Source Spring 2014

Spring 2014 www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

PLUS...

Interviews with Nicholas McDonald, Dawn O’Porter and Foster the People

Scotland’s number one student magazine

Publisher Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk

Assistant Editor Lindsay Cochrane lindsay.cochrane@dcpublishing.co.uk

Editorial Contributors Laura Donaldson Ally McCrae Laura Redpath Hannah Thomson

Design/Production Gillian Smith gillian.smith@dcpublishing.co.uk

Sales Marian Mathieson marian.mathieson@dcpublishing.co.uk

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk DC Publishing Ltd, 200 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HG

t’s time to grab a latte, stick your phone on ‘do not disturb’ and kick back to enjoy the best careers advice, biggest celeb interviews and handiest student survival tips from Source.

We’re kicking things off with the brightest new stars on the music scene, The Vamps. Singer Brad told me all about how the guys got together and their hopes for the future. Check it out on page 6. Elsewhere on Planet Celeb, we caught up with the ultimate cool kids Foster the People, magician Troy shared some of his career secrets (didn’t tell us how to make it rain money though – cheers, mate) and actual David Hasselhoff’s daughter Hayley stopped by to talk body confidence.

We can’t all be superstars, though, so luckily there’s heaps in here to inspire ! DON'T MISS you to give it your all this exam time and • presenter-turned-writer bag the job of your dreams. Budding Dawn O’Porter (P8) businessperson May Gem Tan tells • Short-term gap options (P34) us about her funky bubble tea bar in • What’s on in Scotland this Glasgow, we’ve delved into the many year (P42) study and work options in engineering, taken a look at the world of aviation and we’ve rounded up the very best jobs which don’t require a degree.

If you’re moving away for college or uni after the summer break, we’ve got just the thing for you. Check out our roundup of the best things about Scotland’s major student cities to help you decide where to study, and Hannah Thomson’s spoken with two young students who moved away from home for education over on page 30.

And there’s so much more for you to feast your eyes on this issue! So I’ll leave you to get on with everything this edition has to offer. Good luck with your exams, put in the work and make time to have fun too – come results day, you’ll be so happy you’ll do Pharrell Williams proud. Have a good one!

I

Tel: 0844 2499 007 Fax: 0141 353 6027

Lindsay Cochrane, Assistant Editor

sourcemagazine.org.uk

Find us on Facebook SourceMagazine

Follow us on Twitter @SourceMag

on the

web

If there isn’t quite enough for you inside this issue of Source, grab your laptop, iPad or smartphone and head on over to sourcemagazine.org.uk now!

In the last few months, our student writer team have had a look at the dangers of the scary NekNominate craze – and pointed out the positives to come from the hazardous drinking game. We’ve also put together the ultimate relaxing study playlist to help you make it through exam season, we've got some brilliant tips for avoiding procrastination and we’ve found out exactly what you can do with an English degree. We’ve also got reviews of the latest album releases, movies and gigs, as well as exclusive interviews, columns and more!

Want to get involved? We’re always looking for up-and-coming writers to contribute to our web pages. Drop us a line at workexperience@dcpublishing.co.uk to get involved...

©DC Publishing Ltd 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors.

spring 2014

The HOT list spring 2014 Movie

Cause

Muppets Most Wanted (U)

Sport Relief

In cinemas 28 March Kermit, Miss Piggy and co are off on a European adventure, which turns into a jewel heist involving a Kermie lookalike and his sidekick, Ricky Gervais.

Just as much fun for adults as it is little kids.

21 March – www.sportrelief.com Raising funds for health and education projects in the UK and Africa, Sport Relief is a fantastic cause that needs your support! Get sporty to raise cash for those who need it, tune into the BBC coverage and make a donation as you watch your favourite stars get involved or download Little Mix’s Word Up, the official Sport Relief single, from 16 March.

Gig McBusted

SSE Hydro, Glasgow 17-18 April and 15-16 May McBusted are the best thing to happen to pop since... Well, anything. Tom, Danny, Dougie, Harry, James and Matt will be taking over the Hydro’s stage for four nights this spring with chart topping hits like Air Hostess, Obviously and Shine a Light. Scream!

TV Made In Chelsea

Album

E4, April Jamie, Binky, Lucy, Andy, Stevie, Spenny, Cheska and the rest of the gang are on their way to our tellyboxes this spring, and we couldn’t be more delighted.

Brace yourselves for plenty of backstabbing, partner-swapping and air kissing, dahling. Totes amaze!

Paolo Nutini – Caustic Love Out 14 April Everyone’s favourite Paisley boy (sorry Gerard Butler) is back this April after a five-year absence with Caustic Love. With bundles of soul, this is Paolo Nutini at his very best – well worth the wait.

Free subscription to Source magazine

To subscribe to Source magazine, simply fill in your details below and send the form to: Source magazine, DC Publishing Ltd, 200 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HG Name:

age:

School: Address:

postcode:

Signed: Date:

Source is a free publication.

Spring 2014

made in chelsea pic: ©Nicky Johnson/Channel 4 Television; MUPPETS PIC: ©2013 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

the hot list

spring 2014

Sound Bites

Contents

SOUND BITES WITH ALLY MCCRAE

28

Interviews 6

Careers

THE VAMPS

New kids on the block The Vamps are whipping their legions of girl fans into a frenzy – and the Source team too...

8 CELEBRITY GRADUATE: DAWN O’PORTER

The TV star-turned-author told us all about her time studying acting in Liverpool.

10 DREAM JOB: STRICTLY’S KEVIN CLIFTON

Kevin from Grimsby tells us about life as a ballroom dancer.

12

HIGH FLYING CAREERS

We find out about the work of a pilot, cabin crew and air traffic controller.

32

INTRODUCING... HAYLEY HASSELHOFF

16 SEVEN OF THE BEST...

JOBS THAT DON’T NEED A DEGREE

Stepping out from the shadow of her famous dad, the plus size model offers some body confidence tips.

Want to get straight to work? Check out these exciting roles, and find out more about work-based training.

47

Photo: ©Jack Stott

troy photo: © Channel 4 Television

47

MAGIC MAN

ENGINEERING YOUR FUTURE 20

He can make it RAIN MONEY – just one of about a million reasons why Troy is the coolest magician out there. We found out how he went from classroom conjurer to E4 star.

What is engineering all about anyway?

We look into the different areas of this field of study.

23

MOVIE MAGIC

37

Studying 30

SCOTLAND V. THE WORLD

Should you study in Scotland or move further afield? Two students make a case for both.

39 SCOTLAND’S STUDENT CITIES

Got in your offers for college and uni and can’t decide where to study? Let our city guides figure it out for you.

Time out 34 TRAVEL THE WORLD...

IN JUST A FEW MONTHS!

Want to travel but don’t have the time/ funds/ability to leave your mum for a full year? Check out these short-term gap options.

37

CELEBRITY LIFE COACHES

Feeling down? Our favourite stars will lift your spirits with some wise words.

50 TEN MINUTES WITH...

FOSTER THE PEOPLE

Neil Floyd has a pretty amazing job – he’s a graphic designer in the film industry.

42 2014: ALL EYES ON SCOTLAND...

The Californian coolsters talk album number two.

28 A TEA-RRIFIC BUSINESS

It’s the biggest year EVER in Scotland’s history – so what’s going on?

Twenty-five-year-old May Gem Tan tells Source about her brilliant bubble tea bar in Glasgow.

Teenage cancer survivor Kayleigh Canning shares her story.

Study...

IDEA...

27

45

BEATING THE BIG C

STUDY SURVIVAL

Exams are coming! Don’t freak out – follow our top tips for successful study sessions.

Photo: ©Getty Images

48

The Radio 1 host is back with his tips for the top from the world of music.

interview

ake four good looking guys, hand them some instruments, let them come up with some super catchy tunes and the teen girl hysteria will follow. It’s a musical formula which has brought success to bands for decades, and it isn’t going to go out of style any time soon.

In 2014, it’s the turn of James McVey, Bradley Simpson, Tristan Evans and Connor Ball to step into the ‘boys in a band’ spotlight with their unique offering of folk-infused indie pop. With a little bit of help from YouTube, some high profile support slots and infectious singalong tracks, the future’s looking bright for new kids on the block The Vamps.

So what’s life been like over the last 12 months for the Can We Dance hit makers? Lead singer and guitarist Brad Simpson told Source’s Lindsay Cochrane all about it...

T

How did it all begin for The Vamps?

About two and a half years ago, [guitarist] James was doing a solo acoustic thing and he was looking to form a band. I’d been in bands before, and I was putting my own stuff on YouTube, so he found me that way. We started meeting up and working on songs together. We came up with the band name, The Vamps, then found [drummer] Tris through YouTube.

And again, Connor [the band’s bassist], we found through YouTube – we owe a lot to YouTube!

6|

spring 2014

WILD HEARTS: (l-r) Tristan, Brad, Connor and James

The

How would you describe The Vamps’ sound?

Can We Dance is a bit different to be honest, in terms of what else is on the album. The overall sound has a kind of folky feel, like in our second single Wild Heart, and that’s across the album. There’s a lot of guitar, mandolin, Nashville strung guitar – it’s acoustic indie pop with big guitars really, big choruses.

The album is out in the spring – what can we expect from it?

It’s a big pop record, but it’s got indie twinges. We are a band – we all play and write, we’ve written the majority of it, and played all of it.

Who are your musical influences?

We all appreciate different people, and we try to roll that into one. Individually, Con’s a big pop punk fan, he’s into Panic! at the Disco. James is a massive Taylor Swift fan.

Tristan again is a pop punk fan, but he’s also into R&B, like Lil Wayne, all that kind of scene. And I’m a big alternative guitar-y band kind of guy. I’m really into The 1975, and a band called The Neighbourhood at the moment.

