UTI UNDER THE INFLUENCE COVENTRY’S INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
October-November | Issue One | Free
http://www.undertheinfluencemag.t83.net
, cov s MASTER MIXER WE shiNE A LIGHT ON PaUL MORRELL
40 FREE PAGES INCLUDING:
STYLE
The best independent retailers, designers and the gear they are producing.
MUSIC
We take a look at the various styles that are buzzing in Coventry.
CULTURE
We got art, theatre, comedy, photography, reviews and much much more.
AT LAST WE HEAR YOU HOLA! YES WE KNOW ITS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING BUT HERE WE ARE, ROCKIN AND ROLLIN...
Between us and CIC Magazine we’ve been on a rocky but bloody fun ride over the past six months. The road we picked hasn’t been the simplest one to walk down but we’ve enjoyed every second of it so far - except the Arts Council telling us we’ve got no future but we’re not bitter - you bastards! As we are sure you know, CIC (culture in coventry) and UTI (under the influence) are part of the same family but CIC is now concentrated on the cultural side of Coventry, the excellent work in theatres, the arts, restaurants etc. and UTI is dedicated to promoting music, style and comedy in Coventry. So far our journey has allowed us to realise what we thought before we started - Coventry is brimming with highly talented, individual and inspirational people - and to anyone who gives it the “This place is shit”, read the rest of this magazine and be ready to be proven wrong Come and get Under The Influence >>>
CONTENTS
NEWS
spotlight
INTERVIEW
We take you through the latest new, gossip and general goings on from the chewing gum lined streets of Coventry.
Louis Proud influential label, producer and host/founder of Proud Sound
Paul Morrell Coventry’s very own, hard working super DJ talks to us about influences, Classique’s 5th Birthday and biscuits!
Luke Spencer Local DJ and event promoter
caUGHT We take a look at the best local photographers and proof that photography can be cool as fook.
Bar Eden Lovely, local venue, Bar Eden Funksyt Local fashion label
STYLE We’ve contacted, trawled and visited all the best retailers and designers in Coventry so that you can see the best of what’s out there.
CONTENTS
REVIEWS
CONTRIBUTORS
We take a look at Emma McGann, Friday Night Dole Club and Dogma and also have a special piece from Andrew Skinner about Piracy.
Mark Kiszely Garry Jones Davoud Davies David Gover Paul Morrell (Classique) Luke Spencer (Play) Matt Green (Play) Matty McNulty (Cielo) Simon Harris (Matik) Graeme Clarke (Decadence) Andrew Skinner
VENUE Our monthly look at a local, independent venue. For our first issue we look at the Tin Angel.
coNTACT US Under The Influence: utimag@live.co.uk undertheinfluencemag.t83.net Our sister publication: cicmag@live.com cicmag.t83.net
CAUGHT PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIAL
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maRK KISZELY
NEWS
LATE NIGHT MUSIC RETURNS TO COVENTRY Mustard and Blood present another series of late night gigs showcasing the finest grass roots musicians from in and around the city. Each show will take place in the stunning B2 auditorium providing a unique setting and opportunity to enjoy the very best of what Coventry has to offer, with a diverse and eclectic mix of shows. This evening's entertainment showcases music from Orkestrata (www.myspace.com/orkestrata) and Alan Britten & Band (www.myspace.com/albritten). http://www.belgrade.co.uk/
STREET CHRIS ART SHOW HELME AT AT HERBERT FNDC
UKS BEST VENUE IS LOCAL
The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is the first venue to host a brand new touring exhibition from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London - Street Art: Contemporary Prints from the V&A. Street art is a diverse, constantly evolving art form, one that moves across the derelict buildings, bus shelters and hoardings of cities around the world. Its roots lie in history, echoing cave paintings and stencilled slogans and images in political campaigning.
The Leamington Assembley was shortlisted alongside venue’s like the O2 for best UK venue 2010 and when they got announced as the winners we knew it was the least they deserved.
The exhibition showcases the work of some of the biggest artists in the street art community such as Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Sickboy, Pure Evil and D*Face. Sat 9 October – Sun 16 January 2011. http://www.theherbert.org/
Ex-Seahorses frontman Chris Helme is coming to Coventry in December to perform at the Friday Night Dole Club at Taylor Johns House. The FNDC has gained a reputation for one of the best local, alternative nights which regularly include national acts.
The Assembley is home to an amazing venue which is encased in a stunning building. It’s intimate size is perfect for all manner of events from comedy to music and this year as seen worldknown names such as the Doves, Athlete, Lee Mack, Diana Vickers, Procol Harum, Shaun Ryder, Cast and many many more. Vist their site for full information about what’s on, how to get there and all about the history of the Leamington Assembley http://www.leamingtonassembly.co m/.
