Plymouth Student Issue Eight - January 2014

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INTERVIEW Crazy Arm / White Ra bbit

ARTICLES Indep endent Venue Wee k / Last S hop Sta nding

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Lizzie Coris h / Dap p a Me

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January 2014

now sept taking & jan book 2014 ings

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C O N T E N T S 10/11

06/07/08: The Big List: A what's on guide to Plymouth’s best venues, bars and clubs 10/11: Crazy Arm frontman Darren Johns talks about punk, fascism and the future for the local folk giants

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12: In light of Independent Venue Week, we talk to Dan James, owner of local nightclub White Rabbit 14: Jim Macgregor, also known as local alternative act Head of Programmes, talks to PS. 14: Local beys Woahnows tell us about life on tour, their second EP and their plans for the future!

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15: New kids on the block Patrons, have been smashing the local music scene. Read more about them on page 15.

15: The Boxkite boys have been throwing themselves around the country, with their heavy riffs and intense lyrics. PS talks to Jake & Sam.

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16: Casey Goddard talks to leading lady Lizzie Corish, a well known voice, face and name on the Plymouth music circuit.

18: Plymouth University student Lauren Rothery gives PS an insight into her world of illustration 19: Recent Plymouth College of Art illustration post graduate Sophie Hackett tells us about her hobbies, art and inspirations!

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20: Independent Venue Week is coming! Casey Goddard gets us psyched for Plymouth’s own, Tiki Bar. 22: Tom Thrasher and Chris Muirhead, of the Last Shop Standing Record Store shares their favourite albums from 2013.

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24: DJ and entrepreneur Matt ‘Darko’ Watchel talks about his new underground clothing store in the mall, Dappa Me 26: Samphire Brasserie’s own Joe Wadge has given us a taste of his vegan and vegetarian menu to try at home! Try his skewer recipe, found on page 26 28: Matt Girdler gives his lowdown on the best films of 2013.

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29: Matt also reviews the game Contrast, a puzzle platformer on all the latest consoles 30: With a little help from his friends, agony uncle Ross attempts to help you with your troublesome issues.

contents

BuBBles

editor’s letter

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Want to see your advert in PS?

Contact PS: 07811 343335 hello@ps-zine.com Published by Us As One Many thanks to all who’ve supported and contributed to PS Issue 08.

Editor, Designer & Writer Naomi Girdler naomi@ps-zine.com Writer Casey Goddard kc@ps-zine.com Contributors Chris Girdler, Darren Johns, Dan James, Jim Macgregor, Tim Rowing Parker, Mark Hoynes, Jake Dalton, Sam Ratcliffe, Lizzie Corish, Leigh Drinkwater, Dom Moore, Christopher Strong, Tom Thrasher, Chris Muirhead, Joe Wadge, Matt Watchel, Matt Girdler, Ross Bennellick

Hello!

Another year, another term, another world of opportunities!

In light of Independent Venue Week, starting on Tuesday 28th January to the 2nd of February, I thought it was only appropriate to highlight the thriving, independent music scene that Plymouth is hiding.

With the 10 year anniversary of the White Rabbit nightclub looming, I met up with Dan James, the owner, who shared with me his experiences of the last decade of alternative, gritty and independent music. He’s not the only person quoted with saying that without independent music venues, local scenes would struggle to exist. Together, we can keep them alive!

Spoiled for choice however, we also speak to Head of Programmes, Woahnows, Patrons, Boxkite, DJ Darko and Lizzie Corish, with articles from local record store Last Shop Standing and web radio Eatmusic. Spread the word of local music, go to shows and buy records, a great music scene is right at our fingertips, needing your support!

Thanks to everyone for their contributions, and thanks to you for reading, hope you enjoy Issue Eight!

Naomi Girdler Editor

Advertising: If you are interested in advertising in PS, please contact us at debbie@ps-zine.com or call 07989 301331 Printed by Newsquest Weymouth

Call 07989 301331 for more details

The views expressed in PS are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this publication. However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in this publication.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ PSzineplymouth

Crazy Arm From L to R: Jon Dailey, Vicky Butterfield, Patrick Pearson and Darren Johns

what’s on

PENINSULA ARTS CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Peninsula Arts Contemporary Music Festival which takes place from February 7 to February 9 is firmly establishing itself as an important platform in the UK for new music exploring ideas emerging from leading edge research that is helping to pave the way for the music of the future.

Composers who make history have always taken risks and produced works that divided the opinions of the audiences of their time. This year’s festival theme Thinking Music invites composers and performers to take risks, to venture into the unknown, and audiences to actively listen, open their minds and emotions to the unheard, and engage in the debate.

Thinking Music is allied to the project ‘Brain-Computer Music Interfacing for Monitoring and Inducing Affective States’ led by Prof Eduardo Miranda and Prof Slawomir Nasuto at the University of Reading’s Cybernetics Research Group.

This year the Bergsen String Quartet will premiere Prof Miranda’s unprecedented new work, whereby brain signals from four people on stage will generate the parts to be performed by the quartet in real-time.

Thinking Music is also the title of Prof Miranda’s new book, which tells the inside story to the choral and orchestral work Sound to Sea. It describes in rich detail the concepts and processes with which the author engaged in the composition of the symphony.

The book, which will be launched at the festival, includes the complete score and audio CD recording of the full live recording of the premiere at Plymouth’s Minster Church of St Andrew by Ten Tors Orchestra with mezzo-soprano Juliette Pochin conducted by Simon Ible.

The festival programme is a showcase for Plymouth University composers Alexis Kirke, Duncan Williams, David Bessell, David Strang, Mike McInerney, and John Matthias. This year’s guest composer is Lithuanian Linas Baltas who will make his UK premiere with a new work AIR for two string orchestras to be performed by the festival’s resident ensemble, Ten Tors Orchestra.

The Festival will open with a new electronic work

by Plymouth University composer Duncan Williams in response to Peter Randall-Page’s concurrent exhibition in both the Peninsula Arts Gallery and Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery.

Concord for Five Elements will be performed in the Peninsula Arts Gallery at the festival launch on February 7. Peter Randall-Page is a renowned international artist based in Devon.

His sculptures are inspired by interdisciplinary themes and the exhibition will be his first major retrospective in the South West for 25 years.

Events during the Contemporary Music Festival take place at various locations across the Plymouth University campus. For more details visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/peninsulaarts

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THE BIG LIST It’s a new year and Plymouth plays hosts to a mighty erray of great events, local gigs, thrilling theatre productions and some great stand-up comedy.

Miranda Hart

Keep an eye on your local music venues, Plymouth Pavilions, the Theatre Royal and it’s Drum Theatre as well as your student union, local muesuem and galleries for all the latest exciting goings on in 2014.

January Robin Hood Until Jan 25 Theatre Royal The spectacular family pantomime Robin Hood stars Lee Mead as Robin Hood, Bobby Davro (Will Scarlet), Nigel Havers (Sheriff of Nottingham) and Jeffrey Holland as the panto Dame.

Comedy Night Jan 8, Feb 5 and Mar 5 B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Some light relief with the best stand-ups on the UK circuit.

This Wild Life Jan 8 White Rabbit An acoustic duo from California, also featuring Hot Damn, Last One Out and Evilyn

Jane Thomason

Jan 9 B-Bar at Barbican Theatre Unique singer/songwriter whose delicately crafted songs combine evocative lyrics with virtuoso guitar playing

Freshly Squeezed

Jan 10 Annabel’s Cabaret & Disco Freshly Squeezed are a seven piece hip hop, funk and soul band

Annika Skoogh Trio

Jan 10 B-Bar at Barbican Theatre Soulful jazz singer and her band.

Silverback

Jan 11 The Junction, Mutley Plain Silverback have been playing rock

‘n’ pop covers since 2002 and are regarded as one of the best bands in the region.

The Banana Thieves

Jan 11 Annabel’s Cabaret & Disco Five piece band from just outside of Plymouth

Latina: Welcome Back Party

Jan 14 UPSU A mix of Salsa, Merengue, Mambo, Bachata, Latin House, Reggaeton and more Latin hits! With DJ Carlito-Juan and friends

Hatters Touring

Jan 15 and Feb 19 B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Brilliantly conceived night of indoor busking. Get in for free and watch some great music, then the artist passes the hat and you can contribute if you liked what you heard. Nobody has to stand around on the street, everybody wins!

The Jam House

Jan 16, Jan 23 UPSU Plymouth University’s number one source of musical entertainment, featuring local and unsigned talent, and featured artists each month! Free drinks for performers! Experienced or not, we want to hear you! Come on Mother Pluckers!

Swingology

Jan 17 B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Swingology perform gypsy swing in the style of guitar legend Django Reinhardt. The swinging guitars and soaring clarinet solos are evocative of the soundtrack to 1940s Paris.

A Total Stranger Jan 17

The Minerva, Looe Street Former lead singer with hugely popular city band Mercedes in the 80s and late 90s, Keith Wilford is one of very few fully professional musicians playing the pubs and clubs in the area

Company B

Jan 17 Annabel’s Cabaret & Disco Company B are one rowdy, energetic and vibrant six piece jump-jive swing band that bring an era of classic musical vintage to the fore with a modern day edge.

James Arthur

Jan 17 Plymouth Pavilions X Factor 2012 winner James Arthur arrives in Plymouth on his debut UK and European headline tour

Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom

Jan 17 to Jan 23 Plymouth Arts Centre Idris Elba (The Wire) gives a suitably charismatic performance in this long-awaited biopic of the heroic, internationally adored anti-apartheid revolutionary and former South African President the late Nelson Mandela.

Aurora

Jan 18 White Rabbit Electronic dance music group supported by Moorhaven, Pillars and Occulus

Boogie Knights

Jan 18 Annabel’s Cabaret & Disco Boogie Knights are a five-piece Disco funk, soul, big wigs & high boots band!

Plymouth Jazz Club

Jan 19 The Sussex Jazz Kings. Quality traditional jazz with a touch of fun from

a popular long-established band. Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Call 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Paul Carrack

Jan 22 Plymouth Pavilions The voice of pop classics such as How Long, Tempted, The Living Years, Over My Shoulder and many more, returns to familiar-ground. Fresh from a worldwide tour as featured artiste with old friend, Eric Clapton, Paul will link up with his own amazing Sheffield based band, to perform songs from his vast catalogue.

Café Acoustica

Jan 22 B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Fortnightly showcase of unplugged talent, hosted by singer-songwriter Jessie Mullen.

Advice for the Young at Heart

Jan 22 to Jan 25 The Drum Theatre The riots of 2011 provoked comment on the morality of youth and the codes by which young people live. Advice for the Young at Heart asks whether this is a new phenomenon, or one that young people have struggled with for generations

The Railway Man

Jan 24 to Jan 30 Plymouth Arts Centre One man’s epic journey toward forgiving those who had done him unspeakable harm in a Japanese POW camp

Dreadzone Soundsystem

Jan 24 The Voodoo Lounge Dreadzone Soundsystem and SW heroes Breaks Collective bring the noise to Plymouth city centre venue

what’s on

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February Ship of Fools

Feb 1 White Rabbit Farewell show from Ship of Fools, Plymouth based four piece hardcore/ punk band from Plymouth, whose influences include Gallows, Deaf Havana and Gnarwolves. Support: Seeking Yesterday, These Creeps, Slagheap, Ragdoll

Peter Randall-Page, New Sculpture and Works on Paper

The Lion King Tango Sonoro

Jan 24 B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre An evening of tango music and dance.

Lyrical melodies, syncopated rhythms and strongly-accented dynamics make this music exciting and diverse.

