire her because she’s unapologetically girly. She promotes the idea that women shouldn’t feel ashamed to like lipstick, or rom coms, because enjoying girly things shouldn’t be looked down on.

Jasmine, 18 “I curse constantly like a sailor.” Ideal Saturday? My ideal Saturday is waking up late, chilling out in the afternoon sun listening to music, having a cup of infusion tea or if it’s cold cook and watch movies with friends and family.

Laura-Mae, 17 “La Dolce Vita, baby.“ What inspires you? The ocean, kindness, and travel. Who is your icon? I love Patricia Manfield and Camille Rowe both amazing, beautiful, successful women with amazing style.

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WORD FROM THE EDITOR’S 10

Fashion

Lifestyle

Music

Jetsetter Trendsetter

Strong Women

Summer Playlist

Miss Mag simply began with 4 girls and an idea. Sure, it was just meant to be a media project but we created a name, a social platform and most importantly a magazine - all from scratch. Miss Mag’s goal was a positive one: to successfully create a magazine to entertain and empower women. Our focus was to show through our collections of writings, photos and creations that women really know what they’re talking about. Each step through the Miss Mag journey has been more exciting than the last, so we are extremely proud to share with you our work - Miss Magazine. Chloe, Clara, Jasmine and Laura-Mae Editors

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SUM MER

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The shoes on my feet I’ve bought it The clothes I’m wearing I’ve bought it The rock I’m rockin’ ‘Cause I depend on me

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THE BOMB DIGGITY How to Style: Floral Bomber Jackets

Introducing the floral bomber jacket the perfect spring piece for anyone’s wardrobe. As seen on Olivia Palermo, Nicole Richie and Kelly Osbourne. You may also know its colourful sister the patterned bomber and more preppy cousin the varsity jacket. Never mind them, it’s all eyes on the floral bomber, she’s vibrant, super comfy and will instantly dress up any outfit. Here are four looks you could rock this spring. Whether you’re girly, a sporty chick, city girl, or a preppy dresser… Maybe you’re all four?

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Jetsetter Trendsetter So you’re off to see the world, and your first stop is the airport. But finding the perfect outfit that’s a mixture between comfortable and stylish for your trip is hard. So, we did the dirty work for you and made a list of necessities for your plane trip, and also threw together some outfit ideas for you, the ultimate jetsetter trendsetter.

Aeroplane Essentials: Cash/Tickets/Passport/Credit Card These should all be your number one necessity. Absolutely make sure you don’t forget these, otherwise your holiday isn’t going to start off too well! Sweater Sometimes it can get a bit cold on the plane, plus if you’re in economy, the blankets can be a bit scratchy. Bring a big black sloppy joe to keep warm in. Bed Socks Nothing better than taking off your shoes and having a big warm pair of socks for the flight. Phone/iPod Make sure you have stored up a heap of your favourite tunes in a playlist for when you’re sick of watching movies and want to have a sleep. Headphones Obviously a necessity for listening to your music during the flight. “Forgetting your headphones is like leaving your first born child at home” 8

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Makeup Wipes There’s nothing worse than falling asleep on a plane with makeup on. Not only is it bad for your skin, but it’s that moment when you walk to the bathrooms, look in the mirror and your mascara is halfway down your face. Keep your skin hydrated and clean for your flight. Hand Cream Make sure you bring a little hand cream. Every few hours, or after you go to the bathroom, reapply some moisture to your hands. They will be all soft and lovely for when you hop off the plane. Makeup All you really need is some mascara, an eyebrow pencil, some foundation, and a little lip balm. Don’t put any on through the flight, put it on when you’re about half an hour away from your destination so it’s nice and fresh for when you hop off.

When picking an outfit: You can never go wrong with a simple pair of jeans, a comfy top and a big jacket. We’ve put together examples of these with comfy shoes. Aim for flats, or boots when travelling, as they’re easy to take on and off and look super

cute with lots of outfits. Also remember to bring a bag. Opt for one that’s not too big and not too small. One that’s easy to carry but also practical enough to carry all of your on-flight necessities!

Sunglasses Didn’t get much sleep on the flight? Eyes a bit red from watching heaps of movies? Don’t worry, pop a sleek pair of black sunglasses on when you arrive at the airport, no one will even know (your secret is safe with us!) Hairbrush/Spare hairbands Trust me, getting messy hair on a flight is inevitable. Make sure you bring spare headbands to put your hair up in a high pony or bun. Chargers I’m talking for your phone, mainly, but if you brought your camera in your bag too it might be good to bring the charger for that as well. Don’t worry, if you’re running low on battery you can charge it at the airport power points.

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MORE UP TOP, LESS ON THE BOTTOM.. Having to match an outfit is important but one area of fashion where matching isn’t of top priority is swimwear.

