Student Rag Issue 24 Glasgow

GRADUATION SPECIAL

Student Rag DY / FITNESS / MUSIC FASHION / MOVIES / TRAVEL / COME

Spring 2016 Glasgow #24

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CONTENTS 4-10 TREND SETTER

Spring fashion..............4-10

WHO WHAT WHERE Spring in the city.........12-16

GRAVITY DEFIANCE Newton Faulkner interview..18-20

GRAD SUPP Guide to the next step.....21-36

CLOSE CALLS Road trips nearby.........38-41

COVER STARS The Aliens.................42-45

MOVIE ON UP Films not to be missed.....46-48

MUSIC & MAYHEM Festival guide.............50-53

HEALTH BUDGET Keep fit for less..........54-57

NEXT BEST THING Nothing But Thieves Q&A.......58

WHATEVER NEXT Coming Soon to You.........60-61

FUNNY GIRL Jena Friedman interview.......62

1820

42-45

62

Editor: Debbie McInnes. glasgow@student-rag.co.uk Design: Calvin Douglas.

Contributors: Alice Cruickshank, Stephen Butchard, Kerry Harkin, Sarra Gray, Gemma Clark, Laura Ferguson, Carmella Caserta, Susie Daniels.

www.student-rag.co.uk Published by Track 10 Media. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Student Rag magazine takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication.

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FASHION

bombs away BY: SARRA GRAY l Cameo Rose Floral Print Scuba Bomber Jacket www.newlook.com £19.99

l MA1 BomberJacket www.topshop.com £55

THE PHRASE ‘you can never have enough of these’ was coined for the bomber jacket – this summer’s essential.

If Nicki Minaj and Cara Delevigne are wearing it then it’s definitely in fashion and completely addictive – once purchased you’ll discover you want one for every ocassion.

Going to the shop? Pop it on. Bit cold going to uni? Take it with you.

Night out? Give your outfit a fashionable edge.

All you need is a quick scroll through Kim Kardashian’s insta to learn she’s hooked too. I’ve picked this £55 Topshop bomber to copy Kim’s style.

Available in different colours and patterns you can look like Victoria Secret model Joan Small in this floral New Look number.

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FASHION CHANNEL supermodel chic like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid with the crop top.

It’s one item that seems to be sticking around no matter what the weather.

They even managed to grace the red carpet this year, worn

by Kate Hudson at the Golden Globes, Kylie Jenner at the after party and Jennifer Lawrence at the Oscars.

Both women went for nudes to embrace the look. To steal their alet l Neilina Lace Br Nude d.com www.missguide £15

SHOP TIL YOU CROP

style, I’ve picked this nude bralet from Missguided. Award-show ready for only £15!

If you are a beginner to the crop, a great starting point would be a simple but stylish plain crop that can be dressed up with some bold, chunky jewellery and high-waisted tapered trousers, or dressed down with your fave joggies.

This ivory one from Urban Outfitters is perfect and very Kendall Jenner.

l Free People Be Coachella Seam lla less Crop Top www.urbanoutfit ters.com £16

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FASHION

Denim Lovin’ DENIM is back! Although this style never completely leaves the fashion world, the catwalks once again appear to take inspiration from the denim-loving Rihanna.

To copy her famous ‘FourFiveSeconds’ denim look, try the Levi’s Trucker Jacket in light stonewash as one of my top buys.

Don’t worry that this is a men’s jacket, buying a bigger size will give a fashionable grunge look.

Pair with a black leather belt to complete RiRi’s look, I found this one for £12 in Next.

This season sees shirts, jackets, dungarees, dresses, skirts and shorts added to the usual denim jeans.

It’s impossible not to find something you like as the summer sun warms to denim in a wide spectrum of colours - the lighter the better!

There are also so many new fits and lengths so be as creative as you like.

The cute denim pinafore seems to be everywhere at the mo and dominates the catwalk.

This New Look one is on trend and only £19.99. Or why not try double denim? A look that has even been braved by GiGi Hadid in recent months. Get her look at Topshop.

l Black Leather Belt www.next.co.uk £12

l Denim Pinafore www.newlook.com £19.99 six

l The Trucker Jacket www.levi.com £85

l MOTO Oversized Denim Shirt www.topshop.com £34

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FASHION

military MAN THINK clean and crisp. Khaki and dark colours are great in this trend that is often seen on celebrities such as Kanye West.

If you do want to go full on camouflage you’d be in good company as Justin Bieber recently posted himself wearing an oversized camouflage shirt.

l Oversized Sweatshirt in Heavy Waffle with Zips www.asos.com £28

l D-Struct Liberty Camouflage Overshirt www.footasylum.com £39.99

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l Khaki Military Jacket www.newlook.com £24.99

FASHION

l Beckham Bodywear Cotton T-shirt www.2hm.com £14.99

SHADES OF GREY

l Hooded Sleeveless Cardigan www.asos.com £28

BLACK or White. Or both. This is your chance to be like Beckham in monochrome.

This classy white and black combo is a favourite of the star as shown in his new H&M line, and the style has been a long-living trend for women and men alike.

The SS16 fashion shows proved that we’re not yet done with monochrome, although this time around we’ll see a lot of grey.

Slightly more summer appropriate than black, grey is set to be everywhere.

Follow in the footsteps of Geordie Shore’s James Tindale and try a sleeveless grey hoodie.

This can be placed over a t-shirt or long sleeved top, so it is wearable no matter what the weather.

Monochrome prints were also l Zip-up Sleeveless Hoodie seen on Milan www.riverisland.com catwalks. £25

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FASHION

FLOWER POWER

l Skinny Denim Shirt in Leopard Print www.asos.com £28

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FLORALS even look good on men.

Gucci’s runway showed an array of colourful florals for men.

So this season, whether you go for a patterned jumper or a flowery shirt, be brave! Who doesn’t want to look like Harry Styles or Pharrell Williams?

This is basically Harry’s trend. He is known to wear patterned coords and Hawaiian shirts. When making statements, he loves a bit of leopard print.

Get his look with this smart ASOS shirt.

If you’re not feeling as brave, this subtle River Island t-shirt is still completely on trend.

l White Hand Drawn Floral Print T-shirt Shirt www.riverisland.com £18

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GH UR ED IN B

Edinburgh Comic Con GET your geek on!

Comic books have been on the up and up since the Marvel Universe took this universe by storm and Edinburgh, like Glasgow, has its own version of San Diego’s iconic Comic Con. Returning for the third year, organisers promise that this version will be bigger than the last.

Special guests will include comic

writers Brad Walker (Guardians of the Galaxy, Batman, etc), Sara Richard (My Little Pony, Powerpuff Girls, etc) and Jim Calafiore (Deadpool, Black Panther, etc).

On the TV panel will be Julian Seager, Miltos Yerolemou and Peter Roy. Be prepared for traders selling everything from comics to cos play and don’t forget to dress in your own

best cos play outfits; there is £500 prize money for the best dressed!

Think how much memorabilia you can get for that!

And as if that wasn’t enough, this year’s charity is Cash For Kids. Having fun for a good cause, what could be better? o EDINBURGH Comic Con will take place at the EICC on April 2-3.

Edinburgh International Science Festival IF all that nerdy goodness wasn’t enough for you, why don’t you satisfy your thirst for knowledge with science!

Take a stroll around some Big Bang Theory style experiments and see if you fancy yourself as something of a rocket scientist.

There is everything from hands on experiments to technology workshops, starting from Saturday 26th March to Sunday 10th April at various locations across the city.

But fear not, this is nothing like your high school lab! There is nothing as dull as the Periodic table

of elements or test tube in sight. Instead, you will be treated to wearable technology, dinosaur experts and zoologists.

Delve deep into the human mind and practice the science behind meditation and enjoy a science themed ceilidh.

You will be spoiled for choice with 272 events for you to choose from.

So get smart and go educate yourself! o EDINBURGH International Science Festival runs from March 26 – April 10. See www. sciencefestival.co.uk for details.

SPRING IN THE CITY

CARMELLA AND GEMMA’S GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON IN GLASGOW & EDINBURGH

Tradfest

LOOKING for something a bit different? The festival boasts over 80 events and shows across the city.

It is bound to leave you feeling patriotic with its emphasis on traditional arts and culture.

Offering everything from visual art and film screenings, to political discussions, music concerts and fringe theatre there is no shortage of things to get involved in.

Why not join a craft fair or walking tour or engage in storytelling sessions revelling in mystical folklore?The city is your oyster. o TRADFEST runs from April 27-May 8. See www.tracscotland. org for details.

Rocky Horror Picture Show ‘IT’S just a jump to the left and then a step to the right, put your hands on your hips and bend your knees in tight...’

The Rocky Horror Picture Show has got to be the best show by far to sing and dance along to.

It’s a great laugh so choose your character, dress up in the wackiest outfit and get yourself along for some zany, bizarre fun.

If you’re a Rocky Horror virgin then you’ll never look back.

Let’s set the scene – it’s about a naive couple, Brad and Janet, who have a flat tyre during a storm and, as you do, decide to get help from the nearest, creepiest-looking mansion...

There’s singing, motorbikes and lots of craziness. Not to be missed if you want to let your hair down. o THE Rocky Horror Picture Show is at the Playhouse from March 28-April 2.

Jenny Eclair IF you are looking for some comic relief this Spring then why not take a trip to see Jenny Éclair?

The comedienne treats us to her one-woman show about being middle-aged and the peril that entails.

She also offers what she calls “advice”, though one

might question whether it’s good enough to take or not!

Sounds like this is going to be a perfect girlie night out. Éclair’s no holds barred attitude towards sex and all things taboo will have you cringing and in stitches from the get-go.

Just don’t expect clean humour!

You’ll be needing soap to clean out your ears by the end of the night – this woman talks dirty! o JENNY Eclair will be at the Assembly Roxy on March 19. thirteen

GL AS

GO W

WHAT’S ON

The Colour Run YOU’VE seen it all over Facebook and probably on TV and thought you’d love to do that.

Starting in all white, you are showered in clouds of tropical paint and end up looking like a rainbow by the end of the event.

Everyone embraces their inner

crazy and dresses up in the wackiest of outfits.

It’s just supposed to be about fun but can raise money for the NSPCC or any charity of your choice on race day if you wish.

Are you ready for the the most colourful 5k of your life?

