Quench Magazine, Issue 196, January 2024

AUTHENTIC Issue, no. 196, JANUARY 2024

Meet the Editors When I was working on our first edition of Quench for the 23/24 season, everything felt wrong. I thought that anything I would work on would let the team down and let all of our readers and contributors down, making me a failure on campus. It truly is an honour to be this year’s Quench Editor, but there are quite a few times where it felt like I was in a dream, waiting to be woken up and pulled out of an absurdist, creative transient state. Even now I sometimes feel like a little kid wearing someone else’s shoes, trying to do a ‘grown up’ job. This is by no means a sombre opportunity for me to talk about my pervasive anxieties (that introspection is reserved solely for when I’m trying to sleep late at night) but is the perfect reason why we’ve compiled this special edition.

Issue 196, all around the theme of ‘AUTHENTIC’, is the perfect opportunity for us to look forward to the new year.

January can often feel like an opportunity to reinvent yourself or be the ‘best you’, in whatever iteration that looks like for yourself. Being authentic possesses a sense of vulnerability, being brave enough to challenge what’s around you to do something entirely original and selffulfilling. It’s taking a scary leap into a new project and pushing your skills to become better, being bold in your ideas and unapologetic in your own authentic vision. Each word, design, illustration, and image in this exclusive miniedition of Quench is an embodiment of how authenticity has been celebrated by different people.

If you haven’t already noticed, this issue is entirely in black and white! We’ve also paired each of our articles with an accompanying piece of art which reflects the ideas and values shared by contributors. With the power of original

Alanya Alanya

student talent at the heart of what Quench does, this felt like the perfect way for us to start the year; being authentically ourselves, original in our ideas and confidently sharing our work with others. Although the colour scheme may be monotone, the quality of the content is far from it, and I have honestly both laughed and cried reading through this issue.

I hope reading through Issue 196 encourages you to examine authenticity through a new lens; it might appear less ‘black and white’ than you initially thought.

So, amidst this exciting New Year celebration, feel empowered by the creative leaps taken throughout t h e magazine and make one of your own.

Maybe this year, you can become the most authentic version of yourself?

Billy Hello and welcome to this thought-provoking edition of Quench, tackling the big topic of authenticity. At its core, authenticity implies the genuine, unchanged, real-deal nature of a person or thing. It’s something that is a growing concern, particularly due to social media, as we might police our own content and judge that of others by just how honest it is.

In a world growing seemingly more fragmented, it’s tougher than ever to deal with external pressures telling us what to think or feel. It’s certainly an attractive idea to be authentic; we want to be recognised by others as someone likeable, trustworthy, and down-to-earth, and so these pages will explore the necessity we feel as humans to stay true to ourselves.

Authenticity plays a pivotal role in interpersonal relationships, and there are few stronger examples of this today than within musicians. I was struck by the vulnerability of musicians in our music section’s exploration of the term “industry plant.” The need for a sense of transparency in our idols is a far cry from the nature of

celebrity only a few decades ago. An audience’s awareness of these figures is now a constant presence on our screens, which must prove a frightening prospect to them.

The desire for authenticity can often be found in the choices we make. I particularly found this apparent in the travel section’s interesting approach to whether it is good to surround yourself with the familiar on holiday or take a “dive deep into the unknown” trying new experiences in an unfamiliar culture. It quickly becomes apparent that your idea of authenticity walks hand-in-hand with your attitude towards life. So, you’ll find plenty of ideas about living an ‘authentic lifestyle’ that may prove hopefully welcome as a new year of resolutions and aspirations is upon us.

Lucia Happy New Year and welcome to the first Quench issue of 2024!!

Surprise - didn’t expect another issue so soon, did you? Well, we wanted to lead on from our last theme, ‘Legacy’, and enter 2024 with all things new, exciting and AUTHENTIC. The new year always consists of resolutions, fads and promises that we don’t tend to keep - I know for a fact that my 2023 resolution to go on a run at least twice a week ended around the middle of January (whoops!). We see entering a new year as a chance to start over, begin fresh but in such a fast-paced world and ever-changing society it can be hard to stick to this ‘new’ sense of self.

I think that’s why it’s so important to remember to be authentic - just because the new year calls for ‘a new start’ doesn’t mean you have to choose an uprooting, complicated resolution that completely changes who you are. Sometimes, it’s best to stick to something small to bring a little sense of achievement every now and then.

As you read this in 2024, I hope this edition is able to inspire you and bring out your true authentic self - there’s nothing more we want to see from our amazing Quench readers and contributors. So, here’s to an amazing year full of new, exciting and authentic moments!

Meet The Team

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Meet The Team Authentic Issue 196

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Alanya Smith Editor-In-Chief

Angelina Mable Head of Social Media

Lucia Cubb Deputy Editor

Billy Edwards Deputy Editor

Mia Wilson Head of Design

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Meet The Team

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Ella Collis Features

Izzy Walsh Features

Polly Brewster Music

AJ Lumley Music

Katie Storrie Literature

Annie Tallis Literature

Laura Schjoett Spotlight

Freya Johns Spotlight

Olivia Griffin Fashion

Bethan Gwynne Fashion

Ashley Thieme Film & TV

Tom Nicholson Film & TV

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Meet The Team

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Sabine Wilson-Patrick Food & Drink

Ellisse Heller Food & Drink

Tegan Davies Copy Editor

Kayleigh Lloyd Copy Editor

Niamh Roberts Culture

Julia Bottoms Culture

Nicole Saroglou Travel

Jasmine Dodd Travel

Maddie Balcombe Column

Beca Dalis Williams Clebar

Beth Rocke Clebar

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Meet The Team

Emily Williams Instagram Manager

Isla McCormack

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Eleanor Kay Twitter Manager

Imogen Edmonds Instagram Manager

Deputy Head of Design

Laura Nunez Photographer

Adam Breen Photographer

Jiacheng Liu Photographer

Mia Coley Page Designer

Eszter Gurbicz Page Designer

Elinor Pyman Illustrator

Alicia Yap Page Designer

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front cover by: Haris Hussnain back cover & contents by: Freya Scott design by: Alanya Smith Congratulations to Haris Hussnain on winning Quench’s front cover competition, and a special thank you to everyone who submitted photography to include in this edition! We hope you enjoy seeing the variety of art included around the theme of ‘AUTHENTIC’.

photography by: Joe Sam Rodrigues

Features

How To Start

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Living An

Settling into university life is an extreme sport in itself!