That’s right. More up top and less on the bottom. Buy more bikini tops and rotate them with simple bikini bottoms. It’s simple and comes across to the public that you are the owner of endless of options of bikinis. Buying swimwear from outlets such as Seafolly or Sunburn can really burn at your bank account. Instead of buying one set costing $120 buy two tops for $150 and mix and match that with a cheaper pair of black, white, pink or any solid colour of bikini bottoms. You’ll be much happier when it’s time to go to the beach and you have a variety of tops to choose from that still work with your bottoms. Some will argue the fact that things have to ‘match’ which is a fair call but this is just an option to consider this summer to save some cash and to be your own swimwear stylist!

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“Be your own stylist!”

Fashion Guide: Concerts Festivals Gigs

Handbags Hands free are ideal, so ressing for a live you can wave your hands musical event can be and feel the music. So stressful, whether it’s a small intimate gig, festi- ditch the clutch and opt vals during the summer for a small cross body bag, something that can or an arena concert. There are various factors fit your phone, keys and wallet. Better yet keep which can stop us from having an ‘I-have-noth- everything in your pockets, unless you want to ing-to-wear’ get really nifty and use moment such as the one of those phone/walvenue, weather, duralet cases, which can hold tion, transportation or whether you purchased your money and ticket. seating/standing tickets. It’s best to keep things light weight because you don’t want a heavy bag Accessories killing your shoulders or Necklaces and dangly earrings should be left at mood. home, they get too uncomfortable and hinder Shoes Shoes are important and the ability to jump and punch your fist in the air. will most likely dictate Think about it, chances your level of comfort are you’ll probably knock for the day. Going to any music event means a bracelet of your wrist standing, whether it’s or a ring of your finger in the dark crowd, so it’s standing in line or rockbest to leave your outfit ing out in mosh. So wear your comfiest closed in for statement making. Besides it’s better to lose shoes, we don’t want a yourself while feeling the tonne of blisters to be music rather than losing the main memory you take from your live event. any prized accessories.

Tops Look in your wardrobe and find anything that’s light weight and short sleeved. It usually gets sweaty because all moving bodies, so wear something breezy. This means, get your crop tops, muscle tees, bandeaus, bralettes tops, and leotards out. Should it be chilly, bring a jacket that can easily be tied around your waste because you don’t want to be walking in and out of the venue shivering. Dresses/skirts Draped and flowy details of dresses and skirts are not only fun for dancing, but breezy, making it comfortable, especially if you’re at summer music festival. However in a mosh pit scenario, you might find yourself trying to keep your dress or skirt down. After all, your outfit shouldn’t hinder your concert experience.

Pants/Shorts Jeans are a no brainer when it comes to concerts. Stay away from the pair of jeans which you constantly have to hike up and choose your best fitting pair. It can get quite hot and stuffy, so opt for a pair of pants that are light breathable. Shorts are always ideal, however be practical and wear your best pair, because just like pants you’ll want to wear shorts that’ll provide ultra comfort. Think: hasslefree Hopefully following these tips will help you in being able to pick items in your wardrobe or if you’re treating yourself with a new outfit! Don’t forget sun cream and plenty of water is a must.

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Introducing: Emily Jane Meet Emily Jane, she’s a 16 year old who runs a blog dedicated to a few of her favourite things. She started in 2009 sharing her love for craft and but now her blog features her interests in fashion, photography and design. She has style with a hint of quirk and shows no signs of stopping.

What’s your blog about? My blog Emily Jane is a fashion blog aimed at teenage girls. I mostly feature outfit ideas, videos, advice, DIY tutorials and inspiration. Why did you start your blog? I started my first blog (CraftyGirl) because I was being home-schooled and wanted a way to practice my writing/photography skills and also share what I was interested with like-minded people. At first is was just me rambling about my life and sharing photo booth photos (haha) but blogging eventually helped me to find interests, new friends and what I was good at. What inspires you? My favourite bloggers + instagrammers, old magazines, tv shows, strangers, artworks, music, my friends and just little things in everyday life. What do you enjoy about blogging? I enjoy blogging so much; planning new posts, taking photos, replying to emails, hearing from my readers, learning new skills, making friends and so much more. What is the biggest challenge of blogging? Finding the time to work on my big ideas! So many projects get put on hold because school and life happens, hopefully I’ll get around to doing them one day soon. How do you balance your studies, social life and blogging? This is really hard to do and sometimes I don’t juggle everything very effectively, but I have a few things that help out a bit. I try to get all my blogging done on weekends and schedule them for a week or two ahead, then I have my afternoons to work on school-related projects. My friends are all so supportive of my blog, so when we go out for a picnic or trip to the beach we’ll take photos and turn it into a blog post for me, while having heaps of fun together! My teachers are also really supportive of my blog which I am so grateful for, so if I’ve had work experience/blogging events and missed a bit of school they’ll help me catch up and not get overwhelmed with everything. Your top three favourite bloggers? This is so hard because I follow so many amazing bloggers (245 to be exact, haha!) but at the moment I’m loving 4th and Bleeker, Harper and Harley and Shine by Three.