Eastfield Rail

Jan 24 The Fortescue Birmingham punks Eastfield bring their irreverant humour and love of animals and trains. Support comes from local punks The Wife Beaters, Denada 3 and Alex Smith & his bunch of ****s.

ReZonance

Jan 24 Thistle Park Tavern ReZonance are a well established, female fronted rock indie covers band

The Man Who Loves You

Jan 24 Annabel’s Cabaret & Disco Four good time boys from Plymouth, playing indie rock meets country/folk, akin to Hefner, The Decemberists, Violent Femmes

Eat The Rich

Jan 25 Kitty O’Hanlon’s Kick-arse band with a fiddle and a lead guitar, and arguably, the tightest rhythm section in Devon! Raucous music performed by reprobates who refuse to grow up.

Escape Committee

Jan 25 Annabel’s Cabaret & Disco A rockin new band formed from members of local legends The Diamond Geezers. Playing classic tracks from the 70’s till the present day they will keep the dance floor full all night long

Blink

Jan 28 to Feb 1 The Drum Theatre This is a dysfunctional love story, but a love story all the same. Against the

lonely backdrop of London, the worlds of two shy individuals collide, and a charming, delicate and darkly funny story unfolds before your eyes.

Thomas Ford

Jan 30 B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Electrifying blues talent in the form of this harp-playing, hard blues singing solo performer with a festive special.

The Lion King

Jan 30 to Mar 15 Theatre Royal Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s The Lion King is a worldwide theatrical phenomenon.

It has been seen by almost 70 million people worldwide and is still drawing sell-out crowds at London’s Lyceum Theatre in its 14th year.

Astroid Boys

Jan 31 White Rabbit Cardiff crew Astroid Boys are a force to be reckoned with. Led by two MCs Benji and Traxx, the collective combine hip hop, rock, metal, dubstep and relentless energy to provide insightful tales of life in their hometown. Support The Sleeper Wakes, Boxkite and more

Daniel O’Donnell

Jan 31 Plymouth Pavilions Daniel has sold millions of his recordings worldwide and is the only artist in the world to claim at least one hit album every year since 1988, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records.

Mad About Swing with Rich Hamer Band

Jan 31 B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre A very special treat to tie-in with the Mad About Swing weekender. Rich Hamer of local legends Hamer & Isaacs and more recently Hamer & Co will be collecting an amazing bunch of talent to perform some upbeat swinging grooves.

Nashville, Tennessee home. His band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors have produced a number of top-selling albums and now Holcomb embarks on his first solo UK tour.

Tom Odell

Feb 7 Plymouth Pavilions British singer-songwriter Tom released his debut extended play, Songs from Another Love in 2012 and won the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award in early 2013. His critically acclaimed debut studio album, Long Way Down, was issued in June last year. Support acts Fryars and James Bay.

Feb 1 until Mar 29 Peninsula Arts Gallery and Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery A special joint exhibition that celebrates the work of internationally recognised artist and sculptor, Peter Randall-Page.

Presented as one show displayed across the two city centre venues, ‘New Sculpture and Works on Paper’ is Peter’s first major exhibition in the region for twenty five years.

Protest

ReZonance

Feb 8 Annabel’s Cabaret & Disco The Blu Funk Allstars are a nine piece funk/soul band with two unbelievably talented female vocalists, a crazy ass back line and an all funk, super-sexy brass section.

Feb 1 The Junction, Mutley Plain ReZonance are a well established, female fronted rock indie covers band

Plymouth Jazz Club

Feb 2 Charity gig in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support featuring the Dave Hankin Big Band, probably the finest jazz and swing big band in the South-west, who are giving their services free for this charity event. Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Call 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk

The Classic Rock Show

Feb 5 Plymouth Pavilions After the success of their 2013 UK tour and as a testimony to the immense popularity of classic rock music, The Classic Rock Show is back – bigger and better than ever! A virtuoso band of the finest musicians on the planet perform an amazing mix of selected tracks from the ten best selling rock albums of all time – with extra songs added for 2014!

The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other

Feb 5 to Feb 8 The Drum Theatre Moving, funny, fast and physical – expect an exploration of life as we know it. With over 450 characters; from businessmen to bohemians, soldiers to skateboarders, tourists to transvestites and joggers to jugglers – this engrossing production will immerse you in the life-blood of a city.

Drew Holcomb

Feb 6 B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre American singer and songwriter who Drew Holcomb grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and now calls East

Feb 7 Barbican Theatre Part of the theatre’s Flourish 2014 programme, Protest is presented

by Pilot’s Thumb. This multimedia production is a heady mix of emotional conflict, heart-warming friendships and a challenging examination of issues very much of our times.

The Blu Funk Allstars

Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls

Feb 11 Plymouth Pavilions Frank Turner, who headlined Wembley Arena last year and was also chosen to open Danny Boyle’s stunning Olympic Opening Ceremony, has had a busy year even by his own standards. So far his global tour has taken him across Europe, to the Far East, Australasia and North America. Support from Flogging Molly and Beans On Toast

Every Time I Die

Feb 13 White Rabbit Metalcore band from Buffalo, New York, formed in 1998.[1] Their musical style is rooted in technical hardcore with strong southern metal and mathcore elements, and is also characterised by their cryptic, bitingly sarcastic lyrics

Jess McAllister

Feb 13 B-Bar at Barbican Theatre

Lunchtime Series

International

Concert

Feb 13 Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus Featuring pianist Mark Bebbington with works by Chopin, Haydn, Beethoven and John Ireland. Tickets £10 from the Museum Welcome Desk, on the door or from www.wegottickets. com/event/208954

Ed Solo & Rubi Dan

Feb 14 The Voodoo Lounge Part of the official Jungle Cakes World

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what’s on

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Tour, Jungle maestro’s Ed Solo & Rubi Dan touch down for an extra special Valentines day bass session

Wonders of the Cornish Universe

Feb 14 Barbican Theatre Celebrating all things Cornish, Kernow King takes a very light-hearted look at the less obvious things that makes Cornwall great. With some wonderful multimedia humour thrown in for good measure, the show sold out in Cornwall…and beyond!

BarraCoodas

Feb 14 Thistle Park Tavern BarraCoodas play classic and contemporary rock and punk covers, from the late 1960s through to the current day

The Swamp Hogs

Feb 21 Millbridge Inn, Molesworth Road Rockin’ Power Trio, playing a healthy dollop of Blues, with just the right amount of Rock & Chutzpah to leave audiences reeling in the aisles and coming back for more..

Hot Club of Stonehouse

Feb 21 B-Bar at Barbican Theatre As the name suggests this band brings the easy pleasure of 30s jazz to the cobbled stones of Plymouth

Mishits

Feb 16 Savannah Jazz Band for the annual visit of one of Britain’s most popular traditional jazz bands. Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Call 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Feb 22 The Fortescue Cornwall’s The Mishits - a tribute to the Misfits featuring members of Rash Decision, and Monolithian. Supported by 2 Sick Monkeys who played with the actual Misfits at the White Rabbit earlier in 2013. Also on the bill are Plymouth’s These Creeps, who will be debuting with new drummer Kristöff Haylöck, from the much missed The Eriksons.

Ultimate Rhythm and Blues Tour

Dainton vs Pritchard

Plymouth Jazz Club

Feb 21 Plymouth Pavilions The Ultimate Rhythm and Blues 50th Anniversary Tour brings together a one time line up of British Invasion rock royalty!

The Zombies, The Animals, The Yardbirds, Spencer Davis and Maggie Bell clock up an amazing 37 hit records between them and can boast over 300 weeks in the charts!

Wille & The Bandits

Feb 21 The Hub/dbs Live Internationally acclaimed roots warriors of the British Islses. Support acts The Retro Gents and Tom Baker

Feb 22 White Rabbit The legendary boys from Dirty Sanchez, most famous for their five hugely successful series on MTV and cinema movie releases will be bringing a live stage show of insane antics, followed by a DJ show and finally some intense drinking and boozing at the bar, try keep up (not recommended)!

Aerobathon

Feb 22 Nancy Astor Exercise Studio An opportunity to try new things or have a good blitz! Suitable for all abiltites and fitness levels.

Desecration

Feb 23 White Rabbit Welsh death-metal band Desecration, making heavier than heavy thrash coupled with anthemic guitars and twisted vocals. Be warned, this is dark stuff

Every Time I Die

Student Volunteering Week

Feb 24 to Mar 2 Plymouth University Whether you are a volunteer already, or are looking to give up some of your own time to help others or the environment, there will be something for everyone to get involved with during Student Volunteering Week

Rizzle Kicks

Feb 25 Plymouth Pavilions Young and fun, Jordan ‘Rizzle’ Stevens and Harley ‘Sylvester’ Alexander-Sule use jazz-swing jubilance, ska-pop trumpets and bantering wit of a whip-smart MC duo to reflect the trials and tribulations that come with growing up in the 21st century. Putting on a charismatic and explosive performance, these modern day hip hop legends create a show which is totally mental!

March Static

Brendan Cole: Licence to Thrill

Rammlied

Mar 1 White Rabbit Egghed on vocals, Doug and Kamil on guitars, Das Oktopus on drums, Lee on bass and Steve on keys and synths are dedicated to providing the most authentic Rammstein tribute experience possible

Bastille

Mar 3 Plymouth Pavilions It seems there is no stopping Londonbased Bastille whose ever increasing fan base are clearly connecting with the band’s haunting melodies, strong narratives and rhythmic backbone

Miranda Hart

Mar 1 Barbican Theatre After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, New Model Theatre bring their critically acclaimed show Static to Plymouth. Static brings together brilliant storytelling with verbatim news reports to tell a coming of age story that spans a decade

Mar 4 and Mar 5 Plymouth Pavilions The award winning Queen of comedy Miranda Hart is on stage doing stand up for the first time since her hit series Miranda aired on the BBC. Grab a chance to see Miranda’s laugh out loud genius live, she wants you to join her party! Expect galloping, attempts at song and dance, and simply - such fun!

Mar 7 Plymouth Pavilions Brendan is once again set to dazzle audiences across the UK with his current show, Licence to Thrill. Join him and his cast of 20 musicians and dancers as they take you on a musical journey of music and dance in this spectacular night of entertainment

Russell Brand

Mar 8 Plymouth Pavilions Outrageous and flamboyant comedian turned actor, writer and radio presenter, Russell Brand heads out with his new comedy show, Messiah Complex

The Answer

Mar 13 White Rabbit A four-piece rock band from Northern Ireland. ‘Raised on a heady diet of Led Zeppelin, Free, The Who and Black Crowes If you would like to see your event or gig featured in The Big List, please send any information to naomi@ps-zine.com!

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crazy arm

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C R A Z Y A R M

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PS speaks to Darren Johns, frontman of Crazy Arm about their new album, the local music scene and what the future holds for the folk punk band...

For someone unaware of Crazy Arm, could you describe the band?

A sprawling mess of disparate genres and thinly veiled contempt for social norms. Folk music played by anarcho-punks and punk rock played by country bumpkins. Occupying the no-man’s-land between Murder

By Death, Jethro Tull, Sixteen Horsepower, Crass and Thin Lizzy.

How has the band evolved over the years?

When we first started, we had no agenda, and sounded like a more rock’n’roll version of Fugazi. We only embraced folk/country music when we started jamming a couple of my acoustic songs. On the second album in 2011 we introduced singer Vicky Butterfield into the fold, and started expanding our palette further, which naturally led to our new album, which is a folk-roots record, to all intents. The next album will be a return to the big Rock. It feels good to subvert our own expectations of what the band should be.

You recently released the aforementioned acoustic album, ‘The Southern Wild’. How was the process of creating that album compared to your earlier releases?

