OBJECT OF DREAMS Culture Art Fashion
ISSUE FIVE
Editor’s Note This year we celebrated our first birthday of the first issue coming out, and in July it will be two years since we first thought, ‘oh yeah, let’s start a magazine!.’ In the last three months we’ve had our very successful and totally awesome first birthday party at Mello Mello and our first ever art exhibition at View 2 Art Gallery. It’s been a hell of a ride, but we couldn’t have done it without the support of so many different people and contributors who have worked with us. So, we’re looking forward to all the festivals this year, a Sound City binge, catch us at any point in Mello Mello, going to see the happiest man in pop David Guetta at Creamfields, dancing it up to our childhood heroes Pulp in London and of course, working on the next issue of Object of Dreams. So, raise your Sailor Jerry to our biggest issue yet. Dina and Louise x
Contents 04 // WE LIKE/ WE LOVE 08 // PHOTOGRAPHY AS ‘A CALL TO ACTION’
08
14 // COLOUR CLASH 20 // CREATIVE WOMEN 23 // DIGITAL FASHION 24 // ART PROFILES - FEATURING SUE SKITT & RIA FELL 26 // CLASS OF 2011 31 // FASHION INSIDERS
14
32 // FROM UNIVERSITY TO THE JOB CENTRE 34 // FACEBOOK REVOLUTION 35 // ARTIST COMMUNE 36 // LIVERPOOL ART PRIZE 37 // LIGHTNIGHT 38 // LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY 40 // MUGSTAR INTERVIEW
24
41 // SOUND OF GUNS INTERVIEW 42// PLEASE THE EARS AND PLEASE DON’T! 44 // OUT OF THE PAGES ART EXHIBITON AND 1ST BIRTHDAY GIG 46 // FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Editor
Dina Karim (dina@objectofdreams.co.uk)
26
Creative Director
Louise Dalrymple (louise@objectofdreams.co.uk)
Contributors
Words// Dina Karim, Monique Agar, Alexander Court, Sebastian Gahan, Marc Glaysher, Chris Hogg, Jason Pierre, Kenn Taylor, Richard Wilkie-Riley Illustration// Anthony Jaycott Photography// Matthew Thomas, Gary Lornie, David Angel, David Smyth, Rob McGrory, Mark McNulty, Siobhan Kerrigan(Photographer’s ass.), Pete Carr, Stephanie de Leng, Stephen King, Ian Berry, Charlie Charlton, Ricky Adam Fashion// Louise Dalrymple (Fashion Styling) Alex Johnson (Stylist’s ass.) Kate Smith (Make up artist) Lara White (Make up artist) Anna Chong @ Hooka (Hair stylist) Design// Heather Mc Gill, Louise Dalrymple, Dina Karim, Siobhan Kerrigan
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Thanks
Impact Models Agency, Emily Howles @ John Lewis, Holly Stewart @ Topshop, Boudoir Boutique, Gypsophilla, Mello Mello, Jamie @ View 2 Gallery, Mark McNulty, The Big House, Don’t Drop The Dumbells, Richard Wilkie-Riley, Hooka, Antler Studios, Sebastain Gahan, Matthew Thomas.
Reach a new audience by advertising in Object of Dreams magazine. We have the lowest advert prices in Liverpool and distribute across Merseyside. Contact enquiries@object of dreams.co.uk. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the publication. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or resold without prior written consent of the publisher. All opinions expressed are those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily those of Object of Dreams magazine. Object of dreams does NOT advocate the killing of animals solely for fashion. Objects of Dreams recognises all copyrights contained in this issue. The use of images in Issue 4 page 8, entitled The Wild Swans were courtsey of Gary Lornie.
www.objectofdreams.co.uk
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We LIKE/
We LOVE
THE BIG FELLAH
CLARE MCCULLOCH
Liverpool Playhouse 17 - 21 May
www.claremccullock.co.uk Clare McCullock is an independent fashion
New York 1972.
designer attracting a loyal following of
Michael Doyle, a young fireman, joins the
women with a discerning eye for beautiful
IRA. Soon his Bronx apartment is overrun
unique objects. Many of the garments can
with a fast-quipping Irish killer; a beautiful
be worn in several ways, taking you right
woman who he really mustn’t fall in love
through from day to evening.
with; and charismatic boss David Costello,
Many of the designs fit one size (6-14),
the “Big Fellah” himself.
garments can be draped, belted, gathered
Over three turbulent decades their lives
or turned back to front to fit perfectly.
veer from farce to deadly danger. Critics’
Stockists: Elle 17, Aigburth, and Toffee
Choice “Full of wild, dark humour” The
Boutique, Maghull.
Guardian. Tickets: £12.50
AMY LOUISE KEATING FLOWER HEADBANDS Boudoir Boutique, Cavern Walks
DOT ART POP UP SHOP Metquarter, opposite Cafe Rouge 2 - 4 June
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Amy Louise Keating’s range of flower head bands are handmade from beautiful, vintage velvet rose flowers such as violas,
Metquarter is joining forces with dot-art
dogwood roses, forget-me-nots, hydrangeas
to launch an exclusive Pop-Up Art Shop.
and delphiniums.
Shoppers will be able to buy original work
These romantic crowns come in a range
created by artists from across the region.
of colours from nuetral pinks, yellows
Some
and ivories to luscious greens, plums and
of
the
highlights
include
the
street scenes of Gary Beach and joyful
magentas.
explorations of colour and light by Sue
These gorgeous hair pieces, inspired by
LeMasurier.
Woodstock 1969, are perfect, for music
Dot-art is an art gallery consultancy based in Liverpool.
and
festivals and wedding this summer. £10 £25.
RENE MAGRITTE: THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE Tate Liverpool 24 June - 17 Oct
COMPETITION
René Magritte (1898 to 1967) is one of the
YELLOWMAN & THE SAGITTARIUS BAND
DEDICATED FOLLOWER OF FASHION
The Picket 13 May
Nation, Wolstenholme Square 21 May
As part of Light Night, Oye have announced
‘Dedicated Follower of Fashion’ aims to
Jamaican Reggae legend, Yellowman will be
mix Liverpool’s fashions and music in
back for one night. With a career spanning
a diverse and unique performance. The
30 years, he made his name by inverting
LIPA student show are going to have three
the abuse often inflicted on his albino
styles throughout the show - high street,
condition in Jamaica and tales of sexual
boutique and vintage and cast male and
prowess, winning audiences over with
female models from Liverpool universities
his sharp, humorous lyrics and infectious
and colleges.
riddims. Also music from Eat Your Greens
Proceeds will go to Claire House Children’s
Sound System. Tickets: £10 adv. from
Hospice.
www.africaoye.com/tandt
TicketSense.
Enter
competition
to
win
a
Tickets:
£5,
available
most popular artists of the 20th century, and his work is heavily referenced to this day, in everything from record covers to advertising. This exhibition will include Magritte’s major paintings, as well as his early commercial work, drawings and collages, and his rarely seen photographs and films. Tickets: £10.
from
free
Yellowman T-shirt, just email enquiries@ objectofdreams.co.uk, and fill in form: Deadline May 20.
PEOPLE’S LIVES MACBETH Liverpool Everyman Theatre ‘Til 11 June Macbeth’s desire to gain power and keep it at all costs threatens to destroy a nation, replacing dignity and rules of law with guilt and paranoia.
LOMOGRAPHY DIANA F+ DREAMER CAMERA Urban Outfitters
One of the country’s foremost actors, David Morrissey, returns to the Everyman, where he first acted as a Youth Theatre member. He plays the murderous king opposite Julia Ford as Lady Macbeth, in Shakespeare’s
A remake of the original Diana plastic body
most visceral and menacing play.
camera with all the same great features.
Artistic Director Gemma Bodinetz directs
With removable plastic lens to allow for
a striking new production in a theatre
wide angle pin hole shots, and able to do
renowned for its daring ensemble shows.
endless
Tickets: From £10
panorama
exposures. £50.
shots
and
multiple
Photography Competition Deadline 15 May www.peoples-stories.com Hurricane Films’ website, ‘People’s Stories: Liverpool
Lives’,
displays
hundreds
of photographs, stories and videos all submitted by the people of Liverpool. Towards the end of 2011 a selection of some of the best contributions will be turned into a book, available from museums and bookshops across the North West. The theme is ‘My Liverpool’, demonstrating what Liverpool means to you. Anyone can log onto the website and upload their images, with the public voting for the best on the site. The prize is a Canon EOS 300 and the winner will also have their photograph published in the forthcoming book.
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We LIKE/
We LOVE THE MAKEUP BOX
Stephanie Jervis & Kelly-Ann Garrigan Body Conscious Salon, Aigburth Road Superstar make up artist Stephanie Jervis is wielding her magic at her new spot in Body Conscious Salon, on Aigburth Road. Joining Steph is Kelly-Ann Garrigan who will be teaching ladies all about make up and how to make the most of your looks. Join our favourite duo at their new spot in the salon for all your make up needs - from night time glamour to that special day elegance.
‘42’ WOMEN OF SIERRA LEONE International Slavery Museum ‘Til 2012 An exhibition of 42 portraits of the women of Sierra Leone, by British photojournalist and
writer
Lee
Karen
Stow.
The
photographs pay tribute to the strength, resilience and beauty of the women. In Sierra Leone, positive steps are being taken to rebuild a country that was torn about by a civil war that ended in 2002. Women are working hard to reclaim their rights, yet many suffer immense hardship and despair. Tickets:£Free.
STRAWBERRY KATS www.strawberrykats.com This designer caught our eye at the latest Big Vintage Fair in The Metquarter. Strawberry Kats is a London based clothing company, with a stall at Spitalfields Market, featuring fresh, feminine dresses, shirts,
EMMA GOUGH http://emmagough.weebly.com
skirts and jackets.
This is one of the pieces from the ‘The
Fresh, Femininity and Fashion are at the
Gorgon
heart of the environmentally-conscious
fashion and surrealism, Emma makes
Strawberry Kats.
images of conventionally beautiful women
These vintage-inspired pieces are perfect
ugly. The series juxtaposes many high
for that fun, fresh Summer fling.
fashion images, found from magazines
Sisters’
series.
Influenced
by
such as Vogue, together to create hybrid, androgynous unidentifiable creatures.
