GUM / issue 01 / 2011

2011 / FREE

issue 01

features / art / fashion / politics / music

editor's letter

features 3 art 9 fashion 15 politics 21 27 music

GUM is back in town.

So here we are again, another semester underway. Luckily, this also means that Scotland’s oldest student magazine is back with a brand new mix of inspiring content.

What we would most like to bring you this time of the year is a bit of warmth. We all need it when the mornings get darker and every day seems a little rainier than the last. So, in this issue we have featured some truly warming content that we hope will take your mind off that dreary Glasgow weather for a minute or two.

Our Features section will take you far abroad, with exciting reports from around the globe. Nico Ferguson cover the student protests in Chile, Karl Sorri shares observations made in South Korea and Irina Zilke writes about the time she spent in the city that never sleeps.

In the Arts section, Claire Maxwell shares some beautiful summer photos and Lucy Cheseldine reminisces over sunny summer days, spent in a remote valley by the sea in Turkey. And if that’s not enough to warm you up then head on to the Fashion section, take a look at our literally red-hot fashion shoot and get inspired to knit your very own woolly scarf.

Feeling a little cosier? Good, then sit back and allow yourself to be intellectually stimulated by our Politics content, ever so thoughtprovoking. Keith Marin meets the Scottish Justice Minister himself and asks some important questions, whilst Judy Barrett examines the ethics of volunteer work and Linus Sioland shares his thoughts on the Arab Spring.

Then wind down with some music. Megan Donald takes you right into the heart and soul of blues music and Alexandra Embiricos talks to folk band Matt Norris and the Moon over a pizza. And don’t forget to give the songs on GUM’s very own Autumn playlist a listen – you won’t regret it.

Finally, even though she can be mean sometimes with a sudden downpour as you leave for your 9AM lecture, we haven’t forgotten BCPVU PVS EFBS DJUZ 5ISPVHIPVU UIF NBHB[JOF ZPV XJMM mOE (MBTHPX related pieces, with everything from a story on the experience of moving to Glasgow, to Glasgow fashion blogs, knitting groups and tattoo artists.

Enjoy.

Ina Andersson (Editor)

Want some more?

If you can’t get enough of GUM, you can follow us on our website all through the year. We keep an eye on events all around the city and bring them straight to your bedroom. Find everything from great nights out to live reviews on:

http://gumagazine.wordpress.com 7KHQ LI \RX OLNH XV ZK\ QRW PDNH LW RIÀFLDO RQ )DFHERRN www.facebook.com/glasgowuniversitymagazine

Go on, we like you too.

2

CREDITS Editor (contents): Ina Andersson Editors (design and layout): Ina Andersson & Andy King SECTION EDITORS Features Ina Andersson Arts Laura Stockwell Fashion Ginger Clark Politics Keith Marin Music Megan Donald Website Martyna Maron

CONTENT CREDITS

Cover Andy King Writers Ina Andersson, Ryan McNab, Karl Sorri, Nico Ferguson, Joelle Fogelman, Morven Clements, Irina Zilke, Lucy Cheseldine, Abraham Parker, Phoebe Crompton, Catriona Perry, Rose Henderson, Keith Marin, Linus SiĂśland, Jordan Mulligan, Judy Barrett, Daniel Patterson, Megan Donald, Ross Watson, Jessica Secmezsoy-Urquart, Alexandra Embiricos, Tom Clarke, Paul #VUUFSmFME Photographers Sean Anderson, Gustaf Klinga, Ania Chawluk, Claire Maxwell, Andy King, Morven Clements, Agathe Weiss, Istvan Magyar, Ina Andersson Artwork Andy King, Ina Andersson, Robyn Dale

” ” ” ”

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

ď€ all about glasgow ÂŚ

1

Fancy some Aussie rock’n’roll?

Glasgow is proud to host the only AC/DC exhibition ever to have been approved by the band.

Celebrating the 37-year old rock bands career, it contains material never shown before, including stage costumes, handwritten lyrics and one of Angus Young’s custom made guitars. The exhibition highlights the band’s strong connection with Glasgow – the only place in Europe to host it.

On until 12 February 2012 KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY Argyle Street ÂŁ2

Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?

Text by INA ANDERSSON

4

Bright Club is a comedy night where academics from universities, including PhD students, postdocs and professors, take to UIF TUBHF ø &BDI QFSGPSNFS HJWFT an 8-minute stand up comedy set about their research, with support from a professional comedian. This new take on a comedy night started at UCL in London and after a successful gig at The Fringe in Edinburgh this year, Bright Club is now ready to take on Glasgow. Come and see if you can spot your lecturer. THE ADMIRAL November 17th 7.30pm 72a Waterloo Street £3.50

Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?

2

3

The GmbH Shop is a Glasgow outlet offering a range of magazines, books and publishing from all around the world, with a focus PO BSU GBTIJPO EFTJHO mMN NVsic, lifestyle, culture and current affairs. It’s a great place to get some inspiration for that ambitious art project you’re planning, just browsing the aisles will get ZPVS DSFBUJWF KVJDFT nPXJOH -PDBUFE BU 5IF Lighthouse, Glasgow’s centre for architecUVSF BOE EFTJHO JU T EFmOJUFMZ XPSUI B WJTJU GMBH SHOP 11 Mitchell Lane

The Freak Beats Club Get groovy at Glasgow club The Flying Duck this autumn.

On Saturday 5th of November you can move your feet at their 60’s dance party, playing mod, soul, psych and ska from 23.00 – 03.00. If you think the 5 pound entry is a bit steep for your student economy, then you can get free guest passes from CCA’s pre-club party, Get The Records On. We will see you there.

THE FLYING DUCK 142 3FOmFME 4USFFU ÂŁ5

5

Vitamins Keep your eyes peeled and your ears to the ground for details on the next Vitamins Glasgow.

There is no better place in town to get your rave on and dance yourself sweaty. Best friends with Glasgow University's Subcity Radio, Vitamins brings you some brilliant tunes and a banging party.

Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?

Bold Souls Embrace your inner McCartney or Cavalli with fashion collective Bold Souls at Arches this November. At this upcoming event you can buy independent fashion pieces, get styled up and mingle with designers. You also get the chance to swap your unwanted clothes with more desirable items at the Swap It Shop. Help the fashion community and your own wardrobe with some recycling and restyling. Bold Souls: Santa, Baby 2! ARCHES November 26th 12- 5.30pm 253 Argyle Street ÂŁ2

Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?

Dear Contributors, if you could swap life with someone for a day, who would it be?

Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?

6

Follow on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vitamins.glasgow

Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?

www.thouronaward.org

Fully Funded Study in the USA

Lucy Cheseldine:

Ryan McNab:

Morven Clements:

"I'd swap lives with the cast from 'Made in Chelsea', because they do nothing all day, drink far too much and have money to burn..."

"If I could be anyone for the day I'd be Roger from American Dad. Who wouldn't want to be an alcoholic, costume wearing, acidic tongued, effeminate alien?"

"I'd swap lives with 'Slava' the lead clown from 'Slava's Snow Show'- he's on a never ending tour and spends his days on stage having a carry on!"

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

Up to TEN awards, each with a total value of approx US$80,000 per year, covering tuition fees and living expenses, including travel in the USA, will be available (for 1 or 2 years) from 1st September 2012 for candidates who wish to pursue a postgraduate programme at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA. Applications are invited by 5pm on 1st November 2011 Thouron Awards were created by Sir John and Lady Thouron for the promotion of academic exchange and experience in international friendship between the UK & USA. Please visit www.thouronaward.org or contact Jennie Eldridge, Award Administrator on +44 (0)20 7848 3376 quoting ref TA11.

in association with

3

”

Photo by SEAN ANDERSON

features

ď ľ great expectations A Glasgow newcomer, Ryan McNab shares his thoughts on moving to a city from the country.

Before moving to Glasgow, the impression given of urban life was one in which the atmosphere was like some thick ragged cloth, soaked in petrol, chewing gum, and cigarettes. I had a vision of UIF DJUZ GSPN mMNT BOE UFMFWJTJPO something completely otherworldly, glamorous, but also seedy.

Of course, I’ve been to many cities, but having never lived in one, I seemed to be deluded as to how this alien world existed day to day. In my head I saw myself as immediately changing when I arrived in Glasgow, Stars in Their Eyes style. Once here, I

4

pictured myself both street smart and sophisticated; the offspring of Humphrey Bogart (delusion, remember) and Carrie Bradshaw.

That’s right, Carrie Bradshaw.

only a hell of a lot bigger, so many more people, and endless things to do and places to visit.

Even just walking down Byres Road and looking into the cafes Having lived here for well-over a and restaurants, I seem to turn month now, I can inform you dear into some sort of Woody Allen reader that city wannabe (even life certainly is more so as I "Even just walking down write this at different to the Byres Road and looking quiet, pastoral 2am.) I see into the cafes and (almost Songs people, all with restaurants, I seem to of Praisetheir cappucturn into some sort of esque) lifestyle cino buzzed Woody Allen wannabe" that living in conversations the country and I convince appears to promote. Naturally, the myself they are, paradisaically, country pulse in my veins is still theorising their latest fuck. Natutrying to acclimatise to the sirens, rally, being the imaginative indicar horns, and anonymous faces vidual that I am, I also convince that one encounters day-to-day myself that the glass between is MJWJOH JO B DJUZ 5IF UIJOH UIBU * mOE only ephemeral, that one day, as most perplexing is that Glasgow a true city-slicker, I’ll be doing the almost feels like my hometown, theorising too.

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

The thing that excites me most about the city is the amount of possibilities, so many people, so many conversations, laughs, and relationships to form. Glasgow seems to be a cornucopia of potential and - excuse me while I become misty-eyed with sentiment - it’s going to be the setting of so many brilliant memories.

So, despite being a country bumpkin now, I’m sure in time that the city will claim and convert me.

It’ll make me see that whenever I hear stilettos striking sparks on the pavements, or the whooshing-roar of a taxi goes past my window, when I dart between big issue sellers and lift my shopping bags in the air to avoid children and dogs, I’m a part of the city.

And I know that Glasgow is living.

o Karl Sorri shares his experiences of the country he claims to be a well-kept secret.

Last year when I went on exchange to Seoul, South Korea, I had no idea what to expect. I knew that the city’s population was over 10 million, and that it wasn’t too far away from North Korea and Kim Jong-il. I knew about Samsung and Hyundai, but apart from that South Korea was a total mystery, and that was part of the reason why I went there.

with salad and rice. Then we would continue to an ’alcohol house’ where you order 5 litre pitchers of beer, mix it with rice wine, and play drinking games like ’Baskin Robbins 21’ . This goes on until everybody is ready to head out to an epic club where all customers are served like royalty, which is something I would like to see in a Glasgow club!

"GUFS UIF DMVC ZPV DBO mOJTI UIF OJHIU at ’norebang’ (Korean karaoke houses), dress up in wigs in a private disco room, and sing anything from classic Korean ballads to Justin Bieber.

the korean wave

Of course, there are plenty of other things to do besides drinking. If you like IJTUPSZ UIFO 4FPVM JT mMMFE XJUI DPMPVSful palaces or museums of the Korean War. You can even go the De-Militarised Zone (DMZ) and see for yourself how tense the North-South Korean border actually is. Otherwise, you can bike along the Han-river, under the Rainbow Fountain Bridge (which, you must admit, sounds like something from Mario Kart), and end up at a ’jimjilbang’ spa where you can relax in hot and cold baths all day and night. However, it's good to know that this involves being naked "For instance, couples in front of a bunch of like to wear identical other people.

