DARKUS Music – Fashion – Lifestyle
Issue 6: 2015
Vancouver Fashion Week Dr Martens AW15 Collection Circa Waves
Wreckreation MASATO London AW 2015 Collection
joni George valadares
Leeds Festival 2015: Highlights & Interviews FOALS Eliza & The Bear
EDITORS NOTE
This past few weeks has been incredible! Running a magazine can be such a time consuming thing, and there is no such thing as standard hours, because creativity can happen anytime and anywhere. What makes this magazine special is the hard working team I have who share the dream and the vision. I look back of the progress from where I first started as a blogger to present day. I have learnt such a lot. To be a successful creative means trusting your instincts and continually searching for that next level, that extra dimension. Ok it may feel a little bit alien at first but then within every situation lies a hidden blessing - it’s just up to us to decide how we choose to make the best of the situations we are given.
Looking through issue 6, I am incredibly proud of each and every person who has made the vision of a crazy music fan, fashion diva, day dreamer, a reality. If you have never been sure of the magazine for whatever reason, this issue will certainly encourage you to place your confidence in Darkus where you will fully see the exciting, pure and honest world that awaits - both as contributor and reader! Our journey may be a work in progress and there is still lot more to achieve, but trust me when I say this, the adventure you will experience on the way will create memories like no other! Thank you all for the support! Love you all!
Thushara
The
Darkus Team Editor-In-Chief: Deputy Editor:
Thushara S Chandrasiri Pixie Tenenbaum
Lead Photographer:
Kate McConrey
Graphic Designer:
Laura Robinson
Music Team:
Photography Team:
David Macnab, Eva Lightfoot, Georgia Rogers-Smith, Becca Fergus, Jack Alexander Chris Ord, Jemma Dodds, Amy Hanna, Eleanor Weitzer
Fashion/ Lifestyle Team:
Ross Pollard, Megan Lowes, Eleanor Weitzer
Hair and Make Up Team:
Holly Moulden, Max Parker, Ashley Wallace, Steph O’Neill
Twitter: @DarkusOfficial Facebook: Darkus Magazine Instagram: @darkusmagazine www.darkusfashion.bigcartel.com A special thank you to: 9PR, Carry On Press, Chuff Media, Devil PR, Ian Cheek Press, Little Press, Pomona, Simon Sarin, Spinefarm Records, The Zeitgeist Agency, Tony Linkin, Vancouver Fashion Week, Wilful Publicity
Contents M u s i c Afnan Prince. Alexa Goddard. Atreyu. Bless The Fall. Circa Waves. Drenge. Eliza And The Bear. Five Finger Death Punch. FOALS. Jerry Williams. Kimberly Anne. Kosoti. Leeds Festival 2015 Interviews & Highlights. Of Mice & Men. PALACE. PROSE. Reverend And The
Makers. Saint Sister. Shh It’s A Secret. Stereophonics. Sweet Billy Pilgram Swim Deep The Calls The Hoosiers Trampolene VANT Victorious
F a s h i o n Vancouver Fashion Week Wreckreation The Importance Of Being Basic Stefanie Calleja-Gera Miss Transgender UK Mens Fashion London Fashion Week: Jasper Garvida Herecy UK Masato London Vintage Boutique Avant-Garde Diamonds Are Forever Dr Martens AW 2015 Joni George Valedares – Waxing Lyrical About Hot Wax KA Designs The Rise Of A Vegan Lifestyle Models Of The Cupcake Journals Diversity Survive The Unconventional LR photography Los Renegados La Vuelta A Espana Is This It
L i f e s t y l e
Afnan Prince
Darkus Magazine: Afnan such a pleasure to meet you finally. Please tell us a little bit more about yourself and where your at in your journey?
really good, and I got all shy and ran upstairs. Anyway back to the band. We did some practices together and played a few shows – we still hadn’t got the girls yet at that point by the way haha Afnan: Pleasure is all mine not even close! Ever since my friend. Ah where do I then I discovered something I begin! I guess the start is actually love. I then originally the best place. I used to be wanting to study English a semi-professional athlete, Language at Newcastle as a cricketer – my forte fast University, changed last bowling. I had a trial for the minute to Performing Arts at North England squad but Northumbria. I really went in then was unable to follow as such a novice, but having through due to an injury. the experience of being part That really put a spanner in of the Xfactor under my belt, the works and I was at a point my ability to sing helped in where I didn’t really know secure my place on the what to do with myself. It course. As a result I learned was also at a time where we how to act, how to perform, were still discovering who we thus developing some pretty were as people – you know valuable skills. the 15/16 kind of age. I was Around about that time I kind of trying to differentiate was part of a cool duo called, myself everyone else, and ‘Backseat Angel’ and we did find my ‘it’ factor. a lot of tours, in talks with Then me and my friends at the likes of Island Records, the time (we weren’t the cool countless radio play and life kids by any the time let me was looking pretty fantastic. tell you that haha), we were However when we got like ok what is going to get towards finalising stuff and us girls! And then I can’t getting to the thick of it all, remember who it was but it the other guy in the band was like “lets start a band”. turned round to me and said Straight away I was like he wanted to be a teacher. I ‘hell yeah! Lead singer right was like ok I totally respect here’, but didn’t really know I your decision, wish you had could sing because my only told me a bit sooner though prior experience was singing but hey it was cool. He’s Craig David’s ‘Walking Away’ doing pretty well these days, under my breath. What a he’s a teacher and a published tune right? Haha! My mum poet. It was from that point and dad said to me hey that’s I then started to develop my
own sound. DM: There is more to you than just music. Your also a model and an actor, all very exciting interests. Can you tell us a little bit more how the music fitted into the equation? A: The way it all came about was that the whole acting and performing showed me different ways I could incorporate music, merge those loves and create something special with that. The modelling however was purely by chance. I got spotted in the street, and the first time it happened I was like ‘yeah whatever’, thinking it was a bit of a windup. It then happened again so thought ok and decided to go with for a chat with A.M Models and it was good – got some great experience. I got a job in my first week and it kind of went from there. When A.M closed their doors I then went to Tyne Tees Models. I am really blessed for the experiences they both continue to give me. Now though I am ready to turn myself into a brand, and approach things from that perspective especially as my goals are so large. I don’t like to put a cap on myself and have this vision which drives and keeps me motivated so I can be the best I can be.
DM: This year has been incredible for you right? With the song writing regional finals back in April, to the countless plays on both the TV and radio. Which of these seems more like a dream?
curse. DM: Having played along many great artists such as Electric Six and Gallows, how do you think it has enhanced you as a musician?
A: Its really funny this,
A: I think the influence of other great artists, especially
because it’s a case of being in the moment where my mind is focused so I cant really enjoy it to the fullest. Its only when I look back I see it as a dreamscape. At the same time I am always wanting more and can sometimes be hard on myself which can be seen as both a blessing and a
when I see them mastering their craft, really pushes me to think to myself if they are doing it how can I push myself to the next level? Its that inspiration those moments provide, that you know these artist are in that flow state when their just channelling that true sense of
performance. Whenever I see that, whatever genre, that’s what inspires me and pushes me to want to have it more and more. DM: To be a truly creative person, what does it take?
A: You need to be fearless and embrace failure. I think you got to love your ‘fuck ups’. Its all fine and well doing things first time and being fantastic at something but that extra level and evolution comes from learning from failure -
That’s why I love it when things go wrong because I can actually learn something. You will know from experience that when something goes wrong it will stick with you. It serves as a reminder and a lesson and also stops us from being complacent. It is so easy to become complacent. I find myself guilty of this too, however when you are immersed in a creative world, whatever the art form may be, it’s quite easy to resort to methods which have worked for you in the past. It was upon hearing a great talk from Steven Kotler on Flow States and its connection to creativity which really got me thinking. When you are in that flow state and are experiencing that transient hypo-frontality, your focus is on what you need to do, and nothing else. That is when you do your best work and inspiration hits. I try to induce that state as often as possible. DM: If we were to look inside your mind, what do you think it would teach us about your vision and what it represents? A: This is an interesting question. Firstly I would not recommend looking inside my mind it’s a strange place haha! Its just always processing, my
friend. I dream of these tiny significant moments and then focus on how to manifest them in reality. The fact remains as I evolve as a human being, so do my thoughts and goals. It feels like my life is an never ending story, so I guess what you would experience is a frantic hunger! I am in love with evolution .That is why I like things like fitness too because it allows me to experience tangible changes within myself. You’re quite literally a piece of clay, there to be moulded by ideas and they too change as a constant. So yeah it’s a lot of those kinds of thoughts, mixed with the influences of cartoons such as Adventure Time. DM: Having seen you perform live and now listening to your music online, I would say that one of my favourites is ‘Wolves’. For anyone still getting to grips with your music, are there any other songs you would recommend as a good starting point? A: My most accessible song is probably ‘She’, it’s the one which is most readily recognised. Wolves is a good starting point too though! As I said on mic the other night, they’re all just me ‘whispering my deepest, darkest secrets’, to quote Conor Oberst. DM: Being a positive and
strong willed as you are, how have you found the UK music scene? A: Frustrating is a word! Haha! I have been doing this for ten years and I have certainly been working my ass off. My manager Sanila is absolutely fantastic and we have been working so hard to secure opportunities. Recently we got a contract through from a major label via an opportunity and we’ve had great talks and relationships with certain labels before. But something seems to always get in the way. So we’ll see how it goes! You know what though? It has got to a point where I am questioning whether I need a label. We are in the information age and beyond making audiences more accessible than ever. That’s why I have started to put on my own intimate shows and create the Welcome To The Secret Garden Tour. There’s just something quite inviting and motivating about the idea of doing it all yourself. I have already found a lot of joy and solace in my music because if I didn’t enjoy what I was doing why would I put myself through such torture.
DM: What was the most valuable piece of advice that you were given – be it music, modelling or life in general? A: The best two pieces I was ever given is: Accept failure and learn from it! – Given to me by my mentor Professor Graham Danby, it is one that has really stuck with me and changed the way I see opportunities. Secondly – one I told myself was, you have to be the hardest worker in every room and you have to believe in yourself. If you don’t, how can you expect others to? DM: Do you have any favourite influences when it comes to music?
will be a chatting crowd, but then as soon as I open my mouth you can hear a pin drop. It still catches me off guard, because that level of respect shown to an artist on stage is the biggest acknowledgment of ‘ok man were listening, lets see what you got, were on your side!’. DM: This year we have seen the rise and in some respects the return of guitar music. Would you agree? A: I would. Ben Howard came out with a great record. That first track from The End Of The Affair is beautifully heart breaking. I think this is the time for it, and we are seeing the resurgence of a deeper focus on song writing as a craft. People seem to be honing more onto the way the words are delivered. I know I certainly am.
for a beautiful coffee and a chat. This evening I will be cooking and eating a big meal (I’m salivating just thinking about it haha) Then I’ll handle some business – emails, admin that sort of thing and go over my script . I might have a little bit of chill time, maybe write a song, who knows?! Then early to bed and up at 6am to drive to Norwich. DM: Just drawing back to the modelling for a moment. Have there been any qualities of being a model which have crossed over in to the music side of things and vice versa?
A: They go hand in hand. With the way the music industry is at the moment, image is important, so it’s a A: I have quite a varied bonus. As for the modelling, background, but I absolutely as I am so used to expressing love the likes of Jeff Buckley. myself through the music, the He is absolutely timeless. modelling has been helped Matt Corby another great DM: With such an active as I get to express myself musician at the minute. And lifestyle, what does a standard in pictures. A lot of people also based on his skills as a day look like in the life of think modelling is such a lyricist, Bright Eyes’ Conor Afnan Prince? piece of cake but it really isn’t Oberst. –yeah…you don’t find a lot of A: Lets just go with today. cake in modelling! Haha! DM: When working your I got up at 6am, got ready way through the local and everything, Had a client music scene, what is the I was training in the gym, most valuable form of trained myself, then got to acknowledgment a talented rehearsals and was there musician such as yourself can till 1pm. Quickly got some Afnan Prince receive? lunch, made sure I was on A: There a moment that track with my nutrition for Questions By Thushara happens at every show now, the day, then went back to this beautiful and incredibly rehearsals till 6pm. Then Page Design by Laura humbling thing where there headed over to see yourself Robinson
DM: If people want to discover more about you, what are the main ways? A: Facebook: Afnan Prince Official Instagram: @afnanprince Twitter: Afnan_Prince YouTube: AfnanUK DM: I wish you nothing but good fortune and incredible memories for the months to come. Is this the start of the next dimension for Afnan Prince?  A: Absolutely! I am excited for the future – are you? DM:. Are You at your happy place? A: Of course I am! Its very rare you see me without a smile on my face!
Alexa Goddard What I love about this time of year is not only discovering new music, but also its also great opportunity to catch up with some of my Darkus favourites to see how they are doing since we last checked in. One of my favourite female singer-song writers, having first discovered her thanks to my good friend Elspeth almost a year ago, has to be Alexa Goddard. Eee I remember when I first listened to her addictive track ‘Marilyn’ for the first time, I was absolutely hooked from the start. Even listening back to it now it still fills me with the same level of excitement, if not more that I had then. So what has been going on with this talented and inspirational lady since then? There have been countless TV appearances, playing at the likes of Wireless Festival, and most importantly the growth of a fan base who like myself have fallen in love with everything about her – the music, the personality , the positive vibe she possess and of course that beautiful captivating voice. Every now and then you will come across an artist who you feel a real connection with; because the material they create can easily be related to regardless of gender or age – Alexa Goddard is just one of these exceptional artists! Fast forward to summer 2015, and Alexa announce the release of her latest track, ‘We Broke The Sky’. I find everything about this track meaningful and beautiful, particularly if you focus on the lyrics. With this track we
see how Alexa continues to push herself as a songwriter. Feeling a little more serious compared to the upbeat tracks such as So There, ‘We Broke The Sky’ is nevertheless a strong song which shows that Alexa has a lot to offer. At present there are no tour dates, however the best way to discover more about any artist, especially in regards to Alexa Goddard is through the power of social media. Not only will you get an insight into the journey of one of the UKs best emerging artists, but it is also a chance to experience her skills as a female singer-song writer for yourself. -Written By Thushara Twitter: @alexagoddard Facebook: Alexa Goddard YouTube: AlexaMusicTV Photos By Elspeth Van Der Hole Assistant: Maddy Goddard
-Page Design By Laura Robinson
Orange County’s Atreyu have released a video for Do You Know Who You Are. new music video for the song Do You Know Normally I would find the use of handwritten Who You Are from signs in a music the recently released video unbearably Long Live album. cliché and I, like all people questionable to say worth their salt, the very least but in have seen the Never this video both band Ending Story, with its and fans explore luck dragons, giant their own identities turtles and of course and what drives the great hunter of them, of course with the plains Atreyu. these handwritten He may have been signs and I feel chased by an evil strangely ok with wolf and defeated it, but mixed with the “nothing” but monochrome he never released a cinematography metalcore album or (which appears to a music video for an excellent new track off a be very popular at the minute, with metalcore new album but Orange County, California’s at least) the video has a tendency to almost heavy metal thunder band Atreyu have! And make me agree with the statement that this have in fact just released a poignant new video is poignant, almost.
The video is touching and charming but I’m still left wondering how exactly it’s poignant since I’m not sure some signs and a lack of colour make it such. Although the song does push it close to the edge I’m still not overly convinced. Despite my reservations about the video the song itself also does an amazing job of asking us the listeners who we are, what drives us and how we see ourselves. The song itself feels minimalist with its drum heavy beats but has some nice simple guitar work with a splash of solo that isn’t inspiring anyone to start head banging but certainly gets the classic chilled head bob. The vocal talents of frontman Alex Varkatzas with distorted sound mixed with drummer Brandon Saller’s clean chorus lines put the song on multiple levels at the same time by mixing rugged distorted badassery and clean sombre tones. I will be the first to admit that I was never Am I Not Atreyu? Then Who Am I?
a big fan of Atreyu, not being the greatest metalcore fan since it doesn’t have a low enough tuning and lyrics anyone can understand but after this video and song I found myself thinking that maybe I shouldn’t have been quite so dismissive of Atreyu as I have been before. This is because this is a truly well done track, with just enough things going on to make one feel wrapped up, while as I have already said, this song won’t be getting any hard-core head bangers it’s pretty relaxed and definitely gets the head bob seal of approval. Long Live is now available now for both digital download and purchase in selected retailers, unfortunately though there are no confirmed UK dates for the upcoming Long Live tour that kicks off on October 2, although we will be sure to find out soon enough whether the band will skip stones to our side of the pond.
Article By Jack Alexander
Photos By Porter McKnigh
BlessTheFall
Blessmysoul! By Jack Alexander
Blessthefall release new album to follow up 2013’s Hollow Bodies. Ever since September 18 I have found many of my friends shouting to each other: “Do you have the new Blessthefall album?!” Which left me wondering who these guys are? Why are my friends so excited about a new album drop? Are they on to something good that I’m missing out on? The simple answer is, a fat slab of Arizona metalcore goodness! I dug around and discovered “To Those Left Behind” is the follow up to 2013’s “Hollow Bodies” that reached #15 in America’s Billboard Album Charts Top 200, The band Headlined Vans Warped Tour 2013 and ’15 and made runs with the likes of Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine and Asking Alexandria. After digging this up I thought I should give these guys a listen but not being contented to jump in at the deep end and listen to the new album “To Those Left Behind” straight away I took it upon myself to look back at their earlier tracks and albums such as Hollow Bodies, Witness and His Last Walk . After an enjoyable few hours of good music, with tasty riffs, a brilliant mix of vocal styles and some drumming that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, I decided to leave the past to itself and break out the new single “Up in Flames”. I could instantly tell I wasn’t going to be disappointed by the follow-up to Hallow Bodies if the album was anything like this single, relentlessly throwing out the band’s refined vocal style mixing growling and
melody, even faster guitar riffs peppered with some excellent breakdowns that made metalcore as a genre famous in the beginning. When I played the album from beginning to end I felt as though I was on a journey, through highs and lows, with tracks like Oathbreaker and Walk on Water still holding true to the Band’s style while pumping out the more excitable vibes, while Condition_ Comatose and Departures feel more sombre but both still feel just as heartfelt as anything they’ve done before. The single promised a great deal and it certainly delivered, once again producing sublime guitar riffs, demonstrating the amazing vocal range and those drums that make me feel fuzzy with double peddle joy. But the album also delivers a sombre and touching side which was touching if not bordering on moving with its brief use of symphonic instruments. Truly this Arizona quintet have excelled and forced themselves that step further to create an amazing album once again with lead man Beau Bokan quoted as saying “We are at our absolute best as musicians and songwriters” and with the excellent mix of their staples and new ideas I for one will not be arguing with that statement anytime soon. For an emotional rollercoaster, that takes what Blessthefall have done before and in the words of Spinal Tap, turns it up to 11, then this is the album that you want! To Those Left Behind and Up in Flames are now available on iTunes and selected retailers. Page Design by Laura Robinson
Circa Waves Questions By Eva Lightfoot Answers By Colin Jones (Drummer)
We caught up with the lovely Circa Waves despite their hectic tour diary, for an insight into life on the road. After a busy summer Circa Waves are about to embark on their UK headline tour with their debut album Young Chasers, truly showing there is no rest for the wicked. Darkus Magazine: You are currently touring the states, how do U.S crowds compare to home crowds? Colin: The UK crowds for us seem to be crazy from start to finish. The U.S crowds are very respectful watch the show, but go crazy with an applause. DM: Are you excited for your eight dates this autumn back in the UK? C: All of us are pretty excited it’s the biggest headline shows we have ever played, we all have different home towns so the shows nearest those ones always get you excited to see family and friends you haven’t seen in a while. DM: What do you miss most whilst you are on the road? C: To be honest, it’s a local restaurant called King Du! It’s the first thing I have whenever I get home. DM: Are there any home comforts you wish you could take with you? C: The chefs at King Du.
DM: If you could only take one album on the road with you, what would it be? C: AC/DC - Back in Black DM: How many guitars do you take with you on tour? C: 6! I’m sure if we could take more, we would. DM: What is your favourite track to play live? C: Best Years, we don’t play it often but it’s making a comeback for the UK tour. DM: Have any of you injured yourself whilst on tour, any wild stage dives ended badly? C: I’ve split my hand open a few times never realised until we finished the set where my kit then looked like a crime scene. DM: You must get to see lots of interesting places whist on the road, where is your favourite place to visit? C: I’ll have to say America, there’s so many cities to visit and so much to say see each time you come over there’s always something new you find. DM: What is the largest crowd you’ve ever played to - any arena tours in the future? C: Largest Headline show would be Shepherd’s Bush on the last UK tour. Of course, why stop at Arena’s when there are stadiums! Page design by Laura Robinson
Drenge Derbyshire post-grunge trio Drenge’s raging, mardy, post-adolescent frustration laden self titled debut album caused imminent waves within the B-Town consumed music scene of 2013. Riding on the wave of a critically acclaimed second release, Undertow, a stint in the States and their own headline tour, we had a natter with Eoin Loveless prior to supporting Wolf Alice at Newcastle University. Becca: At the beginning of the year, you appeared on the Letterman Show. How has the reception been over in America and is it anything compared to what you’ve received in the UK?
was all “Yeah sure!”. We just wanted to go on a really cool tour of the States, we’d been there before and we’ve got super dedicated fans… but about four of them. They’re always like “OH MY GOD, YOU WERE SO GOOD…BUT THERE’S NO ONE HERE AND IM SO EMBARRASSED”. Every show was getting a bit like that, so we thought why not support a really cool band, so it’s like a really cheeky way of stealing their fans! We were more terrified when they asked us to support the UK tour, they’re incredibly popular over here, but it’s been a really fun couple of weeks. David: I saw you play Benicassim in 2014 and you thanked Wolf Alice on stage; was that the same kind of thing?