Grease is the Word YOU should have chills, and they should be multiplying when you head to the King’s Theatre for a live version of everyone’s favourite original high school musical.

Brought to you by Scotland’s Pantheon Theatre Company, two shows will feature the lyrics projected on screen, so you’ll have no choice but to join in!

Dust off your leather jackets, bobby socks and semester worries as you watch Danny and Sandy fall for each other all over again.

Be transported back to simpler times and don’t be ashamed to admit you know every line to every single song. o GREASE runs from April 13-17 at the King’s Theatre, with two performances each day.

The event hits Glasgow city centre on July 17.

Register and find more info at www.thecolorrun.co.uk o THE Colour Run takes place in Glasgow city centre on July 17.

Start time is 11am.

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WHAT’S ON

West End Festival

FANCY a bit of everything?

This festival incorporates everything from arts and comedy shows, to music gigs including rock and jazz.

Or what about a good old knees-up?

Head to the Mardi Gras for fun, dancing, and general craziness.

Running from June 3-26, the West End festival has something for everyone.

Over 100 organisations come together to stage this spectacle, including both local and international performers.

More than a million revelerrs have been attracted to its events since the festival’s beginnings and 400 events have taken this part of the city by storm. o THE West End Festival runs from June 3-26. More info at www.westendfestival.co.uk

Riverside Festival AND you thought the Riverside Museum was all about vintage cars and defunct trains?

Think again. The Electric Frog crew and Pressure once again join forces to present their outdoor electronic music festival. This year’s line-up includes Fatboy Slim, Sven Vath, Laurent Garnier, Rodhad,

North Hop

Slam, Kerri Chandler, Julio Bashmore, Joris Voorn, Gary Beck, Ilario Alicante, Jackmaster, Dimitri from Paris, Vril and Dixon Avenue Basement Jams. o THE Riverside Festival takes place on May 28-29. More info at www.riversidefestivalglasgow.com BEER, cider, street food, cocktails and live music. Sounding pretty good so far right?

All this and more comes to Glasgow from June 18-19 as part of the North Hop festival, which was created to promote craft beer and all the great things that go with it.

Head to SWG3 on Eastvale Place for an afternoon sesh filled with as much delicious food and drink as you can handle.

Alternatively, come to an evening session before hitting the town with your mates.

Looking to start the party early? Ascend to the cocktail lounge, complete with high end DJs and swanky cosmopolitan vibes, as you soak up the tunes, fancy cocktails and sweet treats. o NORTH Hop takes place at SWG3 on June 18-19. Grab tickets for £15 at www. northhop.co.uk

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INTERVIEW

N

EWTON FAULKNER is not boy band material. He’s everything they’re not and anything but.

The number one album chart singer-songwriter has a chilled-out look, important messages to convey and choice words of wisdom to impart.

And yet we’re treated in April in Glasgow to a dance routine of sorts on the stage. It’s thanks to last year’s single release Up Up and Away from his latest album Human Love. In it Newton is jogging along a river bank and breaks out into an aerobic dance routine while still jogging– quite a feat!

Turn, turn around, step to the left, step to the right, pogo jump like Tigger, knees high and criss cross. It’s quite the little catchy work out!

Newton laughs: “We have been trying to find a way to do our jogging routine from Up, Up and Away video on stage. If we can we will. We’re gonna have to move forward in it so I don’t know if there’s enough room!”

It sounds like a light-hearted song and so do many from his latest easy listening album but their all tinged with tales of darkness and warning of an apocalyptic future.

The Surrey singer explains his current state: “Musically it’s a really nice space to be in right now with my music.

“The stuff on the album is relatively dark. Probably Further Fall is the happiest sounding song on the album but is the darkest.

“I don’t know what sound or genre

eighteen

my music falls into. I’ve stopped analysing and trying to fit into a box. (laughs) “No-one wants to be ‘base’. Further Fall is part conspiracy theory part apocalyptic, heading towards the end. It’s more about a call to arms.

“A lot of people don’t question the information they’re given. It’s good to be aware that the information out there is what people want us to know.

“America will say, ‘it’s going terribly well’ and that they’re winning but back home we could hear the same thing is all going badly wrong.”

Surprisingly, though the fifth album Human Love – released last year – has had rave reviews and regarded by some as his best work so far, it only reached number 41 in the albums chart compared to his 2007 debut number one album Hand Built By Robots and his 2012 number one album Write It On Your Skin.

But nothing slows Newton down, not even gravity (apologies).

He’ll have a very busy and varied year as once his tour stops he plays the lead in the smash rock opera American Idiot as he’s cast as Johnny where he’ll be swinging around in the air held up by wires (now you get the gravity reference!).

It’s a powerful show and for someone who’s only ever had one job before delving into the world of music it’s a step in the perfect direction as the early Green Day songs are a throwback to the singer’s teenage years.

The artist, who’s written songs for a number of X Factor finalists explains: “I’ve only had one job. I worked on a farm for a little bit.

“I was used to pouring tea for grannies at Fanny’s Farm shop and fed the pigs on the farm. I stopped when I was 15 years-old.

“Around then I was writing without playing and then I had piano lessons and played base in a band for a bit. Music has always been a massive part of growing up. Our parents had a massive record collection.

“It was when I had a steel string acoustic guitar that things changed.

When I played that I fell in love with it as an instrument.

“It was so much fun. It really spoke to me. I’ve always played a little bit of eclectic sounds and instruments. I started writing and I like pushing myself as hard as I can. I was in a Green Day cover band.

We didn’t really have a name as it changed every week. (laughs). We decided at one point to call ourselves Ampersand, the ‘&’ symbol and thought it would look really cool on the bass drum!

“My brother Toby and I have been writing songs together forever. I was in another band called Half A Guy where I was playing guitar and my best mate Dave and we had a female drummer. That was a happy, heavy metal band or heavy happy metal with

INTERVIEW

Newton’s defying gravity

BY SUSIE DANIELS

nineteen

bits of ska. It was good heavy vibes.”

The good vibes have never waned from then to now supporting the likes of Paolo Nutini, James Morrison and John Mayer, who are among his many influences.

Sam Newton Battenberg Faulkner, the Celtic, Anglo Germanic singer recalls: “Paolo’s got a really good attitude and picks support acts that scare him a little bit and puts people on that are very good and he explained that to me.

“Paolo writing-wise has been pushing it and I got to learn loads at that stage in my career seeing how busy these guys work.

“James Morrison, as a vocalist he’s expanded his range so much.

He’s really consistent.

“If I had the chance to offer advice to singers I guess the main things that goes wrong live isn’t technical ability it’s understanding what the job is and who’s important.

“A lot of artists at some point switch the focus off the crowd and onto themselves.

“I don’t understand when the confusion occurs. You entertain the fans, that’s what we do.

“In terms of enjoying it, the more you understand what the job is the more you can have a ridiculously

good time. It’s not about playing and singing. I’ve seen people do amazing gigs when they haven’t been able to sing that well.

“I’m happy the busier I am. The only time I get stressed is when I have loads of tiny jobs but give me two big jobs and I’m fine!

So for down time from the gigs, festivals and shows Newton has a little secret to reveal.

He very much belies his image and in real life is a bit of a video game geek who likes to maim, kill and annihilate!

He said: “I read a lot and I love computer games. I just got the PS4 and bought the Shadows of Mordor and Mad Max. The annoyitng thing is there are very few games with more than a two player.

“I remember having a Sega and going to a video shop called Blockbuster and regularly renting a game on a Friday on my way home from school to return on a Monday morning.

“I’m a massive nerd. When I was younger there was a Goldeneye competition for the most kills a gamer had.

“The mental separation between what you’re like and who you can be in a game is amazing!”

Art Classes at House for an Art Lover

SET within the grounds of Bellahouston Park and inspired by the designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, House for an Art Lover in an inspiring cultural venue.

The organisation consists of an art gallery, exhibition space, events venue, café, artists’ studios and an incredible visitor attraction.

Art classes at House for an Art Lover provide students with the opportunity to develop their artistic skills, try something new, and explore their creative side.

We offer a broad range of course suitable for all abilities which cost, on average, £11 per week. Please note – classes must be paid at time of booking.

The cost of our classes includes all materials with some classes even including lunch from the Art Lover’s Café!

Our tutors are experts in their field and are able to deliver art lessons to students working at any level. All art classes are listed on our website with information on how to book a place.

If you have an idea for an art class which is not mentioned on our website please let us know. We are always looking for new and innovative classes to add to our programme!

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“To help develop my portfolio, I attended Collage, Mixed Media and Print on a Monday night at House for an Art Lover. The studio spaces were fantastic and I was given a lot of support from my tutor. I learned a lot of different skills and had a really good time.”

– Sophie, February 2016 “I was a complete novice when it came to art and thought I would try out one of the more crafty classes at the House. I ended up learning to make my own stained glass window which was pretty cool.”

– Gavin, October 2015

GRADUATION SPECIAL

GRADUATION SPECIAL Is there a Gap Year in Your Life?

WE’VE all had thoughts of taking an education break.

Of taking time out to reassess, relax, distance ourselves from exam deadlines and the stress of essay submissions.

Could gap year be the solution to enjoy a clutter-free brain and a chance to live a carefree life even for a short space of time?

Let KERRY HARKIN weave you through a world of travel where anything and everything can happen in 12 months.

Why Take a Gap Year?

SELF-SURVIVAL the Bear Grylls way? Well, not necessarily but first and foremost, it’s a great way to get more used to living away from home, to become more independent and to learn to survive on your own.

You don’t need to be Bear Grylls but you can focus more on becoming who you were meant to be instead of having to worry about gaining an education.

Time is on your side so you have more time to learn the skills you need to live on your own, without your parents help, because they won’t be able to take care of you forever. (Mummmm!

Is that true?)

Eventually, you need to ‘fly the nest’ as it were. And if you’re not actually sure what you want to do in the future, well you’ll have plenty of time to figure it out.

Some people also use the gap year to gain work experience for their future job or study prospects.

Most universities wel-

Graduation Special Page 2

come this and are more likely to accept you application if you have experience in the subject you’re pursuing. Sadly, some universities can feel that within the gap year student lose the knowledge and skills they need to continue their education.

If you’re thinking about taking a gap year then make sure your chosen university will still accept you if you take one.

Even so, the experience you gain while on your gap year will put you in such a good position to get into most unis, and sometimes you can even apply for a job straight away.