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//FESTIVALS
CHESTER ROCKS Chester Racecourse 2 - 3 July £47.50/£85
COMPETITION AFRICA OYE 2011
WRITING ON THE WALL
Sefton Park 18-19 June, 12.30 - 9.30pm £5 day ticket
Various Venues ‘Til 28 May
The new two-day outdoor music festival promises to rock the North West this July. With artists ranging from punk legend Iggy
Liverpool’s Writing on the Wall Festival is
Pop to pop superstar, Taio Cruz, McFly, The
back with a hot mix of cutting edge writers,
Wanted, Eliza Doolittle, The Saturdays,
riotous debates, left hooks and rhythms
Leftfield, Echo and The Bunnymen and the
of resistance, in this year’s celebration of
Lightning Seeds.
Liverpool: City of Radicals.
www.chester-rocks.co.uk
Writers
include
George
Monbiot,
environmentalist and Guardian columnist and Darcus Howe, broadcaster, writer and columnist. Highlights include, ‘Rioting on the Wall’ a community day and party night devoted to exploring lessons of the ’81 riots.
Fatoumata Diawara – Mali Kakeyce Fotso – Cameroon Bonga – Angola Mlimani Park Orchestra – Tanzania ...and so much more Africa Oyé is the UK’s largest celebration of African music and culture and celebrates its 20th birthday this year! The festival is a truly international event playing host to artists from nations right across Africa and also programmes music from South America and The Caribbean
www.writingonthewall.org.uk
with
Salsa,
Soca,
and
Reggae
always
popular additions to the festivities. But Africa Oyé is about more than music. Over 60 stalls selling the best food, drink, arts and crafts and fashion from Africa
HUB Festival Otterspool Park, Aigburth 21 - 22 May £10/15 The UK’s fastest growing action sports
Photo © Mark McNulty
and beyond will again be present at the Oyé village. For the first time Oyé will be enclosed to assist with security. There will also be an increased number of toilets, a bigger and better Oyé village, and a larger main stage. Tickets: www.africaoye.ticketsource.co.uk
and music festival in the UK, celebrating the very best of urban and action sports culture.
Enter competition to win 2 free Oyé tickets,
BRAZILICA FESTIVAL Various Venues 15 - 17 July
The festival showcases break dancing, live music with Sound City stage (Funeral for a Friend and The Blackout headlining!), skateboarding, BMX, graffiti, urban retail village, extreme rides and exhibition space for brand activation. British Championships Sam Beckett and Ross McGouran (skateboard) and BMX legends Bas Keep, Zac Shaw and Dan Lacey. ww.hubfestival.co.uk
just email enquiries@objectofdreams.co.uk, and fill in the form. Deadline June 10.
Brazilica will be a massive 3-day event taking place across Liverpool. The festival is an exciting expansion of Liverpool Carnival
Company’s
hugely
successful
carnival parade. With irresistible rhythms, extravagant costumes, sparkling dancers and colossal floats there is guaranteed to be plenty of glitz and glamour and everyone is invited to join in the celebration! www.brazilicafestival.com
Head over to Page 38 for massive coverage 7
International Photography Festival
Photogaphy as a Call to Action //Words by Dina Karim & Sebastian Gahan The ‘call to action’ theme translates as an invitation to the general public, across professional or amateur photographers and those who have no photography experience, to be active with photography. The message is to pick up a camera, take photographs, explore the art form and ‘have something to say’ through the photographic image. The festival will look to pose questions to audiences through the profile of current or retrospective international, community and personal perspectives on social justice strands. Some examples of strands under the wider social justice theme include; the natural and urban environment, human rights, equalities, war, education and employment, community, law, media and the economy.
LIVING APART: IAN BERRY // International Slavery Museum
Housed on the 2nd floor of the International Slavery Museum, is a fascinating exhibition by Ian Berry - an exceptional photographer who is showing images taken in South Africa over many years of Apartheid. There are some images that make you question your own reality and perceptions of existence and then there are some images that demand your attention, inviting you to look closer and – like all the best photographs do – teach you something about the times and culture they were taken in. There are images as impressive and involving as a group of rioting villagers running up a hill and as opaque as a black nanny holding her white ward close to her with a love that transcends race and as accessible as those of Mandela campaigning. ‘I just fell into it by accident really; I got involved with this black magazine, not because I’m political – I’m very apolitical - but because a guy came who edited a magazine called Picture Post. I was working at The Sunday Times at the time and I thought I could really learn something about magazine photography as opposed to newspaper photography, so I went and got a job with him. I then started to work with African writers and journalists and so on, and the whole impact of the relationship between the races had previously escaped me. I could go out with African journalists but we couldn’t go in a cafe and have a cup of tea together. They would drop me off at the white hotel and they’d have to go and doss down at the nearest township and so on. It was crazy.” “So I began to get interested in the relationship not just between black and white but between the South African Afrikaner’s and the English, it was a divided white country as well! Also the coloured people of mixed race, black and white, mostly from Dutch decent, from the original settlers. Those that were white enough would try to pass for white. Then there were the Indians and Albanians and so there was this mix along with the tribal aspects of the culture, for instance we just recently got the first Zulu president. It’s all really interesting and as a photographer I was looking for long term projects that I could work on that interested me, separate from the commercial work or the assignments I did to pay
And despite the time away there are many images here covering a great
the rent and so I just went on working for years. I was banned for a
many years of South Africa’s development. Savour this exhibition and
period, so I missed Mandela’s release. As with many journalists I got a
you shall be rewarded richly.
letter that said if I showed myself at the border I’d be turned away but before his election I was able to go back with no trouble.”
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//Interview by Sebastian Gahan
UNTITLED: MARK MCNULTY // Liverpool Philharmonic & Plaza Cinema, Crosby
Most people are acquainted with Mark’s work of beautiful fashion, and
is one of only two independent cinemas in Liverpool.
iconic music photography, however maybe less so with his documented work with organisations such as the Liverpool Philharmonic. Mark is
“The Plaza cinema exhibition is all about it struggling to survive in a
a prolific, versatile photographer jumping from gig to gig, whether it’s
world of multiplexes and downloading films. I did a calendar for them
to document children in inner city Liverpool, or the latest cool band to
at Christmas for them to sell, and this is an extension of the calendar.
want his sharp eye to capture their new style. It seems fitting then, as
I photographed different views of the old projection room, the cinema,
his documented work is less known for him to show some of his recent
the reel film. In fact, on one of the days that I turned up, on a Sunday,
work during Look 11.
I caught the lady who runs the cinema on her knees wearing a miner’s torch sewing the backs of the seats. She then switched with someone
The first, as yet untitled, exhibition he will showcasing is his work
else and then got under the seats with a screwdriver to scrub off the
with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and In Harmony.
chewing gum from under the seat. It’s those moments that I’ve captured
In Harmony is inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema, using the unique
in the exhibition, and I hope people who go see the exhibition then go
power of music making through the symphony orchestra to enthuse
see a film and support this little independent gem.”
and motivate children, their families and their communities. Mark’s exhibition is a documentation of that success, from beginning to end,
I ask him though, won’t his fans be surprised by this series so unlike his
each poignant moment.
more famous photographs, so not pop culture? “The whole series is part of pop culture, it’s not going to war or hard news stories, pop culture
“The project is now two years old and I’ve been documenting it through
runs through most of my work whether it’s fashion, music, parades or
photography. Some of the kids have done so amazing, there’s a group
events. I’m really good at documenting, by taking quick photography
who have left primary school where they started the project and
I can tell a story of the moment, which of course worked really well
have now formed their own little orchestra called the Super Strings.
when you’re working with 80 kids! I would hope that people who were
Results have shown that by going into the school with the instruments,
going to see the exhibitions would then think, ‘next time those kids are
the kid’s attention levels have gone up. This exhibition is about that,
playing, I’m going to get a ticket’, or even go and support your local
about showing those two years, from the concerts to the kids day to
cinema.”
day lessons.” 10-miles down the road, in Crosby, almost a world away from West
Two poignant, beautiful exhibitions from the masterful eye of Mark
Everton, lies his exhibition lit up under the bright lights of cinema.
McNulty, buy a ticket to either venue when you go and see this
The also as yet untitled exhibition at The Plaza Cinema is another
exhibition and support the projects.
extension of that theme of persevering through hardship to end up with something beautiful in the end. This voluntary led community cinema
// Interview by Dina Karim
9
A SENSE OF PERSPECTIVE // Tate Liverpool On the ground floor of the Liverpool base of national gallery Tate
Next I spoke to one of the Young Curators, Sarah Creed. Sat facing the
Liverpool in the ever breezy surrounds of Albert Dock is an excellent
exhibition she had an active role in putting together from the outset,
exhibition entitled A Sense of Perspective. An exhibition at Tate
I enquired as to what thoughts went through the group’s collective
Liverpool is, of course, nothing unusual and as always there is a proud
head at the beginning of the project: “We are quite a diverse group
sense of quality and uniqueness to A Sense of Perspective befitting
really; especially age and culture wise and there is quite a sense of
its pristine surrounds. The collection is a vast one of almost 65,000
inbetweenness (sic) as there are quite a lot of the group who have
separate pieces of art and for this exhibition a group of curators from
migrated from other countries and personally been through that
Young Tate were given the once in a lifetime opportunity to put the show
process of evolving in a clash of cultures and growing into them so right
together from the seeds of thought, to the setting up of the exhibits, to
from the word go we wanted to use that as our first step in choosing the
the satisfaction of introducing it to the press and public alike at the
work.”
opening. Indeed, being in between is an important theme to the pieces that form It was at just such an event that I met with overseeing curator at Tate
A Sense of Perspective and for this writer the stand out piece was the
Liverpool Sean Curtis and Sarah Creed, one of the Young Curators.
Late Chen Zhen’s Cocon du Vide which coincidently struck a chord with
First I asked Sean about his experiences of working alongside the
Sarah as well: “Not only is it the composition of it – when I first saw
group of Young Curators: “It’s been a great experience to be part of it.
it I thought of the sad robot from Hitch Hikers Guide To The Galaxy
It’s something that doesn’t happen every day and the opportunity and
because it is bent over almost and looks sad! – But it’s being shown for
learning experience given to the young people along with it has been
the first time in Tate. It’s never been shown in Tate before now and has
absolutely fascinating. The quality has been really sensational actually
quite a cultural message.” The piece uses aspects of the artist’s Chinese
and they’ve been allowed to explore their own identities and those of
heritage and his life in Western Europe by combining the Western
persons of their ages as young adults.”
sculptural concept of the chair and Buddhist Prayer beads and is an intriguing piece of work on first glance. The whole set of fifteen pieces is
Indeed, the last time such a show took place was in 1995. “It’s a rare
of course a fantastic experience for the mind and the soul and the work
opportunity and the choices that are available to them are huge,” says
that the team of Young Curator’s has done is excellent.