What inspired your love of music?

I don’t really have anyone musical in my family at all. My nan is the only entertainer in the family – she was a contortionist in the circus! I started out as a guitarist listening to AC/DC, and I was playing guitar a few years before I started singing. That was at about 11.

You’ve supported some amazing people like McFly and Taylor Swift. What’s that been like?

It’s like a dream to be playing to those big audiences. It feels like we’ve been around for no time whatsoever, so to be given that opportunity is amazing, especially because we’ve only had two songs out.

Do you get nervous before you go on stage?

Yeah, of course, but I think that’s normal.

Big interview

It’d be weird if you didn’t – you need those nerves, a bit of adrenaline.

You write your own stuff, you play your own instruments – are you glad that you’ve been able to keep doing that?

Yeah, definitely. We are very lucky with the label that we’re with that we’ve been able to keep a lot of creative control. We are able to do our own thing, but obviously we take everything that they say on board because they know more than we do! We were all in bands at school, and it’s always been a band, not a ‘boy band’. It was always guitarists, bassist, drummer. I think it’d be weird if we did it any other way.

If you could collaborate with any other artist, who would it be?

Well, if it was up to Tris, we would have Eminem on a track! [laughs] If you left it to James, it’d be Taylor Swift, for Con it’d be Panic! at the Disco, and for me, I’d go for someone like Disclosure or Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Still together as a band, hopefully doing our own tours, touring around the world – that would be incredible. But to stay grounded and to be best friends and keep doing what we’re doing is the main thing – and to keep enjoying it.

If you weren’t in The Vamps, what do you think you’d be doing?

Bumming around on a skateboard! [laughs] No, I’d probably be doing a music course, music tech, something like that. It always would’ve been music. I was looking at doing geography for a while though.

That’s not as cool as music, is it? [laughs] Hey! Geography’s cool!

To make sure you don’t have to switch over to that, tell us why Source readers should buy your album.

Because it’ll be a rollercoaster of emotion.

It’ll take you on a journey. And it makes you cool – buy it if you want to be cool. l

The Vamps' new single Last Night is out on 6 April. Catch up with the latest from the guys at www.thevamps.net

check it out spring 2014

| 7

interview

The

Celebrity graduate

Dawn O'Porter She's got the best hair in the business

She’s our favourite documentarymaker, author and tweeter – so how has Dawn O’Porter’s acting degree from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts helped her career?

Why acting?

I thought it was what I wanted to do, and very soon after getting there, I realised that it wasn't. I knew I wanted to be in the public eye, but I wanted to have a voice. You don’t really have a voice when you’re acting, you’re somebody else’s voice. For some people, that’s brilliant – like my husband [Chris O’Dowd] – but I got quite frustrated by it.

What did you think of the course overall?

I think if the be-all and end-all of your existence is to be an actor, the course was really good. For me, I spent most of the time feeling silly. I do think it was a good course – LIPA is phenomenal. We were in these beautiful dance studios and the technology there is brilliant. I wouldn’t have gone anywhere else.

Did you have any interesting flatmates during your degree?

Yes, I lived in a house in my first year with a group of girls who just hated me. It was quite awkward and difficult. If they were doing something, they wouldn’t invite me and they were all friends before I moved in. I had a really hot boyfriend at the time though, so it was all right!

What did you see yourself doing after you graduated?

TV producing and writing. I wanted to go

“I knew I wanted to be in the public eye, but I wanted to have a voice.

You don’t really have a voice when you’re acting” down to London to produce TV shows and then get into writing. I did that for a bit and then slipped in front of the camera accidentally at one point.

What would you say was your big break career-wise?

I’d say writing Paper Aeroplanes was my big one. That was my moment to say: “I’m really serious about writing and this is what I’ve always wanted to do.” Getting a two-book deal, Paper Aeroplanes and Goose – that was really good.

Is writing something that you always wanted to do?

Writing was always number one. I remember sending off a comment to a magazine and they published it. I still remember the feeling of, ‘I’m a published writer.’ Right from the start, moving to London after my degree and working in TV, I was writing. I wrote my first novel when I was about 23 but I would never show it to anyone!

Do you feel like your degree has helped your career?

I do now. At the time, I felt a bit like, ‘Why am I here?’ But, socially, that first time living away from home, experiencing a new city – I learned a lot. I think it was an amazing time in my life which I certainly don’t regret. l

want more?

For more on Dawn’s new book, head to www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

Goose by Dawn O’Porter is out on 3 April, published by Hot Key Books. Dawn will be signing copies of Goose in Waterstones, Edinburgh on 29 March – keep checking www.dawnoporter.co.uk for details.

8|

spring 2014

SourceMagazine

check it out @SourceMag

careers

Strictly's Kevin Clifton He cha-chaed, salsaed and waltzed his way to the Strictly Come Dancing final in December with celebrity partner Susanna Reid, and now Kevin from Grimsby (or Kevin Clifton) is telling Source all about his job as a professional dancer...

When did you start dancing?

My parents were world champion Latin American dancers, and they have a dance school in Grimsby so I was always around it. I started taking classes and my mum and dad decided to put my sister and I into ballroom competitions.

In about 2007, I decided that I wasn’t happy with the way I was dancing and I felt a bit restricted in the competition world. So I joined a dance company and got started on a theatre show called Burn the Floor, then I did Dirty Dancing the musical, and now Strictly Come Dancing.

What training have you had?

I was trained by my mum and dad initially. At the time, a lot of the best ballroom and Latin coaches in the competition world were down in London, so when I was 18, I moved down there and I was going from office job to office job trying to pay my way while having lessons with top coaches.

You’ve travelled all around the world with your career – what’s been your favourite destination?

Performing on Broadway with Burn the Floor was really special. Also, in Japan, the fans are absolutely mental! They’re jumping up and down, screaming, waving flags and posters, throwing gifts onto the stage – it’s really epic.

How did you feel when you got offered the Strictly job?

It was incredible. I think most dancers, especially from the ballroom and Latin world, would love to do it. It’s a brilliant challenge, and there’s the chance to get ballroom and Latin out there in front of 12 million people.

What is the best thing about dancing for a living?

It doesn’t feel like a proper job, it feels like I’m playing! I’m genuinely quite a quiet lad, but when it comes to dancing, for those few minutes on the stage or on the floor, you’re a rock star.

What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t dancing?

“I’m genuinely quite a quiet lad, but when it comes to dancing, for those few minutes on the stage or on the floor, you’re a rock star” [laughs] I’d love to be a professional wrestler with WWE! But I don’t think that would happen.

FANCY DANCERS: Kevin with professional partner and fiancée Karen Hauer, and below on last year's Strictly

What would you say is your career aim?

Me and Karen [Hauer, Kevin’s fiancée and dance partner] would like to have our own dance company. We’d like to be producers of our own show, put it on in a theatre.

What’s your advice for aspiring ballroom dancers?

It’s not about doing nothing wrong as an artist; it’s about doing something magical.

If you can inspire someone, that’s far more important than doing a technically perfect performance. l

Catch Kevin in action in dance show Flash Mob, kicking off with a West End residency in May and touring throughout the summer. For dates and ticket details, go to www.worlddancemanagement.com

10 |

spring 2014

SourceMagazine

!

find out more @SourceMag

PHOTO: © Chris Mann; BBC/Guy Levy

Dream job

careers

on the

the

job pilot

Fascinated by flight? You’re not alone!

The world of aviation has loads of careers available, whether you’re technically-minded or customer-focused. Three women told us more about their jobs in the field.

(senior first officer)

Nicola Woodage is a Senior First Officer with British Airways, based at London Gatwick. She’s been working as a pilot for 14 years. eing a pilot is a mixture of technical knowledge and coordination to control a multi-million pound jet aircraft, being responsible for the safety of everyone on board. And you get the best view! On top of the ability to fly an aircraft, you need interpersonal skills to manage crew.

B

I've always been interested in aeroplanes. I loved being in the air with the little bits of flying I'd done, and I didn't want a normal office job. I was attracted to the variety of work, people and places.

Having thoroughly enjoyed flying with my University Air Squadron (UAS), the BA sponsored Cadet scheme came at the right time. There was no way I could have afforded to self-fund all my licences – I am so pleased and proud that BA again offer full sponsorship to talented potential pilots with its Future Pilot Programme.

If you want to be a pilot? Research your options thoroughly. Unpredictable work patterns don't suit everyone so make sure you think the benefits of this profession are worth it.

The BA Future Pilot Programme runs every year – further details can be found on ba.com/careers

HIGH

FLYING CAREERS

Civial Aviation Authority - www.caa.co.uk People 1st – sector skills council for hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism- www.people1st.co.uk

12 |

spring 2014

SourceMagazine

on the

web

@SourceMag

careers

on the

the

job cabin

crew

Carly Hampson has been working as cabin crew for five years, and currently works with easyJet from their Edinburgh base. y role is all about customer service and the main priority is safety. We’ve got to make sure that we’re doing our jobs to get our passengers to and from their destination in the safest way possible, while also delivering the best customer service that we can.

M

A typical day can have a very early morning start, or late afternoon. You get a few night stops during the

on the

month, but generally our turnaround is about 25 minutes – it’s very tight, so as soon as the passengers are off, you have to get the aircraft ready for the next passengers coming on. We have to work very hard to make sure we get that departure to keep the performance for the rest of the day. I can do anything between two and five flights a day – it can be very busy, but that’s why I love my job.

I knew I didn’t want to do nine to five, Monday to Friday. I started as cabin crew when I was 18, and it was the best decision I ever made – I love going into my work every day.