From the figurative womb of first-year halls all the way up to the matured and wise world of your final year, the idea of being your authentic and happiest self is a daunting task!

I believe this time in your life is the most important time to be the most selfish (in a good way), and solely have your wants and needs at the forefront of all decision-making.

Doing what makes you unapologetically happiest is a certified way to become your most authentic self.

Becoming your most authentic self involves reconnecting with your inner child, who simply wouldn’t care! I would recommend grabbing some paper and a pen and just jot down all the things you loved doing when you were little.

This could include after-school swimming lessons, baking fairy cakes with a loved one or going on walks and hitting trees with sticks. Once the list is done then move onto step 2...

University students are just big kids, so knowing what things you liked doing as a child will allow you to see what resonates with you as a bigger kid! The joy of university is that they pretty much have a society for anything and everything! For example, if you loved playing a sport after school then translate this into either joining that beloved sport or even better try a whole new one! Sports societies especially, have a whole range of teams regarding ability so if you’ve never seen a volleyball then there’s still a team for you to join and train with. However, if you despised sports as a child and still do now, then there are about a thousand other societies that you can choose from as well.

Filling up your cup and finding these amazing groups and hobbies is brilliant but can also drain your social battery!

Ensuring you are finding balance is crucial, and one key way to manage all the chaos is a trusty calendar of any kind. Blocking out time for a pamper night, a walk around Bute Park or escaping back home will help you take massive strides to being authentically you.

Lastly, taking the time to have a look at your weekly roundup is a great way to make sure you are doing exactly what you want to be doing. Obviously, you will have good weeks and bad weeks. But generally, if you are doing what you love, what brings you joy and disengaging with things that don’t, that is a good place to start. words by: Emily Cartwright

A Life As Student

‘Authentic’

University can offer you different experiences that can help you discover who you are, shaping your life. Students are often encouraged into a particular way of living - a quintessential student life predominantly based around nights out. For example, my flatmate told me that I wasn’t “cashing in on the true student experience” by staying in at night. However, as a now third-year student who spent their first year at university striving for a ‘typical student experience’, I would say it’s more important to follow your own path rather than stereotypical expectations.

There is nothing wrong with these expectations. Nights out to clubs are incredibly fun, great social events and can help you celebrate or simply relax after a stressful week at university. Also, if you don’t drink alcohol, there is no need to feel left out as most bars offer a vast range of mocktails and other alcohol-free options. However, this life doesn’t suit everyone and even those who thrive on it need to appreciate the importance of stepping back and taking a break.

The first step to authenticity is understanding yourself. Taking moments away from fast-paced social events to simply look after yourself. This could be as simple as taking a self-care day –whether that’s face masks and nail polish, gaming and TV or just a day doing absolutely nothing.

In order to truly be ‘authentic,’ you must participate in the things that make you most happy. University is the perfect time to explore who you are – trying new things and searching for activities that excite you. Try new hobbies in your spare time. This can either be done alone or as a group. Hobbies don’t have to be solitary events. For example, I do macramé and my flatmate knits – we did a hobby exchange where she taught me how to knit and I taught her the knots needed for macramé. This allowed us to socialise together as well as discuss the different activities that brought us joy. Societies are also a wonderful way of trying new activities or investing in subjects you already have an interest in. University offers many societies and if there isn’t one that you’re interested in, you can always start your own.

Ultimately, doing what you genuinely enjoy, regardless of the ‘typical student life’ is the best way to ensure both your authenticity and happiness – because you are happiest when you can be the most honest version of yourself. words by: Katrina Lofthouse design by: Alanya Smith

photography by: Milly Bennett

Column

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AUTHENTIC SELF OR ALTERNATE REALITY? Whether you use it for your university essays, or just talk to it occasionally on Snapchat, every one of us will be familiar with AI. Artificial Intelligence is not a new phenomenon, but recently it’s on the up. In some ways, I am in awe of AI and the technological genius behind it. But, in an age where misinformation is posing a real threat, I can’t help but wonder if the accessibility of AI is just blurring the lines between authentic and artificial?

I have always been somewhat skeptical of AI use, but I really started to think about the effects that it can have on our reality after Instagram’s recent endeavour with the technology.

Instagram has recently launched 28 verified profiles, all of which are completely generated by AI. Some of these profiles, such as @greetingsalvin, are obviously fake (Alvin is a bright blue alien who has landed on Earth to share his sci-fi knowledge). Yet others seem scarily authentic.

As part of this AI initiative, Instagram have collaborated with Kendall Jenner to create Billie, your ‘ride-or-die companion and new best friend.’ The posts on @yoursisbillie use Kendall Jenner’s voice and likeness, resulting in posts which feel surprisingly authentic. The content mirrors what you’d expect to see from your best friend, and the account encourages Instagram users to ask Billie questions, seek out advice and strike up conversations with her through Instagram DM, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. Other AI-generated Instagram accounts

are also collaborating with celebrities; for example @ cocogotmoves transformed Charli Damelio into a dancer, and @meethedungeonmaster has Snoop Dogg pose as an adventurer.

In many ways, I struggle to see the point of these accounts.

I’m not sure of anyone who would think to seek out these profiles when they want to speak to someone. However, part of me feels quite frightened at the capabilities of this level of AI. The fact that real people are now embodied in false profiles undoubtedly blurs the line between what’s real and fake. Instagram are using this technology with good intentions, and clearly flagging the use of AI. However if this technology gets into the wrong hands, there could be serious repercussions.