Someone was like, “you can use Kodaline’s stuff?” and absolutely no disrespect to Kodaline, but I don’t think their equipment could quite pull off the bashing of a Drenge set! Becca: So, has going from a duo to trio altered the dynamics of the band? E: It’s really heavy, I feel like I’m on the edge of being in a metal band. No – if we got another drummer, then I would feel right on the cusp of a metal band! Becca: The North East has quite a tightknit, vibrant underground music scene. Was there a similar community where you grew up and how did you get your music out there?
E: That was how our band managed to get by week by E: Well we flew with Ryanair, week, there was a really solid Eoin: No (laughs), we’re still and they left all of our gear in bunch of people putting incredibly small fish over the airport. Drums, guitars, on gigs. One of the reasons there! The only reason we’re pedals, the lot, and we were we wanted to start a band on tour with Wolf Alice in the UK is because I sent Theo due to fly to America the next was to become friends with day. Boring, boring story but other people who were in (bassist, Wolf Alice) a text Wolf Alice lent us all their bands, and get involved in going “Hey, can we support stuff and saved our bacon! a community that was selfyou in the States?” and he
Questions by Becca Fergus & David Macnab Answers By Eoin Loveless (Guitar&Vocals)
David: We went to our first Glastonbury this year and caught a secret set from Drenge and Wolf Alice, which was very unexpected as Drenge weren’t featured at all throughout the rest of the weekend, How are these things planned? E: There’s some backstage business! We weren’t planning on going, we all had a free weekend and wanted to spend it in bed. Someone asked us if we wanted to do the secret slot on Thursday night with Wolf Alice and Catfish & the Bottlemen (who didn’t end up playing due to illness). They told us we wouldn’t get paid, but
we would get free tickets to Glasto and for me, doing what we do, we give up a lot of personal time. We make sure we get some friends down to a festival where we’re not the main attraction, so we took our girlfriends and our friend James and had a really good time! David: It definitely is all about the company, it wouldn’t have been the same without the people we were with. Now, you’re signed to Infectious Records, which is run by Korda Marshall. I spoke to him a while ago and he sang nothing but praise for you. Is it important to be signed to someone who
values you musically, and not just money-wise? E: Korda’s really clever; he starts an independent label, signs loads of really cool bands and makes a lot of money when he sells it on. He’s a clever businessman but he really loves music. There’s labels who are fiercely independent, which creates problems in itself, as bands get too big and the label can’t support them.
Becca: Undertow has the trademark Drenge sound about it, but is more experimental than your debut. What inspires you when writing and how did you ensure it would top what your first album had already achieved? E: I remember when me and Ru were in a car with our mum and she has our album on in the car all the time, and usually we’re begging for her to turn it off because it’s really embarrassing! This time we wanted to listen, and Rory told her to leave it on, and when we finished to it, we hadn’t listened to it in a year and were satisfied, but picking on where it could be improved. It gave us a vision on where we wanted to go next, and for me as a guitarist, the guitar tone didn’t change much, it was good and heavy, but there wasn’t much let-up. Getting a bass player has freed us up a bit more and it was a more enjoyable record to make. I definitely enjoy listening to it more than the first record! David: What usually comes first when writing; the lyrics or the riffs? E: Individual parts and really rough guitar sketches, and
then a bit of structuring with Rory, and then decades later arrives the lyrics! I always struggle with lyrics, I hate writing them. You have to know the song really well beforehand to determine what lyrics suit that music best. I write all the lyrics, and there’s a particular voice you need to maintain. The ‘Drenge’ lyric history is all from my point of view, and if we got someone in to help, it wouldn’t feel like a Drenge
E: I think we had enough material for the first album, we recorded 4 more songs and it was pretty much done! For the second album, we got it out quickly but we didn’t write any B-Sides, which is why we didn’t release any 7” singles, and I feel a bit weird about that because I’ve always liked singles with B-Sides and I feel a bit lame not having that to back it up. We’ve never been rushed from a label perspective, but that’s not to say we don’t have a manager who organises our time. Being creative isn’t easy to do on tour when you’re constantly with your instruments, and your free time is usually when you have to be, and it’s hard to determine a day when you can told to be creative.
song, which makes me sound like a fucking control freak! Before I let anyone hear it, our manager, our producer, or even let it out of my mouth into a microphone, it has to be at least alright.
Becca: What are your plans after this tour finishes and are there any more releases on the horizon?
E: We go on tour with Wolf Alice in the States next week for three weeks, and then David: Is there ever a hefty we might go for another deadline when being rushed support tour later this year, into releasing a second album but nothing confirmed yet! or are you in control of that Any other releases…I need as a band? to write some more songs! I need some time off! Page Design by Laura Robinson
Eliza And The Bear
Darkus Magazine: What have the past few months been like for you? James: Its been a pretty good summer, playing a number of festivals including Reading and Leeds which was really strange. We have always been to those events as fans, so to be on the other side as part of the line up is just unbelievable. The thing I love about the whole Reading and Leeds experience, that although its good to see the big names on the bill, it is also encourages the presence of many up and coming artists, giving music fans that extra bit of variety. DM: The self titled debut album is released 19th February 2016. How important is a debut album to a band such as yours? J: It is very important, because it represents
everything you are. We took our time to work on the album, which consisted of 3 years of hard work. However we wanted to create something which was strong, rather than rushed for the sake of releasing a record. With this record not only does it offer an insight of who Eliza And The Bear are, but you can kind of describe it as a testimony of our journey. DM: The latest single Lion’s Heart was released 4th September 2015, how happy are you with it? J: We originally had it as a B-side track, so it was good to re-release it as a single with a whole new dimension and freshness to it. We are just eager now to share some of the other tracks on the album to the fans.
DM: Lion’s Heart is more than just a song, appealed to you? it also has a positive message about finding J: You know what it was, when we were all your inner strength. Has there ever been a growing up and even before we knew each time when you and the band have had to be other we were all at the same show for a brave yourselves? band called Underoath back in the day, J: Yes! It was probably when we first toured which we hadn’t realised till later. Therefore with Paramore. I remember we started the as we had never played their before with tour over in Manchester, and we played to this band, as it was a venue that was special more people than we had ever played in to each of us, it felt only right we play at front of before. It was so overwhelmingly least one show at KOKO. but we got together and knew we had to all DM: Your songs have countless media our strength and energy to ensure that we coverage be it being played on movies, the could be the best we could be. MasterChef final, The Olympics and even DM: You have your own UK tour starting the Bulmers advert. What was it like to have soon. How is prep going for that? your music chosen? J: Yea its going really good. There is a lot of J: It is kind of weird, but we couldn’t be planning, not just terms of what we play, more grateful. You have to act as normal but also the stage lighting, layout etc. We about is possible, however my mum still are just really buzzing because it feels like gets excited when she hears our material on a long time ago when we did a tour of our the TV haha! It just shows you though how own. the power of TV has helped to opened the DM: For a lot of band’s having a headline avenues of Eliza And The Bear getting more show in London is really important, and opportunities to have our music heard with a variety of outstanding venues especially on such high profile shows as available, what was it about KOKO which MasterChef.
DM: So if you were in the MasterChef finals – what would your signature dish be? J: Ooo! It would maybe risotto as I do love making that. Also there is this other dish I discovered when we were abroad called Dan Dan Noodles – totally delicious that I haven’t been able to find it anywhere in the UK. DM: Eliza And The Bear originally started as a hobby, so at what point were you ready to take things to the next level? J: It still feels like a bit of a hobby. When we were first got together we were practising in a bedroom of one of our members, and uploaded one of our songs onto Facebook. From there more and more people kept getting in contact, which just encouraged us to gradually release more and more, and eventually an EP. Having seen the feedback online was one thing, but to then see some of those same people come to the shows too just made us realise, ok this is real. DM: How important were the early days to the journey of Eliza And The Bear? J: I would say they were really important.
There was a year we had no activity whatsoever in the public domain. The focus was just to concentrate on writing material without the pressures of the outside world so to speak. It may have not been the most orthodox thing to do, but it was right for us. DM: Having come so far already, what would be that next stage? J: My girlfriend always says when you start to get recognized in the street, that’s when you know your at that next stage. DM: Why is now a good a time as any to invest in Eliza And The Bear? J: Firstly like we discussed we are about to release an album which really represents who we are as a band. Also any one who comes to our shows will be able to hear us when our journey is still fresh, spread the word to their friends, and in a few years time be able to say to others, I knew them from the early days. You are not just investing in the music of Eliza and The Bear but our story and evolution too. -Questions By Thushara Answers By James Kellegher (Vocals & Guitar)
Page design by Laura Robinson
Five finger Death Punch!
Don’t Worry Ivan… We Got Your Six! By Jack Alexander
Following a phenomenal Performance at Download 2015, Nevada’s Five Finger Death Punch release their sixth studio album Got Your Six. For those among us who attend Download Festival this year, we are extraordinarily lucky and we should discuss the badassery bestowed upon us but let us first remove our hats and have a moment’s silence for those who missed out on the epic set of Five Finger Death Punch!
If you have listened to any of Five Finger’s previous works then I don’t really need to explain to you the feeling you get when the lyrics, the guitar, the drums, the whole thing blasts out from your speaker, but if you haven’t then I must do two things, first ask why not? And second, explain the rush, the exhilaration, the feeling of strength that works its way through your veins. There is something very specific that happens when you listen to this band and I have difficulty pin pointing exactly what it is, but whatever it is I feel grateful for it. I have been lucky enough to see Five Finger Death Punch live at least three times and I would consider myself a pretty die hard fan, so when I discovered that one of my favourite bands had released a follow up to 2013/14‘s two part album Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, going by the name Got Your Six at Britain’s holy land of alternative music Download Festival, I was hard pressed to contain my excitement, although not for very long since I then jumped into a pit the size of a bus. I like so many others heard the first song released from
the album, Jekyll and Hyde with its rhythmic drumming, heavy riffs, badass vibes and vocals that we can all remember and shout, and found myself scowling and jumping around, imagining myself as frontman Ivan Moody shouting “Ooh e ooh
e ooh”, but then I listened to the full album and had to settle for sweeping up the remains of my blown mind. The album opens with the title track that blasts out some heavy riffage early on and slaps you in the face straight away with that pumped up, angry vibe that we’ve all come to love, but also makes us feel a part of something bigger with its lyrical message, but more importantly both the lyrics and drums encourage us to pit like there’s no tomorrow! The album then continues with some more tracks that would probably fire up an
entire office building full of head bangers until the building was reduced to rubble, sweat and empty beer cans but it also slides some tracks in that have that more sombre and emotional side that makes us scowl and try to stay metal but we can’t help but take a shot straight to the feels, especially with songs like Question Everything. While it still has that serious riffage that makes me raise my fist in righteous anger, the lyrics certainly touch me in a way that makes me feel the band had me in mind when writing the song especially when the acoustic guitar starts to tenderly weep a solo. Over all this album is a masterpiece in my opinion, Five Finger Death Punch have taken what they’ve done in previous years and elevated it to a whole new level with more exhilaration but also so much more emotion and feeling. I will admit I am a huge fan of Five Finger but after listening to this album, who wouldn’t be?! Got Your Six is available for purchase in selected retailers and for digital download now. -Page Design by Laura Robinson
FOALS Foals: What Went Down By David Macnab After a summer of cryptic tweets and statuses, Foals have certainly packed a punch with their new album “What Went Down”. Hailing from Oxford, famed for its university and high society, there is no sense of Bullingdon bravado from the band, there’s more of a refined heavier sound compared to what you’d usually expect from previous releases, such as 2010’s “Total Life Forever”. Packed with that signature raw emotion, the band have almost said goodbye to their earlier math rock style which solidified their
position in the UK in favour of chuggier guitars and heavier drums. It’s almost like an extension of their previous release, “Holy Fire”, they’ve taken all the best qualities from this album and just enhanced them with much stronger instrumentation from the band. The album starts with the title track, “What Went Down”, an intense almost pugnacious track, which sets the mark for the album, as songs such as “Snake Oil” and “Night Swimmers” equally match this new developed sound the band have created.
It wouldn’t be Foals if there weren’t some melodic bangers, and the latest single from the album “Mountain At My Gates” really ticks all those boxes, it’s exactly what you’ve come to expect from the band, with the guitars riffs battling each other in an intricate fashion. See tracks “Lonely Hunter and “London Thunder” for more ethereal goodness. The album closes on “A Knife In The Ocean”, a 6 minute track which really shows off the vocal talents of Yannis Philippakis. His voice has come a long way from the early days, and this is the perfect
song to show it off on, a very beautiful piece. A tranquil end to what may be the most important album Foals have released yet. This album is for Foals fans old and new, it takes on influences from every album and the songs off this album will become firm live favorites. They have always been a band that people have paid attention to, and after the release of “Holy Fire”, which was the band’s most commercially successful album, this may be the album that propels them to festival headliner status around the world.
Page Design by Laura Robinson
Jerry Williams Darkus Magazine: Greetings Jerry – how was your summer? Jerry: Really good thanks! The EP came out which was really exciting and I’ve played some great shows including The Great Escape and opening for Ben Howard at Wilderness Festival. I also went to Bestival, as a punter. Such a brilliant weekend and it was nice being on the other side! DM: Your new track Cold Beer was released late August – how happy are you with the feedback you received? J: I’m very happy! It was my first official release so I think it went down well! Lots of people were very complementary and it was nice that people I didn’t know were
stumbling across my music and enjoying it. It’s a great feeling. DM: When you released the music video for the single, what was the main story behind it? J: The song ‘Cold Beer’ was inspired by a night out I had in London where I was playing a gig. As I was walking to the stage, a guy put his cold bottle of beer on my leg! I thought the video should show this scenario actually happening. Then, the rest of the video is like a dream sequence of all these dates you’re imagining with this guy, which are terrible! At the end of the video, you realise he’s not worth it so you walk off, leaving him at the bar!
DM: You have played along some incredible artists already in your career such as The Hoosiers and Nathan Sykes. How valuable was your time on the road with those guys? J: So valuable! It was a priceless experience which I was so lucky to have. I loved it so much and it just reinforced the fact that this is what I want to do! Everyone was so friendly and it gave me a massive confidence boost. I want to do it all again! DM: Did it help take your music to a new level? J: I’d say it helped take the audience of my music to a new level! My fan base increased so much from the tour. It was unbelievable! DM: As a solo acoustic artist in the UK, what do you think it takes to stay on top of your game? J: Just be true to yourself and be honest. People want to hear honest stories, honest feelings and relatable topics in your song writing. I know that’s what I want to hear. Just enjoy it and people will see that. DM: When people listen to your music, is there anything you hope they take away when they hear you? J: I hope they can relate to my lyrics or stories. I can only write about things that have happened in my real life. I hope my music makes them think “oh I’ve felt like that” or “my friend has felt like that”. DM: You were Winner Best Solo Artist at the Portsmouth Guide Awards 2014 – to get such a title, how did that make you feel?
J: It made me feel amazing! I didn’t expect it because the music scene in Pompey is so healthy at the moment. I was nominated alongside a lot of my friends whose music I love. I was just happy to have made the shortlist, but to win, I was chuffed! DM: With a couple of EPs under your belt already, can we expect a debut album any time soon? J: I’ve got a couple songs in the can that I love, so you’ll have to keep an ear out! DM: The great thing about you is that you are not afraid to embrace social media, be it Twitter or You Tube. How valuable has your online presence been to the growth of Jerry Williams? J: I guess you have to embrace social media to build up a fan base these days. I’m just myself online and if people want to follow me or like my page, that’s great. And if they don’t, it doesn’t bother me either! Social media has been so important and it’s amazing when people interact with you or share your posts. It’s an extremely powerful tool. DM: There is only a few more months left this year, what else would you like to achieve before 2015 is over and out? J: A music video for my track ‘Boy Oh Boy’! I’ve recently saved up and brought a MacBook, so now I want to get Logic and a microphone so I can start recording and producing at home! -Questions By Thushara
Kimberly anne
There is no shortage of talent when it comes to London based, acoustic singer - songwriter Kimberly Anne. After graduating from Brit school, she remained rather silent, working away on demos that never left her bedroom. Kimberly recently emerged with Bury It There, a single set for release on the 5th October with Polydor Records. This track is essentially a manifesto, it encapsulates her sound in the purest form. Arguably long awaited, Bury
It There is set to explode on to the singles chart. Already gracing the top ten featuring on Sam Feldt’s Show Me Love it will not be long before Kimberly Anne is a household name. Bury It There is a charming record which sets Kimberly’s soulful vocals on fire. There is something distinctly remarkable about her sound, a simplicity that is not often present within the mainstream music scene.
The thought provoking lyrics comment on a lost love and give the track a raw edge. Its cathartic edge cleanses the listener as she sings, ‘I’m bigger than this, usually. I’ll get over it, eventually.’ It is hard not to fall deeply for her melancholic music, which can be compared to Warwickshire singer Lucy Rose. For lovers of stripped back, honest acoustic music, Bury It There will hit the spot. The underlying percussion gives the track a depth that can be difficult
to create as a solo artist. The music video once again highlights Kimberly’s captivating vocals. Our full attention is reserved for her, regardless of the dancers and explosions of confetti in juxtaposed chaos behind her. Kimberly Anne wipes away any unnecessary production, leaving her music unapologetically bare. Bury It There is sure to charm the socks off of anyone that listens to it.
-Written by Eva Lightfoot
Page design by Laura Robinson
For lots of people, music is a safety zone. It can be a means of bringing people together and creating a sense of unity in times when the vulnerable feel alone. It’s a safe bet to assume that whether it be a breakup, a fight with a friend or a bit of bad news, everyone has their go-to playlist of emotionally apt anthems that make them feel not so alone. Kosoti is the birthchild of one of these dismal situations. When lead singer Allan was in treatment for a double brain haemorrhage, music was the cornerstone to his recovery, and upon that he then utilised his talents to help those in similar situations. Originally released in 2013, the band are releasing their single ‘By Your Side’ as part of a campaign in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, which has strong ties with Newcastle as the base of one of their many units that help countless young people in
need. With campaign support from the likes of chart-toppers John Newman and Everything Everything, this campaign is a huge deal for the small Geordie band, but accolades and recognition is the last thing on their agenda. The song is one of support and hope, with soulful classic indie-folk musicality, gravelly vocals and wholehearted lyrics that draw similarities with the likes of Mumford and Sons. Singing “I hope you feel better today”, you can hear the warmth in his tone, a genuine voice that seeks those feeling low and alone and aims to uplift them. Although not released until September 4th, the track is available for pre-order now. The sales of the record will go to help numerous young people going through a time that must be unimaginably difficult so donate generously and order now! -Written by Georgia Rogers-Smith
Page design by Laura Robinson
Leeds Festival 2015 Introduction: This year team Darkus were fortunate enough to be given the green light to cover Leeds Festival 2015. Having always aimed to cover such prestigious events such as this, it was an a really blessing that we did so with the line up of dreams. A bill that included such variety for every music fan, saw the likes of Bastille, Bring Me The Horizon, The Libertines, Simple Plan etc. The endearing thing about Leeds Festival is that it is not only about the big names, and the ‘legends’ of each genre. Founder Melvin Benn also recognises the importance of keeping up with the up and coming names within the music industry, be it that local band on the next stage of their career to the likes of Charlie
XC, and Years And Years. A festival which has such global recognition – is more than just a festival, it’s a bringing together of like-minded people – be it musicians or fans, to embrace the spirit of what makes Leeds and Reading Festival like non other you have ever witness, thus creating an unique set
of memories to every person who comes to the festival. Despite many of my dream team having been to the festival before, this was an absolute first for me, and a
combination of the line-up with all the positive things they had to tell me just made me even more excited. What you are about to see therefore is not only some of the highlights and interviews from the 2015 Leeds festival, but also the chance to see the journey we had via the outstanding photos of our very own Jemma Dodd – one of the strongest festival photographers Team Darkus has ever seen. Via Leeds, not only was it a blessing to share it with my team but it gave me a new level of hunger to discover more. The UK has such a vibrant music scene, and to see the majority of artists you love and respect in the same place at once – what more can you ask for! - Writen By Thushara
Leeds Festival 2015… Behind A Photographers Eyes
This year was my second time shooting Leeds Festival and like last year I had an ace time. When I think of awesome main festivals in the UK Reading & Leeds is pretty much at the top of the list. There are always loads of my favourite bands playing, as well
as new bands for me to discover. Some of my favourites performances from this year included Bastille, New Found Glory, Simple Plan, Sunset Sons, Alexisonfire, Charli XCX and more… -By Jemma Dodd
Awolnation Answers By Aaron Bruno Questions By Thushara Photos By Jemma Dodd
Darkus Magazine: Welcome! Not long finished your set at this year’s Leeds festival. How do you think it went? Aaron: It was really cool. Playing early at like 2.45pm my expectations were really low as they always are. I like to keep that mentality because if it goes well I am stoked and it didn’t I already knew it was going to be, but in this situation it was incredible and really exceeded my expectations. There was a rowdy rambunctious punk rock crowd which almost make me feel like I was 15 again. DM: What was your first memory of a festival? A: I went to a festival called
Board over in Orange County and it was a bunch of punk rock bands including Sick Of It All, No, Doubt (before their big record), Bad Religion, The vandals and some other cool bands. DM: How do festivals in the US compare to here? A: That’s a very good question and one a lot of people ask me. Obviously ya’ll have been the leaders of festivals for a really long time, but hey were catching up. Obviously Coachella has become massive and Firefly is progressing at a steady pace too, so I think we have what it takes to be on the radar with the other parts of the globe. There is still a long
way to go, but its still getting better. DM: What is the spirit of Awolnation? A: Wow that’s a heavy question! Hopefully it’s a positive spirit, but you know what man its music for everyone. Music for you, music for her, my mom, my dad, grandma – everyone! I like all different kinds of music. There is no guilty pleasure music either because I am proud to like all the stuff I like. Be it one hit wonders from the 70s-9os to the cheesy stuff. Either way I find the guilty pleasures to be a punk rock pride. DM: How has 2015 been then?-
A: Its been pretty scary. I put out a new record that was highly anticipated and it was following a monster success story of the first record, so you know its been horrifying, At the same time though the band is so good, and the guys play so well that at this point I feel pretty confident that we can compete against anyone else out there. There have been a lot of ups and downs, but happy to report more ups than down so that is just great! DM: Biggest thing you have discovered about yourself? A: Many things, but on the top of my head it would be that nothing is as big of a deal; as I thought it would be. So for example if I am felling extra dramatic about some sort of circumstance in my life, 9 times out of 10 its not as extreme as I thought it was. DM: From the new record which seems to be the popular hit with the fans? A: It is still so new, so were really at the beginning phases so its hard to tell. The first single we released from it was called Hollow Moon which wiped its face and made number 1. Now were on a single called ‘I Am’ which is starting to do really well, and is currently number 8 ibn the states. So when we play those songs live, they seem to do great partly due to the commercial success. If I was to choose another though I would probably say the
opening track ‘Run’ resonates most with music fans as well as myself. DM: What is the next dimension then? A: Conquering the UK! We’ve had a hard time here for whatever reason compared to everywhere else in the world. DM: Why do you think that is? A: I am not quite sure, probably due to the fact that we haven’t had the same commercial success, but at the same time we still have these rambunctious shows over here. The London shows we have played have been bananas almost like something out of a Rage Against The Machine style show. Yes we do have a bit of a cold following here in the UK, and it would be great to break into the charts, but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. You cant have it all, but I like being humble and playing at 2.45pm like we did today. By being humble it almost keeps you inspired. MUSE didn’t do well in the States till their third record, despite great success across Europe, so we are kind of like a reverse of MUSE if you get me. DM: Did all the songs you wanted go onto the album? A: Sadly not. There were about 6 songs I liked which didn’t make the cut and I cant explain exactly why, but I guess it wasn’t the right time for them to be heard. I still believe in them, so maybe it’s
a good start to a third record, EP, or soundtrack. DM: What would you call this part of your life? A: I still feel like I am a kid in Kindergarten. I assume that its kind of like graduate school. I feel like I ma de it with the first record, the second is still in progress so the next level is getting that masters degree. I don’t know it’s a bit of a weird question haha! DM: Lets make it more weird! A: Sure why not! Haha! DM: If there was a cocktail which you would identify as being one associated with Awolnation, what would you choose? A: Probably a Sangria, because it would have a bunch of stuff in it. It would have to age, because to make a good sangria you would have to make it sit their for a while right? Let all the juices flow together and the fruit come together too. So you know just like our music, it definitely does that with people and all it takes is a minute and already your drinking it and loving it because it tastes so nice. DM: Why check out the new record? A: Some people have said its one of the best records to be released in the past five years, so that is probably a valid reason as any to give it a listen and hopefully you will like at least a couple of songs.