The work experience you gain during your gap year can also help you develop any skills you already have.

You can enhance them so they will help you in the future, get you a better job or get you into a postgraduate course should you wish.

If you’re taking a languages course, for example, they sometimes prefer if

GRADUATION SPECIAL you have spent some time in the country of the language you’re studying.

Your gap year is a perfect time to go abroad and broaden your language skills. And you’ll find new skills as well, which is always a bonus.

It’s a great way to meet so many new and interesting people. You’ve been surrounded by the same people since you started your course and settled in.

A year out will give you a chance to meet all sorts of people.

And when you return, think of the stories you’ll have to tell. Imagine talking about something else other than that one time you drank so much you couldn’t stand.

How about instead chatting about the time you went star gazing on the beach or that adventurer you met at the top of some distant mountain!

Why Isn’t a Gap Year a Good Idea?

THERE are pitfalls. It can lead to you being knocked back from a university place as they may feel you will have forgotten the knowledge you gained while beginning your course.

This can land you in the position of having nowhere to go after your gap year, so you may end up having to go straight to job hunting.

This clearly isn’t a great idea, given that you won’t have the qualifications to get the job you want.

You can also end up with no money after your year out, as they can be expensive and, if you

decide to travel, stop you from getting a permanent job.

Ending up broke abroad isn’t as much fun as you might have inexplicably come to imagine.

You could end up stranded and unable to get home, or without any way of continuing your trip.

Without money you can’t exactly book a room in whatever hotel or hostel you need to stay in next.

It can also be quite lonely as most of your friends will have gone to university and will be often too busy to just spend time with you.

Homesickness could be an is-

sue, too – missing your family and friends can be a horrible feeling.

It can be an extremely stressful experience as well, providing for yourself and trying to survive without help from your parents.

Then you have to book flights and accommodation and don’t even get me started on the hassle of getting a visa.

If you’re not great with being organised then your stress levels are very likely to rise when you have to get all this done.

Those with anxiety problems should probably avoid going alone.

How Will a Gap Year Affect You? IF you do take the plunge, you may come back a different person from when you set out.

You’ll be more mature, for starters. You’ve had to care for yourself for the last year and you’re no longer the child you once were.

You’ll grow up and that’s probably the biggest change you’ll face. You’ll probably become more independent as well.

Since you’re having to pay for everything yourself and budget your money, you’ll become more selfreliant. The child you left as will return a fully fledged adult.

You’ll learn a whole new set of skills to go along with the ones you already have.

You’ll become a more complex individual and probably find out things about yourself that you never knew.

Your skillset will grow, so you’ll not only have the skills you set out with but a whole raft of new ones.

Sadly, it can also lead to you being a year behind in your studies so you may have to learn everything all over again.

You’ll lose just as much of a different type of knowledge as you could gain during the gap year.

Graduation Special Page 3

GRADUATION SPECIAL How Will it Affect Your Future?

TAKING a gap year can affect how high your chances of getting into university are.

This means that you could end up not getting a good job, as you will lack the qualifications necessary. This could seriously damage the future you once thought about having.

On the flip side, you could end up getting an amazing job in the end if you play your cards right.

If you get a good amount of work experience during your year out, then you’re sure to catch the eye of many employers if you can prove you already have the skillset to do the job you apply for, as they won’t have to spend as much

time on your training and they know you’ll be capable of doing the job.

Work experience in job candidates can be like gold-dust to an employer.

You’ll be more organised, have a better understanding of different cultures and you’ll be more able to work independently.

The experience you gain by doing work experience during your gap year could also mean you’re more likely to get into other further education.

Taking a gap year doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be turned away, it could mean that some unis are jumping for the chance to have you study with them.

GRADUATION SPECIAL Gap Year Destinations NEW Zealand is one of the most popular destinations for people to visit during their gap year.

With its snowy mountains, sandy beaches and grassy hills it has so much to offer.

You can climb glaciers, take a dip in a hot pool and look up to a stunning vista in the sky lit with stars or visit Hobbiton to tour the the set of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Now who doesn’t like the sound of that?

What about Fiji? And no, I don’t mean the water brand. I mean the country, with its blue lagoons and outstanding beaches.

It’s the perfect relaxing getaway if you like chilling on the beach and simply watching the waves.

Or how about Peru? With it’s stunning jungles, coastal deserts and the breathtaking Andes mountains.

It’s basically heaven for anyone wanting to do backpacking as their gap year and I’m sure there are plenty of you out there.

There are ancient ruins you can

Volunteering: Great for You, Great for Glasgow HERE at Volunteer Glasgow we firmly believe that volunteering is good for everyone; those who volunteer, the organisations they support and the community as a whole.

However, we also believe that volunteering is of particular benefit to those who are studying and there are a few key reasons for this; Volunteering makes you more employable by giving your confidence a huge boost as well as helping you to learn new skills, gain experience, build up your CV and get excellent character references.

Volunteering complements your studies by giving you the chance to develop core skills such as problem solving, planning, critical reflection

and communication in a practical ‘real world’ environment.

There is a wealth of evidence to show that volunteering is valued by employers as those who volunteer have strong evidence of having challenged themselves in order to develop their skills and experience.

Many employers have even said that they value attributes developed through volunteering even more than those gained from paid employment!

Of course we also have to stress that volunteering is great fun too.

Studying can inevitably be hard sometimes and what better way to relieve the stress than by meeting new people, having a laugh and gaining the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference.

At any point in time there are 100s of volunteering opportu-

nities in Glasgow looking for people like you to help!

There’s a huge variety of activities you can get involved in – with a wide range of organisations, charities, community groups and clubs – and some opportunities only need a few hours each month.

Finally the good news is that Volunteer Glasgow is here to help you find a suitable volunteering opportunity so why not see our advert on the previous page for details of how to get in touch?

GRADUATION SPECIAL

visit, the nightlife is epic and there are amazing bucket list sights you must see.

The USA is another popular place to go, especially if you want a road trip.

You can hire a car and take it across the country, stopping at whatever state you wish to.

America is an incredibly diverse country, so you can bet your bottom

dollar your trip will be interesting. You can take a road trip from East to West, and meet so many different people.

Now we mustn’t forget the wonder that is Australia. It’s the second most popular place to travel to on a gap year.

It’s huge, so there’s no end to the things you can do.

Take a trip to the Outback with all its wonders and animals. Lastly, there’s Thailand which is the most popular place for those going on a gap year.

You’ve got tropical paradise islands (brilliant for amazing beach parties) and bustling cities to spend hours walking around in, so no wonder people love to visit the country.

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GRADUATION SPECIAL 1st CLASS FASHION GRADUATION may feel like a million years away right now. But Cinderella, you shall go to the ball!

After four years of exams, all-nighters, and far too many £1 vodkas than you care to admit, this is the time for you to finally let your hair down and say goodbye to university life in style.

We’ve taken the stress out of Grad Ball shopping so you can focus on meeting those all important deadlines.

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Graduation may feel like a millions years away right now. But Flirty and Feminine Cinderella, you shall go to the Be inspired by classic looks. ball! After four years of exams, Think vintage-inspired prom all-nighters, and far too many £1 dresses, to feminine lace and vodkas than you care to admit, delicate florals.with And eye-catching afterwards embellishment. Whether this is the time for you to finally MAKE a statement you can rewear dress for let your hair down and say good-you want to add a bityour of shimmer or go for a bold look in fullcousin’s wedding. bye to university life in style. bodyyour sequins, nowsummer is the time to wear the sparkly dress of your Score! dreams.

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GRADUATION SPECIAL What to Expect...and How to Handle THERE’S not many days more exciting and more terrifying than your graduation – I should know, I’ve done it once already.

It’s the culmination of four years of hard work (and sometimes hard drinking) and you deserve to make the most of every minute of it.

That said, there are some key pieces of advice I wish I’d had ahead of the big day.

While most of my slip-ups have turned into funny anecdotes to tell at parties, some people still look back on their graduation days and shrivel with embarrassment or, even worse, seriously regret some aspect of it.

I’m Laura Ferguson (that’s me second from the right!) and this is my guide to getting through the day without disaster and having the best possible time.

Don’t Throw Too Much Caution to the Wind IT can be very easy to get swept up in the madness of graduation and that’s a good thing – to a point.

Just try to remember that this is a day that you will remember for the rest of your life. The last thing you want to do is look back and think ‘what the hell was I thinking?’

This can take many forms. Don’t go for a dramatic hair cut or dye job the day before the ceremony.

If it goes wrong then there’s not much you can do, and even if it goes brilliantly and you love it, I still wouldn’t recommend doing anything too ‘out-there’.

I spent a disproportionate amount of time trying to decide on what hairstyle was the least likely to look ridiculous in twenty years time.

Only time will tell whether I made the right decision.

Also try to avoid getting maybe that little bit too drunk and hooking up with someone. I have a particularly painful story on that theme.

Going into it in too much gritty detail will only lead to renewed feelings of deep, deep shame.

All I’ll say is it involved rather a lot of alcohol, staying up till sunrise and a situation in which I (accidentally) almost lobbed his chin off.

Don’t be like me.

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Be Prepared IT sounds so obvious but every single year without fail there are people that find themselves panicking because they haven’t ordered their graduation gown in time or they don’t have their outfit prepared.

It’s simple things but it’s the difference between smooth sailing and last minute panics. Make sure you know how the ceremony will unfold.

Every institution has slightly different traditions so it’s always good to know exactly how your university’s graduation day works.

Lastly, check, then double check and then triple check that you have the date of your graduation right. The

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e

GRADUATION SPECIAL it

Pace Your Alcohol Intake ONE of the great parts about graduation is all the free alcohol you’re given. And not just any free alcohol – nice free alcohol.

I’ve never been provided with so many bottles of champagne all at once.

After four years of learning to tolerate wine that, let’s be honest, tastes like mid-range vinegar it’s a serious treat to be given so many delicious drinks all at once.

But be warned. Graduation Day is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you accept every glass of champagne offered to you then there’s a very good chance you’ll find yourself out of the game by 4pm.

So take it slow, be sensible but be sure to still enjoy the fact that your parents, bursting with so much pride that they seem to have temporarily misplaced any sense of moderation, continue to buy bottle after bottle of champagne at your graduation dinner.

That also isn’t to say that you shouldn’t let your hair down.