Sean. “There is a past precedent in 1995. There was a similar exhibition and you can see the distance from 1995 to 2011. These opportunities are quite rare. Even in the short time that I’ve been in the post it’s been amazing to see their development.”
10
// Interview by Sebastian Gahan
REZZ: PETE CARR // The Bluecoat To many photographers it may seem sacrilegious to forego the use of a
June 2011.
camera and enter the digital world of the i-Phone, capturing moments through a 5-megapixel lens on a device not originally intended for the
“The project really showed me the power of photography. Photography
art of photography. Add to that, applying an app to manipulate the
gives you a reason to engage with people, to talk with strangers on the
aesthetic, and you’ve got an all out war from Luddites. Yet, this app,
street and learn about their lives.
Hipstamatic, which applies filters to make the images look like they’ve been taken on an antique camera has become the weapon of choice for
“This started me thinking about the use of technology and how we
many photographers including Pete Carr, who will be showing his series
engage with people. Social media is all about networking with strangers,
of portraits at The Bluecoat - all taken on the i-Phone.
which is something that people are much more comfortable with online.
We sat down at Brew Cafe to discuss what exactly is his exhibition all
Why?
about, and aren’t his pictures all going to be fuzzy like mine usually are?
“As photography helped me to meet some fascinating people I felt it was appropriate to use social media to engage the public with these
“I’m taking people’s pictures and putting them into the digital world.
portraits in a whole new way.
I’m not into arty photography, I do portraits and architecture. I often sit here in fact and look out the window and with the i-Phone I can go
“The great thing about this exhibition is that it isn’t restricted by
and ask them for a picture and you get free models and nice pictures
opening hours or admission charges. My photos will be out there for
of really nice people.The project has a lot of more meaning than just
anyone to see for free, at any time of day. You don’t even have to be
photography, I wouldn’t call myself and artist. This is my first real
interested in photography to get involved. I really hope that some people
step into that world. I have no issues with the iphone I’ve got lots of
stumble upon them by chance in the right location and are intrigued
cameras about 15 in total, and i use each one for a different style of
enough to seek out a few more. Maybe they’ll meet some interesting
photography. There’s no harm in experimentation. You just download
people along the way.”`
the app and take really nice pictures. The New York Times did a piece on photography and it got lots of recognition.”
In addition to his solo exhibition Pete has exhibited widely at venues including the Tate, Open Eye Gallery, St George’s Hall, Anglican
Instead of displaying these portraits in the traditional manner in a
Cathedral and the National Media Museum in Bradford. His commercial
gallery, Pete is using social media to let the public encounter each photo
work is extremely sought after, with one of his iconic shots of the
out on the street in the location where it was taken.
Liverpool waterfront used as the key image in a major campaign by the Mersey Partnership promoting the city across the UK in 2010. His
When the full exhibition is launched in May, anyone with a smartphone
photographs have also been featured in the Guardian and the Times.
will be able to download a free map that takes them out of the galleries and onto the streets of Liverpool to find the photographs. You will only
www.petecarr.net
be able to see each photograph when you are in the right location. The exhibition will also have a real-world base at the Bluecoat from May to
// Interview by Dina Karim
11
LUDWIG HOUSE: STEPHEN KING // Fact Part of FACT’s Knowledge Lives Everywhere exhibition, Ludwig House is an interactive art experience inspired by a property in the Anfield area of Liverpool. A Victorian terrace that had remained almost unchanged since the family moved in around 1907, the house is no longer accessible to the public. FACT has created a unique version of it in its galleries, presenting a unique opportunity to step back in time and literally re-trace the footsteps of the family who lived in the house for more than 100 years. The space features stunning photographic documentation of the house by Stephen King and special artefacts and objects from the house donated by the Howarth family. Tenantspin (FACT’s community media project), residents from the neighbourhood and community organisations such as ABCC and COBRA have added interactive elements to the where visitors can share and record their own personal histories through new and old digital technologies to create a digital archive of Liverpool. Digital Storytelling is the act of preserving knowledge and voices through creative technology. FACT is hosting special digital-storytelling afternoon workshops, with practical tips on how to start your journey, including the opportunity to digitise your own photographs and create a story to share with others in our archive. FACT is also exploring The History of Liverpool in 100 Objects through a unique photography project which offers audiences the opportunity to submit their treasured possessions to an archive and help us tell the story of Liverpool.
INSIDE HM PRISON MANCHESTER PHASE ONE: STEPHANIE deLENG //The Gallery, Stanhope Street It has been 21 years since the Strangeways Prison riot, the 26-day roof top protest that changed the face of the prison system. The 1990 riot destroyed part of the old Victorian wings - 147 prison officers and 47 prisoners were injured. The renamed prison, HMP Manchester, is now a High Performing Prison and a High Security Prison, holding some of the most dangerous and disruptive prisoners in the country. ‘Inside HMP Manchester’, photographed by Stephanie de Leng is intended to make the viewer set their normal prejudices and assumptions aside, and to look at justice from another angle. Steph de Leng is a multi award-winning local photographer, who previously was in font of the camera as an international fashion model. “In 2008 I published a book called People in Liverpool, which was a portrait series of people from all different walks of life, from the famous to the not-so-famous. Through this ongoing project, I came to photograph Abi Pointing, MBE, in HM Prison Manchester. I was struck by the progressive attitude of the prison and thought it would be interesting to document life within it in a fresh unbiased way that provoked thought, and encouraged people to look at penal life anew. This exhibition is but the beginning phase of the project and concentrates on the staff. Eventually I hope to cover all aspects of prison life, both inside and out of the institution, and also after release. Nothing is retouched, though I could not show any locks or keys, and it is as it is.”
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Just off Bold Street... – 88 Wood Street Liverpool, UK L1 4DQ +44 (0)151 707 4464 fact.co.uk
awesome-art-hub super-screenology global-grotto peoples-playspace mega-bites 24 hour arty people
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COLOUR CLASH 14
(This page) Dress / Gypsophilla. Belt / H&M. Shoes / Topshop. (Opposite) Top / Topshop. Skirt / Whistles @ John Lewis.
16
(Opposite) Dress / Gypsophilla. (Top) Blazer, T-Shirt & Trousers / Reiss @ John Lewis. Shoes / Topshop. (Bottom) Cape, Top & Skirt / Topshop. 17
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(This page) Jacket / Reiss @ John Lewis. Top / Topshop. Jeans / Topshop. Shoes / New Look. (Opposite) Dress / Topshop.
Photography // Mark Mc Nulty Styling // Louise Dalrymple Make up // Kate Smith using Dermalogica & MAC Photographers Assistant // Siobhan Kerrigan Model // Beatrix @ Impact Models Agency Location // Don’t Drop the Dumbells 19
Creative Women
// AMY SAVILLE Fashion designer turns her hand to interiors //Words by Jason Pierre //Photography by Matthew Thomas
The talented designer Amy Saville has now turned her hand to gifts and interiors. The award-winning fashionista has had her dresses worn by Davina McCall, Jenny Frost and Jane Torvill. After training as a Fashion Designer, and working within the industry for five years, a love of interiors and a passion for all things beautiful changed the direction of her path. Her home town of Liverpool seemed like the perfect location to embark on this new journey. She has become completely immersed in the ‘Twigg’ lifestyle and spends her time between making unique products and sourcing stock to enhance the ever- growing range. With quite a few accomplishments already under your belt, why did you set up your gifts and interiors business? I come from a fashion background, and lived and worked in London for five years. This kind of shop has all sorts of quirky, unique gifts, there was lot of that thing going on down in London but thinking about it there’s not that much in Liverpool. I love quirky, unique gifts and little bits and bobs for the home so the idea was to bring that back to Liverpool with me. It’s a fusion of beautiful ‘shabby-chic’ items and modern contemporary pieces. I still work in fashion though, freelancing down in London but it’s nice to have that balance between home and the crazy world of London town. You call your website ‘a home away from home from the comfort of your chair’ - tell us a little more. The website has that handmade feel without going too far that way. It had to be in the middle between the homemade feel and modern at the same time. I didn’t want it go too much down the vintage route. Our product catalogue is a fusion of shabby chic, vintage inspired pieces, with a modern contemporary look to enhance your home and lifestyle. Which items do you make yourself and which ones do you purchase? I make all the cards, the cushions and curtains - I would say I make about a quarter of the stock myself. I do things for children’s bedrooms, things to go on the walls, bunting and textiles. I use about eight suppliers and it’s a case of cherry picking the nice bits of them all really.
// AMY LOUISE KEATING Boudette wins young person of the year
Amy Louise Keating from Cavern Walks retailer Boudette shined at the Liverpool Ambassador awards, picking up the prize for Young Person of the Year. The prestigious award ceremony that took place at the Crowne Plaza last month, celebrates the unsung heroes and heroines of the Liverpool tourism industry and recognises outstanding examples of customer care. Amy Keating, who opened her boutique fashion store selling international labels such as Barbour, Traffic People and Supertrash aged just 21, said: “I am thrilled and honoured to have picked up this award as there were so many fantastic nominees in the category. The last few years have been really busy and it’s nice to
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see that’s it all been worth it”
// HAYLEY MARSDEN Liverpool’s most talked about hat designer //Words by Monique Agar //Photography by Matthew Thomas assisted by Phoebe Thomas
“They give a silent statement of the person I am, an artist and a designer.” Liverpool’s most talked about hat designer Hayley Marsden, is what we can only describe as a breath of fresh air. Hayley kindly took time from her busy work schedule of hat designs, Matalan photo shoots, celebrity clientele and teaching, to talk heads, new collections, her studio and Lady Gaga. With her hat collections exploding at either ends of the city, Hayley Marsden is full of sparkles and smiles as we met her at Boudoir Boutique in the heart of city. This extravagant and highly designed boutique is the perfect location for Miss Marsden herself - and she
“The Lady Gaga song ‘Born This Way’, is a song I feel best describes the
was eager to tell us about her very own insight into all her unique
meaning behind the inscription. She’s another lady I need to get into
creations. Coming straight from a busy photo shoot that morning,
one of my hats,” she laughs modestly. At that moment in the interview
Hayley still looked fresh and radiant, wearing an exquisitely styled
we saw a vision; we saw Hayley’s hats in collaboration with Gaga’s
hat of her own.
unique style and presence. It would only be a recipe for success.
When asked where her inspiration came from, with her use of such
On a personal note, why is wearing a hat important to the real Hayley
unique materials, she described that when she has an idea for a hat,
Marsden? “They give a silent statement of the person I am, an artist
she will go out and source materials, in order to have enough stock for
and a designer. They give the finishing touches to an outfit and are
her imagination to then run wild. “My materials can be pretty much
great if you are having a bad hair day”.
anything that I see. I go along and collect things on a daily basis, but sometimes the outfits are the inspiration behind the hats.”