STYLE
MENS VINTAGE AT HANNIGANS For over 15 years Hannigans Menswear has been dressing Coventry’s finest and there’s no exception when it comes to their accessories. Their online arm stocks a number of vintage, not retro, leather bags that are a must for any dapper fella. This Fila number is just under £50 and looks the dogs when on a weekend away with the lads or your good lady. Pack it full of trendy smellys and freshly pressed y-fronts for the ultimate in chic, living. http://www.hannigansmenswear.co.uk
MORE MOTEL AT GLADRAGS
KOOL FOOTWEAR AT KONG
Trendy boutique, Gladrags is ticking along with a right good following of hip youngsters, something we are way to old to know about!
Out of all the stores in Coventry, independent and international we reckon Kong has it sorted when coming to the trendy, colourful tools you stick on your feet.
The intimate, boutique has a growing reputation and the clothing on offer reflects it’s audience perfectly. More and more vintage styled dresses and tops for the girls appear via Gladrags website store and Facebook page and along with the hand-made accessories we think that Gladrags has a prosperous future ahead. Motel is the one brand that reflects the vibe that’s going on, so if that’s you bag go and check them out.
The newly refurbished store and website stocks loads of quality and rare trainers from some of the best and biggest brands in the world. Yeah we know there’s a million and one, boring sports shops in town and there seems to be more pride in carrying a JD bag then what’s actually in it but if you really want something different then check out Kong on the Burgess or see Kong online. http://www.kong-online.co.uk/
www.gladragsboutique.co.uk
NEWS
KASBAH ADDS MORE NAMES The Tick Tock, Colosseum, Kasbah or whatever else you want to call it has been one of the best venues in Coventry for what seems like a thousand years. Others have come and gone but this one has stayed and continues to offer amazing acts throughout the year. Along with their regular club nights and local acts they’ve added numerous up and coming superstars along with established acts from the world of rock ‘n’ roll. http://www.kasbahnightclub.com /
ARTS CENTRE ATTRACTS THE BEST
Warwick Arts Centre (it’s in Coventry) has announced it’s new season and there is loads and loads of amazing acts coming to our glorious city. As ever there is film, theatre and others creative arts but it’s their comedy schedule which has really taken out fancy. Micky Flannigan (below) kicks it all of in October but acts such as Reg Hunter, Jason Manford, Stephen Amos and Rhod Gilbert are booked in but tickets are selling fast for all events so check them out asap. http://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/
TOO MUCH PRESSURE FOR THE NEW YEAR as thE RIPPS WRITE AND PLAY SOUNDTRACK LIVE Coventry. 1979. A city of strife in the factories and violence on the streets. It’s hard being 16 – but something’s stirring in the garages and living rooms of the city. Music offers a way out for spiky Gary – a fish out of water on the Canley Park estate – posh boy Nick and cheeky Sonya, whose Asian parents think she’s doing after-school drama… Tension is building between Gary and his brother and father – both track workers at the car plant. But as industrial relations reach boiling point and Gary’s band takes its first few tentative steps, an act of shocking violence propels Nick, Sonya and Gary’s family towards a decision that will change all their lives forever. Too Much Pressure is writer Alan Pollock’s follow up to his smash-hit Coventry Blitz play, One Night in November, which is revived this season in a new Main Stage production. This vital new play will be directed by Hamish Glen and features a live soundtrack written and performed by Coventry band The Ripps. http://www.belgrade.co.uk/
STYLE
local laBEL FUNKYST At Under the Influence we love new and inspiring people and this lot is not exception. The boys at Funkyst, a trendy, hip-hop styled brand are soon to be releasing a new series of t-shirts. The last lot when down a storm and we hope the next lot do to. “We need a new freebie guys, our last one’s been worn so much is got holes in!”
THE HUNDREDS AVAILABLE NOW To date, The Hundreds has worked on special collaborative projects with globallyrecognized brands like Disney, SE BMX, DeLorean Motor Co., Forum Snowboards, Casio G-Shock, eS, Gravis, Medicom, and individual artists and designers such as David Choe, Jun Cha, Tofer, Robbie Conal, Angelyne, H2O, Kurupt, Craola, Avail, and Usugrow.
