Quench Magazine, Issue 212 - May 2026

Editor’s Letter

And here is our final Quench issue! Energy is a theme I chose to represent the burst of energy we’ll all get once exam period is over. At this time of year, I think we can all agree that we’re losing the plot. I certainly am. The one thing keeping me going is the idea of summer, pools and beaches coming soon. Energy is an issue destined to represent party and musical culture in Cardiff. We have two incredible shoots in this issue. One at Clwb ifor Bach, where we were able to take photos of the party-goers (Molly, Harry and I occasionally too) and the vibes. Our second shoot is at Tonight Josephine, a funky bar close to St Mary’s street, full of colour and vibrancy. I am so in love with the aesthetics of this issue and my cover, I truly think there’s no better way to end my year with Quench.

I have grown so much as a person, journalist and creative this year. I have had opportunities that I couldn’t be more grateful for through this role and have made incredible friendships along the way. Molly has been my right hand, crash-out buddy, bff, cronut buyer and more and I couldn’t thank her enough for stepping up and always being there. We have had so much fun this year together and despite the burn-outs, I think we will miss it.

I would like to say that I know what I am planning to do after this final academic year, but I don’t! I have no idea what lies ahead, whether I’ll do an MA, start work or go back to France. I hope this issue brings some closure that not everything needs to be planned out and that you can just go out, party and live! Life is so short as I’ve learned recently and we could all use a boost of energy right now and I hope this issue brings exactly that. My interview for Beyond with comic Melanie Owen and Molly’s interview with boxer Lauren Price are great reads and might give you some inspiration on potential career fields you might have not yet explored. But also, if you don’t want to be looking at careers and jobs, you have time! This is goodbye from your 25/26 editor-in-chief, I hope you’ve enjoyed my creative direction for the magazine this year and I personally can’t wait for what the next chapter will bring!

En honneur à Maël, qui était toujours intéressé par ce que je fais, on t’aime fort.

- Charlotte

My final editor’s letter!

I cannot believe how fast this year has gone! As I write this, I am just two assignments away from finishing my undergraduate course and yet it genuinely feels like it was only last month that I moved into my final year house. Being Deputy Editor for Quench this year has been such a wonderful opportunity and I am so grateful to Charlotte for giving me the position, there is no one else I would want to have done this with! We have had the best time editing this magazine, there has been some lows and late nights but getting to see the issues all put together and some printed has made it all worth it. I hope that this year, you have enjoyed Quench’s visual direction, it’s been an incredible experience hearing our team’s pitches and watching our talented designers and illustrators bring our visions to life.

Your time at university involves so much personal growth and change and I can safely say you will not be the same after your degree - however hopefully you’ll have changed for the better (minus a Wednesday night out addiction that your future employer will not support). Everyone has vastly difference experiences whilst at university, but if, like me, you’re finishing your degree this year, then you should be so proud of everything you’ve achieved while here in Cardiff. Many people are quick to forget the all-nighters spent in the library, or the days you long for home, but navigating the ups and downs when living away from home for the first time is something you should be so proud of. It is not something you should forget and the resilience you develop while at university you will stay with you for the rest of your life.

On a slightly more upbeat note, I’m so glad that the theme for this issue is energy, it feels like the perfect way to finish this year on a high! University is so high-energy, one week you’re at freshers YOLO, the next you’re fighting for your life in the ASSL trying to submit your essay before the term ends. The end of semesters can become very overwhelming and trying to muster up the energy to spend a night (in or out) with your housemates can be a challenge. So, hopefully this edition will give you the energy you need to get through these exams and assignments, and celebrate properly when they’re done! We have articles on caffeine (a must right now), the many stages of a night out, varsity, feminine fiction, a gym playlist and I interviewd Lauren Price - truly something for everyone! Take a study break (you know you’ve earned one…) and have a read through issue 213, energy

-Molly

MEET THE TEAM

Ola Rzeszut Features

Jessica Scurlock Features

Lily Portch Fashion

Blessing Ajiloseda Fashion

Victoria Deviana-Wedge Culture

Emily Gillbard Culture

Monique Yabut Film & TV

Lydia Guy Film & TV

Charlotte Hardie-Watts Editor in Chief

Molly James Deputy Editor

Kani Abdullah Travel

Molly Derrick Travel

Erin Davies Clebar

Lili Ray Clebar

Lucy Moore Love

Lauren Hazeldine Kitty Connolly Literature

Alicia Tariq Literature

Eiriana Zhou Food & Drink

Ruby Davis Music

Emma Howe Music

Jessica Fotheringham Beyond

Maya Jacob Columnist

Seren Ward Social Secretary

Jasmine Mitchell Food & Drink

Sophie Walbank Head of Design

Emily Allbutt Page Designer

Niko Davey Page Designer

Melody Cox Page Designer

Kas Bayat Photographer

Eve Harris Photographer

Lucy Bremner Illustrator

Jahdai Headley Illustrator

Mia Bikova Instagram

Meagan Griffiths X

Martha Spencer Head of Social Media

Deryn Whitehouse TikTok

Alyssia Hampson Copy Editor

Priyanka Seepaul Copy Editor

Kyle Adam Copy Editor

Lydia Byrne Copy Editor

Ross McGregor Instagram

Surviving your 20s: the chaotic energy of fresh adulthood

Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know about Love is a memoir in which she recounts the adventure of navigating her early twenties. Alderton takes us on a journey of firsts, and through this showcases the excitement of making childhood dreams a reality. Through this novel, she shines a light on what has kept her grounded: the love she shares in her female friendships. Your early twenties are a turbulent time where everything feels new, and the world is your oyster. It’s also confusing; we feel liberated but afraid, fearful of what’s to come. Everything I Know about Love perfectly encapsulates the chaos that comes with growing and deciding what it is you want from the world. It’s a reminder that navigating adulthood won’t always be seamless, but there’s so much beauty in the journey of figuring it out.

Love and dating are also recurring themes in Alderton’s novel. The freshness of adulthood brings in new opportunities to try your hand at dating in its many forms. Some can end in heartbreak and some can be enriching experiences, either way allowing us to grow. But, as this book reminds us, your friendships will give you everything you need; they already contain everything you need to know about love.

At 23, I’m unsure of what the rest of my life will look like, and it’s daunting to think about. On the other hand, I’ve never felt more free; the world has never felt so open. Right now, I’m fine not thinking about ‘settling down’. I’m more than happy to embrace the chaos that my early twenties has to offer.

Words by: Qadirah Stephens

We’re often told that our 20s are the years where we ‘figure it all out’: graduate, get a job, make friends, travel...the list goes on. But what does this actually mean? And how are we meant to juggle all of this, especially with influencers online making it seem so effortless?

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a book that addresses some of the many uncertainties and pressures we face during this decade. It follows Nora Seed, a woman who feels deeply regretful about life after suffering a series of personal losses. Nora wakes up in the Midnight Library, a place filled with books that each transport her to a life she could’ve had if she had taken a different path. In an attempt to find a ‘perfect’ existence, Nora trials many different lives, becoming a rock star, a glaciologist, a mother, an Olympic swimmer. In one book, she learns that if she had gone to Australia with her friend, she would’ve died in a car accident on the way to a party. In another book, she lives out her dream of being an Olympic swimmer, but finds out that she would’ve suffered from loneliness, despite being so successful. After living various lives, Nora realises that the ‘perfect life’ doesn’t exist, and decides to return to her old, ‘boring’ life with newfound happiness and appreciation. The Midnight Library teaches that focusing on ‘what could’ve been’ is destructive, which is why I consider it a perfect read for anyone worried about taking the wrong path in their 20s. It also encourages anyone navigating a transitional life stage to find hope in the here and now, despite the many pressures we must live up to.

Words by: Soanna Khan

Navigating the chaos of your twenties can sometimes feel like flying or soaring one moment, then suddenly at the mercy of the wind, always a little out of control. Our twenties are defined by contradiction: messy, raucous nights out that end with the rising sun, followed by lost Sunday afternoons spent doomscrolling on the sofa. It’s the craving for intimacy and deep connection, paired with a fear of vulnerability with the people close to you. It is within this push and pull that Open Water finds its rhythm, focusing on the internal turbulence of our twenties rather than the external chaos.

The novel follows a young Black photographer who falls in love with a dancer. Its use of second-person narration situates the reader inside the protagonist’s consciousness, making his experience and vulnerability impossible to detach from. This creates an intimacy that feels almost intrusive, mirroring the emotional intensity of your twenties. The novel captures this emotional realism with precision: the protagonist is not outwardly spiralling, he is working, dating and functioning, but internally he is quietly unravelling. This disjunction between how our lives appear and how they feel is what makes the novel so resonant.

The love story itself is immediate and magnetic, yet tenderly fragile. The narrator struggles to articulate his emotions, shaped by an internalised fear of being truly seen as he navigates the world as a Black man. This tension becomes the central conflict of the novel. Both characters turn to creative expression; dance and photography, as a way of communicating what language cannot, particularly in moments of emotional intensity

Ultimately, Open Water suggests that the messiest part of our twenties is internal: the quiet struggle of trying to understand who you are while pretending you already do. It captures the contradiction of early adulthood perfectly, “you are in perpetual joy, you are eternally sad.” Your twenties aren’t meant to be figured out, but to be lived through, messily, deeply, and in full.

Words by: Amelia Bishop

Design by: Sophie Walbank

Feminine Energy Evolved in Fiction e y s s : How From Manic Pixie to Real M

The height of feminine mystique in fiction was once based on a girl who spoke solely in riddles, as if she knew the secrets to the universe. The manic pixie dream girl character was whimsical, quirky and always there to fix a brooding boy who didn’t know how to feel. For a while, this seemed like the blueprint for feminine energy in fiction. Recently, something has shifted. The girls we root for now are not ethereal muses but complicated, contradictory and catastrophically messy. What’s interesting is that this energy isn’t really new at all.

I still recall reading Emma for the first time and being taken aback by just how irritating she could be, and yet, at the same time, how refreshing that was. Emma Woodhouse was not only meddling and privileged, but also often wrong. Despite her flaws, she was never hollow or one-dimensional. Her story wasn’t about inspiring a man to become his best self; it was about confronting her own faults. Austen allowed her to be embarrassingly human in a way that feels surprisingly modern.

The same applies to Little Women. Alcott refused to reduce girlhood into just one archetype. Between Jo’s temper, Amy’s vanity, Meg’s romanticism and Beth’s timidity, each sister was unique and confusing in her own way. They all possessed their own desires and motivations, and sometimes they were noble, but other times they were petty. Reading it now feels radical that a 19th-century novel gave its female characters more interiority than many films I grew up with. So how did we go from the complexity of such classic heroines to an era of love interests who served more as catalysts in moving the plot along?

Part of it, I believe, lies in the early 2000s obsession with the ‘cool girl’ image. These girls had effortless beauty, effortless charm, effortless everything. Claire in Elizabethtown, the very character who inspired the term ‘manic pixie dream girl,’ embodied this perfectly. She was kind-hearted, yet we learn almost nothing about her inner life beyond how she can rescue the male protagonist. We see echoes of her in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, where Sam is warm and luminous, but we only ever see her through Charlie’s adoring gaze. These characters are beloved, but they are merely carried by the story rather than controlling it. Perhaps it was the rise of feminist critique, or the collective exhaustion with overly simplistic girlhood, or simply the cultural realisation that women are, in fact, people. Whatever the cause, a new type of heroine gradually emerged: the messy girl.

The YA dystopia genre surprisingly sparked this literary movement. Katniss Everdeen was in no way dreamy or special. In fact, The Hunger Games repeatedly emphasised her normality alongside her complexity and imperfections. She didn’t exist to teach Peeta how to live; she was too busy trying to survive. Similarly, Tris Prior from Divergent persistently struggled with her sense of identity. Even Teresa in The Maze Runner, though sidelined in a male-dominated story, was morally ambiguous, defying the typical trope of a beautiful and innocent love interest. These girls were complicated, and readers connected with them on a deeper level, finding them more authentic than the typical manic pixie character.