To be cabin crew, you’ve got to be very

the air

job traffic

controller

Claire Harrison is a controller and watch manager working in air traffic control at Edinburgh Airport. here are three main types of air traffic controller – Aerodrome, Approach and Area. An aerodrome controller deals with inbound and outbound traffic to their airport, an approach controller deals with inbound traffic from

T

IN CONTROL: Claire at work in Edinburgh

generally no further than 40 miles away from the airport and an area controller deals with aircraft that are travelling in between airports along airways (a bit like motorways are for cars, planes have set routes to fly along). All three types of controller are there to ensure that aircraft get from A to B in a safe and orderly manner.

Controllers have to pass a course appropriate to the type of controlling they are going to be doing. As well as attending the college during the day, you will be expected to do two to three

customer-focused. It does require a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication to the role. My advice would be to look into any of the courses available – cabin crew courses or travel and tourism courses. I would say that anyone who’s looking to do the job, go for it. Get into it as quickly as you can and enjoy it as much as I do.

For details of career opportunities with easyJet, head to careers.easyjet.com

hours a night of home study – it is a lot of work.

Before you can apply you must be over 18 years old, and have five GCSEs at grade C or equivalent, including English and Maths. You need to be good at multi tasking, able to assimilate information quickly, prioritise tasks, maintain concentration, and have a good short term and long term memory.

I like my job because no two days are the same. When it’s busy, you feel like you are really helping to keep everyone moving and get them to where they want to be as quickly as possible while keeping them safe. l For information on training as an air traffic controller, check out the NATS website at www.nats.aero/ careers or the NATS blog, www.nats.aero/blog

spring 2014

| 13

careers

Seven of the Best...

JOBS THAT DON’T NEED A DEGREE We’ve got a secret for you – you don’t need a degree to have a successful career. Whether you go straight into work from school, undertake a vocational or work-based course at college or bag a Modern Apprenticeship, there are lots of great jobs out there which have potential for promotion, personal development, further learning and good money too. We offer our pick of the very best jobs which don’t require degree-level education...

PERSONAL ASSISTANT

Mega organised? Good with a computer? Excellent telephone manner?

Take your skills to the workplace as a personal assistant. You can get into a number of different industries, where you’ll essentially be responsible for organising another person’s life. There are lots of jobs available through Modern Apprenticeships, or you could study administration or business studies at college.

With experience, PAs can earn as much as £30,000.

CHEF

If you’re a dab hand in the kitchen, why not make a career out of it?

Whether you head to culinary college, apply for an apprenticeship or go straight into a restaurant washing dishes and work your way up, the culinary world has lots of opportunities for foodies.

While the hours are often long and unsociable, you get heaps of job satisfaction – and with the right experience, you could earn a load of cash.

London-based executive chefs at top restaurants can earn a mouth watering £70k annually.

GET QUALIFIED! While some of these jobs are suitable for people going straight from school, there are practical, skills-focused study options to boost your careers prospects. You could take part in a Modern Apprenticeship scheme and earn while you learn, head to college or sign up with a training provider. But what qualifications can you pick up? Here’s an overview...

16 |

spring 2014

SVQs Scottish Vocational Qualifications focus on the skills you need for a specific job.

These are often awarded as part of a Modern Apprenticeship, or MA, where you learn while you’re in a job, but some training and learning providers offer SVQs too. There are five different levels of SVQ, so you can be sure that there will be something suited to your ability.

HNCs and HNDs Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas cover a massive

SourceMagazine

@SourceMag

careers

MECHANIC

Whether you fancy being an electrician, joiner or bricklayer, you can earn a really healthy wage if you do an apprenticeship in a trade.

They’re always going to be needed, and in some areas they’re in short supply. The money’s great too – experienced plumbers, for instance, make around £35,000 a year.

Car mechanics are going to be in demand forever – until we get hovering spacecrafts like in Wall-E anyway. Do an apprenticeship, pick up all the relevant skills and qualifications and you’ll be earning upwards of £25,000 a year as a mechanic – that’s more than teachers earn straight from uni.

SALESPERSON

Whether you’re flogging kitchens, advertising space in newspapers, digital TV packages, car insurance or diamonds, jobs in sales never go out of style – and there’s massive earning potential! Most sales posts are commissionbased, so if you’re good at your job, you’ll be in the money. While most sales roles are open to people straight from school, you can boost your chances in the field with an HND in sales and marketing or business.

TOP OF THE CROPS: Some say Dave looks smug, but he's just got one of the most satisfying jobs out there

HAIR STYLIST

ACCOUNTANT

Hairdressers consistently rank highly in job satisfaction polls – what’s not to love about making people feel good about themselves? You can study hairdressing at college or do an apprenticeship, and if you work your way up to senior status in a posh salon, you’ll be earning big money. There's also the option of setting up your own salon.

range of subjects, from accounting to video production. Higher National qualifications are offered by colleges, some universities and a number of other training providers, and are sometimes a part of apprenticeships, where they might be studied part-time or on a day release basis while you’re working. There’s often a very practical element to HN courses, alongside more academic content.

It’s true – you don’t actually need a degree to become an accountant.

Apprenticeships in accounting are a great route into the profession, which has big earning potential. During your training, you’ll learn to industry standards with the Association of Accounting Technicians as you work.

Higher National qualifications are available at college too that prep you for the world of work.

Sector specific qualifications Some jobs need specific qualifications which have been set out and approved by industry bigwigs.

Specialist qualifications like this are often incorporated into an HN course or MA. These certificates ensure that you’re working to a certain standard – they’re particularly important in fields like construction and healthcare. l

Skills Development Scotland www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk 0800 917 8000

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

SQA www.sqa.org.uk

PHOTOS: ©2013 Chris Jackson/Getty Images; ©2007 Julian Finney/Getty Images; Jonathan Buckley

TRADESPERSON

STAR

APPRENTICES Apprenticeships offer a total win-win employment situation – you get paid to learn how to do a job, and you get a qualification from it. Here are a few famous faces who started out as apprentices...

JAMIE OLIVER The Naked Chef kick-started his career as an apprentice, studying under Italian super chef Antonio Carluccio – the experience inspired Jamie to open his own chain of Italian restaurants once he found fame.

NICKY CLARKE The celebrity cropper kick-started his hair styling career as a salon apprentice washing hair and sweeping up in 1974.

ROSS BRAWN The former Mercedes team principle got into the world of F1 as a mechanical craft apprentice in the 70s, before going on to study an HNC in mechanical engineering.

ALAN TITCHMARSH Believe it or not, the TV host and gardener was once an apprentice with his local council’s parks department where he learned the tricks of his green-fingered trade.

Colleges Scotland www.collegesscotland.ac.uk 01786 892100

spring 2014

on the

web

| 17

careers

ENGINEERING

YOUR

FUTURE Engineering – when science and maths form the ultimate tag team to solve problems and improve the world around us.

We look into the different areas of engineering that you can study at college or uni, why they matter and what jobs they can lead to.

CHEMICAL

Chemical engineering takes raw materials and turns them into useful, everyday products like plastics, petrol and synthetic fibres like nylon. These are all everyday essentials, so chemical engineers are definitely in demand. This discipline is a balance of scientific knowledge and engineering know-how.

Possible jobs: Chemical engineer, petrochemical engineer, product/ process development scientist, energy engineer, materials engineer, production manager.

BIOCHEMICAL

This is a rapidly growing area of engineering, where engineers turn scientific discoveries into cost-effective, environmentally-friendly processes.

Biochemical engineers work on everything from medicines to energy.

They’re responsible for discovering more environmentally-friendly fuels, vaccines for incurable illnesses and much more.

Possible jobs: Biomedical engineer, analytical chemist, food technologist, forensic scientist, medical research scientist, toxicologist.

Tomorrow’s Engineers www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk

20 |

spring 2014

HARD HATS AT THE READY: Fiona on site on her most recent placement on the SSE graduate programme

STUDY IT! There are a number of different routes into engineering – you can start as an apprentice with an engineering firm, study different branches at college, go for an undergraduate degree or even take it to master's or PhD level at uni.

Colleges Scotland www.collegesscotland.ac.uk

UCAS www.ucas.com

SourceMagazine

on the

web

@SourceMag

careers

Engineering graduates earn approximately 30% more than grads from other disciplines case study job fiona gentles on the

Fiona is a mechanical engineering graduate in the second year of SSE’s graduate training programme.

Mechanical engineers in the energy sector are responsible for the analysis, maintenance and design of mechanical systems at power plants and sites within the network – a major part of what helps SSE to power homes across the country.

Fiona tells us a bit more about what her job involves...

Why engineering?

When it came to the end of school, I thought, ‘Well, I’m good at maths and physics, so engineering is the ideal route to go down.’ I did a master's in mechanical engineering at Strathclyde University. It was quite a varied course – one of the main reasons I chose it is because you get a bit of electrical and civil in it; it’s a mixture.

What does the graduate scheme with SSE involve?

It’s a two-year programme and you get three-month placements in different departments within one area of the

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

business – I work in transmission.

The graduate scheme is accredited by the IET [Institute of Engineering and Technology] and the IMechE [Institute of Mechanical Engineers] so a mentor helps you towards your chartership.

You also get given a graduate project where you get to meet with the other graduates and work with them on the project.

What’s a typical day like for you?

At the moment, I’m in the field unit, so I’m going out in the field, switching on and off the network, and we’re refurbishing different substations. It’s 60% in the office and 40% in the field – you get to see what you’re doing in the office in person.

Why would you recommend a career in engineering?

There are a lot of opportunities to do a variety of things, not just in the energy sector – there’s a real variety of work. l For more information on careers with SSE, head to www.sse.co.uk/ careers

CIVIL

Civil engineering is all about people and the services we use. Civil engineers are involved in the design of lots of different projects, from buildings to bridges, dams to railways, and they have to make sure that they’re safe and structurally sound.