This summer we are most certainly going to see fabulous things from the lovely milliner, as she is in fact working on two collections as
Her close relationship with Boudoir Boutique owner Louise Kavanagh,
we speak. “I like to keep a bit of suspense about my work, because it
who has stayed a close friend advising and guiding her business, has
keeps it interesting,” and on that note, we are all in suspense of what
contributed to the successful hat designer she is today. “Louise is
venture this extraordinary businesswoman will take next.
fabulous! She’s a really successful business woman and has given me really good business advice and she really believes in my brand.” The hat collection is sold in both Boudoir Boutique, and Make in West Derby Village, and is a favourite- of X Factor’s Rebecca Ferguson. The boutique Make, is where her very own auntie, Caroline Marsden first pushed her to start. With pride in her voice, she says: “Make is one of the best boutiques in Liverpool, I’m extremely happy to have these two very special places on board. It’s great having them both in different ends of the city.” As we try to understand Hayley’s world and the surroundings of her home studio, she welcomingly let us see into the realm of her truly inspirational world by describing her own studio at home. “When you look out my window, I have no curtains, and it looks out onto a field, with apple trees and lots of greenery, a real ‘cottagey feel’ to it. That really inspires me. I have to be surrounded by everything and then think about what I am going to use.” What is even more wonderfully unique about Hayley’s hat designs, is that every single headpiece holds the beautiful inscription - YOU WERE BORN AN ORIGINAL, SO WHY CHANGE. We wanted to find out more about this personal message... “Every single one of us is an individual, and my hats are individual, your whole personality comes out in them.” She strongly believes in making your own fashion statement, wearing whatever you want to wear, with no regard to what people think, what society says, and that it’s all about being original.
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Photography by Matt Ford www.claremccullock.co.uk
BESPOKE WOMEN’S WEAR DESIGNER STOCKIST THROUGHOUT THE U.K. OR ORDER DIRECT FROM… 07917206237
Makeup Studio & School of Makeup 206 Aigburth Road, Liverpool L17 9PE CONTACT Make up appointments Stephanie Jervis 07974 243 836 House of Starrs School of Makeup Kelly-Ann Garrigan 07706 270 445 www.bodyconsciousliverpool.com
Our Top Blogs: http://yourstrulymag.blogspot.com,www.stardusttosentience.blogspot.com,www.hoyfashion.co.uk,www.ironicfashion.com
Digital Fashion //Words by Maggie Matic Fashion is all about moving with the times. Trends come and go, style
and hear their opinions. I suppose you could call the blog the ‘modern
icons come and go, and designers come and go. But the latest trend of
day magazine.’
front row bloggers has swept over the fashion world. Is it here to stay? Maggie Matić looks further into the world of blogging and finds out why
Many designers have fully embraced the mainstreaming of fashion.
blogging has become such a pivotal part of the fashion industry.
Alexander McQueen was the first designer to stream his Spring/Summer 2010 show live on the internet for all to watch as it happened and
Fashion used to be a world people were afraid of. The coveted universe
many have followed in his footsteps. House of Holland created an online
that people used to dream about being a part of. An exclusive club for
application for smart phones so that people could buy his designs while
celebrities and beautiful people only. For many, striving to be a part of
watching them walk down the catwalk. However, some designers and
this club was indeed the appeal. However, fashion is becoming more and
celebrities are not so pleased about the new direction fashion seems
more accessible. You don’t have to spend thousands upon thousands
to be taking. Tom Ford refused to have pictures of his Spring/Summer
to look good; in fact, it is now trendy to dress out of charity shops
2011 collection put on the internet immediately and made us wait until
and high street stores. It is easy to follow trends as they are being
December before he aired his collection. He doesn’t like how hyper
reproduced quickly and for a reasonable price. It is easy to call yourself
mediated the fashion industry is becoming and appears to be revolting
a fashionista.
against it.
The internet is a massive part of the mainstreaming of fashion. Fashion
It seems everyone is blogging these days though. With so many different
shows can take place and the pictures are on the internet within hours
sites with so many different users, it’s not a wonder blogging has become
for all to see. Some shows are even streamed live straight into the
a phenomenon. I blog myself on a personal level, I write about things
bedrooms of starry eyed teenagers like myself. Anyone can be a part of
I like and use my page as a sort of online journal, as I know many do.
the club now. The exclusivity has been somewhat abolished.
Even designers and fashion houses have started blogs. Henry Holland has a popular blog and so do the likes of Topshop and Urban Outfitters
Although Fashion is a creative, innovative field, it is in some senses,
who actually hire people to blog for them.
very stuck in its ways. Fashion shows have always been for the rich and famous, trends have always been documented in magazines. But,
All in all, I believe that fashion is a fast moving industry which needs
times are changing, and fashion is being forced to move with it. Fashion
to keep with the times. Information needs to be spread fast these days,
designers are opening their doors to fashion bloggers – ordinary people.
people are impatient and the best way to meet such demands is via the
People who have created a simple, free, online blog to write about what
internet. I do believe however, that a balance needs to be maintained.
they like and dislike. However, some of these blogs, and their authors,
Fashion may be fast moving but it is also a very aesthetic industry which
have gained notoriety in the fashion world. They are being treated like
cannot be fully appreciated and explored on the internet. You need to
editors and given front row seats, free gifts and star treatment. It is
see it for yourself, gather your own inspiration and develop your own
good publicity, as of course the blogger will write about the designer
style. What is the future of fashion? Who knows?
(sometimes even during a show from a laptop!). In a way, these bloggers have become celebrities. People want to know what they are wearing
All I can guarantee is that, times are changing so you better keep up!
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Art Profiles
During an exhibition at the Contemporary Urban Centre we stumbled across these artists and liked their unique take on life.
Sue Skitt Taking inspiration from Dutch and Spanish vanitas paintings from the 16th and 17th century, my mixed media collages incorporate artifax within the traditional construct of the still life. Much of my work explores the power of object to bear witness to intangible ideas and emotional truths. The work employs the iconography and symbols of common every day objects as a means of communication. The use of college itself adds to the irony when viewed within the historical framework of vanitas painting. In taking something from everyday, and freezing it in a college mixed media, the desire is to stop time itself, that is to capture an image of something as it exists at that particular instance. Although the action implies a wish to neglect the effects of death, effectively it hastens death, multiplies it and personage it, the series of vanitas colleges is a conscious or unconscious reminder of death and decay. sue@buzz-design.co.uk
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Ria Fell Ria Fell likes fancy dress, people and laughing, three things which flow throughout her work. Portraits are her main focus, often with an unusual twist, mixing together objects and faces that explore identity, contemporary culture and humour. After graduating with Masters in Art History from The University of Edinburgh in 2009, she returned to Liverpool eager to start drawing and creating her own work. Since then she has exhibited across the city and is currently in the process of designing a t-shirt collection. Updates and more of her work can be found on her website: http://ifellover.tumblr.com
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CLASS OF 2011 Object of Dreams picks its favorite of this year’s fashion graduates from Liverpool John Moores University 26
(opposite) Clothing by Hayley Walker Shoes by Terry De Havilland @ Boudoir Boutique (Above) Clothing by Laura Wallace Necklace by Mawi @ Boudoir Boutique
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Clothing by Emma Atkinson
Clothing by Eileen Pang Cuff - Boudoir Boutique
28 Clothing by Yasmin Kheradmandan
Clothing by Alena Johnson
Clothing by Sarah Thomas Shoes - Terry De Havilland @ Boudior Boutique
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Photography - Rob McGrory Styling - Louise Dalrymple Make up - Lara White Hair - Hooka Stylist’s Assistant - Alex Johnson Model - AnnieMae McCarrick @ Impact Models Agency Location - Antler Studios
Boudoir Bu l lets
// Topshop Personal Shopping
//Words by Fiona MCGugan
//Words by Monique Agar
Heard of the new service provided by Topshop yet? They are meeting all
Hello there and welcome to the
their shoppers needs, with tailored ppointments to help you find and style
very first column from Boudoir
great outfits.
Boutique for OoD.
Fashion insider Monique Agar went to find out what all the hype was
We are particularly excited because it’s festival season! Some of the
about...
Boudettes are attending Glastonbury this year and we have been fawning
Arriving 1 o’clock on the dot, I highly anticipated what the most-talked
over all of our favourite pieces from the Spring/Summer collections at
about new Topshop service would offer. When I walked through the doors
Boudoir.
of the Personal Shopping quarter at Topshop in Liverpool, it was as though I had stepped inside an ultra-modern fashion dimension, and then
From past experience, we know that dressing at festivals really is an art;
was greeted immediately by my very own personal shopper Lauren. To
coping with all of the elements including the weather, being comfortable
then feel right at home, surrounded by their white decor living area, with
and getting that perfect balance between dressed up and dressed down
a neat array of Vogue magazines on the coffee table, some refreshments,
without the luxury of a full – length mirror (or even no mirror at all!) is
and a selection of nail polishes... great start!
no easy feat. We’ve got some classics to jumpstart this year and we feel it’s now time to move away from Kate Moss’ famous welly/micro shorts combo
You are then led into one of four specialised changing rooms, which once
and create our own festival style.
inside turns out to be the size of a small bedroom. For starters, Barbour’s Ladies Safari hat is bang on trend this season, this The walls were draped with the latest hot picks from in store, as you
hat looks fabulous teamed with Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B collection which
find yourself admiring them like wall art.
includes a funky striped twist tee-dress or one of WILDFOX’s wide range of creations, like the glamorous Lipstick Tee. Ideal outfits for chilling on the
In the corner of the room stands the rail of pre-selected items, chosen
grass to a bit of Jazz or jumping around like a maniac to some hardcore
specifically on the brief given when booking the appointment. That very
Dance.
rail is meant to embody everything about you, and your own individual style. Mine was a combination of key pieces, exclusive collection items,
It’s also all about the fringe, so go for accessories such as Zandra
the odd designer label and items reserved especially on request. Lauren
Rhodes’ ‘Jada’ tassled shoulder bag perfect for keeping your festival
went on to show me the skills to mix and match outfits and what would
necessities (phone, gloss, dollar) safe.
suit me best. To add some floral romance to your ensemble, look out for Emin & Paul Lauren’s tone and presence alone made me feel comfortable to try new
corsage hats and hairbands in store now as well as, of course, our very
things on the day, and she left only to bring back a personalised ‘personal
own Amy Louise Keating’s flower headbands (Page 4) coolness for hippy
shopper’ bottle of water, and at that point during the experience I felt
chicks.
rather important. Then what more could you ask for than to be left to your own devises, in a bedroom full of high-end clothes. You have the time to
So whether your indie, rock and roll, hippy, or ‘glamping’ this year at
familiarise yourself with all the designs, and surrounded by mirrors, you
your favourite festival in the UK or abroad, create your look with the true
are able to see yourself from every possible angle.