The messy girl concept has since expanded into contemporary fiction, television and even social media aesthetics. What’s remarkable is how familiar this new energy feels when placed beside the classics. Austen and Alcott were writing messy girls long before it was trendy. It’s as if literature is circling back, reclaiming the idea that women’s inner lives deserve exploration. Maybe that’s why this shift feels so comforting. It suggests that feminine energy in fiction isn’t linear, as we return to humanity when we’re tired of aesthetics.

Our favourite women in literature may be the ones who offered that whimsical spark of possibility. The rise of the messy girl is not about replacing these charming characters; it is about offering further depth that young women deserve to see reflected. As we navigate life, trying to discover who we are and might become, these flawed heroines feel like friends rather than ideals. They remind us that being human will always be more interesting than being perfect.

Words by: Raisah Ahmed

Design by: Melody Cox

Taking the Night

The conventional student night out is hardly boring, but it is undeniable that the second half of the year boasts a different kind of buzz — a buzz brought about by the season of balls! It isn’t just sore feet and sweat-soaked formal wear that set apart a post-ball night out; it’s the energy, encounters and drama that have the night unfolding.

INT. CARDIFF CITY CENTRE, REVOLUTION’S DOOR — LATER — NIGHT

ISSY: (turning to the drunken girls)

‘Guys, we have to leave! We’ll miss the free entry, and I am not spending any more money than I already have!’

Inez and her friends are quickly ushered through the door as they stumble forward and follow Issy through Queen Street like sheep.

Niamh makes a motion with her hands to trace a Shepherd’s crook shape into the air, while pointing at Issy.

Issy mistakes the gesture for a love heart.

NIAMH: ‘BAAAAAHH’

The random ironic ‘baa’ catches the attention of some boys bearing bouquets of plastic roses. The roses catch Inez and her friend’s attention for a second, they give each other a look, knowing they shouldn’t get the flowers. Inez gives in and asks for a bouquet.

INEZ (clumsily curtseying): ‘May I have a bouquet? Pretty pleaseee?’

The boys comply and hand over one bouquet to Inez.

ISSY (to Inez)Now how’d you manage that?’

INEZ (slurring): ‘I’m endlessly charming.’Inez looks from the roses to her friends.

INEZ (hiccuping): ‘As are all of you!’. Inez proceeds to hand them out to the rest of her friends.

EXT. CARDIFF CITY CENTRE, QUEEN STREET — LATER — NIGHT

Inez and her friends dance and ‘baaa’ through the streets. They pause every few steps from their feet aching from their heels.

INT. LIVE LOUNGE DANCE FLOOR (CONTINIUOUS)

The girls, each with a plastic rose in hand from Inez’s shoddy attempt at sharing the flowers with her friends, enter Live Lounge, loud and cheery.

The club is hectic, and there’s a full crowd of bodies that obscure her view, but there are defining red, white and green uniforms across the dance floor.

There was another Cardiff Uni sports club. Now the two clubs are set upon the stage.

Inez judges and looks at their uniform with furrowed brows, trying to work out if they were a legitimate Cardiff University sports club. The alcohol hits her harder as she squints harder to look at their uniform.

Their Cardiff Uniform appeared normal at first, but Inez stared at their uniform and realised that the place where their surname had typically been was replaced with names of animals sprawled along their back.

She giggles at the sight of this, holding in her laugh, she catches the attention of the man with the GIRAFFE sprawled on his back.

GIRAFFE wanders over to Inez from the other side of the dance floor.

A few seconds later, SEAGULL and BEAR follow GIRAFFE through the crowd towards Inez, Issy and Niamh.

The girls think to themselves that this team either all have animal adjacent surnames or are concocting an elaborate ruse.

INEZ (INNER MONOLOGUE): ‘That team is almost as fake as our roses.’

Inez and her friends filter to the bar. She is determined to complete her ten consecutive shots without sabotage.

The girls order their drinks, whilst Inez keeps glancing back at GIRAFFE. The whole concept of the other team adorning the names of animals on their backs seemed just as absurd as her taking ten shots. Inez snickers at the absurdity but motions for ten spicy mango shots nonetheless.

INEZ (slamming the final shot back to the bar while swiping at her mouth): ‘Ah! I knew I could do it!’ She smirks at Issy while making the remark. Issy playfully rolls her eyes.

NIAMH: ‘Back to the dance floor baby!’

to New Heights

They all hold hands behind each other as Niamh guides them from the front, and back to the dancefloor and towards the herd of red, white and green.

INT. LIVE LOUNGE DANCE FLOOR — LATER

Everyone is singing loudly and dancing as the flashing colourful lights shimmer against the dancefloor.

Inez sways back and forth as she gets lost in the music. She pauses and smiles, looking up at the ceiling as she takes in everything. Then she looks at the rose and smiles, a look of mischief planted on her face.

She hikes up the length of her dress, fumbling to a kneeling position and presents the plastic rose to GIRAFFE.

INEZ: ‘Giraffe, I know we just met, but will you ma—’ Issy quickly clamps her hand over Inez’s mouth to narrowly silence her serenade.

INEZ (INNER MONOLOGUE): ‘It wouldn’t have been sincere anyway; a fake rose, a fake team and a fake proposal, this night really had it all.’

Inez looks back to see GIRAFFE holding her rose. He smiles genuinely at her, and she finds herself smiling back in return, despite her aching feet.

SEAGULL and BEAR’s heads snap towards GIRAFFE’s hands, eyeing the rose.

SEAGULL (to GIRAFFE): ‘WAIT, HOW DID YOU GET THAT?’

BEAR (intrigued): ‘How come you got one and not me?’

The men bicker between each other over who is more deserving of the plastic rose.

GIRAFFE (to SEAGULL, accusingly): ‘Seagulls are flightless birds!’

For a moment, Inez genuinely questions if seagulls can fly, but raises a brow when she realises that GIRAFFE is incorrect.

Inez turns to them again, amused, and suggests something else.

INEZ: ‘Well…( beat) Anything can fly with enough force…’

CUT TO: INT. MIDDLE OF LIVE LOUNGE DANCE FLOOR — LATER

INEZ (INNER MONOLOGUE): ‘I didn’t know suggesting that meant I’d wind up in a lineout lift in the middle of Live Lounge.’

There Inez was, launch-ready, steady on the men’s shoulders, seconds away from being sprung into the air rugby-style.

GIRAFFE, SEAGULL AND BEAR: ‘One.. Two… THREEEE’

Time slows down. Inez is only meters away from the disco ball with the lights glittering on the sequins of her dress. She comes back down to earth, feet no longer hurting, dizzy, spinning and grinning from the high.

[END]

Words by: Inez Lanueva Design by: Melody Cox

The Energy of the Main Character Student Life in Full Energy

From a young age, our childhoods have been embedded with the notion that university will be ‘the best years of your life’. Whether it’s the house parties or varsity games from Drumline, or even romanticizing academia like in Kill Your Darlings, many of us begin our university journey with preconceived notions and expectations of student life. But are these expectations too far-fetched? And are we now seeing how the ‘ultimate student life’ is shaped differently for each person? The desire for the spotlight we see in films and television is often always linked to those with main character energy – the confident, unapologetic individuals who are the protagonists of their own life story. Although this main character energy upholds the characteristics that can boost one’s self-worth, the representation of this in the media may not often be realistic, and in reality, be a lot more multidimensional than what we expect it to be.

Take Legally Blonde as an example - the early 2000s film about a vibrant sorority president, Elle Woods, who attends Harvard Law School in an effort to win her boyfriend back. Elle Woods is the epitome of someone with main character energy. Most particularly, through the combination of her bubbly, sociable personality and her glamorous all-pink wardrobe against the academic trenches of law and relationship drama. At the beginning, we see a naive Elle arrive at Harvard, fresh from California, with a lively persona whose energy is fueled by the desire to get back together with her boyfriend, rather than academically thrive. However, after the hardships of being humiliated at a house party, called out during a lecture, and, most notably, finding out that her now ex-boyfriend is already dating someone new, she decides to channel her main character energy into her own pursuit of success, rather than to appease someone else. This is where the depiction of student life becomes most realistic.

For many of us, particularly those who have experienced everything the first-year of university has to offer, what drives us to achieve the perfect student life is often to do what is common for all. Whether that means going to YOLO every Wednesday with your flatmates, joining a society just for the socials, or even skipping 9 am lectures routinely for the sake of it, we often jump headfirst into these things because that is what’s expected to be done in your first year.

From a lifestyle perspective, this main character energy can also take the form of buying a matcha before every class and wearing your best outfits just to sit in a lecture hall for two hours. Though some of this may be self-fulfilling and not just following the social norms around us, it may not always bring us happiness in the long-term and possibly limit our potential and what it is being used for.

The experiences we undergo during our second and third years of university are synonymous with what Elle undergoes in Legally Blonde after deciding to revive her energetic self and main character energy by doing things for her own benefit and worth.

As she puts her romantic and friendship troubles aside, she strives for success by working hard and finding her tribe, who are the people that add real value to her life (and vice versa). Whilst in university, you will meet friends for life in your first year, but it is in your latter years where you strengthen these friendships and meet like-minded individuals to match your energy. Instead of clubbing every night, wondering what day it is, like in the sitcom Fresh Meat

Ultimately, once you settle into university, not only will you be able to identify what fuels your energy to live the ‘ultimate student life’, but that the superficial representation of this in films and television may be heightened for the sake of entertainment, and not always accurate compared to what happens in real life. Though you’ll still have the desire to occasionally go clubbing, you’re not expected to show up to class at 8 am in full glam! Alternatively, you may find that going on solo study dates or getting coffees with one or two other people more fruitful than large social gatherings and pub crawls – but in essence, it is up to you to determine what passions drive your energy and what you consider ‘a good day’ that will fulfil that main character energy within you. Though films can inspire this energy, don’t tell the imaginative world of fiction drive your own reality!

Words by: Sabina Singh

Design by: Emily Allbutt

The Revival of Indie Sleaze

Grit and glamour is a fitting way to describe the lifestyle and aesthetic that has come to be known as indie sleaze. The charts were championed by grunge rock and post punk bands of the mid to late 2000s such as the Arctic Monkeys, Libertines, The Strokes and many more. But equally, it was their girlfriends and the women at the time who solidified the fashion of the era with their effortless style. Notorious party girl models, actresses, and socialites such as Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung paraded the streets and were spotted backstage at concerts in London and New York. Marked by smokey black eyeshadow, ripped tights, anything leather and never spotted without boots, the clothes marked the effortless chic mess and the freedom of the era. Whilst the original pioneers of the culture would rarely be spotted without a cigarette in hand or some kind of alleged drug scandal, the modern-day indie sleaze is more about the look than the lifestyle.

The internet, ever caught up in nostalgia for simpler times for better or for worse has cultivated a revival of the culture, forefronted by social media. Whilst originally the stars were spotted less frequently so more able to fully indulge, the current stars frequently share snapshots across Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok, as opposed to the Tumblr and Myspace roots. Some of the most iconic images from the time that encapsulate the vibe spring to mind instantly. Kate Moss at Glastonbury, looking effortlessly chic and messy with a low slung studded belt, Hunter boots and a sparkly dress, she captures the true essence, spotted with boyfriend Pete Doherty, co-frontman of the Libertines. Sky Ferraria, musician and model who’s bleach blonde locks and lyrics were spotted on every Myspace and Tumblr account without fail, has been replaced with artists such as Charli XCX and Olivia Rodrigo. Embodying the carefree spirit, Doc Martens and fishnets in hand, these women are keeping the spirit of indie sleaze alive. Glamour and party girl looks but without the manufactured beauty standards. Part of the return to popularity is due to the children of the rock stars being old enough to raid their parents wardrobes and be spotted putting new twists to the original items. Kate Moss’s daughter, Lila, and best friend Stella Jones, daughter of Mick Jones, guitarist of iconic punk rock band The Clash, head up the new age of the indie sleaze movement.