Possible jobs: Consulting civil engineer, quantity surveyor, structural engineer, site engineer, building services engineer.

MECHANICAL

Mechanical engineering is about working with anything that has moving parts, from large energy plant machinery and oil rigs to smaller component parts. These engineers work in design, development, operation and maintenance. There are lots of specialties within mechanical engineering too – like aeronautical (planes) or automotive (cars).

Possible jobs: Mechanical engineer, maintenance engineer, aeronautical engineer, automotive engineer, water engineer, production manager, mining engineer.

ELECTRICAL

Electricity quite literally powers our country – and electrical engineers are needed to design, develop and operate the systems which give us this power.

Electrical engineers are needed in transport, the energy sector, oil and gas, building services, manufacturing and construction and much more.

Possible jobs: Electrical engineer, broadcast engineer, manufacturing systems engineer.

ENVIRONMENTAL

A branch of civil engineering, environmental engineers use science and engineering principles to improve the natural environment, providing clean water, air and land for human use. These engineers deal with issues like waste management, cleaning contaminated land, oil spills – basically, making sure the world is a cleaner, greener place using specialist knowledge.

Possible jobs: Renewable energy engineer, building services engineer, civil engineering technician, geoengineer. l

spring 2014

| 21

careers

IT'S IN THE DETAILS: Neil's responsible for designing background details in major movies

“I’ve always wanted to work in film, since I was a child – I just had to find what skills I brought to the table” needed to do to become a member of the art department. I then started taking weekend courses in graphic design and drafting. I have taken multiple workshops for graphic design and various tutorials on design principals.

MOVIE MAGIC We all know that graphic designers are essential in fields like product design, retail and media, but did you know it’s a role that’s needed in the world of film and TV too? London-based Canadian Neil Floyd has been working as a graphic artist for screen for the last seven years, working on blockbusters like Gravity and World War Z. He told us more about his fascinating career so far...

What does a graphic designer in film and TV do?

Most people think a graphic artist in film creates the visual effects and computer animation. It is true but there is also a graphic artist or team solely for the environmental graphics. If the set is supposed to be a police station, someone has to create the police logo, badges, paperwork, computer screens, police cars – anything in a scene that has a graphic element was either made by a graphic artist or is product placement.

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

What’s a typical day like for you?

Working at the studio/office from 8am to 6:30pm. Some days are spent on set getting things ready for the shoot. But most are spent in the office designing random graphics. Every day has a different task.

What sort of projects have you worked on?

Indie films to blockbusters. Some major films are Gravity, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows, Thor: The Dark World and World War Z. Gravity is my favourite so far, mainly because it was my first film in London since I moved from Canada. Since the concept was so out of the box, we really didn’t know how it would turn out.

What’s the best part of your job?

Getting to see the final production – seeing everything come together makes all the hard work worth it in the end.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

The production designer and set decorator of Gravity were nominated for a BAFTA and Oscar for Art Direction.

Being a part of that team is truly an honour.

Your job is to make the set look real.

What made you want to pursue this as a career?

I’ve always wanted to work in film, since I was a child – I just had to find what skills I brought to the table.

How did you get started as a graphic designer?

After film school I started working as an office PA in film. I used that experience to make contacts and learn what I

What’s your advice for anyone interested in graphic design?

There are so many different types of careers you can have in graphic design.

Take a look around at the different career paths and always challenge yourself creatively. It’s a hard, long road but it’s so worth it in the end. l Creative and Cultural Skills www.ccskills.org.uk

SPRING 2014

on the

web

| 23

careers

GETTING STARTED IN THE school leaver

about the rdeen office in 2012. She told us nee who started at KPMG’s Abe Trai ver Lea ool Sch a is .. lor far.

Tay Sarah the experience so gramme and how she’s finding company’s School Leaver Pro le What opportunities are availab do on a day-to-day you do at Wh G? KPM at G? term to you in the long Why did you choose KPM basis? to It’s a very structured promotional I chose KPMG because I wanted t clien I'm usually out on different of er leav ol scho The nt. unta process, so you’re always aware be an acco its. sites helping with company aud ’ll be t you er grea a ladd me the red on s offe me step ram the prog ber Although I am a more junior mem ed climbing. opportunity to study while I earn , role nt orta imp an play I , team of the my own money. test to ts talking directly with clien Any advice for others thinking nts, the accuracy of financial stateme the ut abo you ry wor g thin of joining the programme? any Did understand their business and and , Think hard about the effort needed programme? ncy methods, how they work unta acco th wor n it’s catio But k. edu or wor und hard because it is Having no backgro g it's all me to with creditors and checkin it – I really haven’t seen anything in finance, it was all very new to y. recorded correctl e wer ple peo of lot a But . with else that provides the same in beg feel ’t didn it in the same position, so king opportunities. l What qualification are you wor too bad. towards?

I’m working towards a degree in ersity.

Accounting from Birmingham Univ

24 |

spring 2014

SourceMagazine

@SourceMag

careers

finance

There are opportunities for everyone in finance, whatever your background, as Rachel and Sarah found out when they started their training with KPMG...

THE graduate

Rachel Garden is a Gradu ate Trainee at KPMG’s Ab erdeen office. We asked her the Graduate Programm about her reasons for join e... ing How much did you know about the Did anything worry you abo accountancy sector before ut the What qualification are you joining pro gramme? working KPMG? towards?

Hav ing a non -rel eva nt deg I didn’t know too much to be ree. But I’m working towards a Charter honest! then, I soon figured out tha ed My background is in law, so t I wasn’t Acc ountant qualification from the I knew the onl y one . a little bit about the legal side Institute of Chartered Accoun of the tants accounting world. of Scotland to become a pro What do you do on a day-tofess ional day accountant. KPMG basis?

Why did you choose KPMG is very supportive and flexible ?

I'm often out in the field , I got loads of emails from com giv ing me dedicated time off to panies me etin g study. clie nts as part of the audit telling me about their gradua te process. This means evaluat programmes, but KPMG sto ing, Any advice for others thin od out. testing, and reporting on con king trols of joining the programme? within a business to ensure If you’re happy dedicating a their financial reporting is acc few extra urate. years to study, just go for it, As you gain experience, you become and be confident. It’ll all pay more involved with different off in the aspects. long run. l

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

spring 2014

| 25

studying

STUDY

SURVIVAL It’s a word that strikes fear in the hearts of students and school pupils across the land – exams. But with the right prep, you could be on your way to study success. Seasoned student Laura Donaldson offers some top tips to aid your revision this season.

PREPARATION

Preparation is one of the key factors in your studying, even if you don’t realise it. Clearing your desk or work area and having a schedule for your study days can make the whole process so much easier than you’d think. If you plan out what subjects you’re going to study each morning, your brain will be less cluttered – meaning more room for your study material. It’s good to set targets each morning so that you feel motivated throughout the day to cross your tasks off your list.

SIMPLIFY IT

When revising, it’s good to work out what is essential to learn. There are some things in your subjects that, while important to your overall knowledge, will not actually be in your exam papers. You can normally tell what to study by looking at past exam papers or questions provided by your teacher.

These will give you an idea

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

of what to expect in your exam and there’s a chance the same question may pop up. It’s also essential to listen to your teachers before exam time (as always!) as often they will give away hints about what normally appears in the exams.

BRAIN FOOD

Sometimes good exam results can be down to factors other than studying. Reports have shown that eating certain foods and drinking a lot of water can have a positive effect on your studies. Make sure to eat during exam time – your brain needs the energy from food to work efficiently. Protein-rich foods such as eggs and yoghurts can make you more alert and things like fish, dried fruits, figs and sunflower seeds are known as “brain foods” for a reason.

EAT SMART: Drinking plenty of water and snacking on the right kinds of food can actually boost your ability to remember study material

DIAGRAMS/ FLOWCHARTS

Some people find it easier to map out their ideas and notes in the form of diagrams and flowcharts. These can help to give you a picture of what you are trying to learn and how the different bits of a subject piece together. Split your study material into different sections or headings and work from there – it can make your notes less intimidating. For some people, it’s easier to remember a picture or visual aid when you’re sitting in an exam hall, rather than a long, boring chunk of text.

USE YOUR OWN WORDS

You can draw all the diagrams and charts you want but at the end of the day, if you can’t explain what you’ve spent hours looking at, what have you really learned? Textbook explanations of topics can be overly complicated so make sure you put everything into terms that you understand rather than trying to memorise pages and pages of notes that you don’t get. As with all exam techniques – do whatever feels best for you. Not everyone works in the same way and whichever way you feel comfortable is the way you’ll do best. Good luck! l

spring 2014

| 27

Young Entrepreneur

finance and economics at Strathclyde, but when I landed a graduate position at a major bank, I realised working a 9 to 5 routine wasn't for me.

What exactly is bubble tea?

Bubble tea is a new approach to regular tea. People can choose from a milky or fruity base, with lots of different flavours and it can be served hot or cold. Its boba ball toppings, or juice filled 'popping boba', are what makes it unique. We give extra fat straws out with our drinks so everything can be sucked up easily.

THE NEXT ALAN SUGAR?: Budding business brain May Gem at work in Glasgow's Tempo Tea Bar

A TEA-RRIFIC BUSINESS IDEA...

When bubble tea arrived in London from Taiwan, Britain’s capital was instantly hooked. Never one to miss an opportunity, last autumn, May Gem Tan and her brother Liam brought the refreshment north of the border to Glasgow. Laura Redpath caught up with May Gem, 25, to find out how she got her city centre-based business running, and what it is that makes the exotic drink so special.

What gave you the idea to open a bubble tea bar?

Although I was born and raised in the UK, my parents are from Malaysia so we often travel there to visit family – that's where I discovered bubble tea. I always remember it as “that fun drink with the little balls”. On a trip to London I noticed that it was popular outside the Asian community and thought, why not bring it to Glasgow?