Boudette way; a bit more flounce and flare. Stand out from the crowd and we hope you have a summer of love x
Lauren would often knock to check on my progress and be there to advise
As well as all this we also have VINTAGE Dior sunnies in store £110.
and give her opinion when needed. She would come back with fabulous new ideas, bring back more bags, shoes, all the things I was slowly falling
www.boudoir-boutique.com
in LOVE with. “We’re not your best friends, so we can give you honest and constructive advice, and that is what sometimes people need” This service is most definitely worth while and highly rewarding, considering it is completely FREE! You can give your personal shopper a budget to work with, set them a challenge on finding you a perfect outfit for a special occasion, or let them build you a new seasonal wardrobe. The whole experience was better than I’d ever imagined, they have the ability to make you feel glamorous and revitalised. I walked out there feeling delighted with my new gift wrapped purchase and a bag of this new found confidence. Thank you to Lauren & all the team at Personal Shopping in Liverpool x
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From University to the Job Centre //Words by Alex Court //Photography by Matthew Thomas
As students continue to be increasingly squeezed to pay for their education,
For now he plans to staying in Liverpool, at least until his lease ends in
university is increasingly becoming a privilege for less and less people.
July, although his best chance of success will be at the new Manchester
Coupled with a challenging economy, it is quite clear that graduates this
media city. For the moment though, he is following a course of try and see,
year are going to be facing severe obstacles to their success. Object of
which might not be ideal, but is better than nothing.
Dreams talks to recent graduates on their triumphs and tribulations since leaving education.
Darren For Darren, university wasn’t something he had considered after leaving school. Instead, he decided to explore his options before settling, and went
Zac After graduating in music studies from Liverpool John Moores University,
to Work Connexions Sessions to try to find something which would suit his
in July 2010 Zac spent the majority of the summer unemployed, or as he
interests. Eventually this lead to doing a media degree at Hope University,
put it: “Going from university to the job centre.” It was quite a shock going
graduating in 2010. He felt that saying he wanted to make films sounded
so suddenly from a high to a crashing low, and concedes that he hasn’t
kind of silly, but was undaunted and in his last year of university started
chosen an easy industry to break into.
up ‘Punch It! Productions’.
At the moment he has been making his way as a sometimes session
Although he had no major plan, he just wanted to make films and be able
drummer, whilst working a part-time sale job. It would be fair to say,
to make a living from them, he found himself doing business promo films
though, that this is not how he imagined his postgraduate career to be.
and films for the NHS.
Just turning 22, his goal is to succeed in the music business by the time he
One of the main ongoing challenges is trying to promote the business
gets to 25. Without that challenge, he feels he will still be trying to ‘make
and encourage people to part with their cash for a video. In the present
it’ when he’s 47.
economic climate, such things can be regarded as unaffordable luxuries
Even chasing any job is a challenge - he went for a position with Apple,
rather than the great marketing benefit it can be to a business.
but got knocked back in the final stages. Much of his job hunting so far, he
To help supplement his income he has begun to do wedding videos,
puts it, has been: “A tidal wave of rejection. The knock-backs don’t destroy
promos, audition tapes, one music video, and of course short films too.
you, but dent you massively.” Despite such setbacks though, he continues
In terms of a long term plan, his eventual aim is to get into feature films.
to work on projects on the side including doing tech writing for Sony, in
Until that day comes though it is just a case of seeing what happens and
the Liverpool area.
taking each day, one at a time.
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Darren
Zac
At of idal w r Th eject ave ek i bac noc on. k k des s do but troy n’t y ma dent ou, ssi vel you y
AL
EX MC ANDE QU R EE N
Jennifer
You yo al l b u be ’re g elieve the oin nex g to t
That kind of attitude was quickly put to rest after experiencing the
Sitting down in Jennifer’s ‘everything room,’ she describes the highs and
cutthroat world during work experience at London Fashion Week. What
lows of the fashion industry. After graduating from University College for
he chose was to return to university to study fashion communications,
the Creative Arts, in Farnham, in 2008, Jennifer returned to Liverpool. It
which reignited his passion for photography.
was only after eight long months of looking for creative and retail jobs that
He may be in a position at the moment where he can’t be too picky about
she got a job in Next. After two years of putting her efforts into fashion,
his assignments, but feels confident that his prospects will gradually
she realised she could only go so far with it.
improve. For the moment though he is happy to concentrate on covering
Photography had always been an interest though; after covering a wedding
music and promo events, but is working towards shooting more fashion.
(and being paid more than her monthly wage), she felt encouraged to quit
A pragmatic, Robin knows this is going to be a challenge, with a few
and take that photography on as a full time occupation. She now runs her
established photographers already covering Liverpool.
own photography business and with the time and financial freedom that it
It is just a case of cracking into that inner circle to get the best projects.
has given her, is now in the process of running her own label and fashion
As it is though, things have started out better than he was expecting, and
line, ‘Cat’s Meow’ (1920s slang for something splendid and wonderful).
he feels confident that he can continue to at least make a living from it.
Despite her dislike of the time she spent at Next, the experience she gained of the fashion world and retail was invaluable in being able to start
It is certainly a cause for concern that even graduates who entered a
up ‘Cat’s Meow.’
world with less challenges and obstacles than there are in this present day, continue to struggle to achieve their potential.
Robin Robin, since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in Summer
However, it is testament to the sheer persistence of today’s young people
2010, has been working as a photographer for the last six months. He had
that they are crashing out of their shells, and looking at fresh ways to
started out with a view to becoming a fashion designer but a combination
follow their dreams.
of falling out of love with it and then taking a couple of years out to begin a family led him to explore alternative options. He freely admits that he had had naive beliefs about his future at college when, as he put it: “You all believe you’re going to be the next Alexander McQueen.”
Robin
Jennifer
e
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Revolution
//Ilustration by Anthony Jaycott
http://cargocollective.com/anthonyjaycott
//Words by Chris Hogg
They were going to call the Egypt revolution The Facebook revolution
information, and the constant communication through social media
- that’s how important the social media website was to the persistent
paragons Facebook and Twitter, that you can access via the internet.
north Africa uprisings. Social media websites spread the message
Well, it’s the same internet in Libya and elsewhere across the region
effectively organising ‘people power’ across the region.
- it’s the World Wide Web - and for every prospective filter there is a prospective way round that filter. It is even difficult for countries to
Of course, the modern age of communication has long been established
block out all internet providers in the same way that is has proved hard
in the Middle East and Africa, but when its initial presence was first
to control mobile phone networks.
felt undemocratic leaders managed to successfully suppress its use and control its content. In previous decades television and radio broadcasts
All this put together means one thing: widespread communication that’s
have been closely monitored, in fact these media outlets have even
difficult to stamp out. So while it may seem a bit dramatic, and slightly
served as useful propaganda tools for repressive regimes controlling
ridiculous, to say that this year’s uprisings owe a lot to Facebook and
channels of communication.
Twitter, it probably isn’t that far from the truth.
Indeed, at the start of the Libyan uprising, Colonel Gaddafi could be
It should at least make you think differently, even if only for a split
seen filling the airwaves of Libyan television with bizarre personal
second, when you next log on to check out Charlie Sheen’s latest tweet
interviews full of nonsensical ramblings, umbrellas, and token images
or the pictures from yesterday’s night out. Because it follows that social
of pro-government supporters, presumably in a desperate attempt to
networking sites, as part of our rapidly growing age of communication,
convince the country that the uprisings were imagined. The internet
are also one of the greatest democratic tools of our time.
is simply a different kettle of fish. Just think of the vast wealth of
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Towards sustainable artistic production? //Words by Kenn Taylor - Kenn is a writer of Liverpool and the visual arts, urban regeneration, city cultures, community development and the points were they intersect. His work has appeared in The Guardian, NME, Aesthetica magazine, Clash magazine and Flux magazine, just to name a few.
And so the arts cuts are in. There’s a general feeling that it could have
If artists’ groups could take over such abandoned sites, and there are
been worse, and it could have, but the signs are that state funding can’t
some mechanisms in place for this, such as Community Land Trusts, they
be relied upon in future. With university fees also shooting up, an art
could mark the basis of new communities that could help lead such areas
school education too is likely to become an expensive luxury for a small
from the blight they currently experience. Artists could work to grow
elite. So, what course can someone who wishes to dedicate his or her life
food on currently barren land, restore houses for dwellings, abandoned
art take to survive and still create?
pubs and shops for studio, exhibition and event space. Members could even cook, clean and generate energy communally.
The idea of the artists’ commune or collective is not a new one. It may, however, be a model that artists have to look at adopting
Artists could work collaboratively to programme and produce work for
increasingly as the world continues to go through its current massive
spaces, and make money by selling tickets to events, creative services
shifts.
to clients and artworks and craft products to visitors. Facilities for metal fabrication, multimedia work, printing etc could be shared, thus
Most recent examples of these have been based on the ‘squatting’
reducing costs. With laborious and monotonous work in the community
principle, such as in Berlin after the wall came down, and in the decaying
divided up equally, that would free time up for ‘creativity’ in whatever
urban centres of the UK in the 1970s and 80s. Based on the occupation
form that may take. Artists moving to areas such as these could be at the
of unused urban spaces, and having the then fashion of ‘dropping out’
cutting edge of culture, now that the city centre has been reclaimed by
at their heart as much as community and collectivism, many of these
corporate interests and become sanitised and controlled.
projects proved dually unsustainable. Such communities might also help solve the problem of the skyrocketing For one, many of the participants soon tired of the hard work that
cost of art education. Communes could take on apprentices, like in days
maintaining such a community involved, and once they’d had their fun,
of yore. Instead of doing a foundation course, students could move in,
soon left for nice jobs and homes in the suburbs. Secondly, as urban
be given food and board and tutored in artistic and other skills by more
living became fashionable, and cities became ‘regenerated’, abandoned
senior members in exchange for labour. Inevitably some would fall
warehouses, factories and big houses were converted into trendy flats
out with their tutor’s way of doing things, as would other community
and bars and the many squats, studios and clubs that had previously
members, but they could go off and form new communes elsewhere,
occupied them were forced to move on.
driving art forward as ever.
