THE UK’S ONLY FREE MUTI-GENRE MUSIC MAGAZINE
The First New Issue
FUSION BRODINSKI
UNLUCKY FOR SOME
FRANK TURNER
FUSION
FUSION Unlike any other, Fusion is a broadminded music magazine for broadminded music fans. The only thing that is specific to Fusion is our mission: to simply maintain an informative, satisfying publication that covers a diverse range of movements in the medium that we love. From the captivating illustration through to the actual size of the magazine, everything has been muddled over obsessively and rehashed compulsively, eventally achieving something we’re extreamly proud of. In the first new issue, Fusion has set the bar high with interviews with such musical masters as Tyler the Creator, The Exposed, French super DJ Brodinski, and acoustic sensation, Frank Turner. We have also given you a music holidays advice with the critical reviews you might expect. We really hope that you enjoy our magazine and find it a refreshing change to your average music monthly.
INTERVIEWS
5 5 7
BRODINSKI UNLUCKY FOR SOME
FEATURES
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O.F.W.G.K.T.A
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THE EXPOSED
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MUSICAL DESTINATIONS TOP MUSICIANS
REVIEWS
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C.D GIG
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Q&A FRANK TURNER -
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P E O P L E ALWAYS ASK ME WHETHER I’D LIKE TO CLONE MYSELF BUT I DON’T KNOW WHETHER THIS IS A G REAT IDEA. I WOULDNT WANT ANYONE TO GO THROUG H THESE EMOTIONS BUT ME Brodinski has been one of the most exciting DJ’s and producers around for the last couple of years. His diverse taste in music stretches from Hip-Hop to old school Techno, with his recent “Best of Everything,” mixtape enforcing this respectively through a keen combination of Hip Hop and Electronica. Having gained a huge amount of authority within the dance community, Louis has contributed to the world famous, Bugged Out compilations, whilst his recent Essential Mix for Radio 1, a 2 hour set that included moumbaton to Post-Dubstep, has received worldwide acclaim. With a noisy techno, bass heavy and melodic Minimal club set Louis has played everywhere from SXSW and The Warehouse Project with an on-going residency at Paris’s famous Social club. We caught up with him to ask about his routes and passions.
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ello, I’m Louis Brodinski, I’m 22 years old, and have been djing for 5 years. I wouldn’t say that I started out strictly as a DJ, I developed my passion for music through my participation in skate culture. I think skaters always have a great taste in music, probablybecause of the music featured in the videos or maybe because your sitting around all day. Anyway, i put this down to why I have such a broad taste in music, I’ve always loved Hip Hop, Trip Hop, Rap, Rock and Punk despite being known as a Techno DJ. I still listen to a wide range of music but today the Internet plays a massive part in this. Sunday evenings when I return home from DJing I go over a list of about 250 blogs from Sunday night till Monday Morning. It might sound like a bit much but I listen to all rap and electro and I mean everything… I’m on the internet 24/7.
FUSION I’ve never brought a record in my life… I guess I’m from the MP3 generation. There are so many blogs about so many musical styles, it’s easy to find tunes that people have taken from their own records so we can access the music without having to buy them. My own blog, Smokemashine, is filled with Hip-hop I really like. I just want people to discover that hip-hop is fabulous and inspirational. I try and incorpirate it as much as I can into my sets. I became part of turbo in 2009. Labels were checking out blogs and one of them approached me to make a remix of the Klaxons! It went down really well, lots of people liked it, one of them being Tiga, head honcho at Turbo. I met him at Soulwaxmas, this amazing gig put on by my friends Two Many DJ’s in their hometown of Belgium. He was speaking to me in broken French saying “I adore your Klaxons remix! We have to do something together!” So about two months later I sent him some tracks and I was signed! I think when you start a label to start an entourage. For example Tiga has an entourage, which is Turbo. Boys Noize has signed people like F-Com used to back in the day who were making similar music to his own, which allows him to build his own style and image. So Nowadays people don’t just want music. They want an image, a logo, a group, a name, so I’m happy to be part of it. I do have a really intense Djing schedule, but that’s the way I like it. I don’t like to go to the studio it’s really boring whereas Djing is so much fun. People always ask me whether I’d like to clone myself but I don’t know whether this is a great idea. I wouldn’t want anyone to go through these emotions but me I want to live it all myself. Even if it takes a lot of my energy, it is really intense and that’s why I love being a DJ.”
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Photography: Jason Whilis
Words: Matt Riches and Louis Brodinski
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FUSION Bassist Craig ‘Ocky’ Ockenden of rising band ‘Unlucky For Some’ talks tours across the UK and Europe, watching a sex show featuring on of their own entourage, to writing for their new EP.