Heaven knows the vast majority of my friends and myself weren’t exactly pictures of propriety from dawn till dusk.

Just remember you’ll always have the evening and beyond for that.

You certainly don’t want to find yourself at the garden party, talking to your favourite professor, flanked by your Grandma and Grandad and concentrating very hard on not throwing up on their shoes or – dramatically worse – actually throwing up on their shoes.

Choose Your Outfit Carefully alternative is something you don’t even want to consider.

In a rather extreme example of this, one of my friends had a family member who, it turned out, wasn’t in fact graduating as he hadn’t passed his final exams and he’d never bothered to check that it had all gone according to plan.

I can think of no more excruciating scenario than turning up to your graduation with your mum and dad dressed up in their best attire only to find out that you wouldn’t be graduating that day…or possibly ever.

YOU may think you look utterly fabulous in your tight dress and toweringly high heels or that you can get away with trousers that are a bit too long for you and I’m sure you do and can.

Just please, please bear in mind that you’re going to have to walk across a stage in front of hundreds of people: your fellow students, their families, your professors…the lot.

Few things are more excruciating than falling flat on your face right at that moment of pomp and circumstance.

And even if you have dressed in the most sensible option available to you, practice.

You may be thinking ‘but how can I possibly screw up kneeling down then standing up again?’ but it’s easier than you think.

One person I know

Graduation Special Pullout Page 15

suffered an extremely unfortunate fate at his graduation: just at the crucial moment where the hood was tossed over his head, he stood up too quickly, hit himself in the face with it and toppled back down to the ground.

The entire room erupted into poorly controlled chuckles. Nobody wants to be that person when they graduate.

GRADUATION SPECIAL This Day Isn’t Just for You (but it’s still mostly for you) WHEN you graduate there is probably going to be nobody more proud of you than your mum, dad and family.

They’ve been there from day one and are now at the other end watching the tangible evidence of all that you’ve achieved.

So let them enjoy that. If you hate getting your photo taken with a fiery passion, grin and bear it for this one

day as your family goes snap-happy on you. If you hate being the centre of attention, try your hardest to cope with your family fawning all over you and just try to remember that they’re beaming with pride.

There’s another important aspect to it not being entirely about you: you’re graduating with your friends!

If you can attend their graduations and support and congratulate them

it’ll make not just your Graduation Day but also the entire week so much more fun.

There’s nothing better than having your best friends there waiting for you when you leave your ceremony and if you can do the same for them, it’ll mean the world to them.

Having said all of that, remember the day is still mostly for you. So if, for example, you have a sibling that’s being difficult you’re allowed to speak up and overrule their griping.

Or if you have parents that are split up, make it clear that it’s very important to you that they try their hardest to make this day special and treasured. After all, it’s not every day you finish university.

You Don’t Need a Professional Photographer #5 Emeishan, China

ASIDE from the mandatory ‘one for the living room wall’ photo, I don’t think hiring a professional photographer for the whole day is the way forward.

It’s expensive, time-consuming and there’s a strong chance you may end up with a lot of wooden photos as you When it’sforce overyourself to pose for a stranger.

Instead, you’re far better off asking one of your friends with a good eye for photography and a nice camera to take your graduation pictures.

You’re more likely to be relaxed in front of them meaning that you’ll get much more natural shots.

Plus, they’ll probably capture the perfect mixture of serious photos and fun candid shots.

Virtually all of my friends went down this route and were all delighted with the results. Not only does it save a hell of a lot of money, it also means that one of your friends gets to play a really lovely role in making your day special.

Graduation Special Page 16

MENINGITIS l

Someone who develops meningitis may become seriously ill very quickly

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Meningitis can strike any age group

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Delay may be catastrophic

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By recognising the symptoms you can help combat one of the great emergencies of medicine

Meningitis

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often occur together

Fever, cold hands & feet

Stomach cramps & diarrhoea

Vomiting

Spots/ Rash see Glass Test

Drowsy, difficult to wake

Severe headache

Confusion & irritability

Stiff neck

Severe muscle pain

Dislike bright lights

Symptoms can appear in any order, some may not appear at all

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l l l l l l

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TRAVEL

Did someone say road trip?

WITH a world full of travel beckoning it can be easy to forget that there are endless fantastic places to visit on a budget right on our doorstep.

Whether you’re an international student new to the country or you’ve lived here your whole life, there’s so much to explore from the big cities to the most remote countryside escapes.

Scotland is filled with some of the best travel spots not just in the UK but

the world – if you don’t believe me check out The Lonely Planet.

What’s more, since it’s such a small country, it’s perfectly suited to quick, easy road trips and short day or weekend trips.

Choosing a destination for a spot of road-tripping really all depends on what you want out of your travelling.

Laura Ferguson takes you on a tour of the top Scottish travel spots.

EASY TO REACH: Skye

WHEN people think of the Highlands, one of the first things that come to mind is the Isle of Skye.

Located just off the west coast, it’s the second largest island in Scotland after Lewis and Harris.

One of the nice things about travelling to Skye is the easy transport links: there’s the Skye Bridge as well as ferries in several locations running thirty-eight

back and forth to the island throughout the day.

Skye is first and foremost completely stunning: it’s been used as a filming location for too many films to mention (Harry Potter. Oops, named one!) and is filled with some of the most fantastic scenery, complete with mountains, caves, waterfalls and beaches.

It’s an explorer’s paradise and

is also a popular one for anyone interested in hiking: Skye is home to 12 Munros, Scotland’s highest mountains.

Clearly, there’s an awful lot to do and see in Skye, but a word of caution: whatever you do, don’t go during midge season.

Ignore this advice and you’ll be itching to not go back!

TRAVEL

HISTORICAL INTEREST: Stirling

YOU don’t need to travel all the way to Whistler in Canada or Zermatt, Switzerland to have a brilliant skiing or snowboarding experience.

Located on the mainland between Perth and Inverness, it has three different resorts to choose from and saves you the time and airfare expense.

On top of that, it’s one of the most beautiful skiing and snowboarding locations in Britain and great for beginners and experienced skiers and boarders alike.

If you’re not really one for winter sports, then fear not.

The Cairngorms is also great for hill walkers or, if you’re just not the sporty type, there’s a funicular railway that goes all the way up to the top station.

There you can enjoy the fantastic views and have a bite to eat in the restaurant – all whilst remaining safely indoors and benifiting from the central heating!

IF you’re looking to really get to know Scotland’s history, then Stirling is the place for you.

Two of the major battles in the Wars of Scottish Independence took place at Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn for which some of the most celebrated Scottish historical figures like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce are known.

Landmarks like The Wallace Monument at Stirling Bridge are well worth a visit.

It’s Stirling Castle, however, that’s the real selling point for making a trip to the city.

Many would argue that Stirling is home to Scotland’s best

castle in a country with some stiff competition.

It’s in a less ruinous state than the likes of Dunnottar Castle, but is also arguably a more immersive experience than those on offer at Edinburgh or Eilean Donan.

First of all, it would be hard to find a more historically significant attraction in Scotland: several Scottish kings and queens were crowned there, including Mary Queen of Scots, one of Scotland’s most famous monarchs.

Additionally, the castle’s strategic positioning on top of Castle Hill, surrounded by cliffs, makes it a spectacular sight to behold.

WINTER SPORTS: The Cairngorms

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TRAVEL

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: The Outer Hebrides NOT to diminish the individual appeal of a lot of the islands that make up the Outer Hebrides, but it would be nigh-on impossible to choose just one out of the many islands that make up this part of Scotland.

If you’re looking for a true escape from reality, then the Outer Hebrides are for you: it can sometimes feel like you’re in a totally different world.

forty

They are made up of over 100 different islands, but only a handful are inhabited, with the Isle of Lewis and Harris having by far the largest population.

The landscapes and beaches on offer are some of the most picturesque in the world and filled with bright blue seas and white sand – who needs the Caribbean (said the

pale-faced Scottish lass). The Outer Hebrides also offer the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Gaelic culture, traditional music and ceilidhs in a way that no other place can offer.

If you’re up that way be sure to stop off at Mull and Iona for an unforgettable experience.

TRAVEL

TRAVEL IN STYLE: The Jacobite Steam Train IT’S not just the destination but the travelling itself that’s the main appeal.

Having said that, each location still offers a fantastic look into the towns and villages of the Highlands.

Starting in Fort William, the largest town in the region and located right next to Ben Nevis – Scotland’s highest mountain – the Jacobite Steam Train takes you on a six-hour round trip to Mallaig, with some stunning stops along the way.

You have the opportunity to stretch your legs and have a little look around each stopping point and longer to soak it up in Mallaig.

It’s often referred to as the Hogwarts Express journey – the train crosses over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which provides one of the most memorable shots in the Harry Potter films.

The train only runs during the Spring and Summer months, but realistically, nobody wants to see the Scottish Highlands during the driech seaons!

Really, it’s a fantastic deal – you get to see four different locations in the Highlands all for a very reasonable price and with exciting and beautiful travel along the way.

What more could you want?

INSPIRING, FUN AND WORTHWHILE Volunteering at LGBT Youth Scotland I’VE been volunteering at LGBT Youth Scotland for around two and a half years.

I wanted to meet new people, learn new skills and have something extra to put on my CV. At the time I had decided to start studying to change my career so I decided to push myself to do new things like this too.

The best thing about volunteering for LGBT Youth Scotland was

CARLEY’S STORY seeing what an impact it makes having these services there for young people, and how much the young people enjoy the groups and events like the national gathering.

I met a lot of lovely people through volunteering, made new friends and had lots of nights out.

I also met the person I’ll spend the rest of my life with so you could say that was a bonus!

Volunteering also helped me gain experience in the field I wanted to work in when I became the graphic design volunteer – this gave me lots of stuff for my portfolio.

Meeting and engaging with so many new people, as well as building on my skills, definitely increased my

self confidence. Volunteering at LGBT Youth Scotland is inspiring, fun and worthwhile.

If you want to meet lots of new people and build on your skills in a supportive environment it’s ideal – it’s a massive bonus that you get see the impact that the services have on the young people who use them too.

www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/ edinburgh

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW

It’s all kicking of f with The Aliens THE ALIENS is the edgy and action-packed new E4 drama starring Michael Socha, Michaela Coel and Jim Howick.