Every day that I spent in South Korea I grew to love it more and more, and this was largely due to the people I met. South RXWÀWV DQG , RIWHQ Koreans are considered received random gifts Personally, I don’t the ’Italians of Asia’: they when I bought a coffee" mOE JU EJGmDVMU UP CFlove football, eat a lot, lieve that South Koare beautiful, and are exrea has experienced tremely good at showing their mood with B UFSSJmD TVSHF JO QPQVMBSJUZ JO "TJB UP grand hand gestures and dramatic facial the extent where the phenomenon is expressions. They never ceased to amaze called the ’Korean Wave’. Korean Pop, me with their hospitality, and I enjoyed plenmMN BOE 57 TUBST BSF JEPMJTFE JO UIF ty of encounters with the quirkier bits of their South East. Korean is a popular lanculture. For instance, couples like to wear guage to study and Korean food is like JEFOUJDBM PVUmUT BOE * PGUFO SFDFJWFE SBOEPN Italian food in Europe. Japanese tourists gifts when I bought a coffee. One thing I eshave also chosen downtown Seoul as pecially liked was the lack of tourists, which their shopping paradise. Combine this made me feel like I was somewhere that with the fact that South Korean automoprotected itself from Big Mac globalisation biles and electronics are already global whilst still being a highly futuristic society. household names, and you have a fairly 5IF NFUSP JT mMMFE XJUI QFPQMF XBUDIJOH 57 JOnVFOUJBM OBUJPO on their phones, plastic surgery is simply the make-up for the modern person, and All things considered, it felt tremendous PGmDFT IBWF TUFSJMJTJOH VMUSBWJPMFU UPPUICSVTI to catch a glimpse of what goes on in cabinets for their employees. this remote but vibrant peninsula, and to meet some of the most lovely people Contrary to my prejudices, Koreans are also on the planet. If you don’t enjoy waiting enthusiastic party-people and the nightlife in queues with other tourists, and don’t is surpisingly fun. On a typical night we mind not always knowing what is going would start off at a Korean barbecue on, then Seoul has a lot to offer. But, restaurant where you cook the meat yourbe sure to be quick, since South Korea self on a big hot plate and mix it fajita-style won’t stay a secret for long.

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

Photo by GUSTAF KLINGA

0O NZ mSTU EBZ * SFBMJTFE UIBU 4PVUI ,PSFB is one of the best kept secrets in the world, BOE XIBU TUSVDL NF mSTU XBT IPX NPEFSO it all was. I felt like I was walking through a set in Blade Runner, with gigantic TV screens portraying the newest gadgets on skyscrapers that defy laws of physics. At the same time, old ladies with perms were selling spicy rice cakes next to statues of ancient warriors and old Buddhist temples – the culture was so unique and strong, and there was so much going on.

5

f e a t u r e s / art / fashion / politics / music

the chilean spring

Glasgow graduate Nico Ferguson reports from a stirring Chile where students demand better conditions for their education.

My bedroom window looks down onto the Alameda, one of the main streets of Santiago and one that has recently been the setting of several protests regarding the current educaUJPO TZTUFN &WFSZ 5IVSTEBZ NPSOJOH UIF USBGmD is forced to come to a standstill as the street is invaded by thousands of Chileans united by a common goal; equal access to education for all. Having arrived in the country a mere month ago and with memories of the student protests across the UK still fresh in my mind, inevitably I cannot help but draw some rudimentary comparisons between the two.

Perhaps the most evident difference is the sustained nature of the protests and occupations. The student protests have been occur6

ring since May of this year and have continued religiously since. If this situation continues for much longer one very real outcome facing the students boycotting classes is that they will be forced to repeat the academic year. The perTPOBM TBDSJmDF JT B UFTUBNFOU UP UIFJS CFMJFG in their cause and furthermore has served to highlight their case internationally.

"Much like in the UK the media tends to focus on the few individuals that cause disturbances, as opposed to the thousands who act in a peaceful and respectful manner" Another factor that to some extent differs to that of the situation in the UK is the amount of support for the students from the general public.

Opinion polls suggest that the students’ cause has been gaining momentum and support, whilst the popularity of Piùera’s government IBT EFDSFBTFE TJHOJmDBOUMZ 4VQQPSU GPS UIF GUM / issue 01 / 2011

students has come in many forms and from WBSJPVT TFDUPST PG TPDJFUZ BT SFnFDUFE CZ UIF participants of some of the marches which can range from toddlers through to pensioners. The general atmosphere tends to be fun and relaxed, where chants are accompanied by samba drumming and other musical instruments. Over time the students have come up with novel ways to get their message across to the rest of the country, and in turn to the world.

These have for example included a ‘superheroes’ themed protest and another protest organised in July that saw hundreds of couples lock lips and kiss for education.

Unfortunately not all of the protests have ended in such a peaceful or playful way, and a small minority have clashed with the police.

Prior to the weekly Thursday morning protest UIF "MBNFEB mMMT VQ XJUI EVCJPVT MPPLJOH QPlice vehicles, shops close their shutters and CVSMZ QPMJDF PGmDFST MJOF UIF TUSFFUT 5IF QPMJDF have taken a hard line when clashes and riots have occurred and seem quick to resort to tear gas and water cannons. Much like in the UK the media tends to focus on the few individu-

Photos by ANIA CHAWLUK

f e a t u r e s / art / fashion / politics / music



"It has been suggested WKDW WKLV LV RQH RI WKH ÀUVW times since the end of the dictatorship that people are intent on getting their voices heard"

but there now appears to be a resurgence in young people organising and mobilising themselves to stand up for what they believe in.

One obvious similarity between the two is the discontent and opposition to the concept of applying Free Market ideals to education and serving it up as a commodity. It is impossible to know what the outcome of the ‘Chilean Spring’ als that cause disturbances, as opposed to the will be and what further changes it will achieve, thousands who act in a peaceful and respectful however I feel certain that I have arrived at the manner. start of a crucial time for this country and that the coming year here will be far from uninteresting.

It would be naïve to suggest that the UK education system, cuts and increased fees can coherently be equated to Chile, as the roots of each movement and society are undeniably different.

Chile emerged from the dictatorship of General Pinochet over twenty years ago but the vast gap between the haves and the haves not serves as a constant reminder of past wrongdoings. It has CFFO TVHHFTUFE UIBU UIJT JT POF PG UIF mSTU UJNFT since the end of the dictatorship that people are intent on getting their voices heard. Aside from various distinctions both Chile and the UK experienced a period of lethargy amongst their youth.

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

7

Photo by MORVEN CLEMENTS / Model: ELLIS MCCLOSKEY

f e a t u r e s / art / fashion / politics / music

ď ¸ making an exhibition of yourself Joelle Fogelman asks the eternal question of whether to get your body permanently inked or not and discovers a new way of making the decision a little easier.

the real thing. It lets people know what they are getting.� If you’ve been deliberating over a design, not 100% sure how it might turn out, or have been scared to take the plunge, this is the QFSGFDU XBZ UP mOE PVU CFGPSF JU CFDPNFT QFSmanent. Dael’s idea came to him early this year and although his company only launched recently, it has already attracted a lot of clientele.

It’s simple really: by going onto the Thinking-ink TJUF ZPV DBO TFOE UIF EFUBJMT BOE TQFDJmDBtions of your desired tattoo, a Glasgow School Tattoo. A word that, quite literally, conjures up of Art student then draws her or his interpretainnumerable images. The tradition of mark- tion of the description, you are shown the outing one’s skin can be traced back thousands come and if you like it you’ve got your very own of years when it was used temporary tattoo to test out. for healing purposes, spir5IJT JT OPU POMZ CFOFmDJBM itual reasons or to establish "He is certainly not the GPS mSTU UJNFST FYDMVTJWFMZ someone’s status. Nowa- Ă€UVW SHUVRQ , KDYH PHW “It also gives people who days the expression “tattoo ZKR Ă€QGV LQN DGGLFWLYH already have tattoos inspiracultureâ€? has emerged to tion for their next ones.â€? Dael describe our frequent use of says. Supposing you had a body art as statement pieces. But, how can you vague idea for an image but couldn’t decide be sure that everlasting artwork on the skin is exactly how it should look, Thinking-ink could GPS ZPV 4VSFMZ ZPVS mSTU UBUUPP TIPVME CF BQ- be your answer. proached with full consideration? After all, you want to get it right.

Dael is no stranger to permanent tattoos, having two full sleeves of them and one on his Dael Links, owner and creator of chest. i* HPU NZ mSTU POF PO NZ XSJTU XIFO * www.thinking-ink.com, explains his business was about 18. At that stage I wasn’t planning to to me: “We create custom temporary tattoos get many tattoos, but over time they built up and for clients to try out before they go ahead with I’ve become more involved in the tattoo culture,

"Many of my tattooed friends say they plan their next design moments after leaving the tattooist" meeting people who are completely covered in them.� )F JT DFSUBJOMZ OPU UIF mSTU QFSTPO * IBWF NFU XIP mOET JOL BEEJDUJWF Many of my tattooed friends say they plan their next design moments after leaving the tattooist.

I do not have any tattoos, although I have often entered the realm of the daydreamer, contemplating what illustrations I would like to exhibit on my body. Actually, if I were as bold as makebelieve me, I would probably be tattooed from neck to toe. The realistic me is dissuaded by the permanence: who wants to wake up wondering if putting Spongebob on their ankle was the wisest of moves? Laser removal is an option but comes at a hefty price and when it comes to the other solution - altering what is already there - let us not forget Johnny Depp’s “Wino Forever�.

Tattoos are fascinating and can tell a personal story. In that sense, body art is for everyone and anyone who wants it. So, with this in mind, would you make exhibition of yourself?

Photo by ANDY KING

f e a t u r e s / art / fashion / politics / music

ď š strongly in my luck I decided New York should be the place for my summer internship. I wantFE UP XPSL JO BO BSU HBMMFSZ BOE BQQMJFE UP mWF in total across the narrow island of Manhattan.

A couple of weeks and one Skype interview later it was settled; I was going to intern with a gallery in NYC district Hell’s Kitchen.

Irina Zilke ÀQGV KHUVHOI seduced by the city that never sleeps and ponders on why it may be that this fascination is shared by so people across the globe.

One should only go to New York if you are really lucky, people say. If you are lucky, New York can really become your city that never sleeps.

If you are not, it can quickly become the city of a thousand shattered dreams.

This truth is there in people’s minds but, nevertheless, this city has the ability to seduce over 20 million people every day to its realm. People like me, who are irresistibly fascinated by art, fashion jazz, Broadway and of course the idea that everyone can make it in New York - if you only bring enough luck with you. Believing

uncomfortable truths. You could say the gallery mirrors everything in New York that is ugly and grotesque. But it does it with elegance, being situated in a white art deco style building with a nice view of the Empire State Building. It doesn’t get more New York than that.

Living as a part of New York, one can’t help Needless to say, for the following three months but love the city even more. Maybe because before my internship my heart was beating there is always the dream, or rather the hope, at an unbelievably fast pace. of endless opportunities. May8IFO * mOBMMZ BSSJWFE JO NZ PME be it is because you know you fashioned dormitory for women ,I \RX FDQQRW Ă€QG were one of the lucky ones to (no boys allowed!) in Midtown what you are looking have made it to the city in the Manhattan, I realised fully for for in New York, it mSTU QMBDF UIF mSTU UJNF UIF USVF CFBVUZ doesn’t exist" of the city - its diversity of peoSo why does New York never ple from every class and every cease to be so appealing? It is country in the world. Imagine a place where the open-mindedness of the people here; their you can get everything you ask for, really - if friendliness and their incredible optimistic strivZPV DBOOPU mOE XIBU ZPV BSF MPPLJOH GPS JO /FX ing to succeed that make the city so irresistYork, it doesn’t exist. ibly seducing. And when you get the opportunity to attend an open-air cinema in Brooklyn "DDPSEJOHMZ ZPV BMTP mOE BSU HBMMFSJFT PG FWFSZ Bridge Park at twilight and the screen shows kind. Mine was the least glamorous of them all. Tony Curtis starring in “The Sweet Smell of SucIn art, theatre and cinema form it exhibited the cessâ€?, with a thousand lights from Manhattan social predicaments of the world with brutal skyline surrounding you, that is when you start honesty. Inhuman immigration laws, unfair so- to truly appreciate the New York that gives you cial systems, contemporary slavery, pollution of the chance to succeed - if you simply believe our environment – despite the gallery’s certain in your luck. pretentiousness, it is surprisingly engaged in GUM / issue 01 / 2011

9

art



Photo by INA ANDERSSON

"I began to experience what the wise old men call ‘the spirit of the valley’ "

ď ľ this side of kabak paradise Lucy Cheseldine reminisces over weeks spent in a remote valley, hidden somewhere deep in a very real Turkish paradise.