LUKE 1977 COMES TO HANNIGANS We’ve heard on the grapevine that super cool Hannigans has a deal struck with super cool brand, Luke. We love a bit of Luke and think this is a real big deal for Coventry as it’s currently unavailable in the city. What stock Hannigans will have is currently a little vague but we belive it to be the majority of what’s on the Luke site (below). Keep you eyes peeled and check out their site soon for samples. http://www.hannigansmenswear.co.uk or ttp://www.luke1977.com
The Hundreds product is sold in limited quantities in the world’s most prestigious streetwear and skate boutiques and has also been featured as a cover story in such media as the Los Angeles Times, New York Times Magazine, Antenna, Giant Robot, KoreAm, MuchMusic Television, and Inc. Magazine. Currently, The Hundreds is stocked in over 400 accounts in every major city of the world. This includes The Hundreds’ first flagship retail location in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, and the second The Hundreds store in San Francisco’s Union Square. Find The Hundred only at Kong = http://www.kong-online.co.uk/
STYLE
SAM JONES IS BACK IN COVENTRY Stylist to the stars and wanted by world leading brands, Sam Jones has had an illutrious career decorating the hair of anyone who’s anyone for many years but now she’s back and ready to bring the glam of world capitals to Coventry. Local lass Sam has done her time all over the world, helping create styles, images for some of the biggest names in the fashion world but her craving for Coventry has been to strong and her desire to return has driven her to setup her first salon. There’s only one way for one of our most talented snippers and that’s up. We salute you for returning to the promised land! http://www.samanthajoneshairdressing.co. uk/
LOCAL LABEL gREASY COUTURE We’ve been contacted by a new local brand called Greasy Couture and things sound very interesting. Five Coventrians make up the label and their plans look massive. The boys have the first set of designs in place and with a little fine tuning things look positive. They have a supplier in place and are looking to create a one-off launch event. Keep your eyes peeled for news on how these guys are getting on as we are tracking their progress very carefully. http://www.greasycouture.com
EXCEPTIONAILS MOBILE BOUTIQUE Coventry’s newest nail boutique is up and running and can offer you something that many others can’t - they will come to you. Exceptionails is an independently run service that offers all manner of treatments, special offers and also combines hair and beauty to give you the perfect all-round service before a night out, party or event in the comfort of your own home. http://www.exceptionails.t83.net
CASUAL BRANDS AT NEWLOOK RENEGADE Renegade has struck a deal with some new brands and has given the store a little refurb to move into a new territory. Formerly a seller of records and known for the place to get tickets, Renegade is know concentrating on fashion and with brands such as Merc London, Guess, Boxfresh, Gabicci, King Apparel, Skullcandy, Supremebeing, L R G Clothing, Gola Vintage, New Balance, Mark Ecko, New Era, New Era Clothing and Ben Sherman we reckon the future is bright for another Coventry retailer. http://www.renegade.net
CAUGHT PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIAL
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gARRY JONES
SPOTLIGHT
LOUIS PROUD Louis Proud is a House music DJ & Producer. Progressive House with some Tech Influence is his Passion. All tracks are produced and written (including lyrics) by Louis Proud apart from lyrics to any cover remixes. Louis Proud has rocketed in the year 2010, with his personal productions turning heads at the highest level within the music world. Including a recent release being licensed out to Ministry of Sound for there
latest compilation album, “Hed Kandi – Twisted Disco 2010”. Featuring not only Louis’s track but Fedde Le Grand, Audio Bullys, Mason, Hostage & Many More! However its his massive ambition and passion within the music scene thats seen him establish his own brand “Proud Sound” from nothing all on his own with limited funds, contacts & knowhow. Yet Proud Sound is now recognised by many leaders in the music world as a respected
label and that has a crop of extremely promising artists that match up to Louis’s own standard of production and DJ performances. Louis has played out at many top venues and events over 2008 & 2009 including clubs such as AIR super club Birmingham, adding to his massive events which has seen him play along side the likes of Thomas Gold,Mishca Daniels, Luke Neville, Michael Wodds, Matt Tolfrey, Sonny Wharton, Abigail Bailey, Rosie Romero, Will Bailey.
PROMOTION
THE ENEMY GET VINVOLED We are urging pupils who have missed out on university places to take this opportunity to volunteer. With the competition for university places dramatically increasing it is now feared that many A-level students in Coventry and the surrounding areas may face disappointment if they do not get the required grades for their chosen universities. Coventry University saw a 22% increase in the number of applicants from 2009/10 to 2010/11 (compared with a national rise on 12%). Ian Denning, Recruitment and Admissions Officer at Coventry University advises future applicants “With so much competition for places at university, prospective students should do all they can to improve the quality of their application. Volunteering is well regarded by admissions staff when it features in an applicant’s personal statement. I would certainly encourage prospective students to do some voluntary work if they can.” Amanda Bishop, Youth Development Officer at Voluntary Action Coventry said “Volunteering is a fantastic way of gaining some experience in
cielo presents
any sector of your choice. Not only does it make you stand out from other people applying for jobs (with 73% of employers would employ a candidate with volunteering experience over one without) but you can also learn new skills that you may not have had before. If you have recently missed out on a university place – why wait another year to pursue your career when you could spend it volunteering and gaining valuable knowledge? Volunteering helps build confidence, introduces you to new people and also gives you that feel- good factor of giving something back. So why not get involved, here at vinvolved Coventry we have access to over 300 volunteering opportunities ranging from Administration, to Gardening, from Music to Social Care – the list is endless.” Vinvolved Coventry at Voluntary Action Coventry is specifically for 16 to 25 years olds. For advice on what volunteering opportunities are available drop into their shop in town; 26 City Arcade. It is open between 9.30 – 4.30, Tuesday – Saturday.
