Darkus Magazine 2016: Issue 2

lr Editor-In-Chief:

Thushara S Chandrasiri Lead Photographer:

Graphics Team:

Kate McConrey

Amy Hanna & Laura Robinson

Music Team:

Photography Team:

Andy Elsender, Becca Fergus, Dave Bullock, Eve Monaghan, Eva Lightfoot Jack Alexander,

Amy Hanna Jemma Dodd, Keith Fusco, Lee Smith Glenn Wallace,

Lifestyle & Fashion Team:

Hair & Make Up Team: Alex Pretswell, Holly Moulden, Max Parker, Rhiannon Crowther, Solitaire Weber

Georgia mordey, Melanie Neale, Helen Parker, Jane Robertshaw, JC Rivers Cover Star: Afnan Prince Photographer: Kate McConrey Layout & Design: Laura Robinson

@alexpretswel,@helparker, @KeithFusco ,@onceuponatimemua, @jemmadoddphoto, @ laura_robinson_ @ dotphotographyanddesign

Special thanks to:

All-press, Blackstar PR ,Carry On Press, Chuff Media, Fear PR, Gordon Duncan, Ian Cheek Press, I Like Press, Justine Fancy, Jacob Slane, Little Press, Louise Kovacs ,Miles Goodwin, OPR, Pomona, Simon Sarin, Tony Linkin, The Botanist (Newcastle upon Tyne), Wilful Publicity, & All the amazing people featured in this issue.

The dream team

Editors Note Thushara S Chandrasiri

W

hen I first began Darkus, I had limited knowledge of the music scene, and had even less understanding of the world of photography, fashion and lifestyle. With no experience as a professional music journalist, I saw it as kind of a thing to pass the time when taking a break from university. It was not even a magazine back then, but a randomer blogging about things that I had attended, unsure if anyone was actually reading or if I was talking to myself. That was back in 2010. Fast forward to 2012, and missing the feel of paper, I was like you know what let’s make this writing into an actual magazine which you can hold and flick through.

Many tried to say how it’s easier to stick to online.

I respect those who embrace the digital age, but you know what I am old school and proud.

Regardless of my limited skills, I had a vision and it was something I was not going to give up on, especially as I saw it as a creative method to channel all the thoughts within my mind into something healthy and productive. Having been doing Darkus properly now for a good few years, I am so stunned and overwhelmed at how far it has come. Sure it was a lot of trial and error in the early days, but it is probably in the past year or so

where the hard work has started to pay off. The team I have with me now are some of the most creative and gifted people I have the pleasure of knowing, and the people I come across in the world of music, photography, fashion, lifestyle and everything in between are the ones that motivate and inspire me.

I have always approached Darkus with the vision that for those who work hard on a daily basis deserve to have their creative art acknowledged celebrated and acknowledged, and in this issue it was good discover more about where people are at in their own personal journey. Each issue I release has its own memories and identity but the one thing which will always remain consistent being to remain positive throughout.

Darkus will always continue to evolve, so which ever point you become part of the journey, I cannot thank each and single one of you for all your support. Whether you are a reader, or one of the awesome people I have met along the way you each play a significant role, making this a special place to be.

Photo Credit: Katy Blackwood

Love You All

Thushara

lr

Contents page Music: Little Green Cars Afnan Prince Knuckle Puck The Au Revoirs Biffy Clyro Blancmange Boyce Avenue Brantley Wolf Alice Gilbert DMAs Duke Spirit Eliza And The Bear Ghost Town Giants Glastonbury Kelvin jones Live At Leeds Louis Berry LuvBug

September Girls Slam Dunk 2016 Sleeping With Sirens LANY Sundara Karma Sunset Sons The Big Moon The Calls The Hunna The Wonder Stuff Trampolene Vukovi You’ve Got The Talent Clean Cut Kid

Afnan Prince & Live at Leeds

lifestyle: Alternative Model Of The Year Contest 2016 Cola Fudge Cake Falafel: Healthy Alternative Far Cry Georgia Mordey RuPaul Drag Race Dawn Of Justice My Journey to Kayfabe

contents

fashion & photography: Markus roberts clarke & vogue 2016 Jemma Dodd Who’s The Artist Vogue 2016 Stephy Cattran-Robson LR Photography Steph Powell Sketch Co Sharon McInerney Photography Seven Skulls Richie Schaapkens Markus Roberts Clarke Dot Photography: One Year On Jae Storer Fast Fashion: The Debate Dean Hindmarch Danny Shaw Alex Pretswell

Dean Hindmarch

//Little Green Cars Another band I really want to draw your attention to in this issue of Darkus is Dublin based band, Little Green Cars. Having released their latest album ‘Ephemera in’ in March, 2016 is just a continuation of an amazing journey. I had the pleasure of speaking to Adam O’Regan to discover a little bit more about the band – past, present and future!