Questions By Thushara Photos By Jemma Dodd
Beartooth Darkus Magazine: How are you doing guys? Beartooth: Yea were doing pretty ok. Great to be back in the UK – we love it here! DM: Being relatively new to the UK festival scene how are you finding it? B: Well we have only played Download which was sick, so hopefully playing the likes of Leeds and Reading will be just as good. DM: 2015 – are you happy with the way its progressed for you? B: Its been crazy! Its hard to pick any specific highlight as their have been so many but its just awesome!
DM: The latest record has been out for a while now. Is the response as good as you hoped it would be? B: Yeah totally. Its still doing
B: We recently got off Warped Tour over in the US which is one of those gruelling festivals. Super hot everyday, so when you have been through something like that we are pretty prepared for any other events left to come. DM: Did everything you want make it onto the album? B: There must have been a couple of tracks we wrote that didn’t make it, but well now. Were still on the other than that were pretty road and the fans are loving it happy with it! which is all you can really ask for right? DM: The key to surviving a festival as a band?
Little Comets Live Review/Interview
Newcastle’s Finest, Little Comets may have just put on the best set of Leeds Festival. Playing to a packed crowd in the Festival Republic tent, the band drew on tracks from right across their repertoire, opening with “The Gift of Sound” off their first ever UK Top 40 Album, “Hope is just a State of Mind” The past few years have been huge for the band, prompting them to create their own label and release all of their material by themselves. The Smallest Label was formed after they had come to the end of their last album deal, and in the words of Robert Coles
(Lead Singer/Guitars) “has given us complete creative control over everything we do. Me and Mickey (Guitar/ Backing Vocals) love writing songs, and having complete creative control has always been something that has been important to us, this is just a totally new experience for us, especially in the early days when we were under the impression that we needed a manager and a label and a team around us, for us now to be able to do everything ourselves really does give us that freedom”. The loyalty that the fans of Little Comets have to the band cannot be
doubted, especially after seeing a capacity tent singing back the every single word to them. The highlight of the set was a harrowing performance of “The Blur, The Line and the Thickest of Onions”, a track which despite its intricacies really transformed well live. When asked what’s next on the cards for the band, Coles simply replied with “Album number four next year. We’re going to get a tour before that obviously, but then it’s straight to work on album four”. Little Comets really are the gifts that keep on giving. en it’s straight to work on album
Modern Life Is War Answers By Jeffery (Vocals) Questions By Thushara Photos By Jemma Dodd
Darkus Magazine: How is it going? Jeffery: Pretty good yea! It feels exciting to be in the UK for a festival. DM: What was it like being selected to be part of the Reading and Leeds 2015 lineup? J: An absolute honour. This is the biggest we have played and also one of the most reputable festivals within the music industry. So yeah we were really honoured and surprised that they had invited us. DM: In 2007 you went into hiatus. Was that an easy choice to make? J: No, it was a difficult decision. We had been making a living off the band,
touring all year round for several years at that point. We were on the line of a band that was big enough to do that, but not big enough to do that, so there was a lot of pressure on us to make enough money just to stay alive. We had several vans break down which only added to the problems. With the pressure being so overwhelming it took away a lot of time and attention from the creative process and also took away the kind of innocent love we had for creating music. Now coming back we are sort of doing things on our own terms where we are not out all year round. I have a job back home that I depend on
to make my living so this is something that I do because I love it. DM: Fever Hunting is described as an open diary by a number of people. Would you agree or is there an extra layer to it? J: No I would agree with that. I mean it was definitely like those five years were a summation of things I had learned and experienced within that time. DM: As a five piece how important is communication? J: Ha! Very important. I think being in a band is often compared to a relationship. You have to have emotions on the table, and you cant hide anything from each other. -
-You need honesty and to continually check your ego because egos are the things that ruin bands over and over again, especially when money is part of the mix too. DM: What was the communication like in the early stages? J: I think in the beginning it was good, but then our relationships got strained throughout the years. We were travelling in vans together , sleeping in tight spaces and around each other way more than was healthy. And then of course the added pressures that go with being in a band, like getting certain attention etc. Again though, that’s something we are trying to correct right now and get back to where we started in a lot of ways. We are sort of like trying to be young kids full of excitement and that level of gratitude you have for the opportunities and achievements you are experiencing. DM: This year is the 10 year anniversary of Witness. Does it seem real? J: You know what I would like to say it feels like yesterday, but it really does feel like 10 years ago. I still believe in the music and the lyrics on the album but so much has
happened in life since then. I have lived in several different cities, seen relationships start and end, varying jobs and had family members sadly pass away. So yea so much has changed but I am glad to be celebrating what we created 10 years ago. DM: How did that record change the future for Modern
Life Is war? J: Well it was an album which made us stand out as something different. A lot of hardcore music can feel watered down and like you have heard it before. That was the moment we laid all the rules to the side and did something which I consider fairly risky at the time. It could of blown up in our faces or it cou7ld of really helped us, but thankfully it was the latter so were really grateful for that. DM: With a long career do you find you still have unfinished business? J: I have two minds about that. On one hand I feel so lucky to have done
everything I got to do, that if I died tomorrow I would do so with a satisfied mind. At the same time though my desire to write songs and go to new places is still burning. You know what, I cant wait to get back in the studio and write more lyrics and create more music with my friends, and go to the likes of Australia. There is still that passion there and always more work to do as long as you remember to preserve that gratitude for the past. DM: Where does Modern Life Is War go from here? J: Well we will write a new record, and see as much of this world as possible! DM: Why is it not too late to embrace the band as a new fan? J: I think we are a truly honest band. There is no hidden agenda. Were truly speaking from the hearts – lyrically, musically and vocally, and I think that is always a rare thing in music. When you find one of those bands you latch on to it. I really appreciate that people have recognized our honest approach that we always kept at the forefront of our minds with what we do with this band.
New Found Glory Questions By Thushara Answers By Jordan Pundik (Lead Vocals) And Cyrus Bolooki (Drums)
Darkus Magazine: How does it feel to be back in the UK? Jordan: It alqays feels fun to be here. Its funy for me because when I am back home and I know I will soon be returing I get this level of unexplainable excitement. We have a lot of memories from here and have been coming since 2001. Walking the streets each night after a show and calling in to pick yp a classic kebab. The shows are always crazy here. DM: Most British thing you have done? Cyrus: I mean I did have a proper English breakfast on the way over here. I made sure I had wellies for the festival eventhough I didnt need them.
J: I have an Oyster card if that counts? DM: 2015 highlights? J: Its been a good year. We released a record, did a couple tours off the back off that over in the USA, came to do a few European festivals etc. We have a Fall tour in October with us and Yellowcard which will be over in the States and Canada. So yeah we are constantly playing shows and thinking of what will do next. C: The great thing about this year is that there are a lot of ‘firsts’, so we went to Alaska for the first time this year, so now we can say we have been to all 50 states. A few weeks back we headed over to Hungary and played in
the Czech Republic for the first time too, so its neat how even after all this time as New Found Glory, we have all these new things to look forward to! DM: What makes the perfect festival? J: As a band lets go back to food! Good catering! Also a clean toilet, a dressing room is sometimes nice and then easy access to stage. Infact we have that all today which shows how Reading and Leeds always do it right. C: Having good shows is good too, whether it be on the main stage or the Lock Up stage like this year.
C: Having good shows is good too, whether it be on the main stage or the Lock Up stage like this year. J: As a patron though you got to stay hydrated and remember clean underwear. I have never experienced camping like you have in the UK, but from my experience of the US festival scene, its always hot. DM: What do you want to do differently with ‘Ressurection’? C: One of our biggest things with this records is that before we wrote it we changed from 5 members to 4, so almost immediately a lot of people didnt think we could continue as a band. One thing we do as a band though is come together and hannel everything we are going through at the time into our music. With ‘Ressurection’ therefore it really did reflect a lot of stuff we were going through and because of that we are actually quite proud of what we produced. It was certainly a lot smoother and easier to write and a good defining point of what New Found Glory stands for now. In about a month or two we
will actually be re-releasing the record, but include two
as the catalyst for New Found Glory? C: We were playing a bunch of shows and touring and then I guess its when we released our Sticks and Stones additional songs that we record in 2002 or whenever wrote earlier this year. and we were given the DM: If Darkus were to have a opportunity to tour with party with you what could we Blink 182. We were main expect? support for them which was J: Dont get your hopes up such an honour. We have fans haha! A bottle of wine, nice who still come to our shows conversation, and board since first seeing us back games – how about that! then. Even still though we DM: Do you think New continued touring, even if we Found Glory have become didnt have any new material one of those timeless bands? on the radio or the likes of J: We dont really think about MTV. it, but guess based on what C: Over here in the UK we people tell us I guess so. really pushed at an early stage C: Alot of people often talk because it was important we about that after a band has got out and played as many ended, but for us to still bein shows as possible. Its the going strong after all this perserverance that really time feels so good. Its very helped us. flattering when others say we DM: What would you call are timeless or say that our this section of your life? band was the reason they C: Timeless Tradition strated a band of their own. J: Oh I got one for you – Its great for us not only to Chapter 20: Just Getting be given the credit but still Started relveant at the same time. DM: What was it that acted
Twin Atlantic Questions by Thushara Answers by Sam (Vocals)
Darkus Magazine: Are you enjoying your 2015 Reading/ Leeds experience? Sam: This is our fifth year in a row and so far this is probably my favourite one. The show last night at Reading really caught me off guard because it was way better than any of us were expecting so yeah it felt good. DM: When returing each year how do you up your game? S: I dont really knoww haha, but some how we keep doing it! We try and make it more about the music and picking the best set based on the time of day were playing at. This is the first year were playing quite late, after 9pm, so we gave our lights and stuff like that. Were one of those bands that always try and make it a tiny bit better so that
itencourages the organisers to bring us back. DM: The past 18 months have been so brilliant for you. Tell us in your eyes, what made it magical? S: Getting to travel and go to new countries. I got to go to South Africa and Australia for the first time, spent a lot of time in Europe, America and Canada. Getiing the chance to go to all these places is a once in a lifetime opportunity. DM: Was there any cultures which you drew closer to? S: I really connect a lot to Canada because it has got a lot of Scottish heritage so they are not too disimilar. I felt really inspired in South Africa as well. Hearing peoples stories about tough times and witnessing the social devide between
rich and poor was pretty harrowing to experience first hand. DM: This is also the first year you headlined the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. What did it feel like to start in small venues and step it up to the likes of the Hydro? S: Its pretty weird. I mean we played to 5 people once in Glagow when we were first started out. To go from that to like 12,000 people or whatever was just surreal, emotional and validating. It felt that we were actually doing something worth while with our lives when you get that many people in there shoaring that amount of energy. If the band had to quit there and then, we would of certainly left a mark.
DM: What are the other forms of acknowledgment? S: I think when you get that kind of nod of approval from other bands that you like and respect. Its funny because you dont really think about it any of that stuff when you make an album, your just trying to impress yourself, so its always nice to have someone you look up to say “hey you guys are fucking good”. DM: The current chapter we are experience with Great Divide was mindblowing. Can we expect more of the same in the next? S: Ofcourse! We are in the business of blowing minds man! We are actually right in the middle of writing a new album. The last two albums we realeased it took us a really long time to get the next one out because we love touring so much. We used to tour 2-3 years between each album but we tried to make this album campaign about the past 18 months. Just to point out that today is actually the last official show for the Great Divide record. I think everyone is going to be surprised what they hear next. DM: How happy were ou with the attention and feedback Great Divide received? S: It has pretty much been a perfect album cycle. A lot of radio support, going to all these countries like I said before and seeing like 5000 South African fans sing along
– its crazy! I wouldnt change anything about it. DM: How valuable were those early days for Twin Atlantic? S: You mean tours, vans, having no money, food and shit like that? Haha! Yea it pretty much shaped us as adults. I was 18 or 19 when I started the band but I was quite a immature 18 year old as well. I had been to art
happens. When your doing it at that level like we did at the start, its a dying art. Nowadays you release a track on the internet and almost soon you get a publishing deal. I think we are one of the last bands to do it the real way so to speak. I guess you dont really care if your getting paid if you have a love for music and travel. Even now its still not about the money for us. We will do things because we want to do them even if it means loosing out sometimes. DM: December sees the release of your book, ‘A Short Photographic History’. What was it like to work on? S: Well I have to be honest I did not work on it one bit, maybe 1% if your lucky school and dropped out, and haha! It was our drummer just wanted to pursue music Craig, who isnt even in the which was kind of a selfish book himself. He captured thing to do – you know just the life of the other band write songs about yourself members. He brought and hang out with your himself a camera to keep pals every day. We learnt himself occupied on the road, so many lifeskills and were because we were doing like discovering how to be decent 18 hour drives in America people. We were in situations between gigs and were seeing where we had less than a lot of crazy stuff. Originally nothing man, in debt, and it he was taking touristy style was all about people helping photos, and then turned us. We appreciate every single the camera on the band and step like the Hydro show or was doccumenting stuff in a being the last to play today. orderly way being the kind It makes you realise you get of person he is. Then we had back what you put in. a look back throuh it and DM: How do you know when were like “fuck this is good!”. your ready to go from unpaid He’s basically spent the past 6 to paid shows? months working his arse off S: You dont really, it just to make this piece of work.
DM: When the fans see the book what do you think it will teach them about the minds of Twin Atlantic? S: I think they will get to see what it is like to be the drummer within the band, because myself and the other two guys Ross and Barry are quite strong personalities, so Craig has managed to use the camera as kind of a buffer. Its definitely a very revealing and honest book. Also I dont think it necessarily about our band, but more about travelling, friendships, hardtimes and good times, so anyone can look through it and take something away from it. DM: As four best friends what do you think makes your friendships and connection so strong? S: Probably our honesty with
each other. Its quite hard to be honest to a friend when your in a band. Someone may write a part for a song and you have got to say its not good, but thats something we have always been good at, not bullshitting eachother. Ultimiately I dont know, being from the same part of the world, having the same shared vision and ambition, that kind of ‘magical’ thing we spoke of before, that we had at the start has lasted us 8 years so its only getting stronger. DM: How do you think Leeds will compare to Reading? S: I think it a case of where the people up here are more up for going fucking crazy, which I like because its kind of my style haha! Down at Reading there is extra pressure because you have the
likes of the BBC recording, and all the industry lablebs, management and all that stuff so you have to up your game for that reason. Leeds though, its the crowd that are the main attraction. There is nothing I love more than when the crowd create the energy. DM: What would you like to say to the fans who have shared in your journey? S: Thank you! We make music to inspire ourselves so its good to know there are like minded people who can take something from it and make it so worthwhile.
Summary My 2015 Leeds Festival Highlights By David Macnab
Alt-J Alt-J jumped at the chance to take over the Main Stage for their sub-headline slot on the Saturday night of Leeds Festival. The last time the band they played, they headlined the Radio 1 Stage, and after their second impressive album went to number one in September of last year, it’s no wonder they keep on getting bigger and better. Despite losing a member shortly after the first album, the band have maintained their unique sound, and you could tell the new album had been just as well received as the first album. If you haven’t had a chance to see Alt-J yet, make sure you do, they will blow you away. Wombats Going to see The Wombats was bound to be a nostalgia trip for many of the crowd who packed out the Festival Republic tent to see them, but the huge surprise of the evening for many of the crowd was just how great the new songs are, and how they haven’t lost it at all. Many of the crowd were young, considering the first album must have come out when they were 8 or 9, this is a clear indication to how much the band’s fan base has not only continued to grow, but how they have maintained the fan base that they had from the earlier days. The tent was absolutely heaving, if you arrived one song in you simply couldn’t get in, there were people stood outside just trying to get a glimpse of the band, and also people climbing under the tent tarpaulin just to get inside. It was a brilliant close to the Sunday night and to the Festival Foals Now Leeds Festival is renowned for not getting the secret sets that Reading Festival get, and by the Thursday of the festival the rumors were already floating round that Foals were to be the secret set. Many people turned up to the Radio 1 stage in the only possible gap that there could have been another band, and the fans that turned up were not disappointed. Foals burst onto the stage with a ferocious rendition of “My Number” and ended the set on new album track “What Went Down”. This may have been the biggest secret set Leeds Festival has ever, and possibly will ever see. PHOTO BY JEMMA DODD
NARCS A standout performance from NARCS on the BBC Introducing stage was an indicator of the future for this band. Signed to Clue Records, who have the likes of Allusondrugs and Forever Cult on their roster, NARCS have been really making a name for themselves not only locally, but nationally. There was doubts at first as to whether NARCS would make the festival, with Wilko (Vocals) coming down with tonsillitis just a week before the festival, but it was easy to see how little that had affected them as a band. Hopefully, this is just the beginning for NARCS, and after hearing their track “19” come to life, it showed strong promise for a great band, local to the festival. Libertines The Libertines never let the crowd down, and being the first headliner of the weekend set a very high bar for the rest of the festival. Smashing through a set list which covered all the bases, old fans and new fans alike went away from their set feeling a sense of unity, as people clambered onto strangers shoulders, and lighters went up into the air. Hearing many of the new album tracks for the first time was testament that The Libertines are where they are for a reason, the songs just keep on getting better and better. PHOTO BY SIMON SARIN Catfish & The Bottlemen If you talked to Van McCann (singer) two years ago who probably would have just come off the BBC Introducing Stage at Leeds, that he would not only be playing the BBC Radio 1/NME Stage in 2015, but that his band would also pack out said tent, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t believe you. But Catfish have come an awful long way since their 2013 Introducing set, working their way up many major festivals including Leeds where this was their third appearance. It’s pretty much unprecedented for a band to fill a tent the size of the Radio 1 tent, but Catfish achieved this, not as a headline slot, but in the late afternoon, and only off the back of one album. Catfish and the Bottlemen are the headliners of the future, and after their set on the Radio 1 stage, they’re only continuing to grow, and with album number two on the horizon, who knows where they’re going to go next. Page Design by Laura Robinson
Of mice and men
The Best Made Videos Of Mice & Men By Jack Alexander Orange County, California’s metalcore wonder boys Of Mice & Men release personal message alongside new music video on USA Today and album reissue. Many among us who travel in civilised metal circles will be familiar with Of Mice & Men, and I don’t mean that one book about two men, a farm and a series of unpleasant yet strikingly odd events that we all studied and usually hated in high school, no, Orange County, California’s very own Of Mice & Men!
Page design By Laura Robinson
The band who many of us have likely heard of and the band who just so happened to release a new album: Restoring Force: Full Circle, a reissue of 2014’s Restoring Force album. All this is happening as well as the new music video for Never Giving Up and a personal message to fans by frontman Austin Carlile after recovering from a stint in the hospital. In the personal message video, Carlile explains his injuries and the repercussions of the surgery to have four inches of rib and cartilage removed. He goes on to give a sincerely heartfelt thank you to the band’s fans for being so supportive even after cancelled tour dates. He also explains how the music video for this new song was very personal to him. After such an intense build up to this video I thought I better have a look see what was going on and bring myself up to speed, by checking out the work of a man so dedicated to his music he refused to cancel shows when so many others would that he broke his ribs every night on show. I could tell early on that the sincerity from Carlile that I got from the personal message were genuine and that the song and video truly meant a great deal to Carlile and the
band. The song itself had a solid foundation with heavy drums, sweet riffage and a vocal range that could make school girls faint. I was sure that if a metalcore band could make me, someone not really into the metalcore scene and sound, feel pretty exhilarated and inspired to do just about anything then it was pretty tight! The video itself, directed by Strati Horvatos, couples the music with clips from various tour shows with massive audience turn out, highlighting the fans and band both on and off stage. Along with the music the video with its monochrome photography style only amplifies the feeling of heartfelt determination that I for one felt while watching and listening. The footage was collected by Jon Stone and Danny Todd over the course of the international tour the band has just undergone and truly shows the dedication of both fans and artists to the music they love. Both the personal message from Carlile and the music video for Never Giving Up are available to watch on Youtube as well as USA Today’s web page while the album Restoring Force: Full Circle is available on iTunes and retailers.