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What’s one thing your readers would be surprised to know? I am definitely not an organised person. I have an organised blogging schedule and write lists etc, but I honestly can’t remember the last time my room was clean. When I’m taking a photo in my room for my blog I usually have to push everything to one side, haha! It’s super embarrasing but it’s so true. Who is your ultimate style crush? Blogging wise it would be Margaret Zhang, but celebrity wise it would be Elle Fanning - I love them both! What is one store you can never leave without purchasing an item? I always have to buy something from Daiso. What are you looking forward to wearing this Spring/Summer? Birkenstocks! They’re definitely not for everyone but I love them. If your blog was a cake what flavour would it be? A marble cake. Where do you see your blog in the next 5 years? In 5 years I will be 21 (woah!) so hopefully I will have studied + learned more about blogging/ fashion and grown my blog readership. I’m hoping to be working with brands more frequently on bigger projects, traveling and just doing whatever makes me happy!

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TEENAGE GIRLS AND THE F WORD Feminism doesn’t mean burning bras and fighting for the right to vote anymore, it’s totally different, but still needed today. All you teenage girls out there should know the most important parts of feminism that relate to your lives. So… what exactly is it?

According to feminism’s Wikipedia page, “A feminist advocates or supports the rights and equality of women.” And I

couldn’t agree more, but lets take a step back for a second. Sure, we don’t burn bra’s anymore, but that’s because society is different today than it was 50 years ago. We’re fighting for a completely different reason. Today we strive towards social, economic and moral equality, and you’d be surprised how relevant feminism is to you. There are many aspects of feminism, but there are 5 simple points that we reckon teenage girls should take particular attention to.

Feminism 101: 1. Feminism isn’t about pleasing men. Let me rephrase that – if you want wear that clueless inspired, bright yellow plaid skirt, you wear it! If you want to wear green cargo pants for 3 months straight, then do it girl! Who cares what men think of you. I once heard someone say, “You’re going to be criticized no matter what you do. So while you’re here on this beautiful earth, do what makes you happy.” 2. Feminism is empowering your fellow ladies. Heck yeah! Ladies rule. This means, NO slut shaming. You can’t do it, guys can’t do it, no one should do it. No one puts guys down for wanting to sleep around, so why is it so looked down upon if us ladies want to do it too? Every girl has the right to their own body, so instead of talking slack about that girl at school who hooked up with 4 guys on the weekend, stand up for her.

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3. When you hear a silly teenage boy say something sexist or rude that you don’t agree with, don’t keep quiet, calmly put him in his place. Comments that compare men to doing things “like girls” have become the social norm. Let’s prove that doing something “like a girl” is pretty damn awesome. 4. Don’t be intimidated by men. Stand up for yourself, be the strong, amazing woman that you are! 5. If there is something that you notice about society that you think degrades, takes advantage of, or is unfair to all your fellow ladies, just remember that you are the next generation of strong women. You can change what you don’t like by encouraging your girlfriends to step up and help change societal views, one by one.

Think about how far we have come in a mere 50 years. Girls have the right to vote, the right to still have a career after a marriage and children, not to mention the right to live independent lives! If your fellow ladies can accomplish that much in 50 years, just think about what an amazing generation is about to be the future leaders of our countries. So go girls, the world is yours, don’t ever let society tell you that you cant do it. Dream big and make a difference.

ART OF COMMUNICATION

“Words are also seeds, and when dropped into the invisible spiritual substance, they grow and bring forth after their kind.” - Charles Fillmore

There are roughly 6,500 spoken languages in the

world today, about 2,000 of those languages have fewer than 1,000 speakers and yet somehow we manage to still find ourselves battling the anarchy, whether it is with ourselves or with our friends and family. Life is complicated with our crazy day-to-day lives, sometimes we forget that we should focus on the small things and people around us to appreciate them and not leave them left out. The importance of communication in any relationship from romantic to friends and family, it should be known that, to have a healthy relationship it must be nourished and maintained in order to grow an everlasting bond with mutual respect and trust. Yes everyone has their opinion, and yes we will most of the time we’ll not all agree on certain matters, however it shouldn’t over rule your relationships, it should be understood that we must learn to accept, without causing an unnecessary conflicts. Communication is not just simply talking; it’s being present for your loved ones, showing them you care, that they are worth all your love and attention. It is a balance of giving and receiving; to make relationships work you must put in an effort. In romantic relationships both partners have an obligation to be there for one another, otherwise it is hopeless from the beginning. Establish to each other you’re in this for the long haul, committing and being honest at all times. Have you heard that saying “all talk no action”? Well in this matter it applies to partners who say they will do “this” and “that” for their spouses yet make no effort what so ever. If you both have busy schedules and are unlucky to be with your partner often, remember to always make the extra effort to see them when you can.