Thankfully, given the nature of the lifestyle involved, it is rather easy to achieve the look. Disheveled second day hair, smudged eyeliner, and lived in makeup (whether truly from second day partying or painstakingly recreated) are all key elements. Proving it was never just a phase to her, Alexa Chung featured in the most recent edition of British Vogue, giving her expert advice on how to source the perfect vintage leather jacket. An original it girl, Chung famously dated Alex Turner, frontman of the Arctic Monkeys. Turner himself was an icon of the era and provided the soundtrack for these dimly lit bars and house parties that indie sleaze is best suited to. If you are looking to recreate the look, you should look for the staples of the era. Leather jackets, leather trousers, leather mini shorts and boots, anything leather will accentuate your outfit. Perfectly imperfect, the looks of the era encompass the freedom of youth. An easy way to capture this would be chopped and distressed vintage band t-shirts, ripped tights and worn in Levi 501 ripped jeans. Fishnets and Doc Martens. Studdedall saints belts and Isabel Marant wedge heels. Vintage fur jackets worn casually, paired with sunglasses and Alexander McQueen skull scarves to hide the hangovers.

If you’re looking to discover more of the scene in Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach, a live music venue and nightclub often holds themed indie nights or rock nights. The true way to emulate authentic indie sleaze would be to attend small gigs or up and coming rock bands and party the night away after. There are many bars in Cardiff that could accommodate for the night, including mysterious or glamorous speakeasy bars, such as Nightshade, or Lab22. Such an important element to the carefree, effortless, messy-but-sexy look of the original era was the genuine element of grunge and sleaze as captured in the name. In the current age of clean girl, 15-step skincare routines and daily pilates, it may be hard to recreate the look with the genuine aura of freedom and leftover glitter. The 2026 edition of indie sleaze definitely incorporates perhaps a well needed balance of lifestyle that was once missing. Not to say that you can’t go to a gig, have one too many drinks and stay out all night, but the new it girls take ‘revival’ to a new level, with red light therapy masks and matcha to rejuvenate and keep the beauty beneath the tousled hair and kohl eyeliner

Words by: Amelie Jack

Design by: Sophie Walbank

GRWM

There’s a very specific kind of magic that happens before a night out, and it has nothing to do with the club, the drinks, or even the outfit you end up wearing. It’s the getting ready ritual and pre-drinks build up where the real night begins.

It usually starts quietly in someone’s slightly messy room. Clothes already scattered across the bed before anyone’s even properly decided what they’re wearing. A speaker gets turned on, and someone scrolls through Spotify trying to land on the vibe for the evening. Suddenly, people are tipsier, talking louder, and the room shifts from calm to a charged excitement.

Then comes the outfit chaos. No one ever just wears what they originally planned. It’s an unspoken rule. You try something on and ask the girls for opinions, where they immediately start adjusting a strap or suggesting a different top. Half the time, you end up wearing something that isn’t even yours. The communal wardrobe is one of the most underrated parts of girlhood, the casual “wait, try my skirt” or “you need to wear my belt with that” ends up somehow transforming the entire look.

Inside the Pre-Drinks Ritual

Makeup and hair are their own ball game. Someone’s perched on the floor doing their eyeliner in a mirror that’s definitely too small, while someone else is begging you to curl their hair because “you do it best”. Lip glosses get passed around, bronzers borrowed, setting sprays shared. There’s something so intimate about it, and is always my favourite part of the evening.

And then, of course, the drinks. Usually something cheap, slightly questionable like a BuzzBallz, but that’s part of it. Trips to the corner shop where everyone debates what to get, calculating what has the highest percentage, grabbing mixers and gum. Back in the room, drinks are poured, playlists get louder, and the energy lifts again.

What’s so special about pre-drinks isn’t just the preparation but the anticipation. Everything feels full of possibility. The night ahead could be anything: spontaneous, messy, hilarious or completely average. But in that moment, it doesn’t matter. The excitement is in the build-up. You’re not just getting ready to go out, you’re setting a vibe for the evening that everyone looks forward to.

In a uni life that can feel rushed, stressful, or a bit all over the place, this ritual is consistent. The same kind of conversations, the same kind of chaos, just with slightly different outfits each time and definitely new stories that you’ll end up debriefing and laughing about the next day.

Next time you’re getting ready, take a second to notice it. The small moments, the noise, the chaos, your friends. Because that’s the part you’ll actually remember.

Words by: Lily Portch

Design by: Molly James

How Students are Surviving BURNOUT SEASON

Despite the fact that I spent my entire weekend sitting on the sofa reading webtoons, when my friends ask how I was feeling, the only response I could give them was “tired”. I’ve just finished a set of deadlines and there are more on the horizon. This can only mean one thing: burnout.

It’s like writer’s block except your entire body hurts and you just want to sleep all the time. Burnout and I are old friends. I’m sure if it was a real person, we’d be able to reminisce over not-so-fond memories of last-minute cramming, and the countless hobbies I took up trying to find joy in anything.

But burnout is only inevitable if you don’t give yourself time to rest. I hate to be the one to say it, but sometimes, you really do just need some fresh air. Go outside, touch some grass, and ground yourself in the present. Bute Park is a great place to go for a short walk to help clear your mind, just remember your hay fever tablets.

Find solace in your friends who are likely just as burnt out as you. Arrange a quiet night in, throw on a movie, and indulge in some snacks. Letting your mind focus on something less heavy and less productive will give you that necessary break and may even lead to feeling more invigorated when you get back to working.

Cardiff is chock full of greenery, coffee shops, or other activities to help you find something to pull yourself out of burnout. Take out your frustrations in a game of Bubble Soccer with friends at Bubble Soccer World or indulge in some pampering at Lush Spa.

Whatever you choose to do, give yourself a chance to switch off. It’s hard work being a student, be kind to yourself.

Words by: Megan Ingram-Jones

With winter fading away and the first touches of spring blooming, it feels frustrating to know that we have several hours ahead of us cooped up in our rooms and the library. Flowers are budding and the sun is returning just as assignments are, causing our approaching deadlines to feel almost like a personal attack. But this doesn’t mean that you have to give into the customary routine of long uninterrupted essay days and exhaustive nights. In fact, it’s all the more reason you should embrace the spring before turning into a study machine.

Just outside your doorstep, Cardiff is adorned with radiant greenery and coffee shops that you would come across when browsing Pinterest. If you find yourself unable to remember the last time you ventured outside for something other than lectures, why not take a stroll down Roath Park with a friend and sit by the lake? Bring a picnic with you, soak up the vitamin D and explore the botanic gardens before you have to get back to work. Or, if you fancy just wanting to go for a quick run or walk amidst the trees between study sessions, students’ favourite Bute Park is the ideal spot to refresh your mood.

While being in nature feels rewarding, it’s important to make sure you’re recharging; even if you’re studying, you have the ability to make it feel de-stressing. Coffee Barker and Black Sheep Coffee are great aesthetic spots for when you fancy a change in setting to do this. Crucially though, remember not to isolate yourself from your friends before you reach that peak point of burnout. Spending just a few nights a week hanging with your housemates in the living room, messing around and watching movies, can remind you what already makes your university life easier every day.

Words by: Lola Bence

Design by: Niko Davey

What your YOLO outfit says about your

energy type

Whether it be “Kiss, Marry, Kill” or “Alvin, Simon & Theodore”, a life-of-the-party trio is always in your vicinity at YOLO! If you ever have the pleasure of encountering them or even being a part of one—be sure to know which of the three match your energy!

The ‘Fashion Friend’, I know you, I see you, the flash of a camera tells me exactly where you are. Let me guess, you were the one that proposed the trio costume to the group chat, weren’t you? You also got the rest of the trio to bejewel your kiss marks for that extra edge! I just know it’s gonna look amazing in photos.

The ‘Functional Friend’ knows exactly what they’re walking into, and their fit reflects that. Ever felt yourself stewing in the middle of the dancefloor? They haven’t. The lace bridal fan in their hand waves away both warmth and worries. You came prepared and you’ll be sure to enjoy your night.

Finally, the ‘Fun Friend’, everyone turns to look at you when you walk into the room to either talk to you or talk about your costume. Your comically conspicuous costume is designed to strike up conversation. Be assured, everyone’s post-YOLO debriefs will include the groovy grim reaper!

Words by: Inez Lanueva

Design by: Niko Davey

CHIPPY LANE Post Club

grub

Let’s face it,

we’ve all found ourselves standing in a sweaty club dreaming more about the food we could inhale rather than the music the DJ is playing. The night out doesn’t just end after the club, a food detour on the way home is non-negotiable. Post-night-out food isn’t just fuel, it’s a ritual. Everyone needs some tasty grub to soak up the booze and keep them energised for the journey home. So next time you find yourself on a drunken trip to the iconic Chippy Lane, or it’s a Wednesday night and your stomach’s rumbling after having put in a shift at YOLO just to make it to Angels, we have got you covered! Here is our take on the top independent spots and recommendations of what to order, guaranteed to satisfy your 3am cravings whether you’re in town or in Cathays.

Chippy Lane

The atmosphere on Chippy Lane will most definitely keep up that night out energy, most places stay open until 4am so no matter how late you are grooving until, a delicious feast is always guaranteed. Chippy Lane Chip Shop

3 words: Iconic, Varied, Buzzing.

With its bright lights and signage you cannot ignore, this one is a no brainer. This spot is ideal if you have friends visiting and you want to show them a classic Cardiff night out. Their extensive menu offers something for absolutely everyone, from your classic cod and chips to lamb doner kebabs.

Recommendation: Their sharing bundles are ideal for a flat night out, especially if you are a chicken lover. If you’re fancying something more simple, their cheesy chips drenched in gravy are a best seller.

Dorothy’s

3 words: Renowned, Classic, Hearty.

Established in 1953, Dorothy’s is the real OG of post-night-out grub, you really cannot come to Cardiff without popping in. Well known for slow cooking its chicken on a spit, Dorothy’s Chippy Lane legacy must mean it’s doing something right. Maybe you’ve indulged in a spot of day drinking or had a few pints at the Rugby, if that’s the case then Dorothy’s is open from 11am, so no matter what time of day, it’s always a reliable shout!

Recommendation: Chicken Curry off the bone with chips is a fan favourite. A rissole on the side is a Welsh classic also! Indian Express

3 words: Flavoursome, Filling, Veggie.

Fancy something with a little more kick than a traditional chip shop? Indian Express is the perfect option for any foodies who are partying past midnight. Whether you are feeling a full-on Chicken Madras at 4am or just need a little samosa as a pick-me-up you are catered for at Indian Express. If you are a vegan, sick of ordering plain chips or a Mcplant after the club, then the Vegetarian kebab, Biryani or spring rolls might sound more appealing.

Recommendation: Chicken Tikka wrap.

CATHAYS AFTER CLUB

classics

Cathays After the Club Classics

Whether you’ve ventured out into town for the evening and you are in need of a scrumptious pit stop on the walk back home, or have been pub crawling around Cathays, the area definitely is not short of food options.

Family Fish Bar

3 words: Friendly, Simple, Affordable.

Although it may not look like anything special from the outside, the battered sausage and chips after a few too many VKs suggests otherwise. There is not a huge selection to choose from, but there are no complaints about the price when you are paying less than a fiver for a jumbo sausage and chips!