Despite this though, there is still much redundant land in Britain’s
Let’s not be naïve. Many local authorities would rather let land go to
cities that is crying out for a new use. Town centres may have been
seed that give it away for free.
regenerated, but the ring of poverty between the suburbs and the inner core remains almost everywhere. With the working-class communities
Not to mention the hostility that many blighted communities might feel
that lived there often struggling to have a future once the industries
to ‘artistic’ outsiders moving into ‘their’ areas. Along what lines such
that they relied on disappeared.
communities could be run would also be a big experiment in human nature. Many such groups start out with lovely anarchistic ideas only to
These areas may lack the large, open-plan spaces of old factories and
descend into bitter hierarchies and in-fighting.
warehouses, but they do have spaces and properties that might be suitable for the creation of real, sustainable artists’ communities. Whole
But artists at their best can be some of the most dynamic, driven
streets of houses and masses of brownfield land are lying empty, often
and open people in society, often pushing change forward. If both
as a result of failed regeneration schemes. Of course, if city authorities
communities and those in authority can be engaged such ideas might be
can get people to buy these areas they will, but, with nearly all Britain’s
possible. Let’s get things started.
post-industrial cities still gently shrinking, they may have a job on their hands.
www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk
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Liverpool Art Prize Established in Liverpool’s Capital of Culture Year, 2008, this prestigious exhibition, showcasing the best in Liverpool art is now open to the public, with the winner being announced at an Awards Ceremony June 1. Organiser Artinliverpool.com is delighted to announce this year’s shortlist: paint sculptor Brendan Lyons, painter Bernadette O’Toole, installation specialist Richard Proffitt and new media, film and sound artist Markus Soukup. Chosen from over 60 artists based in the Liverpool City Region the shortlist represents the best and most cutting-edge contemporary art being produced in the region. Each artist has exhibited within the last year and is connected to Liverpool’s leading studio groups. Paul Domela of Liverpool Biennial said: “The Liverpool Art Prize sheds light on the vitality of work made in Liverpool and is a great nudge of
Richard Profitt
confidence to the artists that are shortlisted. In its short history the Liverpool Art Prize has made its mark by honouring the work of three significant artists: Imogen Stidworthy, Al and Al and David Jacques. Apart from the work that they did to win the prize, it has been a pleasure to how they have flourished since. I hope many people will come to see it.” There is also a £1000 People’s Choice Award chosen by the public voting at the gallery. THE LIVERPOOL ART PRIZE 2011 Friday 6 May – Saturday 11 June Metal at Edge Hill Station, Tunnel Road, Liverpool. L7 6ND Opening Times - Tue – Fri 2pm – 6pm, Sat 12pm – 4pm Free Entry OyeAd-6:Layout 1
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Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th June 2011 The 20th Anniversary of the UK’s largest celebration of African music and culture, Sefton Park, Liverpool
est. 1992
£5 [in advance] £7 on the day [subject to availability]. FREE to Children age 12 and under. visit: africaoye.com for tickets and more information
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Markus Soukup
Light Night The wait is over; the Light Night programme is here! Promising a very special night on Friday, May 13, visitors of all ages are invited into the city to celebrate Liverpool’s world-class arts and heritage. Over 50 organisations will stage an exciting mix of free events and activities including exhibitions, choirs, bands, theatre, historical talks and radical walks, a candle-lit labyrinth, extravagant makeovers and Look11, Liverpool’s first International Photography Festival launch. Light Night is the Summer sister of Winter’s Long Night. Here is Object of Dreams’ own Light Night walking tour of the best of Light Night: 1. LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL LAUNCH, 5pm
Enjoy the warm, night air and head over to this unique gallery. An
//Whitechapel, Williamson Square, Clayton Square & Church Street
exhibition of original paintings by local artists focussing on their visual
The streets will come alive with 100 dancers, musicians, giant costumes
interpretation & exploration in composition, medium and colour of
and puppets to launch the city’s international carnival.
character, places and the human form.
2. THE BLUECOAT, School Lane (1 min walk)
5. NOVAS CONTEMPORARY URBAN CENTRE, Greenland Street, 6pm -
Start of at The Bluecoat, where we will be during the night handing out the
10pm (3 min walk)
latest copy of Object of Dreams: meet the team and enjoy The Bluecoat’s
//Craft Creative & Vintage Fair
Collected exhibition. Artists Stephen Bird and Michael Brennard-Wood
A
display their work exploring contemporary political issues in the Display
experience! Get crafty and discover
Centre.
vintage treasures including clothes,
radical
shopping
and
making
arts and crafts and much more from 3. WOLSTENHOLME CREATIVE SPACE, just off Slater Street, 7pm -
Pillbox Vintage. 6pm – 10pm. (And
10.30pm (5 min walk)
afterwards enjoy A Very Superstitious
//Strange Sounds From The Attic
After Show Party until 2am)
Slightly up the road, the top floor of this venue will be open for one night only with installations by Artlab Contemporary Print Studios and a live performance by Moth Man at 9pm. 4. THE GALLERY LIVERPOOL, Stanhope Street, 7pm - 1am (10 min walk)
Image of last year’s Long Night, photo
//Hung, drawn & quartered
by Emma Gilmour
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Livepool Sou nd City Yuck
The TheBlack Black L Miles Kane
//Object of Dreams’ top bands at LSC
Photo © Mark McNulty
Day 1:
Day 2 :
Day 3 :
Thursday
Friday
Saturday (Otherwise known as, ‘Oh-dear-god-how-the-hellI’m-I-gonna-fit-in-all-these-amazing-bands’ day)
//Frank Turner (headlining) The Crypt Hall,
//Miles Kane (headline) St George’s Hall
//Sound of Guns (headline) St George’s Hall
Metropolitan Cathedral
Playing the opening party of LSC back in March,
Liverpool’s band du jour, pack a punch indie rock
this Liverpool lad had the crowds rioting The
sound, these guys filled the stage and room at last
Kazimier. Biggest gig of the festival.
year’s LSC and appropriately return to headline
This
english
folk/punk
singer
songwriter
underwent a transformation from punk rocker to folk-stained waters, Turner has a huge grassroots fan-base, Check out what the fuss is all about.
the last day. Check out our interview with them. //The Black Lips (headline) The Masque Theatre Love them, hate them, say whatever you want
//Fucked Up (headline) The Kazimier
//Yuck (first supporting act) The Kazimier
this show is going to be awesome! Debauchery,
The hardcore punk band from Toronto, rocked
An interesting top entry with their heartbreaking
craziness, nakedness, blood, urine...erm, yep,
The Kazimier last year, so expect more of the
pop-songs and copy-catting of heroes Dinosaur
this all comes with a Black Lips gig. Oh yeah, and
same headbanging stuff. Highlight of the night?
Jr. these guys, hailing from London, have
their flower-punk music is pretty good too.
The sweaty, shirtless glory of frontman Pink
impressed critics all round with their self-titled debut album.
Eyes. Enough said. //Clinic (headline) Bombed Out Church This Liverpool post-punk revival band’s album
//Mugstar (headline) Static Gallery, Roscoe
//Chain & The Gang (headline) Static Gallery,
last year may not have won over many critics,
Lane
Roscoe Lane
straying away from their previous ‘hyped up
So, we interviewed Mugstar, they confirmed
Now this is one of our music journalist’s top entry.
sound’ - but we still love them. We still want some
they were awesome so we’re going to be there to
Why? Well, let’s see it’s fronted by Ian Svenonius,
them to play Internal Wrangler stuff though.
support one of our favourite local bands. Also,
formerly of Nation of Ulysses, integrating prison
they’re a psych kraut rock band and sound like
blues, a political agenda and a nod to the post-
//Kurt Vile & The Violators (first supporting
punk/indie rock/soul rock of his former bands.
act) The Kazimier
Sonic Youth. See you there.
Umm, sounds like Bruce Springsteen? Then we’re
//Hot Club de Paris (first supporting act) Static
there. The band, all the way from Philadelphia,
Gallery, Roscoe Lane
draw their influence from lo-fi, psychadelic, and
Get to Static a little earlier, before Mugstar and
classic rock.
catch Hot Club De Paris. This indie-rock band always puts a smile on our face. Taking influence
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from The Minute Men and fIREHOSE.
In just three years Liverpool Sound City has established itself as the UK’s most creative and innovative city centre event. Combining an international perspective on the best in new music, art, film, photography, business, new tech, media and more in one of the world’s most legendary music cities.
Clinic
ack lack Lips Lips
Fucked Up
Sound of Guns
Photo © Ricky Adam
//Top Festival Tips
//Top day events
//Sound City Conference
1. Discover a new band. Last year we discovered
Screenadelica: Old Cream Shop, 3pm - 9pm
Bringing the best and brightest to our hometown
Free Energy and Sleigh Bells, now on constant
Screendaelica returns for the second year to give
to discuss what’s at the cutting edge of popular
play at our HQ. And the gig at Mello Mello with
the audience at Sound City a taste of the best
culture, LSC looks to provide a fresh look at
Misery Guts, Candie Payne and Dead Cities was
illustrators and artists from the UK and all over
the future by challenging the conventional and
one of our favourites for the year.
the world.
constantly striving to discover the new - all while
2. Don’t fall in love with one band. By all means
showcasing some of the best new music on the
fall for them, but don’t just fall in love with one
Powder: FACT, 6pm, 19 May
planet.
when there’s so many out there!
Premier of local film Powder, starring Liam
Liverpool Sound City unites globally renowned
3. Do half sets. This is really 1 b), fit in as many
Boyle, Alfie Allen and filmed at major rock
creative thinkers and home-grown innovators,
bands as you can at the festival, jump from band
festivals in the U.K, Ibiza and Spain, Powder is a
living legends and music’s future faces to create
to band and only do half sets, especially if your
thrilling, hilarious, filthy and fascinating rock ‘n
an
favourite bands are headlining.
roll parable.
liberating three days and nights: with cultural
4. Don’t sleep, there’s plenty of time for that next weekend.
//Soundcity App Getting a bit confused where to go next? Sound City have launched an App to guide you through the Festival with a full A-Z of the conference speakers and all the gigs. Plan your festival to the last minute with important event reminders and venue directions. Available on iPhone and Android.
intellectually
inspiring
and
artistically
enrichment, mental stimulation and hedonistic Beats of Freedom: Fact, 6pm, 21 May
abandon to the fore.
Presented by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute
This year, they’re all about the creativity - no
Beats of Freedom or How to Overthrow a
room for naysayers here. Celebrating the best in
Totalitarian Regime with the Use of a Homemade
music and tech, we’re looking to the future and
Amplifier is a captivating film about the birth and
what the new music landscape might look like as
evolution of rock music in Poland.
it unfolds ahead of us. So what are you waiting for, step on in and have a
Don’t Panic We’re from Poland: Mello Mello,
look at what’s on offer.
