RAW Magazine by Danielle Morris

RAW

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RAW

Spring/summer 2014

CONTENTS 18 22 24 25 26 28 30 33 36 42 46 70 76 78 82 83

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THE CHANGING FACES OF FITNESS BY DANIELLE MORRIS MEAT IS MURDER, SOMETIMES BY DANIELLE MORRIS BE INSPIRED BY DANIELLE MORRIS Coco loco by danielle morris STAY SHARP AND BE STRONG BY DANIELLE MORRIS rAW REVIEW: THE FIVE DAY DETOX BY DANIELLE MORRIS THE BODY COACH BY DANIELLE MORRIS RAW FITNESS: KARA GLEN BY DANIELLE MORRIS RUNNING UP A STORM BY DANIELLE MORRIS a cornish dream BY DANIELLE MORRIS WELCOME TO PARADISE BY DANIELLE MORRIS A LONDON THING BY DANIELLE MORRIS FIT BY GREEN BY DANIELLE MORRIS STAYING ON TRACK BY DANIELLE MORRIS nEW EYES, FRESH VIBES BY DANIELLE MORRIS RY X BY DANIELLE MORRIS

RAW

Spring/summer 2014

Editors’ Letter Raw fitness, raw sounds, real people

photography danielle morris and bel moretti, Stylist danielle Morris photographers assistant sophie gallimore, model annie at w athletic

Life allows you to make the best of yourself. Sustaining health is of the upmost importance, whilst maintaining a level of fitness awakens our active souls. The power is in your hands; it’s time to concentrate on what really matters, and how you should live in order to get the best out of your life. By starting out young, it means you have the best head start, so don’t waste your chance at living the good life. This issue of RAW asks you to step away from your busy life and ask – why not now? While it may not be realistic to take hours upon hours out of each day to spend in the gym, there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t take the rest of your precious life to nourish, rejuvenate and improve your body.

Before starting this issue, I made sure I was to explore every street, nook and cranny in search for the best versions of reality to feature in RAW. With a concentrated search for the real people that have the power to inspire us, RAW has found those who truly capture the essence of today. Whether it’s a trip to the local gym, a twenty minute high-intensity workout, or a brisk walk to the tube, we all need to get out there to live, refresh and recharge; we have to find our very own pictures to store in our minds of what it means to be happy and healthy. Time is of the essence, and it’s time to begin your journey now. Happy Training! Danielle.

Contributors andy laas, Bare minerals, Bel Moretti, inspiral, Jo dennison, joseph Wicks, nakd, Nike, pip, Parkour generations, stay sharp and be strong, SAMANTHA MILLIGAN.

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All rights reserved. For educational purposes only. RAW is a stage three BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism project and has no commercial value.© No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from the publishers. 2014 BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism, University of the Creative Arts Epsom. The views expressed in SINK are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the course, its staff or the University of the Creative Arts at Epsom. These parties cannot be held responsible for them.

INTRODUCTION

THE WORLD IS IN A CONSTANT STATE OF FLUX.STAY NIMBLE. KEEP MOVING.

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it’s gym time Nike .5L Water Bottle £5 Nike Duffel Bag £35 Nike towell £22 Nike+ FuelBand SE £129 Beats by Dr.Dre £119.99 Nike Armband £25 Nike Zoom Trainer £70

it’s snack time CO YO Natural Coconut milk yogurt £1.99 Bounce Almond Natural Energy Protein Ball £1.79 Nakd Berry Bar £0.99 Coconut and Cashew Quest protein bar £2.79 Vita Coco water £1.69 Bear Nibbles Mango Yoyo £0.60 RAW Hemp and Flax Snack £3.19 Inspiral Chocolatey Superfood Bites £1.39 Inspiral Kale Chips £2.19

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8. 2.

3. 7.

10.

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1. Bare Minerals Cleanser £15 2. Bare Minerals Biolucent £39 3. Dr. Jackson Melt £10 4. Naturalman Toner £5.99 5. Origins Face Oil £38 6. Origins Lip Balm £12 7. Pukka Serum £32 8. Hurraw Lip £3.99 Clinique Superdefence Moisuriser £20 10. Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask £22.

on the run

3. 2. 5.

3. 8.

6. 4. 1. Nike Vapor Cyclone Packable £80 2. Nike Dri-FIT Touch Breeze Stripe Short-Sleeve £28 3. Nike Modern Tempo £25 4.Nike Free 3.0 Flyknit £125 5. Nike+ SportWatch GPS £149 6. Nike Epic Run Printed £60 7. Nike Elastic £8 8. Nike Element £55

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1. Nike Elite Anti-Blister Lightweight OTC £30 2. Nike Dri-FIT Touch Tailwind Striped £33 3. Nike Hurricane £85 4.Nike+ SportWatch GPS £149 5. Nike 28cm Phenom Two-in-One £40 6. Nike Tech £43 7.Nike Free 3.0 Flyknit £125 8. Nike Dri-FIT Sprint Full-Zip £80

THE CHANGING FACES OF FITNESS SOMETIMES WE JUST HAVE TO ACCEPT DEFEAT, JOIN THE CROWD AND PICK UP THE WEIGHTS. WORDS DANIELLE MORRIS

Gone are the days of Jane Fonda swanning around wearing nothing but spandex and pink leg warmers. This is the woman who made working out and sweating like a pig look feminine. We all remember the image of our mothers hopelessly standing in front of the TV wearing a pair of Hi-Tecs and a spandex suit - hopelessly waiting to be transformed into bodybuilding bikini competitors. This is all whilst expecting to adopt the ‘empowering faces of femininity’ look. Perhaps that’s just it, we are so bowled over by the apparent end result of this home workout that we forget to actually evaluate the reality of the situation. Firstly, you’re in your front room and secondly, you don’t have the stamina, endurance or even the desire to actually break a sweat. You hope that buying this home workout and attempting to compete with this woman (who has the fitness levels of a young greyhound), probably isn’t going to give you the results that the 1982 VHS tape promised. How times change.

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Fast forward to a time where seventy-five of the female population within reality TV have tried and tested (and tried again) their fame with the release of at least one fitness DVD. Yes, we’ve witnessed the rise and fall of many TV stars’ attempts to shed the weight, and then promptly pile it all back on again after firing their personal trainers for being too hard on them. What is it about mainstream TV stars and their infatuation with fitness as soon as they leave the Big Brother house, are in-between series of MTV’s Geordie Shore, or get killed off on Eastenders? Today as it stands, a new much-needed light has been shed on the ferociously popular realm of health and fitness.“We are finally learning the true benefits of health and how certain foods and exercise regimes can create a beautiful balance in our body,” says Lifestyle Guru Nikki Sharp. Having thankfully overcome previous fitness qualms of too much spandex and very little actual movement, it is a period that embraces all elements of the healthy body.