Palace This summer has been an incredible time for PALACE. Not only has their latest EP ‘Chase The Light’ been winning the hearts and minds of music fans, and getting them a slow but steady following, but they have also been in a number of festivals including the likes of Reading and Leeds. Recommended by the likes of Jamie T Palace have come so far in such a short time – why? Simple there music just excites crowds, especially if you consider popular tracks such as ‘Kiloran’. Continuing to spread the word of what PALACE has to offer, the band have announced throughout October they will be heading out on the road, with a very special UK Headline Tour. All the major cities will
be visited, but at venues whereby you will get a intimate connection with the band. At the end of the day, what matters most to PALACE is the respect and loyalty of their fans, to which the guys are truly grateful. 2015 continues to be an exciting time, so be sure you make the most of the opportunity to get along to one of shows, to witness the evolution of a band who are destined for great things. -PALACE Announce UK Tour By Thushara
Page Design by Laura Robinson
PROSE Manchester trio, PROSE have announced that they will be releasing their debut EP, ‘What If ’ on 16th October 2015. For anyone not familiar with the band, the EP is a good starting point to discover what it really means to put honesty and real life situations in to music, and make it inspire others. The first track from the EP titled, ‘Run With Faith’ tackles the issue of stereotyping, and not to judge a book by its cover when looking at the behaviour of other people. Many have described ‘Run With Faith’ as ‘ a modern-day parable of a down-on-hisluck bluesman who gets saved by the simplest of lessons that kindness and honesty pay off ’. There is
nothing I enjoy more that when music has a meaning to it, and it was really touching to discover that the band based this song on a true story, thus showing that despite what the world may feel like sometimes, there are nevertheless kind hearted and genuine people in this world. The EP can now be pre-ordered via ITunes, however don’t just stop there and be sure to get yourselves to one of their live shows which takes place from 6th October – 17th October 2015. By Thushara
Page Design by Laura Robinson
Reverend an The Makers
We caught up with humble Sheffield rockers Reverend and The Makers ahead of their November tour, they gave us an insight into what tour life is like for a well-seasoned, cult followed band. You can catch them throughout the UK next month, selling out venues near you.
Darkus Magazine: You are a few weeks away from embarking on your autumn tour across the UK, how are you feeling? Jon: We are feeling good. The album has been very well being received by people that have heard it and we can’t wait to take it on the road. That’s the real test I guess, but we’ve been going around showing the film version of the album to people and they seem to love it. DM: Are there any particular venues in the UK that Reverend and The Makers love to play?
has the effect of making me sound like a bagpipe so I have to prepare myself properly these days (getting old)!
a different way. That’s all I’ll say at this point about it but if it works it will be something else.
DM: Which track gets the best reaction when performed live?
DM: Is there a particular band/artist dead or alive you would like to tour the UK with?
J: Maybe Baseline, our crowd just go for it from the first song to be honest. Our gigs are pretty relentless. DM: What do you miss most about home while you are on tour?
J: Probably our son, this is the first tour we’ve done since he was born so it’ll be kind of weird being without him. J: I like the old ones, with real I’ve had a word with him, he’s history. Manchester Ritz with only 10 months but he knows its springy floor or Rock City the score. in Nottingham - you can feel the history the moment you DM: Do you have a tour walk in. mascot? DM: What has been you greatest gig to date? J: Maybe the two I just mentioned on the last tour. Although some of the house gigs I do are pretty legendary. People crowd surfing in a terraced house and the coppers turn up – there is all kinds of madness DM: Do you have any pre gig traditions, before you play a show? J: Yes! I hum now to warm up. Years of smoking weed
J: No, Ed once had this fluffy thing but I vetoed it. He’s a grown man, it had to go! DM: What is the one thing you couldn’t survive without whilst on tour? J: Rum. DM: Have you got any surprises instore for the crowds? J: Yes. This tour is going to be different to any we’ve done before in so much as we are going to present the music in
J: Sly Stone maybe or the Wailers. DM: When you first started out performing, did you know Reverend and The Makers would be such a hit? J: Of course not, but we are 11 years into this now so it’s amazing that our fans are so loyal and we seem to be picking up a whole new generation of fans which is ace. DM: Is performing and writing something you have always wanted to do? J: Yeah. I’ve worked in steel factories and call centres and so I’m forever grateful to be doing this really. That’s why we keep our ticket prices as low as possible. I know what it’s like to be skint you know? -Questions By Eva Lightfoot Answers By Jon McClure (Lead Singer)
-Page Design by Laura Robinson
Saint Sister What I am quite liking about the 2015 music scene, is the growing emergence of a number of new artists who offer a unique and fresh approach, thus in effect creating their own form of style. My latest discovery, thanks to my good friends over at 9 PR was Saint Sister and their track Madrid. Consisting of duo Gemma Doherty and Morgan MacIntyre, and Alex Ryan on bass, Madrid is one which draws you with the beautiful and innocent sounding vocals – something which just makes you feel more and more love for the track as it progresses. What this song teaches me about Saint Sister as well is that they certainly are not shy to embrace their creative mind be it with their lyrics, or diverse and stylish vibes that Madrid has to offer. A lot of the time we see a number of artists come and go for whatever reason, but with Saint Sister I feel that Madrid is only the
beginning of something really special, and I have no doubt that if you haven’t heard of them before within the next few months if not sooner they will become a name which will have a good strong, loyal following! The track which is taken from their debut EP, Madrid will be released 13th November 2015. In addition throughout October, Saint Sister will also be playing a number of dates in Ireland, so hopefully we wont have to wait too long till we get to experience their live sound in other parts of the UK too. Each artist we feature in Darkus, I choose not because everyone is talking about, but because I believe in them. Ok I may have only heard this one track by Saint Sister, but based on what I heard, my respect for them is high, and when that EP is officially released, if your looking for that next new sound which has a genre of its own, then Saint Sister’s Madrid is the one for you. - Written By Thushara
Page Design by Laura Robinson
On the 18th September I was kindly invited along to Blakes in Newcastle Upon Tyne for a delicate and beautiful music event like none ever I had ever experienced before. You are probably sat there wondering to yourself – isn’t Blakes the coffee place? You are correct, but for this night they transformed their venue into the most stunning secret garden setting in aid of showcasing two outstanding musicians from the North East. Adding a little bit of extra style, as Blakes always do they also provided some special cocktails specifically for the night which also made it one of the sophisticated music events I have been too. Our opening act for the night was 18 year old Olivia Devine. Having spoken to herself in the past, and witnessing her music online via her YouTube channel, having already been on my radar, I was absolutely honoured to finally have the opportunity to hear her live. WOW
what a voice! Oliva is more than a musician, she is a talented soul who puts a lot of heart, passion and originality into the music she creates – vocally and lyrically too. A lot of the time people can overlook the talents of young musicians, but to those people I say go hear Oliva Devine because she is an excellent singer-songwriter who has such incredible potential and no doubt will go far. As a song writer too I quite like her honest approach, and her ability to incorporate every day situations in to her music – and most importantly its original too! Having left a really good first impression in my mind, it was time to do a bit of mingling, get yourself an extra drink etc, as the room was prepared for our second artist, and host for the night, Afnan Prince! I will be honest here previous to this night, I had very little idea of who Afnan was, as the main reason for my attendance was to see Olivia.
Having spoken to a couple of my friends who were familiar with his music though, just from entering the room and briefly meeting him before he took to the stage I knew that their was something special about this guy. Everyone is chatting away, then as he starts to sing the room goes entirely silent, with all eyes on Afnan as we see the beautiful world of creativity channelled through the medium of music. Having been to countless shows over the years, to see such attention from the audience, is the mark of a musician who has the respect of his fans. Some of the notes he was hitting, man they were breath taking. Drawing on inspirations such a positive thinking, poetry and musicians such as The Black Keys and Jeff Buckley, Afnan Prince brings his own level of style to the music industry along giving us all an introduction to that extra dimension we have been searching for. There were a few favourite songs on the night for me, including ‘Wolves’, ‘She’ and ‘Truth And Season’. What was even more fun to see was how having offered the audience to choose a topic, he sang a beautiful song about a hat, yes a hat, thus illustrating even more his ability to use
initiative which is a definitely gets maximum bonus points from for me. Having entertained us with his music, which he describes as his ‘deepest, darkest secrets’, it was that sad time in the night where things came to an end, but not without the audience demanding an encore. Being the gentlemen he is, Afnan was only too happy to make his crowd happy, and giving us a mixture of his own material and a cover to end this Secret Garden Experience, resulted in a standing ovation! The look of gratitude and admiration in his eyes and a mutual love for as he described it ‘each beautiful soul in this room’ was just so endearing to see. I came along to this night with an open night, and what I went away with was an experience which exceeded all my expectations to the point where I discovered two exceptional musicians, with their own unique style, have created a revolution where beauty, creativity and music unite.
-Writen By Thushara -Page Design By Laura Robinson
Stereophonics I have been a fan of stereophonics for around 18 years now. I love their melodies and rifts and Kelly Jones’ rasping voice with his Welsh accent that brings a lovely unique-ness to their music. The band consists of Kelly Jones, lead singer and guitarist, Richard Jones, bass and backing vocals, Adam Zindani, guitar and backing vocals and Jamie Morrison on the drums. The new album, Keep The Village Alive is a brilliant addition to their discography with a great mixture of melodies. ‘C’est La Vie’ is a song that will be loved by all ages even in years to come with its catchy tune and lyrics that gets everyone tapping their feet. ‘I Wanna Get Lost With You’ is by far my favourite track of this album, it’s very well written. ‘Song For The Summer’ is one of the more softer tracks while ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’, a song about
a couple having an affair and using different names to check into hotels is like listening to a bit of hot gossip. Really catchy too. This album proves that the Welsh rockers still have plenty of fresh ideas, there is a lot to admire here for old fans and new, and like a lot of their back catalogue, Keep The Village Alive is enjoyable and solid and very very easy to the ears.
Stereophonics: Keeping the Village Alive By Jane Robertshaw Page Design by Laura Robinson
Sweet Billy Pilgrim Sweet Billy Pilgrim an English band from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire are back with their fourth album Motorcade Amnesiacs. After their previous band Cordisto split, Sweet Billy Pilgrim rose from the ashes in 2003. It is fair to say this four piece have paid their dues, recording their critically acclaimed third album - Crown and Treaty in a garden shed. Despite its minimal beginnings it was a hit with critics and gave Mercury Music Prize nominees, Sweet Billy Pilgrim a platform to work from. There is something blissfully sweet about Motorcade Amnesiacs, the album originates from a humble core which could allow the band to transform from a cult favourite to a mainstream hit. It is near impossible to peg this band to a precise genre, their sound transcends folk, rock, and alternative pop. This carefully crafted sound is truly showcased by Sweet Billy Pilgrim on their brand new album.
The lead single Just Above Midtown taken from Motorcade Amnesiacs, which was released in May 2015, is a dream boat of creativity. The single, arguably falls into the electronic pop genre and is largely more accessible than their previous material. Carpenter’s light vocals work in harmony against Elsenburg’s as they sing. ‘Nothing we can do will ever be enough’. Lyrically, Just Above Midtown is poetic and honest, enchanting the listener into a dream like state. Sweet Billy Pilgrim pour their raw emotion into every track, is clear to see that they are not fame seekers or money chasers, they love to write as well as record and their new single Just Above Midtown is a testament to that. Sweet Billy Pilgrim are about to launch their extensive UK headline tour this Autumn, so catch them while you can. Written by Eva Lightfoot Page design by Laura Robinson
Questions By Thushara Answers by Austin (Vocals) & Guitar)
SWim deep
Darkus Magazine: It has been just two years since we last met. What are the major milestones that have occurred in the Swim Deep story since then? Austin: One of the main thing was the slow joining of James on keys. When he first came onto the scene, I knew of him, but then over time we started to bond and include him when it came to song writing, so it felt right that he joined properly and not someone we just call upon for live shows. I think as well in the back of his mind, he never wanted to be just a live member. DM: This year saw appearances at Live At Leeds, Reading And Leeds to name but a few. For the band to be selected for such events, how did that make you feel? A: It feels really good, because in some respects it shows that you are doing something right. To be chosen for any thing on like Reading And Leeds especially as we have always been there growing up as punters is such a big thing and a true icing on the cake moment for us! DM: As frontman fpr the band, what in your eyes are the added responsibilites that go with being in that role! A: I think you have to be bossy, not in a horrible way but more of an assertive way. At the end of the day your not just in a band
with anyone, your there with your friends. DM: Congratulations on the new record Mothers which is out on 2nd October 2015. Can you give us an insight into what it was like to finally complete? A: I am really proud of it! Its one of those albums that each time I listen to, I get a different experience each time. I was really happy to create a good record, especially one where you actually want to listen to every track in its entireity rather than one of those where your regularily pressing the skip button. DM: What do you think any Swim Deep fan – new or long standing will diiscover about you from listening to the album? A: The lyrics this time round are a lot more personal. It sees me talking about my life more and giving me an outlet to express my self in a creative way. At the music level a lot of the sounds are a bit more explorative too. DM: Now word on the street is that one of your tracks got selected for the FIFA16 soundtrack. If there was an official Swim Deep football team what would the line up look like? A: Haha! I would probably say Cavin would be our key player, as he used play growing up. Me...I would probably be on the bench haha! -Page Design By Laura Robinson
DM: 2015 has been such a good year for you. When it comes to your experiences within the music scene, what do you think Swim Deep have brought to the party? A: Thats a dangerous question haha! We are just nice people I guess, and to be honest a lot more shy than people think, but we definitely know how to bbring the fun. At the end of the day the way I see it is that there is enough competitiveness in this industry so its important you keep a level head and see other bands as peers. Be it the relationships within Swim Deep or between different bands its about having mutal respect, bouncing ideas off eachother and not afraid to ask eachother for advice. That way it then feels like your not just doing this on your own, because music is about celebrating the hard work of others and not just yourselves. DM: Now for the Namaste music video you brought a number of guests on board including your very own mum, Zach’s dad and your friend Neil. What was the thinking behind that? A: Cheap budget haha! We also had Paul Daniels which was so bizzare because he couldnt really converse and kept coming up with crazy one liners haha! Funny but very strange! As for my mum well she always said as part of her bucket list it was a dream to be featured in a music video, and Zach’s
dad is just really funny so it felt like the ideal opportunity to include them. DM: Do you think there is a particular style that you can identify as being the Swim Deep sound or is it more an evolving one? A: Its definitely a evolving sound and keeps on doing so! We are a band who always try to do our best and try to be original in everything that we do. DM: With the album complete, what are the next few months going to look like moving forward? A: It could look like anything. With the album being released to the fans it will be a chance to finally see how they receive it, and hopefully they will like it. We are jhoping to get out to the USA. Then in October we have the UK tour which finishes off at one of our favourite venues in London, The Roundhouse, then off to Europe in November. Either way what ever happens I know it will be exciting. DM: It wont be long till halloween is here. Would you say that Swim Deep are more of a trick or treat kind of band? A: I would probably say that this second album is a bit of a trick as it may likely confuse a lot of people. The first album though was more of a treat. DM: I wish you all the best my friend! Why is Mothers a definate must for all music fans – past, present and future? A: Its a great record – simple as!
Written by Thushara
New arrivals to the music scene, The Calls In edition to the single launch show, the have announced that they will soon be band will also be releasing a limited edition hosting a single launch at B ad Apples in CD single of just 100 copies on 2nd October Leeds to show case two of their latest singles, 2015. It may not be a lot at first, but if you The Waterfront and Dreams of Tomorrow, on think about it, releasing a 10, 100 or whatever 1st October 2015. The band who are proud else is enough to get the wheels in motion to call themselves part of the Leeds music for people to start discussing The Calls and scene, may be at the start of their journey, but spreading the word to others – which if their indie rock and catchy riffs shows that your new to the scene like these guys will be this is a band with such valuable potential. exposure. Having listened to If you get a the tracks myself, I chance, head was quite enjoying on over to their honest, no the launch bars hold lyrics. otherwise at In some respects, the very least not being afraid to be sure to take speak their mind. some time out With the music to experience industry being as their music diverse as it is, its for yourself good to see the at the official likes of The Calls Soundcloud diverting away account – you from the norm to never know do something a you may just little bit different. like it ;) Ok it may not https:// exactly be to soundcloud. everyone’s liking at first, but trust me on this com/the-calls/sets/the-waterfront-dreams-ofwhen I say after a couple of listens you will yesterday%22 Page design by Laura Robinson start to understand what they are all about.
Questions By Thushara Answers by Irwin Sparkes (Vocals)
Page design by Laura Robinson
The Hoosiers Darkus Magazine: Are you enjoying 2015? a ripple effect. However at the same time Irwin: It has been kind of underwhelming to despite that you have to keep that fight, and be honest. We are going at a slow but steady to remind yourself that the grass is always pace. greener on the other side so not to loose DM: The new album, The Secret Service, is heart. released 9th October 2015. Are you happy DM: With this new record what was the main with it? aim? I: We are doing everything off our own backs, I: Outside of The Hoosiers we all have other with no backing from a label, which gives us projects we are working on, so when it came more of an chance to experiment and take to The Secret Service it was about how to live more risks. a meaningful life. When it came to the lyrics, DM: Your debut album was released in 2007, a lot of the content was much more candid how do you have changed since then? and almost confessional. A lot of the topic are I: We have been through a bit of a bumpy quite deep and personal which in a different period with a mixture of grief and trauma. capacity would ordinarily be hard to express. When your in a band, each member reacts differently, and sometimes things can have
DM: What then is one of the most difficult I: I didn’t have any specific bands, I was topics to address during the song writing listening to the likes of Blue Radleys, Eden stage? Burn and Dire Straights. However more than I: It wouldn’t be a specific topic as such, but anything it was one of the scenes in Back To more about the fact that you are taking a The Future where Michael J Fox was doing a gamble by going down the confessional route. guitar solo that made me think to myself that In essence you are laying yourself bear, and this is something I would like to try. making yourself vulnerable. At the same DM: What is the most valuable piece of advice time its also about the way you execute it, anyone has ever given you? and it can be tastefully done I: It was probably from my dad. when done in a poetic way. There were a few times where DM: With the tour coming he emphasized whatever you up soon, what can the fans do in life, its all about doing expect? something you enjoy doing and I: It is an opportunity to see you know you are good at. the energy and passion that DM: Why is The Secret Service goes into our live shows. a good album for fans both old However the real question and new to check out? should be, what can we expect I: If you haven’t discovered the from the crowd? Haha! band fully yet, then this is the Seriously though it is hard best time to start. We may be to predict what each show is around for a few years already, going to like, so it’s a about but we are still a developing embracing the spontaneity band. Also with the live shows and living in the moment. we have a good back catalogue DM: As vocalist for the band, was there any which has a mixture from the tracks with the particular music you grew up listening too exciting hooks to the more melancholy tunes, which made you think to yourself that music so our music offers a little bit of something for is something you want to make part of your everyone. life?
Trampolene Darkus Magazine: Hey guys its been a while. How is life in the world of Trampolene? Jack: It has been a while hope all is well with you mate. Life in our world is as frantic as ever - but we love it. DM: It was a year ago since we first met over (Happy Anniversary btw ha) – how do you think you developed as a band since then? J: Happy anniversary! We’ve moved on, I suppose - our show has become its own little TRAMPOLENE world of poems and songs and
heavy basslines DM: Over summer you had a number of weekly residence shows over at KOKO – what was that whole experience for you? Did you achieve everything you hoped to? J: It was surreal for us. We’d never done a packed out gig like that before. Hearing people sing along to the songs and say some of poems was special to me - I think we achieved everything we hoped for and then some. Onto the next show now, presuming there is one.
DM: Congratulations on New Mini Album POCKET ALBUM THREE which is out October 2nd 2015. As a fan such as myself who fell in love with your earlier tracks such as Alcoholic Kiss, how will Pocket Album Three take my experiences to a whole new level? J: Well you’ll have to listen and tell me - it’s the same Classic TRAMPOLENE if you ask me. 4 songs - all extreme in there own way, and 1 Poem.
DM: What is it you think keeps the hunger of Trampolene going? J: I think it’s in the search to create something exceptional - but I don’t know truly maybe it’s just our way of fighting the magnificent fight against boredom DM: Obviously there is a slightly different line-up to when we last met over in Camden. What was it like for you Rob, to be invited to be part of the band? J: You’d have to ask him - but I’d imagine it was scary and exciting. DM: For you Jack and Wayne what qualities was it about Rob that appealed to you? J: I have known Rob since I was six years old - when my parents split and I went to my fathers for the weekend Rob lived next door - so we grew up hanging around and playing football together - keeping that bond going and hopefully getting it into our music appealed to me. DM: I am always impressed at how hard you guys work, is this the start of the Trampolene revolution? J: I think the revolution may have already started! Time for everyone to catch up now. DM: You recently went on a mini tour to covering
the likes of Glasgow, Birmingham etc. Was there any particular city you were more excited to play at? J: We loved all the gigs. Glasgow was immense, the people there are so passionate. Manchester was amazing as well. We can’t wait to go back to them all and play again for everyone. DM: With such creativity and poetry behind the lyrics, where does the main
inspiration come from? J: It can come from anything or nothing - mostly to do with whatever book I am reading, the news or mundane everyday things. I have no rules when it comes to writing songs or poems - I just get my head down, that is unless there’s a good film on love a good film. DM: Do you think you have accomplished everything you set out to do at the start of
the year? J: I don’t know - I presume we have - I not sure I’ll feel accomplished until we can travel the world doing what we love, maybe I won’t even then, but I think we’ve had a good year. DM: On the latest record, is there any particular track which would be an ideal starting point for that potential new Trampolene fan? J: IT’S NOT ROCK AND ROLL - it’s explosive. NO ONE’S GOT LOVE LIKE WE GOT - it’s tender. DM: Listen guys I wish you all the best, and hopefully we will be at one of your shows soon! To end it on even more of a high, Is Trampolene at a happy place right
now? J: Thanks mate - lovely to chat - all the best with magazine - TRAMPOLENE is always at happy place and we welcome all. -ANSWERS BY JACK JONES (VOCALIST) -Questions By Thushara -Photos By Simon Sarin
-Page Design by Laura Robinson
VANT
Page Design by Laura Robinson
Everyone say hello to the North East’s very own VANT! An incredible up and coming band who have such an incredible 2015 already, with appearances at a number of reputable festivals such as Reading and Leeds, Dot to Dot, The Great Escape and Y Not Festival to name but a few.