It was very different. It took ten days over ten months to make and went through many changes, with new songs added and old songs reworked. We also recorded a lot of the guitars, vocals, banjo and fiddle at my house with our engineer, James Bragg. We lost two band members [bassist Tim Rowing-Parker and drummer Simon Marsh] during the whole period so for a while it left us feeling rudderless. It was a huge relief to finally get it out there and we’re all really happy with it.

What inspires you to keep doing what you’re doing?

I have no idea! I think I’m on auto-pilot. I just don’t know how to not do it.

I guess it might have something to do with the music. Writing new songs, working on them with everyone, touring and playing them to people who value you and your band, meeting new bands and people who move me with their music. It’s self-perpetuating.

You’re considered veterans of the Plymouth punk rock scene, how would you say it’s changed over the years?

Well I was there back in ‘83 and, I tell you, it was tough. I still have flashbacks to the nightly bombardments of shambolic anarcho ensembles like The Grenades and Blue Patrol (featuring Vince Lee,

no less). Obviously, I no longer have that adolescent excitement but Plymouth is still in good musical health. The problem is that, with the exception of Amebix, No Comply, The Bus Station Loonies and Woahnows, most of the punk-related bands haven’t ventured far beyond the city boundaries. Nowadays, with hundreds of online DIY promoters and labels at your fingertips, it isn’t that hard to book shows and release music anywhere in the world. You’ve just got to get stuck in.

If it all goes to shit, I’m gonna retire, move to the moors and set up an animal sanctuary. It’ll be called Crazy Farm.

What do you think of the record industry at the moment?

I try to spend as little time as possible thinking about it. The industry only ever cares about underground, specialist or innovative music when it becomes commercially viable thanks to some unwitting mast-head band who rode in on their luck, which is about once every 10 years.

The rest of the time it doesn’t give a fuck. I’m glad it’s going through a ‘crisis’ right now and having to adapt to what people want and how they want it.

Crazy Arm holds strong ideals in the left-wing, anti-war/anti-fascist movement, and that’s evident in your music – how does this continue to motivate and influence you and your work?

I think it’s a burden, to always feel compelled to confront injustice, but it’s how I’ve felt since I was a teenager. I’d much rather be singing about how we’d overthrown our class enemies, abolished war, lynched Boris Johnson, stuck Richard Littlejohn in a guided cradle, chased the EDL back down the sewers and can now romp naked in the woods, celebrating our new utopian, non-violent, collectivised society. Hope springs eternal.

crazy arm

You’re known to tour a lot, and all over the world, which must equal for some funny tour stories. What have been some of the funniest/best moments for you?

Western Europe, not the world. Not yet! Sadly, most of our notable yarns are self-indulgent and inevitably involve alcohol. Both times that we played Mighty Sounds festival in Czech Republic were a blast, although I ended up on crutches the first time and needed psychological ‘support’ from a member of Inner Circle the second time.

Making a spoof rap ‘video’ with Apologies I Have None at Fallig fest in Germany is a pleasant memory. Alas, it’ll never be aired due to the sensitive nature of the freestyled subject matter. It’s a tired cliché but whatever happens on tour usually stays on tour for a good reason.

There’s thousands of aspiring punk rockers out there, who wish to spread a message and play great music. What advice would you give them?

Practise hard. Work hard. Be creative. Be yourself. Don’t settle. Look after your own music. Read a lot. Experience a lot. And don’t listen to anyone else’s advice, including mine.

What other local bands do you rate? Who should we be listening to?

I think that Bangers, Damerels, Woahnows, Brunel, Head Of Programmes, The Jerks, Muncie Girls, Vince Lee and Haunt The Woods make great music. And I’m currently listening to Murder By Death, Nick Cave, Midlake, Baroness, Crass, Mount Moriah, Tom Robinson Band and Elvis Presley. You can listen to them too if you like.

What does the future hold for Crazy Arm? We’ve got a great bunch of people on board right now so we’ll knuckle under, get album number four done and tour it before we inevitably implode again. We’re off on a Euro jaunt in February with The Liberation Service. We’ll continue to explore the acoustic/roots side of things, and will hopefully tour Europe again in May with Larry & His Flask. We recently played some shows with them and hit it off. If it all goes to shit, I’m gonna retire, move to the moors and set up an animal sanctuary. It’ll be called Crazy Farm. Kidding.

‘The Southern Wild’ is out now on Xtra Mile Recordings www.facebook.com/thecrazyarm www.crazyarm.bandcamp.com www.twitter.com/crazyarmband www.crazyarm.bigcartel.com

white rabbit

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/ Words by Naomi Girdler / PICTURES BY LEIGH DRINKWATER /

WHITE RABBIT What is the White Rabbit all about?

What is the Rabbit all about?! Well! It’s a live music venue and night club, for new and upcoming music as well as bringing home the classic cult and underground bands, because if we don’t do it, no-one else will!

What made you want to run a music venue?

Because someone had to! Everyone was whinging about the lack of a music scene in Plymouth and how rubbish that was. Nothing was going past Bristol and when it did, it ended up in Exeter. I used to go to loads of gigs in Bristol and Exeter, but rather than sitting about and moaning about the state of the music scene in my town, I started booking bands. This was before I knew what a punk rock ethic was. I was booking gigs for C103 and the Phoenix was churning out loads of stuff, predominantly punk music. Honestly, I didn’t know much about it, I just booked local bands. This was when No Comply were knocking about, and they helped me get to grips with touring and booking agents. I started out in promotion and then found Rabbit and went from there. It was a cafe to begin with, and a drum and bass venue before that.

How long has the venue been open and how have things changed between now and then?

I walked in the door the 21st of February 2004 and this year marks the 10 year anniversary of the Rabbit, and I must have spent seven out of those 10 making every mistake in the book learning how to do it! Everyday has been a struggle, we’re holding on by the skin of our teeth, but we’ve done it all so many times. The difference now is that everything’s in place so we can just open the doors and be ready to go.

It’s progressed from booking international bands to play in a cafe in a bus station, the venue is what it is now, everyone knows we’re here and we just get on with it.

You know, it isn’t the greatest, it’s been pieced together with anything we could find and it’s very much a community project. We’ve never had any money so people have just been helping out over the years. Too many to mention. Even if it stops tomorrow, we’ve accomplished something, we’ve brought something to Plymouth and enriched its culture to a certain extent. I’m not blowing my own trumpet though, a lot of people don’t agree.

You’ve had a diverse range of acts, musicians, DJs and bands play over the years, staying true to the phrase ‘there’s something for everyone’, but what does the White Rabbit offer on a regular basis?

High octane and passionate quality live music. I hear a lot of people say that we only do metal or hardcore music, or drum and bass nights but for me, there needs to be an edge and something a bit gritty and I think the Rabbit has that. We like to have music here that’s got some passion behind it, because that’s what gets us going. It’s a bit more exhilarating.

Regardless though, we have some of the biggest names in underground subcultures coming through all the time, whether it’s punk, indie, metal, drum and bass, hip hop, reggae, dub step, etc. Keep an eye out though, we’ve got some big ideas, which include working with other local independent music ventures such as Last Shop Standing and Eatmusic Radio.

How important do you think are independent venues to the future of music?

Massively important! A little off topic but I’m a big fan of Greg Wallace, the bald judge from Masterchef. I love him, I named my millipede after him, I think he’s f*cking hilarious. That was until he put live music into Room 101. His reasoning was that he didn’t understand why you’d want to stand in a scabby run down venue or in a

muddy field, cramped together with a load of sweaty people, listening to a band that don’t even sound as good as they did on record, as well as sitting through two other support bands I’ve never heard of.

Hold on mate, you’re talking about the days when Madness supported The Clash, and without those times, people would have never heard of new bands and never have become headliners themselves. Does he think that people just write some songs and then sell loads of CDs? No, they work hard, they tour, they meet people and you build a fan base. It’s not about watching f*cking Simon Cowell, that’s not about music, it’s about how pretty you are and how much money you can make.

If you look at the musicians who stood the test of time, they worked hard for it. It’s not just the bands though, it’s the people who come along to the shows too, they deserve recognition. Gigs inspire others to pick up instruments and can introduce people to bands they’ve never heard of before. I wouldn’t know some of my favourite bands had it not been for them supporting another band at a gig.

Independent music venues are a great platform and it bridges the gap between the punters and the musicians, especially with smaller pub venues too.

So, Greg Wallace, I think you’re wrong.

Independent Venue Week is throwing light on the UK’s independent music scene, proving how vibrant and exciting it is, but what can the average person do to keep independent venues doing what they do best?

Come to shows! You have to put a little faith in us, which I know is hard, but if you see something that catches your eye on a gig poster, all you have to do is find out more. There’s no excuse now really, if you don’t know a band, there’s Facebook, Soundcloud, Bandcamp - get exploring! Come and see bands you’ve not necessarily heard of before and support the scene. Buy tickets, merch and records. We do understand though, money’s tight and it’s not as easy as that, but keep an eye on events, check your invites on Facebook, RSVP whether you’re coming or not and let us know what you want.

IT'S NOT ABOUT WATCHING F*CKING SIMON COWELL, THAT’S NOT ABOUT MUSIC Over the years, you must have encountered your fair share of prima donnas and rock ‘n roll stars with more ego than talent! Without naming names, what are some of the fussiest demands you’ve had made?

I’ll happily name and shame assholes! We had a Guns and Roses tribute band here once and the singer began kicking off at our old sound engineer Neil. He had his own radio mic which is one without cables, so it runs on batteries. Now bearing in mind, this guy was absolutely hammered, and he kept complaining that it was cutting out all the time. Despite Neil telling him just to use the cabled mic or change the batteries, he was having none of it! So halfway through the show, his mic cuts out and using the guitarist’s mic, he shouts through the speakers that ‘the sound engineer is a f*cking joke, what the f*ck is this?!’ He stormed to the sound booth

and apparently started mouthing off, and Neil just handed him a new radio mic with new batteries in and said, ‘yeah mate, your batteries were dead’. He was livid.

We fell out with a band called Deathstars, because the guitarist didn’t want to have his dinner at the same time as everyone else. So when they came off stage, he went to get his food and it wasn’t there. He came storming into the bar, shouting at the staff saying stuff like ‘f*ck this local scene bullshit, you’re all f*cking idiots’. The tour manager had to come over and calm him down, but later admitted that she’d eaten his dinner! So despite all that, we still got in trouble for it, but whatever.

Belfegore, who performed at the time covered in blood, which in actuality was goats blood that they transported around in medical bags. They were in the backstage, putting it on with their stage costumes, and they covered the walls in blood as they were doing it. I think they also pissed and shat in the bin. Second time they came down, they ended up covering the back white wall outside the venue with this goat’s blood and anyone who was walking past must have noticed blood splattered up the walls of a venue. You don’t see that and not get the council wondering what’s going on! They didn’t clean any of it up, but because my Dad’s a butcher, we managed to bleach it all with his help. For months afterwards though, it just smelt like my Dad’s butcher shop, and the smell was a constant reminder as to why I didn’t follow in his footsteps, it was disgusting.

There’s been lots of dickheads, but there’s been some proper gems too.

Which show has been your favourite in the history of shows?

There’s been so many! The best shows with the nicest dudes tend to go hand in hand. There’s so many to name, Sick Of It All, Converge, Every Time I Die, The Bronx, Muncipal Waste, Terror, Comeback Kid, The Chariot, Listener, Misfits - how cool was it to hang out with Jerry Only and Dez from Black Flag?! These are all hardcore shows, but that’s what I’m into! Some of my favourite shows have been entirely local bands, recently Once Over Twice and Consolation Prizefighter blew my mind. It was a dream for me. It was like Consolation Prizefighter had been the sound inside of my head for days, and then I overheard them sound checking and it was like woah. It felt so natural for them to be playing here, like the music they made should always be resonating inside these walls. It was one of the best nights ever.