Paul Woolford
careys
02/10/10
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VENUE
AN ANGEL AMONGST THE ROUGH Now that Wetherspoons has taken over the mantel of a cornershop (one on every road) the idea of an independent bar/cafe/eatery seems highly foreign, something you may get in Barcelona or Florence but stop, don’t go to europe for it, look no further than Spon Street. It somehow seems fitting for a bar like the Tin Angel to be situated on a mediaeval road, one full of character and charm but its also seems highly ironic that atmosphere-void pub chain JD Wetherspoons have recently acquired a slot at the top of the street
in the styleless Sky Dome (is that double irony?). What the Tin Angel lacks in size it makes up for in, well every other department. Fair enough it’s not the place your going to find stag do’s and all day drinkers but if your there for breakfast you might find a speciality tea and a tasty, mouth-watering treat and come the evening you might find yourself relaxing with a book, taking in a gig from a lesser known artist or just enjoying the unique character whilst workers trudge their way home.
Although the Tin Angel doesn’t offer eight pints and a burger for three quid fifty, girrating teenagers and jobcentre shy monkeys is does give you faith in quality and warm feeling that your not the only one who enjoy’s a little quality. Fair enough it’s not Las Rambla’s and it’s definitely not got a view of the Rialto Bridge but it’s better than “Spoons!” http://www.thetinagel.co.uk
PhotographyŠ Davoud Davies
VENUE
SPOTLIGHT
LUKE SPENCER Originating from England, Luke Spencer lives for creating and playing electronic music in it's various forms. Always striving to push things forward and keep things interesting, you will never hear Luke play the same set twice. He has performed at some of the best clubs in the World. These include; Sankeys Manchester, Pacha Ibiza, Godskitchen Birmingham, Zinc Dubai and Park 97 Shanghai.
Luke currently enjoys residencies for some highly acclaimed UK parties such as Gareth Emery’s Garuda Live and his own events with Matt Nash Wrong:Format and Casafunk. Check out the agenda page for details on parties. Luke Spencer and production partner Paul Abel have had considerable success with their music including releases on Gareth Emery's Garuda Records, Kinky Malinki, What Happens! and Hed Kandi
Some of you may remember the remixes of Coldplay's "Talk" and Gnarls Barkley “Crazy” which received many plays on BBC Radio 1 including Pete Tong's Essential Selection. Right now, Luke and Paul are really experimenting with new sounds, and look forward to releasing some exciting new music very soon. http://www.djlukespencer.com/site/hom e.html
SPOTLIGHT
BAR EDEN Eden has been on our radar for a number of years now. We’ve been present for lunch, evening meals and lazy summer afternoon’s in the terrace and we’ve never been disappointed. Bar Eden is quickly generating a name as one of the best bars/eateries in Coventry and with it's modern contemporary layout, heated marquee and open courtyard. It's the perfect place to begin your evening or visit for a chilled late beer.
Bar Eden offers a warm friendly laid back atmosphere for those people who want something unique and individual. Eden believes their customers come out to socialise rather than having to shouting over music and therefore impose a subtle music policy. To compliment Eden’s setting and array of quality drinks their events schedule brings together all manner of occassions from gigs to weddings.
If your looking for more than drink and music then check out Eden’s menu because it’s one to rival anywhere else in the city. If you after a quick snack at lunch or a romantic meal in evening then look no further, with it’s quality chef’s and beautiful surroundings, this will make your night one to remember. http://www.edencoventry.com/
INTERVIEW
,
covENTRY S MASTER MIXER PAUL MORRELL TALKS TO US ABOUT MUSIC, INFLUENCES, BISCUITS AND LIFTS AS HE PREPARES FOR THE 5TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AT CLASSIQUE WITH SPECIAL GUEST SONQIUE. Hi Paul, we know a little about you but for everyone out there can you tell us about you and what you do? I am a Coventry based DJ, Remixer, Producer & Promoter. I have lived in Coventry my entire life and have a love hate relationship with the city. I have run Classique events in Coventry for five years, in which time I have met some amazing, and some far from amazing people. I have a record collection that would probably stretch round the entire city centre if layed end on end & I have an obsession with music from all genres. My musical taste varies from Pop through to Hard House, and I hate being pigeonholed as a "specific genre" dj, as I just love all music. My most notible accolade to date is that I recently won "Best Breakthrough DJ" at the 2009 Ministry of Sound Awards, however I also have a string of other achievements to my name. I am currently signed to both Newstate Music (Virgin's dance division) and Tidy Trax. What made you get into music/DJ'ing? I always had a keen interest in house & electronic music, which started in the 1980s. I was always a big fan of people like Pet Shop Boys, Eurythmics, M People etc
and electronic progressed as a genre, I can remember buying records of artists like KLF & The Prodigy while most of my friends were spending their money on football cards etc. I had quite an impressive record collection for a ten year old which I still have lurking around the place somewhere!! What influences made you do what you do today. From your youth to the present day? Djs that influenced me have very little relevance with the youth culture of today, and when I mention certain names, younger DJs have no idea who I am talking about. Jeremy Healy was a massive influence for me, as he is technically one of the most skilled DJs that I have ever worked with. When I was first starting out as a DJ, Jeremy Healy commanded some of the highest fees in the land and was revered in the same way that maybe Deadmau5 or David Guetta are today. Danny rambling, Paul Oakenfold, Judge Jules, John Kelly and Andy Farley have also been massively influential artists for me. Farley, Jules & Kelly I now class as personal friends as they have been really supportive over the past few years, not
only with my tracks but also in developing Classique and giving me guidance as a new act. John Kelly in particular is just a brilliant example of somebody who rose to the very top of the profession in the 1990s and was there when dance music first kicked off in a big way in the UK, and I always love talking to him about the good old days. I was also lucky enough to work with a guy called Rob Searle, who undoubtedly had a massive impact upon my career. Rob had major success in the early 2000s with his remixes, however now produces for the likes of Pink & Cheryl Cole. Do you have any influences outside of music. Just personal heroes? I own every cd that Madonna has ever made, which maybe quite shameful to admit. However outside of music I would say my personal hero is a photographer called Mario Testino. I really get his eccentricity & love the creative work & vision that he is able to put across within his photography. I also love the fact that he is revered by the fashion industry, provides a glimps into that world.