Moral panics such as the ‘Waif’ era of extreme dieting, androgynous exteriors and the size zero that we once fantasised about, have all been subtly dropped in the trash along with Fonda’s workout. “I do like that skinny is no longer being promoted because it has no message on health,” admits Nikki. With a magnetic like force, contemporary culture has embraced the mantra that it is actually quite cool to be fit, hip to be healthy and trendy to be a little quirky in the diet department.“It’s just cool to be fit now, it’s cool to be on a crossfit team, and the Olympics have played a major part in this,” says The Body Coach, Joseph Wicks. Working in conjunction with one another since the 2012 London Olympics - which saw the likes of Stella McCartney joining forces with Adidas to cheer on team GB - the fashion industry has been the glue in which moulds this perfect duo together. Even better, it officially adopted the notion that fashion is fitness, and vice versa.

Yes it’s OK to wear your Nike Free’s with your vintage Levis, it’s normal to post selfies of yourself flexing in the gym toilet mirror, it is acceptable to upload every pre and post-workout meal, and of course it is absolutely crucial that you let the world know that you’re going to the gym. We all know at least one person who likes to let their Facebook friends, Twitter followers and Instagram fans know that they have just smashed leg day at the gym. What makes it ever so slightly ridiculous is that it has become something that we now expect from today’s modern gym junkie, who is equipped with social media as their primary bragging device. Whether we roll our eyes at the continuous threads of gym related status’ or whether we too ‘check-in’ at our local Virgin Active to prove that we train, it’s something that social media has made impossible for us to ignore.

From the yummy mummies to the ‘strong not skinny’ girls who can’t decide which colour Nike Pro shorts to squat/ flaunt in. And then there are the serious competitors and the wannabe bodybuilders - commonly engulfed in a pair of Dr.Dre headphones, usually found hanging around the lat pull-down machine. The fitness stereotypes are endless. Regardless of whether we fall into these categories or not, it doesn’t change the fact that the majority of us think we are equipped fitness professionals just because we exercise regularly. The ‘Fitness Guru’, ‘Lifestyle professional’ and ‘Health Coach’ jobs we have pulled from thin air, awarded to ourselves and stuck in any tagline possible, is a prime example of this. Whilst fitness continues to be popular within its various forms, it means we have whitnessed the rise and fall of many trends.

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From 80s aerobic videos, to fashionable fitness workouts such as Zumba (otherwise known as vividly shimmying to Latin Rhythms). And who can forget the death by cycle, formerly known as Spinning? But with each new year, comes new weird and wonderful trends – take SUP yoga for instance: featuring a stand-up paddleboard and a lot of strange balancing. This year, a particular focus on body fat and the want to reduce it all costs, has been a predominant craze. In October, the American College of Sports Medicine predicted that H.I.I.T (high-intensity interval training – the ultimate fat burner) would be 2014’s top fitness trend. For those who have just discovered the benefits of food groups that aid muscle growth and repair such as protein, the want to acquire washboard abs remains the current ideal amongst both genders.

With that in mind, comes the dynamic duo of eating clean and training mean. Fitness, nutrition and wellness expert Christine Bullock describes clean eating as a simple concept based on eating foods in their purest form, and suggests that it’s trending in response to our need for better health. With health being our priority this year, eating wholesome and unprocessed food seems just about the only way to go about our diet and what’s more, it’s cool to do so. Typically, this process has paved the way for the celebration of diets such as Vegan (everyone wants to be a Vegan) and Gluten-free (including those who don’t suffer from coeliac illness). It’s also introduced some seriously strange dietary habits amongst us health-lovers - with the invention of words such as ‘Flexitarianism’, we are now able to categorise ourselves into being half-Vegetarian, if we wanted to.

It comes as no surprise that the males are busy shredding for the summer season, but the emphasis on the female body image since previous years, has shifted considerably. “Every girl has an ideal of how they like to look whatever it may be. The focus should be on girls being fit and healthy and not falling into a stereotype. Being fit, healthy and happy brings out confidence in people,” says Sasha Green, CEO of Fit By Green. As ever, body image and the current aesthetics of fitness goes hand In hand within each fitness trend: “Super, super skinny is not what people are looking for anymore, they want muscle tone,” explains Donna Cyrus, SVP of programming for Crunch fitness. A healthy body is the new focus, which is being embraced by those that desire a healthy lifestyle. A positive message for those who once aspired to be thin, but is the celebration of muscularity, made-up diets and strange forms of exercise merely setting yet another ideal?

MEAT IS MURDER, SOMETIMES

The lists of modern diets are endless, but with the help of a flexible diet like the Flexitarian, it’s eating made easier. WORDS DA N I E L L E M O R R I S PH OTO G RA P HY D AN I E L L E M OR R I S For many of us, our lives revolve around food. Admittedly, this is partially to do with the fact that we do need it to survive, to put it bluntly. But most of the time, it’s there and it’s about as subtle as a talking pizza. We’re forever thinking, “What am I going to make for dinner?” whilst sat eating our breakfast of zero fat Greek yogurt, finished with a warm berry compote. We tend to plan our days around going out to eat. Whether it’s a general lunch date in the hottest new vegan eatery, or a busy day in the city that ends in catching a quick bite in a quirky café. Lets face it, food is - and always will be - great substance for any dull conversation, a safe option for the basis of a date, and not forgetting that it takes up the majority of daytime TV. With enough cooking programmes to rival a large Continent, it’s no wonder we’re so obsessed with it However, things are not all bad when we join forces and decide to ‘turn over a new leaf’ (usually at the beginning of every new year, when we’re desperate to diminish any memory of the alarming amount of food we managed to consume over Christmas break). Whilst some are partial to the grease-ridden array of delicacies on offer to us – the fried chicken shop, kebab house and the Chinese takeaway down the road - it seems as if we are finally making a conscious effort to keep the urge to consume these unhealthy foods at bay..

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This is usually overcome by allowing ourselves to indulge only on what we consider to be treat days (this is when we agree to eat an entire weeks worth of calories, but it’s OK because it boosts the metabolism). But whilst we are making a conscious effort to cut out the fat intake from our diets, we are forced to ponder the long list of dietary options we can now follow. With this, comes the difficult and extremely confusing chore of deciding what to actually eat, and what diet to start. Who knew that a simple thing like feeding yourself could become so problematic? But this year, it’s all about looking good, feeling healthy and partaking in some sort of quirky diet. From gluten, dairy and wheat-free, to Paleo, the 5:2, plant-based, to eventually the dreaded ‘V’ word - Vegan. And it doesn’t stop there; behold the introduction to Flexitarianism. According to British Dietetic Association (BDA), many of us will follow the ‘Flexitarian Diet’. This focuses on cutting back on main protein sources such as meat, and follows a vegetarian diet that allows you to “eat meat on occasion,” says BDA’s Sioned Quirke. With the number of vegetarians in Britain set to “increase by half in two years”, it’s no wonder the virtually-vegan bug has spread like a bad case of swine flu. Plant-based/raw food/ vegan lover and Lifestyle Guru Nikki Sharp, embraces this new phenomenon and insists she is a ‘firm believer’ in all diets that promote small amounts of protein. Whilst it seems as if just about everyone on the planet is on some strange made-up diet that cuts down on the intake of major food groups, others like to keep it simple. Obsessed with “teaching people that cooking and getting lean isn’t as hard as they think,” personal trainer Joe Wicks, known as ‘The Body Coach’ is “waging a war against fast food and fad diets”. As a firm believer of healthy eating and determined to “reveal the truth to people about nutrition”, Joe’s approach has caused quite the stream of followers via his social networking accounts, where he posts daily videos of his ‘lean in 15’ meals. Joe admits he gets upset when he hears stories about girls surviving off a mere one thousand calories a day and believes this needs to change. With an increased awareness of healthy eating amongst the general public, one thing has become abundantly clear; it’s cool to eat healthy. Whether your flexi, plantbased, vegan or carnivore, it’s goodbye to the frozen meals stashed away in your freezer and hello to healthy fats, lean protein and complex carbohydrates. Although the lists of food possibilities are endless, this sudden diversion in healthy eating has got ‘fashion’ written all over it, but it’s about time we became aware of the positive effects of our diet, so perhaps it's not such a bad thing?