A group of aliens who fell to Earth 40 years ago are feared by the rest of society so they live in segregation in Troy – a walled, lawless ghetto where anything goes.

Troy’s border is patrolled by security guards who ensure all aliens have been sprayed throughout their body hair – which will render its special drug-making properties void. SUSIE DANIELS spoke to the stars...

M

ICHAEL Socha may not be in any rush to hit Hollywood, but The Aliens star has brought a bit of Tarantino to Blighty in his latest explosive role.

Shootings, prostitution, illegal drug-taking and contraband are just the tip of the iceberg – and that’s just in the first episode of this new E4 comedy drama!

Derby-born Socha is already instantly recognisable from his role as Harvey in This is England, but he’s cranked it up several notches for the part of border guard Lewis in what he describes as a ‘very violent, sexy show’.

Socha says: “There is a LOT of action in this drama and it is very Tarantino. It’s all happening in episode one but you can definitely see even more happening.

“In episode four the viewers will be out of breath watching it. It’s like lone survivor and you think, ‘stop, I can’t take any more!’

“It’s a very violent, sexy television show. At the end of the first episode the characters about to kill us are obliterated.

“By the end of filming all the violent scenes I think nothing will ever f**king shock me ever again!

“I was buzzing when I read the script. I manipulated Lewis towards the end and made him rawer and edgier.”

Michael Socha Lewis Life is tough for Lewis. The border patrol guard has a drunken father and a pent-up frustration inside of him bursting to explode.

It’s not often an actor gets to explore a character with some life experience that mirrors his own so it’s no surprise Michael relished the role.

His childhood followed a similar path with a father who had a history of alcohol abuse but whose parents separated when he was young.

The 28-year-old recalls: “I was always a character as a kid and a bit of a sh*t in school.

“By the time I was in P6 I was going up for acting roles but turned down for the lead in Bugsy Malone.

“My P6 teacher hated me but I should have got the part. I was from a single parent family and I saw the injustice in not getting chosen so I was p*ssed off.

“I got the part of Knuckles so I made it the best I could make it.

“Everything changed with acting.

When I was getting all these new roles I was partying with all these actor kids and by 14 I got a place in the ITV junior workshops.

“Initially when I was trying to get a part my mam said it was anger that made me try so hard.”

Michael’s screen presence makes him a natural for the meaty anti-hero part alongside Chewing Gum actress Michaela Cole who plays sex worker Lilyhot.

Michael enthuses about his role:

THE ALIENS will air on March 8 at 9pm on E4.

“I like Lewis’s loyalty, his big family and that he wants his family to be together and takes care of his p*sshead dad and degenerate sister.

“He says what he thinks. Like Lewis, I’ve had a relationship where I know that the person is bad for me but I still love them. Michaela’s character Lilyhot does appalling things but Lewis still wants her.”

The Aliens was filmed in Bulgaria, with Michael’s patience as well as his acting ability pushed to the limit.

He says: “We were filming in Sofia for three months and a month in England.

“It’s a beautiful city and I had an apartment but the central heating doesn’t come on until October! The hardy Bulgarians don’t find it cold.

“They were fixing the road and cut the hot water off so I asked them when it would be back on. hey said, ‘maybe a week, maybe two weeks, they’re very laid back over there. I thought, f**k this, I’m going to a hotel where all the cast is. The cast of Plebs were also out there filming so it was a great laugh.

“I laughed a lot on set as the banter was great. Me and Michaela corpsed ourselves laughing and making up songs to sing to the director!”

Like many actors there is a lure to the bright lights of Hollywood but the father of one can take or leave the limelight while his son is so young.

He says: “Hollywood’s not what I’m desperate to do though I’ve got an LA manager I send tapes to.

“I spent two years in Vancouver on an ABC show but I’ve got a little boy so maybe when he’s older I’d do that ‘cos the weather here is so sh*t!”

T

Michaela Coel Lilyhot LILYHOT is a bad ass lady of the night who shoots, punches and blackmails her way to get whatever she wants.

It’s the opposite of Michaela Coel’s naive Chewing Gum character Tracey who she still pines for.

Michaela enthuses: “Lilyhot’s not very quirky like Tracey. Tracey can’t grow up.

“Lilyhot is a really cool character.

She’s intelligent and I kind of like her as a girl. She’s taken her name from her identity as a sex worker.

“As a character I never thought I’d be holding a gun or shooting, punching and smacking someone!

“Every scene has been really funny and fun to play, especially when me and two other characters are running into the diner and jumping over tables.

“I didn’t realise how fit I’d have to be to do stuff like that! It’s tiring. I don’t think it’s gracefully done and I’m so unfit so it’s been heavily edited!”

In one episode femme fatale Lilybot steals money from her partner in crime (played by Ashley Walters) and orders a drive-by hit on him. As you do.

The actress can admire but not identify with Lilyhot and her wild lifestyle.

Although she recalls some awkward moments with guys she wouldn’t go as far as calling a hit on a boyfriend!

Michaela laughs: “The most embarrassing time I had with a guy… actually,

AS wormy Gerard in Peep Show, Jim Howick got to do his best ‘sickly underdog’ routine.

As Dominic in The Aliens, Jim Howick gets to do his best ‘sickly underdog’ routine!

But rather than ring the ‘Typecast’ alarm bell the brilliant actor is instead lapping up what’s almost certain to be the latest surefire hit of his career.

The Horrible Histories star acknowledges: “Playing Gerard in Peep Show I was quite sad when I found out my character was going to be killed off and I wouldn’t see the crew again.

“I was glad he got killed, though, as it was written in the stars that he’d come a cropper.

“The good news was I got to have a deathbed scene! It was my dream show to watch so it was my dream come true that I got to star in it!

“I think I’ve found myself playing these reluctant, sickly underdogs.

I’ve found myself playing these characters for most of my career.

“Dominic’s not that far removed from what I’ve done before. It’s fine, they’re the most supported and loved roles.

“What I love about Dominic is that after ten seconds of meeting him you know he’s infactuated with Lewis and wears his heart on his sleeve.

it wasn’t even my boyfriend but I threw up all over his carpet and needless to say it was all over after two weeks.

“The coolest thing about Aliens is I like that they live in their own world and that there’s no law. When they have a party it’s ridiculous. I like that the Aliens make do with what they’ve got.

“If I had a special ability like an alien power or superpower I’d love to know what people are thinking without them knowing…actually, maybe it wouldn’t be such a good thing!

“A good superpower would be to travel somewhere hot in a few seconds. I’d go to Italy, It’s beautiful! I can write to chill out so it’s an excuse to go abroad.”

The Aliens’ hair can be smoked as a

drug like weed, their sphincter muscles loosen with embarrassing consequences when there’s loud high-pitched noise and the men have extra big, well, I’ll let Michaela explain.

The English actress reveals: “Lilyhot doesn’t work with the border police so the loosening of her bowels doesn’t happen to her though she has special earphones anyway to block out the sound. She’s very clever.

“Dishwasher tablets make us high and Alien guys have bigger di**s!

“There’s a quick exchange between Michael and Jim in the first episode that some people might miss.

“By the end of the series you’ll definitely know! Lilyhot finds out! She’s very surprised with Lewis’s package.”

Jim Howick Dominic “It means I can get on with his surroundings. He has the most heart in the world and he is the most human out of everyone even though he’s an Alien.

“Dominic finds his own destiny.

It’s nice to play a part of how he develops. He finds inner-confidence.

“He helps Lewis find his sister and he’ll do anything for Lewis.

He gets caught up in a web of gang crime because of it.

“I think of The Aliens as a bit Tarantino-esque. It’s clumsy brutality. Someone’s hand gets chopped off quite happily in episode one.

“People are being shot and buried alive. It’s great fun.”

Unlike Michael Socha’s character Lewis, Dominic manages to avoid his bowels being emptied by the high-pitched noise that affects aliens. Surely a scene that no actor can relate to?

Jim laughs: “I’ve never crapped myself in public but I’ve been on stag dos where things like that have happened.

“I was made to dress in a huge sumo suit and go round pubs in Oxford. When I was teenager I threw up in a laundry basket and it acted as a colander.”

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X-MEN: APOCALYPSE Starring: Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Oscar Isaac.

Release Date: May 19 THE first mutant to ever exist, Apocalypse, has always been worshipped as a god as he was both immortal and invincible.

When he awakens after several millennia, he is out of sync with the modern world and recruits a team of mutants to rid the world of ‘disorder’.

The X-Men must work together to save humanity, with Charles and Raven leading a band of young mutants to save humanity.

Can they work together and save everyone from this new threat?

X-Men movies have been around for a good number of years, but honestly, they just keep getting better.

Not only are we getting to see the younger versions of the original characters, but we’re seeing them in all new storylines and adventures.

The younger generation has been cast perfectly and from the look of the trailer, we’re getting a perfect casting for this movie as well.

2016 looks set to be one the best years for movies, with so many different franchises releasing the next installment in their ever growing list.

There’s Marvel movies, DC movies, Star Trek, and Disney.

KERRY HARKIN looks at some of the films we should be most looking forward to in the coming months.

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, and Gal Gadot Release Date: March 25

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TAKING place after the events of Man of Steel, it shows Batman and Superman in a movie together for the first time.

Gotham vigilante Batman, aka Burce Wayne, makes his way to Metropolis to eventually fight against Superman.

But there’s also another threat which they must combat, so can they put aside their differences in order to fight it? And of course, they’re joined by our favourite DC heroine, Wonder Woman.

Seriously, what’s not to love about this movie? Not only do we have Batman and Superman in the same movie, but we also have Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and The Flash.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Sebastian Stan Release Date: April 29 AFTER an international incident lands the Avengers in hot water (not for the first time), the government decided to put together a system and governing body that will decide when the Avengers should be called into action and when they should not.

This leads to the team being split in half with one side (led by Captain America, aka Steve Rodgers) believing that they should be allowed to operate alone and the other side (led by Iron Man, aka Tony Stark) agreeing that the government should have an input.

While this all happens a new

enemy threatens the earth, so can they protect humanity while they fight amongst themselves? This third film in the franchise has us all waiting in anticipation.

Not only does it have franchise

favourites like Iron Man and The Winter Soldier starring in it, there’s also Ant-Man to look forward to.

And of course, the greatly admired and loved Black Widow.

Basically, the cast is amazing.