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he story of the bands name is lost really, I think it has something to do with our old guitarist Kris, I cant really remember as its not really that interesting, I think it came from a tattoo he has, but don’t hold me to that. We just sort of named ourselves Unlucky For Some and just have a name and since then it stuck. We began in late 2009, but the initial idea came in the middle of 2009, the day after I was kicked out my former band for ‘lacking passion for music’. I got in touch with a few close mates to I have wanted to work with for a while and we went from there. I’ve known Phil (vocals) and
I DON’T THINK I CAN GO TOO FAR INTO DETAILS, BUT IT INVOLVED CAR PARK F CK NG , HAVING A MACHETE PULLED ON US BY A MAN IN A KILT... THE FIRST NEW ISSUE
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Mike (drums) since school, and Marly I have worked with on other projects. Marly is a great person to work with, he’s a machine, and mike is the only person I wanted to play drums, he is a seriously talented drummer. We got together with Kris who has since left the band and stated writing and recorded a short demo at the very end of 2009 and went from there. As individuals we have a really diverse taste in music, and all have our own influences. As a band I would say its bands like Have Heart, early Comeback Kid, Guns Up!, Killing The Dream etc etct. I think its good to be open minded. I would go mad just listing to one genre of music. The Tours We did a weekender in Europe with two good friends of ours, No Second Chance and Fort Vallence. It was the most insane weekend of my life and by far my 3 favorite shows. I also had a blast at the 12Bar in London at the Rucktion show in April. I don’t think i have ever played a show I didn’t enjoy, playing live is what i love to do, and I’m really passionate about the music we play. we give our all the whole time. There are a few crazy stories from Belgium! I don’t think I can go
FUSION go out with out boys in No Second Chance again. Play a few more shows and then start the writing for a full length album. The writing of a full length album will take a bit longer and be alot more work, funding it will be the hardest part because it costs so much to go into the studio. I guess this band shit really isn’yt that easy but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Famous Last Words
Support your local scene. Its up to you to keep it alive. to many kids say they support hardcore but only turn up for the bigger American and European bands. Fuck that! Support and unity begin at home. Your local Hardcore bands needs your. Also check out our good friends No Second Chance, Fort Vallence, Living Nightmare and The 40Seven, as well as our friends website and clothing company Loyalty And Devotion.
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Photography: Roman Laris
Words: Ian McCreery
too far into details or I will get in trouble, but it involved car park f ck ng, watching said car park f ck ng, Marly having a machete pulled on him by a bald man in a kilt, sleeping outside a sex dungeon and Marly trying to chat up a French girl with a penis drawn on his face and a woman with a ginger mustache acting as a translator, and a man fingering two girls at the same time while they danced on the bar. This was the first night of the tour! Utterly insane night. The other two nights were equally as drunk, but not quite as eventful! not so say there are no good stories from those nights, but not as full on.
WE ARE REALLY PROUD OF THE NEW STUFF, WE’RE TAKING MORE TIME TO STRUCTURE IT OUT. ITS CLICHE BUT THIS IS DEFFINATLY THE BEST STUFF WE HAVE WRITTEN.
The Future of Unlucky for Some
This year we hope to release our next EP . We are taking some time out to write at the moment. We are 3 songs in to a possible 6 track EP. The new stuff we are writing we are really proud of, we are taking more time in writing and structuring, as cliche as it sounds we are writing the best material we have written. I cannot wait to get this stuff out there and get out on the road. From there, well we’re looking to go back on tour. Hopefully
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OFWGKTA are one of the biggest groups in years. Their Leader, Tyler the Creator talks to Fusion about why OFWGKTA are dominating the Hip-Hop scene
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aving the sheer balls to pen “I’ll stab you blogging faggots with a pitchfork,” on your breakthrough L.P takes an unimaginable level of impertinence, but yelling the same line to the plaid clad, puritan brigade of SXSW, reigns from a whole different territory. However, like it or not, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, are crafting a new habitat for Hip Hop where shrieking, “I’m gunna stab Bruno Mars in his god-dam oesophagus,” is about as controversial as wearing balaclava’s on the Jimmy Fallon show. “SXSW was swag, but it really p ss s me off when journalists tell us how we remind them of a younger version of a random-ass rap group from the ’90s that I’ve never heard of,” explains Tyler, the collectives founder and emphatic, unofficial spokesman. “They always say we make horror-core music, but I hate that f ck ng sh t. People want to put us in this box, but every horror-core rap group I’ve looked up f ck ng sucks.”
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“You could say Odd Future sounds like Hitler getting raped by Doctor Zuess after going to his favorite jazz concert… but that’s not what Odd Future sounds like… We just make music we want to listen to, so just make what want of it... I don’t give a f ck.” Known to fans as Tyler, the Creator (surplus comma intended) the 19 year old is the intensely controversial front of the L.A collective of rappers, skateboarders, artists, film-makers, designers and deviants who make up the O.F.W.G.K.T.A tribe. Set to play everywhere from Coachella to Camden Crawl, the collective have already dominated MTV, fronted America’s Billboard magazine and sold out a European tour, with Tylers latest single, Yonkers, shifting 12,000 units in two days. “I think greatness means different things to different people. Greatness to me is when I land that fakie half-cab heelflip on my skateboard. It’s the song I recorded last week. If it’s great to me, that’s all that matters,” Explains a high and mighty Tyler.