Be inspired Bringing the inspiral life to the heart of our capital.

As a space which hosts music, art and poetry performances, the venue also has a built in DJ booth which comes alive of an evening. The neon lights and dance music humming in the background as you enjoy the vegan delights, sparks a sense of immense skill and creativity that encapsulates a prime location that is popular amongst Camden locals. As an attractive venue that caters for all times of the day, inSpiral draws in a diverse mixture of visitors. Of course what would any cool London café be without a twenty-something who is far too independent for the culturally-sheltered mainstream consumer? In other words, it’s perfect for hipsters who like to talk vintage and progressive politics over a cup of alternative coffee. In addition, tucked away in a small corner you will usually find a bookworm, a young professional, or a flamboyant American tourist who utilises inSpiral’s free wifi and chilled atmosphere, to reveal how they’ve found a ‘real cute spot’ via their Skype session. inSpiral is a refreshing combination of creatively spectacular food and unique inventions, a hub for those who are fashionably forward foodies and for those who dare to wonder over to the dark side that is healthy eating. What’s more, it’s among one of the first venues in London to boast an organic bar with organic cocktails and organic beer on tap. It is simply a go-to for the modern daredevil.

COCO LOCO iT’S OFFICIAL; WE’VE GONE COCONUT CRAZY

Packed with healthy fats, which enables us to feel fuller for longer by providing high-quality calories, coconuts have got it all. “Coconuts have gained new fame, and for good reason,” says James Duigan, founder of Bodyism and author of the ‘Clean & Lean’ diet books. “The saturated fats from medium-chain triglycerides help your body to burn fat, boost energy, and increase good cholesterol.” But why today, does coconut stand out as one of the top ‘superfoods’, despite it being extremely high in saturated fat? Due to modern science technology, we have officially been able to unveil the truth behind the raw nutrient powerhouse. With it being virtually unmatched throughout nature, it’s impossible to ignore its greatness. Yes it may be high in fat, but due to the modern outlook on ‘good fats’ and the realisation that not all fat is bad for us, high-fat superfoods such as coconuts, triggers weight loss whilst protecting the body from viruses and bacteria. As this raw superfood continues to benefit, nourish and hydrate, it’s time to celebrate the coconut in more ways than one, have you got yours yet?

words danielle morris

words danielle morris inSpiral is impossible to define in one word, or even a sentence. It’s not strictly a restaurant, nor is it just a bar, a take-away or a café. Like a rose in-between the thorns of an abundance of fast-food options along Camden high street, this quirky establishment offers the ultimate unique experience. Presenting all things that challenge mainstream culture and the obvious dietary habits of buying waffles and crepes from the stall next door, inSpiral offers a mixture of raw, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, soya-free, and anything else you can think of-free. It’s perfect for the health conscious and for those who love anything to do with plantbased products and ‘cheesecakes’ made from cashew nuts. Situated beside Camden Lock with boasting canal views, it’s a place you can sit, eat and chill for hours. Although there may be some awkward shuffling around the small venue to get close to the window that overlooks the water, all is worthwhile once you finally bag the seat with a special view. You simply learn to ignore the strange looks you receive from other diners who have watched you move tables at least three times.

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Within the last year, coconut water has become highly important as it has worked it’s way up to the top of many weekly shopping lists. We know it’s good for us, and we enjoy it. But recently, we’ve been going a little coconut -crazy. With the water momentarily cast aside, the health benefits of the meat, butter and oil are being flaunted too. Once they were the exotic snack we would only see strategically placed on top of a fruit bowl whilst abroad, and now they are everywhere. Once they were the unusual fruit that women would sell across the sandy beaches of Hawaii, and now they’re being sold as part of a snack box in Sainsbury’s, and topping the shelves in health stores all over the UK. The craze was triggered by the coconut water, which promotes ultimate hydration and weight loss. Following this, we have been confronted with coconut milk, yoghurt, ice cream, flour and oil, which can be used in cakes, muffins and pancakes as a healthy alternative to those sweet treats. Is there anything that coconuts can’t do?

Stay Sharp, Be Strong

Colorado’s finest Supermodel-turned Health Guru embraces life through the lens of her past, and her colourful future. WORDS DANIELLE MORRIS P H O T O G R A P H Y S TAY S H A R P & B E S T R O N G

A mammoth surge of transformation pictures with enough hash tags to rival the size of a small country, ‘Nikki Sharp’s 5 day detox’, is the hashtag of all hashtags. With her fan base growing and her book sales rapidly increasing, it’s about time we got to know about the success behind one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2014. “In this culture of ever increasing stress, obesity and less time for ourselves, people are starting to realise something drastic needs to happen,” reveals the star. With a regime of yoga one-two days, HIIT two days a week and lifting weights the other three, we can’t help but wonder how Nikki Sharp has the time to be sharing her words of wisdom,let alone being perfect, writing her own books and distributing them all across the world. Graduating with a BA in Communications and Journalism at the age of twenty, and now CEO of her own company ‘Stay Sharp & Be Strong’, twenty-five year-old Nikki Sharp has gained an extraordinary assortment of proficiency. Boulder, Colorado, is home to where her impressive upbringing combination took place. With an Olympian mother, well-known rock climbing father, and a body building stepfather, this family tree was sure to blossom with success. Whilst being a commercial model at the age of sweet sixteen, moving to LA at just nineteen and a current fan base of over 200,000, it’s safe to say Nikki has tasted and licked the spoon of the good life. After being the face of countless campaigns, she has officially swapped fashion for food, the runway for the treadmill and her Louboutins for her beloved Nikes. But Nikki is currently concentrating on being happy and healthy, and has ‘taken a break’.