The ability to replicate people through this kind of AI makes it hard to see clearly what is real and what is fake. As this technology is continuing to progress and develop, I fear that the lines between authentic and artificial will become more and more blurred. words by: Maddie Balcombe design by: Isla McCormack

photography by: Rhodri Walsh

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Film & TV

The • One • Where • We • Lost • a • F•r•i•e•n•d Matthew Perry, known for his role in the sitcom, Friends, unfortunately passed away on the 28th of October, leaving not only family and friends to grieve, but his adoring fans too.

During his acting career, his portrayal of Chandler Bing had a hugely positive impact on multiple generations; playing the funny friend and the person everyone could relate to. Perry made the character come to life in an original way as his unique comedic style and ability to turn small actions into comedy gold enhanced Chandler’s personality.

For instance, the ‘Chandler dance’ was, and still is, an iconic moment that encapsulates the character’s essence and in turn highlights Perry’s brilliance in creating and making character decisions. Because of that role, Matthew Perry became an internationally recognised actor, making him a household name for fans of the show and anyone following pop culture.

Throughout his career he had his share of contributions to comedy in Hollywood. One of his other well-known roles was as Alex Whitman in Fools Rush in 1997 where he co-starred with Salma Hayek. Perry knew how to use the jokes to his advantage, delivering them in a way that takes the character away from just ordinary laughs to belly laughs and it is for this reason that his work has served as inspiration for many other actors in comedy.

He brought a new approach to comedy and created his own new style early on in his career through his use of body language and very over the top physical movements and exaggerated facial expressions. He always seemed to have perfect chemistry with the rest of the cast and an incredible ability to blend the character’s humour with vulnerability. As well as this, the way he delivered sarcastic lines and used that sarcasm as a comedy tool has imprinted on thousands of fans and will continue to make an impact in television and film for years to come.

He has offered versatility throughout his career, acting in a range of genres, demonstrating his depth as an actor in both film and television. Perry’s work however did not stop just at film and television. He also contributed on stage and as a writer and producer of ABC sitcom Mr. Sunshine.

Besides all the great achievements he has had as an actor, Matthew Perry also spent a lot of his time and resources raising awareness about addiction due to his own battles with alcohol and drug addiction and shared his own story with the world. The work he produced offered the audience comfort and escapism. His absence from the screen will certainly sadden many fans who have grown up with his work.

His ability to deliver sarcastic one-liners that everybody loved will never be forgotten, and his memory will live through the characters he played as well as through his courage of sharing the danger of addiction with the public.

We lost a great actor who, in spite of his struggles, delivered outstanding performances every time. Matthew Perry will be sorely missed by many people. He was a friend in everyone’s household.

words by: Briana Ciobanu design by: Elinor Pyman

photography by: Sarah Curran

Music

What exactly is going on in the music industry today? It feels like every other artist that “makes” it is ingenuine, as if the powers that be are trying to - what, pull the wool over our eyes? Trying to control our taste? Exploiting popular culture trends to make themselves rich? That certainly seems to be the case if you look at the criticism surrounding The Last Dinner Party after their debut single ‘Nothing Matters’ blew up the internet. “Industry plants”, “nepo babies”, “fakes” the armchair critics piled in with a slew of accusations, all of which called into question the authenticity of the group as musicians. How could they have got so popular, if not for prior connections in the industry, or having someone else write their music, or put them together?

The band vehemently rejected these accusations, and for the most part, I believe them. After all, it only takes a quick search on YouTube to uncover three gig-length live videos of them cutting their teeth from a whole year before ‘Nothing Matters’ was released. Included in the setlist are all of their subsequent releases, and I’m anticipating a few more familiar tracks to appear on their debut album next year. The point is, they gigged for at least a year before they went viral, and they gigged with the material and aesthetics which have since been suspected of industry manufacture. Why then, is a band emerging with such a coherent look and sound so successfully met with such suspicion?

I’m not sure when accusing someone of being an industry plant first became popular. In many ways I think it’s strange that it is even considered to be an appropriate criticism.

Certainly, there have been groups manufactured by record labels or producers purely based on marketability, rather than musical originality, but then again that’s kind of what the music industry does. At the end of the day, the majority of popular artists are marketed to their audience, and they will have adapted their sound or aesthetic at the behest of the company that represents them in order to maximise their profitability. I don’t think that criticising the artists, themselves is a particularly productive criticism, especially given that a lot of the time the artists are trapped in contracts which enforce manipulation and adaptation according to popular taste. More often than not, I think the “industry plant” accusation comes less from genuine concern over the state of the industry, and more from misogyny - the majority of the artists who stand accused are women or female-presenting, like The Last Dinner Party, Wet Leg, and Ice Spice.

There are, however, conversations that we need to have about the music industry and authenticity. In a world where

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musical success is largely dependent on who you know and how much money you have backing you, it is far easier for those with connections to make it big. Clairo, The Strokes, Inhaler, Willow Smith - all of these artists make decent music and undeniably have talent, but they come from backgrounds of extreme wealth and social circles in which they had a far greater chance of encountering industry professionals than the average person. They have a distinct advantage over artists coming from a low-income background, who might make equally good music but have far fewer chances to make it heard on a large scale.

I read a post by Chardine Taylor Stone (ex-drummer for Big Joanie) recently, who brought up another important point in the industry plant debate. She points out that the music industry is built on a “model of exclusion”, in which those not fitting normative (read: white, cis, male, heterosexual, liberal, middle-class) standards are ignored in favour of those who do.

The music industry is generally biased against women, but it is particularly biased against women of colour, trans women and working-class women. The pushback against the industry plant accusation is often one of “proving” that the artist is an exception to the rule - take The Last Dinner Party’s response, in which they pointed out that “there are videos of us playing live as an unsigned band all last year and we got signed from those”. A response like this is understandable, and they’re right to defend their authenticity, but it fails to address the wider issues and to acknowledge the privileges which almost certainly have helped their rise.