What does the future hold for the White Rabbit?

We havze plans! Hopefully with Use It to Improve It in March, we can get some cash in to start funding these plans. We’re looking into building new toilets and the second room will be going through changes such as the bottle bar being sorted out. There’s potential to move the partition wall between the two rooms to make it one long venue. That should make things a bit more comfortable. There’s also lots of shows, so keep an eye on our Facebook page!

Anything else you’d like to add?

A big thanks to everyone who’s been there over the last 10 years. To everyone who’s helped out, turned up, bought a drink, had a dance and kept this place alive.

And here’s to all the new faces!

Keep checking out our Facebook page for the latest updates, events and deals! www.facebook.com/whiterabbitplymouth www.facebook.com/advancepromotions www.facebook.com/livesoundpromotions

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I’ve known Dan James, the owner, a few years now, frequenting the White Rabbit for local shows, big names, fundraisers, club nights and more, and it’s safe to say he’s seen me at my worst! In my opinion, the White Rabbit has been my go to for a guaranteed bloody good knees ups and I’m yet to experience otherwise!

student houses

So, to mark the 10th anniversary of the club, as well as Independent Venue Week, it only seemed right to have a chat with the bey.

Photo by Andy Ford

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01752 225995 44 Drake Circus Plymouth

PRIC FROM ES £6 PPPW 0

BOO K NOW

www.drakehomes.co.uk

head of programmes / woahnows

W O A H N O W S

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Yo u ’ v e to u re d h a rd a n d p l a ye d h a rd , w h a t h a v e b e e n

Photo by Leigh Drinkwater

s o m e of t h e b e s t t im e s f ro m yo u r t ra v e l s ?

I t ’ s re a ll y h a rd to s a y , h e a r in g p e o p l e in Gre e ce s in g in g o u r s o n g s b a ck to u s wa s a bi t of a m e l o n t w i s t e r . Th e bi g g e s t ov e ra ll p lu s f ro m to u r in g i s m e et in g s o m a ny g re a t li ke - min d e d p e o p l e t h a t w e n ev e r wo uld h a v e without the band.

Fo r t h o s e w h o d o n ’ t k now , w h o a re Wo a h now s a n d w h a t d o yo u d o ?

HEARING PEOPLE IN GREECE SINGING OUR SONGS BACK T O U S WA S A B I T O F A M E LO N T W I ST E R

W h a t o t h e r l o ca l b a n d s wo uld yo u re co mm e n d to s o m e o n e w h o d i g s yo u r s o u n d ?

Th e Pl y m o u t h s ce n e i s re a ll y v a r i e d , t h e re a re l o a d s of g re a t b a n d s , b u t I wo uld n ’ t s a y t h e re a re a ny t h a t s o u n d li ke u s . G o s e e Pa t ro n s , D a m e re l s , Th e O n ce O v e r Tw i ce a n d a ll t h e ir m a t e s W h a t a re f u t u re p l a n s fo r Wo a h now s ?

We ’ re Tim D a n a n d W h e r l y , t h re e g o o d f r i e n d s t r y in g to Yo u re ce n t l y re l e a s e d yo u r s e co n d EP , Th e J oy Di s o rd e r

We ’ ll b e to u r in g m a inl a n d Eu ro p e w i t h a b s o lu t e fa v o u r i t e s

o n B i g S ca r y M o n s t e rs Re co rd s , h ow i s t hi s d i ffe re n t

‘ B a n g e rs ’ e a r l y in t h e n ew ye a r , a s w e ll a s s ta r t in g to

Yo u h a v e a in fe c t i o u s a n d e n t h u s i a s t i c s o u n d , w h a t ’ s t h e

f ro m yo u r e a r li e r re l e a s e , Fo m a ?

re co rd t h e n ex t re co rd w hi ch i s co min g a l o n g ni ce l y .

cre a t i v e p ro ce s s b e hin d yo u r m u s i c ?

I t ’ s n o fa r d e p a r t u re , w e ’ re s t ill fin d in g o u r fe et . M a ny of

Th e re w ill b e p l e n t y m o re to u rs a n d n ew s o n g s p o p p in g

Th a nk s ! We ’ re a li t t l e g e o g r a p hi ca ll y ch a ll e n g e d , s o I

t h e s o n g s w e re a ro u n d a t t h e s a m e t im e , b u t w h e n w e

u p a s w e g o s o ke e p a n eye o u t I g u e s s !

t e n d to d e m o s o n g s ro u g hl y s o p e o p l e g et a n id e a of t h e

re co rd e d Fo m a w e j u s t p l a ye d a ll t h e fa s t o n e s , m e a nin g

fe e l of t h e t u n e b efo re w e p u t i t to g et h e r p ro p e r l y . B u t

t h e J oy Di s o rd e r h a s a bi t m o re s p a ce a n d i s a li t t l e

wo a h now s . b a n d ca m p . co m

g e n e ra ll y s p e a k in g I w r i t e a s o n g , t h e n w e h a v e a li t t l e

m o re v a r i e d .

w w w. fa ce b o o k . co m / WOAHN OWS

a long time to arrive at a point where I can honestly say, I love to perform live.

Before now, I think I’ve had a difficult time reconciling that idea. Lyrically and musically it feels more focused and stripped back, less occupied with anything other than just playing a song, devoid of ones self I would hope. People ask about the personal nature of the songs, maybe, but I think that’s too obvious. I like to think they have some kind of universal quality about them.

records and listen to a lot of music but find my mind is continually blown by the music of Terry Allen, Vic Chesnutt, Bill Callahan, John Prine, J.G. Smeaton, Will Oldham and Jason Molina. I could probably go on, but as Alban Berg said “Music is music Mr Gershwin”. No muse makes life simpler.

m a ke t h e b e s t s o u n d in g r a cket w e ca n .

p l a y to t id y i t u p .

H E A D O F PROGRAMMES Photo by Christopher Strong

I want someone to give me a part in a film , don ' t all j ump at once Who is Head of Programmes and what do you do?

Head of Programmes is the name of my band, my solo project and whatever I feel like at the time. The name affords me a certain amount of anonymity, which is how I like it, and want to keep it, so I guess without trying to sound too pretentious, it’s a persona I take on when I play. He’s probably a self obsessed, narcissistic, self loathing fool. But then again he might also be a tender, warm, honest kinda guy. I’m not sure I like him or not. What do I do? Well I carve out the body and head and the good people who play in the band give it a little coat and hat.

Head of Programmes has been around for 7 years this year, what’s changed in that time?

More or less everything. The band has had too many line-up changes to count.

I think I’m a more confident singer and guitarist these days, but it has taken me

You mentioned to me an anniversary compilation album of B-sides and unreleased songs, can you tell us more about that?

Yes. October 2013 marked seven years since the band played its first show, since that time I’ve recorded three records. It’s taken longer than normal to get to a point where I’ve felt able to start recording the next LP, and realised we had loads of demo’s, alternative takes, unreleased tracks and songs which have featured on compilations. I thought it was a nice way of clearing the decks, and starting a fresh. It’s called “Praying For Collision” and will be out before Spring. Head of Programmes is most definitely into its second phase… whatever that means.

Who/what inspires you?

I never know how to answer this question and find it really boring listing off stuff I like, but I’ll try. I like to read and have found Cormac McCarthy’s writing immersive. He retains control whilst boiling down a feeling to its simplest form. I like people who do that, find beauty in simplicity. Townes Van Zandt, is pretty much peerless as a songwriter, even sixteen years after his death. I collect

How have independent venues affected your musical career?

Firstly, I feel that a career in music is a difficult thing to have now, but to answer your question, in a very positive way. I’ve been extremely fortunate in that music has allowed me to travel the UK and Europe doing small DIY tours and shows with independent bands and promoters for the last five years or so.

This has been a hugely humbling experience too, and the affect on my life has been greater than any fleeting “career” goal. I’ve always been amazed at the pure kindness of strangers.

What other local bands would you recommend?

I like Jonathon Stafford’s Haunt The Woods project. He’s a great writer, and still a young guy so makes me feel like it’s time to quit. I think some of the best live shows I saw last year involved The Jerks, they’re a pretty intense twopiece rock n roll band. My friends Vince Lee & Becca Langsford always put on a houserockin’ performance. I had the pleasure of playing with T. Wigs on his latest LP. He’s made literally dozens of lo-fi home recordings over the last decade or so, but last year he recorded his first studio album with a band. It will be out in early 2014. I’m as proud of that as anything else I’ve ever done.

What does the future hold for Head of Programmes?

A new LP will be released later this year as well as the compilation I mentioned earlier. I took most of last year off from gigging so I will be touring a lot more this coming year. Keep working and writing I guess, and I want someone to give me a part in a film, don’t all jump at once. headofprogrammes.bandcamp.com headofprogrammes.tumblr.com www.myspace.com/headofprogrammes

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P A T R O N S Photo by Dom Moore

So, who are Patrons and what do you sound like?

Patrons are four piece comprised of Danny on guitar and vocals, James on drums and backing vocals Olly on bass and backing vocals and myself, Mark on guitar.

Hopefully we sound like Patrons, but I suppose if we were pressed we’d say we make an awful noise that hopefully sits somewhere between Reuben, La Dispute, Thrice, Biffy Clyro or Manchester Orchestra.

What made you guys decide to start making music together?

The four of us have been playing together since 2008 under a different guise, where the set-up was slightly different, Danny wasn’t playing guitar. The music as a result was orientated in a slightly different direction. We got to the point in that band where we felt we had progressed and evolved and a change was necessary; as a result we decided to take some time out, write and start a fresh as Patrons. So now we have Danny playing guitar as well as singing, and slightly different approach to the songs we’re writing. But the heart and the drive is still the same; to have fun, write songs that we believe in and play to as many people as we can. We’ve always had the mentality that if one person out of however many come to a show digs what we’re doing, then that’s enough for us.

We’d quite happily take that.

You recently released your debut, self-titled EP, recording with James Bragg at

B O X K I T E

Middle Farm Studios, how was your experience there?

We had a wonderful time at Middle Farm with Mr. Bragg. We spent four lovely days back in August there; we all became ‘kids in a candy shop’ so to speak.

We got a chance to try out a load of the cool gear they have out there and make use of the fantastic space on offer. James Bragg was awesome to work with; he was really laid back and understood what we were trying to create. All of this made the whole process pretty relaxed and gave us a chance to really get to grips with the songs. You know, we’d sat on these songs in one form or another for over a year, so it was quite a relief to finally bring them to life. The whole experience became quite liberating; we took time and had the chance to experiment here and there, although we were always quite mindful of not getting too carried away. We always say that ‘if we can’t play it live, then we can’t record it’, so that was the ethos we were trying to stick to. I think we wanted this EP to sound quite dramatic, but still sound like we do live, so hopefully we’ve struck the balance and achieved that.

T here ’ s a lot to celebrate in ply mo u th , even if it rains a fair bit Are you a band with a message or are the lyrics more personal?

I don’t think even we’re sure at this moment in time in all honesty. I suppose specifically in regards to the self-titled EP, there was definitely a concept at play; all the songs are related to a certain extent. Lyrically there’s an exploration in to a couple of ideas; there’s a little bit of anger in there, a bit of honesty, snippets that are ambiguous… but, you know, we’re pretty cool with people interpreting it however they see fit. That’s the exciting part isn’t it, discovering your own meanings in things, creating your own connection to a song. Hopefully the lyrics on the EP are able to do that, but you know, we’ll always approach it song by song. By the next collection of songs we might want to tackle it slightly differently,

Yo u p l a y s o m e h e a v y h a r d co re , w i t h s o m e p re t t y i n t e n s e l y r i c s , h ow d o e s t h e cre a t i v e p ro ce s s h a p p e n ?