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A firm believer that the key to happiness is purely the food we consume, Nikki says “it’s amazing how changing your diet, exercising and thinking positive thoughts can make you feel happy and healthy.” Determined to inflict her positive philosophy on others, Nikki believes “it is far more important to think positively and nourish your body with nutrient dense foods than it is to solely focus on squatting to get a bum”. Passionate, modest and a sucker for an endorphin rush, this Lifestyle Guru proves how she didn’t end up being just another attention grabbing child star with an ego bigger than her entourage. When you picture a 5’9” size eight previous international model with flowing blonde locks matched with piercing blue eyes, you feel a certain amount of hatred boil inside before you even meet the person. But Nikki appears to be as down to earth as they come; it just so happens that she has been graced with such beauty inside and outside. But how did she become so grounded when surrounded by the celebrity lifestyle? Nikki explains how a moment of clarity changed her life. “When I used to do shoots, I would always think why am I getting paid so much money for this? It’s not benefiting anyone,” She reveals. Despite this, she admits that her modelling career was an extremely beneficial part of her life journey. “Now I see that the modelling allowed me to gain so much experience into how people live, what they to want to be and how to tie the two together”. Through her celebrity status that has dramatically increased via social media, she describes the transition from fashion model to role model as an interesting journey. Growing up as a normal child, Nikki explains how she had no interest in health and fitness beyond sports. “I had no issues with food and it was only when I started modelling internationally that I realised how food and exercise really affected your body.” After only leaving the industry a year ago, the twenty-five year-old began the healing process of “trying to become healthy, rather than skinny”. Following this, Miss Sharp turned to social networking site Instagram to track her own progress and provide self-motivation, unknown to the fact she was creating an account that would attract a fan base of over fifty thousand within hours. After starting her company Stay Sharp Be Strong over a year ago, Nikki set a goal to help as many people as she could to get healthy. And of course her kindness did not end there. She only went on to share her own detox diet with the rest of the world. “My five day detox became a worldwide hit very quickly, it’s what I’m known for.” It’s also a detox that actually involves consuming real food; yes you heard it here first. Nikki is a far cry from the young woman who battled with eating disorders throughout her career within the competitive world of modelling. Despite the time it has taken, she has learned that treating her body with respect is more important than how it looks. Finally she believes she is a healthy role model, although doesn’t agree with certain tendencies of other role models. “It really annoys me when celebrities say they don’t want to be role models and are photographed smoking joints,” she admits. Businesswoman, joint-hater and allround fabulous person, Miss Sharp’s next plan is to create her own clothing line. Is she set to own the runway, and not just walk it?

RAW REVIEW:

THE FIVE DAY DETOX WORDS DANIELLE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY DANIELLE MORRIS It’s day one. I’m sitting in my bed mulling over the recipe book with only one thing on my mind; am I really going to do this? I trundle downstairs and make myself a lemon and hot water, something that has never really excited me. The thought has always made me feel quite queasy. Alas, I drink the hot drink. My stomach rumbles, the thought of my high-carbohydrate breakfast filling me with both excitement and dread. I measure the 100g of fresh berries, and count the twelve almonds; the lump in my throat forming as I stir my rolled oats and cinnamon. Us students tend to adopt a bad reputation when we embark on the final leg of our journey towards adulthood. I’m referring to the constant flow of alcohol, the incessant going out, and the nights that result in returning with a box full of fried food from the local chicken shop. And not forgetting the sheer laziness of students, usually taking place in the lounge when you and your housemates are glued to the TV watching continuous episodes of Come Dine With Me. But underneath all the façade of the detrimental drinking and the temporary bad diet, some of us take pride in the way we look and present ourselves.

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During school, we were all fit. fifty percent of us because we were haunted by the P.E. teachers bellowing our names out as they make their way down the register, and the other fifty genuinely quite liked sport. But life really starts after school, when you no longer have the teachers barking at you, forcing you to attend their lessons and participate in extra curricular activities. It is all too easy to slip out of that routine and succumb to the typical life of a college student who has newly discovered college parties and underage drinking. Sadly, this mantra remains for a couple of years. Between the ages of seventeen and nineteen, why would you want to exercise or do anything remotely healthy, when you have access to nightclubs that sell sugar-filled alcopops?

Little did I know, it was only going to get worse. The daunting realisation was here; University was just around the corner, and I still hadn’t worked out how to use a washing machine. Aside from the few hiccups of indulging in takeaways and sugary snacks, the first year of further education was nothing but an eye opener. Finally admitting that the scales weren’t just having an off day, the student lifestyle was evidently taking its toll. After two years of virtually handing myself over to the gym whilst maintaining an extremely strict diet, I needed a change. From juicing to Paleo, I was the girl who was willing to try anything. And this is why I’m here, ready and not-so willing to try out this new epitome of health. The greatest thing about the five day detox is that you feel like you don’t stop eating, which is always a positive. Usually, the idea of a plant-basedvirtually-vegan diet is a little daunting to a dedicated carnivore like myself, but with a variation of meals throughout each day, it doesn’t feel too repetitive. I’m on my third day and I’ve only had lentils once.

Ok, so it may be a little pricey as you consume a years worth of berries within the space of five days, but this is why it’s only recommended once a month or so. After taking a few days to adjust to the array of complex carbohydrates (quinoa, pulses, lentils) and the lowcalorie meals, the detox is quickly becoming one of best decisions I have ever made. Regardless of the lack of calories throughout the day, the energy that this plant-based diet provides does not go unnoticed. When you hear the typical ‘guaranteed to lose at least four stone in a week’, your preconceptions of most highly publicised diets tend to become negative. However, Nikki’s detox outshines the stereotype with her honesty and promise that everyone will lose at least a pound over the course of the diet. It’s day five, and I’m four pounds lighter, which has created a sense of enormous well-being. Not only have I washed my body rid of toxins and animal protein, I feel like a new woman who oddly has found a new love for the vegan lifestyle - words which I never thought would leave my mouth. I finish this detox full of hopes and dreams; my biggest hope is that I can take a little slice of this tranquility back to my everyday diet. Five days of what can only be described as eating rabbit food, isn’t so bad after all..

NUTRITIONIST, BODY COACH AND PERSONAL TRAINER JOE WICKS USES HIS QUIPS TO WHIP THE UK INTO SHAPE.

WORDS DANIELLE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY THE BODY COACH It is of a slight annoyance when social networking feeds become blocked with constant selfies and uninteresting things. At times, this can cause an extreme amount of frustration amongst its users. But the colossal flow of Instagram posts featuring an array of workouts and recipes is the exception, and it comes in the form of a certain health and fitness trainer.Known for his prevailing online presence,Joe Wicks isn’t afraid to block our feeds with his inspirational posts, and his innovative take via Instagram and Twitter. A personal trainer for a mere three years, this body coach has certainly taken the art of personal training and promptly turned it on its head. When we asked Joe Wicks, otherwise known as ‘The Body Coach’, the recipe to his remarkable success, he simply stated how he took to social networking, and that the rest is history. He’s cooler than a cucumber and shrugs off the idea of his sudden stardom. “I had no idea what I was doing to begin with. One day I just said ‘teamlean2013’ for fun and then twelve months later there are six thousand of us. I just try to give simple advice, which people can benefit from. I also love cooking and showing people to cook tasty meals under fifteen minutes.”