Tipped to be one of the energetic, talented and addictive bands you could ever discover this year, the 4 piece band led by Mattie Vant, the founder behind VANT, will be heading out on the road for the exclusive DIY Presents Tour throughout October. I cannot emphasise just how superb these guys are. Starting off as a bit of a secret when Mattie departed Seaham for the sights of Brighton, for over four years he worked hard to ensure that VANT were as strong as could be so as a music fan I am only excited that he decided to share his world so we could all share in the journey and rise we are seeing right now. As a great starting point I thoroughly recommend if you are yet to be introduced to the guys, that you check out a couple of their songs. Firstly, The Answer. It is one of those songs which from the start fills you with that raw kind of adrenaline which only
As a song, this is a very strong enough to get you curious. But hey if you are listening and its got your attention but you just need that extra edge then my second recommendation would be “Do You Know Me?”. Oh my word where to start with this, if this doesn’t make you become capivated by their music I don’t know what will! Being catchy both lyrically and musically, this is one of those songs, even as a first time listener where you will be singing along to by the end, and will remain in your mind long after than you cant resist and indulge in that replay button. The DIY Presents Tour is the perfect opportunity to see a band such as VANT, in the evolution process. I always wonder what the next step is for any band, but I think right here and now, what we are witnessing with Mattie Vant and co is the next step as we speak! Playing along side Inheaven and The Big Moon on this tour, what is even more
makes you hyper, because your mind and body know something special is coming. Then as soon as Mattie’s vocals kick in you are drawn further in. Be you male or female – its easily one of those voices you can instantly fall in love with. The Answer is also a track which portrays VANT as a band who have a bit of feistiness behind them, with them putting a little bit of attitude into their lyrics – something which for someone like me I quite like to see.
wonderful about this tour is their will be a rotating headliner, but with Vant headlining Bristol, Manchester, London and ofcourse Newcastle. Described as being a mix between The Pixies, Queen of The Stone Age and The Strokes but with their own special style added in for that extra kick, VANT are certainly a band you wouldn’t want to miss out on! So what you waiting for, go check them out right now! Written By Thushara
Victorious Festival 29th & 30th August 2015 : Music, Food and Typical British Weather
A variety of artists had come the weather remained very once again to Portsmouth Sea British mostly sunny but Front to entertain at a smaller unexpected spots of rain. The festival. Artists included only large factor that I would the likes of Ella Eyre, The point out from this festival Darkness and Basement is that there is no camping Jaxx alongside lesser known accommodation, if you wish yet interesting bands such to stay in Portsmouth over as Steel Strum and Hayseed night there is a hotel almost 2 Dixie. minutes walk away! But that is literally the only downside! As a small festival it had You can get into free local many surprising small attractions that you would luxuries such as toilets otherwise pay for such as, which was stocked well with The Sealife Centre, D-Day hand sanitiser and hot food museum etc. Plus everything available in comparison to is close together, and handy larger festivals. lanyards can be purchased with music times, map of Over the course of the festival local facilities.
As a whole, if you are new to the festival scene and want to give it a taste before heading up something hard core, give this great festival ago! Seaside view & great acts at affordable ticket prices. - Written by Yasmin Taylor - Photography by Voxical Pgae Design by Laura Robinson
It’s probably not the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Fashion Week but Vancouver Fashion Week is now globally the fifth largest Fashion Week - right behind Milan - and the Spring/ Summer 2016 season will take place from September 28th to October 4th. VFW will open its doors to designers, media, buyers and agents to explore and discover seven days of ready-to-wear from around the globe. Supported by the Prime Minister of Canada and the Mayor of Vancouver, Vancouver Fashion Week is widely recognised as a global platform for both established and emerging designers, founded by producer, Jamal Abdourahman in 2001, the principal Canadian Fashion Week is lauded worldwide as the fastest growing Fashion Week and the only industry event that actively seeks to showcase international award-winning talent alongside its home grown designers and emerging
talent. VFW brings together important partnerships from around the world and its own influential local community, who along with VFW, are committed to fostering the growth of the fashion industry and celebrating the arts -
exciting times right? Sure, commercial Fashion Month is aces. In fact, twice a year it’s the absolute highlight of my calendar but looking outside of the box at smaller Fashion Weeks is exciting too and this one in particular is growing at a rapid pace. With SS16 on the horizon there’s a real industry buzz about what to expect from Canada’s home grown talent this VFW, known as an incubator for international innovation and talent, SS16 will be VFW’s 26th season and they’re some pretty great credentials.
This season, VFW has partnered with The Metro Show, a platform that has over 130 apparel and footwear agencies and retailrelated businesses. (The Metro Show is a Canadian Association of Wholesale Sales Representatives affiliated show) Known internationally as the ‘Gateway to Global Fashion,’ Vancouver Fashion Week, held in the capital of Canada’s most creative and international province, is a true gateway to Asian markets. It’s a Fashion Week that gets the buyers in a tizzy and relatively commercially unspoiled, it’s one which allows show-goers to concentrate on the garments. The platform is charged with supporting innovative, cutting edge
talent from around the world and the stage has been shared with some of the heavyweights. Versace, Anna Sui and Roca Wear have appeared on VFW’s catwalks alongside edited selections of mature to developing designers. So, if you’re streaming, social media stalking, reading my Fashion Voyeur posts (obvs.) or even lucky enough to be attending Fashion Month, then don’t forget about Vancouver Fashion Week. it may be small, but it’s definitely mighty and while all eyes will be on Paris and the major players, make sure you check out Persicope for updates on VFW too - you can thank me later....
Page design by Laura Robinson
Wreckreation Darkus Magazine: What was the driving force who lives their values, like what the ancient behind the birth of Wreckreation? Greeks called Areté, which means to live with virtue. And it grew from there.. Sally: We are driven by the desire for social change, the idea of being a creator and not DM: How have you found the fashion the created. I wanted to bring a new dynamic industry from your own experiences as a perspective by creating a highly visual utopia designer? with a call to action! The major purpose being to deliver a tide of inspiration that Sally: Well, it is an industry like any other and ignites the creator in each individual. would seem to predominantly revolve around making the highest profit which isn’t always The word Wreckreation itself means to wreck in the best interest of consumer or designer. outdated, stifling doctrines and spoon-fed ideals and to create your own world for For the consumer, this results in fast yourself. repetitious, poorer quality garments. For the designer, it equates to thwarted It is really about human potential, creativity and diminishing craftsmanship and bulldozing limitations placed on us and skills. never acknowledging an impossibility. It’s about striving to be the best we can possibly The effects on society have produced a be through pure Will Power and raw disposable culture where people are happy to determination. settle for mediocrity, of which Wreckreation has no place. Which is why I chose to work Sometimes this world in which we are all for myself and build something bigger connected, needs someone to step out of the than ourselves, something with depth and Grey and say, ‘Hey it’s ok, you can be who meaning. you want to be. The rules are only there if you believe in them. You can be more.’ I think it’s I am of course generalizing from my important for body and mind to be who we experiences within the industry. And to be truly are. honest, I’m not even sure what fashion is So I wrote a manifesto and brought to life the other than dressing up. Wreckreators; Warrior/Creators. Someone
Questions By Thushara Answers By Sally Smallwood (Creative Director)
DM: Who are the main team behind Wreckreation? Sally: There’s myself, I design, make the patterns, sew etc.. And Megan AlexanderWeir who designs the prints. We’re also lucky enough to have interns working with us. At the moment we have Ellen Wood from Northumbria University, who has been amazing! I call her Elle Woods. I don’t think she minds. DM: This year saw your designs being featured on the likes of NE1 Fashon Front Row – How significant was that to your journey? S: It was a lot of fun and an excellent opportunity to showcase our work within the local region, especially somewhere as renowned as The Baltic. Not a lot of people in the area knew we existed as our customer base is a very niche global market. But we were blown away by the feedback we received! One of the models told me afterwards that it was such an adrenaline rush to wear our garments down the runway! And that is exactly what we had hoped for. We met some great characters
and it was wonderful to hear the other designers stories and see their work. The experience has since opened new and unexpected opportunities for us such as collaborations with local and like-minded people, so we are very grateful to have been
be a serious, straight-jacket affair if you just push the boundaries a little. It would seem to me that everyone is born with the gut feeling that they are made for something greater than themselves and that is the feeling I am acting upon. To create something that will make a difference and have a positive impact. I also think that to remain positive, you have to embrace change. Holding onto a closed belief system and following archaic rules will inevitably cause stagnation and the negative feeling of being stuck. To move forward and advance, we must be flexible.
Another major factor in our positivity, is having a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and only wholefoods which help to sustain high involved. energy levels and mental DM: What I love about your clarity. I’m usually so excited work is not only the ambition to get to the studio that it to think outside the box but feels more like play than also your positive and strong work! values. Where does all this positive energy come from ? But above all, the abundance of positive energy comes S: From any early age I from the belief in what we are was taught to question doing and a pinch of humor, everything. And I did. I saw not taking anything including that the world doesn’t have to ourselves, too seriously.
DM: Tell us a little bit about the collection you chose for Darkus and what it says about the brand vision? S: These outfits are taken from our first public collection- Twilight of the Idols. (I’ve always been inspired by the philosophy of Nietzsche, so it seemed fitting to name the collection after one of his works.) It’s about the arrival of the Wreckre8tors; a force of nature, a tribe of individuals who live their ideals and are here to inspire others to do the same. Their tagline is – Do Not Idolise, Be Your Ideal, which is displayed through some of the prints. ‘For if you look to another you build the idol instead of the ideal,’ and this is what is happening in our celebrity culture which is very unhealthy especially for young people.
DM: Take us through your own creative process S: In the beginning, there is a word… I am predominantly inspired by books. The works of Goethe, Jung, Robert Anton Wilson, Ayn Rand etc.. Their theories, new ways of thinking, victorious stories of characters with great strength. I want to give those ideas
a new form. Some people use paint as their medium, I use clothes to express these ideas. Designing garments is like painting the future I see in my head. We use film to launch each collection We may never reach our rather than a catwalk as this ideal, I don’t know, but the helps to create a world so Japanese have the word the garments can be seen in ‘Kaizen,’ which means context. I’m usually thinking continuous improvement and of what the film will look like that is what we practice. when I’m designing. I have to have my
headphones on too, I couldn’t design without music. Usually hardcore or hardstyle, around 175bpm. The high energy helps in visualizing the linear shapes and bold graphics. Do you know music is the only thing that connects the left and right brain? I think that’s very interesting. I find sound inspirational, like the roar of a jet engine when you feel it go right
through you. Visually, I’m inspired by fast cars and I love motor cross. I think that perhaps comes across in the bright, optimistic and contrasting colours we use! Next seasons colour story is inspired by a hotwheels car. We have them all around the studio. It’s important to keep things playful so our imagination doesn’t run off.
DM: Who would you imagine Wreckreation would appeal to the most? S: I originally started out creating outfits for musicians for stage wear and music videos, so it is often other creatives from an array of disciplines who we work with. Now we have launched publicly, I imagine Wreckreation will appeal to those who have a shared interest, a passionate goal of creating positive change. Those who set no limits, DM: Ideally what does the next level of acknowledgement look like to you? S: As we make everything in-house, in the near future we would like our own factory space and store front. The aim is to create jobs, to employ people from the closed garment factories, putting their skills to use again and boosting the regional economy. We’re also building our client base at the moment and would love to work with more highprofile performers. Some people have said they could see Will.I.Am wearing these kind of outfits but we’ll see! We’re always on the look-out to work with and collaborate with those who display a similar energy to us. These are exciting times and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!
the brave, the architects of the future, the born leaders, those who defy rules and question authority. Those who focus their will power like a thimbleful of gunpowder, those who are not willing to settle for mediocrity. Then again it might just be someone sporty who likes a lot of colour! DM: Do you think you have achieved the main things you set out to do when 2015 began?
S: Yes, we’ve had a great year so far! Our main priority was to spread brand awareness publicly as well as continue to work alongside private clients and at the same time, reflect the brand values in everything we achieve. We have worked on some exciting projects, some of which are yet to be publicized. Another goal was to have more of a presence in the community to work with young people, which we will continue to deliver.
DM: What do you think gives and long-lasting. They’re you that extra edge? made to give you a Power Up! We want people to feel S: One thing that sets us apart inspired to take action, to tap is that everything is designed into their potential, to feel and produced in-house at the limitless when wearing these Wreckreation studios. Our clothes because really, they focus is on the individual, are. so limited quantities of each We also have direct contact garment is made and we also with our clients resulting in have a Custom Built range. a very personal approach. It’s We see our garments as an great to connect and share investment for the client world views and bounce as they’re hardwearing ideas!
We’re not all about the clothes and I think that gives us an edge. We are always open to new perspectives and we’re not afraid to make our own rules. Then break them if we have to. We understand that we will forever be learning but hope that as a fashion house, we can be superlative and not comparative. DM: What are the main platforms where people can discover more about Wreckreation? S: We love hearing from people, even if it’s not about clothes or Hotwheels
Photographer: Chris Ord Photography Assistant: Stephen Taylor Models: Annabelle Chilley, Chelsea Barber, Lucy Naomi Wilkinson, Joni George Valadares, Lewis Bruford Make Up Artists: Sarah Stonehouse @ F.A.C.E Makeup Artistry & Laura Lou Hairstylist: Steph O’Neill (Hair Maid) Page Design by Laura Robinson
The importance of being basic
Model: Chloe Cuthbertson Photo By: Rich Schaapkens (Rich Schaapkens Photography) Make Up Artist: Josephine Birkett Mua
Model: Maris Photo By Stu Glen
Starting up your wardrobe is all about experimenting. Think back to the awkward stages but remember the types of clothing you felt comfortable in. We are all different shapes so keeping up with the trends is difficult because not all the trends will suit your figure. When I thought back to my awkward 13 year old self stage, I remember that I wore a lot of tight bottoms and bigger tops which for me makes me look good due to my type of figure. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and if the trends scare you find an alternative. So when the ripped skinny jeans were a huge staple piece, I knew I couldn’t pull them off, so instead of ripped skinny jeans, I had ripped boyfriend jeans. Feeling comfortable in your outfit will improve your confidence and slowly improve your knowledge on what suits you best. When building up your wardrobe, basic pieces are the most important pieces to begin with as they give you a basis to build an outfit around. Basics would be, a good pair of black or blue jeans, white/grey/black tops, a leather jacket, black boots and a pair of trainers. Pieces
like those already create a simple outfit but also start the foundations for a more complex outfit. Building your wardrobe around basic pieces will help build your knowledge on how to improve those basic pieces so that you can then fit them into your personal style. Also,
My friends all know me for having a folder on my phone that is filled with over 400 pictures of women, outfits and places that I find inspiring and on a rushed morning before college or when a spontaneous plan arises, I use that folder for inspiration on what to wear. From a growing folder like that you can then determine the styles and colours that you are drawn to, because obviously you wouldn’t put anything in the folder that you didn’t like. You can then go onto incorporating pieces that suit your taste. So for me, I like a quite grungy and edgy style, so I would buy a leather jacket, black chunky boots, black and white striped pieces, plaid shirts and ripped jeans to incorporate with those basic pieces that I already have to help with my personal style. if you are just getting used to You can create an amazing putting together outfits, it is outfit with the correct basic easier with basic pieces rather items which is why they carry than the bold pieces because such an important role in you’ll find that the basic creating a great wardrobe. pieces all flow together easily Model: Stephanie Whitehead but the bolder pieces will be Photo By Jade Photography difficult to pair together. Having inspiration is key when building up your -Writen By Megan Lowes wardrobe as each style has -Page Design By Laura different pieces that would Robinson help kick start an outfit.
MAKE IT REIN Model: Monika Vrublova Designer: REIN London Hair & make-up styling: www. faceperfectbyjodi.co.uk & www. monikavrublova.com
S t e f a n i e Calleja - Gera Darkus Magazine: It is an absolute pleasure to meet you Stef. Tell us a little bit about yourself? Stef: Pleasure to meet you too Thushara! Well, I’m a commercial & fashion photographer, a workaholic and a closet clothes hoarder. I’ve been working in the industry for around 10 years now and especially love working on model shoots; it doesn’t matter whether it’s for a fashion label, big brand or small boutique - I just really enjoy the buzz of it all. DM: What have been some of the many highlights to happen to you this year? S: Wow, there have been so many already. I’m blessed to do a job that I love and I’m very aware that not so many people are able to do that, so everyday is a highlight really, from being able to enjoy a relaxed coffee in the kitchen with my husband on a Tuesday morning to being featured on Vogue Italia – I try to savour every moment! DM: The results of your images after a shoot always look stunning. Have there been any particular projects where you have had to push yourself that extra bit more?
S: You always have to push yourself to get the great results – I do remember one project early this year where just myself and a model went into the wilds of Gloucestershire in the snow and it was FREEZING. We got there, sat in the warm car and when we got out the icy wind was whipping across the fields and the poor model was wearing a cape with no sleeves! It would have been easy to say “forget it, we’ll do this in studio”, but we persevered and she was so great; she didn’t complain once, even though her hands & face were like ice – it made for some very atmospheric shots & was well worth it! DM: To you what are the elements that contribute towards a successful project? S: Like with the “snow shoot” it’s not just about you in the shoot – the other people working on it have to be invested in it too and want to make it a success. That’s why it’s so important to work with passionate people like Monika who are great at what they do. Also not being afraid of hard work and of course, a great concept helps! -Questions By Thushara -Page Design By Laura Robinson
I am Fawn Model: Gaia Abigail Maggio Hair & Make-up Stylist: www.monikavrublova.com
SNOW HORIZON Model: Monika Vrublova Hair & make-up styling: www.monikavrublova.com
WINTER SUN Model: Lauren Exell Hair Styling: www.vallenders.com Make-up artist – Madeline Jones Of Wedding Paint Stylist – Yvette Brentnall
GOLDEN AGE OF LINGERIE Models: Rachel Anthony & Chris Hughes Hair Styling: www.bellabridalhair.co.uk Clothing: Derek Rose & Sandra Dee
DM: When people see your images what is it you would ideally you would like them to take away with them? S: It’s hard to answer that because of course, as a creative person, your main goal is to create something you love for you and for the enjoyment of others, so obviously, I always hope that people will like the work, but I guess I hope that they’ll take away a feeling of intrigue & enjoyment of something a little different. DM: Is there any particular style which you are fond of the most? S: Oooh, now there’s a loaded question if ever I heard one! In terms of photographers & artists I admire, there are quite a few – I studied history of art way back when, so “creating an image” has always been my passion. For instance, in
photography, I love the surrealism of David LaChapelle’s bold & colourful images akin to my some of my favourite artists including Dali & Rothko. The Di Stijl movement was also one of my big influences when I was studying; the simple notions of line, form, colour & aesthetics explored by great artists & architects like Mondrian & Kurt Schwitters really excites me and this transcends into photography; you can clearly see these elements at work in a Mario Testino image too. I’d say that I have quiet a few influences and “career crushes” – lets face it, we’re surrounded by so many talented people these days, it’s hard not to be and I like to embrace talent when I see it! Overall though, my favourite styles & ideas tend to be bold, unique & impactful (well I try anyway)!
DM: With having close to a decade’s worth of experience, how do you think you have developed as a photographer? S: I think I’ve developed more confidence as time has gone on to be more adventurous, but even now, every time I complete a project, I think “oh, I wish I’d done this as well” or “right, what’s next?” because I’m always wanting to push it to see what else I can do – it’s very exciting! With photography & art in general I think you are always learning and anyone who says they’ve learnt as much as they can is lying! DM: Was there any particular moment in the early stages of your career which you identify as being the turning point for the rise of Stefanie CallejaGera? S: Haha! That sounds like I’m taking over! Not really one thing in particular, but certainly having the support of my husband has given me an incredible boost every day to keep pushing – even when I don’t feel like I’ve done well, he’s there beside me telling me to keep going, I really couldn’t do it without him. DM: You obviously have a great following, so from the feedback you have received has there been any which have meant the most to you? S: I have received some truly great feedback for which
I’m very grateful – I recently received an email from a new commercial client who thanked me for all my “hard work, creativity and support both professionally and emotionally at times! I’ve come from the board meeting today where everyone was thrilled” and I was recently told by renowned designer Paul Costelloe at his
LFWSS16 private view that I have a “lovely spirit” which really made my year! DM: To survive in the fashion and photography industry, what do you think the secret to success is when it comes to maintaining your ‘A’ game? S: As I mentioned before, a lot of it is down to working with good people, but also you need to have a thick skin and be brave. Nobody
books every single job they go for, so you have to be prepared to take the knocks with the praise – a very hard thing for many creatives! I also think it helps to run “personal projects” alongside “paid work” as this helps to keep the passion & creativity flowing. DM: Where does Stefanie Calleja-Gera go from here? S: I’m working on a project at the moment to bring professional creatives together not only to show what amazing work can be created when we band together, but also to help give opportunities to the next generation who are coming up fast – it’s called the Cotswold Collective so watch this space - that’s my next project and then we’ll see, who knows, but that’s what’s so exciting! DM: Having seen the work you produce, it is safe to say that you are a photographer with a vision and a mind blowing dream. With this in mind therefore, what does the spirit of SCG photography represent to you? S: Oooh that’s tough. Maybe the spirit of a goat? They’re known for being small but sure-footed, downright bold and can get themselves into ridiculous situations right? Yea, that sounds good.