INTERVIEW
IT ALSO LOOKS AS IF I AM GOING TO BE COLLABORATING WITH ROB TISERRA ON A NEW TRACK AT SOME POINT
INTERVIEW
We know you best from your work at Carey's but where else have you played? Ministry of Sound, Gatecrasher, Cream, Passion, Storm, The Egg, Tidy; they are just a few from the top of my head, however over the years there have been hundreds of venues that have come and gone. What's the best venue/night you've had the pleasure to play? I have played at some really mad places, and I would say that out of all of the venues I have performed at, Main Room at Ministry of Sound is always amazing. That said, I played a boat party in Stratford Upon Avon this year for about 50 people, and it was one of the best gigs I have done for ages. Im not sure whether this was to do with the fact that we were floating down the avon completely hammered at midday, or whether the acoustics of the boat were just amazing, however it made for a fun afternoon!! We see you've played alongside some well known names, who's the biggest in your eyes? At the moment Armin Van Buuren, however im sure he will be knocked off his pedestal very shortly. The thing with dance music culture is that it is a very bitchy & fickle environment, and people will always jump on a band waggon to support "the next big thing". Deadmau5 was massive last year, now Swedish House Maffia tend to be everyones favourite. To be honest I tend not to listen to "Who is the biggest" as it changes every five mins, and the people who are currently raving about the Swedes will next month be onto something else, its actually quite boring. We also see you released a tune with Sonique and filmed the video in Coventry. Where did that come from, how did it feel and what was it like? Yes, its actually a very long drawn out process, and has taken ages to become a single from its initial idea. We first recorded the track "Only You" a couple of years ago, and fired it off to a number of labels without any interest, however once the remix package was complete and the track had been remastered it was a different story. To work with an artist of Son's calibre is a real honor, as she has literally been to the top of the dance music industry having a Number 1 album both sides of the atlantic and a string of top ten singles around the world. I have actually worked on a number of projects with her including remixes of two of her new
singles "Don't Give A Damn", and "World of Change", and I have also remixed her best known track "It Feel's So Good". It was also great to see her perform our single at Bristol gay pride in August to about 10,000 people, as the reaction was amazing. We have also seen a CIC Mag sneak preview picture of you and Mutya from the Sugababes - what's going on there? I have a brand new single in the pipeline which has been vocaled by Mutya, and looks as if it will be released on Newstate Records at the end of the year. She was actually a really cool girl to work with and extremely professional. I had already written a track, so we literally spent the morning in the studio in London recording vocals & producing a brilliant finished product. The track is entitled "Only You", and will also feature several remixes including one from multi award winners Hoxton Whores, whom have remixed for Dido & Mariah Carey. Do you have her number? if yes can we have it? Yes, ill give you a clue, it starts 07..... Apart from playing in and around Coventry and the UK, we know you go to Ibiza alot, is it as mental as when we went in the mid-90's? To be fair, its probably a lot more mental now. Everything is in excess, the clubs are far more expensive to get into, which means that the people got with a more headonistic attitude, and are determined to enjoy themselves. I have seen things that would make you laugh and cringe over there!! What's the best club these days? In Coventry, Careys, in the world I would say Amnesia, Ibiza. I havent played there yet, however have my fingers crossed for next year. There is something really special about that venue & I hope that I get to add it to my CV one day. As a local hero, how does it feel to be noticed and recognised? Wierd, and not great when you nip into town to go to the bank looking less than stylish & someone recognises you. Do you get noticed by people who aren't into your style? I'm not really sure. I think people would have to have a certain interest in dance music to know who I am, although the fact that I have a big hoofing "MORRELL"
tattooed up my left arm isn't great for discretion either when I am wearing a t shirt. What are your plans for the rest of 2010? I actually have loads on this winter, which is great. I have several remixes being released on various labels including "Surreal - You Take My Breath Away" (Virgin), "Paul Morrell Vs Rawdirt Gouryella" (Nebula), "Bad Things" (Tidy), "Sonique - Don't Give A Damn" (ZYX), "BK & Anne Savage - Last Dance" (Riot), as well as the track with Mutya. It also looks as if I am going to be collaborating with Rob Tiserra on a new track at some point too. Gigs wise, I have 2 more sets at Ministry of Sound before Christmas, and Classique will also be celebrating its 5th Birthday in October, which is an amazing achievement for a night within a city with virtually no regular nightlife at all. What do you think to the future of Coventry's creative and music scene? There are some brilliant things happening in the city, and it has some extremely creative people in it. I think that the Gamma nights at the Kasbah will go from strength to strength, as the dubstep / d&b sound is gaining popularity by the day