Even if it’s for an hour or so, the point is to try showing them you care and are willing to do anything to be with them. We have different types of friends, ones who are quiet and humble to outrageous and untrusting. In friendships it can be very complicated because you love your friend but you have to deal with their crazy quirks even if that’s including their lateness, blunt opinions or bullshit drama that seems to be an unending saga. In many cases we go through situations where some friends we had were never a positive influence in our lives ultimately giving us an negative impression of people. In every friendship there must a mutual trust with in one another. You have to communicate your feelings openly and honestly. Trust is easily lost and very difficult to earn back, always be cautious with people you don’t know well because you never know what their intentions maybe, until you connect and learn to understand an individual and how they function, you cannot full accept them if you’re unwilling to accept everything about them. ‘You can’t choose your family’. Everyone who’s sick and tired of their family in most cases think like this, it’s hard to believe at times you are actually related to those people. Having a strong family relation is the most important kind of bond you’ll need, friends and partners may come and go but family is for life. Ideally building towards a strong union between your families at a young age gives you more of an advantage to trust and communicate well with others however sometimes that isn’t the case. The key for a healthy and growing relationship is to keep the communications flowing. If you find it hard to express your feelings attempt to seek help from friends or professionals. ULTIMATE MAGAZINE

STRONG WOMEN

Having strength is one of the most attractive and aspiring trait in a women. Young girls are focusing on their weight and becoming distressed over body image at ages as young as 10. The media continues to give a false image of what the ‘perfect’ body is for women. Each and every women is different and beautiful in their own way but one form of beauty we can all share in common is strength. Aspire to be strong in your body and mind because no one should be able to stop you. Be a STRONG

WOMAN!

Stacey Garrett, (27) is working for the well-known aspiring Fitness fashion brand Lorna Jane. She also coaches Crossfit and manages to still have a social life, make time for family and train her butt off! She brings nothing but positive vibes and doesn’t quit after any setbacks. She is strong in everything that she does and wishes to help other women feel this way too.

What do you do for exercise?

I use to be a dancer, however what I liked most about dancing was how it kept me feeling fit. Two years ago I was introduced to CrossFit and I haven’t looked back. I also train, coach, compete and bascially live and breathe CrossFit.

Run us through your training routine?

I train 5-6 times a week depending on my programming. Everyday is different and I am always learning new skills and monitoring my progress. Every session involves mobility, stength and conditioning components. On certain days we will focus more on upper body and on others lower body but it is constantly varied and at high intensity.

“Strong is the new skinny!”

What do you love about the idea of being fit and strong and what can you say to others? When I was a dancer I was always trying to be skinny. I would spend What competitions have you been to and hours in the gym and I wasn’t what were your results? The last comp I went to was the Allstars Affiliate Team Series getting anywhere because that wasn’t natural for my curvy, womanly figure. where our team placed 15th out of 95 teams which meant CrossFit has made me gain more we are off to the finals in December which will be held in Queensland against all the other States. This is a more seri- muscle and lose more fat. Do I have biceps, shoulders, quads and traps? ous competitive competition but for me I make sure I am YES. I’m proud of the way I look always because I know the hard work I have What motivates you? put in to get to this. CrossFit has also I am motivated when I am acomplishing changed the perception of what a something I didn’t know I could do, fresh starts, new chalwoman’s body should look like. There lenges, empowering others, happiness, love, endorphins but is definitely something sexy about a basically just being a better person then I was yesterday for woman who can carry her own bags, my friends, for my family, for the person I meet tomorrow who looks strong and confident and looking for someone to inspire them and of course for myholds her head high. self!

“Do I feel bulky? DEFINITELY NOT!”

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ON THE ROAD WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND: THE CHEAP VERSION Road-tripping with a boyfriend can be lots of fun however it can also put your relationship to the test on how patient you can be with your better half. The perks of going on a mini vacation together is to get some quality time, sometimes you can’t always spend time together either due to busy school or work schedules. So, here are some of the basic essentials to have a fun CHEAP getaway.

TIMING Talk to your significant other and figure out when you’re both free for a long weekend. FOOD (basic survival) If you’re not to keen on spending money for food on your trip, here’s a tip, stock up your car with food from home, maybe some food your family “forgot” about and pack everything and anything you can get your hands on. Seriously it’s a life saver! Oh and don’t forget to bring plastic cutlery. STYLISH BUT COMFY On a road-trip it can get pretty active, what I mean is that you could be going to the beach for a swim, hiking in a forest, running, walking all through the markets etc. Dress stylish but comfy, Don’t dress up like you’re going to a night club! I REPEAT NO HEELS! Here are some options we created to give you guys an idea.

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BLANKETS AND PILLOWS GALORE

Sexy Time

Imagine waking up to a beautiful beach view, the sunrise is just sneaking up in the distance, the sky’s palette is a blur of pink and orange, a refreshing chill blows in just to make sure you’re awake. Well this can happen. If you are not to crazy about sleeping in car or tent at/by the beach I suggest a motel (the cheapest kind of paying accommodation). Isn’t it everyone dream to camp at the beach or is it just mine? First check if you are allowed to camp or park near a beach or natural setting before you leave home, because nothing ruins a cheap trip than coming home with a fat fine.

