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TRi THIS Music Magazine Issue #2

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Tina

Discover the powerful and inspirational untold story of the Queen of Rock n’ Roll, Tina Turner. Prepare to be dazzled by TINA – The Tina Turner Musical performed at Aldwych Theatre.

This unforgettable musical captures her determination and strength, featuring famous songs the audience will know and love. Celebrate a love of this talented icon with a musical that is simply the best!

BOOK NOW

Hello!

Welcome to the second edition of TRi THIS Music magazine your evolving destination for fresh sounds and timeless talent

Following the amazing response to our launch issue, we’re back with even more exclusive content that celebrates both rising stars and legendary artists. In this edition, you’ll find compelling interviews, the latest music releases, curated features, and a few surprises along the way As we grow with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Tell us what you’d like to see in future issues—we’re listening!

The TRi THIS Music Team

It’s been a wild ride for Betty Boo, a trailblazing pop-rap icon whose hits defined the 90s and whose return to not only music, but performance, is introducing a whole new generation. Sitting down with her ahead of the highly anticipated physical re-releases of 1990's “Boomania” and 1992's “GRRR! It’s Betty Boo”, we dive into legacy, loss, reinvention, and the undying power of music that Betty holds.

“35 years later, I never thought I’d be celebrating these albums with coloured vinyl, cassettes, and CDs and going on tour!” says Boo, still buzzing from the excitement of this new chapter. For the fans, both old and new, the reissues are a feast of physical media nostalgia and modern polish. “I’ve had people tell me where they were when they first heard ”Doin’ the Do” or saw me on Top Of The Pops. That melts my heart.”

Betty Boo, broke barriers as a self-made artist producing tracks in her bedroom. “The sound was like a collage,” she explains, “samples, raps, melody—it was me, expressing myself, escaping from bullying at school and doing something that made me happy.” With an indie label backing her creativity and no tolerance for nonsense, Boo quickly gained respect in a maledominated industry. “Some DJs were actually scared of me,” she laughs. “They thought I’d take their record off the decks and put mine on!”

After stepping back from music to deal with personal loss, Boo made her triumphant return with “Boomerang” in 2022 a project she says came from a “deep place” during lockdown. “I didn’t know if I’d make it to 50. When I did, I thought: what are you waiting for?” That raw honesty shines through in her recent release, “Rip Up The Rulebook”, blending 90s flair with fresh pop production. “It’s modern, it’s poppy, it’s me but updated.”

Fashion has always been a signature part of the Betty Boo’s brand. From mod mini dresses to mirror-covered couture, she continues to dazzle on stage and off. “One of my favourite pieces is a mirrored dress I wore at the BRITs. The V&A asked to preserve it that’s mad!” she laughs. “It’s literally one of a kind.”

Despite the industry’s pressures, Boo remains fiercely independent and creatively driven. “There are no rules —Mick Jagger’s still rocking at 80! Why can’t I make pop at 50?” With producer Andy Wright, she’s found a creative partner who understands her rhythm. “We work five hours straight, no breaks, and come out with something that feels like a record every time.”

To young women starting out in music today, Boo says: “Don’t compare yourself. Be yourself. Learn the tools, write your truth, and trust your own voice. That’s how you’ll last.”

The reissues land June 6th—complete with signed vinyl and cassette bundles. A UK tour follows, bringing fans new and old together once again. “Come and see me,” she beams. “Let’s celebrate this journey together.”

When you’ve lived in the spotlight for over three decades, it’s hard to surprise your audience—but that’s exactly what Chesney Hawkes has done with his latest work “Living Arrows”. The “One and Only” singer has returned not only with a powerful new album but with an emotional message of resilience, healing, and authenticity. And after a widely talked-about stint in the 2025 Celebrity Big Brother house, the world is seeing Chesney in a new light not just as a pop icon, but as a man unafraid to be vulnerable.

“It's all coming together,” he says, visibly moved. “I just can't quite believe what's happening, to be honest.”