with young people, and Annie Mac / Skreem / Pendulum / Chase & Status have also done a lot to promote this genre. Its great to have an event like this in Coventry because it brings fresh talent to the city which really for its size has very little. and to end a few questions we test our guests credibility... How many biscuits can you eat without a drink? Probably the whole packet, im a fat person in a skinny body. No matter what I eat I never put weight on, meaning I have the appetite of Dawn French & the body of Mr Muscle!! What's the highest you have you been in a lift? I stayed at my friends flat in Ibiza this year, and it was REALLY high. I kept getting the urge to peer over the edge of the balcony which made me feel a bit sick. and finally who's the daddy? That depends who's asking... ;-) http://www.djpaulmorrell.co.uk/ http://www.iloveclassique.com
SPOTLIGHT
FUNKYST Funkyst Clothing™ Clothing originated in Coventry, UK by Nana Dadson a college student who is attending City College 2010. Funkyst Clothing consists of two graphic designers a promoter and photographers. Ending fall 2009 Funkyst Clothing™ started making strides over the passed year to become well known. There have been many people who have helped us get to where we are now (SPECIAL SHOUTS
TO EVERYBODY). Our Fans have helped us begin to spread from numerous parts of Holland and Italy. Funkyst Clothing™ Clothing's style aims not to follow but to lead. People are inspired everyday by the things that they are around the most, and Funkyst™ is no exception. Our clothing takes inspiration from everything that is shown in our world. We are inspired by nature, music, other fashion, different style periods and also
simplicity. Swag has been a word used very often in the passed few years. Swag is not something that can be bought, bitten or taught: It is CONFIDENCE within oneself. The clothing does not give you swag, its how you wear it. Funkyst Clothing ™ does not plan to be a trend; we are aiming for a MOVEMENT in URBAN STYLE. http://funkystclothing.blogspot.com/
CAUGHT PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIAL
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DAVID GOVER
SPOTLIGHT
KING KONG
1978 WASNT THE ONLY GOOD THING TO HAPPEN TO THE SKY BLUE CITY! WE TAKE A LITTLE LOOK AT KONG.
In Coventry, 1987 is known for one thing, the only thing and it’s what we, as a sporting city refer to anytime we make it past the third round! but in 1987, Garry Maloney who was the drummer for Discharge established a clothing store that has been dressing the people of Coventry and Leamington ever since. Kong quickly became known for quality, casual gear and all over the midlands the name Kong was soon the name on the lips of the masses who wanted ‘street’ brands. Over 20 years later Kong is firmly established in Coventry and Leamington Spa with stores that reflect the stylised shoppers and stock alike. Both branches are enhanced by their unique dressing and interior design and with the Coventry store
getting a bit of make-over in recently months we reckon Kong will continue to dress the coolest of Coventrians for many more years to come. One of Kong’s biggest draws is the brands they attract, from hight-street labels such Stussy, Carhartt, Nike SB, Adidas, Levis, and Vans to some lesser known but equally cool designers like the Hundreds, the future looks really bright. You can check out the latest gear online at www.kong-online.co.uk or visit them to see all the latest special deals, new stock and rarities on offer. http://www.kong-online.co.uk/
THEATRE
A Play, a PiE aND A PINT 30 SEpt - 30 Oct 2010 Leading theatre companies Paines Plough and Òran Mór bring their Play, Pie and a Pint shows to the Belgrade’s B2 for the first time this autumn. These hugely successful events will take place at 1pm and 6pm on Thursdays and Fridays, offering you the chance to spend your lunchtime or early evening watching a brilliant new 45 minute play – with a pie and pint thrown in! Saturday performances will be at 10.45am, with cake and coffee, and then at 12.30pm and 6pm with a pie and a pint. Running for five consecutive weeks, we’ll be offering five brand new plays by five of the UK’s leading writers, including Marie Jones, Gary Owen, Linda McLean, April De Angelis and David Harrower. Play one: 30 Sept - 2 Oct Fly Me To The Moon by Marie Jones Direction by James Grieve He never won any more than a couple a quid, but that was his life… all he had… his paper, the horses, memories of singing along with Frank Sinatra and a life of misery... he was better off dead in my opinion. Francis and Loretta are broke community care workers. Davy, one of their charges,
has had a posthumous win on the horses and the women grapple with their conscience. Marie Jones’ new black comedy investigates whether we are valued more in life or in death. Play two: 7 - 9 Oct In The Pipeline by Gary Owen Direction by David Horan Let’s barricade some bridges, let’s show them they can’t push us around. Which is fine, except they can push us around. And they will, if they want to. A massive liquid gas line tears through the countryside of west Wales. Gary Owen opens the doors to three of the residence in the port of Milford Haven, Andrew, Dai and Joan, who are caught in its path. Play three: 14 - 16 Oct The Uncertainty Files by Linda McLean Direction by Charlotte Gwinner When I get really overwhelmed I go to a drugstore and look at the little sample sizes in the travel section and it calms me because I can try anything and not commit to it. In this new play by Linda McLean, only one thing is for sure; nothing.