As I lay on a roof terrace, watching the full moon slowly curve around the hip of the mountain like a gentle hand and turn to a blazing red, I began to experience what the wise old men call ‘the spirit of the valley’. I was in a place between heaven and earth, space and time. But this was real.

Turkey now, is seen by many holiday-makers as an escape from the collapsing Euro and a destination with a hint of the exotic, but this popularity brings the inevitable build up of resorts and commercialism which I sought to leave behind. Passing through Olez Denis en route to the hidden valley of Kabak in the south 10

of the country, my eyes tried to avert the looming blackboards. Like propaganda, churning out prices for a traditional English breakfast, constantly repeated in a hypnotising chant. I felt, as Alex must have, having his eyes pinned open to the horrors of modern society. But I was reassured, as I looked to my left, by the aging hippy driving a car as old as himself, with one hand on his beer and the other lighting a cigaSFUUF BT XF XPVOE PVS XBZ VQ UIF IBMG mOJTIFE road. Seamlessly, as if we were already sewn into nature’s quilt, towards the small camp in which I was to spend the next six weeks.

8IFO XF mOBMMZ SFBDIFE UIF UIPVHIUGVMMZ named Last Stop cafĂŠ, the road ended and we were greeted by a twenty-minute trek down the mountainside, following the red and white stones of the Lycian way. I felt as a camel, lugging my rucksack full of needless things, heading for the oasis, Sultan camp, at the bottom of the hill. The camp has tents and wooden bungalows as the valley permits building only with natural materials, this includes a stone-built plunge pool with fresh mountain water, like a GUM / issue 01 / 2011

jewel, it twinkles in the midday sun, glazing the body in icy perfection as the temperature simmers.

The valley is the retreat of travellers and aging hippies, who stop off to lounge naked in the gushing waterfalls and swim into the ancient cave just off the shore of Kabak beach. In this fragile balance of secrecy, the tiny boats bob in the bay, swaying to the distant beats of reggae music. It was to this beat that one night I followed the spiritual calling of the valley to meet the turtles that make their journey once a year to lay their eggs.

In this place, they are royalty, as they clamber onto the beach, metres from where we had set up camp for the night, their crowns glinted in the moonlight as humans retreated to their canvas shell, making way for these ancient kings to lead the path for their next generation, preserving paradise. We walked along the sand as they returned to the ocean; here we are just like them.

features / a r t / fashion / politics / music

Painting by ANDY KING



africa sky

ÀUH

Overhead is the pink sky of possibility, Plush with stagnant evening, Holding in its colour a people, a place, a peace.

Legs like two lovers folding into each other, Setting the bed alight Rippling the orange, red and blue which lick at every mark and indentation, 5VSOJOH UIF XPPE UP nFTI

A colour to melt all boundaries "T UIF NPSOJOH nBNF TMPXMZ CVSOT PVU Leaving its trail of untame wax as the day Drips away.

And gasoline to blood.

Dusk.

Poems by LUCY CHESELDINE GUM / issue 01 / 2011

11

features / a r t / fashion / politics / music

ď ˇ

WKH ÀUH EXUQV DQG EXUQV Theatre or therapy? Abraham Parker Clare takes part in an unusual performance at the 2011 Arches Live.

Entering the theatre space we felt as though we had stumbled into an alcoholic’s anonymous meeting. A small circle of ten, we perched hesitantly on our chairs. Creators, Nic Green and Peter McMaster, sat amongst us in the circle and welcomed us with warm eyes and smiles. We had all been informed of the ‘nature’ of what we were about to partake in (the "SDIFT CPY PGmDF XBSOFE UIBU BVEJence members must remove all their clothes during the performance), but we had no idea what to expect.

which thickened the darkness with a sense of togetherness. We left the tent rejuvenated. We were washed two at a time by Green and McMaster – who had each offered an articulation of their inner-burning the same as the rest of us – and returned to the circle where the performance wound down with cups of herbal tea.

5IJT VODPOWFOUJPOBM QJFDF UZQJmFT Nic Green’s fresh and dynamic approach to theatre. She is a practitioner who favours involving her own genuine experiences in her work, performing as herself rather than simulative acting, and breaking down barriers that isolate audience members from many productions.

Here she and McMaster encouraged their audience to bring their own personal experiences to life in the performance. The piece left the audience feeling refreshed and After a short physical sequence in good about themselves, as much of the centre of the circle – a humming Green's work does. Her marvellous Green twisted and turned slowly be- feminist production ‘Trilogy’ ends fore us, managing to balance a small with female audience members candle on her head, thigh, lower taking to the stage in the nude and back and neck in singing Blake’s moments of stillJerusalem. It is a OFTTø o XF XFSF 7KH $UFKHV ER[ RIĂ€FH powerful and joyinvited next door, warned that audience ous climax. ‘Trilwhere the circle members must remove ogy’ is not overtly reassembled, but all their clothes during provocative but this time nude. We the performance" rather champions then ducked into a femininity and celsilver tepee, sensebrates the female ing that inside, the piece would really body. McMaster’s solo work also diCFHJO BOE UIF mSF XPVME LJOEMF " SFDUMZ BEESFTTFT UIF XPSME IF mOET platter of hot coals heated the tepee himself in and considers his genlike a sauna. Green and McMaster der. He has developed a version of told us the deal: the single candle Wuthering Heights with an all-male lighting the tepee would be blown cast which, in his own words, tries out and we, in no particular order, “to interrogate the state of modern would speak of what was burning masculinityâ€?. In their collaboration within our lives at the moment. Once at The Arches the two artists have one person’s offering had conclud- done what they do best, bring the ed, Green would pour water onto the stories that surround them to life on coals, steam would rise from them the stage. and the next offering would begin.

Was that okay with us? Heads nod- Anything but your typical play, ‘The ded and the candle was blown out.

Fire Burns and Burns’ is more of a therapeutic opportunity to unwind.

In the black, something wonder- Green and McMaster create an enful happened. A group of strangers vironment which lets loose the audiloosened inhibitions and shared ence’s emotions. They come away deep, true feelings with one an- feeling lifted. The social barriers enother. Ten minutes must have nearly forced in everyday life disappear in QBTTFE CFGPSF UIF mSTU XPSE XBT a warm, liberating darkness which spoken, but by the end tears had gives every word and every feeling nPXFE BT TUPSJFT XFSF UPME BOE PVS a relevance. For those who experiangers, anxieties and joys were re- enced it, the memory of this piece leased. Open and truthful, the ten XJMM LFFQ UIF nBNFT CVSOJOH CSJHIU of us disclosed pieces of our lives inside them for a long time to come.

12

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

Engaging opportunities…

The Hunterian’s rich and diverse collections are right on your doorstep and a range of opportunities are available which can be accessed as part of your studies. If your course doesn’t bring you to us directly, we have an exciting exhibitions and events programme for you.

Visit our website and sign up to our e-newsletter, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

www.glasgow.ac.uk/hunterian The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

13

Photos by PHOEBE CROMPTON

features / a r t / fashion / politics / music

"These where ultimate works of concrete poetry: sculptures which conveyed their intended effect through their arrangement with nature."

ď ¸ Phoebe Crompton explores the mysterious garden of a deceased poet and reveals its hidden secrets.

Up in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh lies Little Sparta, the garden of deceased poet and philosopher Ian Hamilton Finlay. Framed by the surrounding barren landscape, his carefully placed sculptures, concrete poetry and artifacts form what is arguably Finlay’s greatest work of art and regarded as one of the prominent imaginative modern gardens in Europe.

Taking its name from the original Sparta, in opposition to Edinburgh’s nickname “Athens of the North�, Little Sparta has the air of an ancient landscape waiting to be explored. All visitors are made to walk the half-mile uphill to a house, ascending to views over Dunsyre and UIF GFFMJOH PG BO JOUJNBUF IJEEFO mOE The sculptures make references to all aspects of the arts and science, and would serve as an entertaining, educating puzzle for a great intellectual. As someone of average education, * IBE UP TUJDL UP UIF MFBnFU XIJDI USBOTDSJCFE some of the artifacts’ meanings.

Established from very humble beginnings, on 14

a lonely croft at Stonycroft in 1966, both Finlay and his wife gradually built up this avantHBSEFO mMMJOH JU XJUI PWFS BSUXPSLT 5IFZ worked upon the stony land to cultivate a 5-acre span comprised of individual landscapes, each with its own mood and character, including a miniature lake called Lock Eck.

undergrowth, bearing the dates of German painter Caspar David Friedrich, served as a solemn memorial.

As I was directed along the grassy paths lined with trees there was a great sense of anticipation as to what I would come across next.

Almost like a country walk, the garden made This makes for a feeling of exploration and dis- the sculptures strange, as if something mystecovery, as you pass from one carefully craft- rious and important had been hidden away. At ed space to the next. The cottage garden is one point a huge golden head, framed by two mMMFE XJUI 'JOMBZ T AHBSEFO sloping tree trunks and poetry’, with lines of phiwith the inscription “Apollosophy carved into the "The stone sculptures in lon Terroriste� carved bricks of the pathways. amongst the trees and on the forehead, at anEverything is carefully bushes gave the impression other a small pond with a placed and given greater of found artifacts in some chained boat moored at a TJHOJmDBODF CZ JUT TVS- strange, unexplored wood" solitary dock. roundings. Around a tree, whose moving branches Each artifact worked in apparently recalled the sound of the sea to the context of its surroundings, ruling over its Finlay, is a bench inscribed with the verse THE particular space and gathering meaning from SEA’S WAVES/ THAE WAVES’ SHEAVES/ THE UIF USFFT BOE nPXFST HSPXJOH BSPVOE 5IFTF SEA’S NAVES, echoing the sound of the ocean. where ultimate works of concrete poetry: sculptures which conveyed their intended effect Delving deeper into the garden, there was a through their arrangement with nature. Leaving miniature forest planted entirely by Finlay and the grounds, and walking back to the car, I felt his wife. The stone sculptures in amongst the I had left something eerily important behind. All trees and bushes gave the impression of found in all, the garden of Little Sparta is a strange artifacts in some strange, unexplored wood. A QMBDF CVU POF UIBU EFmOJUFMZ EFTFSWFT JUT UJUMF stone pyramid stood on a podium above the as Scotland’s greatest work of art.

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

features / a r t / fashion / politics / music

ď š

Summer through the eyes of Claire Maxwell "Photography is my preferred way of storytelling and recording" "These photos were taken on Ile d'Yeu, a small French island.

Sun, sea, sand, cycling, discovering and good food.

It was a lovely escape.

My favourite summer memory, though? Driving up the east DPBTU PG "VTUSBMJB ø* EPOhU UIJOL I've ever felt so free. It was incredible."

See more of Claire’s works: www.clairemaxwell.com

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

15

fashion u

hot child in the city

ď ľ Hot Glaswegian Child in the City: Designer Hannah Barr

Hot Glaswegian Child in the City: Model Adrian Skyler

Hannah Barr, 24, has just graduated from the highly esteemed Central Saint Martins and now has a place on the college’s muchcoveted Master’s course in Women’s wear. Having lived in Paris and New York, Hannah tells us why London is her favourite.