Recommendation: Battered sausage, chips and of course a pot of curry sauce.

Chicken Delight

3 words: Fun, Fresh, Indulgent.

Had a bit too much fun on a Misfits Monday? If so, then Chicken Delight has got your back. The wings are crispy, and the chicken burgers succulent, you can often find this place blasting tunes. It’s not just a chicken shop, but an extension of your night out.

Recommendation: Chicken fillet burger.

T&A Kebabs

3 words: Reliable, Crowd-pleaser, Legendary.

A student favourite, there is a reason T&A is always lively, the staff know how to get the queue fed, and anything with their garlic mayo is a good shout! The portions are generous and the location right in the centre of Cathays is perfect whether you have been enjoying a night in YOLO or the Foundry.

Recommendation: Chicken wrap with all the salad and garlic mayo.

Mama’s Kebab House

3 words: Chaotic, Reliable, Tasty.

You might wake up to a video of you ordering cheesy chips on your TikTok For You Page, but it’s worth the risk for a mixed doner kebab with all the salad. Crowds flock in after the club closes, you’ll never see Mamas empty, and you can see why when a margherita pizza is just £6.

Recommendation: Mixed doner kebab.

Words by: Emmie Sainsbury Design by: Melody Cox

MAMA’S KEBAB HOUSE

What Your Drink OrDer

SaYs abOut Your Drunk PersOnalit Y

We all have that go-to order from the bar and, let’s be honest, it probably says more about your personality when you’re drunk than you’d like to admit. We’ve paired the stereotypes behind each drink with how it actually hits your system, so we’re pretty confident we’ve got you down to a tee, but we’ll let you be the judge.

VODKA LEMONADE

One word, chaos. You are never the most sober one, often taking it that little bit too far. Perhaps people have mocked you by reminding you they remember their first drink, or told you to learn your limits. But let’s face it, you’re the one adding to the plot and making that Thursday morning post-YOLO debrief all the more hilarious! Vodka suppresses activity in your prefrontal cortex, meaning that self-awareness and impulse control go out the window (perhaps why you keep finding yourself waking up with hangxiety from decisions made the night before). This might explain why you frequently have the morning admin of deleting embarrassing content from your private story or look in your bag to find a Misfits photobooth picture you have no memory of taking!

Words by: Jasmine Mitchell

If you’re choosing a VK as your go-to drink on a night out, YOLO Wednesday is your favourite outing. Everyone remembers having a WKD potentially too young and a VK seems to be the University equivalent. At YOLO, you are the type of person who refuses to queue in that ridiculously long main-bar queue and so the VK hut is where you often spawn. VK’s are legendary for their caffeine and sugar content which lead to the phenomenon of ‘wide awake drunk’, perhaps explaining how you always seem to make it to Angels! With the effects of caffeine often masking how drunk you really are, you can often be found ordering another drink at the point where you really should have called it a night. If you do get that extra drink, your brain’s receptors block signals to your hippocampus the way that you wish you had blocked that ex before drunk messaging them. This disruption stops the brain from forming any new memories, explaining why you may wake up in the morning with crippling hangxiety and a few pieces of random costumes that you didn’t start the night with.

Words by: Kiera-Leigh Phillips

A PINT

On a hot and sunny day, anyone can be sure to find you in a pub garden in either The Mac or The Woodville using “it’s basically summer” as an excuse to start drinking at 2pm. You’re loyal to your pint of choice, ready to order it with MiXR without hesitation, convinced another round on the overdraft never hurt anyone, right? You love a quality conversation, however, after a couple of pints your volume control seems to disappear. Because you’re drinking it slowly (that’s when you’re not being told to chop it), it never quite feels like it’s hitting you until it catches up with you at once. The next minute, you’re louder and more confident, with the need to project your opinion across the entire table, convinced you’re making complete sense.

Words by: Jasmine Mitchell

Rosé Wine

If a rosé is your drink of choice, you think you’re classy but realistically your “a couple drinks” down the pub has ended up in Misfits far too many times! You think you’re being sophisticated when in reality you can likely be found at pres drinking an entire bottle of Echo Falls to yourself. Regardless, you’re an effortlessly social individual anyway who can get any conversation going, and with rosé wine being recognised as enhancing positive emotions and increasing social bonding it’s no wonder this is your go-to drink.

Words by: Jasmine Mitchell

Design by: Molly James

Coffee Capitals

A caffeine-fueled world tour

STOCKHOLM

Stockholm runs on caffeine. In a city where winter steals the daylight, coffee becomes less a drink but rather a survival strategy. For Swedes, caffeine fills the gap the winter sun leaves behind, acting as a stand‑in for all that missing UV and Vitamin D. There is coffee on tap everywhere you go throughout the city. Bryggkaffe is drip‑brewed, black, belov ed and the quickest, cheapest way Stockholm keeps itself caffeinated. Its simplicity comes with a very Swedish bonus: pay for one bryggkaffe and you get påtår, the cherished right to a free refill (or a few). And Swedes like their coffee strong. Bryggkaffe is not the watery compromise you might expect, it has a kick that will get you through the bleak days of Swed ish winter.

But in Stockholm, it’s not just about the coffee. Swedes are meticulous about the ritual that goes with it, pairing a strong brew with buns most afternoons for the cultural phenome‑ non known as fika. You can fika your way across the city in all sorts of styles: bougie buns and coffee from Fabrique carried back to the office; a quick pit stop at Pressbyrån or 7‑Eleven, where there’s always a deal on coffee and cinna mon buns; or, for the pinnacle of fika, a visit to Vete‑Katten who is the historic pioneer of Stockholm’s coffee‑and‑cake tradition. This daily devotion to caffeine and sugar is locked into Swedish culture. And frankly, it’s a commendable built‑in excuse to grab a coffee and sweet treat every single day, without a hint of guilt.

Coffee and cinnamon buns are the true fuel of Stockholm. There is no escaping the smells, the deals, and the coffee spots that take over the streets. There is a never ending supply of coffee shops. Pub crawl? No, Swedes cafe hop.

Words by: Holly Silsbury

AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam is a city known for its ’coffeeshops’. It’s popu lar with lads on stag do’s, experimental teens and old time hippies. But the cafe culture in Amsterdam is so much more than smoking in Snoop Dogg’s coffee shop—there’s actually a super rich coffee scene as well. They can be recognised with the title ‘cafe’, ‘koffiehuis’ or ‘coffee shop’, which is not to be confused with a ‘coffeeshop’ (note the lack of a gap between words), in which the coffee won’t be so great.

Amsterdam even has an annual coffee festival (@amster damcoffeefestival) in April, in which a wide variety of local roasters sell their coffees, and roasted beans. It’s a great event for die hard coffee fans, allowing you to try the best coffees Amsterdam has to offer in one go! (You might be spending the afternoon in the toilet after this, though). If you can only manage one cup a day, there are also coffee cock tails, chocolate and sweets to try. They boast a wide variety of workshops as well: from latte art, to perfecting your filter coffee technique—there is something for every coffee wiz!

White Label Coffee and Screaming Beans are two of the most famous cafes, that roast their own beans in house making for unique flavours. Back to Black is famous for a little white cat that wanders around customers (don’t let him lick the top of your cappuccino though!) Other notable cof fee shops include Lot Sixty One and Sweet Cup, both major players in the speciality coffee scene. Amsterdam’s coffee scene really is so underrated—but I think we can change that!

Words by: Molly Derrick

ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia is the birthplace of Coffea arabica. Coffee can be consumed in the street, on the pavement, sitting on a little stool and catching up on neighbourhood news; basically a symbolism of hospitality, friendship, and community. One common Ethiopian coffee saying is “Buna dabo naw” which literally translates to “Coffee is our bread”, a reminder that reinforces the economic importance that coffee holds.

What’s really interesting though is The Ethiopian Coffee Legend. The Ethiopian coffee legend tells of Kaldi, a goat herder who noticed his goats becoming unusually energet ic after eating bright red berries from a shrub. His curiosity got the best of him as he tried the berries himself and felt the same rush. His wife urged him to show the monks at a nearby monastery, but the monks rejected the berries as “the Devil’s work” and threw them into the fire. The aroma of the roasting beans changed their minds, and they brewed the first coffee. The monks soon discovered that the drink helped them stay awake during long hours of prayer. There is also an alternate origin story that credits the discovery of coffee to a Muslim man named Sheikh Omar who was living as a recluse in Mocha, Yemen.

It’s beautiful to notice how communal coffee is all around the world. It’s a drink of friendship, history and community.

Words by: Kani Abdullah

Design by: Niko Davey

BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN!

TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR!

SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT!

BERLIN ON A BUDGET

BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR!

Make a beeline for KitKat if you want to dress up in vinyl, harness pieces, sheer lingerie and fetish aesthetic. It’s not a sex club, but expect to see sex. Do you reject social norms? Do you have a desire to cross boundaries? KitKat’s for you, with three dance floors and dark alcoves, embrace fluidity, movement and community. Make sure you dress creatively (rather than completely naked), anything but “boring” to see the famous swimming pool.

SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT!

Or do you fancy going to a club that was formally illegal, now easy to get in with no dress code, just outfits that make you feel comfortable? About Blank is where it’s at, a warehouse with a huge garden, setting you back only 15 euros.

BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN!

TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR!

Berghain. The renowned techno club opens from Friday night to Monday afternoon. With its no-phone policy, the mysterious unknown draws us in. The exclusivity is tempting too; the idea of getting past Sven Marquardt (the most famous bouncer in the world) somehow signals to the world that yes, I am special enough to get in. But the strict policy is strict for a reason. Berghain is a place of freedom, and the bouncers have a duty to protect this. They want to make sure the right people are going in. People who won’t judge others for expressing themselves. As a part of being free, sex and engaging in kinky acts aren’t shamed upon, and so the bouncers need to know you won’t lurk around watching others or be giggling with your friends in the corner. A culture that demands liberty, with a dancefloor that embraces being present, where you can really let go and feel the music, isn’t going to be for everyone. As a general rule, though, be confident, be you. It’s one of those clubs where people go alone or in pairs, so you won’t be able to hide at the door; you need to be quietly confident and friendly. This also means being sober or at least looking like you’re sober. The whole ‘you need to wear black’ theory is a lie - it’s less about what you’re wearing and more about the aura you give off. Don’t be on your phone, know some basic German, research the artists and go for it, don’t stress.

To save on costs, stay at St Christopher’s Inn, a party hostel in the city’s centre. For £35 a night in mid-June, there’s a vibrant bar and rooftop terrace where you can get discounts on food and drink. For social butterflies, East Seven Berlin is a hostel with a real community feel, giving it a 9.7 rating on HostelWorld. Dinner and movie nights are regularly on the Calendar, and there are hammocks to chill on, too. At £36 a night, you get morning muesli included. But if all you really care about after a rave is a good night’s sleep, I’d recommend Singer 109; capsule beds are only £21.

SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT!

BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR!

If the prospect of queuing for hours or parting with 30 euros is TOO much, there are plenty of other incredible techno clubs, maybe one that suits your personality more too! Start your night out at your hostel’s bar, taking up their happy hours. Then find a Spätis (Berlin’s corner shops) and pick up cheap beer. Berlin’s alcohol prices are lower than most capital cities in Europe, although entry can be pricey.

Go to Tresor for dark, intense vibes. An industrial-stylebasement with lots of cages, it was Berlin’s first techno club. There isn’t a strict door policy, so you might feel claustrophobic, but it’s a popular spot for tourists and costs 20 euros.

When the 620km of cycling paths give you premonitions of pain (why are bike seats so uncomfortable?), then the Berliner U-Bahn is your best bet. The subway, specifically the U8 line,is going to be your best friend; it’s the go-to for ravers at night. If you are planning on seeing the sights too, then check out the ‘Berlin Welcome Card’.

SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! KITKAT! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! BERGHAIN! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! TRESOR! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS! SISYPHOS!

If you’ve dreamt of feeling like you’re in Alice in Wonderland, then head to Sisyphos, a magical village encompassing festival vibes. Three indoor dance rooms playing techno, deep house and disco. Outside, you’ll find a lake, an artificial beach and light installations. When you need a break from dancing, you can come to the bonfire and get a pizza (which serves all night long). A little harder to get in, come dressed in colours, its giving bohemian, psychedelic vibes.

And how to find your crowd in Berlin? Think about your own energy. Are you searching for hardcore techno, or do you have more whimsical vibes? Have you got a box full of latex clothing waiting to be used (yes, I’ve overspent, I admit) or do you value comfort? Work out who you are and you’ll find the best energy in Berlin!

Words by: Meg Elmer

Design by: Emily Allbutt

SISYPHOS! KITKAT! BERGHAIN! TRESOR! SISYPHOS! KITKAT! BERGHAIN! TRESOR! SISYPHOS! KITKAT! BERGHAIN! TRESOR! SISYPHOS! KITKAT! BERGHAIN! TRESOR! SISYPHOS! KITKAT! BERGHAIN!

‘Summer lovin’ happened so fast...’

I’mnot one for summer romances. Whenever I travel, it’s usually with family and is made up mostly of typical sightseeing trips and relaxing. Overall, I’m a pretty shy person so meeting someone abroad brings about all sorts of anxieties. Except for summer 2019.

The romance itself didn’t last very long. It consisted of one night in Salou followed by two months of communicating on social media through translate apps. I remember the salt in the heated air, the smell of alcohol and the clumsy attempts to talk through wild gestures and translations gone wrong. For a brief night, I found a new way of experiencing a summer holiday; of being present and engaged in the moment. Who knew meeting people like this would feel so exhilarating?

There were plenty of misunderstandings, confusion and unnecessary bickering because a joke or phrase didn’t translate as intended. Still, it was a fun few months daydreaming of visiting him at his home in Southern France. If only I could learn the language fast enough. It eventually ended when both of us realised the language barrier and the physical barrier, that is the English Channel, were too much for us. Despite some half-hearted plans, reality was much more honest—we’d likely never meet again. Now, our summer romance has dwindled to the odd like on a social media post.

That’s not to say that my experience is the default. Films love to romanticise how life-changing summer romances can be. Mamma Mia, for example, highlights how you can find connection away from home and just how it changes you as a person. Even if the romance itself doesn’t last, the experience can bring us out of our shells and find a new type of joy we had never accessed before.

Words by: Megan Ingram-Jones

Summer

lovin’ truly did happen and it was very fast and very unexpected.

Once I finished my A-levels, I knew I wanted to travel. My friend and I went around Southeast Asia which I now know is a very common experience for most university students. Something that isn’t as common though is returning home with a boyfriend…

While travelling up Vietnam, my friend and I kept unexpectedly bumping into the same group of boys. We became friends with the three of them and continued our two-week itinerary as a group of five. Naturally, me and this one boy became closer during this time and developed a very strong connection. After Vietnam, we parted ways and communicated on social media for two months, deciding to meet up for two weeks at the end of both our travels. This was something I lied to my mum about. I knew the words ‘hi mum, yeah I’m great, just meeting up with this random boy I’ve known for three weeks and met on the other side of the world’ would not go down well. Most likely it would result in her flying out to get me. Now we have been together for almost two years! This is your sign to not be scared of long distance and to take the leap for someone you love. No matter how uncertain it might feel in the moment, it could work out for the best!

Words by: Lucy Moore

Hot Girl Summer is the biggest talking point moving into the summer months. But what about sizzling summer romances? One thing that sets apart summer romances from a typical encounter at the local bar is that many of these passionate connections stem from the spontaneity of an unexpected encounter. These connections can either blossom into a meaningful relationship that persists after your trip or it can simply remain a spontaneous one-night encounter that you may never forget. Equally, the summer atmosphere can intensify pre-existing relationships. Dare I say there is nothing more romantic than a week or two alone with your partner in the hot sun? Holidays and the summer months are the highlight of the year for many of us. To quote Belly’s words “everything magical happens between the months of June and August”. Summer holidays are magical as they provide us the opportunity to break free from the monotony of everyday life. This allows us to trade old routines temporally for a week or two in the sun. Whether it be a city escape, romantic getaway or a beach holiday, they all provide the opportunity to indulge in delicious cuisine, relaxation, adventure. All while enjoying the intense heat on multiple levels. Holiday romance can blossom simply from a quick glance at a bar, a conversation by the pool or an encounter in the club. And what makes these encounters so different you ask? It’s the unpredictability and impulsivity that ooze out of a passionate connection that may be fleeting. ‘Are these connections truly real?’ is the big question surrounding summer flings. Many seem to fade when returning to reality but many have equally found the one on holiday. So, if you’re headed on holiday this year, why not keep an open mind? The One may be lingering right next you on the sun lounger. Now that’s truly fated!

Words by: Leah Davies

Design by: Sophie Walbank

A Girl’s Guide to Getting Ready

There’s a common misconception that the perfect night out starts at the destination and ends there too. But really it begins before you even leave the house. Whether you thrive on spontaneous, last-minute plans or start getting ready hours before everyone else (I’m definitely guilty of both), the key to a great night is feeling like your best, most confident self. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing like dancing with your best friends, your favourite songs blasting and not a worry in sight. So, this is your guide to making the most of your night. From getting ready with your girls to moments you’ll be talking about in the debrief the next morning. I can’t promise I’ll cure the next day hangover but I can promise you’ll know how to bring the energy all night long!

The Main Event : Getting Ready

It’s hardly uncommon to say the best part of a night out is getting ready. Don’t you agree? The everything shower, freshly washed hair, flawless make-up. It’s a whole ritual for me and can set the tone for the whole night. When it comes to makeup for a night out, longevity is everything. There’s nothing worse than makeup smudging before even making it to the dance floor. This is why a good setting spray and grippy primer is non-negotiable. My go to is the L’Oréal Infallible Setting Mist and e.l.f Power Grip Primer. While it honestly feels like I’ve got hairspray on my face, at least I know my makeup isn’t going anywhere and will survive both the pre’s and club. Everyone also has that one makeup step they can’t skip. For me, it’s eyeliner. While perfecting the symmetry of the wings can be super frustrating, the finished look can really pull everything together. Recently, I’ve been loving a soft, smoky eye look. It feels a bit different from my everyday make up but I definitely recommend trying out new looks for a night out.

Essentially, give yourself plenty of time. I have had countless moments where I’ve rushed to get ready and left one strand of curled hair straight. Or forgotten to put my earrings in which honestly feels catastrophic! Getting ready should feel calm, fun and a little bit indulgent. A time to completely focus on yourself.

Outfit : Cute and Comfy

My go to outfit is always an Urban Outfitters flowy tube top, low-rise, flared jeans, and my leather jacket. It’s comfortable, practical and undeniably cute. That said, you can’t deny the power of a classic mini skirt and boots combo! Accessories are where the look comes together. A leather shoulder bag is essential, equipped with body spray and your go-to lip combo (for quick touch ups of course). And no outfit is complete without a pair of oversized hoop earrings or fun, statement jewellery.

But don’t let what I wear define your choices. Style is entirely personal! The best outfit will boost your confidence and ensure you feel amazing all night.

Pres : Better than the Club?

Unpopular opinion: pre’s are almost always better than the actual night out. Music is everything. High energy and confidence-boosting songs are always perfect for pre’s with the girls. Think Rihanna, ‘90s R&B and 2000’s pop. If the songs are energising, upbeat and perfect to sing along to, everyone will be asking for your playlist. Or, if you’re like me and find the pressure of being on aux too much, set up a jam on Spotify and let everyone add the songs they love! For drinks, arguably a very significant part of the night, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of rosé, cocktail cans, a classic vodka cranberry or even a vodka lime soda. As long as you have a drink in your hand that you don’t despise the taste of, the night will be memorable. Or maybe not!

Lastly, every group needs a designated digital camera. And if you’re the photographer for the night, take your job seriously! Digital cameras are perfect for pre-night out pics and post-night out Instagram dumps. Just be prepared. Everyone will be begging you to send the photos first thing the next day so set your alarm. At the end of the day, a great night out should make you feel confident, energised and amazing. So, take your time getting ready and do what makes you feel your absolute best!

Words by: Lillie Wall

Design by: Sophie Walbank

If you have spent any time in Cardiff’s after dark ecosystem, stumbling out of Cathays house parties and squeezing into sticky floored pubs, or chasing that set everyone’s been talking about, chances are you’ve felt the ripple effect of MASH.

Theres certainly a buzz to it, the low-end hum of bass bleeding through the walls, the build and release of a set that pulls you in and shifts the room as the tempo picks up. It’s those small unspoken moments; when the DJ lets a track breathe just enough before the beat drops, or when the crowd collectively leans into a rhythm without needing to be told. Joe Harris, one half of the team behind MASH, captures this feeling, offering an insight into both the creative process and the behind the scenes work that goes into putting on rave nights across Cardiff.

Starting as a chaotic uni house party that lived on blurry camera roll videos has flourished into a fresh and inspiring grassroots rave collective and a name recognised across the city. MASH is all about the raw and authentic DIY spirit where community, creativity, and chaos collide, defining Cardiff at its very best.

How did MASH start, and who’s behind it?

“We started out throwing house parties at our uni house. Things stepped up when we partnered with Monster Senders Club, whose support helped us bring headline DJs into those early parties. From there, we moved into Bar 105 for a run of shows before expanding into larger venues across Cardiff.

It’s run by me (Joe) and my best mate (Jude Lanstone), with support from a network of talented creatives, from videographers and photographers to graphic designers who all help bring the vision to life.”

What was the first event like?

“Our first event (outside of house parties) was in The Vulcan but looked very different to our recent parties. We had a PA, borrowed some DDJ 1000s, and a dodgy DJ stand we made from chipboard. I was running round all the pubs in Cathays trying to get people to come and maybe 50 people showed up.

A month or so before, we had teamed up with the Ominous Sound-system crew for a big house party, which got us into a bit of trouble with the council and pushed us toward more legitimate events. They showed up to play at our first official night, and that’s when the idea of bringing the rig into the pub was born, shaping it into what you now see on a rave day at the Vulcan.

CARDIFF AFTER DARK The People

Behind MASH MASSIVE

MASH Massive’s journey reflects where Cardiff’s rave scene is right now. Two best mates starting out with borrowed decks and a lot of persistence evolving into a well-supported system with a wider creative network. That DIY mindset continues to define the scene today. With venue closures, promoters have to be resourceful, thinking outside of the box to put nights on in unexpected places and relying on communities to keep things going. It’s by no means easy, but as Joe says, the sensation of reaping the rewards is unmatched and the room comes alive.”

How would you describe Cardiff’s rave scene right now?

“Cardiff’s rave scene is in an interesting but challenging place right now; venue closures and rising costs are making events harder to run. Despite this, there are loads of dedicated promoters are still pushing diverse sounds, often in spaces not originally designed for them. There is a huge sense of community in the Cardiff scene, and as long as that doesn’t go anywhere, I don’t think were in any danger of losing it.”

Is it hard to run events as young promoters in Cardiff?

“Balancing work, personal life, and the pressures of organising events can be a challenge, especially when you have a lot of money tied up in bookings, rentals etc but it’s definitely worth it when you see months of work all come together and everyone having a good time.

The practical side of running nights might be demanding, but it’s a part of what keeps people coming back. At the heart of MASH is the music itself; how the night is built, how the energy is shaped and how the crowd is carried from start to finish. The attention to the curation of the night, as much as logistics, that separates a good night from one that people talk about all week.”