How was Tempo Tea Bar born?

Liam and I started planning in summer 2012 – so it took a while! I also had an advisor from Business Gateway who was a fantastic help.

What did you do after leaving school?

Because I had the aspiration of getting a job in investment banking, I studied

What's the story behind the name?

Since moving here from Montrose in 2006, I've loved Glasgow's music scene.

With the city being home to many talented musicians, I couldn't help but bring a music vibe to the shop.

The interior is really quirky; did you design it yourself?

A lot of ideas floated around in the beginning. The aim was to be fun, upbeat and interactive. Thankfully we found a designer who captured our objectives and we couldn't be happier with the result.

Are there any plans to expand the business?

It'd be amazing to have some more shops around the country. We've also been looking into selling DIY kits so people can make bubble tea at home.

What advice would you give to young people wanting to start their own business?

Start planning now as things take longer than expected. Carrying out research and testing the products you hope to sell on friends will help determine what's good, and what's not. But most importantly, work hard and believe. You can't rely on others to make you happy, but you can rely on you. l

Visit May Gem and the Tempo Tea Bar team at 83 Queen Street, Glasgow and don’t miss your 10% student discount on Mondays. Find out more at www.tempoteabar.com.

28 |

spring 14

SourceMagazine

check it out @SourceMag

PHOTOS: © Laura Redpath/Jack Stott

careers

STUDYING

CHOOSING A

SCOTLAND V. Swapping crumpets for deep-fried Mars bars

ith so many courses and universities available, it’s sometimes difficult to know what’s right for you. e told me about student course. Then someon Scotland has more world class I Rebecca Root, 22. Journalism Caledonian’s journalism course and ity es plac at Glasgow Caledonian Univers few so universities per head than With w. rvie inte received an el of ber hoping to pursue a career in trav num high a such and rse cou on my anywhere else in the world a had writing. Living in Dennistoun, I that applicants, when I found out Glasgow but originally from and Scottish graduates have got a place I put it down to fate.

Harrogate, Yorkshire. higher salaries sixth months after ween What is the main difference bet y in graduating compared to the rest What made you decide to stud w? sgo your home town and Gla Scotland?

In of the UK – two factors which I would have to say the people.

I decided to study in Scotland for other h eac to s talk e ryon Glasgow eve encourage tonnes of Scots to several reasons. The first being that a e hav ys alwa 'll you w kno you and ily in Glasgow, so I had fam ge had I crin hers stay at home to study and attracts friendly taxi driver. My brot visited many times and knew y awa tting cha t star when I'm home and people from around the globe it was a place I'd like to live and t arke erm sup the in ier to the cash in. Seventeen-year-old me don't to our prestigious institutions. forget that I'm in Yorkshire; you of size the by ed was fascinat do that there.

However, for other aspiring New Look and I loved square a sausage! Money was also do in students, uni offers the What's your favourite thing to big factor. For me to study up w? sgo Gla perfect opportunity to in Scotland meant that I cut my t city Probably shop. Glasgow is a grea tely edia imm fees ty ersi univ find a explore life beyond our great ys alwa can you for shopping and in half and because I support k. brea a take to quirky café wee country. So the question myself, this made a big e. differenc is – should you opt for uni d that What have you tried in Scotlan in d nce erie exp e in bonnie Scotland you wouldn't hav Why Caledonian England?

University? or move further a I don't think I would ever have tried I knew that I ght thou ys afield? Hannah deep-fried Mars bar! I alwa wanted to study made that sounded vile but my friend in Glasgow Thomson spoke here was I ks wee few first the me try one but nothing . bad n't to two current was ally actu it and appealed to students to find me at Glasgow home?

What do you miss most about University so my be ld out about their wou er answ The obvious I applied for ry day brothers. I miss seeing them eve very different Strathclyde. The lot. a me y that they visit first time I applied but I'm luck the say uni experiences be may ld wou I Aside from that I was rejected so a extr few a be r eve only may It weather. so far...

I took a gap year HEADING NORTH: it can

W

Aspiring journalist Rebecca from Yorkshire loves Glasgow's friendly vibe

30 |

SPRING 2014

and tried again for their English

degrees warmer down south but really make a difference. l

SourceMagazine

@SourceMag

.

STUDYING

UNIVERSITY:

THE WORLD From the Fife coun to the W tryside est End

DOWN SOUTH: The bright lights of London's West End were a huge draw for wannabe performer Mairi

UCAS www.ucas.com

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

Mairi Ba rclay, 20 . Studyin theatre g music at Arts E a ducatio London nal Scho l Markinc in the h ols h. H ope of p career in ursuing access to owever, you hav the Wes a e a lot mo t End. Liv Chiswic re in Lon from a c k, Londo ing in don; ultural p n but ori Markinc o int of vie ginally fr are so m h, Fife. w there any galle om ries and so the ty museum pe of life What m s style is m exciting. ade you ore dec Scotland and stud ide to leave y in Lon I am stud What's don? ying mu you sical the London atre and in Londo r favourite thin is the be g to do n? st place type of tr to be for Have lun aining. I this ch in Hy do class with som de es in coll keep fit e top ch eg by going Park in the sun, oreogra the Wes or for a run phers fro e T t End so h a m e s. down th m it is the b me to ge e e s t way for tc unfortun ontacts for my c Do you areer, wh ately Sco think yo ich tland ca uw n’t offer.

London when yo ill stay in What in ug My caree stitution r could ta raduate? did you and why ke me an c in h ? oose the worl ywhere d which I chose A is so exc I will hav rts Educ it e ing but a to tional Sc London stay in L get a job hools bec ondon if . All the I don’t for trainin ause it is the be audition London st centre g for mu s are held and the sical the Europe. in West En atre in will get m They hav d is whe ost of m ea for stude re I y jobs. nts leavin 100% success ra te g the co getting m What ha llege an usical th d ve you tr eatre ag jobs. An ied in Lo ents and that you drew Llo ndon wouldn yd Webb patron fo 't have er is also experie r the coll n th c ege whic ed in Sc e how hig o I got the h shows hly it is re chance to tland? garded.

Fashion go to Lo We ndon What is one of th ek and had a tic the main ket to e catwalk differen your ho s went to c me tow the prem hows. I also n and Lo e between Back ho iere of th ndon?

Twilight me, the e last film and pac and peo got to w the red c ple gene e is a lot slower alk down arpet an rally hav for you. d watch e more ti preview In Londo the me with lots n, everyo to be in of celeb ne seem it was su a rush. Y rities – s rreal. ou don’t greeting get p yo street wh u as you walk do eople What do wn the ich happ you mis ens all th s most about h e time in ome?

Fresh air , fresh w ater and my famil y. l on the

web

SPRING 2014

| 31

interview

Introducing...

HAYLEY HASSELHOFF Once upon a time, she was known simply as The Hoff’s daughter, but now Hayley Hasselhoff is making a name for herself in the world of plus size modelling. The gorgeous 21-year-old star stopped by to talk fashion and body confidence with Source during Plus Size Fashion Weekend at London Fashion Week.

You were really lucky to have that – not all young people have such positive role models.

Some people can have those role models in their lives but they choose to believe the negatives because of society. I think there needs to be more people, no matter what shape or size, preaching about finding what works for you, finding what makes you happy as a person.

How did you get into modelling?

It kind of fell in my lap in a way. I always knew that I wanted to be in the industry but it was my dad’s publicist who brought it to his attention, and said, “Have you ever thought about Hayley as a plus size

model?” She got me a meeting with Ford Models, I booked and I was on my way.

Is fashion accessible enough for women and girls who identify as plus size?

No, but I think with Plus Size Fashion Weekend, that’s a really amazing step for the plus size movement and industry.

Do you think magazines should use more models of different sizes?

Definitely. Having a variety of shapes and sizes, and having it as fashionable as possible, would definitely help a lot of girls with self esteem and acceptance. It’d help them see that they can be as beautiful and fashionable and confident as all the girls they see on the cover.

What are your top tips for feeling body confident?

Know who you are and what you love about yourself. When you figure those things out, you’ll be able to be so much healthier and happier. You’ve got to go through the bad stuff to get to the happy place. It’ll be a long journey, but that will be well worth your while.l

Keep up to date with Hayley on Twitter, @HHASSELHOFF

32 |

spring 2014

PHOTO: © Mario Sanchez

As a model, do you ever feel like there’s pressure to look a certain way?

I’ve been beyond blessed to start working as a plus size model at 14, and I think between the ages of 14 and 16, you’re really growing into your body and what you think about yourself. I was surrounded by women who had these beautiful, curvy bodies and were toned and healthy and I think that influenced me to feel comfortable in my skin, it made me understand that growing up and being ‘different’, having curves and having a butt, was OK.

tweet all about it SourceMagazine

@SourceMag

time out

L E V A TR E TH D...

RL O W J U ST IN EW F A THS! N O M ys olida h r e hs summ ree mont e h t th ere pping ation and ol wh o o h h c w s c ot a a st left edu ’re at a u g o e y v ’ u ju ed in o her v e l t y v , o e ’ s v h u W eek r yo et in six w sity o why not g r o t e v h i c n t road? stret ext, b r at u n a e o t e bes m c d h t e m j o f t u o o r t s a e of r... ar p re wh at som as to offe ap ye k g o i o not su n l h i m ld es a e wor h tak h t t t a a p s th Red ption o Laura p a g -term short

PlayaWay www.playawayabroad.com

34 |

spring 2014

ICS www.volunteerics.org

Lattitude www.lattitude.org.uk

SourceMagazine

@SourceMag

time out

Summer backpacking

Backpacking trips don’t necessarily have to cost a fortune. South-east Asia is an often coveted destination, and with its travel-friendly budget and must-see sights, it’s no surprise as to why.