Adrian Skyler is going to be one of next season's biggest things, having already set a high bar for himself with his debut at Abercrombie and Fitch. Originally from Glasgow, Adrian has lived in NYC for the past 4 years, drawn there by its notorious bright lights.

Who inspires you?

My muse changes from day to day: she is hard to pin down, but I usually get inspired by a mood from a photograph or from art. For FYBNQMF * BN DVSSFOUMZ JOUSJHVFE CZ 1JDBTTP :PV DBO mOE JOTQJSBUJPO JO everything, particularly London streets where there is a whole plethora of activity and people: as a fashion capital it’s unique. The people are so much more daring, and Londoners’ fashion operates in a vacuum all of its own, liberated from the constraints of formal continental norms.

How did you break into modelling?

New York held for me the same appeal it has and does for thousands.

It’s an indescribable town, every bit the Melting Pot it’s said to be so when I was offered a place at Drama school, I upped sticks and took it!

During my time there I was scouted when en route to the gym and got my break into modelling.

Give us an insight into Fashion Week.

I have worked on shows in London, Paris and New York. The city comes alive at Fashion Week; there are just beautiful, cool, (if slightly intimidating!) people everywhere, which is great for people watching! You don’t sleep the night before the show the theory being that it's bad luck. You head straight to the venue from the studio and then get ready to party.

For you, what are London's best bits?

7ZOFS 4USFFU JO )BDLOFZ GSFF FYIJCJUJPOT PO UIF mSTU 5IVSTEBZ PG UIF month that really showcase new talent. I love the crazy, crazy Saint Martin’s art student’s dress sense. Shoreditch House in London’s East End has an amazing roof terrace; it is perfect for vino and seeing hazy summer nights. In the West of London, there is Portobello Market, which IBT B IVHF TFMFDUJPO PG HSFBU WJOUBHF mOET Tell us, why will Glasgow always be home?

I really miss my Glasgow home comforts; it’s the small things like random chats with strangers, which is just not done in London - people would think you are odd! When I come home I make a point of getting B OPWFMUZ *SO #SV JO .D%POBMET :PV EPO U BQQSFDJBUF XIBU B DMFBO city Glasgow actually is until you live somewhere like London - even the water is nicer up North! Glasgow has a lot to offer, including some spectacular buildings. It also has this great compact nightlife; you can easily hop around the city exploring new pubs and bars, all within an easy reach. Actually, I think I might come home this weekend‌

16

What has been your best experience in New York so far?

It’s actually hard to say, there have been so many. A real highlight for me so far was working New York Fashion Week: it’s hectic, you have to rush all over town to different castings and, between the work and the parties, you get very little sleep. It’s amazing though, you get to meet so many great people in the industry and it’s a real chance to get yourself PVU UIFSF :PV TFF UIF NPTU CFBVUJGVM BOE UIF NPTU JOnVFOUJBM QFPQMF JO fashion all under the one roof – it’s surreal.

Tell us about your New York, your recommendations?

The buzz in Manhattan is indescribable; you have to experience it mSTU IBOE #VU UIF QMBDF IBT FWFSZUIJOH * MPWF IPX CVTZ UIF DJUZ JT IPX there are always tons of places open all night, how friendly people are, how stylish the city is, I love how every single tiny neighbourhood in New York is so different to the next.

Finally, for you, what are Glasgow’s best bits?

My family are in Glasgow, its where I grew up, so it will always be home.

On a less sentimental note though, I love Glasgow’s uniqueness in that everything you need is practically on your doorstep, good eateries, CBST BOE TIPQT 5IF 8FTU &OE GFFMT MJLF B WJMMBHF XJUI #ZSFT 3PBE BT its main street: it has so much to offer, like its little vintage stores and cosmopolitan cafes. I enjoy breakfasts as Stravaigin and drinks on the wine terrace of the Ubiquitous chip, especially when the sun is out.

Text by MORVEN CLEMENTS

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

features / art / f a s h i o n / politics / music

Photography ANDY KING // Stylist GINGER CLARK // Model ASHLEIGH BRADSHAW // Make-up VIKKI SKILLING

o

BELLE D'AUTUMNE

Hood by CHOUCHOU COUTURE (£55) Cardigan from TOPSHOP (£42)

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

17

dress by JENNIE LÖÖF socks from AMERICAN APPAREL (£16) shoes from NEW LOOK (£39.99)

18

coat by JENNIE LÖÖF dress by CHOUCHOU COUTURE (£76) shoes from NEW LOOK (£39.99)

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

features / art / f a s h i o n / politics / music

top by JENNIE LÖÖF fur vest by CHOUCHOU COUTURE (£51) trousers from TOPSHOP (£40) head-dress by FAIR FEATHERED FRIEND (£23)

GUM / issue ALL01 JENNIE / 2011 LÖÖF DESIGNS AVAILABLE AT LA LA LAND SHOP

19

features / art / f a s h i o n / politics / music

ď ˇ

the age of knitting "Knitters were always there" Out of context, this statement might sound a little absurd, but in the light of the last decade, many interesting discussions can be had on the subject.

Knitting has made quite a considerable comeback in the last few years, not merely because we have become more attracted to ‘traditional’ knitwear on the catwalk; Aran jumpers, cabled designs and crocheted cardigans are all over the high street. Reportedly a hobby of such well-known names as Amanda Seyfried, Cameron Diaz and, of course, Gromit, knitting has, in recent years, exploded in popularity: "Knitting for women is a new construct" says Antje Karl, proprietor of The Yarn Cake on Queen Margaret Drive.

So, what has caused this recent resurgence then? "It started off as almost a feminist movement in the States’" explains Antje. People such as Debbie Stoller, author of the bestselling ‘Stitch n Bitch’ books helped kick-start a new era of knitting. Since then, the websites knitty.com and ravelry.com have helped inspire knitters all over the world, by creating an accessible database of patterns: "Younger, geekier knitters had resources - somewhere to go. Knitters were always there."

The knitting groups that meet in Glasgow, it appears, are made up of quite a range of different ages and occupations, though most prevalently "it’s professional women in their ‘20s, 30s, 40s who use the internet a lot" continues Antje. That’s not to say that knitting is only considered a female hobby, as quite a few young men have visited the shop to knit something for their girlfriend.

So, what is the appeal? For many it may appear as quite an expensive and time-consuming hobby, with more and more crafters knitting themselves little pieces of luxury in alpaca, cashmere and mohair. Perhaps the answer lies in the main difference between knitting now and in the past- it has become a means of socialising with people who are likeminded, and often with people "Surprising though it you would never Surprising though may seem, knitting was have spoken to it may seem, knit- originally a pastime otherwise. Moreoting was originally a associated with men" ver, there is a kind pastime associated of happy pride in with men, in particwearing something ular sailors, who would knit functional you’ve made yourself, whether big or items while on watch for hours at a TNBMM *U T EFmOJUFMZ XPSUI B TIPU time. The golden days of knitting however, were perhaps the 40s, when it For students wishing to learn the was a means of saving money in warropes, online tutorials are plentiful, time; and the 50s and 60s, when knit- but The Yarn Cake boasts two knitting ting had a huge boost with patterns groups who are experienced enough tailored for haute-couture. Suffering to deal with any problem you might a slump in the 1980s, the craft was have. These run on Tuesdays and deemed old-fashioned, possibly due Thursdays 6 to 10pm. to the items of increasing ugliness created by your granny.

Text by CATRIONA PERRY Illustration by ROBYN DALE

20

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

LES GARCONS DE GLASGOW

KINGDOM OF STYLE

Les Garcons, nominated by Vogue as a 'next generation' blog, have made a name for themselves by providing the ultimate guide to style in Glasgow and beyond. Armed with a camera, the talented duo capture style where it's at its best: on the streets. With a great eye and an aptitude for catching those little details which SFBMMZ NBLF BO PVUmU BO VQ UVSOFE DPMMBS B statement necklace, a slick of lipstick) they really don't miss a trick. And although our streets may be wet and sullen - providing ample opQPSUVOJUZ GPS VT UP mHIU XJUI PVS VNCSFMMBT UIJT blog has managed to capture the fashion spirit of the city as one which is diverse, creative and yes, unstoppable.

Michelle and Marie (or Queen Michelle and Queen Marie as we have come to know them) deliver a blog which is more than just pictures to please our peepers. Witty, humorous and of course stylish, the pair provide us with some sweet respite from the, what can be, all-consuming seriousness of the blogging world. In saying this, their fashion content is some of the best around and it is our goUP GPS mOEJOH PVU BCPVU OFX EFTJHOFST BOE GSFTI QMBDFT UP nBTI PVS DBTI 8IBUhT NPSF you can see how these women dress when they too understand the perils of living in a city which has the misfortune of experiencing every season in one single day.

http://www.lesgarconsdeglasgow.blogspot.com

features / art / f a s h i o n / politics / music

ď ¸

http://www.kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk

BEE WAITS FOR NO ONE

GINGER FASHION MONSTERS

STYLE SCANNER

Bee Waits For No One is another blog with its ears glued to Glasgow’s very fashion-forward ground. Created by Claire, who also co-runs a multimedia fashion show (In the Company of Wolves), it comes as no surprise that the blog provides an excellent insight into the up-andcoming designers making their mark on our city -not forgetting the fact she gives an excellent review of all things fashion and beauty. So sneak a peek at what is happening with the likes of Obscure Couture and Jennie LÜÜf and TDBO UIF CMPH UP mOE PVU BCPVU UIF BMM UIPTF events you don’t want to miss out on!

GUM's very own fashion editor can be found in the blogosphere along with her equally BOE FOWJBCMZ TUZMJTI CSPUIFS 8JUI mOHFST mSNMZ QSFTTFE PO UIF GBTIJPO QVMTF UIFZ bring us image after image of self-styled shoots often featuring clothes they've customised themselves, tracked down in charity shops for tuppence or which come from the collections of some of Glasgow's brightest designers. Living proof that student fashion is not all oversized hoodies and last night's vodka-stained clothes. The blog is also peppered with sketches, behind-the-scenes videos, and snippets of new trends.

Another Vogue-nominated 'next generation' CMPH 4UZMF 4DBOOFS JT PVS mSTU QPSU PG DBMM GPS EFmOJUJWF DPPM JO (MBTHPX 4DSPMMJOH UISPVHI the street style snaps is guaranteed to make you green with envy, and you can spy a number of musicians, actresses and creative types showcasing their own sartorial savvy.

Much more than this, the blog also delves into art, music and Glasgow's hottest events.

http://www.beewaits.blogspot.com

http://www.gingerfashionmonsters.blogspot.com GUM / issue 01 / 2011

http://www.stylescanner.blogspot.com

21

politics

Photo by KEITH MARIN

ď ľ

I have arrived at Kenny MacAskill's Edinburgh DPOTUJUVFODZ PGmDF JO UIF QPVSJOH SBJO UP CF greeted by a man whose mood should mirror the weather. Attacked on all sides for his 2009 decision to let Megrahi die in Libya, he found himself on the front page of newspapers around the world. Instead, I am greeted with an enthusiastic smile and a handshake. .BD"TLJMM CFDLPOT NF JOUP IJT PGmDF B TQBSTFly decorated box room at the back of the building.