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Illustration: Howard Ridgeon Photography: Brook Bobbins and Greg Wilson Words: Matt Riches
I’m gunna sound full of myself but, I’m the hottest f ck ng n gg right now… Like I have n gg ’s on my d ck. I’ve got the coolest video out right now... I’m that f ck ng n gg … It’s insane!” Despite this I don’t want to be a labels bitch. I always wanted to sign to Interscope when I was a kid because it was the label of Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. I want a boat. I want a Grammy. But I’d never sign a deal without 100% creative control. You lose a lot when you sign with the major labels. I’d rather be broke than have to rap over the same chord progressions as everyone else.” Having turned down offers from, Interscope and Bad Boy to name a few, it’s this obsession with complete creative control that’s making O.F such an industry talking point. Tyler’s debut “Bastard,” a completely self produced, free release is a perfect example of this self sufficiant success. A 55 minute journey through psychoanalytic manifestations and gritty mastabotary angst, the L.P was hyped by a mass of trendsetting blogs for its originally gutsy content through
lyrics and production, that delved deeper than outspoken lyracists like ol’ dirty bastard or any of the on screen psycho’s (Norman Bates to Leatherface) Tyler idolizes. The on-going conversation between Tyler and his “therapist,” throughout the album acts as a vessel for his lyrical exploration of everything from drug abuse to sexual fantasies to appropriately distorted beats that flex between dark and dramatic to bubbly and bizarre. Recieved extreamly well, the album has been downloaded over 100,000 times since its release in December of 2009, finding its way into,,,. Yet typical of any of the collectives previous releases, (Earl, Rolling Papers) the album was completely produced and controlled in house by prolific members of the O.F tribe. Respvectively showcasing the collectives talents production was handled by misgrients Frank Ocean and Syd, whilst tracks such as Assmilk featured homegrown rappers Earl Sweatshirt and Domo Genisis. For Bastard sporn, Hodgy beats and producer Left Brain they are working on a highly anticipated re-rerelease of
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FUSION successful L.P “Blackendwhite,” whilst new age rapper, Frank Ocean’s unique blend of emotional funk and hazy psychedelia has received wide critical acclaim with his recent release: nostalgia/ultra, an effort that saw him undermine ledgendary label Island Def Jam to stay with the crew. The collective are also responsible for perveristic video’s VCR and French, which have accumulated over 2 million views on Youtube. Whilst more recently Tyler’s visualization of Yonkers, a prologue to his highly anticipated second album, Goblin, has racked up an impressive 5 million views since its release in February, with Kanye West hailing it the video of 2011. “The great thing about being in odd future is that whilst they’re my biggest competition, they are also my greatest source of inspiration,” explains Tyler.
With the articles heavy use of Tyler, we thought it only fair to give you a quick run down of other key members of O.F.W.G.K.T.A
Collaberating with prolific producer, Left Brain, Hodgy is the rapping half of Mellow Hype. Having released two l.p’s, YelloWhite and BlackenedWhite, the duo are a successful arm of O.F.W.G.K.T.A. Hodgy, real name Thebe Kgostitse, featured on Tylers hit, sandwitches which was part of the groups first T.V appearence on Jimmy Kimmle live.
“We are constantly feeding off each other. I couldn’t do what I’ve done without them, but Im pretty sure they couldn’t do what they’ve done without me. A massive motherfucking family.” It could be said that this D.I.Y ethic isn’t particularly uncommon, with successful artists such as Kid Cuddi and Wale bringing out mixtape after mixtape. However it’s Odd future’s tightly penned raps, sonic solidity and …, that demonstrate an eye for detail that completely undermines the major label attempts to rushingly emulate this it. This has lead them to global success with gigs all over the world sold out and hundereds of fans anticipating Goblin. Unsurprisingly Tyler agrees. “No N gg s have got sh t on us. We’re taking over the world.”
At 17 Earl is Odd Futures youngest tastemaker whilst easily one of the crews most skilful lyricists. Whilst having prominent parts all over Tylers Bastard album and a number orf O.F projects, his drug binge fantasy “Earl,” was celebrated by many upstanding blogs, as a standout track of 2010. However, Earl has recently been enrolled into Military School for”troubled teenagers by his parents in an attempt to cut off communication with the crew.
Having moved to L.A in an attempt to escape the devastation of Katrina, Frank Ocean was one of the first members to jump into the major Label pool. Receiving song-writing credits for tracks performed by Kanye West and Beyonce , he eventually signed to Island Def Jam, to then quickly undermine the label by releasing funkadellic-hip hop mixtape/album: naustalgia/ ultra, receive critical acclaim from aficianado’s Lupe Fiasco and P-Diddy. One of the most overlooked yet talented members of O.F, Ocean is going to make big things happen for Odd Future.
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The THE PRINCES OF UK PUNK ‘THE EXPOSED’ ARE OUT TO PROVE THAT PUNKS NOT DEAD.
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n the 1970’s a new genre was introduced into the world of English Rock music, it was a genre that rebels, and people who felt apart from the normal blues, acoustic, mainstream scene, left by The Beatles, soon fell into the Punk rebellion. In 2005 a group of friends came together to move themselves in the new Punk scene headed by bands such as Bouncing Souls, Dark Punk band Alkaline Trio, and OI! Punks Rancid. This British band taking their sound to the Americans this year on the Warped Tour came to be known as The Exposed. Having started back then a few things have changed for the band, as they come up to their third stint on the biggest tour in the world, from their sound to members. Lead Singer, Tony Corrales said, “When we first started out we had the same influences as we do now. Bands like The Clash, Rancid and more old school stuff. “Because we had just come out of school, we were around that generation of influences of bands like Green day, The Offspring, Millencolin, Blink 182, that kinda pop punk thing as
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well. We kind of took elements from the old school and new school scene rather then just being an all out pop punk band and just made it a bit more punk rock.” It’s this mix of the two main genres that have helped to cemented The Exposed as a band flying the English Punk flag. It’s this sound that they have produced which has helped them to share stages with many legends of the Punk Rock scene. Only last year they shared the stage with one of the biggest influential bands of all time, in form of Rancid. However, it was another old school Punk band that had the biggest effect on Tony. “The Bouncing Souls have helped set up so much, pushed us more then any other band or person have.” Even as going as allowing the guys on stage during their set to play one of The Exposed’s own tracks. “We grew up listening to them, and to be pushed by them, to share a stage with them and to still stay in contact, it just makes them the best band we have played with.” In recent years, however, many have spoken about the decline of Punk and even how the genre died back in the late 70’s with the formation of New Romantic bands in the early 80’s.