An all-white group based in London - judging by their accents, from fairly middle-class backgrounds, be that educationally or financially - has greater access to the movers in the industry than a group like Big Joanie, who are queer women of colour, self-taught and from working-class backgrounds. This isn’t to say that what The Last Dinner Party, or indeed any of the groups who have had the “industry plant” accusation levelled at them, do is inauthentic, unoriginal, or not worthy of being shared with the world and supported by the industry. But what is needed, rather than a vehement denial of industry privilege, is an acknowledgement of the ways in which they might be at an advantage, and, crucially, an outspoken criticism of the mechanics of an industry which privileges a certain type of artist from a certain background and/or with certain connections over others. I think this is the only way we stand a chance of achieving a truly authentic industry in mainstream music.

words by: Polly Brewster design by: Isla McCormack

photography by: Adam Breen

Literature As machinery, technology, and society have developed two things have remained the same – the world’s thirst for knowledge and storytelling. But how did books come to be? In this article, we will be exploring the history of the printing press and its effect on the world of literature in the 21st century.

Before the invention of the printing press, books were often a sign of the elite due to their prohibitive cost and rareness.

Books were often handwritten, bound, and distributed, thus explaining their limited releases. This left physical books to the higher classes and the general public would share their stories verbally either through pantomimes and plays or simply orally in conversation.

The 15th century saw a turning point for books, when Johannes Gutenberg, a German craftsman invented the very first printing press. This revolutionised society in many ways and it soon grew in popularity. The first printing press had a combination of metal pieces that were adjustable in order to be re-used in other machines, this was due to the inflated cost of machinery during this time. However, as the printing press grew in popularity, the cost to run it soon decreased and it became one of the most cost-effective ways to produce books.

18 and convenient. For instance, the sensory experience many readers crave from printed books. The feeling of paper and the distinct different smells of new and old books.

In addition to the sensory experience, we have from physical books, it allows us to be more focused. In other words, we have fewer distractions in comparison to reading on our phones or tablets. This allows us to be enriched in the story world and the added benefit of less screen time.

Personally, I enjoy collecting physical books. Their aesthetics, smell, and sentimental value, play a big part in my life. One of the most cherished gifts I have received is a book with a written message for me. I have always dreamt of receiving a fully annotated book as well. The physicality of books, for me, is an additional memory, more than simply the experience of reading the book itself.

Concerns regarding the preservation of authentic and original works are valid, even when modern printing techniques are prominent. Books hold a unique piece of a person’s history.

They all have their own unique personalities, from their chosen typeface to the binding format.

How Books Came To Be The History Of The Printing Press Independent thinking and the Protestant Reformation This invention allowed for the mass production of books and made literature more accessible to individuals. Not only was storytelling available to different social classes, but it also meant education was now widely available. With information now being accessible to the masses, independent thought, and literature on ‘new teachings’ became encouraged. This became a pivotal part of the Protestant Reformation act from around 1517 to 1648.

The Protestant Reformation refers to the act of questioning the beliefs of the medieval Church, its main purpose was for the public to have independent ideas, thoughts, and opinions. Literature happened to play a big part in this, as due to the mass production of books, writers were now encouraged to release different opinions that did not reside with the Church, such as poetry and opinion-based novels.

Digital Books and Their Authenticity As e-books and digital print become more popular, concerns over a book’s authenticity have developed. The physical and tactile experience of reading a printed book cannot be duplicated, although digital versions are more accessible

The printing press has had a profound impact on the world of literature from the 15th century to the present day. It has allowed generations of people to cherish stories and innovative ideas, which was something people in the 15th century were not used to, due to their limited education and stricter governments and religions.

Mass production of books allowed this and made literature more accessible to different social classes thus, paving the way for the Protestant Reformation. This period encouraged independent thought and the release of literature with differing opinions.

However, concerns about book authenticity remain. Currently, society still utilises both printed and digital books, yet there is a fear that this could change. In an age where information is at our fingertips, it is important for us to remember that this was not always the case. We should cherish the fact that we are able to have a choice in what format we take information and that books will continue to remain a pivotal part of society. words by: Katherine Witts design by: Alanya Smith

photography by: Cameron Phillips

Fashion

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Fashion & Authenticity Can Style Be Truly Authentic?

Finding your own sense of style in an age where it feels as though we jump from one trend to the next is difficult. With a constant stream of fashion inspiration coming from the likes of Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest; the urge to buy new clothes in order to stay up to date is overwhelming.

of times, perhaps 2024 is the time for us to see fashion as a form of self-expression once again, opting for pieces that reflect our own authentic identities rather than blindly following fast-fashion trends by jumping on the bandwagon.

words by: Imogen Edmonds It could be argued that fast fashion, and the cyclical cycle of fashion we have adopted in recent decades have seen the What does it mean for style to be truly authentic? Authentic demise of an authentic sense of style, with people being less means “of undisputed origin and not a copy”, in other words, likely to reflect their true identities in their outfit choices, and is it always a case of the influenced and the influencer? instead being subject to trends, albeit subconsciously.

Researcher Mary Lynn Damhorst says “Dress is a systematic Creating a wardrobe that truly reflects your unique identity is means of transmission of information about the wearer.” challenging, however, as we navigate the ever-evolving world Each person’s sense of style is a window into who they of fashion, we must try and pursue authenticity, allowing it to are. What’s their personality like? What are their hobbies?