NOELLA COURSARIS-MASTERS Model: Noella Coursaris – Masters Sylist: Saloum Designer: Azzedine, Alaia Paris Hair Styling: www.francescogroup.co.uk Make-up: www.toniccheltenham.co.uk Videographer: www.golbycreative.co.uk
By Jocelyne Yendall Photos By (Jessie Edwards Thomas)
Jossys’s 2015 Miss Transgender Story I entered the Miss Transgender Pageant back in February. Having undergone my gender reassignment surgery in December 2014, the pageant seemed like a great way to motivate myself especially when I was in recovery. My reasons for doing the pageant initially was because I found that as a transgender female, a lot of the major pageants banned transgender women from entering. I also wanted to inspire other trans people, not everyone is able to have the acceptance that I have had, I want to be a voice for those who feel ostracised and to show them that being transgender is nothing to be ashamed of and that in time, things will get better. The pageant ended up becoming a big part of my life, and has opened up so many doors for me. My confidence increased and by associating with other transgender women, it’s enabled me to come to terms, accept and be open about my past. You never know where your life is going to take you, and I think that I am testament to that. One of the best things to come from the pageant was friendship that is something that really over shines any prizes. For me, the whole point of the competition was really for us all to unite and that is certainly something that Fay Louise and I feel strongly about. We could have been rivals but instead of tearing each other down, we formed a great and honest friendship. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for all of the contestants. Thankfully I was able to stay out of most of the drama. There have been tears, tantrums and bruised egos and the pageant was stressful at times. In the months that followed, I had a photoshoot in Blackpool with Sugar Shots, this was through the pageant, an excellent experience and certainly confirmed to me that modelling (as well as acting) is what I’m
aiming to make a full time career of. I had my regional heat in Birmingham where I placed 2nd. My goal still the Birmingham heat was to place in the final, which I did. My evening gown for that was well admired and it was from a charity shop! I was invited by the BBC to attend the premiere screening of Boy meets Girl, at the Tyneside Cinema along with Fay. I was also able to bring my family along and my mum and grandma appeared on the Anna Foster show on BBC Radio Newcastle. The final was held at the EGG Club in Kings Cross, London. My evening gown and talent round dress were both designed by the fabulous Christopher Niari. Unfortunately I didn’t place in the top 3 but I’m proud of what I achieved and that this girl from Gateshead got to the final of a national competition. Being myself on stage is something I do struggle with, and I think that I’d what let me down as most points on the night went to how you answered the judges questions. I had to be Jossy the person and not Jossy the performer, but this is something that can I am continuing to work on. So what’s next for me? Well, I’ve been cast in a play that is funded by The Sal Lumsden Archive Foundation (SLAP!) plus a few projects in the pipeline that I can’t reveal just yet. I will be involved with Miss Transgender next year, not sure if I will compete again though, it’s too early to say but I will be involved somehow. My advice for anyone thinking of doing it next year is to remain true to yourself and just enjoy the experience. Special thanks to Rachael Bailey for organising the event and believing in us!
Page Design By Laura Robinson
Mens Fashion Male fashion, is it the poor understudy of the industry, straight off we can say that is not true. Now more than at any point before we have far more choice, far more options than ever, far more access at an affordable price. In the past it has been true that menswear has dragged behind, there are a couple of reasons for this. Historically clothes shopping and style have suffered a bit from male culture, it wasn’t the done thing to be interested in, and access to style could be very expensive. It is certainly true there have been outbreaks of creativity that have driven male fashion forward, forged timeless looks and allowed diversity, Mods, Rockers, Punks, Teddy Boys all represented moments of fashion stepping forward. New Romantics are an example of
identity via clothes unleashed, but these ran against the main stay. I think we could say that in the last couple of decades a lot of men looked no further than jeans and t-shirt, or for a night out a freshly ironed shirt and a splash of aftershave. Time evolves and I look out and see we are in an era of change. Fashion is bigger than ever for men. This has been driven by a few factors. We now have many male icons pushing clothing lines, just look at how many musicians have lines and how entwined clothes have become to musical groups as an example. Jay-Z has mixed his garment business with his big bass beats, fashion and music are fused, joined and exist in each other. Photographer- Moss Bross
Acceptability and availability has changed as well, things like LCM have set a new agenda, the male equivalent of Fashion Week has thrown style into the every day. People can now have direct inspiration from catwalk to shopping basket. We have a growing selection of magazines to browse, the older titles have all added pages dedicated to fashion, clothes, accessories and footwear Shopping is the big key here though. Commerce as ever is king. Online retail has delivered the revolution we needed. No matter what your style you can go online, see the looks you want in magazines, fashion sites and other web based outlets then click into the buying process. The bricks and mortar stores know that women spend more, therefore shop floors remain focused towards female fashion. However online it is a lot easier. You can hold stock, you can offer as much as you want. People can come and shop without a retailer worrying about the pounds spent to square meter equation. It also allows dedicated retailers to showcase their looks. I focus on a lot of independent retailers, and the best bit is going to a site that is dedicated to a certain style. I like a sharper look, but because online is freedom I could
also go to street fashion, onesies, sportswear, or casual in a few clicks. Another great barometer is vintage fashion, a few years ago there would be one dealer at an event, now when I go to places like Clerkenwell Vintage Fair there are male only stalls and others that are unisex. The key for male fashion and its audience is developing style, you must go out and find what works for you, what makes you happy, and what gives you confidence. Clothes are armour, they are a way to be who you are at a glance. If we keep moving forward I what we ask for, the retailers will respond. Back to that commerce is king theme again. But there is no better way of driving style forward and increasing our options than find the things that make you feel great, it’s just a quick click or a step away. Embrace the inner fashion guru. -By Ross Pollard -Model Jordon P Middlebrook -Photographer- Moss Bross -Page Design - Laura Robinson
LFW 2015: Jasper Garvida
I love London Fashion Week, it’s an inspiring time filled with creativity and seeing designers that create joy and are dictating where the industry will go. Over the last few months I’ve been lucky enough to cover one designer fairly closely that always ticks all those boxes, step forward Jasper Garvida and his Ethologie label. Jasper now runs his own label, but his path led him there from studying fashion, via working with Alexander McQueen, to the label that bears his name, “He certainly helped me realise that the world of fashion can be a lonely one. He taught me that the long hours, sleepless nights and puffy eyes would all be worth the amazing rewards!”. The designs stand out because they imbue part of his personality, fun, light and playful. When he takes out the pencils and scissors, magic happens. “There is always element of myself in every design that I do.” The SS16 collection bears all of these as hallmarks, wearable but light, flowing and designed for the most brilliant and chic night out. The use of print in this collection adds a layer of complexity, but the structure, another Garvida hallmark, creates the flow and drama. Though when asked about his standing in the industry
and the regard he’s held in, he remains very humble, “I am just Jasper.” You can tell that he is a perfectionist, during the walk for his collection I could see from my seat that he was there bustling and perfecting every model in the final moments before the stepped
out, perhaps it’s this that led him to tell me in a recent interview “There is heavy pressure to always top the last collection when working to extremely tight deadlines. I consistently work to better my work and myself in every collection that I do.” The presentation at LFW SS16 was an absolute triumph, it took from the history of fashion but in his hands it was moulded into the modern sense that defines his idea of the Ethologie
woman. The historical notes in the design of the print reminded me of the Greek and Persian dynasties, adding texture to the movement of the garments. You can see Garvida is a student of fashion and that the learning he gained in his university days has never ended. “You must have an absolute thirst for knowledge and extremely creative thoughts” It takes a talented designer to use such revered themes and yet place his stamp upon them. Thankfully Jasper isn’t done yet, and his appreciation of what it takes remains undiminished, he knows the effort that lies ahead to keep delivering such powerful collections, I just hope you love them as much as I do. “Fashion is a very difficult industry. It requires commitment, hard work and stability . . . It isn’t all about the glamour; it’s tough but incredibly exciting . . . I am just doing the job that I love and I am flattered that it is inspiring others.” -London Fashion Week 2015: Jasper Garvida Photo Credits – Chris Yates Label Name- Ethologie Bags – Brix & Bailey Jewellery – Alice Menter -Page Design - Laura Robinson
Herecy Herecy is a new concept to lingerie and accessories for men and women, using luxury materials and skillful designs, each piece is handmade in house in London, creating a new concept to highlight and accentuate the human form. Versatility is the key that makes Herecy stand out from the rest, being able to wear the harnesses under or over clothing, whether it’s with formal wear or your
party outfit, if your style is outlandish or minimalist, in the office or in the bedroom, any way you wear it will bring a different dimension to your look. AM/ PM is the campaign Herecy has started to showcase just that. Showing two opposite looks, the day look and the night look, people will be able to see first hand how different one piece can look, where you can wear them and how they highlight the body subtly and beautifully.
Founder and designer Holly Ashe is taking design to a new level, throwing out the rulebook and creating pieces that challenge the norm.
“Every piece is designed with the human form in mind, the attractiveness of symmetry and lines that emphasize a person’s natural curves and definition on either clothes or bare skin. I want everyone to love his or her bodies, and use
Herecy as a second skin, not just an accessory.” Already appearing in German, Italian and British Vogue, Herecy is making waves in the luxury fashion world and plan on going further. With 9 pieces for men and
9 pieces for women, there is a huge choice of geometric designs to choose from, all extendable, giving incredible fit to any type of body or any shape, making them the perfect accessory.
For any enquires please email hollyherecy.com www.herecy.com facebook.com/HerecyUK @HerecyUK #WearingHerecy Page design by Laura Robinson
Photographer: Elspeth Van Der Hole Female model: Ruby Lorcan male model: Sam Marberg Hair & Make Up Artist: Georgia Wood
Darkus Magazine: Where did the idea for the brand originate? Masato: It originated in 2012 after graduating in 2009 at central St Martins. I was lucky enough to work as a pattern cutter consistently and developing my craft in 20072008 in my gap year with Giles Deacon. We started working on collections for regional fashion weeks to create public interest, Soon we had developed a following via social media and began focusing on a collection in 2012. I created 2 collections of the 1st line and in 2013 launched our successful 2nd line. DM: What is you believe that makes MASATO stand out? M: We are a small individual design company dedicated to qualities and fit. We produce bespoke or couture made garments to each customer well-fit garment. To develop this we need to be more well known as I like to specialise in
meeting the customer fitting the customer, we do not always conform to the same shape. Anything which requires a size 10 or for men I create purely for the model and the catwalk. In terms of our second line although I do most of the designs I am now collaborating with artists to create wearable art, we will always be limited print from 50 to 300 whether its sweatshirts or Tshirts. We have a history of being refused boutique space however 95% of our customers order directly from us. My focus is to give talented artists and designers a platform via social media and our website to go to the next level based on our initial struggle. We have a social conscience especially homelessness and we work with small independent charities to raise awareness with a cut of profits of certain Masato products. Our next campaign will be the Homeless Beanie campaign.
DM: How has journey been so far? M: Being on a journey without an investor has been slow however our social media coverage has increased, so it feels like we are packing things slowly into a lorry to start a big journey whereby we won’t come back to the struggles we have faced. We are training ourselves to win the many trials we are
facing into the future. This is a family business which means anyone involved has made a contribution to make this a success from our photographer, make up artist and accountant to create a company that has learnt from mistakes we have made and others have made in their journey. DM: Why menswear ? M: When we started of thinking of our company as the brand that producing the idea was Womenswear only, introducing menswear came up naturally and very fortunately we have met many male customers who enjoy our men’s line. Initially it came from an idea from our friend Richard who expressed interest in working with flower fabric in the form of men’s shirts, this sold out and online. We found that a lot of men enjoy fashion to create their life style, I also found men are bored with seeing the same brands with the same staples.
DM: With your latest AW15 Collection what Masato London encapsulates designs of do you love about it the most? Masato Jones from his annual collections M: Some dresses from this collection has of his first line to monthly additions to the Steer skull head shape with shadow seaming second line of Tshirts and sweatshirts. work on front Ideally bodice like we need patch work to attract but creating investors body shape as bricks at same time. and mortar I also like the isn’t cheap patchwork to expand head skirt. into being The current stocked theme of this across the collection is UK, The ”Mid West key areas USA”. The where we sell research was online such initiated from as Norfolk, a visit to the Yorkshire, National Manchester Museum of and Scotland, the Native where we American in have no New York in presence so April 2014 my hope is to which led me fulfil this gap. to photography We currently of mid-western have space in USA dress Soho at the from 1880’s Permanent to 1920’s to Pop Up photography of we share. I the early 20th would love century leading to run a to an image boutique that of a steer skull which features in most of the assists and helps young brands starting out collection. when I say young i’m talking brands that have DM: What would be the ideal next level ? started, the talent is there and a platform is M: We want to expand the second line to needed. create track pants, scarves, underwear as well as creating a Tshirt and sweatshirt lines.
Photography: Stefanie Calleja-Gera www.scg-photography.com Photography Assistant: Davey Terrific Hair & make-up Artist: Monika Vrublova www.monikavrublova.com Hair & make-up assistant: Madiy Warner Models: Sophie Organ, Ashleigh Millman, Liam Dunn & Samuel Bate-Williams
MASATO London AW15 Questions by Thushara Answers by Designer, Masato Jones Page design by Laura Robinson
Quayside Market Attracts Regions Fashionistas
A new high-end fashion business is making waves at Newcastle’s weekly Quayside market. Alexa Slater initially began retailing costume jewellery but has now branched out into fashions. “I wanted to offer my customers a range of classic high street clothing at affordable prices to complement the jewellery line,” said Alexa. “I am absolutely delighted with the response from customers many of whom are returning as I expand the range.” Alexa’s brand, New Vintage is on display weekly at Newcastle’s Quayside market and also the Sanderson Arcade Morpeth. She also exhibits at various events across the North East and parts of Scotland. -Page Design By Laura Robinson
Avant-Garde Darkus Magazines very own Make Up Artist, Holly Moulden
Darkus Magazine: A special welcome to Darkus Magazine’s very own Make Up Artist, Holly Moulden! Tell us a little bit about yourself? Holly: Im not entirely sure if there is enough space to tell everyone about me, I will try tell everyone in short and sweet. I am a makeup artist from the north east who is mega, mega, MEGA makeup crazy, almost psycho about makeup. I started training in makeup artistry roughly around 3 years ago and not really fully knowing where I wanted to put my future. I saw a course online for makeup and thought, why the hell not. Everyone says it takes time to find where your true passion is, and hearing that from people you never really take it so serious until you truly do get passionate about it and everything people said starts making sense. When I first started my course I really loved the whole beauty side of it, the glam of the smoky eye and the bright red lips etc. I have always been interested in fashion, I have literally always loved my brands, I even got a Alexander McQueen scarf one Christmas when I was 13. Although fashion has always been something I have been passionate about I also have a ‘intellectual’ side too, I LOVE psychology/science even though I haven’t really put anything further than that, I just love having the knowledge of the human and how things are created because it totally baffles me, I’m also a huge documentary freak. I can watch something on TV like a film or something mentioned that interests me, as soon as that’s done I’m on YouTube checking this out such as things like the Bermuda triangle etc. Fashion and science are totally different interests but I am really open-minded to anything. DM: You have been part of the dream team since December 2014, what have been some
of your personal highlights? H: I think my best highlight has got to be Wynyard! Can honestly say I gave my passengers hearing damage singing my heart out on our way to Wynyard. Not only killing my passengers with my AMAZE singing, I can also bust out some decent dance moves, like when we went to Wynyard we went this crazy HUGE house which was unbelievable (I love a good house) this house by the way had this cinema room which was just completely mental. I physically cannot take myself serious, when I saw this room I freaked out, turned the TV on, done some dancing, took some videos and chucked them on the internet. I love having fun on set I never feel like I’m working when I’m with my team, this is why I love makeup, I am so passionate about makeup I never feel like it’s a ‘job’ it’s more a ‘hobby’ because it’s something I love although I do this as a career.
DM: What was it that encouraged you to become a Make Up Artist in the first place? H: I can honestly say I used to hate makeup, no joke like I really hated it. Being the TOMBOY I used to be I used to love football and nothing that was girly related but as we grow old we begin to mature and when I matured I began to love EVERYTHING girly, although I do like some boy-ish things. I would say the best thing that encouraged me to do makeup was seeing my friends and family know where their career was heading and just dropping out of 6th form I felt like I didn’t know where I wanted to be and I have always had an idea of myself being successful. I thought to myself one day ‘what do you really
love doing, anything you love doing what is it’ and after thinking of things I wouldn’t EVER get sick of doing, I thought right away, I love slapping my face on in the morning (I could cry at how awful my makeup looked back then) but doing this would make me happy in life and I could push myself so far because I would never get sick of what I was doing. I am not even bothered about being famous, all I am bothered about is knowing I pushed myself so far that I at least tried.
DM: Bit of a loaded question here, from your point of view do you think the importance of a Make Up Artist when it comes to things such as photoshoots, can be overlooked? H: I don’t think makeup artists can be overlooked in a photoshoot at all, it would honestly be like doing a beauty shoot with amazing clothes, photographer and then you see this red lips that look like they have been applied by someone left foot whilst blind folded, if I saw a picture like that in a magazine, straight away I would look at that and think ‘this is not a great photograph, this is not glamourous’ everyone needs the whole SHABANG.
DM: You also do work of your own via private bo0kings. In MUA terms what would you classify as an ideal client? H: Ah I honestly love my clients so much, but I have my favourite because she is the longest standing and most regular client I have. I love her because she is totally herself, she loves everything I paint onto her face and I love that if she wants something altered she is not afraid to tell me. I would rather a client walk away happy with their makeup even if I wasn’t happy without the outcome, I tell everyone this, it’s not about what you think looks good, its what the client is happy with.
DM: So as part of your feature, we wanted to not just speak to you, but showcase some of your work. Based on the Avant- Garde style shots we see here, tell us what you did with the model Steph? H: Steph is an amazing model to work with, here we just went crazy. We planned something a few weeks before hand but I think with Avant-Garde you should not plan, because when it came to the shoot all these ideas were popping in my head and I love that about avant- garde it doesn’t have to be pretty or normal it can be anything you want it to be. DM: Just like any creative person, there is always room for personal development. I understand your looking to develop your skills and knowledge on a couple of courses and a degree. In your eyes how will that help the Holly Moulden vision? H: Oh yeah! I honestly can’t even explain how
many courses I want to do, I always feel like there is room for progression, even in any industry. I really want to see myself in 10 year time working in America working on a cool movie or even a TV series like The Walking Dead or American Horror Story, I love how crazy these are. I always have these mental ideas of shoots that I want to do but always so occupied with other makeup related things, there is not enough hours in the day for Holly Moulden!
DM: Word on the street is that you are also a big fan of Special Effects styles too. What have been some of the fun things you have been working on lately? H: Know what is really odd? I started out in makeup like totally against special effects; I was really considering not doing a special effects course because it never really interested me. How weird to think that the next couple of years I would be really deep into special effects. I took a chance to do makeup in the first place and second time
was to take a chance and do special effects, these were the best decisions I’ve made because I know 100% where I want to be now I will not let anyone or anything get in the way of my career. Since taking these chances I have never not taken a chance when I feel like it would benefit my career. Although I have my family and friends around me all the time but no one really knows what chances I take every day and the decisions I make to be the success that I aim to be.
DM: This industry, in the north east especially has a number of Make Up Artists. I myself know how excellent you are, but what do you think gives you that extra edge? H: There are so many talented makeup artists up here in the north east, I came into the industry thinking it would be very ‘b*tchy’ when really all my friends are makeup artists, they are pretty much my sisters. It is such a nice industry and everyone knows everyone. I would say my extra edge would be having huge determination, like I previously said I would not let anything get in my way and I always take chances so I am always up for any style of makeup. DM: Do you have a regular routine? H: My daily makeup working routine would be getting up and double checking my appointments by getting in touch with everyone, making sure the day is up and ready to flow smoothly. I arrive at where I am due to do the makeup and I am always bubbly, although I can get nervous with people I haven’t met, so are the clients so I’m always making random conversation and show the clients I’m easy to talk to. DM: Ok so you have a client with a specific look in mind, but be it privately or part of a shoot, how easy is it to bring your own ideas? H: I can always bring my own ideas, whatever it is I have always been really creative. Even when I did not know I wanted to do makeup but wanted to be a fashion designer I was always really creative and unusual, something no one would think of. DM: For you to be living the dream, and going that next level what would have to happen? H: My next step right now is to get into Grimsby University to start making prosthetics and character/monster makeup. I really respect people that have a passion and an ambition and those people that try everything to get where they want to be, because those that have no ambition and no determination are going to be those that sit in
their basic homes with their basic life saying ‘I wish I done this, I wish I done that’ that has got the be the worst feeling in the world, I have had that feeling once and never want it again. This generation just has so many opportunities to take yet people don’t take advantage of those and I can totally understand those pushy parents now more than I used to because if someone has a passion for something then why not push and push to see where the path can take you, I love waking up every day and thinking about how my life will be in 10 year. I love hearing form old friends and people that I have not even really spoken to come up to me and say ‘I have heard you have been doing really well with yourself ’ and for people to say that, that I haven’t even spoken to in a long time I love that’s what is getting rumoured about me, because it is true. Some people think I am selfish or ‘stuck up’ but really when people get to know me, this ‘attitude’ is just determination, it is actually quite scary not knowing what could actually stop me from doing what I want to do in life, because right now I don’t feel like anything could. DM: Just like a photographer has a favourite type of camera, or a model has a favourite outfit to shoot in, when it comes to make up – what is the most important piece of kit or one you love the most every time you use it? H: This would be really difficult to answer I love all my products they’re like my babies, depending on what the shoot is everything could be really essential to have In your kit. Photographer: Chris Ord Make Up Artist: Holly Moulden Hair Stylist: Steph O’Neil Model: Stephanie Whitehead Page Design by Laura Robinson
DM: Well Holly no doubt we will see more of your work in future issues of Darkus and beyond. Where can people discover more about you? H: People can have a look on my Facebook and Instagram to get to know more about my personal life rather than just my makeup. I can honestly say I am really open-minded and down to earth, although some people don’t really get this aura, once they get to know me they become good friends with me. I used to judge books by their cover and once people started judging me everything started making sense, the older I got the more understanding I became.