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THE BODY COACH 31

Providing his audience with his ‘lean in 15’ videos whereby he films himself chopping, stuffing, grilling, frying and any other form of cooking, at an impressive pace, to guarantee it fits into a thirty-second video. And what would a video be without an amusing - but also trying to be serious - voiceover? From the man himself, we are rewarded with a step-by-step walkthrough of each of his videos. No sign of food envy here, because he might as well be in your kitchen cooking for you it’s that easy. Whilst providing new content that’s updated on a daily basis, Joe explains how he likes to keep it fresh, much like his vegetables. “I work really hard. My passion lies within showing people that they can enjoy life and food and still have a great body,” says Joe. Powered by a strong sense of determination, he’s no stranger to focussing on the task ahead. “I’m obsessed with teaching people that cooking and getting lean isn’t as hard as they think. More so I am waging a war against fast food and fad diets, I need to reveal the truth to people about nutrition, especially women because I get so upset to hear about girls surviving off a thousand calories a day - This needs to change,” says the personal trainer. Whilst his followers and forever-growing fan-base incldes many students, and for those who may struggle to maintain the health and fitness whilst being a student, Joe explains that a few weekend binges of Jägerbombs and kebabs isn’t the be all and end all. As a ‘huge fan of fun’ Joe offers his own unique philosophy that may not dampen the spirits for those of you who like to indulge over the weekends. “I know that young people booze but I think everything should be in moderation. If you exercise and eat really well all week, then having a blow out meal on a Saturday and night on the booze is fine. It’s the days after and junk food you crave on hang over days which you need to worry about.” This modern take on improving our lifestyle is helping the nation strive for their inner health and fitness that’s masked by the odd pot of Ben & Jerrys, and possibly a burger or two. But The Body Coach offers the ultimate conclusion; head to rumbleinthepark.com to see Joe sweating it out over at his very own boot camp.

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RAW: FITNESS

KARA GLEN ASPIRING BODY BUILDER GIVES AMATEUR A WHOLE NEW MEANING. wORDS DANIELLE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY KARA GLEN

Kara succumbed to a serious knee injury whilst playing Football, which abruptly ended her sporting career. Whilst some may call it unlucky, others may call it fate. As this lead to the discovery of Kara’s love for weights - a relationship that grew as their bond became somewhat stronger. A committed individual who loves “always having a goal in mind and working towards that goal.” Whilst being a regular at her local gym, Kara’s routine is impressive to say the least. With an hour of cardio five days a week and training muscle groups six, it’s safe to say that her transformation is well underway. “I guess you could say I’m currently undergoing a sort of transformation. I have been prepping for a bikini/body building competition for the past eleven weeks and have about five more to go,” she reveals. After seeing numerous changes in her physique with more to follow, Kara from Niagara Falls, is juggling with more than just perfecting her body. As an undergraduate from Gueltph University and a current post-graduate in Toronto, we assume Kara must have a first in time management. “Right now, during prep I have a much more strict routine. My diet is always six-seven small meals a day. Every meal is the same each day, but the meals vary by month,” says Kara. A diet combined of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats, this prep-queen believes “as a culture we have moved from the belief that very thin is desirable and instead, being fit is. I think we are starting to recognise that eating well and being active is good for us, and can transform our bodies in ways we never thought.” Kara’s future plans consist of competing in the bikini show that she is currently in preparation for, in which she hopes to place top five. “I want to see any opportunity I can in the future in terms of fitness and body building,” says Glen. Drawing inspiration from bikini and fitness competitors, Kara Glen is set to break the boundaries as she enters the realm of competing alongside strong women. With her goals and aims in clear view, it’s certain that determined Kara is in for an exceptionally pivotal year.

Striving for a ‘feminine, yet toned and defined look’, this young woman isn’t your average twenty-three yearold. Catching her in-between her vigorous gym sessions, we caught up with Kara Glen, the bikini competitor. Otherwise known as the girl that made us question that last chocolate bar we devoured. Whilst most are out partying and ordering shots of gold tequila on a Saturday night, Kara Glen is busy swapping lemon and salt for lean protein and complex carbs. Currently in serious prep mode and undergoing serious construction, we enter the world of a future female bodybuilder.

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FREERUNNING CHAMPION, PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE, AND A RUSSELL BRAND FAN. MEET UK'S VERY OWN SPIDERMAN; TIM SHIEFF W O R D S D A N I E LLE MORRIS P H O T O G R A P H Y PIP Like a hidden treasure that can only be found in the depths of our city, this artistic combination of physical activity leaps into a new world, effortlessly crafted from one’s imagination. It requires an extensive amount of skill, efficiency, flexibility and creativity. It’s perhaps a little out of the ordinary, and pretty much out of the question for those who don’t like to live on the edge. No single movement constitutes this progressive art, purely due to the amount of situations you can find yourself in. With choices of movements performed on a purely personal level, a Freerunner is able to express with the upmost effect. Focussing on mental and physical health, vitality, speed, and most importantly balance, a Freerunner maintains the amount of strength and endurance that we only dream about. The art of Freerunning largely focuses on the application of theory of movement in overall life. Although it discourages any reckless behaviour and dangerous stunts, it isn’t a place for the faint-hearted, or for those who aren’t partial to a tall building or two. Whilst Freerunning may be niche and slightly underrated, we have the pleasure of getting to know a little more about the extreme sport from one of the most prestigious members ever to grace the art of Freerunning. Championship winner, Tim Shieff sheds light on the act of creating art through physical movement that is ‘subjective the same way any art is’.

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Freerunning isn’t something you hear about every day, nor is it something some may not know an awful lot about it. We know it involves running and being free, but what else is there to it? After being ‘screwed over’ by their manager in late 2009, they are now a group of friends who met through their affirming love of the sport ten years ago. Thus, lead to the creation of a British Freerunning project. Storm Freerun is a unique hub of individuals based around the city of London. Their undeniable friendship and passion for the art, is the ingenious glue in which beautifully moulds this exclusive team together. Twenty-five year-old English professional Freerunner Tim Shieff, who goes by the nickname of ‘Livewire’, is the most successful athlete in regards to Freerunning competitions won. Best known for winning the Barclaycard World Freerun Championship in 2009, to say that Tim is a strong addition to the proud British project is quite the understatement. Growing up in hometown Derby, Tim reveals how his acrobatics stemmed from a young age, known for always climbing trees and doing handstands as a child. Starting off as a break-dancer at the age of thirteen, lead to the discovery of Jump Britain, a 2005 Freerunning documentary. “It was like I was born to do it, it was all part of my destiny,” he admits. Aside from his overwhelming talent as a prevalent Freerunner, Tim is Embassador for coconut water drink Vita Coco, which reflects the teams’ healthy lifestyle, including Vegan dieting. “Life is a gift given to us which we appreciate and respect so much, our show of gratitude is to not take that from other beings”, explains Tim. To add to their seemingly perfect list of morals, Storm withholds responsibility within the community to promote the art of Freerunning positively - which Tim considers an important part of their ideology. Maintaining the positive vibes throughout their work, Storm Freerun like to describe themselves as a ‘special team of role models’ which Tim uses to describe him, his peers and the company itself..