“We have tribalism, we have institutionalised violence, quite often going through football DMVCT XIJDI JT OPUIJOH UP EP XJUI GBJUI #VU Scotland is a better place and, as I say, the whole purpose of independence is making Scotland a better place. And what we are keen on as a government is not just tackling sectarianism: it's not just about saying what we're against, it's what we're for. What we're for is a Scotland that's tolerant and respectful of others.�

Despite his cool demeanor, This may prove to be more IF mEHFUT XJUI IJT QFO BOE "We have tribalism, we EJGmDVMU UIBO JU TPVOET #VU glances at the pad of pa- have institutionalised as if to prove MacAskill's per in my hand. Al Megrahi violence, quite often going point about how much is not the only thing trou- through football clubs, sectarianism has ebbed bling his mind; with every which is nothing to do with away, the Catholic leader QPMM TIPXJOH MPX mHVSFT JO faith" Cardinal Keith Patrick support of independence, O' Brien has provoked fury the Scottish National Party by labeling the SNPs prois balancing on a knife-edge. Despite winning posed gay marriage legislation as an 'abomia landslide victory in the recent Scottish parlianation.' It is questionable whether the Cardimentary elections, their mandate for self-govnal’s views could have been expressed at all ernance failed to resonate with the population. forty years ago, when a Catholic might have Why are the Scottish people so hesitant? had to struggle to even secure a public-sector job. Still, in a country where only three percent “If there's a problem with independence, it's of the population regularly attends a Catholic the excuses,� .BD"TLJMM QSPDMBJNT DPOmEFOUMZ Church, I wonder how MacAskill feels about “When Canada has a problem, it doesn't look this suffusion of religion and politics? south of the forty-ninth parallel for a solution.

We need to learn to take responsibility for our “I think moral values and faith are important actions.� to everybody, whether it's religious faith or whether it's humanist faith. I think we live in a I ask for an example; XPSME XIFSF XFhWF NPWFE PO GSPN UIF #MBJS Thatcher days, where the only faith was the “The war in Iraq. It's our people who die there. cult of Mammon, where the only thing to live It's our young men and sometimes our young for was to advance your material wealth. women who don't come home. I don't think * UIJOL UIF EJGmDVMU FDPOPNJD UJNFT IBWF TIPXO we should have gone to war there. There are that it's not all about the money, but that it’s The Justice Minister of Scotland is determined JOTUBODFT CFDBVTF *hN OPU B QBDJmTU XIFSF about coming together as a society. There to stand his ground. On being asked about the XF NBZ DIPPTF UP HP UP XBS #VU XF TIPVME are things more important than money and it's release of the Lockerbie Bomber, Kenny decide that.� about looking after each other. So, as I say, I MacAskill replies: think religion has an important part to play, as I suspect the Justice Minister does faith in general. Equally, it's about being “We have compassionate reof being a little sparse in his tolerant and respectful.� lease in Scotland. Where peo- "If there's a problem analysis of the situation. The ple meet the criteria, then irre- with independence, leader of the Scottish National As I thank him for his time and make ready to spective of the crime they have it's the excuses" Party, Alex Salmond, has found leave, I decide to dangle a line in front of the committed and who they are, himself harangued for the lack justice minister. I point out that the Cardinal they can be granted release. of transparency regarding the could have been showing compassion to soSo I've done what my predecessors have independence question. Especially poignant ciety by defending the traditional family moddone. I think it's an important aspect of Scotat the moment is the spectre of sectarian vioel. He pauses, before chuckling to himself. tish jurisdiction and every jurisdiction in the lence: after letter bombs were sent to several Amidst the clamor of political questions asked world and long may that continue.�

IJHI QSPmMF $BUIPMJDT JO .BSDI UIF JTTVF IBT to him in recent months, MacAskill seems gensubsumed the nation's tabloids. uinely pleased to answer something a bit more )F DPOUJOVFT SFGFSSJOH UP B WJEFP mMNFE CZ philosophical. He replies with a smile: CNN, showing Megrahi near death in his fam“Sectarianism is a problem in Scotland, let's ily home: BDDFQU UIBU #VU TFDUBSJBOJTN JT MFTT PG B QSPC“I think some values are universal, and are lem in Scotland now than it was when I was universal across faiths, nations and cultures, your age. Institutionalised sectarianism, where and they transcend time. So obviously some “We did the right thing. Mr Al Megrahi is a sick you could not obtain employment in various societal factors change, and some things are man terminally ill with prostate cancer. The sectors of the economy because you were a SFMBUJWF #VU * UIJOL DPNQBTTJPO HPPEOFTT pictures that were shown by CNN were selfCatholic, have gone.� charity, justice: these things are eternal.� evident and it is a travesty that various newspapers – in particular, in Scotland – were sugSo the issue has been exaggerated? gesting something otherwise just days before.�

the nice guy of nationalism

Keith Marin catches up with the Scottish Justice Minister to discuss a rather controversial release, the issue of independence and ends XS UHĂ HFWLQJ RQ questions of faith and tolerance.

22

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

Photo by AGATHE WEISS

features / art / fashion / p o l i t i c s / music

o

OH[ JDGGDĂ€ D SUREOHPDWLF SUHFHGHQW Linus SiĂśland analyses the events in the Arab world over the past eight months and hopes that previous mistakes made by the West will not be repeated.

nFEHFE DJWJM XBS BT IF USJFE UP SFUBJO the reins of his desert state. When conscripts QSPWFE VOXJMMJOH UP mSF VQPO UIFJS DPNQBUSJPUT (BEEBm CSPVHIU JO NFSDFOBSJFT 8IFO UIF ranks of the rebels swelled and the rebellion TQSFBE (BEEBm o OFWFS DPOTJEFSFE B QBSBHPO of mental health and clarity – launched into tirades blaming al-Qaida for feeding psychedelic drugs to the population, further cementing his reputation as a malevolent lunatic. Enter now, on white stallions, three gentlemen in dire need of distraction from growing unpopularity and unrest at home: Messrs’ Obama, Sarkozy and Cameron.

There can’t be many that anticipated the full FYUFOU PG XIBU XBT IBQQFOJOH BT UIF mSTU CVE of the Arab Spring burst in Tunis last spring.

What started out with the self-immolation of a Tunisian street vendor – preferring death by In retrospect, yours truly would applaud the mSF UP UIF XBZ UIF BVUIPSJUJFT EJE UIFJS CFTU UP military effort in Libya to a certain extent. The make his life misery – ended with a tidal wave enforcement of UN Security Council Resoluthat swept over North tion 1973, establishing a Africa and much of the OP nZ [POF PWFS -JCZB BOE Arab world, taking with *DGGDÀ ODXQFKHG LQWR decreeing the protection it some of the region’s tirades blaming al-Qaida of civilians, was a laudable longest-incumbent dic- for feeding drugs to the action from an organisation tators: Tunisia’s Zine El population" that, under the leadership Abidine Ben Ali; Egypt’s of the aggressively beige Hosni Mubarak; and, Ban Ki-Moon, has become most recently, it forever took the world’s least all the more convincing in its role as a giant favourite colonel: Libya’s long-time leader with clay feet. However, two problems arise .VBNNBS BM (BEEBm when two out of the three gentlemen – Obama being generally busy trying not to infuriate an While no democrat will laud Ben Ali’s or Mu- already irrationally hostile Congress – decided barak’s treatment of their respective citizenries, to take the game further, actively co-operating (BEEBm XBT CZ GBS UIF NPTU CSVUBM with and directing rebel assaults. of the three in his response to the spring’s popular demonstrations, plunging Libya into a full- 5IF mSTU SFTVMUJOH QSPCMFN JT UIBU CPUI UIF

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

United Kingdom and France now are implicitly expected to participate in the re-launching of the Libyan state, a task that might prove HerDVMFBO BT XFMM BT 4JTZQIFBO OPU POMZ EJGmDVMU but possibly even undoable and futile. Such state building has already been tried in Iraq, an experiment few would deem successful.

Unsurprisingly, the Iraqi citizens were unimQSFTTFE XJUI B GPSFJHO DPBMJUJPO mSTU CPNCJOH their infrastructure back to the Middle Ages, and then telling them how to organise their state.

The second problem is that such decisive, direct action and intervention in a country’s civil war sets a precedent for future, similar situations. One such situation might very well be Syria, where president Bashir al-Assad has done his best to repress legitimate protest against Syria’s dynastic presidency, motivating the crackdown with his favourite spiel: ‘We’re OPU mHIUJOH SFGPSNFST XF SF mHIUJOH UFSSPSJTUT and criminals.’ While the Libyan still spectacularly dwarfs the Syrian death toll, the mess NJHIU WFSZ XFMM FOE JO CMPPEZ DPOnJDU *G TVDI DPOnJDU XPVME BSJTF BOE 1SFTJEFOU "TTBE XPVME DIPPTF UP UBLF UIF (BEEBmBO BQQSPBDI UP DPOnJDU TPMWJOH UIF 8FTUFSO QPXFST should follow the Libyan example and protect the Syrian civilians. What shouldn’t be done, and shouldn’t have been done in Libya either, is another stab at Middle Eastern state building – of all things the region need, it’s not another political catastrophe of Blairite proportions.

23

features / art / fashion / p o l i t i c s / music

ď ˇ the state of satirising the state Jordan Mulligan examines the condition of political comedy today and shows that it can be a powerful tool as well as being funny.

When last year’s anti-cuts demonstration resulted in wide spread violence and property damage, Britain’s political satirists were quick to pass comment. Every single tired line was SFVTFE PWFS BOE PWFS VOUJM UIF JTTVF mOBMMZ left the front pages, and they could return to commenting on how much David Cameron and Nick Clegg resembled Ant and Dec. This slump in imaginative satire has lasted for over a decade. The blame falls squarely on one man's shoulders: when George Bush came to

24

power in 2000 the world was introduced to a punch line in a cowboy hat. “Bush-isms� became merchandisable entities and comedians struck - what they believed to be - fourteencarat comedy gold. The political parody didn't stop there: the birth of Mock the Week and a host of related features introduced the nation to a new, torpid form of satire. But the end is near.

While the mainstream media continues to shell out money for obvious jokes on current affairs stories, the grass roots of something far more original are sprouting away from the cameras.

Likewise, since his return to Edinburgh last year, Andy Zaltzmann (of The Bugle podcast) has put on two stellar solo shows. This year’s show, “Arm Chair Revolutionary,� discusses the social network-induced revolutions of the Arab Spring and whether the apathy of the British public would stand in the way of a tyrant's overthrow. This is a genuinely interesting and intelligent political discussion, delivered in a MJHIU IFBSUFE BOE VOnJODIJOHMZ WFSCPTF TUZMF He revels in lengthy groan-prompting puns and GBDUT QFQQFSFE XJUI mDUJPO )JT TBUJSJDBM WPJDF is markedly original and his discussion of subjects ranging from the AV referendum and the welfare state to Syria feels fresh and uplifting.

Josie Long, known best for her cameo appearance as a career advisor in Skins, has in recent years moved into more ambitious terrain. Her recent show, “The Future is Another Place,� enPolitical comedy does not have to manipulate courages people who want change within govthe inane quote or the most discernible point ernment to do something of mockery from a curabout it. While she admits rent affairs story. Instead that at times her material "Bush-isms became it should be a platform for verges on the preachy, her merchandisable entities people to question those in warmth and passion for the and comedians struck power and to mock those subject – not to mention her what they believed to be who abuse their position. It tangents about Paul Simon fourteen carat comedy can be a soapbox for those and the Brontes - keep the gold" who want to see a change audience on her side. She and a place to examine the manages to deliver a show, stories presented to us by which has a genuinely positive effect on those newspapers. Most importantly of all is that it that see it. It is not only political satire, but also can be genuinely hilarious. political action.

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

Illustration by INA ANDERSSON

workers of tomorrow. They also provide valuable services to those in the developing world through the work that they do. So where is the problem?

volunteer ethics Judy Barrett examines the incentives for volunteering abroad and asks how genuine the motives really are.

In the last twenty years, the opportunity to take people of all ages to developing countries in the name of charity work has increased tenfold.