I t v a r i e s . G e n e r a ll y s p e a k i n g , i t ’ s a co m b i n a t i o n of S a m w r i t i n g t h e s o n g s a n d my s e l f w r i t i n g t h e l y r i c s .

I t ’ s b e co mi n g m o re of a co ll a b o r a t i v e p ro ce s s a s w e p l a y a n d p r a c t i ce t o g e t h e r m o re .

W e like to part y b u t we ’ re not that good at it.

Fo r t h o s e w h o h a v e n ’ t h e a r d of y o u , co u l d y o u ex p l a i n b r i ef l y w h o B ox k i t e i s ?

We ’ re a h a r d co re b a n d f ro m P l y m o u t h t h a t n o b o d y ca re s a b o u t w h o p l a y s o n g s s o m e t i m e s . I s i n g v o ca l s a n d w r i t e s wo rd s , S a m p l a y s g ui ta r , D a n p l a y s b a s s and Joe’s on drums.

Yo u ’ v e o nl y b e e n a b a n d s i n ce 2 013 , y e t h a v e a lre a d y d o n e mi ni t o u r s a n d w e e k e n d e r s , w h a t n a u g h t y t o u r s t o r i e s ca n y o u d i v u l g e ?

D a n g o t b a n n e d f ro m A b e r d e e n fo r w r i t i n g B ox k i t e i n a t o i l e t . We g o t g i v e n s o m e f re e o u t of d a t e p a ni ni s a t a s e r v i ce s t a t i o n . D a n s p i l t a p re mi u m h o t c h o co l a t e o n m e . I t ’ s b e e n p re t t y t a m e re a ll y . We li k e t o p a r t y b u t w e ’ re n o t t h a t g o o d a t i t .

W h a t i n s p i re d y o u g u y s t o g e t t o g e t h e r ?

M a i nl y b o re d o m a n d s a d n e s s a n d h a v i n g w a y t o o m u c h f re e t i m e . B u t w e d o li k e p l a y i n g m u s i c t o o .

H a r d co re p u n k m u s i c i s re a ll y f u n a n d i t ’ s t h e b e s t g ro u p of p e o p l e t o b e i nv o l v e d w i t h .

H a v e y o u g o t a ny p l a n s t o re co r d a ny t i m e s o o n ?

Ye a h , t hi s m o n t h . We ’ v e b e e n h a v i n g a b i g a r g u m e n t a b o u t w h a t re co r d w e ’ re g o n n a re l e a s e , i t ’ s a t h re e q u a r t e r l e n g t h a l b u m , li k e a mi ni a l b u m , b u t w i t h o u t

patrons / boxkite

the doors never closed on anything really. Danny might come in to the practice room and say that he’s got something that he wants to specifically sing about, so we’ll work to that. Or something might come out of a jam in the practice room.

We’re just quite eager to keep kicking on and moving forward, we don’t want to do the same thing twice.

What other local bands do you rate?

Where do we start? There’s a massive list I could give you because there’s such a vast mix of great home grown bands around at the moment. Over the years we’ve had the pleasure of playing with a whole host of bands that are still evolving and going on to better things. There’s Head of Programmes, The Bedroom Project, Damerels, Last One Out, Drexl, Cheating Jack Ketch, The Blowouts, Crazy Arm, and Moriarty. And then you’ve got newer bands such as Woahnows and Black Foxxes who are keeping it exciting and diverse. It’s great to see a lot of these bands are reaching outside of the city limits and playing all over the place too, because there’s a real quality to the music that is coming out of Plymouth and the surrounding areas at the moment. Even looking back at that list, it’s made me realise how lucky and how spoilt we are and I haven’t even been fair and covered half of the artists and bands. To back that all up you have some great independent venues and businesses supporting it all such as The Last Shop Standing, White Rabbit, Tiki Bar, and Plymouth Music Collective… there’s a lot to celebrate in Plymouth, even if it rains a fair bit.

What does the future hold for Patrons? Can we expect more gigs, releases, etc?

The future is hopefully going to hold lots more shows, we’ve got a few up to the New Year locally. Then after the New Year there’s potential plans for a new EP in the first half of the year, along with a bit of a tour branching out around the UK and slightly further afield, weather permitting. There’s a couple of exciting shows lined up too. Nothing’s concrete yet, but we’ll hopefully have a few new things to announce around January-ish. We’re just focusing on playing live as often and in as many places as possible. We just hope to keep progressing, as long as we’re challenging ourselves it keeps it exciting. There are always things like the big goal of an album of some sort, but that’s probably a little way off yet. Here’s hoping.

You can download the self-titled EP for free from www.wearepatrons.bandcamp.com.

For any booking you can reach us at wearepatrons@gmail.com.

s o u n d i n g l a m e . I t w i ll b e o u t e a r l y 2 014 .

W h a t o t h e r l o ca l b a n d s w o ul d y o u re co m m e n d t o s o m e o n e w h o d i g s yo u r m u s i c ?

Va l e s , C ro cu s , K a s a , R a s p u t i n , b u t t h ey h a v e a ll b ro k e n u p o r p l a y in Gn a r wo l v e s . Gn a r wo l v e s , G o o d t im e B oy s , B a s t i o n s , C a v a l ca d e s , G r a d e r , G r a p p l e r , a l s o , b u t t h ey a re n o t a ll l o ca l b a n d s . U K h a r d co re i s re a ll y s m a ll a n d i t ’ s w o r t h s u p p o r t i n g b a n d s f ro m a ll ov e r t h e co u n t r y .

A ny t hi n g e l s e y o u w a n t t o a d d ?

C o m e w a tc h a s h ow. w w w. fa ce b o o k . co m / b ox k i t e u k b ox k i t e u k . b a n d ca m p . co m /

Photo by Andy Ford

lizzie corish

sixteen

/ Words by Casey Goddard / Photo by Dom Moore

LIZZIE CORISH Today I’m here with Liz Corish, a local musician who’s been gigging around the Plymouth scene for quite a few years. We met at a house party, blotto, whereupon she graciously took it upon herself to teach me to Waltz and we’ve been friends ever since.

songs to play covers-wise, at the moment, it’s probably Grease, You’re The One That I Want, which is done in this kinda slow progressive acoustic style. But in regards to original material, my favourite is probably a song that I’ve written called Let It Go Boy. It’s all romantic and it’s all ‘I hate men’ towards the end.

Liz has recently formed a new band, There Goes Lizzie, who are performing their debut EP at the music venue The Hub.

Raging fem?

No no no, I hate that, I hate that… in an endearing kind of way, like you screwed me over, boy.

We chat about where she’s at, how she got there, There Goes Lizzie and what makes her tick…

So, Liz, how long have you been playing for?

I’ve been playing since I was about 17. I was working at my local pub, £3.50 an hour washing dishes and then I used to go up on a Saturday night and do the bands break. That was about the time I also got my first gig – I’ve been playing for about 5 years now.

How did you get involved in music, then?

I got involved in music when my dad asked me to sing in school plays –I was about 5- he’d ask me to sing Joseph’s Magical Technicolor Dream Coat – so I sang that and I’ve been hooked ever since then. At about 12 or 13, I picked up a guitar and he taught me some basic chords and the internet was around then, so I used that.

You were singing Josephs Technicolor Dream Coat?

Yeah… but that doesn’t sound very cool does it - might have to change that!

(Too late) Where do you gig?

At the moment its mainly the Barbican, I’m always belting stuff across there, I think Vauxhall Quay are getting really annoyed at me now, I think a lot of sound pollution is coming across from Bar Rakuda.

So, what’s been your favourite song to play?

My favourite song to play is probably, Madonna that I play with the band, There Goes Lizzie, the energy in that is huge. With covers, I like changing them up to make them my own a little bit– I go through stages of having favourite

...we started writing songs for a clothing company and now we’ve moulded into this pop beast!

There’s a pause for my laughter. I didn’t pursue this line of enquiry.

Who inspires you?

Oh, loads of current artists. I really like –cliché- Adele. I like Emili Sandé. But I like really old stuff as well, Fleetwood Mac, Beatles, you know, Led Zeppelin. Bit of naughty boy? He’s doing a lot of electronic stuff which is kinda more to do with There Goes Lizzie.

Ah, tell me more about There Goes Lizzie!

We are white reggae, pop-rock and started writing songs for a clothing company called Kameleon Rose – me and Marcin Dubiel – and now we’ve moulded into this pop-beast which is There Goes Lizzie! Since then we’ve been writing an album which has been cut up into smaller pieces, so we’ve got an EP for our EP launch, it’s going to be huge! People have said there is no other sound like this is in Plymouth at the moment, so we’re quite happy about that.

How did you find your band?

Well, I knew Marcin already, from being on the music scene working together.

Then Mark Smith? Me and Marcin used to jam with him occasionally. In fact, Marcin said he was tempted to just put his guitar down and give up jamming; he was that good of a bass player. He’s been looking for a project to get involved in, so when we saw his post we jumped at the chance. Ru Hewett, is the old drummer from Mad Dog Mcrea, we knew him from going up the JSV and he’s just amazing, so we’ve always had our eyes on him. And, thankfully they said yes to coming together. They were a bit uneasy about doing pop music to begin with but now they love it!

If someone wanted to create an EP, how would they go about it?

Well, I’m lucky because Marcin owns the studio, Studio City and he’s got his studio booth where we both record. Doing the songs themselves, we just got a bit pissed and wrote some music together… which is really unprofessional but that’s the way it panned out.

Any last words?

Yeah, just rock out! Stay strong and clear on what you want and how you want your music to sound and make sure you believe in the music you are creating.

Especially with There Goes Lizzie, people say ‘this is too poppy for me’ but really it’s a guilty pleasure and people should embrace that guilty pleasure a bit more.

You can find Liz Corish and her Band on Ti unes and gigging around Plymouth all through 2014.

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student submissions / lauren rothery

eighteen

LAU R E N R O T H E R Y

How’s life?

Yo, Life’s good cheers! Really uni and work...s’all good!

e n joying

W h a t m a d e y o u c h o o s e P l y m o u t h U n i v e rsity for Illustration?

W e l l , m y f r i e n d c a m e o n t h e o p e n d a y and i t s o u n d e d g o o d t o m e s o I a p p l i e d ! Got an i n t e r v i e w , c a m e d o w n f o r t h a t a n d w hen I d i d i t w a s b e a u t i f u l a n d s u n n y , t h e studio l o o k e d a m a z i n g a n d t h a t w a s t h a t r eally.

T h e w e a t h e r d i d n ’ t r e a l l y h o l d u p i ts end of the bargain but the course did!

H o w w o u l d y o u d e s c r i b e y o u r s t y l e o f work?

H m m , I d u n n o r e a l l y , a l o t o f t h e d i gital s t u f f I d o i s v e r y c l e a n l i n e s a n d flat c o l o u r s . I r e a l l y l i k e s c r e e n p r inting s o t r y t o k e e p t h a t a e s t h e t i c i n m y nonp r i n t e d w o r k . I l i k e d o i n g s t u f f t h a t will m a k e p e o p l e l a u g h a n d s m i l e s o I guess t h e r e ’ s a l o t o f h u m o u r i n m y w o r k . Seems to make my friends smile anyway!

Who’s your favourite artist?

P r o b a b l y A l e x P a r d e e o r C a s e y B u r n s . Alex

Pardee’s stuff is so weird and wonderful, lots of monsters and colour! Casey Burns designs gig posters and he is just excellent...super inspiring!

friends, there’s a really good local music scene and of course the Tiki Bar quiz! An interesting bunch of people in Plymouth... always something to look at!