Start researching where you’d like to visit first and get Googling a cheap flight to get you there. Once you’re in Asia, it’s fairly inexpensive to travel around thanks to the super cheap train fares which can take you from Kaula Lumpur to Bangkok to Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh. Log on to seat61.com where you’ll find all the info you need to plan your Asian interrailing adventure.

As for accommodation, hostels are your friend during a holiday like this and sites like Hostelworld.com let you search and compare different locations, so you’re sure to find something to suit your budget.

Work in the sun

If you’ve ever dreamt of working in a top holiday resort, have a look at PlayaWay (www.playawayabroad. com). PlayaWay can help you find summer work in party hotspots like Tenerife, Ibiza and Zante.

With a £75 registration fee for the service and flights costing from £40 to £180 depending on where you go, this is a fairly inexpensive option. By working in sectors such as hospitality and PR you’ll either earn a set wage, or need fantastic persuasion powers for roles that pay in commission only.

There are various departure dates throughout summer so you can choose when you fancy arriving, and when you’ll return home. When you’re not hard at work entertaining tourists, Europe’s holiday hotspots have plenty of entertainment such as party cruises, glorious beaches, theme parks, historical

VSO www.vso.org.uk

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

sites and even the chance to be adventurous and try things like bungee jumping and paragliding.

Don’t forget the sun cream!

Volunteer

If you want to give back to the world, you might be interested in spending your summer as a volunteer.

International Citizen Service (ICS) is a UK government funded project which brings 18 to 25 year olds from all backgrounds to help combat poverty across 24 of the world’s poorest countries. In partnership with companies including Lattitude, Progressio, International Service, Raleigh, Restless Development, Skillshare International, Tearfund and VSO, you could find yourself helping communities in India, Ghana, Tanzania or South Africa – and that’s just a few of the options.

This is an opportunity to experience another culture, challenge yourself and develop transferrable skills. The three months of volunteering could be part of post-school or college skills development or a career break.

ICS will take care of your flight cost, visa, necessary vaccines, insurance, and all the training and support you need throughout your journey, so what are you waiting for? Get that application filled out now.

Au pairing

Parents all over Europe are on the lookout for native English speakers to look after their children during school holidays. Au pair jobs are available in France, Spain, Italy and Germany and if you’re over 18, you’re good to go.

Au pairs generally live with a reputable host family where they’ll be given meals and a private bedroom, alongside a weekly or monthly salary.

In your spare time you can explore the country you’re living in, make friends with the locals or maybe even take language classes. And the best thing? EU citizens needn’t apply for a visa! Check out STA Travel for more information. l

STA Travel www.statravel.co.uk

on the

EXPLORING BANGLADESH WITH VSO ICS Nushrath Khandoker went to rural Bangladesh with VSO ICS. Appreciating that the ICS experience is ‘what you make of it’, she got involved in everything from sanitation to livestock vaccinations; genuine needs identified by local people.

‘I knew I wanted to go abroad but most of the volunteering programmes were just too expensive for me. So as soon as I saw ICS in a newspaper, I applied for it.

'I chose Bangladesh because I wanted to reconnect with the culture and my wider family. After two weeks of in-country training, my team went to Mominpur village in the north.

'The first thing we did was invite all the villagers to a community dialogue meeting to introduce ourselves and discuss how we might be able to help.

'This identified problems including poor diet and poor standards of livestock wellbeing as well as various diseases.

We arranged for field staff to come to the village and ran training sessions on the importance of a varied diet to livestock health and productivity.

'We spoke to government officials, made endless phone calls, sent emails and set up meetings. And most importantly, we worked tirelessly to pass on these skills to local youth club members.

‘Living and working abroad makes you so much more grounded as a person.

You get so much out of it in such a short amount of time.

'Overall, ICS was an incredible experience. I would say to anyone, if they really want to do something worthwhile and make a difference, they should do ICS.’ l VSO ICS is a UK government funded programme that gives anyone aged 18 to 25 a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend three months volunteering abroad in Africa or Asia. You don’t need cash, skills or qualifications to take part in VSO ICS – just the ambition to make a difference. To find out more, visit www.vso.org.uk.

web

spring 2014

| 35

ADVICE

Celebrity LIFE COACHES If you find your confidence is slipping, our pals in Celeb Land know a thing or two about rising above the people who doubt them and what it takes to achieve your goals. Whether you’re feeling down about your grades, family, your mates or you’re worried about life after education, just remember these motivational mantras from our favourite stars...

“Don't let anyone or anything get in the way. Knock on every door of opportunity. Believe in yourself!”

Nicole Scherzinger Scherzy knows a thing or two about being fabulous, so take heed. The former Pussycat Doll turned reality TV judge knows how important it is to focus on your goals – she went from being the geeky kid at school who was picked on by bullies to a national treasure here in Britain, all thanks to a bit of self-belief and hard work. Shamazing!

“There’s power in looking silly and not caring that you do.”

Amy Poehler

“I've learned it's important not to limit yourself. You can do whatever you really love to do, no matter what it is.”

Ryan Gosling

The Parks and Recreation funny woman hits the nail on the head here – stop worrying about what other people think and embrace who you are. Even if you look like an idiot to others, if you do it with confidence, they’re not as likely to judge you.

“Anyone can turn their life around.”

Professor Green

If anyone knows anything about success, it’s Ryan Gosling.

The megastar actor’s advice to keep your options open is spot on – the more experience you get along the way, the more confident and knowledgeable you’ll become, making you better-equipped for your end goal.

“Words can break someone into a million pieces, but they can also put them back together.”

Taylor Swift

PHOTOS: ©GETTY IMAGES

The Pro, or Stephen as his nan calls him, knows all too well that you can make a change in your life. The high school dropout has gone from dealing drugs to living the life of a squillionaire music artist – and he’s worked mega hard to get there. Think your life sucks? You’ve got the power to change it.

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

Swifty is wise beyond her years, isn’t she? If other people are getting on top of you, don’t let them get to you – turn to those who do care about you for help and support. Whether it’s your best mate, your parents, a sibling or a trusted teacher, those around you can fix whatever’s getting you down. l

spring 2014

| 37

STUDYING

The Source Guide to...

SCOTLAND’S

STUDENT

2

CITIES

aberdeen

1

Now that UCAS applications are in, many of you will be pondering where to study after results day – and quite often the location of a uni or college is just as important as its academic credentials. With so much to do across Scotland’s major cities, choosing your new home for the next few years can be a tough choice to make. Here’s our round up of what’s good, where.

1: Dundee This city’s a bit of a hidden gem. Tucked away on the east coast, Dundee has two universities, Dundee and Abertay.

The University of Dundee has a fantastic student union with three floors offering somewhere to chill out and party – and the 24-hour bakery just a few minutes up the road is one of its many perks.

If you get a little bored of the union, there’s always Fat Sams. Renowned across the UK, Fat Sams will give you a night out like no other and it’s somewhere you have to try at least once. The city’s home to lots of great restaurants for foodies too.

If you’re more active, Dundee Karting (www.dundeekarting.co.uk) is a favourite attraction and the Olympia Leisure Centre has loads of great facilities, from the leisure pool with four fun flumes (you’re never too old!) to its range of fitness studios and classes.

If you need a break, Broughty Ferry is a mere five-minute bus journey away. In this quaint town there’s a beach, a castle, and lots of well-priced charity shops – the perfect day out for student budgets.

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

dundee

2: Aberdeen Home to rival universities Aberdeen and Robert Gordon, the Granite City offers a range of things to keep its student residents occupied out of studying hours.

Take the music scene, for instance.

Despite being “far away and up north”, you’ll find lots of great bands make the journey to play at the AECC and Aberdeen Music Hall. Artists who have graced the north-east with their presence over the years include Idlewild, Oasis, Kings of Leon, Frightened Rabbit, Blink 182 and McFly. There’s also a wide range of pubs and clubs to party in after the gig – head to Exodus for the best tunes and student prices.

On slightly warmer days, there’s great fun to be had along the beach esplanade where there’s – yep, you guessed it – a beach. But there’s more to this beach than sand and sea. You can ride the Ferris wheel at Codonas

Amusement Park, have a bash at crazy golf and show off your skills at the bowling alley before stopping for a meal at one of the many restaurants nearby.

For a bit of culture, what about the Aberdeen Art Gallery? The city’s home to a number of theatres too, with loads of big shows and comedians heading north every year – Top Hat and Shrek are heading to His Majesty's Theatre soon, while Josh Widdicombe is hitting The Lemon Tree. Get details at www.aberdeenperformingarts.com.

Aberdeen is relatively small, so there’s hardly any need to fork out on public transport – a big money saver.

SPRING 2014

| 39

STUDYING

3: Glasgow The UK’s third largest city is home to three universities and various colleges, and it's a huge hit with students. While not quite as majestic as Edinburgh, Glasgow is steeped in its own history and has loads of quirky attractions to check out after class, from an indoor ski slope to an IMAX cinema. The city’s museums and galleries are free, and this year’s Commonwealth Games mean that facilities throughout the town, from sports centres to attractions, are being spruced up. Find out more at www.glasgowlife.org.uk.

Glasgow’s renowned for its music scene, with massive bands like Belle and Sebastian, Twin Atlantic and Texas all originating in the city. The venues are great too – with the SSE Hydro, SECC, Barrowlands and O2 Academy, international bands usually make Glasgow a stop off point on their UK tours. And with great public transport

4: Edinburgh Studying in Scotland’s capital will certainly have you feeling more cultured.

With tartan shops and pipe-players lining Edinburgh’s street alongside world-class museums, galleries, theatres

side streets. Speaking of which, these winding lanes give a real spooky ambience in the evening. With witch tours and ghost walks on offer, your Halloween night out is sorted.