How do they see themselves? All of these questions can be transcend fleeting fashion fads. answered, or at least implied to a passer-by based on how Discovering your authentic sense of style may begin by someone dresses. My personal style evolution represents exploring what colours and styles suit you best. Taking the my journey growing up, and becoming the person I am now. time to find a colour palette that best compliments your skin But what exactly is my style? I will be the first to admit that tone and styles that flatter you will be the key to unlocking my style is not completely my own - I’m heavily influenced your authentic style, whilst enhancing your natural features. by trends and by those around me. I think style is a nice way Trying out different aesthetics will also enable you to find to bring people together, whether you’re complimenting a what best reflects your identity too - after all, fashion is a random girl’s shoes or if you’re asking to borrow your friend’s great way to express yourself by showing your personality top, fashion brings people together and is always influenced by those around you. As someone who lives on Pinterest through your wardrobe. and TikTok, my style is quite influenced by what I see around Unleashing your unique sense of fashion also starts by me. Usually, my choice to recreate or pick parts of an outfit embracing diversity and breaking so-called ‘fashion rules’. I’ve seen elsewhere is conscious - I’ll save a pin onto my Being brave when selecting outfits and trying not to worry ‘clothing’ board, or add a video to my favourites labelled about what other people are wearing or might think is crucial, ‘outfit ideas’. For me, this summer was all about linen, and as ultimately, wearing what makes you feel confident and the year before was maxi skirts. While I enjoyed putting ‘original’ outfits together, it was always clear that my outfit comfortable is key, even if it defies current trends. was a version of something I had seen before and loved. To Timelessness is a key element of finding yourself in fashion. put it another way, I don’t tend to stay away from trends. And Browsing second-hand shops and vintage sales for pre- that’s okay. loved pieces will provide you with a whole host of unique and one-of-a-kind items with lots of character. Not only will Trends have always been around, we categorise fashion by this help you make a statement of authenticity and express the decades, so we’re not experiencing the demise of an your individual sense of style, but by considering conscious authentic sense of style, we will always have trends, and consumerism, you will also be making sustainable shopping follow them. Following trends is not blatantly a bad idea, and you can still find your authentic sense of style whilst choices that encourage a greener future in fashion. also observing trends. Participating in trends or even just Whilst it may seem as though following trends contradicts watching trends can help you figure out a lot about your own the idea of authenticity, it is possible to find a balance by personal style. For instance, low-rise jeans have started incorporating trending pieces into your closet if they align to come back into fashion, which is definitely not a trend with your personality and preferences. The way forward I’ll be participating in - in this way, trends have helped me is to take trends with a pinch of salt, not allowing them to figure out what I like and don’t like on myself. I’ve figured completely dictate your sense of style, but instead using out my own sense of style and found a way to make trends authentic and personal. them as accents in your wardrobe.

With closets full of clothes that have only been worn a handful words by: Bhamini Khandige design by: Mia Wilson

photography by: Adam Breen

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Travel

S E K A M T A H C I W T N E H T U A L E V A ?

TR U O Y TO Authentic travel is quite a subjective term, as there are many ways “authenticity” can be experienced through travelling, but in essence, it involves fully immersing yourself in the cultural environment of your destination. This could simply be eating the food locals eat, talking to shop owners, frequenting the bars and hotspots loved by the destination’s residents, and more. When travelling, many people prefer to dive deep into the unknown rather than staying at an all-inclusive hotel isolated from local culture.

These perceivably “touristy” experiences can be seen as “holidays” rather than “travelling” but they also have their advantages, who doesn’t want to relax by the pool all day while all your meals are being cooked for? Still, a perhaps more genuine and fulfilling way to visit a place you have not been to is to be open-minded about what you don’t understand and are not used to. That is where all the fun lies, in the unknown.

In my opinion, the first step in your plan when travelling authentically is…no plan at all. Well, let’s be honest, a bit of a plan can be useful in terms of knowing the general areas you want to visit like the city centre, any specific museums or sights, etc. But apart from that, I say let yourself wander – ask a person walking down the street what restaurant they recommend, follow the street signs, and enjoy each building and detail. The easiest way to fast forward into the true essence of a destination is of course if you are visiting a local friend who can show you around their favourite spots and give you some background on the customs, culture and food. However, that is not to say that you can’t travel authentically if you are on your own, it will just take a bit more research or bravery (especially when talking to locals!).

words by: Natalia Murcia Cencerrado design & illustration by: Alicia Yap

Having said this, researching travel destinations nowadays can be quite challenging given the immense influence that social media has. Social media can often romanticise and over-exploit certain “aesthetic” hotspots of a destination while overlooking places key to the destination’s culture which might not be deemed “Instagrammable”. What this achieves is very frequently a small area packed with tourists to the point where it is not even enjoyable to be there. I say in terms of research go for those small personal travel blogs that dive deep into the impact the place had on them.

Similarly, while security is a very important matter when travelling, much of the media sometimes passes the local culture as “unsafe” and promotes the separation between tourist and destination. I went to North India two summers ago, but due to being part of a volunteering trip I felt quite sheltered and restricted which made my experience feel less authentic. On the contrary, my best friend and I went to Barbados with no plans except to go around and we made local friends, tried the foods locals love and even used public transport some locals refused to use. Following your instincts can be so fun and a great practice to improve authenticity while travelling, especially abroad!

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Travel

HHooLL iiDDaa YY

TTiiM Mee

Food & Drink

words by: Ellen Hollinghurst The oat. Yep that’s me, the simple, overlooked grain, which let’s face it, looks and tastes pretty bland on its own. Take from this what you will about my appearance, but I relate to this grain base on its unknown remark-ability – like little flakes of unpolished gold.

As a powerhouse, with surprising amounts of energy behind it, the oat can be stunning in specific circumstances - treat it with berries, honey and cinnamon next thing you know you have a delicious bowl of porridge. Mix with some sugar, syrup, spices, butter and, BAM! The humble flapjack! Although it’s not your first choice, nor at the forefront of your mind, it’s always there for you to fall back on when you run out of your sugary and over-hyped cereals. Never the centre of attention, but a secret wonder, and therefore quintessentially me: simple, useful, and extra-ordinary in the right situations.

words by: Cariad Jones I’m not talking about diet culture girl dinner. She’s boring and snobby.

I’m the girl dinner that you have on those days where you only have energy to pop some bread in the toaster and stand by the fridge eating the last few slices of salami. I’m the girl dinner you eat when you’re still full from the restaurant, but still want to honour the evening with a little snacky-snack.

Cheese and Crackers anyone?

Girl dinner does not judge harshly. You want to be chip and dip, some carrot sticks into home-made hummus? Sweet.

You want to be a little unhinged and stuff cheddar cheese into pitted dates or crumble cookies into your yoghurt? You do you. How about just having plain old, buttered bagel and a packet of crisps. Cool, man. Whatever. Just don’t be bothering me with pots and pans. Let’s keep it chill this evening.

words by: Sasanka Withanage I am a bowl of chicken stir-fried rice. I am like a spectrum of taste stimulation! Your taste buds are madly mesmerised by my glamour and appearance. The basmati rice and intense chicken flavour represents my customisable body.