In every couples trip there will always going to be an “alone time” period where you guys just want to go at it with each other, and why not? You’re on vacation you deserve to have some fun ;) Now unless you are alone on a beach, park or wherever, make sure you are completely ALONE! No one wants to walk in on you two screwing each other’s brains out, so the alternative is the car. Another place to check off the old list of places to have sex. Car sex can be a tad uncomfortable due to space issue (if you have a small car) but it doesn’t matter, it’s still very doable ;) Remember kids always wear protection.

Sleeping in a tent or car is not terrible at all. From home get piles and piles of pillows and blankets because 1. You want to be comfy. 2. It gets cold at night time. Make sure you are well prepared. PASSING TIME ENTERTAINMENT While you’re in the car for a long ass time you will get bored so you and your boyfriend can play some games and some jams to pass the time.

PETROL You are going to have to pay regardless. LIFE LINES Bring as much cash as you can, i would say $200 min. I know it’s a cheap trip but you never know what might happen so always be cautious and pack all chargers and electronically devices. Phones, GPS, Cameras EVERYTHING. If you can find a power adapter go to a local cafe or bar or have one installed in your car. SQUEAKY CLEAN On the road staying hygienic can be difficult but no fear there are some ways to stay nice and fresh. There are countless public toilets and showers near the beaches so you are covered there. You can wash your teeth, clean your face and do every other bits and bobs you need to do. If you are unfortunately not in the position to find a shower nearby, it’d ask the locals and if there is still no luck I am sorry, i’d have to say maybe a motel for a night would be the only option if you are stinking up the place. P.S Take a hand mirror and brush two in one product, a necessity!

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ON A NIGHT OUT: WHO ARE YOU WITH? Festive season is here so start preparing to make the craziest memories with all types of friends... The Beauty Queen

The Grub in Disguise

The Planner

The beauty queen loves a selfie. She is the one to take a snap chat my story of 300 seconds/ Always looks like a shining star and never stops smiling and joking. She is always looking for a good time as long as she is looking hot. Bathroom stops are a must at every club. “Can I go back out looking like this?”

When you look at her she is elegant and beautiful, always looking so fabulous on a night out. Although slyly letting people know she is a total grub with the small actions she does or certain words she may say. She’ll eat someone’s left overs at a restaurant with no shame and there’s much more she would do but best not to give away her disguise. Only her closest girls know exactly what she’ll do.

What time? Where? What club? Who’s going? What time’s the bus? She needs a plan. It gives her order so she knows exactly what to wear, who will be there or how early (or late) to be somewhere. She is sometimes annoying but just feed her the information she wants and she’ll have a good night.

The Shameless

The Helpful

Ms. Stingy

She acts as if no other human being exists in the whole world except for her. She says exactly what she wants as loud as she wants whenever she wants. She can make the most hideous faces that you wouldn’t think could come from such a stunning girl. She is the most open and accepting and will always make friends on a night because she couldn’t care less about what anyone thinks. She is the life of the party and makes every night out one to remember. 20 ULTIMATE MAGAZINE

She gives out her hand to hold, shoulder to cry on and is always the one to intervene when things start to get out of hand. She is the Mother and the Saint of the group but is still up for having a good time, as long as everyone else is. She will put herself out to help someone in need. If it wasn’t for her, a night out would always be a complete disaster.

She is beautiful but possibly the most frustrating one to have a night out with. She doesn’t like to spend too much money on drinks or a taxi or to be charged the $2.50 fee at an ATM. It’s annoying but no matter how much it happens you forget it because you love her and then the next weekend comes and it’s time to do it all over again.

The Drama Queen

The Fearless

Her boyfriend is annoying her. Her friends are leaving her out. The taxi driver was so rude. The line in the club is too long. Every little thing that happens on a night is a drama. Once one person reacts then BOOM! She shakes the earth. Drama exceeds to 10 on the Richter scale and there is always an aftermath to deal with

She thinks she is invincible. She will try anything and trust anyone. She lives in the moment and really gets enjoyment out of the word ‘YOLO’. She is insanely fun but can be a little bit dangerous. You may need to take a step away at some point in the night or take time to sit down but not for long because she’ll be off again ready to do something extreme.

The one who says “I’m bored”

The Flirt

The ‘talk smack’

You don’t always go out with her Men. Men. MEN. She loves them. but she loves it because then She doesn’t often come out and all Loves the attention she gets from she gets to exaggerate her stofor her own reasons, she doesn’t them because she is absolutely ries from last week’s night out by like it; she finds it boring. She may ‘take you home’ sexy. She usually 10. “And then he wanted me to not say it all night long but she will doesn’t want them and enjoys a go home with him but I said no say it. All you can do is take it in and good tease. She may make your so to try even harder he bought be positive. Tell her it won’t be long eyes roll but if you continue to watch me like $100 worth of drinks, I until were home and buy her some she will make you laugh. She’s one didn’t pay for anything. He was shots. to appreciate because her way with so desperate for me” She is hithe opposite sex is a gift. Can’t take larious and sometimes make The Wifey her anywhere without her giving a you think wait maybe it was flirty gesture to a guy at the bar. true.. But that’s just how good She loves her man and it is adorathe smack she talks is! ble but unfortunately she doesn’t come out very much because What makes a night is the people you she’s usually with him. If she is are with. The friends we have are all dragged out of the house she is different in their own ways and it is the craziest of them all because she gets to unleash her inner because of them that we cherish the party girl. Her and her boyfriend memories we make.. So on a night out, are loved by all and she is the one appreciate the friend you are with you predict to m be married first because there is no other friend quite and have the most jokes to about who will be bridesmaid at the like them. wedding