Package holidays are passÊ. Development is in. More frequently among the middle-class, if you aren't roughing it and doing some vital soul-searching, you are wasting your time. This has become the trend to such an extent that people seemingly compete for the crown of "Most Genuine Development Worker." Points for IBWJOH UP TMFFQ PO UIF nPPS 1PJOUT GPS IBWJOH B tribal name. If you contract a tropical disease, proceed to Go. It goes so far that people will seek out development hotspots, and name drop them for street credit amongst their developmentally conscious peers. A friend of mine met a man on the plane who was actively seeking to travel in some of the hardest most war-torn and striferidden countries in the world: Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and the DRC. He wore these destinations like badges of honour - insensitive to the fact that people actually live in these countries. I've heard this kind of thrill-seeking BDUJWFMZ NPTU mUUJOHMZ EFTDSJCFE BT ýQPWFSUZ

This summer I was lucky enough to travel to Malawi and get involved in a ten-week voluntary project. The group consisted of students from a range of academic disciplines. We taught, we engaged in youth work and we assisted the local home-based care scheme.

But the most valuable thing we brought with us was money. Crude as it is, this is where the facts lie. There was very little that we achieved that could not have been done by Malawians UIFNTFMWFT JG UIFZ IBE UIF mOBODJBM DBQBDJUZ Ultimately, as untrained volunteers, we came along for the ride. Pride, emotion, satisfaction, GSJFOETIJQT BOE FYDJUFNFOU o BMM XFSF CFOFmUT to be gained from the poverty tourism package.

This wasn't the only problem. On the 20th of July, Malawi experienced nationwide protests against the head of state. In the midst of the troubles were hundreds of volunteers, includtourism." Indeed the incredulous fascination ing the group I was with. We heard that the of many people to see these living conditions army had been called in, and that gunshots is almost comical. One Cambodian teacher I BOE UFBS HBT IBE CFFO mSFE :FU NBOZ PG VT worked with at an orphanage openly laughed wanted to go and see what was happening at a group of Americans snapping pictures of and I excitedly texted my father - who had lived the children at play. They in Africa for many years - atwere quite simply on orphan tempting to justify my mosafari.

"Agencies seem to take tives for joining the protests. this idea of 'poverty I knew he would be worried Fittingly, there are agencies tourism' to heart, acting but I did not expect the rethat seem to take this idea as development ply I got: "You are going for of "poverty tourism" to heart, organisations to hide all the wrong reasons. You acting as development what is essentially a have not been there long organisations to hide what package holiday" enough to truly understand is essentially a package the nature of the protest. holiday. A few odd jobs in a Your voyeurism will not be shantytown are thrown in to quell the guilt of welcome." He had cut right to the heart of my UIF QSPmU NBLFST XIP DIBSHF FYPSCJUBOU TVNT African adventure. I remembered I was just a to help young people "make a difference". Bevisitor, perhaps a pleasant temporary feature, ware, if you go looking for yourself, you may but not a necessity. mOE UIBU ZPV IBWF BMSFBEZ MFGU The ethics behind volunteering abroad are It would be foolish however to pretend that complex enough without approaching the issuch projects are all dishonest. People care for sues of dependency and pseudo-colonialism. I those who are struggling and suffering in the do not wish to put anyone off: it would be hypoworld - such has always been the case. There critical of me, and the work that most of these is no credit in stopping them. Similarly, we can- projects provide is of great value to the comnot deny that the organisations that provide munities. But there is no real moral high ground TVDI PQQPSUVOJUJFT BSF TJNQMZ HBJOJOH B QSPmU to be taken, when more often than not voyeurfrom the latest trend. But projects run by the ism and adventure play as big an incentive as MJLFT PG 740 BOE *$4 BSF OPO QSPmU TDIFNFT charity. Yet with this honest acknowledgement, They look not only to broaden the horizons of perhaps it is not such a bitter pill to swallow. young people from a more privileged backIt is certainly easier than a false sense of selfground, but also to engage the potential aid righteousness.

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

25

features / art / fashion / p o l i t i c s / music

ď ¸

features / art / fashion / p o l i t i c s / music

polluted policies Daniel Patterson takes a look at the dangers of China’s environmental policies as the country’s booming economy is turning it into a leading global power.

The Conservative Party conference in October began with a discussion about the environment, signalling a continued effort by Britain's political parties to tow the green line. However, do our efforts really make a difference in the face of the enormous greenhouse gas emissions from China and the developing world?

China has rapidly developed the world’s second-largest economy and is industriously competing to usurp the United States and emerge as a superpower. Many analysts believe that, because of the Chinese government’s numerous controversial practices, the country is not ready to assume such a role. The ruling Communist Party is frequently condemned for its oppression of civil liberty, as well as manipulation of the Yuan currency. The geopolitical statuses of Tibet and Taiwan have also proven contentious, with the Beijing administration claiming both as rightful territories of the People’s Republic.

ď š

was surprised to learn that the radiators had However, China’s irresponsible environmental been switched off and would not be effective policies may soon comprise the most crucial again until November, despite there still being aspect of our diplomatic agenda. China is the snow on the ground. I was told that the state world’s largest producer of greenhouse gases controls all heating in urban areas and that, in and is home to twenty of the planet’s thirty most order to save energy and money, it is only availpolluted cities. An estimated three hundred able during winter. million people depend on contaminated drinking water and every year, Such a policy is impractical approximately three-quarters "China’s approach to for any country, but is espeof a million citizens die from environmental cially so when implemented pollution-related diseases. responsibility is through a land that spans Just 1% of urban residents curious and misguided; thousands of miles and incorbreathe air that is deemed in every instance, it porates a variety of climates. safe, while elsewhere a seems that the citizen Those living in cities must chronic drought is ravaging loses out" nonchalantly accept freezing farmland and advancing detemperatures for the sake of TFSUJmDBUJPO energy saving, whilst neon lights unnecessarily illuminate millions of buildChina’s approach to environmental responsibilings across China. In certain cities, such as ity is curious and misguided; in every instance, Shijiazhuang, these lights are switched off for it seems that the citizen loses out. The govern- one hour each month, in a supposed energyment’s insistence on central-planning extends saving measure. When considering China’s to matters as basic as the heating of private overall energy consumption, it is unlikely that buildings. While in northern China in March, I brief power outages make any real difference.

26

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

In the past, the Chinese government has been overly defensive when faced with international criticism and this kind of gesture serves to undermine Western efforts to protect the environment. Europeans are encouraged to switch individual lights off after leaving rooms and most administrations have seriously attempted to realise the seventh Millennium Goal: to ‘ensure environmental sustainability’. We aim to create a clean and healthy environment but it seems that any progress made in the West is soon cancelled out in the East.

A startling lack of industrial regulation has resulted in Chinese companies enjoying relative freedom to pollute the atmosphere. In the DBQJUBM #FJKJOH JU DBO CF FYUSFNFMZ EJGmDVMU UP breathe and visibility is poor. The clouds of pollution are so thick that it is almost impossible to interpret the weather or glimpse actual sunMJHIU 8IFO * XFOU UP UIF DJUZ GPS UIF mSTU UJNF JO April 2010, the effect on my health was alarming. Within a few days, my throat became sore, my eyes watered and I developed the famous “Beijing cough�. As previously mentioned,

Photo courtesy of CARGOCYCLING.ORG

features / art / fashion / p o l i t i c s / music

long-term exposure to pollutants can seriously damage a person’s health and even result in death. Unsurprisingly, many Chinese citizens wear masks, feel dehydrated and spit excessively.

In China, money and connections equate to power. I was amazed when I spoke to the wife PG BO PGmDJBM XIP XPSLT BU UIF .JOJTUSZ PG Environmental Protection. She told me that, for the right price, powerful citizens can pay for the government to release certain chemicals into The Communist Party has been ruthless in its the atmosphere, in order to ensure a clear day economic and industrial ambitions, at the ex- for a party or wedding. Earlier this year, the govpense of the environment ernment tampered with the atand the well-being of the mosphere in the hope that they population. It is not uncom- Within a few days, my could stimulate greater rainfall mon for farmers to be or- throat became sore, my in the north. The attempt backdered from their land so that eyes watered and I mSFE BOE JOTUFBE UIFSF XBT new roads and factories can developed the famous increased snowfall in remote be built. In return they are “Beijing cough� mountainous areas and a drier offered infertile replacement season than usual in the farmplots and unfair compensalands of northern China. tion packages. The widespread corruption of $IJOFTF PGmDJBMT BEET B GVSUIFS EJNFOTJPO UP China remains a developing country and is polthe matter. Grainne Ryder, director of Canadian luting the atmosphere in the same way that inenvironmental advocacy institution, Probe In- dustrialised nations of the West once did. Howternational, has said that “there could be land ever, science and technology have advanced HSBCCJOH CZ HPWFSONFOU PGmDJBMT XIP XBOU UP considerably since our own industrial revolution.

EFWFMPQ SVSBM BSFBT GPS UIFJS QFSTPOBM CFOFmU w Regardless of the politics, there is no excuse for such a resourceful nation to pollute the atmos-

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

phere unnecessarily, through irrational policies and counterproductive micro-management. As environmental scientist, Lenise Lago, points out, many of China’s issues could be resolved easily. There must be more effective regulation of industry and simple changes, including crucial but simple adjustments to car exhausts.

Much of China’s smog is the result of carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles that are not subject to the same requirements as those in Europe and the United States. These are matters of basic pragmatism.

China urgently needs to improve its record or it SJTLT JOnJDUJOH JSSFQBSBCMF EBNBHF UP PVS OBUVral environment, the repercussions of which will be felt all around the planet. China’s economy is booming and the government is beginning UP DPOTPMJEBUF JUT JOnVFODF FMTFXIFSF 7BSJPVT departments are investing time and money into development projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. If China is to continue on this path and evolve as a superpower, it is crucial that it reforms its own system and leads by example.

27

Photo by MEGAN DONALD

music

ď‚Ł

ď ľ somewhere down in new orleans Focusing on blues, Megan Donald discusses the narrative and imagery that comes with a music genre.

When we think of particular genres of music, we think of them bound up into packages with characteristics that can be neatly bulletpointed, ready-made gobbets to be pulled out in pretentious conversation. Surely one of the most important notions that can make up these genres is place. What is Joy Division without that Northern grit, hip-hop without the coastal rivalry? This distinct geographical placing of music means we create an imaginary landscape of areas and cultures foreign to us full of folk tales, emotions and dense history.

It was my obsession with blues music that brought me to this understanding. From an early age, it was the sound that I instantly 28

loved without any conscious thought, purely But our musical imaginations often scramthe addictive chords sequences and yearn- ble the history. The assemblage of ideas ing minor keys that were so brilliant. But as that come from listening to blues music mix I digested the music more, I heard things I together and begin to feel like a charming EJEO U VOEFSTUBOE -ZSJDT BCPVU DPUUPO mFMET GBOUBTZ B QPU PG HVNCP mMMFE XJUI TUSJOH New Orleans and being bound guitars, gals from Memphis and for Alabama on a boxcar meant jelly roll. little to my own culture, but in- "Our musical stead transported me to the imaginations 8IBU EFmOJUFMZ JT USVF IPXFWFS JT Deep South of the USA in the often scramble that blues and American folk are Depression. the history" borne out of lengthy inequality, QPWFSUZ BOE SBDJTN TQFDJmD UP And so this leads me to my quite Southern USA and it is a legacy honest desire to travel up the Mississippi. Like that is ever present. Whoever listens to the many, I have read Jack Kerouac and got over XPSL TPOHT PG UIF DPUUPO mFMET PS UIF TBEEFOthe American road trip idea but my longing ing lyrics of Bessie Smith may be unaware, for a wander up that heady river has only in- but becomes drawn into the blues narrative. creased. And with stuff like the recent release The current reality of the Deep South is tied in of an anthology of early folk musician Lead- with this tumultuous past and would show the belly’s work it demonstrates that it’s not just place to be distinctly different to how we immyself who feels the peculiar longing in blues agine it in the music. Juke joints and plentiful music. Although this music seems forever bourbon are likely to be replaced with represemotionally relevant, it’s also simultaneously sive politics and lingering racial tension.