How

do you choose lineups?

“We usually start with a headliner then build a line up around them. I think it’s definitely important to give a nigh a sense of motion, starting with slower or more relaxed music and building as the night goes on.”

What makes a good rave set in your opinion?

“It’s all about the energy for sure, when a DJ is not afraid to express themselves and have some fun behind the decks it transfers to the crowd and elevates everyone’s experience.”

Any local DJs/collectives people should be paying attention to?

“Grace Wolf is a super talented DJ and Producer based out of Swansea, definitely one to keep an eye on.

YGM Collective are also doing some really cool events, pushing Welsh grime and 140 hard.

Keep an eye of Dilemma Sounds and the Erban Bass crew as well, they are both doing some really exciting stuff!”

What has been your favourite venue so far?

“The Vulcan Lounge 100%! Mixing raves with our local Pub is a dream come true.”

What does “energy” mean to you in a rave context?

“That’s a really difficult question. It’s a real sense of freedom and excitement, being able to express yourself without judgment. Whether that’s wearing something you wouldn’t usually feel confident in or just enjoying the moment with your friends, it’s all about feeling completely yourself.

The community running through it all is at MASH’s core. Whether it’s the familiar faces behind the deck, the crowd, or creatives working behind the scenes, clearly there is shared understanding that this is something being built collectively. In a scene that can feel uncertain at times, that consistency and supporting local matter just as much as the music itself.

MASH Massive reflects where Cardiff’s rave scene is right now. It may be facing challenges, but it’s buzzing with people to put the work in to keep things interesting. The focus is on good lineups, real energy and creating spaces where people can properly let go. There’s no glossy budget, and if anything, that’s when creativity runs wild. And as long as nights like this keep happening, the music’s not going anywhere.”

Words by: Emma Howe

Design by: Emily Allbutt

PUMP IT UP!

Songs for the Gym

The gym is a powerful space to express yourself, with anybody welcome to get their endorphins pumping and confidence boosting. Regarding working out, music is a powerful device to bring energy, rhythm, and excitement to fitness.

Fitness and ‘working out’ comes in many forms, whether that be weightlifting, cheerleading, or walking around your local park. I find great joy in getting my steps in around parks near, like Blackweir Fields. However, my walks would be incomplete without mood boosting pop/house music blaring in my ears. Music helps me to focus on my pace, clear my mind of assignment qualms, and submerge myself in a state of vigour.

Whilst I have a great passion and interest in music, its effects are often underappreciated. In my opinion as an avid walking enthusiast, consistently going above 10,000 steps, I believe that music is imperative for romanticising boring exercise and routines. Whether you are into heavy metal or classical, afro beats or techno, myself and my friends, who do alternative forms of exercise such as triple jump or hiphop dancing collectively agree that music can increase both energy and happiness simultaneously. Fast beats lead to fast energy, prolonged until far past a gym workout irrespective of length or intensity.

My favourite artists to when completing my daily walking exercise include Lady Gaga, Chase & Status, and Jungle; their rapid tempos and uplifting lyrics are intrinsic for a successful workout. Personal favourite songs of mine are Applause by Lady Gaga and Good Times by Jungle; played on repeat to sustain both quick pace and essential energy. Exercise, and music, come in many different shapes and forms. However, the relationship between them is undeniable. Next time you’re in the gym, or on a spring stroll, put some fast tunes on full volume. You won’t regret it.

Words by: Ross McGregor

Music is vital for any gym-goer. Even just the first song you listen to on the way there can put you in a better headspace without you even realising. We’ve all seen that miserable-looking person at the gym who’s forgotten their AirPods, and let’s be honest, you would be too if you had to deal with the gym’s awful royalty-free music.

Without CarPlay in my Honda Jazz, I usually end up with the radio or one of the random CDs crammed into the already overflowing glovebox. Either way, I try to keep the rotation upbeat, and it’s usually something like Inhaler’s ‘Cuts and Bruises’ or a random ‘100 Dad Hits’ CD, where I’ve somehow ended up enjoying Suede’s Trash and Marion’s Sleep It’s made the drive there fun, whilst oddly enough helping me find new favourites.

Once I’m in the gym, that’s when my playlists take centre stage. Most of the time I end up somewhere between Calvin Harris throwbacks and the obvious gym staples of 2000s Lady Gaga and Rihanna. They’re the songs that give you something to lock into, especially when things start to drag. Leg days especially, it’ll usually be a random house music playlist that’s just loud enough to drown out any idea of quitting halfway through.

With lower-intensity workouts, it’s a completely different story. That’s when my Spotify ‘liked songs’ shuffle comes out for a calmer vibe, and it’s all over the place. One minute it’s Stereophonics, the next it jumps to Phoebe Bridgers.

My music taste in the gym is a mess, but that’s the point. No one actually sticks to one genre, even if they say they do. Half the people in there probably have something unexpected playing. The biggest guy in the corner could easily be listening to On the Floor by JLo, and it’s probably what’s getting him through his set.

Words by: Swyn Llŷn

Design by: Molly James

Varsity 2026: The Electric Atmosphere of Welsh Student Rivalry

Welsh Varsity. Arguably the best day of the year. Where sport and drinking collide in a rivalry-fuelled day. Where the streets of Cardiff are taken over by both Swansea and Cardiff alike, a cascading sea of red and green. The energy is unmatched, the buildup compelling. Varsity is one of the most anticipated days in the student calendar, but why is this so?

Varsity 2026 was definitely one to remember. But there is so much more to Varsity than the day itself. Preparations are in full swing days before, or weeks if you’re lucky enough to be selected to play in a team, repping one of those iconic varsity athlete quarter-zips. First is the stressful experience of trying to actually get a ticket, then the ticket collection. What wristband should we get? What size top? Why is there already a three hour wait at 10am?! Despite ticket collections this year proving extremely stressful, it created a buzz and excitement that made the day itself one to remember

Then, the main event. I can guarantee you will never see Cathays as busy at 8am than on Varsity, with people heading to their friends for pres, or athletes heading off to their fixtures. The excitement in the air is tangible, with most people a bottle of prosecco deep by 10am, or maybe even earlier.

The options for the day are endless. There’s the football and lacrosse up at Llanrumney, the hockey and netball at Sport Wales, cricket at Sophia Gardens, and of course the grand finale of the rugby at The Arms Park. Despite each event offering something different, the atmosphere is still unmatched. The crowd brings a raw energy – loud, emotional and unpredictable, with chants, singing and shouting. Varsity is a place where everyone comes together, regardless of whether they play sport or not, and becomes a united group. The chance to feel a part of something bigger, to experience a sense of belonging and embrace your student identity, Varsity offers an energy that is both emotional and electric.

The rivalry between Cardiff and Swansea becomes more than just geography, but it’s not just the sport that takes centre stage, with the visual culture proving just as important. Students really embrace the team spirit, and they do so in a number of inventive ways. Team colours, themed outfits and imaginative signs consume the stands on the big day. Red face paint, temporary tattoos, even red wigs - you name it, Varsity has it. The day has become so much more than just watching the spectacle of sport, with students becoming a part of the spectacle themselves. The streets of Cardiff turn into a fashion show, with students flaunting their many t-shirt designs, which begs the question – how many ways can you cut up and personalise a top?

This energy is only amplified by social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok turn key moments into shareable clips, transforming the event into something bigger than the day itself. The energy of the day can be relived over and over again, replaying match highlights and Cardiff’s winning moments online. Even those not physically present are still able to engage with it and embrace their university pride, just in a slightly calmer environment.

After the final whistle is blown at the rugby, don’t be fooled, the day isn’t over there. That electric energy is carried long into the night, shifting from sports pitches and stadiums to nightclubs and pubs. Team Cardiff take to the iconic YOLO dance floor where wins are celebrated in style, whilst Swansea drown their sorrows elsewhere. That sense of unity felt throughout the day persists, just in a more chaotic environment.

The spirit of Welsh Varsity is truly contagious. More than just a day of sport, Varsity is a space where identity, pride and adrenaline collide. But even after the matches end and Angels is played, Varsity leaves a lasting impression, and not just in the form of face paint you can’t rub off. It becomes a part of student memory and identity, a day reminisced about long after it ends. Varsity 2026 was no exception, with the dragons triumphing over the swans yet again. Welsh student rivalry is truly unmatched, with an energy incomparable to any other student event. I mean, a little rivalry never hurt anyone, am I right?

Now all that’s left to do is reflect on the triumphs of the day, laugh with friends over funny memories, and try and get rid of that red face paint you just can’t seem to escape.

Same time next year Cardiff?

Words by: Emily Gillbard

Design by: Molly James

CHAOS CULTURE

Why We Romanticise Messy Nights

If you haven’t done a night out Cardiff style.. Well you need to. Not in a bucket list see the sights kind of way but in the slightly chaotic, borderline unhinged specific way that only Cardiff seems to perfect. It’s not just a night out. It’s a loosely constructed series of questionable decisions that somehow become your favourite memories. And somehow, the best part isn’t even the night, it’s the forensic-level debrief the next morning where everyone suddenly becomes a very unreliable witness.

It always starts the same way: ‘we’ll just go for one’, which then quickly becomes ‘we’ll go for a couple’. But in Cardiff fashion it is rare to successfully stop at ‘a couple’. I mean, that phrase is purely theoretical, like doing your readings or going to bed early on a Wednesday.

The getting ready is where the night truly begins, the shared chaos of it all. Your room turns into a temporary dressing room, therapy session and dance floor all at once. There’s always one person sitting on the floor doing their makeup in a mirror too small whilst the other is predicting which of their ex situationships they will see out tonight.

It’s the ‘is it too much?’ followed immediately by the ‘actually no, it’s not enough’. It’s hyping each other up like you’re about to walk a red carpet when really you’re just heading to the SU. The playlist is aggressively inconsistent with the throwbacks, bit of house and at least one random ‘follow that tune’ Tiktok filmed which, at the time, you truly believe will go viral around Cathays at the time you film it (then you actually see it the next day). Then comes the journey. Whether it’s an overpriced Uber or the ambitious ‘it’s only a 20 minute walk’, you start spotting Cardiff’s finest characters early.

YOLO on a Wednesday becomes less of an event and more of a social contract. You go because everyone else is going and because missing it feels like missing history. Inside, it’s chaos. You lose your friends at least three times and say ‘I’m going to the bar’ and disappear for 40 minutes and yet somehow, you’ll all still end up back together when Angels begins to play.

Alcohol is often the accelerant on a night out, transforming minor inconveniences into major events and ordinary interactions into stories worth retelling. The smoking area deserves its own mention to be honest. It’s where friendships are formed, life advice is handed out by complete strangers and someone will inevitably say ‘I feel like I’ve known you forever’ after a rough six minutes of conversation.

But what makes it even better is how close everything feels to slightly going wrong. There’s a strange comfort in the chaos, a sense that anything could happen and more often than not… it does. The line between carefree and careless is thin and chaos culture at times definitely celebrates crossing it. It’s messy, unpredictable and slightly ridiculous but I guess that’s exactly why it thrives. That’s kind of the point. Not in an entirely reckless way but in that freeing way where nothing really matters apart from the moment that you are in and being surrounded by your favourite people. Yet there is another side to this chaos as for many, chaotic nights are a release as a way to escape academic pressure, work stress

or personal struggles. Chaos provides a space where mistakes are expected, laughter is louder and for a few hours at least, nothing feels that serious.

But the real highlight? The morning after debrief. Everyone gathers in the living room, slightly hungover, clutching their water bottles like emotional support items, ready to piece together what actually happened and why half the decisions that were made were even made.

“Do you remember?”

“No but I did see a video in the shared album..”

“WHY on earth did we do that?”