7.30pm, 21 May
LSC 2011 takes place at Hilton Hotel Liverpool on
Featuring Warsaw Village Band, Pustki, Paula I
Thursday 19th and Friday 20th of May.
Karol, Tres B. I personally love Polish music, so discover some new sounds at this brilliant night.
//Best of the rest Thursday: Evelyn Burke@Mello Mello, Delta Maid/Ragz/The Big House@Bombed Out Church, Johnny Sands@Studio 2, KOF@Bumper, Man Get Out@Masque Ink, The Red Suns@O2 Academy, The View@O2 Academy, Wicked Whispers@The Masque; Friday: El Toro@The Masque, Fieldhouse@Zanzibar Club, Picture Book@The Shipping Forecast, Stealing Sheep@Bombed Out Church, The Suzukis@Leaf Cafe, Wave Machines@Static Gallery, Willy Mason@Zanzibar Club, Young Knives@The Crypt Hall, Dead Cities@Zanzibar Club; Saturday: Fly with Vampires@St George’s Hall, Funeral for a Friend@Hub Festival, Jamie XX@ The Shipping Forecast
39
Photography by David Smyth. mrdsmithers@hotmail.com
Mugstar Unfortunately I never got the chance to see Hawkwind perform the legendary ‘Space Ritual’ in 1976 at the Liverpool Stadium but when I see Mugstar play live and listen to their records, I can imagine it to be a similar experience. With a nod towards previously mentioned Hawkwind and German band Neu!, Mugstar offer a relentless assault on the audience with repetitive bass driven riffs and spaced out jams that will leave you a total cosmic ambience, call it Krautrock, Space rock or Physch, Mugstar are most definitely a force to be reckoned with. - Interview by Marc Glaysher
So how did you guys get together and start playing as a band?
2010 saw the release of ‘...Sun, Broken...’ and your latest offering ‘Lime’ - both
Steve: The original idea was to form a band that would go about things
released on the IMPORTANT records label, how did the deal with IMPORTANT
differently to what I’d been involved in previously, to try and get away
come about?
from the verse, chorus song format. We’ve worked through quite a variety
Pete:We did the second album, then Jason sent it to IMPORTANT and they
of approaches to experiment and explore - through sound, noise, volume,
loved it. It’s great being on IMPORTANT becauses there some many other
power, energy, composition etc etc. Everyone who’s joined has not only been
good bands and people on that label, Like Grails, Cave, Master musicans of
into that idea, but recognises it as something that’s crucial to Mugstar.
Bukkake and Merzbow. There’s a real mixed bag on that label. Folk, noise and weird rock music - which I like to think we fall into sometimes
You guys have been playing for a while, has the bands sound changed from when you started jamming?
You have recently been involved in the ‘Ad Marginem’ film, can you tell us
Pete:The band has evolved, but there is no real idea of what Mugstar is, in
about your involvement in this?
terms of sound. It’s whatever sticks with us. If there’s a riff or jam we did, we
Neil: A couple of years back Jason suggested that we should make a film
kick it around a lot before it becomes something. Mugstar is the master of it
that we could play a live soundtrack to. Usually these sort of ideas are just
own ship. So we don’t know what it’s going to sound like in the end, which for
forgotten but in this case we actually wrote a screenplay and got together
us is good. I play around with sound a lot more now though. Also our songs
with a film maker, Liam Yates. In the end we were involved in pretty much
are longer now, I don’t know why that is.
every aspect of the film: acting, directing, editing, as well as the music. It’s been a huge challenge, but it’s pushed us to do new things. Hopefully there’ll
You say you are heavily influenced by Hawkwind (they recorded a version
be more performances soon.
of the classic ‘Born To Go’ for the ‘In Search of Hawkwind’ album which was released last year), how did the opportunity to be involved in this come
Last year you embarked on a European tour with Liverpool prog duo BEAST,
about?
how was it playing your music live to new audiences?
Steve: Er..., it was our project. We were kicking some Hawkwind riffs around,
Jason: We love playing in Europe and it’s always great playing in front of new
Jase suggested doing a split 7” with one other band as a tribute, we then
audiences. I suppose the main thing that differs to playing in the UK is how
discovered loads of great bands were into being involved, so it grew to a full
well you are treated. For example, we played at the Moulin Rouge in Paris
album. Took ages to bring it all together but worked out amazingly in the end.
last summer and got treated amazingly well - drinks, food, showers, dressing room, paid $$$ and got to stay in a 17th century building. Now thats what
You made an appearance at last year’s Supersonic festival, in Birmingham.
we like!
How was it playing alongside Hallogallo (featuring Michael Rother of krautrock legends NEU!)?
So what plans are in the horizon for Mugstar?
Steve: Supersonic is a great festival, we loved playing it, we played in the
Jason: We have a Liverpool Sound City show on Saturday, May 21, with Hot
old library - it was packed, went really well. There was a brilliant line-up of
Club De Paris, a few London dates and some European shows. We have ‘...
bands, but yeah, you’ve hit the nail on the head, Hallogallo were the band
Sun, Broken...’ and ‘Lime’ both released on vinyl, a ZZ Top cover on a Record
we were all wanting to see. They were amazing, and great to chat with them
Store Day 12”, a split album with Kinski and the ‘Ad Marginem’ soundtrack
backstage. We’ve been into Neu! and Sonic Youth for many, many years, and
released.
so for me personally, it was a pleasure to meet Steve Shelley.
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Photography by Mark McNulty
Sou nd of Gu ns Sound of Guns are Liverpool’s biggest sound of the moment - as quoted by the guys behind Liverpool Sound City. And it really seems to be that way, following their massive gig at last year’s LSC the foursome are back to headline St George’s Hall. Following the release of their debut album What Came From Fire last year, these guys haven’t really taken a break, with the follow-up album planned for release later this year. I caught up with frontman and singer Andy, while he was stuck in traffic on the way to do some more studio recording in Bath. - Interview by Dina Karim
How does it feel to be headlining LSC and playing at St George’s Hall?
So, how did you guys meet?
It’s an honour that we’re playing LSC and playing at St George’s Hall. We
Me and Simon were in a band previously but when we left we just carried on
played there a few years ago when we supported The Zutons - it’s this amazing
working on songs. We then met Nathan in a pub round the corner where we
venue with great acoustics, it’s like playing in a mini Albert Hall. LSC have
were rehearsing and he came round to the rehearsal and that night we came
asked us to play this year because we’re a lot bigger than we were last year
up with Alcatraz. Coley saw us do a couple of shows and he joined us - it’s
after the release of our album and the gig we did last year went really well.
probably my amazing voice that attracted him! The name for the band came from the title of a song, an early song that we had. It is a bit surreal just
The planned release for your second album is later this year. You’ve been
shooting to fame like that, but you know we’ve just been kind of taking it in
working with renowned music producer Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers
our stride and you know we want more.
and Idlewild) for the album, what’s it like working with him? The new album has better songs and as a band we’re better as well. We’ve
What sort of music are you guys into, is it all similar tastes?
been on the road for two years now but I think there’s a better balance of who
We’ve all got these different tastes, but at the same time we’re quite similar,
we are in our upcoming album.
like Nathan likes Spandex rock and we all like Led Zeppelin, indie and rock. I
David did our first EP and he was really enthusiastic about us at the time, he
don’t know if we ever made a conscious decision not to sound like that Mersey
loved the work we where doing but we couldn’t really afford him for the first
sound, I just don’t think it was ever us we just had this more universal sound.
album. He’s always been into the band though, and he was the right kind of guy to do this.
Sound of Guns had a run in with the police, in true Rock n Roll style, tell us
He’s been really good for our sound, while we may have dozens of songs we
more.
think could work, he just like rips the sh*t out the album, creating these
Oh yeah, so that’s like hilarious. We’re down at the pub in Wakefield, watching
amazing arrangements.
the match and someone must have heard us talking about Sound of Guns, because next thing we hear is these policemen asking us all about these guns
Why did you build a studio for your first album?
and everything, thinking we were terrorists. We got it sorted it out though,
We built our first ever studio because we thought it would be the best thing
we played Wakefield a month later and I swear one of the policemen was in
for the future of the band, so rather than like blow all the money we got in
the crowd!
advance from the record label we used it to build this amazing studio. We wanted the sound to sound like we do when play live, our drummer recorded
What’s coming up for Sound of Guns?
our early demos so that’s how we wanted it to sound. We’re in a big studio now
Well, we’ve got the album out later this year, we’ve got our headline tour at
recording for the upcoming album because I think it suited it better.
the end of May and we’re playing loads of festivals like Rockness, Scotland, this summer.
You’re signed up with the independent label Distiller Records, why did you sign with them? At the time there were loads of offers coming in, but it was really important to us to actually sign with a record label that understood us and what we were about, giving us the freedom to do what we wanted rather than have loads of money and be limited.
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Photo © Gary Lornie
Please the ears & Please don’t
Review//LAU at The Kazimier With attitude, wit, stories and street smarts, Joey Seary is already a hit with fans of the local scene. His talent has also led him to gaining massive co-signs by Urban Music industry players like DJ Semtex and DJ Target, and smashing support sets for the likes of KOF, Tinchy Stryder and more. On the back of this, Joey Seary releases ‘Just Another Face In The City’, a 10-song opus to the intricacy and simplicity of city living, which is interwoven with his own personal story and maturation. Just Another Face In The City was produced entirely by Liverpool musician, Product, who provides a series of emotive live tracks that fuse Hip-Hop, Jazz and Soul as the perfect soundbed to Joey’s melodic narratives. http://soundcloud.com/JOEYSEARY
Review//2 MANY DJS at Chinuku, The Masque Didn’t you hear, we love 2 Many DJs, not just love, LOVE. After the longest break from Liverpool the Belgian brothers, finally graced the city with their blend of ‘bastard-pop’, setting my heart pounding and hundreds of feet stomping. You wanna a bit of pop, you got it, a bit of drum and bass and the boys delivered, there’s nothing like a set from the duo taking me back to the legendary gig at Korova six years ago. Now I’ve seen 2 Many DJs over a dozen times, and each time they grow better and better - getting the crowd rowdy to the tunes of Gossip’s ‘Standing In The Way of Control’, and The White Stripes (RIP) ‘Seven Nation Army’ before dropping in Human League’s ‘Don’t You Want Me Baby’. Chibuku was as usual at its best, the crowd’s friendly and the rooms a mix of intense beat (heat?) to chilled. The night was awesome, so awesome I’ve
Preview//THE WILD SWANS at Stanley Theatre, LGoS 11 June, £15 After featuring The Wild Swans’ original frontman Paul Simpson in the last issue of Object of Dreams, we are beyond excited for this gig - a once in a gizillion year’s show. The set will include Wild Swans classics and a selection of songs from the imminent new album ‘The Coldest Winter for a Hundred Years’. Joining Paul is the amazing band line-up of Les Pattinson (ex Echo & the Bunnymen), Ricky Maymi (Brian Jonestown Massacre), Mike Mooney (ex Spiritualized/Lupine Howl), Steve Beswick and Richard Turvey. The Wild Swans are a post-punk band from Liverpool, England, which originally formed in 1980 shortly after Paul Simpson left The Teardrop Explodes. A truly hidden gem, this is going to be a night we’ll be there in droves.
decided to quit the magazine and stalk them on tour - joke, I’ll be at their gig in Manchester. Part Of The Weekend Never Dies at Chibuku.