What inspires you?

Music definitely. I’m really interested in society and how we interact with each other. I keep a sketchbook on me at all times and note down or draw anything I see that makes me smile really. I’m a total people watcher (not in a creepy way o f course).

What do you get up to in your spare time?

I watch quite a lot of tv shows, crime dramas mainly, going out with my friends, listening to music...in my free time from my uni work I do drawings for other people and posters for Tiki Bar. So, any bands looking for some poster art...let me know!

What would be your ideal job?

Probably working as a full time gig poster designer...or playing with cats all day.. . but that’s more of a fall back. As long a s I’m happy and can keep drawing and making people smile with my work I’m good really!

How have you found it living in Plymouth?

Well I’ve definitely improved my le g muscles walking up and down all these hills! Seriously though I actually reall y love it here. Got an awesome group of

Anything else you’d like to add?

Today I hit myself in the face with three rolls of gift wrap! Those things are difficult to carry!

Oh and I should probably plug myself here too shouldn’t I! Check current blog at buymeapumpkin.tumblr.com - website to come soon! Email me if you’d like anything illustrating!

nineteen

student submissions / sophie hackett

S O P H I E H A C K E T T

How’s life?

Who’s your favourite artist?

How have you found it living in Plymouth?

L i f e ’ s g o o d . I ’ m i n t h a t s t r a n g e p e r i o d that

At the moment I love Lucinda Rodgers line

I

m o s t s e e m t o g o t h r o u g h a f t e r f i n i s hing a

drawings. However, it changes constantly.

sea, it’s been such a novelty for me. Also

d e g r e e , w h e r e I ’ m t r y i n g t o w o r k o u t what

I went through a bit of a drawing dry spel l

Plymouth has a pretty awesome DIY handmade

o n e a r t h i t i s I w a n t t o d o . B u t a p a r t from

during the summer, then I discovered Laura

fair scene for students to get involved

that, all’s good!

Callaghan’s work, and that was it, I was

with!

totally in love with it all. From then on

much everything is on your doorstep. It was

W h a t m a d e y o u c h o o s e P l y m o u t h C o l l ege of

all I wanted to do was draw and it set in

pretty hard to leave, I would do anything

Art for Illustration?

my head that I wanted to be an illustrator!

to come back and live here again!

Plymouth

College

of

Art

was

one

of

the

love

Plymouth!

I

loved

living

by

the

The nightlife is good and pretty

She is a massive inspiration to me.

v e r y f e w p l a c e s w h i c h o f f e r e d i l l u s t ration

What do you get up to in your spare time?

a n d p r i n t m a k i n g c o u r s e s ! T h o u g h w h e n they

What inspires you?

Knitting,

r e m o v e d t h e p r i n t m a k i n g p a r t o f t h e course

Nerdy things. Films and TV especially. I

combination I know but a combination I feel

a f t e r m y f i r s t y e a r I m a d e s u r e I k e p t using

took a trip to Forbidden Planet in London

works quite well!

p r i n t t e c h n i q u e s i n a l l m y f i n a l p r o jects.

recently

and

wondering

around

all

thei r

comic books and art books just made me want H o w w o u l d y o u d e s c r i b e y o u r s t y l e o f work?

to draw immediately!

R e c e n t l y I ’ ve j u s t l o v e d c r e a t i n g s imple black

and

white

line

drawings.

I

never

What would be your ideal job?

h a d a s t y l e w h i l s t I w a s s t u d y i n g a nd it

If

a l w a y s s t r e s s e d m e o u t ! H o w e v e r , n ow I’m

drawings of TV and film characters it would

j u s t d r a w i n g f o r m e a n d o n l y d r a w i n g what

be amazing. I’m not too sure what purpose

I w a n t I f e e l l i k e I ’ v e f i n a l l y f o u n d it!

it would serve but I’d be a very happy

someone

girl.

could

pay

me

to

create

lin e

Netflix

and

running.

An

odd

eatmusic radio / independent venue week

twenty

/ Words by Casey Goddard / Photo by Leigh Drinkwater

INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK Hold on to your hats because Independent Venue Week is coming! And in its wake you can expect to see 18 small gig venues across the UK belting out their own unique flavour. Of course, Plymouth strikes out with its very own tang.

If you crave to see live music at more intimate venues, this was made for you.

Independent Venue Week takes place between Tuesday 28th January and Sunday 2nd February. Its 6 days of musical mayhem will have you rocking out, getting close and personal with live bands at selected venues, all over the UK. This project celebrates the very roots of the music scene, small, independent venues and live music bands.

It promotes that unique atmosphere of many independent venues: close, sweaty and loud, pushed up to the speakers of the band – not givin’ a damn.

from the Manic Street Preachers, Coldplay, Muse, Blur, Pulp and PJ Harvey.

Of course, with the closure of these independent venues, where do smaller bands play? It’s Phil Selway from Radiohead who says that gigging down his local, The Jericho, got his band noticed and signed. It’s the Treetop Flyers that say, no gigs, no fans, no records. It’s not that without these venues, we have no music scene; it’s just that we miss an essential and unique element to it.

You add to that a toxic mix of rising oil prices for transport, falling revenues from venues and stagnant record sales (we’re looking at you, pirates) and you see how bands find it difficult to tour. Taken together, there are less bands playing and there are less venues to play at.

Keep your eyes peeled for the other venues in the UK. The closest would be Bristol’s Louisiana, followed by Southampton’s Joiner’s Arms. Their gig listing isn’t up yet but you should watch that space. Also, a little birdie tells me that there are secret, surprise gigs, so don’t be surprised if you see The White Stripes, Muse or Coldplay playing in a tiny pub in Bristol- but don’t hold me to that.

A vicious cycle? Well, that’s the long and the short of it.

BUT WE’RE NOT GOING TO STAND FOR THAT. Independent Venue Week was created because the founders saw the struggle that smaller venues were fighting to compete with the money muscle of sponsored venues. So, for example, The Bull and Gate in London recently bit the dust and passed to new owners. Previously, it boasted early gigs

drunkards. Join them on Saturday 1st February with tickets at £5 and the doors opening at 8:00pm.

You’ll be accompanied by the Woahnows, who describe themselves as ‘indie-punk with a short attention span’ the Damerels and Boxkite. With no elevated stage you’ll be sharing the floor with the band. Tiki is typical of the kind of venue we’ve been talking about –intimate and rowdy- you’re guaranteed a messy night.

Plymouth’s Tiki Bar and Diner is an independent venue committed to serving live music with gorgeous food - a deadly combination. They’re taking up arms to put on a live music gig for all you audiophiles and

Join us in promoting Independent Venues all across the UK and defending that unique style of delivering live music.

For more information, visit www.independentvenueweek.com

Without small, independent venues, there'd be no small, independent bands, and without them there'd be no big acts either; these places are the lifeblood of any music scene, and any music fan should care about them and support Independent Venue Week.

- Frank Turner

LOYALTY CARD

last shop standing

twenty two

LAST SHOP STANDING: BEST OF 2013 / Words by Tom Thrasher / I’ve written up end of year lists for as long as I can remember now. Lists seem to be somewhat of a male pursuit I’m not sure of the psychology of it all and I know there are exceptions to the rule. Similarly I have found in my first year as a record shop owner, that record collecting can be somewhat of a sausage fest, so far I am yet to grasp just why this is. More ladies buying records in 2014 please a collective new year’s resolution perhaps?

2013 seemed to be the year of the comeback; Boards of Cananda’s post apocalyptic pseudo John Carpenter soundtrack Tomorrows Harvest, David Bowie’s miraculously badass The Next Day and Daft Punk’s overplayed but stupendously cool Random Access Memories. I almost forgot My Bloody Valentine’s fifteen years in the making. MBV, which admittedly I haven’t got around to listening to as much as I’d have liked (my friend Dom says it rules and he’s normally right about these things).

Psychedelic music continued to enjoy a revival in many different styles and forms. Leeds based Hookworms’ debut album Pearl Mystic was a personal favourite. The ridiculously prolific Thee Oh Sees smashed yet another great album Floating Coffin before deciding to call it a day.

The annoyingly talented Ty Segall dropped just a meagre two albums this year. A surprising heartfelt and unrockin’ acoustic album Sleeper and a Sabbath meets The Velvet Underground style record with his new band Fuzz.

Meanwhile on the more extreme side of the musical spectrum Deafheaven’s Sunbather and Iceage’s You’re Nothing both had immediate impact on me. Sunbather with its “stare into the sun and then close your eyes” pink cover art was nothing short of astonishing.

This is the sort of metal album I imagine Patrick Bateman enjoying as he lies down by an infinity swimming pool with a bottle of tanning lotion and a cocktail. Somewhere between Shoe Gaze, Black Metal and Post Rock which of course annoyed black metal purists everywhere. I think mainly because Deafheaven are American, don’t wear corpse paint and lots of people like them. Good. Danish youngsters Iceage

/ Words by Chris Muirhead /

again did a brilliant job of pissing people off and winning fans in equal measure. You’re Nothing, their second album, saw it all come together for me having only been a casual admirer of their debut New Brigade.

Think Joy Division songs played by a hardcore punk band on Ketamin In terms of electronic releases we were pretty spoilt Jon Hopkins, F*ck Buttons, Boards Of Cananda, Zombi, Oneohtrix Point Never, Tim Hecker, Matmos and James Holden all released great records.

Boards and Hopkins did it for me whilst Chris is more of a F*ck Buttons kind of guy.

The media might have failed women in 2013 and I certainly don’t wish to waste article space on the Miley Cyrus fiasco. However if you took a look outside the mainstream media Pharmakon, Chelsea Wolfe, and Savages were absolutely kicking ass and taking no prisoners, not to mention Anna Calvi, Janelle Monae, Julianna Barwick, M.I.A etc. So yeah “Girl Power”! …I’ll get my coat.

I am not really sure I had a favourite record of 2013, In all honesty the sheer volume of albums I listened to in my first year in charge of a record shop was overwhelming! For the sake of the list I went with Phosphorescents’ Muchacho a lovelorn yet hopeful electronic tinged alt country record. I could just as easily gone with a handful of other records in my list with Christopher Owens road trip to New York concept album Lysandre being a very close runner up.

Nobody gave much attention to Pop 1280’s Imps of Perversion which was a nightmarish and seductive slice of cyber punk but we thought it ruled anyway. Also Daniel Johnston finally may have released his masterpiece in The Death Of Satan, which has miraculously managed to go pretty much under the radar… I don’t think I remember seeing a single review for it. Anyway, the world needs underdogs and discovering and loving an album that no one else gives two shits about always makes you feel a warm glow of elitist cool anyway. See you all in 2014!

Tom's List 1. Phosphorescent - Muchacho 2. Christopher Owens - Lysandre 3. Danny and the Nightmares - Death of Satan 4. Iceage - You’re Nothing 5. Deafheaven - Sunbather 6. Daft Punk - Random Access Memories 7. Pop 1280 - Imps of Perversion 8. Boards of Canada - Tomorrows Harvest 9. These New Puritans - Field of Reeds 10. Grouper - The Man Who Died In His Boat

I was delighted when the Chilean band ‘Follakzoid’ kicked off the year by dropping their kraut space rock masterpiece II in January.

‘Pissed Jeans’ spat out Honey in March and talked candidly about being one of your favourite bands but having to hold down a job and tour like it’s a holiday which was depressing.

John Grant literally wowed me with Pale Green Ghosts, an LP that I have returned to over and over during the Daft summer, which for me was a bit more Kandodo.