The album, years in the making, was originally scheduled for release before the world changed in 2020. “We were looking at releasing just before COVID hit,” he reveals. “It’s a different album now. Different songs came on, different mixes. It’s evolved like I have.”

Indeed, this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a statement. One marked by emotional depth, raw storytelling, and therapeutic self-discovery. The single “LOUD!” stands as a testament to grief turned into grace. Chesney recalls, “I’d already written it before my best friend passed away. Now I’m promoting this record about loss while thinking about Vic. And it’s resonated. I’ve had messages from people saying, ‘This reminds me of my mum,’ or, ‘This will be our song now.’ It’s overwhelming. It’s beautiful.”

Indeed, this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a statement. One marked by emotional depth, raw storytelling, and therapeutic self-discovery. The single “LOUD!” stands as a testament to grief turned into grace. Chesney recalls, “I’d already written it before my best friend passed away. Now I’m promoting this record about loss while thinking about Vic. And it’s resonated. I’ve had messages from people saying, ‘This reminds me of my mum,’ or, ‘This will be our song now.’ It’s overwhelming. It’s beautiful.”

That balance of celebration and sorrow runs throughout the album. There are songs about past love — including a co-write with his wife exploring their exes with mature reflection — and tributes to loved ones lost too soon. “There’s a song called ”The Meaning Of This”, written for a young friend who took her own life. It’s a tough one. My uncle also died by suicide. This album brings that conversation to the forefront.”

His work with mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) has deepened his commitment to advocacy. “Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in this country,” he says solemnly. “That’s a crazy statistic. We have to talk about it.”

Talk, he does and listen, the fans do. On tour, he’s been met by crowds that span generations. “Two ladies came to a signing in Newcastle. They saw me back in 1991 their first gig. And now they’re back, 34 years later, with their kids. It’s surreal. We’ve grown up together.”

The album’s themes aren’t just for nostalgia; they’re for the next generation. “It’s kind of a roadmap for my kids,” he explains. “Very open. Very honest. And now my youngest is playing guitar in my band, and my brother’s still on drums. It’s a family affair.”

That family spirit extended far beyond music this year. Chesney entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in January 2025, surprising both fans and housemates with his down-to-earth attitude and emotional transparency. Known for his kindness, dry wit, and heartfelt conversations about grief, fatherhood, and personal growth, Chesney became one of the standout figures of the season.

That family spirit extended far beyond music this year. Chesney entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in January 2025, surprising both fans and housemates with his down-to-earth attitude and emotional transparency. Known for his kindness, dry wit, and heartfelt conversations about grief, fatherhood, and personal growth, Chesney became one of the standout figures of the season.

“People expected nostalgia, but they got honesty,” one viewer posted on social media. Inside the house, Chesney spoke openly about the stories behind his new songs, the loss of his friend Vic, and how being away from his children helped him reflect on how far he’d come. He quickly became a fan favourite, earning praise for his authenticity and even mentoring younger contestants through emotional moments.

It’s been, in every sense, a return on his own terms.

“Music and family — those are the two things that keep me going,” he tells us. “And this album reflects that. It’s the most honest representation of me — the man behind the artist.”

So, what’s his proudest moment? “I nearly said West Ham winning the Conference,” he laughs, “but no — my kids. They’re amazing humans. That’s what I’m most proud of.”

With a deeply personal album, meaningful advocacy work, and a renewed connection with fans old and new, he’s proving that authenticity, vulnerability, and heart have a place in modern music and media. Through his tour, his time in the Celebrity Big Brother house, and the raw honesty of his new songs, Chesney is not only celebrating his legacy he’s building something lasting for the future. At the core of it all is the spirit of his late best friend, Vic Irvine, whose memory fuels the message behind every lyric and performance. “Smash it to pieces,” Vic told him — and that’s exactly what he’s doing. With Vic’s words echoing in every note, Chesney Hawkes is living out loud, louder than ever.

Our Spotlight on Street Cred!