MOVIES YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE* * OR, THIS SUMMER AT LEAST FINDING DORY

Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, and Hayden Rolence Release Date: July 29 LET’S go back to our childhood, as we finally get one of the Pixar sequels we’ve been waiting for.

Taking place six months after Finding Nemo, Dory starts to remember things from her childhood which sets her on an adventure, accompanied by Nemo and Marlin, to find her lost family.

They travel to California, to the Monterey Marine Life Institute where they meet some new friends and try to find Dory’s family.

Pixar has finally come through, plunging us back into the deep blue sea.

We’re getting back our beloved characters and getting a whole new story to see them in.

Bring on Ellen DeGeneres as our favourite forgetful, blue fish. forty-seven

SUICIDE SQUAD Starring: Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, and Will Smith Release Date: August 5 STEP one, take all of the DC Universes’ most dangerous villains and make a team.

Easy as that.

Step two, provide them with every weapon at the government’s disposal.

Yeah, I’m being serious.

Step three, send them to fight a mysterious enemy. They’ve got nothing to lose, so they’re perfect for the job.

But when they find out that’s why they were picked, will they risk their own lives to save the world or decide they’ve had

enough? Basically, you’ve got a bunch of villains, acting like superheroes while still staying true to their evil side.

If that doesn’t sound like perfection

to you then I don’t really know what to say. The casting? Amazing. The plot? Amazing.

And Jared Leto as the Joker?

Undeniably amazing.

STAR TREK: BEYOND Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Idris Elba Release Date: July 22 THE USS Enterprise, led by Captain James T Kirk, is attacked by a seriously powerful and virtually unstoppable race of unknown aliens, leading to its destruction.

The crew is left stranded on a planet which none of them know anything about, where they have to

fight off a new and ruthless enemy as well as try to find an escape route from the planet. Can they all get off the planet and survive?

So why should we be excited?

Well for one, just check out the cast of these movies (Chris Pine…just saying), but also it’s Star Trek and who doesn’t love this franchise?

It doesn’t matter if you were one of the original Trekkies or if you’ve just become a fan of the latest movies, you’re going to want to see this one.

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FESTIVAL GREETINGS SUMMER is right around the corner and you know what that means – Festival time! GEMMA CLARK presents the eight mustgo-to festivals happening around the UK this summer…

Radio 1 Big Weekend in Exeter Powderhan Castle May 28-29 BBC Radio 1 will this year be kicking off the festival season with their massive annual event. Each year it’s held in a different location and this year it’s the turn of… Exeter!

Along with all the top acts that have playing there, there is another reason these are some of the hottest tickets around – it’s FREE! The downside is that tickets are randomly allocated, with preferential treatment being given to those that live closest to the event.

So apply now!

They will be hard pushed to top the display put on two years ago at Glasgow Green, which saw the likes of Katy Perry and One Direction grace the stage, but they are certainly giving it a shot!

Confirmed acts this year are Ellie Goulding, Coldplay, Craig David, Bring Me the Horizon and Chase and Status.

Keep an eye out as many more are yet to be announced.

WIN Download Donnington Park June 10-12

ROCK N ROLL! Guaranteed to get you moshing, there are a variety of sub genres to suit all rock fans, from pop rockers ­­­­All Time Low to old school hardcore rockers Deftones.

If you like bumping bare chests with 90,000 dirty, sweaty tattooed people and ramming your way through a Wall of Death (YouTube it – you will either be too scared to venture to a metal gig or be booking your ticket, guaranteed), then Download is for you.

German terrors Rammstein headline the Main Stage on Friday while metal legends Iron Maiden close on the Sunday.

BIFFY Clyro and Fall Out Boy have recently been added to the list of international heavyweights who will rock Reading & Leeds this year.

The UK’s ultimate festival line-up also includes Foals, Disclosure and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

With 5 Headliners over 3 Days, Reading & Leeds is the go-to destination for countless, mammoth festival moments.

Synth-pop revelations

WEEKEND CAMPING TICKETS FOR READING & LEEDS!

Chvrches, The Vaccines and Lower Than Atlantis are also on the incredible bill and they’ll be joined by the likes of Welsh reggae-rock titans Skindred and punk legend Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes.

Indie-pop sisters HAIM will be there, too, as will BBC Sound of 2016 winner Jack Garratt.

Veteran electro-popsters The Wombats will be returning for an unmissable performance.

Reading and Leeds Festivals take place on the Bank Holiday Weekend 26th to 28th August 2016.

For the latest lineup details and to buy tickets go to www.readingandleedsfestival.com/ STUDENT Rag has a pair of weekend camping tickets each for Leeds AND Reading to give away.

To enter, just answer this question:

Which Reading and Leeds Festival act won the BBC Sound of 2016?

Text your answer FREE along with your name, contact phone number and email address to 07746-792724 or email competitions@ student-rag.co.uk Closing date May 1. Editor’s decision is final.

T in the Park Strathallan Castle, Perthshire July 8-10 YOU know what it is, the big one, the one that the whole of Scotland loses it’s s**t over trying to get tickets for.

So get ready to get down and dirty (literally) in the muddy fields of rural Scotland. You will see many bizarre sights over the weekend.

Rock legends The Stone Roses are heading the main stage on the Friday night, supported by electro pop rock group The 1975 and electronic duo Disclosure.

While T isn’t particularly well known for being a place to discover new artists, you will never be bored and there is always something to see.

New for 2016 is the Pink Moon Camping Experience, where you will rock up to a pre-pitched tent (that’s right folks, no more faffing about with tent poles!), have access to clean loos, charging docks and hot showers. You need not smell like a drain for three days!

Prices range from IF creative arts and £155 for a twoperformance is your man tent to £640 thing, then Latitude is for an eightfor you. man tent and Often compared to do not include European festivals, the price of Latitude hosts comyour ticket. edy, poetry, dance, So it really theatre and politics, depends on as well as music, how lazy you giving the feel of a are and how far more multi-cultural mocket you are prepared to get!

Discover Comic Invention at The Hunterian THIS major new exhibition offers both art lovers and comic fans alike the chance to explore the cultural and historical background of graphic narrative.

Taking us from the world’s oldest comic to Scooby Doo, Comic Invention spans centuries and genres to take an enigmatic look at how we tell stories with pictures.

Looking at graphic narrative in its widest sense, Comic Invention showcases treasures from The Hunterian and beyond, combining comics with art, manuscripts and objects.

Works by Lichtenstein, Warhol, Picasso and Rembrandt sit alongside medieval manuscripts and Renaissance riches, graphical treasures from ancient Egypt, satirical hipsters from the 18th century, Turner Prizers, and an extensive selection from one of the finest modern day comic artists – Frank Quitely of DC Comics – including previously unseen

original artwork. Comic Invention also highlights a very important but little known work called the Glasgow Looking Glass of 1825. Arguably the world’s oldest comic, it predates titles like Punch by sixteen years.

Must-see items include an exclusive selection of 20 drawings

by Frank Quitely, including original artwork for Batman, New X Men and All Star Superman; special loans including Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup, Roy Lichtenstein’s iconic In the Car and work from Turner Prize winner Martin Boyce, on display for the first time; 20th century artworks from The Hunterian collections including prints by Picasso, Rauschenberg, Max Ernst and David Hockney; one of Scots Makar Edwin Morgan’s scrapbooks showing horror comics relating to the 1954 ‘Gorbals Vampire’ scandal; and World War I sketches by the recently discovered ‘Wilfred Owen of Cartooning’, Archie Gilkison.

Frank Quitely, Missionary Man cover, issue 12, Classic 2000 AD, October 1996. (Judge Dredd Magazine, Writer Gordon Rennie).

Comic Invention is at the Hunterian Art Gallery, University of Glasgow, from 18 March to 17 July 2016.

Admission is £5 (£3 concession).

Open Tuesday - Saurday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.

Reading & Leeds August 26-28

Lattitude Henham PArk July 14-17 adventure. Patrons of the original festival in 2006 were Snow Patrol and Patti Smith.

This year you are likely to see chilled trio Alt-J, the lovely Lianne La Havas, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Prides.

Isle of Wight June 9-12

IF you want to mosh without ending up in the hospital a la DOWNLOAD, then look no further than Reading & Leeds.

A tamer alternative to it’s more hardcore brother in arms, Reading & Leeds, never fails to put on a show, being hailed as a fantastic platform for both national and international artists.

But you’re not going to get off lightly as R&L is known for it’s high energy and passionate fans.

Top of the bill this year are rock giants Biffy Clyro, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, electro rockers The 1975, Nothing But Thieves, Disclosure and Imagine Dragons.

Glastonbury Worthy Farm June 22-26 COME June 135,000 music fans will descend on Glastonbury, after every single ticket was sold in October.

It is yet to be announced who will be gracing the famous pyramid stage, but it’s sure to be someone spectacular.

Last years headliners were Florence and the Machine, Kanye West and The Who. Foo Fighters sadly had to pull out after Dave Grohl (the man, the legend) broke his leg.

But who knows, maybe this year…

The home of hippies and fancy dressers, however, is certain to deliver a good time no matter who is on stage.

A motley crew, hodge podge, mish mash of fantastic sights, Glasto has mastered the art of hippy dippy, extra special additions.

The best thing to do is simply to wander. Take in a little of everything so that you miss nothing.

While the most high profile act will be on the pyramid stage, you could well miss your favourite part by failing to explore.

With everything from fantasy, interactive worlds within the hub of Glasto like Shangri La the home of techno-folk, The Glade, you will want to sample a little of everything.

V Festival Hylands Park, Chelmsford & Weston Park, Staffordshire August 19-21 QUEEN. Need we say any more? Queen featuring Adam Lambert as a worthy replacement for Freddie Mercury will be heading the bill, sharing the honour with Faithless and the Stereophonics.

Isle of Wight is in the vein of a mini Glastonbury; a little bit hipster and not your average festival experience.

This year sees Busted and The Corrs hitting the stage.

This festival offers several luxury packages, including the Camp

Kerala Madamoiselle package that “will be bringing our chilled-out house party atmosphere and chic, glamorous comfort to IOW”.

It will also get you access to the Premium VIP Area, along with your king sized bed, Egyptian cotton sheets, cocktail bar, access to the Artists Village and backstage area and special access to a raised viewing platform overlooking the main stage. All for £6,500.

We’ll all chip in then, shall we…

V Festival is going to be a blast if you are into pop music with pop heavyweights Justin Bieber and Rihanna topping the bill.