Locally Crazy Arm put out a folk record full of sentiment and twang, Bangers released their most coherent and uplifting record to date and Monolith stunned with their take on drone and metal, Patrons stuffed their screamo jeans away and recorded an EP that promises 2014 an album that could certainly see them thrust into the national consciousness should they stay on course Overall 2013 has seen musicians focus again on the album, and like the great LP years of the 70’s we have seen big genre albums and bands and artists stun from every corner of the musical spectrum.

Splendid.

For more information on Last Shop Standing, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheLastShopStanding

Chris' List 1. John Grant - Pale Green Ghosts 2. Tanger Trio - And Ensemble Mondain 3. Savages - Silence Yourself 4. Pissed Jeans - Honeys 5. Iceage - You’re Nothing 6. Follakzoid - 2 7. Nick Cave - Push The Sky Away 8. Esmerine - Dalmak 9. Ty Segall - Sleeper 10. White Denim - Corsicana Lemonade 11. Queens Of The Stone Age - Like Clockwork 12. Daft Punk - Random Access Memories 13. Pop 1280 - Imps Of Perversion 14. Nails - Abandon All Life 15. William Tyler - Impossible Truth

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dappa me

twenty four

D A P PA M E / Words by NAOMI GIRDLER /

Photo by Tanye Chauruka

Dappa Me, a streetwear clothing company set up by local DJ, Darko has finally made its move into the mall. We catch up with the local drum and bass legend and find out how life is going in amongst all the other big names of retail.

You started out as a DJ and now you run your own clothing store, how did this all come about?

I started out in events around 10 years ago, and have been running the shop for around 4 years. I was doing drum and bass nights as Unleashed and I wanted to be something that connected to the music events I was running. An opportunity for a little cross promotion, basically. I was quite into fashion at the time, so decided to open a streetwear clothing shop. I also wanted somewhere where you could chill, get a coffee and relax. We used to be situated on North Hill, and that store had an alcohol license so we had a few after and pre parties there, with the likes of Jurassic 5, Jest, Camo and Krooked and Netsky. I started my business during the economic crisis, and loads of places were shutting down as I was trying to open up which felt a bit silly really. It’s had its ups and downs, like any independent venture, but we held on for the ride! After a while we decided we needed something bigger and it was getting so popular on North Hill that we knew if we moved into town it could really take off. Spent a lot of time stressing over a business plan but it worked out, we got the unit in the mall and we’ll just see how it goes I guess!

What sort of clothing do you have instore? Do you plan to stock spray paint and other similar items?

Dappa Me is trying to be a little different from the mainstream shops in Plymouth, which I think we’ve managed since we import a lot from America. The biggest line I’d say is Imaginary Foundation, which seems to be doing really well. We also have Dephect, which is locally sourced, which has some spot on t-shirts. We’ve got a bit of spray paint in, but we’d like to expand on that more. We’re hoping to expand on our trainers too, we’re in talks with Nike and Adidas but it’s a long,

slow process. Hopefully we can nip that in the bud soon!

If I had to sum it up, Dappa Me is all about underground clothing, with focus on fashion, music and graffiti.

We had a great time with late night shopping over the Christmas period with live dancers replacing all the mannequins in store. There was a massive crowd of people outside watching and it really helped boost our sales as a new store. Being an independent shop in the mall allows us to have a bit of fun with it.

It's had its ups and downs but we held on for the ride!

What’s your favourite clothing line?

It has to be Imaginary Foundation, despite the fact I’d never wear it! I just love the ideas and the designs behind it. Another one is King Apparel, it’s like a smarter street wear brand. They’re one of the only underground cut and sell companies in England, and they absolutely smash it. They’re heading out to the US now, so they’re doing really well.

Tell us a little bit about your DJing?

I’ve been working on a live show recently, working with local drummer Steve Strong, with some more bookings under our belt for 2014. In the New Year, Unleashed will be coming back under a new alias, hitting the university main hall on February 21st. Some big drum and bass nights are coming. One Love is still selling and every

event since September has been sold out so far. The next event is on January 23rd at the Hub/dbs Live, featuring Blonde and Apple Bottom.

I’m also spending three weeks in Dubai and one week in England at the moment, which is a bit of a weird lifestyle at the moment. Not that I’m complaining though! I’m hopefully taking One Love with me to hit there in February.

What advice would you give to aspiring students, hoping to get out in the DJ game or who are just smashing their heads against the wall trying to figure out Logic?

Haha, I’ve been there. Take time out and knuckle down. No social life, no partner, no drinking. Chase and Status did the same thing, went to uni, ended up spending their loans on equipment, quit university and spent a year, locked away, just concentrating on making music. They were quoted doing this about 5 years ago, and now look at them. I’d recommend the same process.

What does 2014 have in store for you?

Dappa Me might move, I know that it can be better that this. The location still isn’t perfect yet. One Love will be sponsoring some stages at festivals during the summer season, like Snowboxx Festival in the mountains of Andorra in March. Plus the usual local festivals like NASS and Boardmasters. Other than that, concentrating a lot on production, pushing that hard this year and hopefully some more drum and bass events coming your way!

If you’d like to find out more about Dappa Me, find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dappa.mee Check out Darko’s music at www.soundcloud.com/darko_uk

twenty five

dappa me

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food

twenty six

S I Z Z L I N G S K E W E R S PS asked Samphire Brasserie chef Joe Wadge to give us one of his favourite recipes. It’s a starter called Seitan Skewer; it’s quick and easy and packed full of flavour.

S E I TAN

S K E W E R S

BBQ Sauce: 4tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar 3tbsp Molasses 2 1/2tbsp Agave Nectar 1tsp Liquid Smoke 2tsp Olive Oil 1tsp Soy Sauce 3tsp Tomato Paste 1/2tsp Salt 1tsp Pepper 1tsp Paprika 1/2tsp Cumin 1tsp Ketchup 1/4tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste)

1/2 Small Onion 1 Garlic Clove 300ml Soya Yoghurt handful of chopped Mint season with Sat & Pepper Combine all in a bowl.

Skewers: 300g Seitan 1 Skewer Handful Of Lollo Rosso Lettuce Seitan can be homemade or bought online. Cut it into good size chunks and place on skewer with vegetables.

Drizzle skewer with bbq sauce and grill for approx 5mins, then turn and grill for another 5mins. Serve with salad and tzatziki. Tuck in and enjoy!

Combine all in a bowl.

Tzatziki: 1/2 Cucumber

S

A

M

P

H

I

R

E

/ Words by Chris Girdler /

B

R

A

Vegetarian and vegan food may not be everyone’s choice, but it’s proving to be a real winner for a young Plymouth couple.

Becca Speare and Joe Wadge, who are both 24, are committed vegetarians and dreamed of opening a restaurant offering authentic British vegetarian and vegan dishes.

“There was nothing like it in Plymouth and very few genuine vegetarian restaurants in Devon either,” said Becca. “We both have a strong belief in the welfare of animals and have a huge passion for food. We really wanted to start our own business and open a restaurant of our own.

“We have always believed that Plymouth needed an exciting vegetarian place to eat in the city and when the opportunity arose to turn our dream into a reality, we took it! We also display art works from cool and upcoming artists from the Plymouth area.”

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Plymouth programme in 2012.

They were assigned to an Outset advisor who helped them create a more robust buiness plan and a strong financial proposition. Joe and Becca were then referred to the Fredericks Foundation and other funding organisations.

Joe said: “We had to face a Dragon’s Den type of pitch but we were delighted when they agreed to provide the funding which enabled us to open our restaurant.”

They acquired the lease of a former restaurant in Mayflower Street and opened Samphire’s Brasserie in March last year - and they have not looked back since.

Becca said: “We have had to learn a lot very quickly, but it has been a great experience so far.”

But it wasn’t all plain sailing. They approached their bank and were told they would receive funding to set up their business, only to be devastated when they were turned down after several months of waiting for a final decision.

Joe, who is self taught, oversees the kitchen, assisted by a vegan chef, while Becca looks after the overall running of the business. They employ five part-time staff, but spend long hours at the restaurant ensuring that their vision is fulfil ed.

Looking for a way to overcome their barriers and achieve their dream of opening a vegetarian restaurant they joined the Outset

They have a growing number of regular customers and continue to introduce new vegetarian and vegan dishes.

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Every dish is made to order, with the most popular being fast-food styled burgers and pizzas. Main courses on the dinner menu include vegetarian fish and chips, V Bone steak, oyster mushroom and cashew nut pie and South American gumbo.

Starters include mushroom scallops - king oyster mushrooms marinated and pan seared with crispy tempeh and crushed minted peas – spiced potted shrimp made with a soya based pate and sweetcorn fritters.

The lunch menu includes all day breakfast, baps, burgers, pizzas and sandwiches. There is also a special kids menu.

The menu is affordably priced and although Samphire does not currently have an alcohol licence, diners can take their own wine.

There is no corkage charge.

The restaurant, which has 40 covers, is open from 12 noon to 3pm and 5pm until 9pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Takeaway food is also available.

On the first Sunday of the month Samphire offers a Sunday roast which is proving extremely popular. Tables must be booked in advance.

A recent review on trip advisor underlines the restaurant’s popularity:

Joe said: “All of our dishes are home made and everything we serve is acceptable to vegetarians. More than 80 per cent of our food is also suitable for vegans and many gluten free options are also available.”

Becca added: “Because we are so passionate about vegetarian food we are always experimenting with new ideas and new dishes.

I make all the cakes and desserts which we serve and Joe has also started to make our own vegan cheese.”

Samphire’s menu is mainly inspired by American vegetarian and vegan dishes. “America is much further ahead of Britain in terms of its vegetarian offering,” said Joe.

I’m vegan, my mother and daughter are vegetarian, my partner eats meat but is ‘de facto veggie’ and my dad’s a confirmed carnivore.

He suggested we give it a try for my birthday and we were blown away. All five of us thought this was outstanding food, catering for both adults and children (especially my very fussy six year old!) and exemplary service. They deserve every success, and judging by the fully booked-in-advance Sunday roasts and full house the night we were there, are enjoying it already! Bravo to all!”

Samphire Brasserie, 111 Mayflower Street, Tel 01752 263116 www.samphirebrasserie.com

Plymouth.

W I N !

W IN DINN ER F O R F O UR AT TH E S A M P HIR E B R A S S ER IE

Here’s a chance for PS readers to sample the delights of eating at the Samphire Brasserie.

We’re offering a three-course evening meal for four people courtesy of the Samphire Brasserie as the competition prize in this edition of PS. All you have to do is e-mail competition@ ps-zine.com with the word ‘Samphire’ in the subject line to be entered in the competition.

The winning entry will be chosen at random after the closing date of February 28.

There is no cash alternative and the prize to be redeemed subject to agreeing date in advance with the Samphire Brasserie.

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Call 01752 604700 www.pertemps.co.uk

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f ilm re v i ews

twenty eight

film reviews

COMEDY ALPHA PAPA / DECLAN LOWNEY

Alpha Papa makes this list simply for exposing me to the world of Alan Partridge. Prior to the film’s release, I had somehow avoided Norfolk’s premier radio and television presenter. However, upon reading some of the great reviews, I decided to give it a go. And I’m glad I did. Steve Coogan’s portrayal of a pathetic, middle-aged man who’s way past his prime (if you could call it that) and refuses to accept it, is simply brilliant. I’ve since gone out of my way to watch all of the Alan Partridge episodes on Netflix and own the complete collection on DVD. While Alpha Papa might not be quite as funny as I’m Alan Partridge, it accomplished the near-impossible task of taking Britain’s most tragic 80s music aficionado and turning him into a big screen star.

by Matt Girdler It was another good year for film fans, with great titles in all genres. As always, there were films that I missed; Trance, Star Trek Into Darkness, The Place Beyond the Pines, The Great Gatsby and Filth were just a few that I never got around to watching, despite really wanting to.