FUSION The Exposed have become better received in the U.S market then they feel they have in the UK. They feel they have been exposed to a big chunk of the American alternative market. “ We’re perceived better then the English a majority of the time. Part of it is to do with the fact that we’re English and their American they like the English punk rock kids. “Over here if you haven’t heard of a band people aren’t interested in seeing them because were so over saturated. In America, rather then liking the bands that have already made it, people kind of want to be a fan of the band before they have built themselves up.” It’s this over exposure to the America scene that have seen The Exposed head out on the Warped Tour for the past three years, a tour that takes them through over 30 states in a matter of months. It’s a tour that has also brought them their special moments, and memories that stay with them. “The Warped Tour is crazy because you get to go to places like Chicago and play to 2000 people in places you haven’t been let alone played and then
your just hanging walking past your hero’s, and they and sort of like give you a nod. It’s a crazy feeling.” Though the decline in Punks force is starting to be noticed in the American scene with only three real Punk bands heading the bill for the whole three months. Something that hasn’t bypassed Tony, “It’s shit! It’s fucking dire. Street dogs are on there but they’re not even that big. Against Me, that will be good. “ However, The Exposed are about to expose themselves (mind the punk to the UK scene with the help of a recently required agent. Just last week they recorded a song for the Radio One Rock Show with Daniel Carter, which could see their stock raise within the UK alternative scene. “We recorded ‘Static Armageddon, one of my favourite songs, for both the Rock Show and The Warped Tour CD. It’s off our upcoming album. Against, who were in the week before, like they don’t see you as a smaller band. They treat all bands the same, give you
Illustration: Howard Ridgeon Words: MIan McCreery Photography: Ben Laurance
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FUSION loads of time, let you have a say into what you want to do so you feel comfortable about it.” It’s this feeling of being treated like the bigger Punk bands that shows that The Exposed’s Stock has risen since their humble begginings. The Exposed stock rising isn’t about to stop there, with added exposure due to being added on the Warped tour cd and featuring on The Rock Show, their self release in 2011 is, as Tony notes, “in recent times we’ve recently been getting more reviews from it and it seems to be really picking up due to the recent news.” It goes to show that the band know what work that they have to put in to make ripples within the music buisness. As it shows since being put on the Warped Tour they can afford to put their names on ‘Artist Vias’s.’ A visa that you have to prove that your make enough money being a artist to survive the two to three months they are willing to spend out on the Warped Tour. With this building of a UK fan base the band are due to head out on tour with Street Dogs, The Slackers, Civet and The Swinging Utters on a full UK and European tour before heading out for the Warped tour, and then? “When we get back from that, it’s back into the studio to write the album, demo it out, and record it. We’re going to either release again through our label, Up and Atom. Or up through a proper label.” It’s this full tour schedule that dedication that proves that The Exposed are here to stay and will keep slugging it out. Even taking on the pressures of releases albums through their own label. “We are just learning the ropes, learning what to do, by putting out your own album you kind of need to just not put out a album but do the background promo side of it as well.” The Exposed are a band willing to pay their dues in a music business where, “People get despondent with the amount of bands that, in a way, haven’t paid their dues, haven’t put in the practice, haven’t really dedicated themselves to it.” This is a subect that seems to piss off the lead singer of a band that are known for really pushing the bounrdaries of what a band will go through to get their music to their fans. “We sometimes drive over
12 hours a day, it gets exhausting but then it’s worth it when we see the crowd lining up to watch us play.” It’s not just bands that don’t put in the effort that p ss s off the singer. It’s people who he feels doesn’t deserve the fame. As Tony puts it, people like “Bono. He’s in a massively over rated band and is a preachy w nk r. Oh and Rebecca Black. I wish they would shut up.” F
IN THE UK IT’S HARD TO MAKE A NAME FOR YOURSELF BECAUSE WE’RE OVERSTAURATED WITH BANDS THAT DON’T PUT IN REAL WORK.
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any musicians attribute their musical talents to the riffs of the blues players. From Punk band The Clash, who took on the style of blues hero Woody Garrett, to Hip Hop kings Wu Tang Clan who said they grew up to the sounds of
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or many dancing in the sun till the early morning hours with the help of a few drinks and perhaps some mind-altering substances is what a holiday is all about. The world of music has it’s festivals all sorted out for these party goers. Outlook Festival is held for four days in September in Pula, Croatia in the ruins of an abandon beach fort. With some of the biggest names in Hip hop, Dubstep and D’n’B This is one festival that needs to be partied at. Else where, Innovation in the Sun in Barcelona is another safe bet for sun, sea, sex, drink, parties, drugs and banging music. With the worlds only Drum ‘N’ Bass water park Innovation is a sure bet for any partygoer wanting a week long festival in June. For other areas known for their wide array of dance music are the islands of Ibiza, Ayia Napa, Malaga and Zante. With clubs such as Ministry of Sound and Pasha these islands are a destination must for any hedonistic partier. Outlook festival tickets £119.00, travel on buses £145, four day camping £32. Innovation in the sun tickets from £150-£350 depending on package and accommodation. Flights from £143
B.B King. Chicago offers one of the biggest Blues festivals in June over three days boosting only the top-tier of blues musicians. Waterfront blues festival in Portland Oregon offers the best backdrop however; over 120,000 people cram on the shores of the Willamette River to listen to over 150 blues acts performing over 4 days in the summer months of July. Tennessee is a must for those wanting a holiday full of spectacular views, whiskey, and towns full of musical heritage. From Nashville to Memphis, the towns radiate in bars designed for drinking the night away to the sounds of the blues Guitar. Nashville has B.B Kings own King of Blues bar. With Memphis boosting Elvis’s Graceland home, and the home of the Gibson Guitar factory, Tennessee truly is where music began. Chicago blues festival tickets free. Flights from £550. 3 star accommodation from £52 per night. Waterfront Blues festival tickets £25. Flights from £765. 3 star accommodation from £161 per night.