Play four: 21 - 23 Oct Calais by April De Angelis Direction by Tamara Harvey In years to come we’ll look back and it’ll be like it happened to someone else... someone we didn’t even know and it’ll be hard to feel sorry for… Horatio Nelson is dead but the women in his life live on. April De Angelis’ play explores the way in which Britain constructs an idea of itself through a war hero but questions how society really treats those involved in war? Play five: 28 - 30 Oct Good With People by David Harrower Direction by George Perrin Blustery day after day, racing cloud but still sun, still enough sparkling light to find us out here on the coast, you great unwashed. You don’t need a torch and a map till September. Evan has come home after a long absence. For a day and a night. It's more than enough. http://www.belgrade.co.uk/site/scripts/ show_details.php?showID=475
SATURDAY 25th SEPTEMBER @
MAISON PRIORY PLACE COVENTRY
Decadence aims to bring you the finest in house music at coventrys most elegant and stylish maison bar. Each month along with our residents we aim to bring you the very best in dj talent across the uk.
djs GRAEME CLARKE (resident) ANT BUTLER (puro / gatecrasher) JAMES HUGHES (Glas / wwjd) FREE Admission Times: 21.00-02.00 Dresscode: Chic & Stylish VIP boothes available for group bookings, birthdays.
Join our Facebook group for offers & info maisonbar@yahoo.co.uk
cicmag www.cicmag.t83.net
REVIEW
FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD Who doesn’t enjoy a meal out? A glass of vino on a school night, no washing up, no sweaty brow and no worries about how long it takes to get the perfect steak! Do you do that think with the tender part of your thumb? Well on arrival at Dogma, somewhere we’d been a few times before, casual drinks and stag do’s, we decided to plonk ourselves down in the casual but cool surroundings, there’s a happy vibe and really happy vibe. The menu offers plenty of choice without dilluted influences, contemporary grub, you know this isn’t an Iceberg Lettuce kind of gaff. Me and missus plunge for burgers, her’s Tuna and Mozzarella and mine Cajun Chicken. We continue to quaff the Merlot at only £9 a bottle with a Dogma Card - free online. Our grub arrives, perfectly presented, hand cut chips, a complete chicken breast, no battered Bernard Matthews thank you and thankfully no Iceberg. I peer over the table and in amazement I see a whole Tuna steak smoothered in Mozzarella and
topped with onion rings and spring onion, that’s a tuna steak I say in amazement! Didn’t expect that. Three more glasses of claret later and a larger stomach than arrival I prenounce, not half-heartedly but with gusto ‘amazing’ as my napkin hits the empty plate. We soak up the remaining atmosphere, gets difficult when perfectly prepared chips are popping out your ears and your shirts about to collapse. On request of the bill our enjoyment increased even more, our two meals combined generated a total of £8.90. We gladly passed a crisp tenner and thought about the recession, what recession?.
Thursday’s at Dogma is half price burger night, Tuesdays is half price steak steak and there are many other brilliant offers. http://www.dogmabars.com/
EMMA MCGANN When thinking about writing a review for Emma McGean first album, Start the Show I thought it should be a, NME inspired trip through emotion, pleasure and ‘Eton’ driven shit but after hearing each track I decided to knock that on the head because this album is basically brilliant. The idea of describing a song-smiths work with meaningless drivel which only impresses the article writers wit is pointless, this review is about Emma, her diverse array of lyrics, tunes and melodies, her ability to craft music to the highest standards at the youngest of ages. I would happily write a five hundred word piece about the final track, So Long, an awe-inspiring look into love, an angelic voice, a perfectly constructed piece of music, I’m not Mozart but I know a good tune and one that makes a ‘manly-man’ shed a tear is definitely good to me. Coventry’s very own angel. http://www.myspace.com/xemmaxac ousticx
Louis Proud Bio: LOUIS PROUD has rocketed in the year 2010, with his personal productions turning heads at the highest level within the music world. Including a recent release being licensed out to Ministry of Sound for there latest compilation album, “Hed Kandi – Twisted Disco 2010”. Featuring not only Louis’s track but Fedde Le Grand, Audio Bullys, Mason, Hostage & Many More. Louis has been gaining support on his recent tracks from the likes of Erick Morillo, Funkagenda, Joachim Garraud, Nico De Ceglia (Radio 1), Andi Durrant (Galaxy FM), Fedde le Grand, Matt Darey, Bobby Blanco & Many More! Louis has played out at many top venues and events over 2009/2010 including clubs such as AIR super club Birmingham, adding to his massive events which has seen him play along side the likes of Michael Woods, Thomas Gold, Mishca Daniels, Luke Neville, Matt Tolfrey, Sonny Wharton, Abigail Bailey, Rosie Romero, Will Bailey, again just to name a few!