You might also bump into Brit power vocal gals Little Mix, the mysterious wig wearing Sia, Youtube superstar Troye Sivan and X Factor judge, Rita Ora. Known for being the civilised alternative to T in the Park, you are much less likely to get caked in mud and smell like a porta loo by the end of the weekend. That’s not to say you shouldn’t bring your wellies though!

With one of the most anticipated live ups of the festival season, featuring 30 artists, this is not one to miss.

HEALTH AND FITNESS l Pink Soda Sport Leopard Sports Bra www.jdsports.co.uk £20

Online Paid Memberships ANY THIN G that isn’t free can make you sceptical. What if it doesn’t work and you’ve wasted your money?

The best way to get over this fear is to do a quick social media check of the programme and see what everyone is saying, because you know you’ll get the truth that way.

And knowing you’ve paid for something makes it harder to give up. All that hard earned cash can’t go to waste, right?

Instagram is full of those types of programmes being advertised, they are on the rise and are sure to become even bigger this year as an obsession with health grows.

In fact, it’s already started, with the fame of stars like the impossibly fit Kayla Itsines, who is making it onto magazine covers worldwide because of her online Bikini Body plan.

That’s her below!

It comes with a full and simple nutrition plan, and her workouts are only 7 minutes long which seems like an almost

irresistible deal, and easy to fit around a life of lectures and socialising.

Another great one to try for students is ex-TOWIE star Lucy Meckleburgh’s take on the typical celebrity DVD. She has created an online page, Results with Lucy, that makes the celebrity fitness lifestyle seem simple and attainable.

There is a range of plans of different lengths depending on how many weeks you want to stay with them for.

These give varied workouts and meal plans to be followed day-byday, so no extra thought has to be put into your fitness.

Weekly shopping lists and motivational emails are also included, making this the lazy gal’s dream.

The page offers student discount on all packages, but also has a Student Plan, which is tailored for the amount of room you might have to workout at uni or college, and the amount of money you have to spend on healthy foods.

Everything is covered with as little spending as possible, yay!

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fifty-four

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Pound it Out KEEPING FIT has hit a new level of easy so now there’s no excuse for not curbing the takeaways and focusing on the fitness.

Whether it’s DVDs, the latest app or website, it’s more straightforward than ever to keep tabs on the carbs you’re burning while you’re climbing the never-ending stairs to your next lecture. You can even get online advice on what to eat on a weekly basis.

SARRA GRAY keeps you right on how to eat well and get fit on the cheap...

Student Discount LET’S admit it, our student discount is a big part of the reason we came to uni in the first place, and when it comes to putting together your own get-fit-kit, it does not disappoint.

Your student card and handy apps have been essential each semester when finding your uni style and many are now offering money off in the more fitness-friendly retailers than ever before!

l Active Contrast Panel Leggings www.missguided.co.uk £16

The Fashion GYM clothes are the only lounge clothes that are completely acceptable to wear in any situation.

Does anyone else throw on a hoody and some trainers to go to the shop or to a lecture and pretend you’ve just done a long session in the gym?

Thanks to stars like Rita Ora it is also totally fine to fashion these clothes into your night out outfit.

So basically, anything you buy is already a bargain, but if you’re looking for quality attire for hitting your workout,

your student discount is most useful at ASOS and Urban Outfitters.

Both these retailers sell the big names in fitness such as Adidas and Nike for men and women, selling clothes, shoes and accessories at 10% off for students.

Adidas also offer a 15% student discount on their website. Most shops have their own sportswear collection: check out New Look, Matalan, Superdry and Missguided.

Nutrition IF you are interested in really enhancing your workout, or even want to see what all the celebrity madness is about on Instagram, you will probably look into buying some supplements including the ever more popular protein powder.

Loads of these sites are now here for us students! MyProtein, The Protein Works, PhD Nutrition and Maxi Nutrition all focus on selling protein powder, protein-filled snacks and drinks, and vitamins and powders aiming to enhance your workouts and overall health.

Now ladies, the fear of bulking because of protein-filled products really needs to stop. It’s a myth that you can get massive by having the odd protein shake, so relax. The range of products on offer can seem a bit daunting if it is your first time using any kind of supplement, but once you figure out what one can benefit you, this saving is so helpful.

MuscleFood offer a 10% discount and is a great site for buying good quality meat.

HEALTH AND FITNESS Fitness DVDs IT’s a safe bet that the beginning of every new year will come with a flurry of new fitness DVDs. Again you can search to find a workout that fits the areas you want to work and the time you want to spend working out, but an easy thing to do if you’re not sure is to look at the chart and reviews.

Celebrity DVDs are becoming more credible. No, really!

You no longer just get a before and after picture and be expected to do the same workout every day with no real concept of how long the results will take.

Now you can follow the celebrity on Snapchat and Instagram and see exactly what they eat and do along with their DVD to keep in shape.

Charlotte Crosby is a great example. A quick snoop through her online photos and you can see her getting healthier each week until she reached her goals and released her fitness DVD. Her 3-minute Belly Blitz was the best-selling fitness DVD ever when it was released in 2014 and it was made up of twelve 3-minute sections that target the whole body

– you can do as many as you like which is perfect for that 15 minutes free before class!

This year she released a second DVD which lets you see she has been able to keep the weight off, and is giving you the opportunity to progress.

The release of the 3-minute Bum Blitz has also meant that her Belly Blitz has gone down in price in many retailers, so what better time than now to give it a go?

Following the success of that, her Bum-Blitz is also likely to be extremely popular this year.

If you want something a bit more traditional, Davina McCall has given us fitness DVD after fitness DVD, and this year has been no different. Each one promises improved results, and the fact that they continue to sell just shows their effectiveness.

Her older ones are so cheap now so it could be a good place to start if you don’t want to spend too much.

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HEALTH AND FITNESS Mobile Apps AS if we need any more reason to be on our phones.

There are apps that can be downloaded to track your fitness to your food.

These apps come with frequent updates which add new features and make them as easy to use as possible.

A great food tracker is myfitnesspal.

For most foods, you can just scan the packet’s barcode and all the nutrition syncs to your personalised daily requirements.

It also acts as a blog with great articles on fitness and cheap and easy-to-make recipes.

For the iPhone addicts among us, the most modern models track your steps and flights of stairs climbed each day.

You can also add the calories you eat in a day into

it, but apps such as myfitnesspal are easier to handle doing this. The app Fitbit is an alternative to this that allows you to log and track your workouts, weight loss and even your sleep in order to give you achievable health goals.

Map My Run can help those looking to take up outdoor activities such as running, walking or cycling by tracking your distance, progress and remembering possible routes.

Similarly, the 7 Minute Workout “Seven” app is free to download, and gives you seven minute workouts to do, tracking your progress over seven months.

This one is perfect for those of you who love a challenge. It makes keeping fit a game, as missing workouts loses you hearts, and if you miss a certain amount your progress returns to zero and you have to start again.

YouTube ONE of the easiest ways to stay fit and reach your goals as a student is by using online videos.

You’ve probably heard of this before, and even tried the odd 5-minute video after overindulging, but the content available is becoming more helpful and diverse every day.

A simple YouTube search gives access to a range of fitness videos that are free, and by choosing the top hit, it can be assumed that the video you end up on will be pretty good.

You can target whichever area of your body that you feel like, and you can almost always find a video to suit your own fitness level, the equipment that you have, and the amount of time that you want to spend.

A lot of YouTube ‘celebs’ also include free plans that can be followed.

Try Tone It Up, a channel which features videos to work each part of the body as well as a series of videos to be followed such as the wedding series and the bikini series.

Another great workout vlog is Blogilates run by instructor Cassey Ho. Even American beauty Vanessa Hudgens has been known to do a video or two off of this page.

If it’s good enough for her it’s good enough for me!

By signing up to the Blogilates mailing list, you get free

monthly workout calendars sent to your email that tells you what videos to do on every single day of the month!

For the men out there, YouTubers such as Buff Dudes also give out free downloadable workout plans for those trying to bulk or cut and demo videos.

There are also some great lifestyle and wellbeing programmes that include feel-good stretching to assisted meditation – something I’m sure we all feel the need for as the semester goes on!

Nutrition YouTube is amazing when you’re trying to find a way to make your favourite meals – and even foods that look too indulgent to even think about (yes,that triple-stuffed double chocolate fudge cake) as healthy versions.

Well, healthier.

You can even make low-sugar Starbucks drinks that are just

as satisfying as the store-bought ones. Also it means you don’t have to leave your house extra early or spend ridiculous amounts on a drink!

Just type in the food that you want to make with the word healthy, and watch a list of colourful, short videos appear that give you enough guidance that you begin to believe that you can open your own top restaurant.

It really as easy as that.

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NOTHING BUT THIEVES Susie Daniels speaks to NBT’s Conor Mason

YOUR Under My Skin tour kicks off in April, what are you looking forward to most and why will it be different from the last tour?

Playing an arena tour is outrageous.

Who knows if we’d ever be lucky enough to get that opportunity again?

We’re very lucky. We’ll be throwing in a few new songs and a cover we’ve never played live so should be interesting.

WAS it difficult to make your debut album and what did you learn from the process?

The writing process wasn’t difficult, it just took us a long time to be happy and to be good song writers.

We worked our asses off for four years writing everyday before releasing this record. Such a fun process though, we love writing.

Recording was amazing too, being locked away and engrossing yourself is so much fun, coming out with your little baby at the end. Makes you proud.

DO you have fun in the studio rehearsing or do you make sure that time’s serious and productive?

I guess you can’t help yourself when you drop into Iron Maiden three times a rehearsal...we have a laugh yeah.

Essentially back to the roots, five mates jamming our instruments. It’s always good fun.

ANY funny moments while rehearsing the album?

Joe blew up his amp, the valves started burning and you had that sense of panic for a moment. No one died, it’s all good. Only Marshall.

WHAT’S the craziest thing you’ve done at a music festival as a fan or on stage?

Got incredibly high and ate eight hot dogs in a row whilst watching AC/DC. Can I say that? Why not.

WHICH of your songs is most important to you? What’s it about?

I’d say our most important song to me is If I Get High, it just felt right when we wrote it, just felt like we’d really written a great song. No bullshit.

WHAT’S the best thing that’s happened since you kicked off your Ban All The Music tour last year?