“Take a saunter around Edinburgh Castle on your days off and enjoy a picnic in Princes Street Gardens when you’re done” And of course, there’s the Edinburgh Festival. The renowned summertime event isn’t just about going to plays and watching comedians. For students, the festival provides great summer employment opportunities. From waiting tables to assisting backstage at shows – there’s always something available to keep you afloat during July and August. l

and eateries, you’ll realise why the rest of the world is so fascinated with our homeland.

Take a saunter around Edinburgh Castle on your days off and enjoy a picnic in Princes Street Gardens when you’re done. For shopping enthusiasts, Princes Street has plenty to choose from and you’ll find lots of weird and wonderful items down the cobbled

“In terms of shopping, Glasgow city centre really does have the best in Scotland” links – including a subway system – there’ll be no problem getting to and from concerts.

In terms of shopping, Glasgow city centre really does have the best in Scotland. Work your way from Buchanan Galleries right down to Argyle Street – don’t forget your student card! For those who fancy something a little bit different, Byres Road in the West End has some great vintage boutiques.

And if you ever need a break from city life, Loch Lomond is only half an hour away. Just hop on a bus and you’ll be surrounded by Scotland’s beautiful scenery in no time.

3

4 edinburgh

Glasgow

40 |

SPRING 2014

SourceMagazine

@SourceMag

time out

2014: ALL EYES ON SCOTLAND...

It’s finally happened – 2014 is the year that it’s cool to be Scottish! This year, just about everything worth knowing about is happening right here as we celebrate both contemporary and historical Scotland and prove to the world that there’s more to our wee country than tartan and Highland cows.

Laura Donaldson rounds up the best events that 2014 has to offer... ormally when you picture the busiest, most exciting places in the world, London, New York and Paris might come to mind. However, this year that’s all going to change. Scotland is THE place to be in 2014, as we play host to amazing events and celebrate everything that makes Scotland great, both old and new. With stars from the worlds of sport and music flocking for a piece of our party action, plus the pretty important issue of the independence referendum, you do not want to be anywhere else….

N

MUSIC MADNESS It’s going to be a huge year for music in Scotland. In May, Radio 1’s Big Weekend will be setting up camp in Glasgow Green. The UK’s biggest free festival will be taking place over the weekend of May 23-25, and is set to kick off Scotland's big summer in style. Rita Ora and Paolo Nutini are currently the only acts to have been announced but with previous headliners such as Rihanna, Kanye West and Jay-Z, we’re sure they’ll be some A-list names heading to the city. The Radio 1 and 1Xtra DJs will be there too, so you never know – you could be bumping into Nick Grimshaw and Fearne Cotton on Sauchiehall Street! Keep your eyes on the Radio 1 website (www.bbc.co.uk/ radio1) for ticket details.

42 |

SPRING 2014

Another huge annual event that’s heading to Scotland is the MTV Europe Music Awards. One of the biggest nights in the MTV calendar, that is sure to be a who's who of A-listers and performers at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow. Last year's event took place in Amsterdam and featured performances from superstars such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Kings of Leon and Bruno Mars.

SPORTING CHANCES From 23 July to 3 August, all sporting eyes will be on Glasgow as it hosts the Commonwealth Games. One of the most important sporting events in the world since it started in 1930, Glasgow is gearing up to open its arms to Commonwealth athletes and fans from all over the world. With the venues all nearly complete and the final preparations well underway, this is sure to be one of the best Games yet.

Volunteer opportunities have been given to young people all over Scotland, ensuring the whole country is getting involved and inspired.

The Games aren’t just about sport – there’s also plenty of cultural events happening as part of

SourceMagazine

@SourceMag

time out

the Commonwealth Cultural Programme, from dance to theatre and film. The Tron Theatre’s Home Nations Commonwealth programme, which will feature all kinds of performances, is sure to have something for everyone’s taste. Visual arts will also be celebrated in a series of exhibitions, screenings, and installations nationwide.

Search for events at www. glasgow2014. com/culture.

It’s not all about Glasgow, though! For the first time since 1973, and only the second in the history of The Ryder Cup, Scotland will play host to the greatest tournament in golf. The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire will welcome the golfing world from September 23-28 as the sport makes

such as Gladiator, Robin Hood and Thor II, so you know it’s going to be spectacular.

Elsewhere in notable anniversaries, The Forth Bridges Festival will celebrate the 50th birthday of one of Scotland's most recognisable landmarks.

The festival is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors from around the world. To celebrate half a century of connecting Edinburgh and Fife, the extravaganza will run from September 4-13 and will involve ‘Scotland Welcomes the World to Lunch’, a birthday boat flotilla, torch light procession and a fab firework show – it's going to be amazing. For more info on all of this year’s Homecoming events, head to www.visitscotland.com.

AYE OR NAW? Away from the party atmosphere, this year could be one of the most important in Scotland’s history. In 2014, we will vote in the independence referendum

You never know – you could be bumping into Nick Grimshaw and Fearne Cotton on Sauchiehall Street PHOTOS: ©Getty Images

its way to its hometown. The Ryder Cup Gala Party will be kicking off proceedings, with a mixture of Scottish and American artists taking to The Hydro’s stage for a spectacular show. Players, officials, visiting VIPs and media are set to be in attendance and some tickets will be kept aside for the general public.

WHAT A YEAR!: Rita, Grimmy, Fearne and a gang of other celebs, sports stars and tourists are Scotlandbound this year

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

EMBRACING THE OLD It’s not all about the modern day – there are tonnes of opportunities this year to get to grips with Scotland’s unique heritage through the year-long celebration of Homecoming Scotland. From food and drink and great outdoor activities to our spectacular arts scene and ancestral heritage, there’s plenty to prove why it’s all about Scotland this year. For history geeks, there’s even going to be a recreation of the Battle of Bannockburn at Bannockburn Festival, celebrating 700 years since the famous battle on June 28. The event is being choreographed by Clanranald, famous for their work on blockbusters

to decide whether or not Scotland becomes an independent country. The referendum will take place on Thursday 18 September for Scottish residents aged 16 years and over. Anyone wishing to vote in the referendum must be registered first. Head to www. aboutmyvote.co.uk to find out how you go about registering. With issues such as the economy, pensions, immigration, energy and Scotland’s relationships with the UK and EU at stake, it’s never been more important to be informed about what independence could mean for you.

Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming issues of Source, where we’ll be looking into the issue further.

While you might already know that it’s brilliant being Scottish, this year’s our chance to prove it to the rest of the world too! Whether you use this year to celebrate modern Scotland or to dip into our fascinating history, you’d be mad not to get involved with the many brilliant events taking place. l

SPRING 2014

| 43

health and wellbeing

Kayleigh BAD NEWS: r diagnosis following he

BEATING THE BIG C When Kayleigh Canning from Clydebank started having headaches and putting on weight two and a half years ago, she had no idea that her life was about to change forever... ancer. It’s a small word but its impact is huge – and every day, seven young people across the UK are told that they’ve got it. In 2011, Kayleigh Canning was one of them.

“I was experiencing weight gain and having headaches,” the 19-year-old explains. “I’d been to the doctors a couple of times, and he put it down to stress. The fourth time I went, my mum came with me and she said, ‘No, I want something done.’ They sent me for a scan the next day, and that’s when I was diagnosed.”

At 17, Kayleigh had germ cell ovarian cancer, and a tumour the size of a football growing inside of her. Kayleigh admits: “I didn’t even know it was possible for someone my age, especially ovarian cancer.”

C

GREA T SUP best frien PORT: W d Vic it toria h

ps or in • Pa ps, bum m • Lu lling s dnes s The on swe e tire eight los m m e r com of t w x t E

n s • sign r in mole nifica e • Sig nges in a canc g a n h u C yo le are: • a peop ak to r s. Spe s in you n g i s e r g e n h a t ch yo otice man ng.

Plus r if you n l wellbei o a doct or gener body

5

most

SUCC ESS: the d Kayle a igh o from y she gra duate n colle ge d

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

SPECIALIST SUPPORT Kayleigh had to have her ovary and fallopian tube removed, and later a hysterectomy. She underwent monitoring treatment at the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow. The unit is one of 26 across the UK which provides specialist support for young people aged 13 to 24. Each patient is assigned their own nurse, who supports them and their family. Often, young cancer patients will be treated alongside older people – when Kayleigh was

hospitalised for her surgery, she was the youngest on the ward by 50 years, but at the unit she could be with people her own age.

She says: "When you meet other young people who have had it, it gives you that support network.”

The Teenage Cancer Trust provides more than medical support and understanding. “The Trust were arranging my hospital appointments so it would fit round my class times,” Kayleigh explains. “It was important for me to stay at college, because I didn’t want to look back and say, ‘That’s the year I had cancer.’”

Kayleigh graduated with an HNC in 2012, and is now at Glasgow Caledonian University studying media and communications.

RAISING AWARENESS Now in remission and working hard at uni, Kayleigh fundraises for the Teenage Cancer Trust, speaks at events and has created a couple of documentaries to raise awareness of teenage cancers. She understands how important the charity’s work is – and how vital funds are.

“Cancer has motivated me to be a better person,” Kayleigh says. “If it wasn’t for the Teenage Cancer Trust, young people like me would be sitting in a general hospital unit with people much older. Teenage Cancer Trust really go above and beyond.” l

Teenage Cancer Trust - www.teenagecancertrust.org

spring 2014

on the

web

| 45

interview

Scotland came out in full support for Motherwell’s Nicholas McDonald during last year’s X Factor. He eventually came second in the singing show, but with his own single and album on the way, he’ll always be a winner to us. Laura Donaldson sat down with Nicholas to find out how life’s changed...

preceded by Nicholas’ debut single Answer Phone. "I’m really, really excited to get everything out,” Nicholas says.