Zoe Clarke is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Dublin, Ireland, who has been captivating audiences since picking up the guitar at age five

A regular fixture on Grafton Street, her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have earned her a devoted following both on the streets and online Her debut EP, Safe & Sound, soared to No. 1 on the Irish iTunes charts in 2020, and she continues to shine with releases like “Do It All Again” and “Take Me Away.” With performances at iconic venues like Whelan’s and the 3Olympia Theatre, Zoe is a rising star blending street charm with stage presence.

The Beet Goes On

Inside the World of Vegetable Music

In a world where musicians often seek the next big thing, one group has turned to the produce aisle for inspiration The Vienna Vegetable Orchestra, founded in 1998, has been crafting melodies using instruments made entirely from fresh vegetables.

From carrot flutes to leek violins and pumpkin drums, these musicians transform everyday veggies into a symphony of sounds. Each instrument is meticulously carved just hours before a performance, ensuring peak freshness and optimal acoustics.

But the innovation doesn't stop at the instruments. Their music spans genres from free jazz to experimental electronic creating a unique auditory experience they dub "Gemüsik," a blend of the German words for "vegetable" and "music."

After the show, the orchestra doesn't let their instruments go to waste Leftover veggies are cooked into a hearty soup, served to the audience, making the experience both a feast for the ears and the palate.

So, next time you're in the kitchen, consider the musical potential of your produce. Who knew that dinner prep could lead to a concert?

One of the things they don’t tell you when you start DJing is just how varied your weekends will become One night you’re in a thumping basement venue with sweat dripping off the ceiling, and the next, you’re in a historic manor house playing ABBA for a bride still wearing her veil while dancing barefoot No two gigs are ever quite the same and that’s exactly why I still love it

I’ve been DJing long enough to remember dragging record crates through side doors and arguing with sound engineers about where to plug in Now, it’s USBs, synced waveforms, and having backup files stored in the cloud just in case The gear has evolved, sure but the essence hasn’t It’s still about reading the room, picking the right track at the right time, and keeping people in the moment

The last couple of months have been a brilliant blur I’ve played at a converted railway arch that’s fast becoming a go-to spot for deep house and techno heads Low ceilings, brick walls, the kind of sound system that makes your chest buzz—it’s gritty and real and exactly the kind of place where music speaks louder than marketing Then, just a few days later, I was at a luxury corporate function, wearing a suit and sneaking remixes into a carefully curated playlist while the CEO made a speech about team synergy.

And that’s the charm of this job. One day you’re mixing obscure edits for a dance-savvy crowd, the next you’re easing a room full of party guests into the chorus of “September” without upsetting Aunt Margaret’s delicate sensibilities. There’s a rhythm to every event you just have to find it.

Weddings are a surprisingly underrated part of DJ life They’re not just about cheesy anthems and “build me up buttercup” moments (although, let’s be honest, they still work) There’s an art to it You start gentle, read the generations, build a bridge between the classics and the current, then let loose when everyone’s had just enough Prosecco to stop caring When you get it right, it’s unforgettable for them and for you

Today, DJs are expected to be visible beyond the booth Socials, live streams, content creation it’s all part of the game now A clip of you dropping a killer transition can do the rounds online faster than word of mouth ever could Branding isn’t just for agencies anymore; it’s for anyone who wants to stay booked

DJ D

When I’m not gigging, I’ve been back in the studio, working on a few fresh edits A little garage bounce here, a touch of disco warmth there trying to find that balance between nostalgic and new There’s something satisfying about tweaking a track until it’s just right for your own set It’s like tailoring a suit; it just fits better

JMusic-wise, there’s a real buzz around soulful house and melodic edits with global flavours sounds that work just as well in packed city venues as they do at countryside parties or seaside festivals. There’s a seasonal shift happening, and you can hear it in the BPMs and basslines

So, as the year unfolds and the gigs roll on, one thing remains: the dancefloor keeps calling Whether it’s under chandeliers or under lasers, surrounded by mates or strangers, it’s always about that shared moment when the right track hits And for those of us behind the decks, that’s where the magic lives

For the full interview: https://tinyurl.com/russellhelenshine:

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