Nevertheless, here is a list of my favourite films of 2013.

stars playing parody versions of themselves during the apocalypse. As you might expect, this premise made for some crazy situations and resulted in more than a few hilarious cameos. Undoubtedly my biggest surprise of 2013, This is the End also made me laugh more than any other film this year.

ADVENTURE THE HOBBIT: PART T WO /

PETER JACKSON

SCI F I Like a lot of people, I was somewhat sceptical when I heard that Peter Jackson would be adapting The Hobbit which was shorter than any of the LotR books - into three separate films. My concerns were slightly alleviated by An Unexpected Journey which expanded on the book’s story in interesting ways, but I was still slightly worried that the middle chapter could be disappointing. These fears were misplaced however, as The Desolation of Smaug

COMEDY THIS IS THE END / seth rogan/evan goldberg

THRILLER PRISONERS /

I didn’t expect much from This is the End, but the scripted penned by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg - who previously wrote the hilarious Superbad and Pineapple Express, but whose work had since decreased in quality with The Green Hornet and The Watch - was a surprisingly funny and inventive romp. The film featured James Franco, Jay Baruchel, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and other Hollywood

easy viewing, but watching these two superbly acted characters wrestle with their own morals to find the young girl makes for an extremely absorbing experience.

Dennis VILLENEUVE

was another exhilarating adventure in Middle-earth.

This one was a late addition to the list, as I’d wanted to see the film when it was at the cinema, but never got around to watching it. However, I finally got to watch Prisoners recently, and it was one of the best thrillers I’ve seen in quite a while. Boasting a strong cast that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, Paul Dano and Terrence Howard, Prisoners tells the tale of a carpenter (Jackman) who decides to take the law into his own hands after being let down by the police - in particular, the detective in charge of the investigation (Gyllenhaal) - when his daughter is abducted. As you might expect from the cast, the film features some of the best acting you’ll see this year.

Running at two and a half hours and going in some pretty grim places with the story, Prisoners isn’t exactly

GRAVIT Y /

ALFONSO Cuarón

I’m a sucker for science-fiction, although Gravity’s gritty, realistic depiction of an astronaut stranded in orbit sometimes makes you forget that what you’re seeing is fiction. Expanding on the extended one-take action sequences of his previous film Children of Men, Alfonso Cuarón’s three-dimensional camera work feels almost ballet-like in its precision and artistry. It’s hard to not be to completely immersed in the scene as the camera dances around the characters while they battle with the relentless elements around them. It practically justifies the use of 3D in cinema singlehandedly.

Technically flawless, littered with artistic flourishes and boosted by a strong performance from Sandra Bullock, Gravity is my favourite film of 2013.

Game review

by Matthew Girdler, computing student at Plymouth University

twenty nine This is where Dawn’s unprecedented circumstances come in handy; she has the ability to shift into the shadows, allowing her to reach areas and complete puzzles that us normal folk simply couldnít. An early example of this useful power is when the player needs to reach a high balcony; normally there would be no way to reach it, but thankfully this particular scene included a bicycle with a spotlight behind it. By standing near the well-lit wall, the player can switch Dawn to her shadow form and climb the silhouette of the bicycle wheel to reach the balcony.

Dawn’s movement is pretty basic, being limited to running, jumping and a short dash move, but as you might expect, the perspective-shifting gameplay makes for some mind-bending moments. Just as Valve’s popular puzzle title required users to learn how to “think with portals”, it can take a while to master Contrastís shadow mechanic; starting off with some CONSTRAST simple platforming, it’s not long before you’re shifting in and out of shadows mid-jump and manipulating light sources / developed by ComPULSION GAMES in clever puzzles to create new platforms. The controls donít provide Mario levels of precision, but they do the job, and death is never punished too harshly thanks to generous Contrast sees you playing as Dawn, a mysterious checkpointing. mute woman who has the unique curse of living in an alternative plane of existence to the rest of us, only The real star of the show is Contrast’s presentation; the able to see our shadows. The exception to this rule gameís vaudevillian, jazz-laden world is extremely charming. is Didi, a young girl who is the only person who can Seemingly inspired by Alice in Wonderland and 1920s pop interact with Dawn and acts as her guide through the culture, the unique fantasy setting created by Compulsion gameís fantasy 1920s world.

Games is a joy to inhabit. As you might expect, the game features a heavy use of dynamic lighting, and fully utilises Most of Contrastís story revolves around Didi and her Unreal Engine 3 to deliver some striking visuals. family life. She lives with her cabaret-singing mother, Kat, who simply believes our protagonist to be her Contrast’s story, which takes roughly four hours to play daughter’s imaginary friend. One night, after sneaking through, is not particularly fulfilling, with an ending that out to watch her mother sing at a local jazz bar, raises more questions than it answers. The issues with the Didiís absentee father, Johnny, makes an appearance. He story are slightly rectified by some great dialogue and voice explains that he has a plan to make some money and get acting, but unfortunately the characters feel underused by the family back together, which Kat dismisses as just the events of the plot. another one of Johnny’s failed get-rich-quick schemes.

As predicted, it all goes wrong, and Didi and Dawn have The quality of the voice acting extends to the rest of to sort it out.

PC/PS3/PS4 XBOX 360

game review

Contrastís audio; a wonderful jazz soundtrack provides the perfect accompaniment to the art deco setting. Some areas of the game also make great use of ambient sounds, with the player able to hear the hustle and bustle occurring in the physical dimension. Sadly this aspect isnít used as often as it should be, as the effect adds a lot to the atmosphere and instills the sense of loneliness that Dawn must feel, knowing that thereís a whole other side of life that sheís unable to see.

Unfortunately, there are a few aspects that hold Contrast back from reaching its potential; while the game features a few clever puzzles, I feel that the perspective-shifting mechanic could have been explored further to create even more ëeurekaí moments. Thereís also the somewhat forgettable plot, which does little more than provide some incentive to keep the player moving through the gameís beautiful world.

Nevertheless, Contrast is an easy game to recommend; it boasts a stunning visual style, interesting characters, a great soundtrack and smart game mechanics. Itís not without its faults, with an overall feeling that the game was rushed to meet the PS4 launch date, but Contrast still provides a memorable experience, even if the story itself doesn’t shine quite as bright.

Content provided under licence from www.GameGrin.com

agony uncle ross

thirty

AGONY UNCLE ROSS Agony Uncle Ross really does care about your problems, even if it seems like he doesn’t. This issue he’s helped out by Gambit of X-men fame, as well as a Thai perspective for one struggling student.

Expect the unexpected, here’s Ross Bennellick.

I’m a recent graduate and six months down the line, I’m finding myself feeling lost, confused and with an uncertain future in front of me. Along with all the debt and the “pressure to succeed”, I’m getting stressed and bogged down with all the decisions. Ross, what should I do with my life?!

As a friend of mine often utters humorously upon his facebook wall, ‘What is life?’ Its a question we’ve all contemplated (particularly during our adolescence) but it takes on even more personal significance as we reach our mid-to-late twenties and the time comes whence in fact, life becomes far easier if we can just let the question be. Following years researching ancient aliens, lost civilizations, government conspiracy, the universe, evolution, the illuminati, the poisonous origins of religion, reptilian overlords and anything else you care to mention, here I was; unhappy, and faced with the prospect of admitting I had no idea what life was all about, how it got started or most importantly, how the hell I was going to live mine out. The only thing I was sure of was that I had wasted far, far too much time trying to figure all this stuff out!

I’m going to pass you over to my good friend, Kate Sonkuphan: (Translated from Thai) Try not to worry too much The concerns will make it worse . You must be thinking that this is just a small part of your life and the many people who may face worse situation than you. You may need to sacrifice enjoyment of your college a little while for your future.

I know you want to enjoy the university life beer for 10p and a woman , but sometimes you need to sacrifice some moments of joy in life, for a better chance . And if you can not control these moments . In future , you may find yourself working in a Burger King or Tesco Lotus.

With your friends is that customers who use the service.

The choice is yours.

I think we can all see where Kate is coming from there, and I deeply urge you to follow her suggestions.

Allow me to share a couple anecdotal tales if I may: As a skateboarder in my youth (and many skateboarders would agree with me on this), I would always land my best tricks (not that I was much good) when I stopped thinking, started smiling, and just began enjoying myself and getting on with the task at hand. If I started over-thinking about my foot-position, potential danger, potential glory or anything else it was almost a guaranteed fail; I’d never land anything. Not long after, I noticed this same trend in music. One of my favourite ever concerts took place when the legendary Mockin’Grin took to the stage at the Plymouth Phoenix. I myself was in a band at the time but we were far more image conscious and like all 16year olds - dreaming of fame and fortune. Mockin’Grin however, flatout didn’t give a fuck about any of these things: they were pissed as hell, messing about like nobody else was in the room, falling over everywhere, instruments were breaking, Amplifiers fell over and in the immortal words of the’Grin themselves, ‘Nobody gave a f*ck.’ Everyone just loved it because it was honest, fun and pure.

I tell these stories because I think incidents like this helped prepare me for later life. When my head finally emerged from outside my ass at the ripe age of 27, I was gifted with a new appreciation for the lessons I had effectively taught myself in earlier life and had, for one reason or another forgotten. The most poignant of these ideals is to quite simply ‘not give a f*ck.’ I don’t mean ‘not give a f*ck’ like some pretentious leather jacket wearing, London-punk, who spits on the pavement and sniffs glue to look cool. I mean it in the sense that from what I’ve learned, the best way to succeed in life is simply to charge at it and not worry about the reasoning, or by the same virtue, the consequences.

If you sit about worrying, all you are doing is wasting your own time, so just go to the place you’ve always wanted to go and see what happens for you there. The worst thing that can happen is that you fail and come home … and nobodies going to give a f*ck about that shit anyways so f* ck it.

I’m in my first year and I already think I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. I’m really struggling with my coursework, despite talking to my tutors regularly and have started falling behind. I want to enjoy my university experience, but at this rate, I don’t even know if I’ll pass the course! My course mates seem to balance the two, what should I do?

I answered a question similar to this in a previous issue, so in the interests of gaining a new perspective

Good luck with it.

Ross, I think I have a problem. I have my suspicions that I’m getting addicted to energy drinks. It started as a small habit to get through some deadlines, but now I can’t stop. I stay up all hours into the night, and find myself feeling hyper and erratic, this can’t be good for me. How can I stop?!

I’m not qualified to deal with your conundrum so once more I have decided to pass you over to my good friend, in the hope that he can shed some light on the topic of ‘stimulant abuse.’

Hasn’t been your night, eh, chère? Or maybe it has -- considering how often I am here to rescue you.

Whats a can of redbull between friends, I mean seriously? This place, it preys on the weak. It wants to corrupt them. Kill them... It tests them. So that only the strong survive. This place, this is where I belong.

This place, it’s mine now... and it’s time to hunt. The gentleman assumes the pot is his to win... but I have a literal ace up my sleeve. I call this ace – ‘Horlicks.’ Try switching from redbull to Horlicks during the evening hours. Just make sure not to get them mixed up as I don’t want you falling asleep at the wheel or injuring yourself operating heavy machinery due to a total Horlicks breakdown.

However, I must confess - I don’t totally get it myself? I have a friend called Warren Worthington and his original wings were amputated! It is possible dey could...grow back? They could grow back even without an energy drink, all he needs is a little TLC... and Horlicks. Relax Darling’. I wrested alligators before I could write my own name. This column just feels like goin’ home.

For the record now, just to make this official: ... bang... you dead! ...Okay... thank you Gambit for your fascinating insight there. What a top bloke.

Happy New Year, Uncle Ross

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