USBQQFE JO JUT PXO EJGmDVMU IJTUPSJDBM UJNFGSBNF and place.

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

Text by ROSS WATSON, JESSICA SECMEZSOY-URQUART AND MEGAN DONALD

The Microphones I Want Wind To Blow Nobody captures the strange mood of "VUVNO RVJUF BT XFMM BT 8BTIJOHUPOøTUBUF based nature boy Phil Elverum, operating IFSF VOEFS 5IFø.JDSPQIPOFT NPOJLFS 5IJT the opening track from the modern classic ý5IF (MPX 1U ý DPNCJOFT MP m SFDPSEJOH UFDIOJRVFT XJUI B DVSJPVT øBMNPTU DIJMEMJLF fascination with the elements. It'll keep you warm and safe in Autumn's darkest days.

Wolves in the Throne Room Thuja Magis Imperium Eco-spiritualist black metallers Wolves in the 5ISPOF 3PPN TQFDJBMJTF JOøMFOHUIZ USBODF inducing pieces which harness the energy of their woodland surroundings through miOPS DIPSE QSPHSFTTJPOT DIJMMJOH TZOUITøBOE mFME SFDPSEJOHT (VFTU DPOUSJCVUPS +FTTJDB Kinney gives a sorrowful vocal performance on this opening track on their new BMCVN ý$FMFTUJBMø-JOFBHFý CFGPSF JU FWPMWFT into an incredibly atmospheric dark hymn XJUIøQVNNFMMJOH CMBTUCFBUT BOE JOUFOTF emotive shrieks.

Yo La Tengo Our Way To Fall Probably the most well-known track from the WFSZ TMFFQZ FZFE ý"OE 5IFOø/PUIJOH 5VSOFE Itself Inside Out"-album, "Our Way To Fall" is B TXFFU øMB[Z MJUUMF MPWF TPOH QFSGFDU GPS MBUF OJHIUT BOE WFSZ FBSMZ NPSOJOHTøXIFO JUhT cold outside and you're observing it all from UIF DPNGPSU PGøZPVS FBTZ DIBJS 5IF XIPMF BMCVN JT B SFnFDUJWF HFOUMF MJTUFO BOEø this is a highlight for sure.

features / art / fashion / politics / m u s i c

o

the playlist:

Bjork 4BDSJmDF This song stars one of Bjork’s one-off instruments called a ‘Sharpsichord’, a type of pin CBSSFM IBSQ BOE HJWFT 4BDSJmDF JT B TVSSFBM inimitable feel. Bjork blends the old with the new seamlessly in this track as she explores UIF TBDSJmDFT TPNFPOF IBT UP NBLF UP LFFQ a relationship alive and begs her lover to tell “her that you love her� so the girl he feels in love with comes back before it’s too late.

Bessie Smith I Need a Little Sugar in my Bowl If you’re feeling a bit lonely, like the now ubiquitous discarded umbrellas, then let Bessie empathise. Turn that smile upside down as the Queen of Blues roars her way through what must be the epitome of musical raunch. In this delightful, yet sadly desperate tune, there are more euphemisms that you could ever, ever wish for.

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

29

Photo by ISTVAN MAGYAR

features / art / fashion / politics / m u s i c

Matt Norris and the Moon Alexandra Embiricos catches up with folk band Matt Norris and the Moon for a pizza and a gig at all time favorite Glasgow venue Nice’n’Sleazy’s.

Folk music is everywhere these days. With homegrown stars such as Johnny Flynn gracing the pages of Vogue, it’s hard not to get excited by the range of new sounds being reborn from some of the deepest roots of our musical heritage. Enter Matt Norris & The Moon, the Edinburgh based ‘young folk’ quintet comprised of lead man Matt Norris, Tom MacCall (double bass, backing vocals), Dave Law (trumpet, NBOEPMJO )FMFO $PPLTPO nVUF WJPMJO BOE Dale Birrell (keyboards), who have been causing quite a stir in the Scottish folk revival since UIF mOBM MJOFVQ PG UIF CBOE GPSNFE JO UIF Autumn of 2009.

GUM caught up with the band in the grungy basement of Nice’n’Sleazy’s for a pizza, a little chat, and an explosive live set. Sitting quietly at a sticky table by the bar, it’s hard to imagine UIBU UIJT JT UIF TBNF mWF TPNF XIP KVTU CMBTUFE the venue with a raucous meld of acoustic guiUBS USVNQFUT nVUFT WJPMJOT BOE FBSUIZ WPDBMT indicative of love and loneliness. They explain between large bites of pizza that they met through their local Classical Youth Orchestra in Fife.

30

ď ˇ

“A couple of years later we all went to Edinburgh Uni� exudes Tom in a fast chatter, “and XF XFSF USZJOH UP mOE B WJPMJOJTU BOE XF XFSF like, ‘who do we know from Fife youth orchestra that’s also in Edinburgh?’ and that was Helen.�

The rest of the story unfurls in amongst laughter and high spirits, joking about their mysteriously absent keyboard player and Helens initial swoon over the prospect of playing with Matt.

three of them or something! It must have been XIFO * XBT TUJMM BU 6OJ #VU JO UFSNT PG exposure I think it’s really good for us.�

And there can be no doubt about that- although all a matter of luck who gets big and who doesn’t, the market is hungering for more of this back to basics folk, in the UK as well as across the pond.

“Its good for us and its good for music in gen“We met Dale our keyboard player, who’s not eral, because I’m sick of hearing indie!’ Laughs here because he sucks, at school so I sort Dave, “and again folk is such a vague term. I of dragged him in as well. And Dave we met mean, bands like Dry The River have so many through open mic, actually. We just picked up JOnVFODFT * SFBE BO JOUFSWJFX XJUI UIFN XIFSF people!â€? Explains Matt, who started writing muUIFZ TBJE UIFZ UBLF PO B IVHF IBSEDPSF JOnVTJD BU UIF UFOEFS BHF PG mGUFFO ence. As long as you have attending open mic nights solo one acoustic instrument you’re “It's good for us and to showcase his jaunty guitar mOFĂžw it's good for music style and emotive vocals. On in general, because listening to them play it’s hard This is met with laughter I’m sick of hearing not to make the comparison to and general agreement from indie!" the widely celebrated Mumford around the table, now full of & Sons, who despite their masempty pizza cartons and a few sive success, suggest the band, are still only beer glasses. Yet with the lines of categorisaPOF JO B nPVSJTIJOH GPML TDFOF "Matt was really tion becoming increasingly blurred by the inVQTFU BU mSTUw Helen explains, “You were like novations of these new, emerging bands, one ‘they’re my band!’ ‘Everyone else isn’t allowed has to ask- what exactly is modern folk music? to like them!’â€? “I guess [we play] contemporary folk, it’s not “They exploded overnight thoughâ€? agrees real folk- we do a lot of sitting in pubs playMatt, “like, they were ridiculous. I saw them at ing, but its not, sort of ‘folky folk’.â€? Muses Matt, #FEMBN UIFBUSF JO &EJOCVSHI UIJT UJOZ TUVEFOU ‘folky folk’ is sitting playing ceilidhs, which is theatre, it was unplugged and there were only cool - I love ceilidhs!â€?

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

features / art / fashion / politics / m u s i c

3FnFDUJOH UIF FBTF PO XIJDI UIFZ QMBZ PO stage, the band joke together in a lively and comfortable way, saying perhaps in another twenty years ceilidhs will end up being their calling. “I think at the moment we’re spreading out.� Matt continues, “With genres I think we’re sort of trying to move on a bit, add some extra stuff in. When I started writing TPOHT JUT PCWJPVT XIFSF NZ JOnVFODFT come from, but I think because we’ve been playing for however long now, other things start to seep in apart from your imNFEJBUF JOnVFODFT w

and especially Glasgow, is notorious for being a particularly hard milestone to conquer for emerging artists. The saying goes if you can win over the scathing critique of the Glasgow crowds, you can make it anywhere. Likewise the opposite seems to be true, and the Scottish folk scene remains enigmatic and decisively closed to outsiders. Matt & The Moon are yet to tour England, despite playing several summer festivals such as Linkylea and assuredly winning the crowds. “It’s great when you’re playing to lots of drunk hippies because they just get so into it!“ says Matt.

“Scotland’s pretty self con“Young folk, that’s what you tained usually, it likes to should call it� says Dave. "The saying goes if keep to itself- I don’t know Perhaps it’s because of you can win over the if Scotland likes to keep to this youthful exuberance scathing critique of itself or everyone ignores that the band have been the Glasgow crowds, Scotland, it’s one of those picked up by 17 Second you can make it two!� he laughs, “I think Records, an Edinburgh anywhere" [the competition] is pretty based independent record IFBMUIZ #VU UIFO UIFSF T company formed in Aualso quite a big divide begust 2008. Run by teacher-come-music tween Glasgow and Edinburgh, not only in blogger Ed Jupp, they eagerly explain style.� that his brother is Miles Jupp, the comedian who starred in shows such as Mock Currently it seems Edinburgh is enjoying The Week and Balamory. “I think he was in an anti-folk uprising, with artists such as the orange house - or was it the yellow?� Withered Hand stealing the limelight. says Dave, disappointed at his sudden “I guess Glasgow has a sort of indie-pop loss of Balamory prowess. Yet Scotland, edge to it.� Matt says, referring to bands GUM / issue 01 / 2011

such as Frightened Rabbit and Admiral Fallow, i* UIJOL &EJOCVSHI JT JOnVFODFE more by the sheer amount of pubs that people play in compared to venues.� “It’s more out for yourself in Edinburgh.�

Matt continues, “you can go out any night and see live music, but because there’s so much live music people don’t really bother, and if they do come they don’t really treat it as a proper gig, more like background muTJD #VU B MPU PG HPPE WFOVFT IBWF DMPTFE down recently, which is sad.�

The band are set to release an EP with 17 Second Records, consisting mostly of older songs to take the place of a self recorded primary CD. “We have lots of new songs we’re just about to start playing as well� Tom reveals, one of which was disclosed that evening at Sleazy’s. Introduced by Matt in almost a whisper as not having a name, the guitar starts up with a racing strum, building momentum with the chorus of strings, trumpets and the throes of Matt’s emotive vocals. The band are jubilant, and by the time the song comes to a deafening end, the audience is well and truly captivated, ecstatic with the taste of something new and enticing- could this be the future of folk?

31

Enemies list and the death of the music industry as we know it.

Ross Watson examines a new phenomenon with potential to change the music industry: the rise of home recordings.

Photo by LEAH MORGAN

features / art / fashion / politics / m u s i c

let's kill music:

In a digital age where the options for recording and distributing music have become much more varied and open in scope and potential, it's worth asking ourselves why most record labels operate the way they do. One label in particular, though, does things a little differently: Enemies List Home Recordings.