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BEHIND THE BAND:

THE MILLIONST I’m sitting in a dimly lit booth at the Gaslight Bar in Surry Hills with the four Brisbane lads who make up Millions. They’re known for opening for some of Australia’s most successful indie pop bands. Think: San Cisco, Last Dinosaurs, Jungle Giants and most recently a tour with Ball Park Music. It’s your typical band story – they meet in high school, start jamming, and with their cheaply made EP, win a competition that catapults them into the music industry alongside a handful of upand-coming Brisbane bands. I remember watching Millions for the first time in 2012. The boys were opening for San Cisco at the Metro Theatre in Sydney. I naively arrived late, thinking I would skip the opening acts and arrive just in time for the main show. Luckily, I caught the end of their set, and I stood on the elevated stairs at the back of the mosh admiring their natural talent. The romantic lyrics of their hit Slow Burner and front man Doms indulgent vocals captured the crowd as they swayed along to some pretty incredible music. Two years later, I’m sitting down with them just hours before their first show at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney for one of their biggest tours alongside Ball Park Music. I talk with them about Max Relax, Mac Demarco, break-ups, almost getting arrested in Mexico, still touring at 34 years old, and what’s next for Millions.

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Your newest album Max Relax just came out, about a month ago, and you’ve been getting some pretty amazing reviews. How was it creating 11 brand new tracks? Dom: It was a long process, more like 19ish songs. Ted: Yeah, the other ones got cut. Dom: We had been working on it for about a year. We just had different spurts where we were more productive than other points in time. Then we hit hurdles with songs where we really liked a song but we couldn’t quite finish it, things like that.

So do you have any favourites? I know it’s a bit biased, because you wrote them, but are there any that you just love to perform? Dom: They’re all my favourites! Louis: That’s like choosing your favourite child. Ted: I think we are all a By the time that you have big fan of Daydreaming. finished writing and reCampbell: I think my facording all the tracks, do vourites probably B Chill. you find that you’re sick Louis: I really like Agony of them? & Ecstasy. Ted: It’s more like you’re sick Dom: It’s funny because of listening to them. some people are like, “I Campbell: You forget what it didn’t like that song, but sounds like fresh. You get oth- this one was my favourite.” And other people are er ones sent over like, “How like the exact opposite. about this one?” and you lisIt’s weird for us because ten to it and you’re like, “I’ve we don’t know, especially reached the point now where because we haven’t been it just sounds the same.” playing the album a lot. Louis:That’s why it’s great We have played those getting someone else in like a songs a bit more now but producer to be like, “Alright, still working out which that one sounds shit.” And of the songs people really you’re like, “Oh… that was our like and which ones didn’t connect as much. favourite!”

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So the albums like a break-up album? Dom: Nah, it’s not a break up album. I think there are a lot of things that go into the songs, because sometimes the lyrics might originally come from someone else, like we’ll all do a bit of writing. Sometimes Ted might write a lyric that I might think I can write something off it. It is based on things but it can be generic to a degree. I don’t like fully divulging things anyway. A song like Daydreaming is just like, this is what other people are doing, this is what I am doing, is this going to work out for me? Campbell: It’s a bit self-reflective.

Clementine was a big hit on Triple J, as well. Ted: Yeah, it’s going good. It’s a weird song. Campbell: I think we would all like Clementine a lot more if it wasn’t a lead single. Well, actually, that sounds funny, but in our minds if it was just an album track for me it would have been like, ‘ha that’s sick.’ But yeah, it’s a weird first single. Louis: I think it has paid off though, being the first single. It was a little bit of a tough decision because we didn’t know if it should be or whether it shouldn’t be. Now that it has been, it’s going well. I’m pleased that we did put that out, because you don’t listen to it and be like, “Oh, that’s definitely the single.”

You recently toured around Mexico. You didn’t end up in a Mexican prison or anything? Dom: Nah, (laughs) we did get pulled over for driving the wrong way down a street. I was directing Campbell and I told him to go down a street that we weren’t allowed to turn into and we got pulled over by the police, which was intense because we couldn’t speak to the guy because none of us spoke Spanish. He couldn’t speak English and he was just getting frustrated but he was laughing. He didn’t believe that none of us could speak Spanish. It was a bit of a, “What do we do” situation. So you went the whole time without someone who could speak Spanish? Louis: People would look at us and be like, “No Spanish? No Spanish?” and then look at Dom and be like, “You definitely know Spanish.” Dom: Bloody racist.