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Diamonds Are Forever
The Vision And The Dream: Erica Ridgeway (Designer & Founder)
I was awarded BEST FASHION DESIGNER IN THE NORTHWEST 2015 in July at the NORTH WEST FASHION & BEAUTY AWARDS & I am a ladies fashion & textile designer - designing most of my own fabrics for my label DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.
is coming from Birmingham to see the collection & we will be interviewed after the show, by CUPPA TV presenter, Monica Price - who will be giving us a half hour slot on her TV show CUPPA TV.
The 4 pieces you see in the photos are from my new collection called “ITS A SUPERNATURAL WORLD” & are inspired by a series of supernatural books by T S HARVEY called The books have just been published this year & have made the TOP 10 at AMAZON BEST SELLERS LIST.
design, designed excusively for DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER & all my clothes can be ordered from my website at www. diamondsareforevervintagestyle.uk.com
The collection has 24 outfits & will be show cased on OPEN NIGHT at LIVERPOOL FASHION WEEK on 12th OCTOBER at the Liner hotel, in Liverpool. The author
The playsuit in the pictures is my own fabric
Models are Sophia Evans and Amelia Ridgeway Designer: Erica Ridgeway - Diamonds are Forever Photographer: Anthony Bradshaw - Style & Story Photography Make Up: Jessica Make Up Nails: Lacquer Couture
-Page Design By Laura Robinson
WINTER OF DISCONTENT SPRING OF FOOLS SUMMER STORM FOUR SEASONS
Dr Martens AW15 Collection
Article By Thushara Photos By Kate McConrey Make Up Artist: Holly Moulden Models: Dee Dixon & Lewis Bruford
In the past few issues, many of you may of noticed a little bit of a Dr Martens theme going on in a few of the articles we have featured. What I love about the brand as not just as an editor but a person is how Dr Martens can appeal to anyone regardless of age and background. Therefore I thought it fitting to focus a lot more on the brand in this issue, and also highlight there is more to them than just footwear. Having teamed up with lead Darkus photographer, Kate McConrey, Make Up Artist Holly Moulden, and of course our guest models Dee Dixon and Lewis Bruford we selected a number of items from their collection which at first glance you wouldn’t expect to be part of the Dr Marten range. Starting with Lewis, we had him model Dr Martens take on the smart shirt. Not over the top, I think what makes this strong is its simplicity and modest pattern. We are seeing the reappearance of more and more tartan in the fashion industry, and the way it is worked into this particular white shirt is what makes you realise it’s part of the Dr Martens collection, especially if you take a close look at the beautiful stich work and tailoring. Sticking to the theme of shirts, the next shirt we see
Lewis wearing is this really cool and trendy black, white and grey chequered shirt, and ideal choice for wearing for a night out, or if you just want to make a good impression. Having spoken to the Dr Martens Newcastle Store team, while choosing the collection to showcase, manager Rosie explained that in terms of the clothing we are seeing a little bit of emphasis following the summer of monochrome colours. The shirt we see Lewis wearing hear is a prime example of that. What really caught my eye was to discover that Dr Martens also have a small selection of outerwear, so there was no hesitation in selecting one of the beautiful bomber jackets. Again the tailoring is beyond exceptional. If your like me I am always very picky when it comes to jackets, but from an instance from picking up to actually wearing it – its comfortable which is the most important thing. A lot of people may look at a price tag, and I admit I myself am guilty of this too when I say “ah that is soooo nice I wish I could afford it”. You know what ignore that doubt, take a risk and embrace in a bit of Dr Martens clothing, because the important thing to place at the forefront of your mind is you are investing your money in good quality,
durable clothing which is a bonus in itself. Lets leave Lewis for a moment and move onto Dee. So one of the choices Dee selected was the top which had very vibrant and bold colours, and complemented the pair of Docs she was wearing too. This comes from a range of Dr Martens footwear and clothing which is inspired by the work of talented artists. For me when I see these kinds of designs, it makes me think that the person behind it had a creative mind – my favourite kind of person. Furthermore to those who wear it, not going with the safe option with the standard colours you usually associate with a pair of Docs, but being that little bit out there and bold, thus making you feel confident in the process. We then see Dee wearing a black oversized tee, which is brilliant as it can also be used as a dress based on how you match it. Again with a little bit of artwork involved, I quite like this one as it has a bit of a Halloween vibe too it or whether your going to a show. People may look at it and think hmmm black, but you know what black is a good choice, and I personally think that this is one of those choices which really does compliment the figure of whoever wears it.-
Summer has been on gone right, so you are probably wondering what clothing you need in your wardrobe for the months to come. Let me make one main recommendation! Look no further than one of this comfy, stylish burgundy jumpers. This jumper will work for anyone regardless of gender, and again the tailoring and stich work which has gone into this makes this look like the King of all jumpers! What about the other things you see within this article? I could ask you to play the guessing game of identifying which belongs to the Dr Martens collection and
which does not, but hey as fun as that may be I aint that cruel haha! Yes I am a tease I know haha! If you ask any fashionista out there they may tell you more often than not that the key to wearing anything is how you accessorise it. Dr Martens have some really nice things in their collection when it comes to this too. T artan scarf for instance, as demonstrated by Lewis look very stylish, and can transform a look whether your wearing a jumper or going for a much for smarter look. Another good eye catching accessory is their range of bags. However what
I really was impressed by was its bags for men. As guys you don’t usually in the past see many guys carrying bags, however times are changing and its good that brands such as Dr Martens are part of that change. We have touched on this briefly already, but we cannot discuss Dr Martens without focusing on their footwear. The majority of people I know, must own a pair of Docs at some point in their life, because its almost like that absolute fashion necessity. You have the boots but you also have the classic shoe look, which surprisingly (in a good way) we see more ladies opting for these days.
Although there are those classic looks, what Dr Martens are also good at are thinking outside the box. Quite recently therefore, they introduced their take on the hightop/ converse looking shoe, available in as both black and white, as worn here by Lewis, it makes you stop and think “Wait no way!!”… thus giving you a pleasant surprise. So there we have it, just some of the collection available at Newcastle Upon Tyne’s Dr Marten store. Be it the Newcastle or else, be sure you drop into your local store to check out what else there is to offer. As the Dr Marten range grows, and brings more diverse looks into the equation, this only makes me more excited for what’s to come. Shop the full collection at Dr. Martens Newcastle, 153 Grainger Street, NE1 5AE
Page Design By Laura Robinson
Photographer: Mark Lee Heaveside Clothing: Lush Apparel
Joni George Valadares From Alternative Geek To International Catwalk Chic Darkus Magazine: How has 2015 been for you in general? Joni: Started off really bad. Moved back from Brazil after getting divorced, and then decided I am going to 100% commit myself to modelling. So I cracked on with it, and put myself out there, involved in quite a few talent circles. Then ended up meeting a gentleman called Neville Ramsay, when I took part in a catwalk for Belle Bridal Magazine. Neville was one of the hairstylists at the catwalk, and said that I had the look he was after then next thing I know I am down the salon in Sunderland shooting for The Lowdown program on Made In Tyne and Wear, which the host for that is now Miss Newcastle. Then from there I met a guy called Scottscpock Simpson and been doing crazy shoots with his team. Got noticed by Milk_Shake Global, the hair company, then next thing I know not just am I on the catwalk but choreographing too. Between that I have been part of Cleveland Fashion Week and
NE1s Fashion Features. Next I know what my image looks year I will then be heading like on the back of the camera off to Rome to catwalk, then without seeing it. For example after that its Paris and Milan. I know if my posture is So having only been back in correct, or if I have a lazy eye the UK since February, in that and little things like that. So short space already I have when your shooting and the done so much to enhance my photographers no longer need fashion and modelling profile. to give you any direction, that is when you know you have DM: We met originally you smashed it. back in 2012 as a contestant at the reputable Alternative DM: Drawing back on Modelling Contest heats in AMOTY for a minute. This Newcastle. Looking back year you were also on the how do you think you have judging panel – tell us a little changed? bit what is was like to be on J: When I first started I guess I the other side of the camera? was naïve and did lots of free work via the infamous and J: Yes! The organiser Kieran sometime controversial TFP. Martin invited me to be Now with my face and name on the 2015 panel, which getting out there I basically I thought was a massive charge. honour to be asked. I actually got a job at a place in town, DM: How do you know when and I didn’t turn up for it your ready to go from free because I really wanted to do work to introducing rates? this. A bit naughty and risky, but at the end of the day it is J: Feedback from agents, and because of AMOTY that I am also photographers. I started where I am now. They are the out from being part of the ones that got me. out there, creative groups as part of the the ones that got me signed to agency, which at first was a bit BOHO etc. nerve racking, to now where
Photographer: ScottSpock Simpson Stylist: Korka Spock Hair: Neville Ramsay Photographer: ScottSpock Simpson Stylist: Korka Spock Hair: Neville Ramsay
J: To be on the other side actually feels mint. I actually understand the pressure they are going through. DM: When you attended those auditions did you notice anyone where you thought to yourself ‘that was so me in 2012’ . J: There was a guy called Daniel Piabus I saw, and he was just great with the right balance without looking overly alternative. Another guy called Adam Brown who was dressed the way I normally dress anyway, then you had other crazy
guys out there who had their face painted and doing mad things with their hair. I just looked at them thought – oh that’s me haha! I wasn’t really alternative, but more street or urban, therefore to win the title in 2012 was just unbelievable. DM: As the first male may I point out? J: Yes as the first male. They didn’t have a tiara for me, as with about 150 finalists no one was expecting a guy to win. I got one in the end though with a sash and a bouquet of flowers.
DM: You have gone from alternative model geek to international catwalk model chic which one feels more comfortable to you? Do you miss the early days? J: No because now my photos are more high end, but with my image I still able to put an alternative twist in there. I am not just a blank canvas anymore, I am alternative and I think now that is becoming the norm. I like to be high end but unique.
Photographer: Eric Murphy
Photographer: Larry Bedigan
DM: For you what would be that next level of recognition for you? J: Well this new partnership with Milkshake will open up so many new opportunities as not only am I catwalking but having an active involvement with training and choreographing of other models. Me and Neville
decided to mix it up a bit and include a drag queen in the mix. For example the drag queen by the name of Crystal Meth looks like a girl when he is dressed up, but then when he gets to the end of the catwalk he rips his hairpiece off, and changed the whole dynamics of what you would expect from a typical catwalk – more of a
spectacle DM: What is your song to walk down the catwalk too? J: It depends on the mood I am in. If its the milkshake is Bass Kneckter and their song Hexes – dirty grimey slow but one you can actually project your attitude and as people say sassiness click click click haha!
DM: You have been with BOHO since 2012, so from a model perspective how do you know a good agency? J: A good agency looks 100% after the models before themselves. They have to be out their constantly looking for work for the models, and its a case of you scratch my back and I will scratch yours. If their not doing that then your not with a good agency. DM: How has the extra support of BOHO added to the life, successes and dreams? J: They have taught me the fundamentals – what to do and not to do. For example I was asked to do a tasteful naked shoot and I spoke to BOHO straight away, and they told me not to do it because if the images are not tasteful then you have the risk of having your career destroyed just like that. It only takes one photo shoot to destroy your reputation and your image.
him was in Otternburn. We were in a forest and I was suspended from a tree in a fairy tale/Alice in wonderland kind of theme. DM: With these images you have chosen for this feature in Darkus – what do you want people to learn about you? J: If people have seen the first feature and see me now in 2015 they are going to see a massive difference from little Joni George to Big Joni George haha! My image has changed, and show that now I can offer a lot of variety. DM: Daily routine – typical day? J: At the minute at the end of the week, Wednesday-Friday I am a PA to Neville Ramsay the Celebrity Hairstylist,
which is really great as not only is he also part of Milkshake, but it so great to have such a talented person as your mentor. He is so wise and positive. One of these guys that believes what you put out into the universe you get back. Thanks to him I too have been a positive person and try not to dwell on negativity, and he has literally created so many opportunities for me which I am sincerely grateful for. The thing with Neville as well is he lets me do what I want. I would class him as my unofficial agent but he doesn’t restrict me because I work for him, instead he encourages me to get myself out there. At the end of the day who cares if you are a bit selfish, because in a non selfish way its about looking after number 1.
DM: Any favourite photographers at the minute? J: ScottSpock Simpson – he’s unbelievable. The last photoshoot I did with Photographer: Malcolm Urwin Make Up Artist: Alex Pretswell
Photographer: Malcolm Urwin Make Up Artist: Alex Pretswell
DM: When offered various shoots, is there a style of photography you wouldn’t do? J: Do you know that kind of genre where people stand in the street doing glamour style shots, with so much airbrushing going on post shoot – those kind! My favourite type of shoot is to
be something artistic and original. I don’t really say no to a shoot as long as it remains professional at all times. DM: With this scene you have started seeing more and more males, with you in the north east being one of the first. How does that feel?
J: Its 100% a good thing! Drawing on my experience at AMOTY, when I first entered that there was like 10 or 11 guys in the final and now there are crazy amounts which you would of thought would never happen. I feel that in a way with more males appearing it has influenced others to have the confidence to
DM: There is so much pressure on girls to look as good as possible for shoots and castings – but do you think its the same for guys as well? J: Totally! Definitely the same pressure as it is for girls. Guys are supposed to be tall, big biceps, perfect abs and pecks, where I feel as though I am breaking the mould. As I said I am not your blank canvass I am covered in tattoos and I am kind of saying ‘up yours’ to the critics. To the guys out their if you have a unique quality about your don’t hide it, flaunt it! Use it to your advantage. DM: As you mentioned you have been part of creative circles. What does it feel like when photographers hover around only a few models and not every one who attends? J: Its a bit stressful. Just because I haven’t got the figure and booty of a girl, or a bit of nipple showing doesn’t mean I, nor anyone else has to be left out! Actually what am I on about I always have my nipples shows, no harm in a bit of nip slip haha. But yea its frustrating! DM: For photographers or other creatives to break out
of that way of thinking, what on the TV, breaking out into needs to happen? magazines, getting paid, so J: I have been to shoots with now I can confidently say its photographers in the past a stable career. and sometimes I don’t even DM: From a male point of get some of the photos back. view how should you walk They pity shoot me, just down the catwalk? because I am there, then you go on their Facebook page J: Depends on the event. If and all you see is girl after its bridal you should walk girl. The male form can be with plenty of elegance and just as sexy as the female level headed as though you form. If you want to be a are walking down the aisle. photographer and expand However if its a Milk_Shake your portfolio, then shoot or a NE1 Newcastle Fashion some guys as well, because Week catwalk be prepared to there is a fine line between bring your A game. being a artistic photographer shooting girls and being DM: Are you at your happiest pervy. Don’t be afraid to mix you have ever been? it up! J: Absolutely! I get a text DM: With you going to message, email or call I get a Europe come October, yes different opportunity, so with there will be excitement but each of them I get higher are there any fears? and higher. Its literally like I am climbing stairs. I am J: To be honest, I don’t think no big model yet, but I have I actually have any fears. come back pushed myself I am really excited to go and remained committed. If from model to international a model does that imagine model. what they will be like in a years time. I cant just say DM: When you first got into its all me though literally, model how did your family because there is the support respond to it? Did they think of my friends who motivate it was a phase etc? me, my family etc, then on the professional side of things J: I told my mum and for the photographers and Neville so first three years she would it feels more like team work. see it as a hobby as I wasn’t Their pushing me forward making any income from and without that push I cant my work, and now that I am go forward.
Photographer: Louise Harvey LAH photography Hair: Celebrity Hair stylist Neville Ramsay Milk_Shake Grandad Grey Shoot
KA Designs On 11th September 2015, I was invited to the White Cloth Gallery in Leeds to see the gorgeous collection of up and coming brand, KA Designs, the creation of talented fashion enthusiast Katarzyna Anna from London. Having studied Fashion Design at West London College, Katarzyna is an another prime example of gifted strong ladies within our society who lets the creativity she has do the talking. The night which was in aid of charity, Mind, was an excellent opportunity for people to come together to experience music, fashion and class in the name of such a meaningful cause. The night start with started with an tattoo inspired collection from designer Ink On Cotton, a very funky, urban and stylish collection for both men and women.
When it came to the KA Designs collection however, oh my word I was left totally speechless. Focused towards female, models are dressed in outfits which to me makes me see a designer who knows how to think outside of the box, take risks and produce something with that little bit of an extra edge. As you can see from the photos there is a lot of black involved, but you know that is good, because it’s about working with those popular colours and finding a new way to make them look sexy and amazing each and every time – which Katarzyna clearly does. As I look at the models on the catwalk, this collection by KA Designs leaves me intrigued for what I have just seen but more importantly excited for what this outstanding lady will create next. -Writen By Thushara
Page Design by Laura Robinson
Models of diversity I am like most young women, I love fashion and feeling glamorous is not just a description, it is a way of life. Things changed a bit for me in 2011, when I was diagnosed with Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS), which left me in hospital for the best part of a year fighting against it and then in intensive rehabilitation. As a result of my illness I can no longer walk or stand unaided & rely mainly on a wheelchair. Throughout my life, fashion has always been a massive part of who I am and something I enjoy spending time on, so why should it not still be now. Like millions of others living with disabilities, I buy the magazines, brands and products but we are in no way represented by them...why not?!? In this day and age it is crazy that we are still discriminated against in this way. It is so hard to believe that in 2015, we are still having to fight against discrimination and inequality. But this is exactly what we at Models of Diversity (http://www. modelsofdiversity.org) are doing. The
amazing Angel Sinclair (CEO of Models of Diversity), started up MOD in 2008, and since has been tirelessly campaigning for more diversity within fashion. I discovered this not for profit organisation a few years ago, and it has really been a saviour to me. Meeting angel and all the team, I discovered that despite my outward appearance and abilities changing, I was still me and was able to pursue modelling now as a model with disabilities. Chelsey Jay, from Essex is the Director for disabled models has used a wheelchair for a number of yers as a result of a condition she developed called POTS (Postural Tachycardia syndrome), through which she faints if she attempts to stand up. Chelsey has worked so hard in trying to bring about change for the better, through pushing boundaries with brands and labels, arranging meetings with head offices and getting our name out there through media. Despite the Determination unfortunately we are still battling.
To try and stop the inequality for good, Chelsey and Angel came up with the idea for a campaign which will hopefully change the inequality in fashion for good. The campaign will involve us touring around the UK to major cities, gaining the support of the public. Chelsey has got the backing of Kate Green MP who has helped put together a petition, meaning once we obtain enough signatures and present it to parliament, attention will have to be given to this matter. This would mean that disabled models would be used as regularly as any other model is. Once we have the signatures required we can present it to parliament showing we have the support of the public and we would then need to be seriously listened to. As we are a not for profit organisation, nothing that any of our team do is funded in any way, so in order for this tour to be a success we are in need of support. As we all live in different parts of the UK, there will be substantial travel that needs to be funded so we can get this tour up and running. We are looking for organisations, businesses or individuals who can provide financial support to the tour to simply fund travel costs or indeed help us with travel in any way. The cities we will touring are; Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Essex, Birmingham and Brighton (though we
would love to add more cities depending on funding). We have set up a ‘go fund me’ page (http:// www.gofundme.com/vrusu7q), which any kind hearted individuals can make donations to. Literally we are truly grateful of any donation no matter how small or large. Please feel free to get in touch if you can help and please share to others, who you think may be interested in helping in any way: Together with Chelsey and myself, our #disabilityfight4fashionright tour is made up of two other gorgeous models. Elesha Turner, who relies on a crutch after having major surgery to battle cancer in her thigh bone has had a major successes worldwide since becoming a models with disabilities. And also Katie Knowles, who uses a crutch after spinal surgery a number of years ago, who is passionate about being a part of this change and making people take notice of us as models with disabilities. We are so pleased to be launching our tour in an amazing and very public way on Friday 18th September. We are heading to London to launch our tour outside Houses of Parliament and also outside Downing Street. We have both local and national press who will be covering our launch and also the whole launch. -Written by Gemma Flanagan
Social media handles: Twitter - @modsofdiversity Instagram - @modelsofdiversity #disabilityfight4fashionright
Laura Robinson
Photographer & Designer
My name is Laura Robinson and I have been a photographer for about four years.
I started learning and practicing photography at The Leeds College of Art. I knew as soon as I picked up that camera that this is what I wanted to do with my life. I had been brought up in a very artistic family, so photography or design was always the route I wanted to go down! I got my first photoshop lesson from my
dad, and always used to watch him work so i think being an artist is ingrained into me! I am currently in my final year of University studying graphic design. I love my subject as I get to learn more about what goes into creating magazines and how a photograph can aid any piece of design.
Model: Rosie Makeup, hair and styling by Laura of LR Photography & Design The idea behind the shoot was to show the feeling of being lost. Being dressed up but lost in the fields, the lighting and storm in the background were caught on camera accidentally yet added to the image to give it a creepy and foreboding edge.
In 2013 I won a Student photography of the year award, with Harman Technology. I won the award with a Traditional Darkroom piece called ‘emotions’. I had no idea that I would win! I had only been studying photography for about a year! The competition had 600 entries from schools and colleges, even university degree students entered! I never imagined that little old me would get in the final 4 let alone win the competition. so it was a shock when i got handed the award! It still baffles me to this day! My styles can vary really, I love working with models and creating dark imagery, Nothing too serious or too scary, just creepy and quite gothic. I do all of the makeup myself and have just made two costumes pieces for my upcoming photoshoots! I’m a one man band, my editing, styling and hair are all done by myself. It can get tiring sometimes, but the payoff is amazing! I love getting feedback and comments of my work. The final outcome makes everything worth it!