Conceptualised in 2003 by Connecticut musician Dan Barrett and friends, Enemies List is not your average record distributor. Barrett makes this clear from the outset:

"The way in

ď ¸ Upon its release in 2008, Deathconscious ness was highly praised in cult circles. This year, Dan released his much-anticipated solo album under the moniker Giles Corey, which he describes as “acoustic music from the end of the industrial revolutionâ€?. Like Have a Nice Life's album, Giles Corey comes with an oversized book detailing the literary, historical and artistic fascinations, which are also present in the songs, emphasising the importance of the physical artefact as well as the music at its core. Enemies List almost resists piracy in this way. which As Dan puts it:

“We've always thought of the traditional labels are label as being disruptive�, he run won't even make “It's a thing, you either have TUBUFT mSNMZ BT IF FYQMBJOT sense twenty years that thing or you don't.� how it operates. “We have the from now" good luck, or bad luck, of tryBarrett believes that the way in ing to make music in this rewhich traditional labels are run ally weird time period where the whole impact won't even make sense twenty years from now. of digital technology, recording technology To him, this is a good thing: “I think that the and the internet making distribution so cheap music industry, as it is, isn't a good mechanism hasn't really shaken out yet in terms of what's for producing quality art of any kind, and not going to happen to music in the future.� a good mechanism for rewarding the people that make that art. Anything that is economiBarrett is aware of the ease at which one can cally wasteful and not good at its job is prime acquire equipment and set up their own refor elimination. Obviously we're a tiny cog in cording studio. After all, he and fellow musician that machine, but that's where we like to place Tim Macuga worked on Deathconsciousness ourselves.� – the debut double album from their project )BWF B /JDF -JGF o GPS mWF ZFBST BOE BMM PG UIF You'd think such an exciting movement would recording was done at home. They weren't facget more attention from the major blogs, but ing any of the restrictions imposed upon artists that just isn't the case. Barrett explains why he by most record labels; they didn't have to meet thinks that might be: deadlines, book studio time or return favours.

They were free to work on their craft without “Part of it is just practical and part of it is aesany external distractions. thetic�, he offers. “When you listen to [our mu

sic] you have to be listening for a certain something, and it's mostly emotional and atmospheric... It feels very raw and personal because it's not glossed over, it's not perfect and it doesn't sound produced – and everything sounds produced today, that's the aesthetic norm, so you have to want to listen to something that's out of that.�

All this being said, there are already others following suit – one of Enemies List's artists co-runs Music Ruins Lives, a label with similar ethics, and Sunyata Recordings on this side of the pond deals exclusively in small runs of cassette tapes. Barrett agrees that something is starting to happen: “There is a scene forming, and it's really interesting because it's not geographic – it's not even really genre-based... The unifying characteristic is more the approach than it is the end result.�

Although it's doubtful that these labels and artists will get the mainstream attention they truly deserve due to their nature, things are only getting bigger and more exciting for home recording. Enemies List was originally being run from B nPPE QSPOF CBTFNFOU CVU #BSSFUU SFDFOUMZ decided to rent out an old ball bearing factory to use as his base of operations, and now ELHR has a space vast enough to contain its potential. When asked how he feels about the new space and the future of his label, Barrett's understandable enthusiasm shows: “It's awesome. It's always been awesome, and I love it even when it's crazy.�

Learn more at ENEMIESLIST.NET

32

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

33

features / art / fashion / politics / m u s i c

sity and thoughtfulness in modern music, and his sentiments are luxuriously packaged by 3PD " 'FMMBhT EFQFOEBCMZ nBTIZ QSPEVDUJPO That's why it's so perplexing to listen to the rest of Watch the Throne, and hear the kinds of small-mindedness and linearity of themes that have plagued the industry since its inception. When West suggests a lady friend meets him in a nightclub toilet to "Show me why you deserve to have it all", experience suggests he's not being tongue-in-cheek, and when he rhymes "The holocaust" with "I'm the fucking boss", it's clear that hip-hop's most famous self-obsessive isn't giving up on his favourite subject just yet. His stalwart mentor doesn't provide much of an example: beyond some conspicuous and laboured references to classical artists and philosophers, Jay just doesn't seem that interested in covering subjects not limited to his own success. With that said, this is still Jay-Z and Kanye West, and the album is not without the charms both men have built careers on. With the possible exception of one Marshall Mathers, no-one in the world can turn a punch line with the infectious attitude of these two. Some of the back-and-forth banter found in mid-album offerings 'Niggas in Paris', 'Otis', 'Gotta Have It', and 'New Day' are actually reminiscent of Eminem's interaction with Jay-Z on epic 2001 track 'Renegade', and go a long way to assuring listeners that we're in safe hands IFBEJOH JOUP UIF mOBM TUSBJHIU

ď ş

In addition, while the 'Watch the Throne' lyrical themes might head down some extremely welltrodden paths, the instrumental composition is consummately cutting edge. The euphoric melodies at the back of the rappers' vocals are layered and nuanced in a way only rivaled

by Kanye's last solo offering - West probably doesn't regret his transition from producer to rapper all those years ago, but here he (once Given their success, Kanye West and Jay-Z again) shows he has no reason to give up the are more likely than most day job. Even more traUP mOE BO VQCFBU OBSSBditional sounds like 'No tive to 21st century rap. "When Kanye rhymes "The Church in the Wild' and Moreover, their combined holocaust" with "I'm the 'That's My Bitch' have all record sales and cultural fucking boss", it's clear that the grin-inducing bomimpact make their voices hip-hop's most famous bast that made his previworth listening to. It’s for self-obsessive isn't giving ous albums so compelthis reason that Watch the up on his favourite subject ling, and where samples Throne, a collaboration just yet" are used, they're warped between the two, is the and edited to create most important hip-hop catchy and inventive release of the year. The quality of this album hooks and backing vocals. Nina Simone and will set the tone for conversations about rap James Brown's voices also give the album music the world over, as indeed will the way some considerable star power.

Jay and 'Ye discuss the industry they're part of.

Jay-Z has explained the album's name, saying 'Watch the Throne', then, is an album saved "It's just protecting the music and the culture. by no small measure of creativity and profesIt's like watch the throne, protect it... Make sure sionalism, both on the microphone and in the that the hip-hop culture is still the most domi- editing suite. For anyone with an interest in this nant form of music around the world." type of music, the album was never going to be anything other than a must-have, regardless of 5IF BMCVNhT TQFDUBDVMBS mOBM USBDL h8IZ * -PWF its quality. I'm pleased to report that if hip-hop You’ lives up to this lofty premise: Jay hits just is set to follow 'Watch the Throne's lead, it's the right tone in his wistful lament for divermore a cause to rejoice than to despair.

watch the throne 3DXO %XWWHUÀHOG listens to the musical lovechild that is the collaboration album by Jay-Z and Kanye West and discusses what’s happening to hip-hop.

For all its posturing and braggadocio, rap muTJD DBO CF TVSQSJTJOHMZ TFMG SFnFDUJWF XIFO JU puts its mind to it. It is perhaps its own favourite subject – from Lauryn Hill’s 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' to Nas’ 'Hip Hop Is Dead', many of its most popular album releases take the welfare of hip-hop music as a central theme.

Not coincidentally, both of the above works provide a fairly bleak view ("Hip-hop started out in the heart," muses Hill, "Now everybody trying UP DIBSUĂ˝ PO BO JOEJWJEVBM CBTJT DPOmEFODF JT evident in abundance, but collectively, hip-hop has some crushing self-esteem issues.

34

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

Photos by EMILIE BAILEY

features / art / fashion / politics / m u s i c

who is ď š Connan Mockasin?

Tom Clarke thoughtfully ponders the life of a relatively unknown musical weirdo. “Somewhere between fantasy and reality, innocence and wisdom, pop music and an art form as yet unnamed�

These are the words used to describe the world of Connan Mockasin by the big guns at Rough Trade. His album ‘Please Turn Me Into The Snat’ and it’s re-release which comes along with a bonus disc of live recordings under the name of ‘Forever Dolphin Love’ have had heads turning from every corner of the music industry, amassing amongst Connan’s fan base members of Radiohead, The Horrors as well as Johnny Marr. Why write a feature on this man? Simply because his music does not sound like anybody else’s.

Connan Mockasin is the latest musical venture to come from Connan Hosford, a psychedelJD BOE JOUSJHVJOH DIBSBDUFS GSPN UIF mUUJOHMZ named village of Te Awanga in New Zealand.

Trained in jazz guitar, Hosford has been makJOH NVTJD TJODF UIF BHF PG mWF BOE XBT QSFWJously the front man of New Zealand originating band, Connan and The Mockasins. Their story is one of trials and success, highs and lows and eventual disintegration. Starting as a 60’s JOnVFODFE CMVFT QPQ CBOE JO /FX ;FBMBOE a few years of success in their home country

convinced them that it was time to make the archetypal move to London to make it big. The move proved initially a disaster, with the band SVOOJOH PVU PG NPOFZ XJUIJO UIF mSTU XFFLT PG their arrival. In an interview, Connan reminisces about having to share the ride home with a prostitute after a gig when the band couldn’t afford to take the ride alone.

comparable to that of Syd Barrett. Whether through his recorded music, videos or his individual live sets Connan Mockasin, because of his originality, skill and lovability, means a lot to those who listen to him. Lend an ear to Tom Clarke’s selection from recent album ‘Please Turn Me Into The Snat’ and see if this might be the case with you.

Moving away from London, the band ironically started to gather major interest from labels and promoters. All of a sudden they were releasing a sell out single on Parlophone Records and being awarded a place in the top ten bands of 2008 by NME. As things were looking up however, tensions set in between band members and Connan began to tire of their sound.

They disbanded in 2008 and Connan ventured into the world as a solo artist, playing live with various different sets of musicians. Since the break up of Connan and The Mockasins, Connan has collaborated with Fatboy Slim and members of Late of The Pier. Now, with his solo album, he’s taken on the world and you’d hope for his sake, he comes out the other side victorious. As a man, Conan Mockasin is an oddball, peculiar and unavoidably interesting.

His music is only one extension of his artistic output. Painting and creating comics also belong to his artistic activity and for his videos to be described as anything less than art would be wrong. From the vibrant costumes to the surreal content, they are hallucinatory tributes to the fantasy worlds and mystical characters that Connan has created. The world of Connan Mockasin’s is one of beautiful Japanese women, unicorns, lemon sunglasses, invented languages, alter egos and the invented mythical creature; half snake, half rat that is the Snat; all very psychedelic.

‘Megumi The Milkyway Above’ You’re drawn into the album opener by invitingly danceable light percussion and the sound of Japanese children saluting Connan. This is apparently the song written for an unreachable Japanese lover of Connan’s and as a tribute to his love of Japanese culture and women in general. High pitched whooping noises complement the rhythm and Connan sings in his characteristic voice to Megumi.

Videos and fantasies aside, judged solely upon his music, Mockasin holds his own and then some. His music holds a sound, not easily comparable to anything. Jangly guitars and vibrant percussion underneath woops and effected high vocals make up the experimental sound. Even if by spirit only, this music is

GUM / issue 01 / 2011

‘It’s Choade My Dear’ This song – seemingly about nothing at all – is one that cements Connan’s individuality into fact. Bobbing bass, laid back percussion and TMPX nPXJOH HVJUBST QSPWJEF UIF MVMMJOH GPVOEBtion for this song that brings in whirling spacey noises and jangly dissonant guitar in the background. ‘Please Turn Me Into The Snat’ The song that lends is title to that of the album, is about the mythical creature created by a mWF ZFBS PME BDRVBJOUBODF PG $POOBO T *U JT BOPUIFS TIVGnJOH TPOH UIBU BU POF QPJOU TFFT Connan putting on the dreadful voice of the monster. It is the albums closer and rounds off the record with Mockasin crying to be turned into the Snat followed by thirteen seconds of silence supplied to give you time to ponder and marvel at the record you’ve just heard before you listen to it again.

If you want more on this musical oddball, see Tom Clarke’s review on the GUM website of when Connan Mockasin played at Glasgow’s King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. Present was a modest crowd that bore witness to Connan’s uncanny ability to make everyone in a room smile.

35

gum 

BACK PAGE GUM is always looking for new contributors.

So whether your talent lies in writing, taking sweet photos or just generally being a cool person, we want to hear from you.

Drop us an email at: gum@src.gla.ac.uk and become a part of the team. You know you want to.