But overall, how was it? Dom: It was really relaxed, we just ate food, drank beer, we were in the sun all the time. I’ve even heard people comparing some Ted: It was so cheap over there, to go out for of your new tunes to Mac Demarco. meals. It’s like six bucks for a proper meal, $2 Dom: I don’t think it’s intentional, but we do for a beer, $3 for a cocktail. like Mac Demarco. Campbell: $5 for the biggest margarita you’ve Ted: Yeah we do listen to quite a lot of Mac ever seen. Demarco, but yeah I’ll take that! I love Mac Louis: Two of them and you just get really Demarco, I’m not complaining. drunk. Dom: We were actually talking the other day I love to know if there are any parabout how good it would be to be back in Mexiticular songs off the album that are co. It was awesome, now its like, Jesus that trip inspired by real events, can you tell me was unreal! People didn’t believe we were from about one of them? Australia because it was just so far away. Campbell: Dom’s long, drawn out breakup, Louis: Everyone who saw us were like, “You between him and his girlfriend. guys from America?” and we were like “Nah, Australia” and they were like, “Woah, holy shit.” 26

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Nah, I can’t really think about that. We all really like music, we like making music, we like playing music and we listen to it all the time, its pretty life consuming. Ted: Sometimes I imagine going back to Uni and I’m like, “What would I do?” I don’t think I would be able to do anything at Uni that would interest me enough that would make me go, “Okay, I’m ready to do this for the long term.”

As a band, what is your ultimate goal? Like at what point do you look at yourselves think, “We’ve made it”? Dom: Well, I think if we’re still playing in 10 years time, or 5, or 3. Campbell: Ten years? I’ll be 34! Dom: I think if we still exist as a band – 10 years is a bit ridiculous – but in 3 years, we’ve done well. Campbell: I think ‘making it’ for me is when I don’t have to go and work in a call centre, or go and pick up glasses mid week. We all work. Dom: It’s hard to have a good balance between having money to be able to go away on tour, and also having enough time for the band and give the band the time that it needs, because it is pretty time consuming. Campbell: We have done tours before where maybe one of us, or all of us will have no money. You kind of realise how shit that is to be in another town and not actually be able to do anything. Louis: [We’ll be] surviving on bread and some avocado for a couple of days. If you guys weren’t in a band, what profession would you be doing right now? Dom: You sound like my mum! (Laughs) “Say the band ended, what would you do?” and I’m like “I’d start another band!”

Do you get nervous before gigs anymore? Louis: Maybe tonight [at the Enmore Theatre]. Dom: I find it’s always different. Campbell: Yeah, like the randomest, smallest gig you’ll be like “Oh shit.” Dom: It’s much more confronting, like if I was to just play in front of you right now, because it’s a lot more personal. I’d get more nervous. Campbell: Also if people don’t know you, there’s a lot less expectation as to how you should act. You can feel completely comfortable with doing whatever the fuck you want. Louis: And if the crowd is completely unresponsive, that makes it a little more nerve wracking. You play a show and it takes them like ten seconds to be like, “Oh yeah, they’re finished” Campbell: And you’re like, “Shit… Let’s play the next song.” Dom: I think it’s because they’re in awe. What’s next for Millions? Ted: We are actually doing a bigger tour for our album in November and December, because the shows we did before were just three small shows. So we are doing slightly bigger venues, doing under 18’s shows as well, all around Australia. Dom: Short version is, we will be writing a lot of songs, playing a lot of shows. Louis: Hopefully a new album will come out very soon. Campbell: Hopefully it won’t take us a few years again. We probably didn’t put enough pressure on ourselves to start. We were a bit too comfortable with taking time to make it as good as we had hoped. So now we are conscious of shit like that. Dom: I think we have a more concise idea of where we want to take the band, because we tried a lot of different things on the album, which we wanted to do. We never wanted to just be pigeon holders, like, “That is that, this band is this.” It was good for us, in terms of pushing our song writing. But in terms of this next album I think it will be like, the more songs you write the better you get! ULTIMATE MAGAZINE

GIG REVIEW:

STICKY FINGERS

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The salutary psychedelic jams of the Newtown based band Sticky Fingers conquered the Metro Theatre, playing sold out gigs one after another following the release of their exceedingly successful new album ‘Land of Pleasure’. These boys are on the road to success and Australians cannot get enough of them.