Whilst Freerunning may not be known to all, Tim puts things in to simple perspective. “All we’re doing is playing like a child but with a slightly more adult athletic application to it, it’s a more accurate and adventurous level,” says the Livewire. A firm sense of nostalgia for those of you who remember balancing on a wall as if it’s some dodgy tight rope, or swaying dangerously high during a swing competition at the local park. Although for this particular professional athlete, it’s solely about being creative and illustrating his ability to connect on an artistic level, above anything else. “I like to see how I can be creative and let my environment dictate my moves and find a place in my head where I can let creativity flow.” The use of the word creativity and the practise of jumping around dangerous objects usually tend to evoke the idea that it’s the perfect combination for the typical adrenaline junkie. However, Storm don’t revel the feeling of the blood rushing through their veins before they commit to a jump. Instead, they relish in their own calmness and the fact they are able to remain present in the moment when they move. “For me it’s gentle like water, like ballet on walls,” explains Tim. “It feels the most fun when you’re just playing and being spontaneous in the moment with the environment you’re in. It’s important to never lose your inner child.”

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Oozing with spontaneity, precision and creativity, what’s not to love about Freerunning? With over four million views on just one of their many YouTube videos, and after just filming in Barcelona, Tim explains how it’s “the best thing we’ve done in years”. Storm Freerun is receiving more publicity on a daily basis, and is well on its way to acquiring it’s very own larger audience. Although the act is considered an extreme sport in some ways, Storm Freerun work hard to demonstrate that it’s a sport to be enjoyed whilst maintaining a level of safety and awareness at all times. Not one to stick to regime as he believes it ‘takes away from the purity’ he feels when training spontaneously, it’s a way of life for Tim and his team. So training schedules are a no-go, limited imagination is out of the question and due to it’s versatility, you can even Freerun barefoot if you fancy. Fit, passionate, creative, and most of all incredibly strong. “We should be strong to be useful, not just be strong because it impresses others or because we look better,” says Tim - who doesn’t feel like he’s worked a day in his life, and that his chiselled physique is purely down to doing what he loves. It sounds pretty straightforward, right?

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A cornish DREAM

Set off the North Atlantic coast of the county of Cornwall, Newquay is one of the UK’s top places to catch the best waves. Known as the ‘king of the UK surf scene’, the Cornish town offers consistent waves and impressive swells split across an array of beaches to suit all tides, weather conditions, and surfing abilities. From Watergate Bay to Mawgan Porth, Lusty Glaze to Fistral beach, the tidal range and rip currents during high surf, is something not to be ignored. As you’d expect from the UK’s leading surfing destination, Newquay’s calendar is jam-packed with impressive surfing events that take place throughout the year. As the Summer season is finally within arms reach, it’s time to ditch the city, dig out your wetsuit and head west to the coast that is home to some serious surfing. Kicking off with the English National Surfing Championships held at Newquay’s Watergate Bay this month, things are about to get real deep. Catering for the next generation of surfers to battle against seasoned pro’s to take the prestigious National Champion title, it’s definitely a wave worth catching

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Home to the UK’s biggest surf and music festival Boardmasters, otherwise known as the perfect combination of extreme sports and summer vibes, Newquay’s calendar is rapidly becoming as beautiful as its scenery. The venue offers an idyllic setting, which is spread across the renowned Watergate Bay and Fistral beach. Regardless of the impressive musical lineup, which includes sets from Eton Messy and top DJ’s Ben Pearce and George Ezra, the extreme sport is arguably the star of this show. Offering skateboarding, BMX and surfing competitions in one of the most picturesque festival sites in the UK, with uninterrupted views of the ocean and in addition to the explosive live music, what’s to hate? Commencing 6th August , Boardmasters is set to host five days of surfing, where a huge audience will take their place in watching the competitions unfold. Embracing more home grown talent than ever before in the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s Longboard, Pro junior and Under 16’s, 2014 is set to be a record year for this Cornish coast.

WELCOME TO

PARADISE Where tHE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER Photographer: Danielle Morris bel moretti Stylist: danielle morris, bel moretti models: Matthew and annie at w athletic Photographer's assistant: Sophie Gallimore art dirrection: danielle morris, Bel moretti location: cannizaro park, wimbledon

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Top Nike Dri Fit, Shorts Nike Pro

Shorts nike, sports Bra nike pro, trainers nike Lunar

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WORDS DANIELLE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY PARKOUR GENERATIONS

a london thing

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LDN 71

Well informed, eloquent and oh-so-romantic, the ‘city of lights’ has provided us with an array of famous monuments, a river and of course a garlic necklace or maybe a croissant for those with a sweet tooth. But fashion capitol Paris, has given what some people may describe as the greatest gift of all, the evolution of Parkour. Let’s take a large step back, specifically back into the 1980s, when it was created by an intimate, yet skilled group of cool individuals hanging around the suburbs of the capital. Developed and practiced in the trees and forests of France just as much as in the cities. It’s practised to great effect in the natural environments that have been formed merely by time and the elements it creates, typically rough and jagged, as opposed to smoothed and symmetrical man made urban environment. With the brand new Chainstore Parkour Academy building in East London opening in February this year, the UK has been confronted by enormous opportunity. With more classes, ‘bigger and better’ events, gatherings and training sessions right here in the heart of the capital, Parkour is set to sour. “Parkour is often hugely misrepresented in mass media forms such as TV, movies, commercials, which portray it as adrenaline-seeking, often careless random jumps and acrobatics outdoors,” says Director of London Parkour, Dan Edwardes. The importance of Parkour lies within the practitioner, otherwise known as ‘Traceurs’, in which they strongly stress that this act should not be associated with Freerunning. “Parkour is a training discipline and method for the body and mind through the mastery of one’s movement over any terrain. This means learning to adapt to any challenge and obstacle that comes your way, and developing the attributes required for such practical movement,” says Dan. With a concentration on strength, power, speed, agility, precision, coordination, balance, spatial awareness, mental focus and control of fear, a typical Traceur compares Parkour to ‘being chased by someone’. In a bid to retain as much energy as possible, it focuses on running in to obstacles rather than around them, so make sure you’re wearing your full-body armour suit before attempting Parkour.

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The good thing about Parkour is that it’s about as competitive as a boiling pan of brussels. With any sort of competition cast aside, technically it’s not considered a sport, in that it has no rules, teams or points. However, director Dan Edwardes suggests that it does involve an element of sport. “It has elements of art, sport and discipline. Many approach it as a way of life or a philosophy. “ Whatever your personal choice may be, he describes it as a ‘transformative practice’. “The practice aims to build confidence, determination, self-discipline, self-reliance, and responsibility for one’s actions. It encourages humility, respect for others and for one’s environment, self-expression, positivity, healthy lifestyle, community spirit and the importance of play, discovery, fun and safety at all times,” he says. Although it is a practice that’s based on refining natural movement in order to become as healthy and fit as possible, it is one that has barely gained recognition previous to the last ten years. But today, in 2014 Europe prepares itself for a huge leap into the forever-growing fitness industry. “Recognition is coming steadily now, due to the work we’ve done over the last ten years or so, and it’s now very much admired by the fitness industry. We teach in schools, we teach the police and we’re used in every form of movie-making, stuntwork and branding,” says Edwardes.