My vegetables are colourful and bright.

The stir-fry process reflects the ability to adapt and respond to challenges that come my way. Mixing and delivering information with a dash of versatility. Just as fried rice can be tailored to suit individual tastes, I strive to cater to your specific needs. I am a fusion of flavors and aim to be a satisfying and well-balanced source of knowledge.

Chicken fried rice always makes me comfortable and brings me a great happiness. design and illustration by: Mia Coley

photography by: Ellen Hollingshurst

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Cysylltiadau Cerddorol ysgrifenwyd gan: Lois-Angharad Jones Ar ddechrau’r flwyddyn, penderfynais i adeiladu playlistnewydd 2023 i gynrychioli’r holl artistiaid roeddwn wedi mwynhau ar hyd y flwyddyn. Yn edrych yn nol ar y rhestr 11 mis yn ddiweddarach mae’n saff i ddweud bod clytwaith o artistiaid yn ymddangos drwyddi. Roedd rhai artistiaid amlwg yn ymddangos wrth gwrs megis Taylor Swift ac ABBA, ond roedd hefyd rhan helaeth o artistiaid wedi dod o ddylanwad aelodau hyn o’r teulu wrth dyfu fyny.

Nid oeddwn erioed wedi meddwl bod y gerddoriaeth roeddwn yn clywed yn blentyn wedi cael gymaint o ddylanwad ar yr hyn rwyf yn gwrando arno hyd heddiw.

Un o’r cyflwyniadau cyntaf cefais i’r byd cerddorol oedd eistedd ar y grisiau pan oeddwn ryw 5-6 mlwydd oed a chlywed Don’t Stop Me Now yn dod o’r gegin. Ar y pryd wrth gwrs, ni wyddwn dim am y gerddoriaeth ei hun, ac yn sicr ni wyddwn am y banc eiconig oedd tu ôl i’r gân. Wrth dyfu, daeth cerddoriaeth Queen ar sail hynnyyn rhywbeth roeddwn wastad yn cysylltu gyda Dad. Yn ogystal â Queen, dylanwadodd Dad yn sylweddol ar fy mwynhad o gerddoriaeth roc. Bellach mae artistiaid megis Led Zepplin, AC/DC a Guns’N’Roses yn llenwi canran mawr o’r gerddoriaeth yn y Playlist 2023. Mae’n debyg byddai fy nhâst mewn cerddoriaeth wedi bod yn hollol wahanol oni bai am ddylanwad Dad o oedran cynnar. Yn fwy na hynny, ni fyswn wedi clywed am rhai o’r artistiaid hyd yn oed!

Mae cerddoriaeth yn rhywbeth mor unigryw yn y modd y gallai ddod ac unigolion at ei gilydd ac yn rhywbeth gall parhau o genhedlaeth i genhedlaeth. Roedd y gerddoriaeth roedd Dad yn gwrando arno wedi cael ei ddylanwadu gan Taid a bellach wedi ei basio lawr i mi. Rwyf yn hynod falch o’r amrywiaeth o gerddoriaeth sydd gennai a fyddai yn sicr yn gallu darganfod artist i fynd hefo unrhyw vibe! - Diolch Dad! ysgrifenwyd gan: Trystan Davies O ystyried mai etifeddiaeth fydd thema’r rhifyn hwn, teimlaf ei fod yn bwysig i dynnu sylw at un o’r bandiau mwyaf dylanwadol erioed, The Beatles. Ar ôl rhyddhau eu cân olaf yn ddiweddar, ‘Now and Then’, mae’r Beatles wedi profi eu bod nhw’n ymgorfforiad o’r hyn a ystyrir yn ‘etifeddiaeth’.

Dyma sengl a gafwyd ei ysgrifennu gan John Lennon ym 1977, ond ar ôl ei farwolaeth yn 1980, ymddangoswyd y byddai’r gân wedi’i golli yn yr archifau am byth.

Fodd bynnag, gyda chymorth technoleg AI, llwyddodd y cynhyrchydd Peter Jackson i adfywio’r gan i’r presennol.

Mae’r hyn a oedd unwaith yn hen dâp anorffenedig bellach

wedi’i drawsnewid yn sengl fodern gan y Beatles. Ar ôl trosleisio’r dâp cychwynnol gyda detholiadau o waith gitâr George Harrison yn ystod y 1990au, ynghyd â chyfraniadau cerddorol gan Paul McCartney a Ringo Starr, cynhyrchwyd sengl olaf y pedwar ‘Beatle’. Yn wir, mae rhyddhau’r sengl hon yn 2023, dros 5 degawd ar ôl i’r Beatles rhannu, yn amlwg yn cyflwyno’r etifeddiaeth barhaus y maent wedi’i gadael ar ôl, oherwydd ‘Now and Then’ oedd eu deunawfed sengl i gyrraedd rhif un yn y siartiau.

Fel llawer o fyfyrwyr ein hoedran ni, mae fy niddordeb yng ngherddoriaeth wedi deillio o fy nheulu. A dweud y gwir, mae fy niddordeb ym mandiau megis Dire Straits, Led Zeppelin, Oasis a The Stone Roses wedi stemio o wrando ar gerddoriaeth dad yn y car, gyda cherddoriaeth ‘indie’ a roc yn domiwnyddu fy Spotify Wrapped. Mae fy nheulu hefyd wedi agor fy llygaid i ryfeddodau’r sîn Gymraeg, fel Anhrefn, Edward. H a Meic Stevens. Un o fy nghaneuon ‘go-to’ i wrando arni yw ‘Mor o Gariad’ gan Meic Stevens, can y byddwn i’n dadlau yw un o’r goreuon oherwydd ei gyfansoddiad gwych. Byddaf yn eich argymell i wrando arni os nad ydych wedi yn barod! Edrychaf ymlaen at fynychu gigs DMA’S a Sea Girls adeg y flwyddyn newydd, dau fand indie modern sydd yn tyfu’n gyflym iawn ym mhoblogrwydd.