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ermany is renowned for it s extreme metal roots, with some of the darkest, most extreme bands coming out of the country onto the international stage. This is the reason the Germans created Wacken Festival. Over three days the festival brings the crowd some of the most extreme metal from Children of Bodom all the way to Black metal pioneers Mayhem. If your looking for a holiday away from sunny Britain but want to discover the roots of metal but still take in some amazing views then Norway is a destination must. With a black metal history covering over 50 years, Norway is the home of the Norse Paganism religion, corpse paint, black metal murders, Satanism and church burnings. All to the backdrop of the great Northern Lights and near darkness for four months of the year, you cant get much more metal then that. f the sound of Terror, Casey Jones, Madball etc are the music that does it for you then there’s a good few festivals that may be right up your street. Iperfest is a Hardcore Festival held over three days in Belgium from August 12-14. Confirmed acts for 2011 are Comeback Kid, CDC, and Six Foot Ditch amongst others. For many the home of Hardcore/metalcore has to be the states of New York and New Jersey in the USA. Much of the metal hardcore bands around today owe there lives to bands, such as Bad Brains, Madball, Black Flag, from the late 70’s early 00’s from these two states. To see the roots of Hardcore and Punk in These cities then head down to legendary clubs of CBGB’s in New York and The Pipe like In New Jersey. Even down in the Lower East Side is the club owned and run by Travis McCoy and Pete Wentch for the utlimate Hardcore and Punk experience. Iperfest Ticket price £58.00 with camping from Iperfestival.com. Flights from £115 Flights to New York from £212. Hostels accommodation from £25.
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Wacken Tickets £165 with camping. Flights to Hamburg from £140. Flights to Norway from £140 3star accommodation from £77 per night
Words: Ian McCreery
Photography: Memphis - Tom Gallon. Innovation - Innovation in the Sun. New York - Pinzino. Wacken - Wacken Metal Festival. L.A - Andrew Atla. SXSW - SXSW
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plash! Festival in Germany is Europe’s biggest Hip-Hop, Drum and Bass and Reggae festival. Hosted on a beautiful peninsula in Bitterfield. Splash! Festival has around 40-50,000 visitors per year. Last years act ranged from Nas, Missy Elliot, WU Tang Clan amongst others proving that the Germans really do it better. Los Angels and New York. Two Cities that are saturated in Hip-Hop. So much so that East Coast New York Rapper The Notorious B.I.G had a long going, and eventual fatal feud with L.A West Coast rapper Tupac. Since these days it’s always been New York with Nas, Jay-Z, Tribe Called Quest against L.A with Dr Dre, Wu Tang Clan and The Game. Either way we all win with a brilliant array of Hip-Hop superstars and a variety of clubs in both Cities to really immerse yourself in the Hip-Hop sounds.
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t Fusion magazine we wanted to blend all genres of music together. We may one day listen to the guitar sounds of B.B King in Tennessee and then the next day raving to Plastikman in Ibiza. South By South West Festival in Austin, Texas, has the same mission statement. Therefore, if you like us want to immersh yourself in the fusion of all the genres that music can offer then get yourself to Austin, Texas The festival covers independent Indie films and mainstream cinematic releases, interactive talks with the films and music industries big names and independent names. It also boost 9 days of unrivalled music through the City of Austin. Bands from UK Punk Kings, The Gallows, to the dance sounds of Calvin Harris, SXSW has it all. Austin is a town known for being that little bit odd, and very diverse, from 8million bats flying through the city at 8pm every evening to a a town known for its spooky going ons, this festival sums it up completely, and it sums us up to. By far one of the best festivals in the world. F Tickets to South-By-South West Festival from £350. Flights from £570
Splash! Festival tickets and camping from £86 Flights from £165. Flights to New York from £212. Hostel accommodation from £25. Flights to Los Angeles £350. Hostel accommodation from £25.
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TOP MUSICIANS
WE ALL HAVE MUSIC ARTISTS THAT WE ALL BELIEVE ARE GENIUSES WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR MUSICAL TALENTS. THEY COULD HAVE REVOLUTIONISED A GENRE, BEGAN A NEW ONE OR JUST SURPASSED EVERYONE ELSE. EITHER WAY, HERE IS MY TOP MUSICIANS.
LUPE FIASCO
CASEY JONES
Lupe originally didn’t like the genre of Hip-Hop, he felt that the music was vulgar, promoted violence, and derogative to woman with excessive use of the word bitch. However, the lure of the genre got too much and Lupe ended up producing his own athems, however, he revolutionised Hip-Hop and made Hip-Hop his own. He made in influential, non-derogatory with no profanity. With tracks like ‘Kick Push’ which talks of a young mans troubles while skating is his only outlet, to ‘The Cool’ which Chronicles the death and afterlife and realization of a life wasted by a wannabe gangster, Lupe fiasco has made hip-Hop music to teach kids to, much like Nas did, just without calling himself God’s son.
Straight Edge hardcore at its finest. The band were formed as a side project away from metalcore band, ‘Evergreen Terrace’, the band never expected to actually release a full length album. Now after 8 years the band are finally calling it quits after their third successful album, and with a multitude of fans across the globe. They produced a new sound of straight edge, for a scene that seemed to be slowly dying from the lack of Straight Edge unity that was present in the days of Minor Threat. They helped to glue the scene back together and now with their work done, are bowing out on top. R.I.P Casey Jones.