And it’s always funnier the next day. The awkward moments? Hilarious. The things that felt dramatic at the time? Completely irrelevant. The chaos becomes content and the night out well, it becomes a story.

Because that’s what Cardiff nights out really are: Not just nights out but shared experiences that live on in retellings, inside jokes and blurry photos in your shared album that you won’t be deleting any time soon.

So yes, come for the night out. For the YOLO Wednesdays, for Live Lounge singalongs and for the random Cardiff Characters you’ll meet along the way (that more often than not don’t realise how famous they are in your house). But stay for the getting ready. Stay for the debriefs and moments in between that don’t make it onto your camera roll but somehow end up meaning the most.

Would I miss a Cardiff night out with the girls? The answer’s as obvious as asking if the sky is blue.

Words by: Victoria Deviana-Wedge Design by: Niko Davey

Egni newydd: Popeth X Liam J. Edwards

Mae’r prosiect cerddoriaeth ddawns Gymraeg Popeth yn parhau i gyffroi’r sîn gerddoriaeth Gymraeg. Yn ddiweddar, rhyddhawyd y sengl newydd Diva, sy’n cyfuno elfennau o bop, opera a cherddoriaeth clwb. Mae’r sengl yn serennu llais Liam J. Edwards, sy’n adnabyddus i lawer wedi iddo ymddangos ar raglen Y Llais y llynedd.

Cefais sgwrs gyda’r cyfansoddwr a’r cynhyrchydd Ynyr Roberts sy’n arwain y prosiect. Bu’n cydweithio gyda Liam i gyfansoddi Diva...

Yn ôl Ynyr, cysylltodd Liam ag ef yn ystod haf 2025 ar ôl clywed y gân Calon Neon, a gyd-gyfansoddwyd gyda’r artist Bendigaydfran. Ar yr un pryd, roedd ef eisoes yn datblygu syniad ar gyfer cân newydd o’r enw Diva. Yn wreiddiol, roedd y demo yn tueddu tuag at bop ysgafn, gyda dylanwadau Scandi-pop tebyg i artistiaid fel Sigrid neu Zara Larsson. Fodd bynnag, roedd Ynyr yn teimlo nad oedd rhywbeth yn gweithio’n llwyr o fewn y trefniant.

“Roeddwn yn gwrando ar gerddoriaeth Marina (o Gymru! Wrth gwrs!) ar yr adeg pan nes i gyfarfod â Liam, a meddylion ni fyddai cyfeiriad fel hyn yn well i’r gân.

“Roeddem yn cytuno’n syth mai rhywbeth gwahanol a thrawiadol roedden ni angen ei wneud gyda’r gân.”

O’r eiliad honno ymlaen, dechreuodd y broses o gyd-gyfansoddi.

Fel cynhyrchydd a DJ, sut aethoch chi ati i adeiladu sain y trac o amgylch llais mor bwerus â theatrig?

“Roedd angen i Diva fod yn gân ddramatig, yn gân unigryw a rhywbeth a fyddai’n cydio sylw pobl - roedd angen rhywbeth ffres ar gyfer 2026. Rhywbeth gwahanol.

“Wrth i ni recordio roedd Liam yn cynnig syniadau oedd yn sicr yn dyrchafu’r gân i’r cyfeiriad gwych a chyflawn ni wedi ei gyrraedd. Mae cefndir Liam yn y byd clasurol hefyd wedi dod a haenau newydd i’r demo wreiddiol nes i hefyd.

“Unwaith roedden ni wedi recordio’r penillion a’r gytgan roedd gan Liam syniadau am sut i greu ‘mawredd theatrig, drama, a thensiwn’ gan recordio ei leisiau drosodd a throsodd... er mwyn creu effaith côr.

“Roeddwn yn gwybod byddai Liam yn creu argraff fawr ar y gân ar ôl ei lwyddiant yn Y Llais a chaneuon ei hun fel

R.Y.A.N - sydd werth ei wrando arno!”

Roedd y cynhyrchydd Sam Humphreys hefyd yn chwarae rhan bwysig yn siapio’r trac. Roedd y demo gwreiddiol llawer hirach, ond llwyddodd Humphreys i’w drawsnewid yn gân bop tri munud. Yn ôl Ynyr, roedd hyn yn hanfodol i greu cân effeithiol a thrawiadol.

Mae Diva yn teimlo fel anthem ddawns fawr. A oeddech chi’n cynhyrchu’r trac gyda pherfformiad byw neu’r llawr dawns mewn golwg?

“Cân ar gyfer y llawr dawns yn sicr yw Diva! Cân sydd wedi cydio ar TikTok hefyd!!

“Mae geiriau fel “gweithio”, “sodlau” “colur” yn apelio ac yn siŵr o uniaethu gyda phobl sy’n paratoi ar gyfer noson allan. Byddai’n wych os bysa DJs dros y byd yn chwarae’r gân mewn clybiau nos.”

Un o’r agweddau mwyaf arwyddocaol ar y cydweithio yw mai dyma’r tro cyntaf i Liam ryddhau cân swyddogol yn y Gymraeg, a oedd yn bwysig iawn i Ynyr.

“I mi, dyna oedd y peth mwya’ arwyddocaol am y cydweithio -y ffaith bod Liam wedi cofleidio’r cyfle i ganu yn ei famiaith.”

Mae Ynyr yn gobeithio, bod y profiad ogydweithio gyda Popeth wedi rhoi hyder i Liam barhau i greu cerddoriaeth Gymraeg yn y dyfodol.

Ychwanegodd: “Mae’r dalent yno yn barod... y cyfleoedd sydd angen arnyn nhw rŵan.”

Mae’r cydweithio hwn yn adlewyrchu ethos ehangach prosiect Popeth, sydd ers y dechrau wedi bod yn adnabyddus am weithio gyda nifer oleisiau gwahanol. Dechreuodd y dull hwn yn 2022, pan gyfansoddwyd y caneuon Golau a Newid. Yn ôl Ynyr, teimlai nad oedd y caneuon hynny’n gweddu i’w lais ei hun, felly dechreuodd chwilio am leisiau newydd, unigryw i ganu’r cyfansoddiadau.

Y canlyniad oedd cydweithio gydag artistiaid fel Martha Grug, Kizzy Crawford, gyda rhagor o enwau yn ymuno dros amser, gan gynnwys Leusa Rhys (Serol Serol), Gai Toms a Tara Banditio. Mae’r dull hwn yn rhoi llwyfan i drawstoriad o leisiau ac yn cadw’r broses greadigol yn ffres.

material’ tuag at y diwedd,” meddai

Bydd nifer o leisiau newydd yn ymddangos ar yr albwm hefyd, gan gynnwys Miriam Isaac o’r grŵp Cabarella a Hanna Seirian, sy’n adnabyddus o gyfres gyntaf Y Llais. Fodd bynnag, mae Ynyr yn cadw un collab arall yn gyfrinach tan ryddhau’r albwm.

Mae manylyn difyr arall ynglŷn â strwythur yr albwm. Yn ôl Roberts, bydd yr albwm yn dechrau gyda chân sy’n dechrau gyda’r llythyren ‘A’ ac yn gorffen gyda chân sy’n dechrau gyda ‘Z’, gan greu rhyw fath o daith gerddorol o’r dechrau i’r diwedd.

Er gwaethaf ei dechreuad cymharol ddiweddar, mae prosiect Popeth eisoes wedi cael llwyddiant sylweddol. Mae’r gerddoriaeth a’r prosiect wedi derbyn sylw ar sawl gorsaf radio, gan gynnwys BBC Radio Cymru, Radio Cymru 2 a BBC Radio Wales, a’r llynedd enillodd hefyd wobr yng Ngwobrau AIM yn Llundain.

“Mae’n cadw pethau’n ddiddorol i mi hefyd,” meddai Ynyr, gan egluro bod cydweithio gyda chantorion gwahanol yn creu heriau creadigol newydd wrth gyfansoddi a chynhyrchu.

Yr albwm newydd

Wrth edrych ymlaen, mae Popeth hefyd yn gweithio ar albwm newydd. Yn ôl Ynyr, y syniad yw bod yr albwm yn teimlo fel set DJ mewn clwb nos.

“Ryw fath o ‘ready made disco’! Digon o gerddoriaeth ‘House’, digon o egni... Ond digon o amrywiaeth hefydgyda lleisiau amrywiol a chaneuon arafach, ‘last dance at y diwedd,” meddai

“Pan oeddwn i’n dechrau, nes i byth feddwl byddai’n arwain at noson fawreddog yn y Roundhouse yn Llundain ac ennill gwobr mewn seremoni lle’r oedd artistiaid fel Fontaines DC, Pendulum a Sparks yn eistedd wrth fy ymyl. Mae’r gefnogaeth i Popeth wedi bod yn anhygoel!.”

Rydych newydd ryddhau Diva, ac mae albwm newydd ar y gweill. Beth ydych chi’n rhagweld bydd y camau nesaf i Popeth ar ôl hynny?

“Dwi’n gobeithio mai perfformio fwy bydd cam nesa yn siwrne Popeth!

“Fel roeddwn i’n sôn - mae bod yn artist sy’n rhyddhau cerddoriaeth yn y cyfnod hwn yn gyffrous, ond hefyd mae hi’n gyfnod cystadleuol iach iawn, ac mae angen bod â’ch bys ar y pyls a bod yn driw i’ch steil eich hun, i allu dod i amlygrwydd mewn sîn mor fyrlymus!”

I’r rhai sydd am gadw i fyny gyda’r newyddion diweddaraf, mae Popeth yn weithgar ar y cyfryngau cymdeithasol, gan gynnwys Instagram, TikTok a Facebook, tra bod eu cerddoriaeth ar gael ar holl brif lwyfannau ffrydio fel Spotify, Apple Music a Youtube. I’r rhai sy’n mwynhau canu hefyd, mae Ynyr wedi creu rhestr chwarae karaoke arbennig ar Youtube sy’n cynnwys nifer o ganeuon Popeth - ffordd berffaith i wrandawyr ymuno â’r hwyl a chanu!

Geiriau gan: Erin Davies

Lluniau gan: Ynyr Roberts

Design by: Niko Davey

Let’s stop hating on Party Girl ENERGY

I’m nearing the end of my third year at Cardiff Uni now, and one thing that’s never really worn off for me is the amount I go out. It’s sort of as if freshers never ended. Not in a dramatic, self-destructive way, I just like it. I like seeing people, dressing up a bit, ending up in Misfits, staying out too late, and doing it again a few days later. For some people, that seems to make everything else about me slightly harder to process.

Whenever I mention that I go out multiple times a week, people are usually surprised to hear the rest of it: that I get firsts in all of my assignments, write for this magazine, work part-time, go to the gym, and do work experience alongside my degree. None of this feels especially unbelievable to me, mainly because I’m the one living it. But there does seem to be a persistent idea that if you are visibly social, or clearly enjoy partying, you must be unserious in every other area of your life.

It’s a timely, old-fashioned assumption, even though it still gets dressed up in modern language. No one says “women who go out too much are frivolous” anymore. Now it comes out slightly differently. It’s all TikTok lingo about “protecting your energy”, or “being aligned”, or not wanting to be around “chaos”. On paper, all of that sounds sensible. In practice, it can feel like we have found a new vocabulary for the same old suspicion of women who are too visible, too sociable, too excessive, or just having too much fun in public.

There is also a very obvious double standard. The boys I know at uni can go out several times a week, drink too much, make fools of themselves, and still basically be read as normal. At worst, they are unserious for a night. It rarely becomes a wider judgment on their intelligence, discipline, or future prospects. No one seems especially shocked that they can be hungover on Saturday and competent again on Monday. With women, it feels less neutral. The partying gets absorbed into your whole character. I’ve definitely felt that people can be dismissive once they decide you are “that kind of girl”. It’s packaged in the form of lowered expectations. A slightly patronising tone. A sort of surprise when you do well, as though they had quietly placed you in the category of decorative rather than capable.