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ysgrifenwyd gan: Bethan Rocke Gan fy mod yn dod o deulu sydd yn ‘Superfans’ pêl-droed Cymru, mae’r gerddoriaeth sydd yn cynrychioli’r tîm a’r chwaraeon yn holl bwysig. Dau artist/band cerddoriaeth sydd wedi gadael etifeddiaeth arna i a’r byd chwaraeon yw Dafydd Iwan a’r ‘Manic Street Preachers’.

Manic Street Preachers Band roc amgen amlwg o Gymru yw’r Manic Street Preachers sydd wedi cael dylanwad enfawr ar y byd cerddoriaeth ar draws Cymru a Prydain. Maent wedi gadael etifeddiaeth i’w hun ym myd chwaraeon gyda’i gan ‘Together Stronger’ a ysgrifennwyd fel can swyddogol tîm pêl-droed Cymru fel rhan o’i lwyddiant yn y gystadleuaeth Euros yn 2016.

Roedd geiriau a fideo’r gan yn dathlu balchder, diwydiant a’r teimlad o agosatrwydd y Cymry. Gadawyd ei etifeddiaeth gerddorol wrth chwarae rôl enfawr yn cynrychioli Cymru ar lwyfan rhyngwladol. Fe wnaeth y gan ‘Together Stronger’ ychwanegu at ei etifeddiaeth fel llysgenhadon diwylliannol Cymru.

Fe wnaeth y gan greu etifeddiaeth barhaol trwy gryfhau’r cysylltiad rhwng pêl-droed Cymru a phobl Cymru. Mae’n parhau i fod yn rhan allweddol a bwysig iawn o gof cyfunol cenhedloedd a hunaniaeth.

Dafydd Iwan Mae’r etifeddiaeth mae Dafydd Iwan wedi gadael ar Gymru yn un enfawr am lawer o resymau. O brotestio dros Gymru I greu rhai o ganeuon gorau Cymraeg, mae gan enw Dafydd Iwan sylw mawr, ond yn ddiweddar mae wedi dod yn ‘LEGEND’ o fewn y byd chwaraeon wrth iddo ddod a’i gan ‘Yma o Hyd’ yn fyw eto! Mae’r gan wedi dod yn anthem answyddogol Gymru.

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Roeddwn yn rhan o’r dorf yn stadiwm pêl-droed Caerdydd pan ddaeth Dafydd Iwan allan ar y cae i berfformio ‘Yma o Hyd’ ac roedd yn wir brofiad bythgofiadwy. Yn sefyll gyda fy mrodyr yn y dorf, roedd y teimlad o undod rhyngom ni a gweddill y cefnogwyr. Roedd Dafydd Iwan wedi medru gwneud i bawb dod at ei gilydd trwy eirfa ei gan.

Mae geiriau’r gan yn dathlu Cymru, yr hanes, a’r bobl, ac wedi dod yn rhan bwysig diwylliant Cymru wrth bwysleisio hunaniaeth ac undod. Mae’r anthem yma yn cryfhau’r cysylltiad rhwng pêl-droed a’r Cymry ac mae ei etifeddiaeth yn cael ei deimlo yn gryf.

Mae gan bawb stori wahanol ac unigryw yn gysylltiedig â’r gan ‘Yma o hyd’ neu ‘Together Stronger’. Mae’r artistiaid yma wedi medru gadael etifeddiaeth trwy eu caneuon ond da nhw ddim ond wedi gadael can, ond maent wedi gadael straeon unigryw i bob Cymry ac wedi creu effaith o undod a hunaniaeth a fydd yn parhau i’r flynyddoedd i ddod. dylunio a ffotograffiaeth gan: Mia Wilson

Spotlight

Why The Future Shouldn’t Necessarily Be Female

Once upon a time, sheep intestines were used as condoms.

There have also been herbal remedies, such as giant fennel or even cinnamon. Prolonging breastfeeding for several years was used as birth control in ancient Egypt. Even the Book of Genesis mentions the withdrawal method. Yes, the history of contraception has seen the good, the bad and the ugly. So, the only question now is, what does the future of contraception hold?

For this aspect, perhaps solely, feminists are indeed not hoping that the future is female. For too long, those with uteruses have borne the brunt of contraceptive struggles.

From horrible side effects such as hormonal havoc to having to run for the morning-after pill at 9 am because some guy “doesn’t like condoms”, to the pain of getting the copper coil put in. It is clear which of the sexes has suffered most in this area.

The female pill was developed in the 1950s, by two women (go figure), and gave women a newfound sexual agency.

Yet it also meant that women indefinitely came to assume the responsibility for preventing pregnancy. Testing of new contraception, such as the male pill, has been in development for a while but still hasn’t hit the shelves.

Condoms and vasectomies are the only regulated options for male birth control, whereas women have a myriad of, albeit often awful, options available to them. Wouldn’t it be great if the burden of contraception could be shared equally between the sexes?

There are a few concerns though. With men ultimately not being the ones to fall pregnant in case of inadequate contraception, they may not feel the same accountability to take birth control correctly, as they would not suffer the largest consequences anyway. The advantages of even lying to a partner are multiple. Why suffer through the side effects? And isn’t it the perfect excuse to forego using a condom: “Don’t worry babe, I’m on the male pill”. Yeah right. The first male pill breakthrough came in 1968 after a schizophrenic patient had been taking the drug thioridazine as treatment. The drug, which surprisingly caused his orgasms to become “dry”, set off the idea for a new kind of male contraception a few decades later: using a similar drug to eliminate ejaculation. However, many men found

28 the reality of a dry orgasm to be emasculating. It seems ludicrous to put “emasculation” as too significant of a side effect, when women go through weeks of excess bleeding, diabolical mood swings, and unbelievable pains in the name of contraception.

The most recent breakthrough is a gel that would be applied before sex, that temporarily lowers sperm count for a few hours, before wearing off slowly throughout the following twenty-four hours. Off-putting fears of permanent infertility are rampant, however, evidence suggests that the lowering of sperm count should be temporary, even in long-term use.

In clinical trials, side effects such as weight gain and mood swings were reported. Why are we waiting for a perfect answer to male contraception? God knows we haven’t got that for women after many more decades of development.