The true magic of it this practise is its sheer versatility - Parkour classes are filled with all types of training Traceur’s including young students, young professionals and even athletes. Merely an act of ‘human movement’ that can be practised just about anywhere and everywhere, it’s a case of one size fits all, and Parkour leaves you clutching at all straws in a desperate bid to muster up an excuse not to sign yourself up to the nearest beginners class. The fact that it requires no special equipment or clothing, makes it that little bit more accessible. “Our goal is to get people to challenge themselves, to discover their true potential and unleash their innate natural abilities. In doing so one becomes more in time with one’s body, mind and surroundings which improves one’s quality of life,” says Dan. Keith Mylett, CEO of precision Parkour has increased its already-soaring reputation by leaps and bounds. “It’s kind of funny, but when I started telling people that I was building a Parkour gym, many acted very excited and the first thing they asked was if it would have a foam pit and trampolines. I thought it was odd that they equated soft surfaces and trampolines which can be found nowhere in a natural or urban environment, with Parkour.” In a bid to teach people the underlying guilding philosophy of Parkour, Keith Mylett created Keiki Parkour, otherwise known as Hawaii’s first and only Parkour gym.

“It’s actually my hope that Parkour revolutionises the way we view health, fitness, play, architecture, and our environment. For this revolution to occur, it can’t stay underground. I hope that it explodes and inspires millions of kids across the world to discover their physical potential.” Because of its association with marketing campaigns such as Red Bull that try to define the act as extreme, Keith hopes to change the assumption that it is something that isn’t safe, sustainable or even attainable. “Until Parkour is as big as organised sports, it will be niche and underground, much like surfing, skateboarding and breakdancing,” says the Keiki creator. “I got to where I am today with Parkour because it’s fun. It gives me a rush and lets me blow off steam. Everytime I train it’s different, I can be unique and creative, and it’s about challenging myself, “ says Keith. From France and America, to Hawaii and London, Parkour is slowly but surely gaining recognition from across the globe. With a steady flow of support coming from young individuals who respect this act of self-discipline and love a challenge, it’s no wonder it’s one of the coolest ways of keeping fit. With more Parkour Foundations’ courses becoming available across the world, and as 2014 is well underway, Parkour is set to boom throughout the course of the next few years. Whether it will remain as niche and as underground as it’s current state, only time will tell.

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ANDY LA A S PHOTOGRAPHY DA NI EL LE MORRIS WO RD S

London fitness enthusiast Sasha Green has an intuitive approach to his training regime

FIT BY GREEN

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Washboard abs and some rock-hard pecks, and you have a good basis for a body that resembles a temple. Meet twentyseven year-old Londoner Sasha Green. Introducing the hottest fitness freaks in the form of a YouTube sensation, already making serious waves amongst their fitness chanel Fit By Green. “The idea actually came about last summer from myself and good friend Kash. We got together and decided to put our love for fitness on a platform that we could share with likeminded people and we decided YouTube would be a perfect fit,” says Sasha. Having left work in the real estate sector to pursue his passion for fitness, Green swapped his suit for his gym sweats and hasn’t looked back since. Ten years down the line and the personal trainer at Virgin Active withholds an impressive amount of experience in training and technical knowledge that’s second to none. “We knew that we needed quality content in order to appeal to a broad audience, which is why we approached Andy - a close friend and very talented videographer that’s worked in TV and film,” says Green.

Wth fresh ideas and an innovative approach to promote health and fitness, Sasha admits how he never stops learning. “We’re big believers in collaborating with people who come from different training disciplines, and delivering it in a clear and concise way.” As non-believers in complicating fitness, which can be “intimidating to a lot of people who are new to fitness,” Fit By Green hopes to inspire those to join a gym, go for a run or even try out a few burpees at home. “If we played a part in getting one person healthy, then we’ve done something right. Our aim is to everyone into a Fit By Green lifestyle, which is about being happy, healthy and having fun!”

A firm supporter of being an advocate in all that he does, Sasha Green is extremely disciplined when it comes to his training and nutrition. “I commit to training five or six days in the week,” he admits. However, to prove that he is in fact a normal human being, he does occasionally let his hair down and generally uses Sunday as his rest day. “Without sounding arrogant I wouldn’t want to be anyone else. People should never compare themselves to others but only themselves. So I strive to always be and do better,” claims the gym professional. With a clear sense of confidence about his true passion, Sasha aims to make young people become aware of the importance of fitness and health. It’s only a month since their first training video was uploaded and the response has already been extremely positive. With fresh new content constantly being uploaded to the channel, Fit By Green will soon be everybody’s go-to source for some serious motivation. .

ON TRACK MANCHESTER MUSCICIAN JINI COWAN HAS AN INTUITIVE APPROACH TO HER PROFOUND SOUNDS. WORDS DANIELLE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY SAMANTHA MILLIGAN

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Being one of the youngest musicians in terms of both producing and collaborating, young Jini Cowan was the apple of many musical masters’ eyes. At just twenty years of age it seemed as if the DJ had mixed her way into fame after one of the biggest dance publications, Mixmag, christened her as someone to ‘keep an eye on’. At the seat of a grand piano, was eight year-old Jini during an instrument open day. “I played a few notes and after about half an hour I was completely hooked,” she says. After completing an impressive grade eight in both the piano and the flute, the young talent was destined for instrumental success. Little did she know, the journey that began after discovering electro during her GCSE’S, would result in headlining house nights in her home city of Manchester. Not to mention gaining attention from around the world, and airtime on radio stations such as capital FM.

At the age of seventeen, most of us were - and possibly still are - seen nervously clutching hold of a fake ID we’d bought on some dodgy website. Whilst we were trying - and failing - to get into an over 18’s venue, Jini was playing in them. Although she was ‘still playing cheesy dance music’ at Opus in the Printworks, Jini was still pretty cool. Her coolness only continued when she got wind that she would be playing at renowned Manchester club Sankeys, where she’d be ditching the cheese and joining forces with the forever-evolving house scene. You could say the rest is history, as Jini’s been hooked on the deeper tech house and techno ever since. Whilst her loyal fans appreciated her funky innovation and fresh outlook on the tech scene, it seemed as if her spot at Sankeys had come just at the right time.“I was very young and vulnerable and having no professional training or tuition, in my head I was destined for failure,” explains Cowan. Having nearly packed it in just before her seventeenth birthday, Jini had gone from being ready to give up and leave the competitive industry, to bagging herself her first gig. She believes that this was due to her hard-working nature and her notion that perseverance is definitely the ultimate key. “I’ve had my share of bad experiences, everyone has. If we didn’t then we wouldn’t learn from them and get stronger,” says the confident, now twenty-two-year old.