It is all very subtle, which almost makes it more annoying. No one comes out and says they think you’re stupid because you like going out. They just seem faintly startled when you I think part of this comes from the kinds of female characters we’ve been raised on. I grew up watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Vanderpump Rules, Gossip Girl; all shows full of women who were glamorous, socially fluent, dramatic, badly behaved, funny, occasionally ridiculous, and often more competent than they were given credit for. My personal icon is Stassi Schroeder. Even though Vanderpump Rules often showed her day-drinking with her friends, she still had high expectations for herself and her career, whether that meant writing for fashion blog The Divine Addiction or constantly insisting on standards, ambition, and taste. She was written off as difficult or vain far more often than the men around her were written off as lazy, but she was rarely the least switched-on person in the room. Paris Hilton is another obvious example. For years, she was flattened into the image of the ‘party girl’: blonde, famous, frivolous, permanently photographed on a night out. But that image never really captured the full story. Behind it was someone building a brand, sustaining a level of visibility most people would not know how to handle, and turning being underestimated into part of the business model. The joke was often that she was unserious, but the reality was that she understood exactly what she was doing. That is usually the pattern with women like this: people fixate on the performance of glamour or excess and miss the discipline required to maintain everything underneath it.

And I think that is what bothers people. The party girl is meant to be a mess. She is not supposed to be organised, productive, or good at things. She is definitely not supposed to be clever. If she is, it unsettles the whole stereotype. It becomes harder to laugh at her, harder to patronise her, harder to act as though liking nightlife says anything meaningful about her ability to hold a life together. At a certain point, we could probably just let women enjoy themselves without turning it into a personality flaw.

Words by: Maya Jacob Design by: Sophie Walbank

A CUT ABOVE:

Age eight, a character much like Tigger, and a dream after watching Kelly Holmes win gold in Athens, Lauren Price had her eyes set on being an olympian, it was just time to find out in which discipline. I had the pleasure of speaking to Lauren just weeks after her 10th professional fight (and win!), to find out how it feels representing Wales in the boxing circuit, what her inspirations and aspirations are and whether she feels the energy radiating off the audience on a fight night.

“I wanna win so bad”

Being a professional athlete is no easy task, and the hard work put in before a performance often reminds those who and what they are doing it for. Price is not new to sport, having been a world champion kickboxer and a professional footballer earlier on in her life. For Price, her passion for boxing and patriotism shine strong, and representing Wales is a huge motivator when she is in training camps. “I love what I do and I wanna win so bad”. Price is based away in Sheffield during the week, only seeing her loved ones at weekends and holidays. This is a huge sacrifice and she tells me how it spurs her on to finish a fight, make her family proud, and be able to come home with the win.

I wondered whether, being Wales’ first-ever female world champion has given Price an extra sense of responsibility and vigour in the fights she has competed in since March 2024. It was a one-word answer, “massively”. However, it’s not just the welterweight world title that ignited this, Price reminisces on the 2018 Commonwealth Games and of course, the Tokyo Olympics, where she took home gold medals in both. Price is a true pioneer of her discipline, winning gold in Tokyo made her the first ever Welsh boxer to win an Olympic Gold Medal and she remains loyal to her birthplace, telling me; “even though I was representing Great Britain, I was still carrying the flag for Wales and Wales is a massive part of my heart”. It’s not just the honour of representing her country though, Price tells me how she needs her Welsh fans. It’s no secret that the Welsh are fiercely proud of their own, and will come out to support in their masses. Price revels in this feeling:

“If I haven’t got my Welsh fans, then I can’t have my night”

QUENCH GOES RINGSIDE WITH LAUREN PRICE

MBE

I was keen to find out more about the Toyko Olympics, how it felt achieving her life’s dream and what the aftermath of such a huge event was like. It’s clearly an incredibly emotional moment for her, Price was raised by her grandparents since three days old and she tells me how she owes everything to them for their love and support. Sadly, Price’s grandad passed away a year before the games, so he didn’t get to see her reach the pinnacle of her career, which made the reunion with her grandma even more special. “The experience was mad really, the games couldn’t have gone any better”.

However, after achieving the goal she’d dreamt of since she was a kid and returning home to a huge welsh welcome from her hometown of Ystrad Mynach, she describes feeling quite lost. “When I came back, I went into a bit of a depression in terms of wanting it for so long, once I achieved it I thought, what am I gonna do next?” Price goes on to tell me how bringing that gold medal home made it all worth it.

“What am I gonna do next?”

“The crowd was chanting my name”

Fight night: the moment we’ve all been waiting for, and the moment Price’s been training for. Having seen the energy of the audiences, I know the feeling around the ring is electric - but how does Price feel in the run up to a match and when she’s in the ring? Well, her energy just rebounds off the crowds “it’s absolutely unbelievable”. Fighting all around the world must take its toll on energy levels, however, Price was lucky enough to have her most recent fight here in Cardiff. It’s safe to say, nothing beats being at home, “the crowd was chanting my name, they were home fans, it was just phenomenal”.

So, having won gold medals across the world, being the welterweight champion and having an MBE for her services to boxing, I found myself asking what’s next for Price? “Well of course, Cardiff is my favourite place to fight, it’s very special. I’d love to headline a stadium one day, Cardiff City or the Principality would just be the best and show that it all pays off!”

Words & Design by: Molly James Images courtesy of: Gavin Joseph Photography

IN CONVERSATION WITH MELANIE OWEN

Originally from Aberystwyth in Wales, Melanie Owen is a Cardiff University graduate who never planned to be funny — yet has built a career as a comic, presenter, podcast host and author. After graduating, she went on to work in politics before becoming a comedian. She is still quite politically involved, with her For Wales See Wales podcast, which focuses on Welsh political issues. She went from the thick of UK politics to stand-up comedy, a shift she describes as entirely accidental. “Comedy kind of fell into my lap, really, through writing,” she says.

After university, Owen carved out time to reflect on her future and career goals, something she now actively encourages to other students to do. “I never dreamt of being a comedian; it was a really happy coincidence.” Having stepped away from politics, she met comedian Robin Morgan and journalist Will Hayward, and their shared passion for political conversation became the podcast For Wales See Wales. “I was definitely apprehensive about going back into that world because it is cutthroat and not the friendliest place,” she admits, but she has done it entirely on her own terms. Having listened to the podcast, it’s a great outlet for people who might not have an in-depth understanding of Welsh politics and the current issues.

With such a change in vocation, it can be hard to understand how a Law de gree connects to life as a comedian. Most students worry about the skills they are acquiring in university and how they will be transferable. Owen is clear on this. “I’m very fortunate that with law, you get a lot of trans ferable skills. Even if you don’t go into that specific field, it’s a real ly good degree for developing yourself as a person.” Pub lic speaking is one of those skills, Owen has said her ability to speak up in front of other people has sharp ened since graduating,

“I think my time at university taught me how to advocate for myself clearly, concisely and effectively.” For anyone feeling the pressure to have it all figured out post-graduation, Owen advises taking some time off. “If I could go back and change those postgrad years, I’d give myself a bit more grace to think about what I actually wanted to do.”

During and after university, students often feel the weight of rejection, whether that be from job interviews, internships or various applications. “What frustrates me in this industry is that you have to wait to be chosen a lot of the time.” When Cardiff was named the BBC City of Comedy, Owen landed a showcase slot in front of major industry figures. Following this, she received a glowing review from a comedy journalist, showing the importance of focusing on yourself. When the opportunity comes, the work will speak for itself.

Owen is fiercely proud of the Welsh creative scene. “In Wales, we punch above our weight so heavily when it comes to the creative arts. The things made here are absolutely phenomenal,” she says. It’s always exciting seeing Welsh talent be recognised and put forward in the industry, as that hasn’t always been the case. Her energy runs through everything she does, from her live sets to the podcast and her Instagram posts.

Comedians are mostly seen as the most energetic people out there. On a day when she doesn’t feel funny or energetic, Owen’s approach to motivation is grounded. “I try to get outside and then start writing.” She explains the need for a clean space and a peaceful mood before starting to write. Her day-to-day energy is also essential when being put in front of a crowd. “What I’ve really learnt to do is keep my energy high because they’re [the crowd] feeling all my energy. I can’t come down on them.”

Comic, Podcast Host, Presenter, Script Writer and Author

For students curious about breaking into comedy, Owen’s advice is practical and specific. “Definitely go to a few of the comedy nights in Cardiff – go to the Glee, but also to the more independent places because you’ll see comedians of all levels there.” There are several ways of breaking into the industry, with social media being a key space. It has fundamentally shifted how comedians build an audience. Reels and TikTok videos are a great way to start out. Owen has felt that shift and found ways of incorporating it in her career. “You can have a short clip of you go viral and people come see your shows off the back of that as opposed to having seen you on TV.” She talks about the reach of social media and how that’s different from mainstream media. She is used to being recognised from her Instagram, for example, compared to her BBC gigs. “It levels the playing field massively because it gives people with less financial backing the opportunity to be seen as well,” she says.

WHERE THE ENERGY GOES AFTER GRADUATION

Owen doesn’t shy away from the chaotic side of live comedy either

What’s the most chaotic or unexpected thing that’s happened to you on stage

“I think the most chaotic thing that’s happened to me was at the Edinburgh Fringe. I saw a couple who were in their mid40s and I had seen them on the street and said do you want to come to a show and they said yes. And then they came in and snogged the whole time. The whole show. And all people could hear was the lips – I was like, I can’t believe this is happening. It was a small room, so everyone could hear it and I tried to make a joke out of it. I thought they’d know and stop, but I think it just riled them up even more!”

Is there a joke you wish you could retire but is a hit every time?

“At the moment, I tell a story about my godson because he’s so naughty. I took him to a zoo and it was a safari park and I told him that he needs to keep the windows up because of the wild animals. He looked me in the eye and just put the window down. I was like, “ Sure, fine,” and a zebra came up and stuck its whole head in the car and basically started eating him alive – and I did nothing. I just sat there and watched him. And I think it’s hilarious, audiences look at me like ‘you’re a terrible godmother!”

Words & Design by: Charlotte Hardie-Watts

Quench ShopS band special

Holloway

@bandholloway

The band started in 2019 when our guitarist Frankie joined Holloway brothers Harry (guitar) and Tommy (drums) practising together and started playing The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ all together. Our singer & bassist Sophie joined at the start of 2024 to make up our line-up as it is today!

Between the four of us, there is a variety of music tastes & inspirations that gel together. From Lou Reed to PJ Harvey; The Replacements to Sorry, first and foremost we just love music, and feel as compelled to make it as we do to listen to it. We’re lucky enough to have our very own Frankie produce for us, too.

With all the hours we have spent writing, rehearsing, recording and performing together, we feel that we are in a really exciting place going forward. We’ve been recording lots- some songs melancholy; some songs more experimental; even some good old-fashioned pop music! We’re finishing off our newest EP, which we are so excited to release, but for now, our latest singles Babydarling, Sunburn & Plans to Make are out on all platforms. We love Love; we love Music. More from us very soon…

Go see them in Plymouth at Old Time Square on the 4th of July

Trainspotters

Trainspotters are a 5 piece indie rock band formed in Cardiff, UK from a bustling scene of bands. Trainspotters combines sounds from 90s inspirations such as Pulp, Blur & Manic Street Preachers with a more contemporary style, reviving the classic British rock sound.

We all started the band in first year starting at Live Music Society open mics and have slowly expanded out to gigs in the Cardiff music scene, slowly building up a following.

Go see them in Newport at Le Pub on the 15th of May.

Design by: Charlotte Hardie-Watts