New Releases with Proud Sound Productions Like A Rainbow // OUT NOW on all major download sites, Including Beatport, ITunes, DJ Downlad & Trackitdown Click here for Beatport
Click here for Trackitdown
You Turn Away // OUT FROM 23rd September 2010 Exclusive to Beatport & Trackitdown Click here for Beatport
Click here for Trackitdown
Info on artist: www.myspace.com/louisproud Digital Label: www.proudsound.com or www.myspace.com/proudsound (Also find artist and label on Facebook)
Proud Sound Studios now available for Hire at £250 a day with high tech equipment, Vocal booth and a Studio Engineer! Visit www.proudsound.com (Proud Sound Studio)
OPINION
FOR ONCE, IS PIRACY ACTUALLY A POSITIVE THING Article by Andrew Skinner
Intended for 50,000 ticket paying people, Woodstock festival was originally penned as a money making venture. Tickets were sold exclusively at record stores at $18 (£12) for three days of music, peace and drugs. Although this sounds exactly like the formation of modern day festivals (minus the extortionate fee) but something quite extraordinary happened at Woodstock, something that possibly defines the 60’s and the mind set and ideologies that sprouted during it.
helpful to music, allowing fans to talk to like-minded people and so on, but the last few years has seen the relationship sour.
Two days before the festival was to kick off, 50,000 people were already camping out, 50,000 people who hadn’t bought tickets; they’d simply strolled through the gaps in the unfinished fence and sat down, all for free. Probably the worst thing that could happen to the festival organisers, as there was absolutely no chance they could enforce any kind of system to make the non-payers pay, and so they had the untenable decision to make the festival free, something that cost them one hell of a lot of money. Once word spread of this free festival, (apparently) one million people set off for the New York field. Reports suggest that over 500,000 people were at Woodstock, ten times the original estimate.
This wouldn’t be the end though, with the Noughties bringing a whole new set of companies and technology to aggravate record labels. Torrents became the primary choice of downloaders, allowing them to download whole albums within minutes, and even the prosecution of the creators of website Pirate Bay wasn’t enough to stop the revolution.
One message came from this; music should be free. Okay, so hippie peace and love and ‘stuff should be free maaan’, but fast forward just under forty years and things look very similar. The re-emergence of this ideology is pretty much entirely down to the internet. The invention of this undeniably amazing piece of technology may have started off being
File-sharing’s roots go all the way back to the late seventies, but it was only as the nineties drew their final breaths when things started to hot up. Programs such as Napster and Limewire started to create resentful ripples within the music industry, with record label bosses angry at the ‘stealing’ of music, which meant users could download songs for free.
There is, unquestionably, a morality issue, because technically it is theft, but the music and economic worlds remain divided on the subject. Reid Currie, lead singer of Coventry band The Shackletons argues that music piracy is good for the industry, and that it will help ‘revolutionise the way people consume music’. “It’s a great tool for getting your music out to as many people as possible, which is the ultimate aim of any band or artist. If you’re only making music to make money then you’re heartless and you’ve pretty much sold your soul. It’s about getting people off and having an impact on people’s lives. Being a musician isn’t a job, it’s a lifestyle and a religion”
The likes of Radiohead and Muse agree, although they’re in a comfortable situation as they’ve already made their millions. It’s the upcoming acts that need protection, as producing an album, and everything else that goes with being a musician is very costly. Currie disputes this though, saying “starting up a new band is all about sacrifices and not having a penny to your name, it helps you bond with each other and definitely helps you write fucking mint music”. It all hit the proverbial pan last year when Lily Allen famously deleted her Twitter account as she was getting so much ‘abuse’ for her strong anti-piracy stance. It does say quite a bit about how the public feel on the topic, but that’s really not too surprising as a keen music fan can save hundreds of pounds every year by acquiring their albums for free. So what’s the future going to bring? It doesn’t seem that piracy is realistically stoppable, so why not help mould it into something that’s beneficial to all? Spotify is leading the way with this, offering free music but using advertising revenue to ensure artists don’t go empty handed. Paid subscriptions are optional, but what about this for an idea: Why not charge £10 a month to use the program? I can’t think of many people who’d begrudge paying £10 for all the music they wanted. Piracy is here to stay, and it’s the music industry that needs to adapt rather than the consumers. Just think, where would we be right now if there were fences erected at Woodstock all those years ago.
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