Review//GZA at The Kazimier The event was part of GZA’s many current UK dates in anticipation of Wu -Tang Clans’ “Rebirth” tour later in the year (which will include the late Old Dirty Bastard’s son, Young Dirty Bastard - I’m not even messing). I had been concerned by rumours of apathetic and surly performances
Photo © Joanna Buckley
at GZA’s earlier gigs but that didn’t seem to diminish the atmosphere in The Kazimier’s famous
42
450-capacity Octagon. As part of the support act I watched the space quickly fill with a raucous but benevolent audience eager to see the man whose pioneering New York hip-hop group permeate record collections and culture globally. I can assure you GZA absolutely fucking smashed it. He performed his entire 1995 solo masterpiece Liquid Swords as if it had been released that week. His flawless and unflagging delivery over 90some minutes left no-one in doubt as to the deservedness of this artists’ status (have a think about what Snoop Dogg is up to nowadays to see why that means a lot). By the time GZA caught the audience off-guard with some Wu-Tang classics (ODB’s Shimmy Shimmy Ya, anybody?) the crowd were surging and baying in a state of sheer rapgasm. You really should have been there.
- Richard Wilkie-Riley
Photo © David Angel
Review//LAU at The Kazimier
Preview//SMILES FOR JAPAN at CUC £Donations
Review//DANCE ON TOAST at Mello Mello
Kazimier. This folk trio from Scotland easily
Japanese
creative
Mello and on this particular Wednesday night
filled the place to capacity, and deservedly so,
communities and the CUC Liverpool are
there was a diverse selection of music to be
because you really could not ask for a more
joining forces to hold a charity event ‘Smiles
enjoyed.
enjoyable experience than feeling as if you are
for Japan’ in response to the earthquake and
First on stage was female singer-guitarist, Chi,
at barn dance on a warm Summer’s night.
tsunami disasters which severely hit Eastern
with a fine selection of songs in the mould of
Their name, Lau, is the Orcadian word for
Japan.
a late 1970s Joan Armatrading, with a wistful
‘natural light’, which is quite apt for the very
‘Smiles for Japan’ presents a daytime family-
voice and some nice guitar work.
organic music that they produce.
friendly event followed by an evening music
Following her, was quite a change of pace with
They played a fine mix of traditional folk pieces,
event,
creative
Mello Mello’s very own Adam Millington, who
improvisations and their own songs, both old
activities, vibrant music and performances
took a much more lyrically surreal direction
and new, which was great for both the veteran
together to raise money and awareness of how
with his music. This worked to great effect,
fans and the newcomers. It was also the first
we can support Japan in these difficult times.
combined with a virtuoso guitar style that
time I’d ever seen a violin connected to a wah-
Daytime activities include crafty activities,
really lifted the songs to quite another level.
wah peddle, which in fact worked surprisingly
a
film
After a short break, 18-year-old Rae Morris
well, creating some pretty interesting sounds.
screenings, music by China Pearl, Indigo Vibes
took to the stage, accompanying herself with
The only downside was that they didn’t play
- plus so much more. The night will see the
an electric Korg piano. With her very eclectic
for nearly long enough. Their excuse was that
outstanding Man Get Out, Tibi and her Cello
style she looked the spitting image of Stevie
they didn’t have enough material or couldn’t
and Mashemon take to the stage.
Nicks circa the Tango in the Night period.
remember
any
Also, don’t miss the Smiles For Japan Launch
The best performance was undoubtedly saved
irritation was quickly lifted when they finished
event headlining Liverpool legend Ian McNabb
for last though, with Douglas Dare and his
on a screaming high note with some pretty wild
with Mashemon, Dave O’Grady, Jo Bywater
alt folk-rock band completing the evening’s
improvisations which rounded off the evening
at 3345, on Parr Street, from 8.30pm, on
diverse selection of music. Lead by this Dorset
brilliantly.
Thursday, 12 May, following Art Aid Auction
native, now living in Liverpool, they played a
at Studio 2 between 6pm - 8pm.
very enjoyable set that ended the show on a
The proceeds from the event will go to British
high note with ‘London Rose.’
Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal.
In addition to the fine music, was the novel
When a band like Lau play Liverpool, there really is no better place to see them than in The
enough
material.
However
- Alexander Court
residents,
bringing
Japanese
Liverpool’s
cross-cultural
jumble
sale,
Japanese
Dance on toast is a music night held at Mello
addition of free toast (the name of the night
Th e La ir n am u, i Or cad s the e, for ia lig ‘ nat n wo h t ’, ura rd is qu whi l ch ite for o rg t h e a p t v tha anic ery m t pro the usi c y du ce
truly lives up to what it, sort of, promises). It indeed would only be a good thing if more gigs could be as homely as this one was. - Alexander Court
In to addit t mu he f ion i s the ic w ne a n ad ov s d e fre ition l et oa of st
43
Out of the pages Art Exhibition & Birthday Gig -Photography by Charlie Charlton & Louise Dalrymple On the day Issue Four hit the streets we celebrated our first birthday at Mello Mello, with some of our favourite bands of the moment. Kicking off the night was the acoustic delights of Mike Murphy, of the Wicked Whispers followed by our friends over at Police Squad. The infectious rock n roll of The Sixteen Tonnes captivated the crowd putting them in the right state of mind for the big, rowdy, explosive finish from Jacobi. A perfect night to start a new year. In February, Object of Dreams decided it was high time we showcased our favourite artists and photographers we’ve featured in past issues, at View 2 Art Gallery. We exhibited Andrew Abrahamson, Stephen Chan, Katie Craven, Gabrielle De La Puente, Tom Donohue, Jo Hicks, Francesco Mellina, Rob McGrory, Mark McNulty, Candie Payne, Matthew Thomas, Emma Whitehurst and Will Charlton. The delightful tunes from The Big House had the crowd entranced with their beautiful tunes, capping off a night of great art and wine. A special thank you to Alex Bob Hopkins for his lovely accompaniment to the art with the clarinet.
44
Big House Big House
Mike Murphy of the Wicked Whispers
Jacobi
Police Squad
JacobiPolice Squad
Police Squad The Sixteen Tonnes
The Sixteen Tonnes
Police Squad
45
Food for thought
MELLO MELLO Parr Street/Slater Street
A visit to Mello Mello is always a pleasure, Object of Dreams’ affinity with
ITALIAN CLUB FISH Bold Street
the cafe/venue/bar is obvious, since we had the magazine’s first birthday party there. This gem in the arty street of Parr Street, contrasts the boozy nights of Slater Street with their own brand of chilled out cafe during the day, with
My dinner friend Louise declared, before we had sat down and perused the
an impressive selection of teas and a delicious assortment of vegetarian
menu, this her favourite restaurant in the city. Tall order, and a challenge
food freshly prepared.
I was ready to put to the test. The verdict (can you put verdicts at the
During the night, Mello Mello comes into its own, opening up its stage to
beginning?) - best for fish in the city.
a varied selection of music, from the free Rock n Roll night on alternate
The Italian Club Fish is not really a hidden find, tucked away in an alley
thursdays to the Jazz collective, not to mention the top quality acts on
or a basement, yet even though I had walked past this European-looking
every weekend. A perfect venue to enjoy good music while drinking an
restaurant thousands of times at the top of Bold Street, I had never visited
organic beer. This is fast becoming a top venue for touring acts, visiting
it. To my immense loss.
the city.
For starters we had grilled marinated King Prawns & Calamari on a bed of
The quirky vintage decor and welcoming feel of settling down on one of
mixed leaves, and Louise had the saute of Clams, Mussels, Cockles, Fresh
their comfy couches to play chess or ludo, creates a much needed haven in
White Fish, parsley & cherry tomatoes on slices of ciabatta, although
a city full of chain cafes trying to recreate that ‘comfortable’ feel. There’s
the restaurant was slightly busy the food arrived promptly, with, to my
a reason why so many of the regulars look like they live in one of the
delight, fresh Calamari. Now, Calamari may be my favourite seafood but
upstairs rooms.
I can’t ever find it fresh and not dipped in batter. The last time I had it
Mello is truly independent in every sense of the word; founded and rebuilt
fresh was in New York, where it cost £30 for the tiniest portion - anything
a few years back by volunteers from The Arts Organisation it considers
for good food, eh. The Calamari was perfect, not overcooked to plastic
itself more of a community project than a bar (umm...sounds a little bit
proportions or undercooked to make me gag, a perfect combination of
like what we’re doing here at Object of Dreams). The venue, with its vast
sauces. Louise’s dish was full of sea food and white fish, a joy she relished
number of rooms in the building, also offers rehearsal spaces drama,
to the last single drop, unashamedly licking the plate.
dance, workshops, meetings and music practicing.
The owner served each dish with a friendly smile. The restaurant opened
There’s nowhere really like Mello in the city, a comfortable space to sit
just a little while after its sister restaurant The Italian Club, opened half
and read a book, or catch up with friends, and a venue at night to discover
way down the road. A family-owned company, they hail from Scotland and
new music and dance away into the night.
Italy and are feeding the people of Liverpool with their delicious mixture
Verdict: It’s basically our second home.
of the two cultures. Moving onto the main, we settled on the freshly caught grilled Monkfish for my dinner partner and, the best of all fish in my opinion, the Seabass with spinach . Cooked to perfection, the seabass was lightly seared and not bathed in sauce as so often happens in higher end restaurants killing the good, honest flavour of fresh fish. People watching through the window, we just about had room for the panacotta dessert drizzled in __ . The Italian Club Fish can only be summed up in the words of Louise: “so good, it’s the the only place where I finish all my dinner.” In other words, finger-licking, mouth-watering, fish and seafood.
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BOUDOIR BOUTIQUE