“There’s a mix of covers and originals. I tried to choose songs that people loved hearing me sing on the show and also ones that I loved singing myself.”

Among the songs that appear on the album are Nicholas’ renditions of Adele’s Someone Like You, Westlife’s Flying Without Wings and Bruno Mars’ Just The Way You Are. Nicholas says Mars is one of his biggest influences: “He’s amazing, if I could collaborate with anyone I would definitely pick him.”

s soon as Nicholas McDonald turned 16 there was only one thing he wanted to do – apply for The X Factor. “For years and years I was telling everyone, ‘I’d love to do that,’ but I was never old enough,” Nicholas says. “So as soon as the age limit changed I thought, let’s go for it!”

A

MEANT TO BE As well as working on his music, Nicholas has been on the road for the X Factor tour. He says: “It’s great seeing different places and meeting different people, getting the chance to sing in these massive arenas. I just feel like I’m meant to be there, up on that stage.”

The Scottish star then went for his audition, where he moved the judges

NICHOLAS HAS

THE X FACTOR with his rendition of Paramore’s A Thousand Years. “I was so nervous I chewed through the lid of my water bottle!” he laughs.

Little did Nicholas know that this one audition would lead to him coming second in the whole competition, losing out to Sam Bailey. He admits: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get that far – I just thought I’d try it out and see what happened… And here we are now!”

RECORD DEAL Since the show ended, Nicholas has signed a recording contract with Sony Music imprint RCA and is now preparing the release of his debut album, In The Arms of an Angel. The record will be

RISING STAR: The only way is up for X Factor runner up Nicholas

Life on the road has certainly got Nicholas adjusted to the pop star lifestyle, and he says he’s hoping to do a tour of his own in the future. “Hopefully one day. I’m hoping to have another album out before the end of this year and then, fingers crossed, my own tour after that.”

Even though he’s only 17, Nicholas has some advice for other young people looking to break into the music industry: “Just work hard, believe in yourself and follow your dreams. Just tell yourself you can do it and you will!” l

Nicholas McDonald’s debut album In The Arms of an Angel is out 17 March via RCA Records

46 |

spring 2014

SourceMagazine

check it out @SourceMag

interview

Introducing...

Magic Man With his cool personality, tattoos and ace dress sense, E4 star Troy isn’t your average magician – and his incredible illusions and close up tricks prove that too! Source caught up with the 24-year-old Londoner to find out how his magical career began...

How did you get into magic in the first place?

When I was 12, I saw David Blaine on the TV, and I was just like, ‘This is amazing. I would love to be able to do that.’ My dad bought me his videotape when it came out, and I used to watch it for hours. I started to notice how he held a pack of cards, and little things like that. My dad joined me up to a magic club, called the Young Magicians Club, and that’s where I learned more about presentation and other magical things.

Has your degree helped you in your career at all?

When I signed up for the course, I thought

I’d be designing adverts, but that wasn’t the case. I was writing a lot of essays. It was interesting, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do. When we had to do essays about being freelance, I used to link it to being a freelance magician. The person reading it was like, ‘What? I don’t get this, this is supposed to be about advertising, not being a magician.’ But that’s all I know!

How did the TV show come about?

I was discovered performing in a restaurant.

The person that found me pitched me about different broadcasters, and two years later, we got the Channel 4 deal. The rest is history.

What’s been your most impressive trick so far?

My favourite trick has been making it rain money. It’s a saying which everyone says all the time – that’s where the idea came from.

I just thought, ‘How can I do that, how can I make it rain money?’ And I found a way.

What’s the best part of being a magician?

Being able to travel and show people what you can do, and impressing and entertaining all walks of life.

Where would you like to see your career go?

I’d like to do live shows – that’s on the cards. When you’re watching on TV, people are sceptical, but I want people to see that I have been doing this for a long time and I can actually do these things.

What’s your advice for aspiring magicians?

My advice is to be creative, be yourself and practise. No magician who’s accomplished stops practising. David Blaine still practises, Dynamo still practises. Be confident in what you do and try and figure out who you are as a performer. l

check it out

Check out the best bits from Troy’s E4 show online at channel4.com/programmes/troy, and keep up to date on Twitter, @TROYmagician

www.sourcemagazine.org.uk

spring 2014

| 47

PHOTO: ©Adam Lawrence/Channel 4 Television

You went to uni and studied creative advertising – why did you decide to keep going with education?

Just as a back up, in case my magic didn’t work out the way I wanted. It was always a semi-professional thing for me.

THAT'S MAGIC!: Troy's got more than a few tricks up his sleeve...

time out

Radio 1’s Ally McCrae is back with his pick of the hottest new bands right now...

Cannot believe this is my EIGHTH COLUMN for the mega-babes Source.

I’m Ally and my life is all about new music, finding it, loving it and then telling the world about it. I present on BBC Radio 1, BBC TV, I DJ live, I put on my own gigs, I run an online video channel and I play records at my beloved St Mirren FC.

Sound

Bites

cCrae M y ll A h it w

YOUR NEW FAVOURITE BAND

It’s my job to find bands and artists from all around the UK to put on my BBC Radio 1 show and reflect what's kicking off, hoping that important people will hear them (like Zane Lowe or Annie Mac), and promoting the music I love. Here are three tips for you to check out and fall in love with before they are megastars.

TWITTER REVIEWS A short and sweet roundup of the best up-and-coming bands...

MAST (@abandcalledmast) Dreamy, looped electronic beats with a fragile, but bold vocal and, hey, I’ll say it – cute lyrics.

AXOR If you’re all wrapped up in Disclosure and their party bass music then hold tight and get ready to fall in love with Axor.

Otherwise known as Sam Barker from Prestwick, if his track Saturday is anything to go by, he has a huge future ahead of him. It’s electronic and bassy enough to work in any big club but with a catchy edge.

Check out some free downloads at soundcloud.com/axor.

Kiran Leonard (Facebook!)

If Kiran existed 40 years ago, I think he would be doing just as well as he is now – real song writing and energy doesn’t care about decades or fashions.

BUTTON EYES This group’s first track Simple Days is based around the howling, raspy, soulful and quite frankly awesome vocals of an artist called Rag ‘n’ Bone Man. Button Eyes are a new group – no, more of a crew, that brings together singers and some well talented musicians to make something pretty new. Counting Rizzle Kicks as fans already, are they gonna blow up?

To see if I am talking NONSENSE or not, Simple Days is up on YouTube now.

Youth Man (@youthmanband) Brash, bold, shouty, sweaty – your mum will hate these punks from Birmingham.

Years & Years (@yearsandyears) Uber-cool and heartfelt electronic pop music that will make you cooler than you are.

We Were Hunted (@wewerehunted) Brand new Glasgow band for fans of AWESOME shout-along choruses and pop rock songs to pogo around like a fool to.

LAUREN AQUILINA If you haven’t heard of this 18-year-old singing SENSATION yet, then what’s going on? Why you still reading this and not Googling her name?! Fans of Gabrielle Aplin and, of course, Nina Nesbitt will be especially into this. It’s pure acoustic song writing at its most open and inviting. A word of warning – if you say anything, even the smallest thing, about her on Twitter, you will probably get a million RTs from her already massive army of fans.

Go join the bandwagon on Twitter, @laurenaquilina.

Check out Ally’s new music video channel at www.detour-scotland.com

48 |

spring 2014

check it out

Catch Ally and Jen Long with the best in new UK music live on the radio every Sunday into Monday on BBC Radio 1, 12-2am, with BBC Introducing, and check out his blog, turnthetapeover.tumblr. com

SourceMagazine

@SourceMag

interview

ten

Minutes with...

Foster the People The Pumped Up Kicks hit-makers are back with album two

SUPERMODELS: Mark Foster (centre) with his People, Cubbie Fink and Mark Pontius

Foster the People rocketed to fame in 2010 before they even had a record deal, when debut single Pumped Up Kicks became an overnight success online. Now, four years on, the band are releasing their second album Supermodel – but are they feeling the pressure to live up to the hype of debut Torches?

Frontman Mark Foster took some time out on their recent UK visit to tell Source about the making of the much-anticipated second record...

What can we expect from Supermodel?

I think that our fans are going to hear the same joyful sound that is, I think, what makes Foster the People identifiable.

There are a lot of moments on the record that are going to surprise the fans as well. It’s an introspective record, a more emotional record. I think that, musically, it takes some turns that we hadn’t really used before as a band.

What did you learn making the first album that you took to the second record?

Torches was really synthetic – there was a lot of programmed drums and programmed parts; everything was in time and everything was in tune. We really wanted our imperfections to come out with this record. When musicians play

“We really wanted our imperfections to come out with this record” together in a room, there’s a vibe. There’s more grit, it’s more organic.

How does the song writing process work for you?

If I’m travelling the world or meeting new people or I fall in love with somebody or whatever – my creative well is filling up, and if I’m not able to express it, I’ll go crazy. On the flip side, if I’m just in the studio writing and writing and I’m not allowing life to influence me and to change me, eventually I’ve got nothing to say. It’s about that balance.

The first record was really well received, and Pumped Up Kicks was huge – did you feel there was pressure to live up to how big that was?

Yeah. That thought was very present leading up to the creation of this record, and it was a thought that I really worked hard at pushing out. Song writing for me has to come from a pure place. If it’s not, the stuff that comes out just isn’t good, musically or lyrically.

Lastly, what’s next for Foster the People?

We’re just getting ready to play this record. We’ll be saying goodbye to our home lives in LA, getting ready to depart and go on another adventure. l

check it out

Supermodel by Foster the People is out 24 March via Columbia Records

50 |

spring 2014

SourceMagazine

@SourceMag