So many little things happen that all build to make you what you are as a band so it’s hard to pick one.

I guess seeing our headline shows sell out is the best feeling. It means people are connecting to your music.

What’s more important than that?

ANYWHERE you’ve always wanted to visit and do you get to do any sightseeing?

China for sure! Think we get to go there later this year which we can’t

wait for. It’s a little whistle stop, it’s non-stop travelling and shows so it’s hard to see anything. But we all jump at the chance to explore when we can.

DID you hang out with the Muse guys when you toured with them?

We didn’t get a chance last time, we had to fly in and out. I’m sure we will this time.

HOW do you calm your nerves doing a gig to 30,000?

All the drugs. No I’m joking, I don’t get nervous anymore. I just enjoy it!

WHAT reminds you to keep your feet grounded and ignore the hype?

My family and my girlfriend. They all keep me in check, plus I just don’t ever see myself being big headed.

WHAT’S the weirdest thing you could tell us about yourself?

Erm I used to do a bit of child modelling haha. Rock n roll aye.

IF you’ve got girlfriends does touring make that difficult and do any partners tour with you?

Of course it’s hard. I miss my girlfriend constantly but it works cos I’m patient and she’s even more patient.

Yeah this Europe run will be the first time the GFs will come out on tour.

NBT will appear at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival

We’re looking for extraordinary people.

Is that you?

Charity Ambassador Wanted

• Gain work experience • Help to save lives • Work with an international charity

For more information contact university@deletebloodcancer.org.uk

COMING SOON TO A PLACE NEAR YOU...

Looking for a gig or new release and don’t know where to go? STEPHEN BUTCHARD has a gander at what’s goin’ on...

This is the Kit KATE Stables’ latest record Bashed Out was one of the unsung gems of last year, sharpening her delicate, pensive folk songs with melodious guitars and an expensive instrumental palette.

With it, Kate - AKA This is the Kit - defined herself as one of Britain’s best indie folk artists.

The vulnerable edges to her work are folk at its very purist, but her band refuse to be held in the dusty corners of the past.

Instead, her latest material is imbued with life and colour. Recorded with the National’s Aaron Dessner, Bashed Out saw Stables’ at her most emotionally affecting It’s a trait that will undoubtedly carry over when she brings her enveloping music to Glasgow this Spring. l THIS is the Kit will play Electric Circus in Edinburgh on March 29.

Father John Misty THERE are tons of reasons to love Father John Misty. It could be for his grand, swooning compositions; it might be for his sharp, sardonic lyricism; it may simply be for his ovary-shattering falsetto.

Whatever the reason, the most impressive thing about J. Tillman’s music is that we love him at all.

His arrogant hipster persona has such an overbearing presence on his latest album I Love You Honeybear that it’s a surprise that his audience aren’t nauseous by the end of his gigs.

But that’s exactly what makes his music so brilliant: the sheer level of wit and passion Tillman places into his songs makes every sarcastic aside he spits out loveable, despite any logic. Not just this, but his selfaware songwriting makes it very clear that he knows exactly what he is: “an aimless, fake drifter, and a horny manchild momma’s boy to boot”.

And we wouldn’t have it any other way. Go swoon over someone you wish you didn’t fancy so much. l FATHER John plays the O2 Academy in Glasgow on May 12.

IT’S been eight years since Alex Turner and Miles Kane last teamed up for an album.

In that time, the Arctic Monkeys have gone from being indie treasures to one of the biggest bands in the country, while Miles Kane has been doing…stuff?

Regardless of the duo’s stature, a new album from the supergroup is something to anticipate.

Their debut was a woozy blend of indie, folk and baroque influences, and remains a solid record all of these years down the line.

The Last Shadow Puppets Much has changed for this group, and the new experiences they’ve gained should make for an exciting follow up album.

What’s even more exciting is that indie Goliath Owen

Kate Tempest KATE Tempest is a rapper, a poet, an activist, a musician – but above all, she is a storyteller.

Her last album Everybody Down was a frank and nuanced look at life in modern Britain, that fused her wide array of talents with relateable lyricism and real passion.

It was undercut by tense social politics without ever moving into the dangerous area of preaching too much.

Her latest single ‘Europe is Lost’ is the angriest she’s ever sounded, delivering relentless quotables with a sneer bubbling through the hopelessness.

It encapsulates many of the issues

KATY B’s core strength has always been her immaculate taste in collaborators. Her nimble vocal sits elegantly over myriad soulful production styles, and is sure to add a catchy melody to whatever her producers have to offer.

Her third project, Honey, explores the act of collaborating in the most extreme sense. Every track has the singer meet up for an exciting duo with a big name in Pallett will be returning yet again to provide string arrangements, adding colour and vibrancy to the Turner/ Kane brand of scuzzy blues rock.

The album, entitled Everything You’ve Come to Expect, will be out in April and the duo claim it to be the second instalment in a trilogy of releases.

young people are so concerned about, without ever being patronising, and shows exactly why she’s such a powerful voice in the realm of spoken word.

In the live setting, her music takes on an even more intimate character, re-energizing her dense verses through the power of collective healing.

Fans of political protest or rap music in general need to make Kate Tempest an essential artist to witness in the flesh. l KATE Tempest plays the Mitchell Theatre in Glasgow on April 14.

Katy B dance music; it’s a refreshing flip of the same script Disclosure have been working with through their slew of vocal collaborations.

The batch of singles leading up to Honey have been a diverse collection, from the elegant balladry of the title track, to the glitzy R&B of ‘Who Am I’ which features

Craig David, to the clever club stomper ‘Calm Down’ featuring tech house masters Four Tet and Floating Points.

With all of these artists popping up on one album, Honey could be Katy’s most colourful collection thus far. l HONEY is set for release on April 24.

ProtoMartyr

l EVERYTHING You’ve Come to Expect is set for

PROTOMARTYR are a band fuelled by morbid gloom and impending doom, which is exactly why they’re so much fun to listen to.

The Detroit based four piece are right at the centre of the post-punk resurgence, lurking beneath the surface with ragged guitars and crumbling melodies.

Frontman Joe Casey’s convincingly dishevelled

baritone sneers from within their smudged layers of guitar fuzz, channelling the spirit of Ian Curtis of Joy Division, or Mark E Smith of The Fall.

Though clearly engaging in the simple pleasures of revivalism, the band’s energy and passion lift their tunes beyond pure repetition and into something resembling a holy resurrection

of their influences. It’s this clear passion and songwriting talent that separates the band from Scott Pilgrim’s Crash and the Boys and their classic “I’m so sad, so very, very sad”. l PROTOMARTYR play Broadcast in Glasgow on April 2. sixty-one

Q&A HAS anyone ever taken you up on your offer to ‘Stalk Me’ on your website through tweets or email or in any other way?

Not to a point where I’ve felt threatened.

WHAT’S the best stalking protocol?

It depends on your endgame.

WHAT’S the best advice you’d give a stalker?

Probably the same advice I’d give to someone going through a bad break-up: take a class, throw yourself into your work, get a dog?

OK, enough of stalking, What’s the best and worst things you’ve read about yourself?

As far as best, it’s really anytime anyone appreciates my comedy.

As far as worst, some pro-life guy on twitter recently said I should have been aborted.

That might be the worst thing I’ve read about myself, but at least he’s changing his stance on abortion.

DO you deserve to go to heaven or hell and what’s your vision of heaven or hell?

I wasn’t raised Catholic or even Christian so I don’t believe in Heaven or Hell... next question.

THE American presidential elections take place in November. What have you not seen the candidates do which would favour them with the American people?

More sex tapes, I think Rubio may have one drop pretty soon but Bush, Cruz, Sanders...that would definitely be a fun addition to an already absurd campaign.

Jena Friedman

IF Donald Trump was allowed to build a ‘new’ America which would have it’s own borders what would it be like?

He has been pretty clear, it would just be a big wall along the Southern border-- kind of boring and played out if you ask me.

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WOULD I have to pry your gun from your cold, dead hands or are you happy to change the constitution so Americans don’t have the right to bear arms?

I don’t own a gun but I shot one once in Texas. It didn’t really do it for me. That being said, I’d be happy to change it.

WOULD you like to see a modern version of Monty Python’s Life of Brian? Instead of ridiculing religion what would you like to see it ridicule?

Sure and the media is always fun to lampoon.

THEY say that people’s personalities are moulded from childhood experience – what was your childhood like?

Really lovely and well adjusted, there’s no reason I should be a comedian.

YOU interviewed Dan Perino who plastered his ‘Looking For Love’ all over New York City. Did he end up with a woman, over 37 and overweight? What did you think of Dan? Was he just being brutally honest?

I thought he was essentially harmless, looking for connection and trying to process a lot of personal stuff. A good sport too. I wish him all the best.

WHAT advice would you give to students on what they have to look forward to when they graduate and leave the student life bubble?

You’re so young, enjoy it.

30 out of 30 – best pizza in Scotland tam cowan, sunday scottish sun

Paesan0 PIZZA

94 MILLER STREET, GLASGOW, G1 1DT T: 0141

258 5565 (no reservations)

www.paesanopizza.co.uk

Our Artisan woodfired pizza ovens have been built for us by Gianni Acunto of Naples, who have been making traditional ovens for four generations.

Our pizza is a hybrid yeast and sourdough proofed for over 48 hours. The long proofing time together with cooking at an intense heat of 500OC produces a moist, light, soft, digestible crust which is aromatic and delicious. sides and desserts also available

1 Tomato sugo with garlic, oregano and evoo

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2 Tomato sugo with mozzarella, fresh basil and evoo

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3 Tomato sugo with capers, olives, anchovies,

mozzarella, garlic and evoo

4 Spianata spicy salami from Calabria with tomato sugo,

mozzarella and evoo

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5 Prosciutto cotto (Italian cooked ham) with portobello

mushrooms, tomato sugo, mozzarella, fresh thyme and evoo 8

6 Roasted red peppers with spinach, tomato sugo,

mozzarella, ricotta and evoo

7 Fresh Tuscan fennel sausage with tomato sugo,

mozzarella and evoo

8 Mushroom, spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, oregano,

garlic and evoo (no tomato)

7 8 8

18 March - 17 July 2016 Hunterian Art Gallery Admission ÂŁ5.00/ÂŁ3.00 Hunterian Friends go free