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Words: Ian McCreery
Photography: Lupe Fiasco - David youdell. Casey Jones - Nicole Goodwin. Frank Turner - Tom Thrope. Dimmu Borgir - Ramoneart. AFI - Vikki SXEgrrl
Hailing from the dark land of Norway, the black metal Thrashers gathered up their apocalyptic organ sounds and crash in the alternative mainstream. Never before had a black metal band made so many headlines without burning churches, drinking blood or murdering their vocalists in the name of Satan.They revolutionised the black metal scene, by producing songs that even rock musicians could appreciate but still brutal enough for heavy black metallers to love. And who can fault a band that wrote a concept album on one mans journey throughout a medieval war, and a booklet that required a mirror to read the lyrics.
DIMMU BORGIR
FRANK TURNER
AFI
In the 60’s during the Hippy era our fathers and mothers had the sounds of Bob Dylan and others to helps protest against the war in Vietnam. In a time where there’s wars across the world, riots in major cities and an economy crisis felt throughout the world, no one has stepped up to write a protest song. Until now. With songs like “Son’s of Liberty” which directly opposes the Government, Turner is revolutionising folk music for a younger more knowledgeable generation. Frank Turner comes from Winchester town in the Southern Downs and writes folk sounds for a younger generation concerned with the rising prices in the UK.
AFI began life as an Oi! Punk band back in the early 90’s, since they have reinvented their style to follow a darker sound similar to The Misfits. They then moved to a new dark Electro sound to start producing music for the mainstream, and now a mainstream Dark Wave sound that Radio one will play. What’s more, is that while reinventing themselves none of the older fans turned their back and just embraced these new sounds as an evolution for the better. How many bands could do that? While producing 8 albums and countless EP’s and constantly touring the USA.
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FAKE BLOOD Raised on Bristol’s infamous underground club scene, I’ve always had an astute interest in bass heavy club music, with a degree in Dub-step. However when I heard electro-house classic, Mars, drop in 2009, everything changed. What was a healthy interest in electronic music turned into an outright obsession that none of my friends or family can still really understand. Maybe it’s the amazing contrast between its 90’s house influenced build up or his trademark, twisted, distortion-drenched bass lines that make me get all wide eyed and tight jawed. He still delivers on every release and in the 5 times i’ve seen him I’ll Always come away amazed!
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NOTORIOUS CASEY JONES B.I.G More than 14 years after his death, the F.B.I have recently released details regarding the murder of Christopher Wallace A.K.A Notorious B.I.G. In addition to some chilling information regarding the Los Angeles Police Department, the report went as far as to list the items that B.I.G had in his possession at the time of the shooting. This was something that really stood out to me as everything from the Timberland boots, the three Magnum condoms in his pocket and the zip-bag of weed tucked in his trousers were all so true to the Notorious picture that was painted in his “Ready to Die,” album. Notorious was one of the only rappers that really lived what he rapped and put his money where his mouth is. Juicy is about as G as it gets.
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FRANK TURNER Probably the best description of Jamie T to date, Canvas magazine describe Wimbledon’s post-punk ruffian as “the bastard lovechild of Billy Brag and Mike Skinner, doing his best Joe Strummer impression.” He’s earnt this prestigious title through making some of the most ruff-cut and impetuous poetry around today. His bluntly honest and startlingly vivid depictions of pissed up school girls, staggered punch ups, and casual adultery are part of some of the most honest reflections of growing up in British society. “Salvador,” made famous by Zane Lowes “hottest record in the world,” feature is his best example with its perversive yet relevant tale of Jamie hunting the club for skirt like a panther on the prowl.
HOWLIN’ WOLF With a voice that has been ravaged by a thousand cigarettes and a million bottles of whiskey, Howling Wolf is to me, is one of the most stand out voice of blues music. Having recorded on Chicago’s infamous Chess Records, Wolf sits along side Muddy Waters, Little Water Jacobs and Rice Miller as one of the key tastemakers of the highly influential 1950’s Blues movement. Back Door man was subsequently covered by the Doors featuring on their first album,
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Words: Matt Riches Photography: Fake blood - Blasthaus. Notorious B.I.G - Mohamed Kamara. Jamie T - Danielle Wahlen. Howlin’ Wolf - Kevin Dooley
JAMIE T
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REVIEWS
FRANK OCEAN (Self Release)
WORDS: IAN MCCREARY MATT RICHES PICTURES: BANDS OWN
C.D
FRANK OCEAN
RADIOHEAD
Naustalgia,ULTRA
King of Limbs
PANDA BEAR
FRANK TURNER
Tom Boy
Rock ‘N’ Roll EP
G HOSTFACE KILLAH
THE DREADNOUG HTS
Apollo Kids
Polka is not Dead
SEBASTIAN
THE KILLS
Embody
Blood Pressures
JESSIE J
SYLOSIS
Who You Are
Edge of the Earth
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Hailing from hip-hops gleefully hedonistic O.F.W.G.K.T.A tribe, Frank Ocean’s Ultra Naustalgia is unsurprisingly shrouded in controversy. With a self release that saw him publicly demonise his own label Def Jam, Frustrated by Ocean completely undermined the heavy weight label by releasing Naustalga, Ultra for free download, having handled everything from the production to the art work. However, despite the trademark angst that comes with O.F, the albums unique blend of emotional funk and hazy psychedelia, sets him far apart from the crews notorious reputation, instead offering a sincere account of adolescent love and heartbreak in an emotional rollercoaster that explores everything from losing your virginity to coping with loss.