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With playing in some of Manchester’s biggest venues at such a young age, self-taught DJ and producer Jini Cowan is a picture-perfect inspiration to any young aspiring musician. During her first year as a serious producer whereby she attained a cool array of numerous label signings and received huge support from respected DJ’s such as Jamie Jones, Paul Van Dyke, Jason Heard and Serotonin to name a few, it came as no surprise to hear that she had been notoriously named one of the most promising talents in the industry. But with a long-list of impressive achievements in such a short amount of time, all eyes were on the young talented artist who was destined to break the DJ stereotype. She was the ray of hope that would give it the female touch it so desperately needed. “I always wanted to be an inspiration, in particular to girls who are thinking about getting into this sort of job,”she admits

Following the release of her EP, the pressure was rapidly building for Jini and the hands of the music industry continued to press on her young shoulders. Whilst some settled for a Kitkat, she opted for the latter, a muchneeded break. In 2012, the DJ suddenly crept into the shadows of the music scene, which left her dedicated fan-base unsure of her whereabouts, or if she would even return. Momentarily closing the curtain on her promising rising fame, Jini recalls how this time was a ‘huge eye opener’ for her, but it also put things into perspective. Recalling how her life became extremely busy after being featured in Mixmag two years ago, she took some time out to concentrate on her family and friends. Although she had taken a conscious step back from playing her sets across the UK, her hands of course were still firmly attached to her home decks, although but she admits that the break came just in the knick of time. “One thing I would say is don’t take anything to heart. When you make tunes not everyone’s going to like them. You’re going to get criticised which can be hard to take, but in the end you look back and it was all worth it,” she says. Regardless that she thinks it’s ‘way too cheesy’ to declare 2014 as her year to shine once again, she can safely say that she’s feeling positive about her DJ-ing future.

“This industry is very, very competitive, and I think many new artists are afraid to branch out from the norm because of the fear of not being liked or fitting in. I was like this at the beginning but I soon learnt that it’s not the way to be.” During her perfectly planned break, the house scene rapidly grew, as did Jini’s mind. With fresh off the block innovation and an even stronger technique, the DJ has skillfully picked her moment and struck whilst the iron is at its hottest. With almost two years out of the limelight, Jini Cowan is back – and she hasn’t come alone. The same but wiser and two years older, she brings with her some exciting new material set to be released this year. Newly signed by Grey Area bookings, we can expect exciting things to come from the depths of her DJ decks. “I’m looking forward to getting some more tracks and remixes done, plus playing them out at my gigs too... So we'll see, watch this space!” Whilst it may have been a long, highly anticipated few years, the wait is officially over. “Label owners and promoters want to see people who are different and stand out, otherwise all music would be very boring and all the DJ’s would be playing the same sets,” admits Jini. Taking time to perfect her tracks like a true professional, the dance scene is finally back in the safe hands of DJ Jini Cowan, and she’s on a mission to shake things up, techno style.

New Eyes, Fresh Vibes TALENTED MUSICIANS SETTING A NEW STANDARD

WORDS DANIEL L E M ORRIS Clear, concise and incredibly contemporary. The many descriptions we can give to the innovative approach to mix old and new, that this electro foursome produces. First breaching the boundaries of modernism amongst the dance/electro scene back in December 2012 with their first EP ‘A+E’, merely prepared us for what was about to happen. Known for equipping the electro scene with a much-needed offering of originality, freshness and pure greatness, Clean Bandit offer their skills in creating the inimitable fusion of classical and dance. Drawing influences from a wide spectrum, the cross-over dance act are set to make some serious waves amongst the sea of DJ acts. Usually found smashing festivals such as Glastonbury, known for breaking the top twenty with the track ‘Mozart’s House’ and touring with dynamic duo Disclosure, Clean Bandit are already going places. Press shots of the Cambridge quartet would have you believe they are your emblematic indie band, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find their sound is best labeled under the much more unique term ‘baroque pop’ – the fusion of hip-hop, electronic and classical. The Band – Grace Chatto and Neil Amin-Smith (strings), Jack Patterson (sax, decks and bass) and Luke Patterson (drums) – appear to have finally nailed the prevailing music scene. Their recent track ‘Rather Be’, blends classical-inspired violin and raw house beats that has determined a charttopping track. But with their recent ‘Extraordinary’ is the all-time self-produced video that has triggered an extensive amount of anticipation in the wake of their debut album ‘New Eyes’, set to release in May this year. Clean Bandit are set to play this year’s Ibiza and Mallorca rocks, and recently joined the prestigious lineup for Croatia’s Outlook Festival. Whilst the Londonbased dance collective are raring to replace the popular electro scene with their raw, refreshing and refined sounds, It looks as if they may take an abrupt seat next to those renown for not having to use countless effects to divert listeners away from imperfection.

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RY X MODERN MUSICIAN, SOLOIST & MEMBER OF THE ACID W O RDS DAN I ELLE MO RRI S It’s the type of voice that has the power to stop you dead in your tracks. As smooth as silk, yet powerful enough to illuminate a whole neighbourhood, who other than RY X? Hitting the scene mid-2013, the Australian soloist first started making (extremely calm) waves when he released his debut single ‘Berlin’, and it’s fair to say he’s made quite the mark on the industry since. Empowering each track with his unique tone mixed with his exquisitely powerful range, RY X’s intimacy and emotion only resembles something of a masterpiece within his own lyrical mastermind. RY X, real name Ry Cuming, proves just how much you can achieve with only using two chords. The stripped back, simple and stark beauty of his music is moving, and only reinforces the idea that he’s one of the most pure artists we’ve encountered in a while. It’s easy to distract listeners with a plethora of sounds, auto tune and countless effects that artists are all too familiar with. The more challenging job, in fact, is to strip something back to reveal any imperfection, raw, and for all to hear, in which this LA based talent executes beautifully. He’s most noticeable when his tracks become almost soundless, in which the space between the two chords become awkward in some places, as the silence forms an uncomfortable yet slightly hypnotic atmosphere. Judging by the positive feed back Ry received following the release of his first EP back in November 2013, we expected good things to come from the Aussie. And good things we have received. As he continues to gain further recognition, it seems that he’s currently got his fingers in quite a few pies. As if his talent as a solo artist wasn’t sufficient, he’s spread his ability thinly – and there’s a slice for everyone. With their first EP due for release in April this year, ‘The Acid’ is slowly but surely becoming the most exquisite threesome of 2014. Comprised of the man of the moment RY X, Adam Freeland and Steve Nalepa, we can only assume that their extremely downplayed online presence will be regarded as nothing but a game changer. Knowing so little about this secretive threesome creates a wicked sense of anticipation, and now we’ve had a taste of what’s to come through recent snippets of airplay of ‘Creeper’, all we can do is patiently wait for a pre-order.

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