I take inspiration from a lot of high fashion photography, I love bright colours and extravagant costumes. On the flip side to that I love dark and muted tones within a photo, I take a lot of inspiration from Dark Beauty Magazine. This magazine uses a lot of shadow within their images, the subject matter itself isn’t dark but the editing style and the costumes are. I love this style and often use it within my own work. To be an artist means the world to me! I create art not photographs! I am always on the look out for new models, new costumes, new people to collaborate with, new ideas and new places to photograph in. I’m always on the go, and for someone who can’t stand to slow down, that is brilliant! In the future I would love to work within a magazine, either producing the photography to be featured or to be a part of their design team! There is always something new to create and I love that.
Model: Anah Makeup, hair, costume and styling by Laura of LR Photography & Design This shoot was a very spontaneous shoot, I wanted to capture a pretty image that showed off the costumes and the area in which I took the photo. I concentrated on composition with this photograph and I took a lot of inspiration from high fashion shots.
Images of Laura by Amy Joelle Hanna.
Page design by Laura Robinson
Waxing Lyrical About Hot Wax It has to be said that I’m something of a connoisseur when it comes to waxing, particularly that of the intimate variety (Sorry if you’re reading this Dad but this is real important stuff), so when an opportunity crops up to try out a new place then provided it’s using hot wax rather than strip wax, I’m absolutely in. I’ve favoured the “Hollywood” (that’s everything off folks) since the 90’s (talk about jumping on a beauty trend right?!) and living in London I shared my amazing Brazilian waxer with Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller and countless other celebrities, indeed Otylia Roberts was, and still is known as one of the best hot waxers in the world. When I relocated back to the North East this left me with a bit of
an issue, largely existing as a six weekly trip to London for my fix. Fast forward to right now and the North East is all over the Brazilian / Hollywood waxing “trend” with dedicated waxing salons opening up and existing
beauty salons adding the service to their treatment menu’s. When Newcastle Hair & Beauty Clinic invited me to road test their Lycon Hollywood wax, they didn’t Written By Pixie Tenenbaum
Page Design by Laura Robinson
have to ask twice...... I arrived at the clinic and was introduced to Alex, my therapist for the afternoon. After being shown to a super cute and kitsch floral treatment room, Alex gave me instructions usually reserved for the OBGYN clinic: Undress my lower half and cover up with the towel provided. Now for anyone new to this type of procedure, this is totally standard; you have to understand that to get a perfectly clean finish, you have to be sans underwear, it’s just that simple. Alex is an absolute pro - she understands that clients often book this particular appointment with trepidation and she instantly makes you feel at ease.
There’s no awkwardness, it’s not uncomfortable at all, she tells me that she’s done it for so long now it’s the same as doing an eyebrow shape or a leg wax, it’s all about precision and providing the best service possible. So far so good. Lets pause for an interlude; the wax Alex is using today is Lycon wax. If it’s not on your radar or already part of your beauty regimen then familiarise yourself with it because you’re going to like this one - It’s very different to traditional strip wax, where the wax is applied to the skin and a cotton strip is used to remove it, removing the very top layer of skin cells with it. When it comes to intimate waxing, strip waxing can be tricky, the same area shouldn’t be covered twice meaning that if the hair isn’t removed in one go, you’ve got a problem.... Enter Lycon Precision Waxing. Using only the finest resins, natural ingredients and aromatherapy oils, Lycon delivers superior performance, removing stubborn hair as short as 1mm. The area being waxed is treated first and then the hot wax is applied directly to the hair, the wax then shrink wraps around the hair meaning that only the
hair is removed and not the skin. Once set, the wax is pulled away from the skin without the need for fabric strips, it means that large areas can be done quickly and because Lycon Hot Waxes can be re-applied to the same area many times there’s no skin trauma or irritation and I can honestly say that it’s relatively pain free. So, back to Newcastle Hair & Beauty Clinic, as Alex
gets to work, she chats the whole time about anything and everything, from tattoos to dungarees from Topshop, we could be in the line for the checkout at Tesco it’s so relaxed and within a mere twenty minutes I’m done. On a whim I decide to have my legs and underarms waxed whilst I’m there and before long I’m smooth all
over and feeling inspired to book a holiday. There’s no stickiness or residue that’s often associated with waxing treatments and no redness so I’m good to go. If you’re a regular hot waxer, a current strip waxer or a wax virgin just looking to take the plunge then I’d highly recommend Newcastle Hair & Beauty Clinic for several reasons: 1. It’s an uber professional service, there’s no awkwardness, these girls have seen it all before and just want to make you comfortable and give you the treatment you booked in for. 2. Situated above Superdrug on Northumberland Street, it’s a central location in Newcastle city centre meaning that you can be in and out in between hitting the shops and sipping an Americano, no biggie. 3. This is the clincher: This is without doubt, the best hot wax in Newcastle, if not the North East - trust me, I’ve done the research and have even had the bruises to prove it. #Ouch. So, if you want a piece of the action, get yourself booked in with Alex but don’t go telling everyone, it’ll be our little secret, right? To book an appointment at Newcastle Hair & Beauty Clinic call 0191 2320411
The Rise of a Vegan Lifestyle In recent years it seems that healthy bodies without veganism has managed to consuming any animal propel itself from 0 to 100, products. It is impressive, gaining popularity through very impressive. Especially celebrity endorsement and considering how successful introducing itself to the food the fast food industry still market in a fashionable way, is, it is bizarre that there is targeting hipsters across the a completely contrasting west. However, veganism sub culture of fashionable has been part of the human veganism, supported by Jay-Z diet for centuries, most likely and Queen Bey amongst beginning with Buddha who promoted respect to all beings and so although the term ‘Vegan’ is a mere 70 years of age, the thought process of freeing animals from manmade harm has been around for far longer. It is certainly refreshing the think that it isn’t just my generation who have began to accept veganism as normal and that it is something that has been quietly moving through society until the fashion and small time Instagram models, food industry accepts it. bloggers and fitness gurus. Social media above all things Support from Beyonce is seems to have helped to one thing, however the promote veganism, with the overwhelming statistics rise in detox diets, sugar free about the meat and dairy this and that being sold and industry is so disgusting, bought through Instagram, a who would continue? With complete change in the way over 80% of food poisoning we consume the vegan diet coming from infected meat and see vegan bodies has and a shocking 500,000 certainly helped the cause. animals killed every hour for Many models posting fitness their meat in the States, it photos, showing off toned, does take a slightly ignorant
mind to cruise by these shocking facts. However a portion of vegans aren’t swayed by the animals facts and are instead drawn to this lifestyle due to the endless list of health benefits, some of which include lower blood cholesterol and a decreased rate of heart disease1. Some benefits are as small as being less bloated, more energy, and better skin. Introducing vegan and vegetarian restaurants into the mainstream dining industry has also helped the movement gain momentum and whilst Darkus is based here in the North East, our restaurant scene isn’t far off London’s trendy vegan and vegetarian repertoire. With the likes of The Bohemian recently opening as well as other significant cafes like the Sky Apple in Heaton, we definitely have places to test our cruelty free taste buds. The ever lessening stigma attached to veganism can only help the cruelty free scene and perhaps with the help of social media, celebrities and the fashionfood world it will eventually develop into a thriving economy and an expanding community. Written By Eleanor Weitzer
The Cupcake Journals
Tom from The Cupcake Journals is crazy for cupcakes and recently supported the national MacMillan Coffee Morning held in a local restaurant by providing an impressive number of beautifully crafted cupcakes in a both classic flavours such a Red Velvet and Lemon and more modern, in vogue combinations such Salted Caramel and Oreo. It is fair to say they taste as good as they look, owing to the fact that they were
made not only fresh that but also from top quality ingredients, and on this particular morning could be considered less of a guilty pleasure as all money donated was going to the fantastic cause that is MacMillan Cancer Support. Those who want to see more of Tom’s cupcakes should look for him on both Facebook and Instagram under The Cupcake Journals,
here you can drool over delights such as Raspberry Mojito Cupcakes and Millionaire Shortbread Cupcakes and also find more information on how you can get your hands on them. - Page Design by Laura Robinson
Survive the Unconventional Through our whole school lives, we are told how to be prepared for further education and most will know what to expect once we live high school and move into university halls, and start higher level classes. But what the education system fails to provide us with, is a basis for life without university. My whole two years of sixth form involved university check lists, out of class speakers and even in my GCSE years I had countless trips to university, but what about us kids who don’t want to go to university? Where’s the classes and speakers for that? Why is there no support system out there for that
unconventional life choice? Now initially when I wanted to write a “back to school” piece I did consider a how to survive college or university life article, but then I realised, I have no advice for that. But what I do have advice for is how to make your time useful while you’re working your way through your long awaited career path without the support of university. So I’ve came up with three crucial points to help you not only survive the unconventional, but in fact, make your time in the real world useful.
-Get a job. I honestly feel like this is just common sense but it’s so important to make sure that not only are you still getting an income but you are also gaining some valid experience so that when you go for what I call a “real person” job, so not the hours of 6pm till 2am but instead real day time hours, they can see how determined you were at a young age to be keeping yourself busy.
- Save Save Save.
Even though you aren’t going to university, if you’re anything like me you’ll still want to move out so saving money is important. And even if you’re not wanting to move, extra cash is important for travelling and just generally being able to have a fabulous social life while working also, If you’re a creative then you’ll know
that travel and exploration is pretty key to building any portfolio.
-Find your passion.
There’s a reason you didn’t want to go to university and most of the time it’s because university wouldn’t benefit what you want to do most in life. So you need to keep that reason at the forefront of everything you do. If you want to be a model, make sure you’re building up your portfolio at any given moment, if you want to write, throw your writing at any publication that will take you. The more you work and develop your passion, the more you will feel so happy that you didn’t go to university because, even if it’s just little projects, you’re still doing what you love. I think the most important thing to remember if you’re thinking about not going to
university, is that you need to always keep in mind your true reason for not going. Mine being, I don’t believe three years at university will benefit my writing career and so far, I have decided I’ve made the best choice by just working hard at my full time job, saving and writing alongside both. And I’m so excited to see what my 19th year of life brings me with these choices that I’ve made. I hope that this has helped some of you maybe feel better about not going to university and helped some of you realise that not going is as good and as beneficial as going and being the unconventional is sometimes the best choice. - Writen by Megan Lowes
Page design by Laura Robinson
Los Renegados Questions By Thushara Answer By Jonathan Gruber- Creator & Writer
Darkus Magazine: Welcome to Darkus Magazine Jonathan! Tell us a little bit about what inspired you to create your awesome comic book, Los Renegados Comic? Jonathan: My inspiration comes from my 20 year experience of living here in Mexico, and even before that I have to say, I started my Mexican life in the United States through friendships and relationships and exposure to Mexican culture that I had before moving to Mexico in 1995. DM: What is the key to being a good ‘super hero’ or even a powerful arch nemesis? J: The greatness of a superhero is measured against the vileness of his greatest villain. No Lex Luthor, no Superman...No Joker, no Batman. It`s a yin yang thing for sure. DM: Who are the key characters in your comic? J: There are 5 main characters. Ciclon and
Tormenta who are your Bruce Wayne/Tony Stark prototype, have no super powers, but they do have a ton of money and access to technology. Chispa is your “born with a gift” prototype. Although she inherits a genetic gift from her father, don´t call her “mutant”, she probably wouldn`t like that. El Coyote is your “gains power after being subject to experiment” prototype, very Steve Rogers. My favourite, although at first I was looking for a good moment to kill him, is probably El Hijo de Nube Oscuro (Son of Dark Cloud), who is a lucha libre wrestler but falls far short of the natural talent his father, Nube Oscuro, had in the ring. He goes “Bronson” when his father is savagely beaten by extortionists. No powers, no money, no high tech gadgets. Just fists and balls.
DM: Are there any specific ones who you relate to? J: I hadn’t thought about it until you asked, I guess there is a piece of me in all of them. Oddly enough I would say Hijo de Nube Oscuro if pressed for an answer. DM: Is there a hidden hero? J: There are a few things I hope people enjoy as twists or surprises. Each of the 5 main characters has a small group of secondary characters, minor villains, and people in their lives. DM: Would it be fair to say that Los Renegados is more than just any other comic book? J: I am sure any creator wants to be able to say that about their work, so sure, absolutely, The Renegados is more than just any other comic book. I have a different take on the whole secret identity and costume concept. For
example, Ciclon and Tormenta never quite get used to their code names and constantly call each other by their real names in front of just about everybody. DM: What has been some of the feedback you have received so far? J: Overwhelmingly positive. Way beyond friends and family saying “hey that`s great”. We have published some Personality Profiles on our Facebook page, LOS RENEGADOS COMIC, and the likes, comments, and feedback have all been incredible. We have had some feedback from industry professionals, fans, fellow artists and writers with only a couple of negative comments. Those are actually most helpful!
DM: I can tell that you’re a very creative man – take us through the process of having an idea then putting pen to paper? J: I took 8 months in 2013 to actually write the script, about 180 pages. But for several months before that I was thinking about how to arc the story in a classic 3 Act format. I was also heavily influenced by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons WATCHMEN as it was originally published in 12 issues, as far as creating a multi levelled interwoven story goes. During the same time, I was writing and creating in my head. I actually made very few written notes. I would say about 80% was down in my brain`s hard drive before I started writing. The rest just kind of took a life of its` own. There was more than one occasion when I fully expected to write “A B C” and the character I was writing would scream in my head “No idiot! I wouldn`t do that! D E F, D E F!!!!” It happened a lot with Chispa. At some moments I felt it was just channelling something from my mind to paper and the characters had more to say about it than I did. A very cool feeling. DM: Comic books are still very popular, what do you think makes Los Renegados stand out against the competition? J: LOS RENEGADOS is definitely a Mexican Comic Book, and while there are lots of amazing Mexican creators working in comics, not just in Marvel and DC, but Mexico has an incredible indie comic scene very
few Mexican creators are making Mexican comics. A real MEXICAN comic that talks about real Mexico...real issues and the country`s reality. DM: Where would you like to take your vision next? Or is the ‘next’ happening right here and now? J: We need to get this story told. Then we can talk about other stuff we have dreamed about...merchandise, licensing, and other mediums. I have started a “Phase 2” script, it is about 60% done, but takes a more fantastic “comic booky” tone. Part of me says “stand alone story, no sequels”, part of me says “your Phase 2 sucks, start over”, but the biggest smartest part of me says “first things first” and let`s get Phase 1 out there. DM: One of great things about your comic is that it is aimed at the Mexican audience initially. However it must also be a good way for those who don’t know the language to learn and discover in a fun way too? J: We plan to publish first in Spanish, a free page-a-week digital version, and a print version as well. The print version will be 5 or 6 volumes of 64 to 72 pages each. There will definitely be English versions as well. DM: Where can people discover more? J: Please have a look on Facebook at LOS RENEGADOS COMIC and on Twitter at @ renegados_comic and we greatly appreciate all comments, shares, likes, criticism or any thought your readers would like to express. Page design by Laura Robinson
La Vuelta A Espa単a Supper Club
When it comes to fine dining there are a number of exceptional places within our region, but being me I am always looking for that experience with an extra edge. On 12th September 2015, I was invited along to La Vuelta A Espana Secret Supper Club over at the world famous banana studios. Your probably reading this thinking, “woahhhh Thushara are you serious, isn’t Banana studios a photography studio??” The short answer, yes it is. That is part of the reason why it was a unique dining experience, as if you have been to the studio in the past it allowed you to see the venue in a different light. Back to the supper club then,
La Vuelta A Espana follows a series of cycling events, with this one being somewhat the Spanish equilivent of the Tour du France. I find it absolutely inspiring how owner of Banana Studios and café, Pedalling Square was able to bring together his love of cycling and food. The chef involved in running the kitchen for this event along with the others in the series was the exceptional chef, Gareth Kyle, who has made a number of TV appearances including BBCs MasterChef. Without being a set meal where you choose a specific dish, chef Gareth introduced diners to the flavours of Spain, with his superb Tapas style menu. When being introduced to
food of different cultures, having a Tapas style theme allows us as diners to sample a little bit of everything. To start the experience off we had the most delicious pintos which consisted of roasted red pepper and cream cheese, Morcilla black pudding and sweet dates wrapped in bacon. Normally these are not things I would consider eating, especially black pudding, but you know what, to be able to fully embrace the true spirit of what The Pedalling Squares Supper Club tries to achieve, you have to be prepared, even for one night to go out of your comfort zone, otherwise what is the point.
When it got to the actual tapas style menu, oh my word I was absolute taken back at some of the wonderful flavours that I was encountering. For instance the Boquerones (Marinated Anchovies) were just divine. I have never tried them before, but if its done in this exact same style as Gareth Kyle has produced I can see myself searching for this on the menu each and every time I return to any of his other events ha! Similarly, the Manchego and Tomato salad, was just a dish with its own identity. With this, as well as the other items in the menu, you can see how Gareth has ensured that he used the best quality ingredients, and has beautifully presented everything so elegantly. I am going to be bold as to say that this is not just food, its art! Looking round the room, you could really tell that there was a relaxed vibe, with people chatting amongst themselves and taking in the whole experience. Some may not of liked everything they liked, but hey they still gave it a go and tried, which you cant knock them for. What appealed to me about coming to this event, was not only the food side of things, but another part of the concept which was to make this a dinner party amongst strangers. You may not know people, some people come in groups, others come as
couples, and a few on their own too. Who ever you come with, it doesn’t matter, because at the end of the day you are still all part of the same experience. Moving on to the other items on the menu, rather than tell you every single thing I tried (trust me if I had the chance I would), I thought I would instead tell you about some of my favourites. Pollo al Ajilio – succulent and well seasoned chicken which I just couldn’t get enough of. Up to this point diners were encouraged to share in pairs, and not that I am a greedy guy (honest) I was so happy we all had a our own individual portions. Its making me crave them even more thinking about it ha! Another favourite was the Croquetas de Bacalo (Cod and béchamel croquettes). When you take that first bite, your head automatically tells you, wait a second this shouldn’t work, and seconds later you realise it does and you actually quite like it. This is another strength of chef Gareth Kyle, the ability to bring together different flavour combinations which you may not of necessarily of considered before. The food I have tasted throughout the whole of my La Vuelta A Espana experience, shows me a chef who has total confidence in his food from the way it is prepared all the way to how it is presented to
the diners who were in the room tonight. With the evening coming soon to a close, Gareth still had a couple more treats to share with us. Firstly a very rich, but delicious Chocolate and Seville Orange tart – a definite must for any chocolate fan! And before closing the kitchen for the evening, gave each of us guests an ice cold traditional Spanish herbal digetif. Again served in a shot glass was somewhat like a liquor but with a bit more of a friendlier kick if you catch my drift. Although I attended this event on my own, I must say a special thank you to Eric Murphy, the team at Pedalling Squares, Gareth Kyle and not to mention my fellow diners for making this one of the best food adventures I have encounter this year. As I said at the beginning, when we think of a dining experience it is so easy to go to our regular restaurant, but hey its not everyday we get to be part of something special, quirky and different to the norm, so the next time you hear of another Pedalling Squares Supper Club, I thoroughly recommend that you check it out. -Written By Thushara – Saturday 12th September 2015 -Page Design By Laura Robinson
Is this it?
Is This It ? Cosmic Ballroom (Newcastle Upon Tyne) Darkus Magazine speaks to Organiser, Jonathon Dodd
Darkus Magazine: Tell us a little bit about your new event, Is This It? Jonathon: Is This It? is here to resurrect the student indie night in Newcastle. We feel the indie scene in town has been extremely poor over the last few years and the students who like things a little bit alternative deserve a lot better. Basically, we want to make Mondays the indie night in town once again, and we’re pulling out all the stops to make it happen – from securing a quality venue, to getting the best DJ’s on board and creating something that is a bit more than just a club night. DM: Although playing a mixture of Indie, Alt and Rave tunes – is there a specific talk audience that you try to target? J: We’re hoping to get the students of Newcastle involved as a whole, putting on a quality Monday night party which has certainly been missing in Newcastle for a while. We’re the alternative to all the monotonous club nights out there, which when you scratch all the surface are all exactly the same – EDM, dancing girls and nonsense promo. We’re bringing a unique musical selection to the table along with visuals, lighting and one of the best clubbing spaces in the North East. DM: You have the big launch coming up on the 21st September – how are you finding the preparation for that? J: The preparation has been great; we’ve had a huge response to our event and lots of people wanting to get involved, it certainly seems Newcastle is ready for an alternative. On a personal level it is a brilliant thing to be involved in as it is exactly the type of club night I’d go to myself. DM: Who are the team behind Is This It?
J: Myself and the lads behind Ape-X, OffTheRecord and Tourist. DM: Being situated at The Cosmic Ballroom in the heart of Newcastle City Centre, what was it about this venue that appealed to you the most? Were there any other places you were considering? J: It is a quality club and it has the perfect feel for what we want the party to be. Is This It? is all about the music and Cosmic has a quality soundsystem which is the main reason we choose the club. It also has that hacienda feel to it, which is the clubbing experience we’re trying to replicate with Is This It? DM: What are your hopes for Is This It and for where you want to take it in the future? J: First things first, we want the first few shows to be truly memorable parties, a clubbing experience that everyone remembers and tells their mates about. From there it is all about creating a bit of a scene in Newcastle, a community feel to the night which will hopefully make sure our future parties are always busy. And we’ll definitely be looking into special guest DJ set DM: From being in this industry for a few years now, what do you think are the highs and lows that go with the Newcastle Night life? J: There is definitely some excellent stuff going on in Newcastle, some great promoters putting on exciting shows and big name DJ’s. It has been good to see the events on in Newcastle becoming more diverse over my time in the city. The bad side is certainly there, the ‘Geordie Shore’ generation etc, but as long as we have the brilliant alternatives available I’m really not too bothered about all that. s Page Design by Laura Robinson