THE KILLS (Domino Records)
Alison “VV” Mossheart is the dirtiest girl in rock. Everything she touches turns to a bluey grunge thud that can easily be identified on any Dead Weather, Discount and Kills track. For the Kills fourth effort since their critically acclaimed “Keep on your mean side,” in 2003, things haven’t changed as the band continue to create a locomotive buzz rock that takes foot tapping blues into the darkest corners of the basement. Singles “Satellite,” and … are particularly notable with Alison’s provocative vocals and Jamie Hince’s dirty gain guitar are heard best
FUSION PANDA BEAR (Self Release)
After a number of years touring with experimental supergroup, Animal Collective, the act’s prolific frontman, Noah Lennox, A.K.A Panda bear, has finally turned his fourth solo project: Tom Boy. In a departure from his trademark sound, Lennox has taken an intricate guitar and rhythm approach that is unlikely to alienate fans. However, whilst his reverb-drentched sound remains at the forefront of his phsycadelic sound, Lennox’s ambient native samples and sweeping electronica, work well with his ambient vocal harmonies and pretty, repetitive melodies.
SEBASTIAN (Ed Banger)
A surprisingly poppy tune for a man who is famous for his piercing distortion drenched samples and pupil dialating basslines, SebastiAn’s single, Embody, is a hook laden electrofunk tune that has seen him move from a heavy weight club banger aficinado to a key pioneer of the famous Ed Banger sound. An L.P cut off his upcoming Total album on said label, SebastiAn is a fundamental part of the greatly anticipated rebirth of French electro that has seen Justice and Daft Punk pen highly anticipated releases for later this year.
RADIOHEAD (Self Release) The great thing about Radiohead is their unfailing ability to completely re-invent their sound from album to album whilst always evoking that categorical Radiohead benchmark. From stadium rock to ambient choruses of layered electronica, the bands exigent attitude has even seen the group attempting to re-invent the way we buy music. Saying this, it’s no surprise that bands eighth album see’s the groups abandonment of their honesty-box pricing model, however, despite this, their latest outing still finds them using their authority to manipulate the traditions around how we would normally consume music. With eight tracks spread across only 37 minutes, The King Of Limbs is by far one of Radioheafds shortest albums, more interestingly falling at a midpoint between a full-length album and an EP, that moves away from Radioheads only consistent promise of a long-play record. Reflecting this ideal, King of Limbs is almost split in two. The first half is a percussive slant that consists of stilted, jerky drive, Africa marimba grooves and jazz principles, whilst tracks Codex to Separator, are an ambient soundscapes comprising of that use underground dub grooves that provide a fitting backdrop for Tom Yorkes ethereal voice.
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C.D REVIEWS
Continued... Words: Ian McCreery
ISKALD (Indie Recordings)
One of the best things about this band and about this album is that this is not just a brilliant Norwegian black metal outfit, but the album is entirely written but two brothers. From drums, guitars, bass and vocals, nothing is played by anyone else but these two. Granted for tours they bring in a backing band to play the drums etc, but to record and wrote a whole album with two people is insane, but to produce one that is just this good is nigh on impossible, but they did it.
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JESSIE J (Lava)
After the massive hype of ‘Do it like a dude’ Jessie J was hyped up to be the next best thing in music. Jessie has amazing talent, an amazing voice, but with this album I really don’t think that she is the next big thing, she’s different and she’s catchy but the songs really aren’t that good. The lyrics eventually descend into the typical cliche R’n’B songs, on how we are all the same. This isn’t a bad album by all means but it really isn’t that good either.
GHOSTFACE KILLAH (DEF JAM)
G.K is one of the leading members of iconic rap crew Wu Tang Clan and this is another one of his solo albums and even without the major backing of his crew he can still produce an amazing solo album. ‘2getherbaby’ is one the most listened to tracks from the album and has done the rounds on the mainstream circuit, and is easily one of the best. G.K has gone back to his soul sounding roots and is hot on Kanye West’s newest album and has the best chance at taking his Hip-Hop crown.
FUSION SYLOSIS (Nuclear Blast)
It’s been three years since the Berkshire Metallers released their first studio album, ‘Conclusion of an age’, onto the Metal world. Since then there have been two new vocalists and now shredder Josh Middleton has taken up the vocal duties while continuing his onslaught on the guitar. It’s a risky move moving to vocals but with new found influences in Bay Area Thrash, Pink Floyd and other Progessive Rock bands, Sylosis have released a pretty good follow up to their successful album. It’s raw, its epic, it’s British Metal near it’s best, Big year for Sylosis.
THE DREADNOUGHTS (Stomp Records)
Song’s about cider, pub whores, sailing the sea, and generally acting like a pirate doesn’t sound like the best album, and also a bit Johnny Depp/Pirates of the Caribbeanish but believe me this album has got to be one of the best of 2011 and it’s only April! From the go this punk/folk outfit destroy your speakers with fast, punk tunes that just actually make you want to drink a jug of Rum and Jig while sailing the ocean. They even manage to slow it down for ‘Randy-dandy-oh’ and make you realise they are just musical geniuses.
FRANK TURNER (Xtra Mile Recordings)
A third EP from the Winchester based musician and he’s gone back to his roots after a semi-disappointing album. Even though Poetry of the Deed had its epics songs it still only had half an album of great songs. This EP puts Frank back onto the map. 2010’s festivals had Frank Turner at the helm and one new song that he released was ‘I still believe’ which quickly became a festival favourite and was sung out through the thousands. That’s a good place to start for the EP, it’s the first song in the EP and it’s a brilliant song and it takes you into a brilliant EP. The EP took a while to be released but it’s so worth it, and it has you licking your lips at the thought of Turners coming back to the festival circuit and the new album which is to be released in June, titled ‘England, keep my bones.’ The opening song gives thanks to the kings of Rock n Roll from Elvis to Johnny Cash, who helped to pave the way for the new kings of Rock n Roll like the UK’s Frank Turner. The album then slows down after the riveting ‘I still believe’, to songs that are perfect for the long gap in between albums of Turner songs. This EP shows that Rock n Roll is still alive and kicking in the UK and the leader of the march is Frank Turner.