The legendary Metro Theatre was packed from the door all the way down the street packed by fans anxiously waiting to go in. The vibe of the theatre was an electric energy, people with big smiles of their face, dancing, drinking the night away and their cheering elevated the mood by 1000 percent. Opening acts supporters Little Bastard + Hollow Bones entertained the crowd with their killer set list. Drawing later into the evening after the two amazing opening acts played, the theatre was packed from the back to the entrance of the space, everyone was squished together like a pack of sardines; “STICKY, STICKY, STICKY” the crowd shouted. The lights go down, the stage is lit up and here comes the moment we all have been waiting for! Sticky Fingers coming on stage with a beer in hand, looking pretty “out of it” = Stoned. Regardless of their appearance they began the show with a bang. The fans are going crazy, singing along to the songs with the band rocking out to the sweet combination of reggae, psych, pop and bourbon creating a hysterical atmosphere. They wailed, yelled even some crowd surfing was in action. Sticky Fingers really do have a solid fan base that makes them so loveable, creating a new sound hypnotising you into a trance; their paradoxical blend of zest speaks to everyone about life, from the drunken nights you’ll never remember, that person who broke your heart into a million pieces, to the friends who’ll never leave your side, its the relatable experiences that makes everyone connect. Almost midnight after countless sets the band enjoying themselves on stage as the smoke of weed fills the air, people are jumping on each other’s shoulders, the sweat, the drinks spills that are now sticky fluids on the floor, the endless dancing created such a happy experience for everyone. The boys know how to put on a once in a lifetime show making the world their oyster.

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INTRODUCING: THE STARKINS This was probably the only time procrastination benefited me ever, but it was early 2013 when I happened to stumble across four man band The Starkins (mixture between the word mannequin and starlings) while on youtube. Young, talented, determined with an electric energy, it’s the perfect ingredients for an upcoming band! Earlier, I spoke to main vocalist, Andy to get the scoop on the band’s whereabouts.

Who are the Starkins? The Starkins consist of Andy Daniels(Vocals) Matt Elliss (Guitar) Joe Elliss (Drums) and Will Campbell (Bass). Describe your sound/vibe I would describe our sound as indie alternative pop because of its upbeat tempo really, but that’s just my view.

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Who or what has influenced your music the most? Our influences differ from each member, I’m really into things like Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Darwin Deez,The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Matt is really influenced by artists such as Foals, Kooks, Red Hot Chilli`s. Will likes things like the Sex Pistols, Vampire Weekend, Foals, The Smiths, I’m sure he likes One Direction too....(Definitely does actually). Joe is influenced by Foster the People, Foo Fighters, The

How do you know each other? Matt and I worked together at work experience in highschool, we’d never met before in our lives! The shop had messed dates up with work experience people so me and Matt turned up for the job on the same day and we’ve been friends ever since! Will and Matt have been to school together since primary and remained friends in high school too, and were in a couple of bands together before The Starkins came about. As for Joe he’s Matt’s younger brother and we’d had a drummer before Joe but he didn’t really suit our style and left. Joe by chance was learning the drums. The first time I heard him he unleashed this sick little fill and it was amazing to watch, at the time I think he’d been playing for no more than 8 months I’d say. After that I knew that he was the drummer we’d always wanted and needed. Tell me about this band’s first show? The bands first official show as the current line up was at Wath Montgomery Hall for an event organised by a local promoter. I remember it being two weeks before the show and we were all so nervous it being so close and started having 6-7 hour practices twice a week, which at the time felt so much of an achievement to what we got done in those hours in Matt’s house. The day of the show arrived and we all met up before hand at Matt’s house, the looks on our faces were hilarious, we were all so nervous because between us, I think we had done like eight or nine shows ever. I remember Matt coming back up the stairs where he had his head down the toilet for the past five minutes, to which this day we always ask if he’s been sick before every gig. The gig was really good we got a lot of our friends to come down so we got the place quite busy and we were playing with other bands so they brought people which in turn really helped us because at the time it was the biggest crowd we had played to so helped in building our stage presence and confidence.

What has been the wildest thing that has happened at a gig? We played a gig at Vascoes Wine bar in Wickersley, there are some sofas just off set to the side of the stage which I always climb on because you can see right to the back of the room over all the bobbing heads. We are approaching the solo for our song “Over You”, Matt’s hammering the solo, Joe was absolutely hammering the drums and Will was thumping the bass like a punch bag. I climbed up the window frame then jumping all over the sofas, there’s quite a nice sudden beat, pause in our song to which after it explodes, so timing it well, I jumped into a frog splash as the drums erupted, heading towards Will. I, mid air flew past Will’s Bass guitar head as it collided with his shoulder, coming closer to the ground Will then through a cheeky leg kick which connected well with my bottom jaw. I jumped back up laughing in hysterics and began jumping around some more. It was a real highlight we all felt great and were super pumped afterwards.

Do you have any pre-performance rituals? Pre gig rituals, we don’t really have any weird ones, I usually have a bottle of honey on stage nearly every gig unless I forget. Then I try to get the blood pumping around my body by jumping up and down and stretching/ doing vocal scales. Joe sits at the drums constantly tuning and taping to make sure it sounds what he wants it to be, to which every time it is (unless its someone else’s kit). Matt changes his strings every gig and if he doesn’t, he doesn’t trust them, tuning them constantly and making sure everything sounds good. Will likes to just relax and play some of his favourite bass riffs then gets himself a pint of cola (STANDARD).

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THANKS for reading!

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