Alternative and unregulated methods for male contraception are also being tried and tested. One such that is popular with the French is hoisting up the testicles with a jock strap, to be heated by the body to a few degrees higher, making sperm temporarily ineffective. The strap should need to be worn for around 15 hours a day for efficacy. This could sound burdensome, yet with no hormonal side effects, a bit of chafing is preferable to what many sexually active women go through. We have already seen some less stereotypical contraception fail to take off. The femidom has been a bit of a flop. So, it would be interesting if an unconventional method took centre stage.

Studies have investigated men’s opinions on being the ones to take birth control. Some claimed they wouldn’t mind doing it within a committed relationship to support their female partner, especially those with partners who had experienced adverse effects of birth control. Yet many also expressed their belief that they were in the minority and that most men wouldn’t want to accept responsibility for taking contraception when women already have the job covered.

Indeed, considering women have borne the brunt of this obligation throughout history, the greatest problem might just be shifting the entire world’s perspective on sexual responsibility. Men may need to be willing to accept the same side effects that women have been battling silently with for years. Perhaps some celebrity endorsements and brave pioneers could help pave the way. Yet why should courageousness be recognised in what women have been doing without much choice for decades?

In conclusion, it would be wonderful for contraception to become a shared feat that transcends gender binaries. I hope to see this in my lifetime. Yet I remain painfully aware that this change will be slow and incremental and full of hurdles at every step. If male contraception is going to be a slow mountain to climb, it would be helpful for boys and men to both be educated on and take an active interest in, the reality of female birth control. To know the methods, the side effects, and the struggles. Because while ignorance is bliss, it is annoying for all those women who must swallow the bitter pill alone. words by: Laura Schjoett design by: Alanya Smith

photography by: Lucia Cubb

Culture

Generational differences concerning world views will always be prevalent in society, and I think that it’s fair to say that social media has provided a place where people have the freedom to express their opinions in an anonymous and wide-reaching way. The digital age has brought with it the rise of the ‘woke, younger generations’ which in turn, has caused the ostracization of older generations (aka the Baby Boomers and Generation X) with viewpoints that are seen as limited and ‘not keeping in with the times’.

However, is the ‘woke’ stereotype being forced onto Gen Z? Has there been a change in the attitudes towards ‘wokeness’ in the political and public spheres? Following the USA Today and Ipsos polls that have been releasing new statistics since the beginning of the year, it makes sense to take a closer and more critical look at the shifting definitions of ‘wokeness’ and the ideology it pertains to.

Apart from primarily serving as the past tense of the verb ‘to wake’, the term ‘woke’ is an adjective derived from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) meaning ‘alert to racial prejudice and discrimination’. Since the 2010s, this definition has expanded to include a wider awareness of social inequalities such as racial justice, LGBT+ rights and sexism. However, this concept of wokeness is not a new phenomenon. The term ‘stay woke’ was first coined in the 1930s and used in relation to raising awareness about white privilege and other racial issues affecting African Americans. Over time, it became associated with gender, sexuality, and other marginalised identities as well. The term has also been used to describe attributes of left-wing politics and their characteristically progressive ideologies, and as a result has been somewhat villainised by the political right in the media.

Social media has become a platform for global political and social discourse, and in recent years there has been a significant increase in the divide between whether being woke is a compliment or an insult. This year’s results show that 40% of US residents consider it an insult, and 32% consider it a compliment. The UK comes off at around the same mark, with 42% saying that they would consider it an insult, which is up from 24% in 2020. However, the poll also found that over half of Americans had a positive association with the word ‘woke’ and understood it to mean being “informed, educated on, and aware of social injustices”.

Of course, the negative connotations of ‘woke’ depend on its perceived definition as insulting - so if most share a positive perception of ‘woke’, why is it such a divisive term? Is it because the definition of wokeness is changing again?

Or is being ‘woke’ just a social media craze, a trend that

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people were quick to jump onto but just as quick to jump off?

With the rise of social media, celebrities, and influencers, the public are as empowered as ever to voice their opinions on ‘wokeness’ on social platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Thanks to the digital age, activism no longer includes large-scale gestures like protests and riots, it also necessitates individual contributions. Often, it involves some of the most influential individuals on the planet being backed by a tide of Gen Z-ers whose collective end goal is to support a cause for social change or justice. The problem is that portraying personal views has become a form of social currency and supporting a hashtag to your dying breath has become the defining characteristic of being a ‘good’ person. This constant threat of hostility and backlash within ‘cancel culture’ leaves people feeling like they are constantly walking on eggshells, and suggests that society is becoming fearful of sensitive topics that need to be explored. There are obviously exceptions, but when small, innocent mistakes are made by people with genuinely good intentions the ‘woke’ public is quick to penalise them for being ‘insensitive’ or ‘not woke enough’. The prospect of being left behind, becoming ‘unwoke’ or falling out of the loop is therefore becoming more and more terrifying.

Indeed, it seems as if even though activism’s aim is to promote social progress and challenge viewpoints, people who weren’t before seen as woke are being criticised for faking it and “performing as woke” as a means of virtue signalling.

Films and TV programmes such as Waterloo Road and Black Mirror are increasingly condemned by fans for ‘trying too hard to be relevant’ and being ruined by woke culture. All this ‘woke’ uproar begs the question: is the pressure to say the right thing and paint ourselves in a positive light establishing false, performative activism when it comes to woke culture? Additionally, whilst the above statistics show how negative associations of ‘wokeness’ are rising, Gordon Skinner (head of political research at Ipsos UK), states that most people do not consider themselves to be either ‘woke’ or ‘anti-woke’.

But what happens then? It feels as if, no matter what side you take, you can never win, and if I’m honest it makes me feel a little bit hopeless about the future. If the public cannot stop jumping on each other and enforcing the idea of being a perfect woke activist, then I believe we are quickly going to lose sight of the original ideals of what wokeness stands for: increasing general awareness of racial and social prejudice and discrimination, following which change can be made to enhance inclusivity for everyone. words by: Rhiannon James design by: Isla McCormack

photography by: Lucia Cubb

Tan tro nesaf.