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Bring The Noise Festival Reading Face Bar April 9th 2011
TRC, Unlucky for Some, Heart in Hand Heart in Hand: Being at a indoor, all day festival starts to take its toll on the crowd after a while and it helps to have the top main bands be ones that can hold the crowd. The line up looked like it could do the job, however, HIH walked on stage it looked like we could be in for a good show but once the aging (though not in his own head) lead singer, Charlie Holmes of Trigger the Bloodshed fame, opened his mouth it was more of a feeling that we have seen this all before and we had passed it by very quickly indeed. Unlucky for Some: They may have had a better chance at stirring up the crowd then Heart in Hand, being that the UFS crew come from the mean streets of Reading. It might also be the fact that they seemed genuinely happy to be there, genuinely pissed off at the world, and wanted to show the crowd exactly how much they meant all the fucks and curses. They stormed on to the stage, smashing into song “Memories never fade” a song about the failings of past friendships, being stabbed in the back and what they convince as a pretentious Reading Metal/Hardcore scene. They certain tally don’t care who they piss off, because “they don’t need fake friends!” according to lead singer Phil Hills. By the looks of things they really don’t with the fan base that they have already.
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Words: Ian McCreery
Images: JulesisDead
TRC: These boys are a band that I have been following for over six years now; they have been around for many many years in the London Hardcore scene. Five years ago they played a show, but had to come on first as they were all on tags for various offences. Since then they got over past ‘troubles’ shall we say, got a few more members, got rid of some others and have out of no way exploding out of the London Hardcore backdrop on the main stage of the UK and even International Hardcore scene. It only took them nearly ten years. Even though they have a new selection of songs they don’t forget the older ones that put them on the map, playing songs like “Southwest Kings” and “London’s Greatest Love Story.” The fans react well to the old-school Rap Hardcore mix of yesterday and dive all over the stage for a chance to sing along with the London crew, but the biggest reaction comes when the play biggest track “Define Cocky.” With heads, fists, feet and every other body object you can think of flying all over the place it’s easy to see that TRC will be stealing the show tonight. They finish off and thank the fans before leaving the crowd begging for more. The way a band should play.
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Tinie Tempah
Words: Matt Riches
Photography: Proximusgoformusic
Southampton Guildhall Febuary 28th 2011 Support: Katy B Katy B: Warming up the crowd tonight for the tiny rapper is dubstep Queen Katy B. She took the UK charts by storm with he epic chart busting song Katy on a mission. It’s obvious that tonight she’s going to get a warm reception from the awaiting crowd. She only played in Southampton about four months ago in Oceana but with the support of Tinie Tempah she is able to pull in the crowds still. Coming on to her epic track Katy on a Mission she completely has the crowd capitvated, which is a feat in itsself considering shes supporting Tempah. You could imagine she wouldn’t get the best of receptions considering the crowd really want to see Tinie Tempah but the young girl holds in it her stride releases track after track of pure dance dubstep goodness which has the crowd dancing along like maniacs. It’s a great show for the young girl, exspically when after her last track the crowd actually beg for more rather then calling for the main reason their there to hurry up andget on stage. Katy B has been slugging away at this for only a couple of years, but she has worked extremely hard and it seems to have paid off when shes putting on support shows like this. Six more months and she will be headlining the Guildhall all on her own.
Tinie Tempah: What kind of reception do you reckon a man that sings the lines, “I’ve been to Southampton but I’ve never been to Scunthrope” going to get? when one of your biggest songs to date, and the song that made you a household name, has the name of the town you performing in in it, well your sure to get a hero’s reception. That’s exactly what Tinie Tempah got. All the way through his set his had the crowd surging forward, climbing over peoples shoulders, crowd surfing, singing along just like it was a full blown metal festival. It’s a rare sight to see a mosh pit for a UK Grime/Hip-Hop artist. For 75 minutes Tinie Tempah had the crowded dancing along and captivated with his style of hip-Hop, grown from the British Isles for the British hip-hop kids. If anyone was to doubt that the hype about the young Hiphop star was certainly quietened tonight with his stage show and pure exciting rap style. Tinie Tempah put on one of the best shows I’ve ever seen and obviously left his Southampton mentioning song til last. It had the desired effect with the crowd going insane at the mention of their town. Brilliant!
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Images: Matt Vogel
Frank Turner
Words: Ian McCreery
So you’re playing the Reading and Leeds festivals again this year. and Download for the first time. Are you excited to play a new festival? F.T:” It’s always exciting to play a new festival, epically one as big as download and on the mainstage. Reading, however, is where my heart is as I always used to go as a kid not being to far from there.” Excited about releasing your new album? F.T: “Can’t wait. ‘England, Keep my bones’ is the name of the new one. Out June 6th just in time for all the festivals.” You’ve been considered somewhat of a protest songwriter. Do you agree? F.T:” I’m not at all. I just write songs. I’m into rationalism and fact.” What artists should we be keeping our eyes on? F.T:”My good friend, Ben Marwood from Reading.” What’s next for Frank Turner? F.T:”I’m touring the UK in May and most venues have already sold out then release the album then it’s festival time. Good times.” Any last words? F.T:”Always believe in Rock ‘n’ Roll. Always believe.”
FOR FEST SHOWS, READING IS WHERE MY HEART LIES.
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FRANK TURNERS NEW ALBUM ‘ENGLAND, KEEP MY BONES’ IS RELEASED JUNE 6TH 2011 IN ALL GOOD RECORD STORES
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