DM: Welcome to Darkus Magazine Adam. How has your year begun?

A: It has been busy and productive so far. A lot of planning and getting things in place for the coming months as well as promoting the new record.

DM: In regards to the new record, what are your thoughts about finally getting it out?

A: It feels really great. We put a lot of heart and soul into this album, and wanted to ensure it was a true representation of us. Hopefully when people listen it will come across.

DM: When Absolute Zero was released back in 2013, how did it change the world for the band?

A: It was our first album, so it felt quite intense.

The music scene can always be challenging for any band, especially those releasing material for the first time, however that album taught us the value of hard work and the importance of regardless of the challenges remaining focused.

DM: Having been together since you were 15 do you think you’re the same people?

A: Definitely not. We are always learning and discovering new things about our music. For me though it is a real privilege to share this journey with friends who bring their own ideas, but nevertheless still share the same vision.

DM: With the new record do you think it even more of a game changer?

A: Its hard to say what to expect to be honest.

However I would probably say that it is much more of a reflective album and a representation of where we are at, at the moment.

DM: This spring also sees you playing a number of shows as well as being part o the 2016 Dot To Dot line up. What are you looking forward to in regards to those opportunities?

A: Well we will be heading back to the USA for a start which we always love as it is such a great atmosphere. We are also really looking forward to just getting back on the road and touring the UK and Europe.

DM: As you continue to grow stronger, what is the key bit of guidance you will never forget?

A: Many people especially in the earlier days always encouraged us to believe in what you do, and at the end of the day it may sound clichĂŠ but they are right. You need to approach the industry with the idea that you are an entrepreneur for your own success.

DM: Where does the spirit of Little Green Cars lie?

A: We may go to all these amazing places, but at the end of the day Dublin is where our true heart lies.

DM: As young people, how valuable were those early stages of band’s creation?

A: Really valuable. It had a huge impact on us. I remember the very first time we met, it automatically became an exciting place to be.

We were having so much fun and all learning at the same time. We would continually be creating demos and pushing ourselves as much as possible.

DM: Is Little Green Cars at a happy place?

A: Definitely! We still have a lot of excitement and are so ready and hungry for what is to come next.

DM: Thanks for speaking to us. Why is now an exciting time for discovering, exploring and embracing the music of Little Green Cars?

A: I would say right now we have more of a sense of who we are, and all the experienced we have encountered, both good and bad has helped us to be who we are today.

Article By Thushara S. Chandrasiri

//AFNAN PRINCE Darkus Magazine: Welcome back to Darkus Magazine my friend. Fresh off the road from your ‘Hearts and Wolves Tour’, how are you feeling?

Afnan: Thank you for having me. It’s becoming somewhat of a habit isn’t it? I feel good! Tired, as you would expect but I’ve come back with a sense of urgency and need to do it all again bigger and better. We’re already planning a 30-40 date tour for around October time. Call me Tony Montana cos’ I’m about to fire off some emails.

DM: What were some of your tour highlights?

A: The first show that comes to mind is the Newcastle show. A hometown show is always gonna be great fun but there was just something special in the air that night. We’ve had a lot of love across the UK and I’m thankful for that. So that stuff and myself and REN’s spontaneous renditions of A$AP Rocky’s ‘F**kin’ problems’. They featured a lot.

DM: Looking back what do you think are some of the main things you have accomplished while taking your music on the road?

A: I’ve quite simply reached more people. Sold every pre sale copy of the single and played a few sold out shows and generally just been able to play live for the people who follow my music outside of the North East. It’s been awesome!

DM: Although based in the North East, what goes through your mind when you discover you have gained a fan base in other parts of the UK as well?

A: It’s both humbling and elating. To think your art connects with someone who you’ve never met to a level where they want to experience it in person is a very cool feeling.

DM: As a musician how easy is it to express your mind in a way that the fans don’t just listen, but they connect?

A: I try not to let my mind get in the way actually!

When I play is when I stop thinking. It’s pretty much the only time I do so. I end up losing myself a lot. It helps me connect to something a little deeper than my everyday problems. I think witnessing someone truly immersed in their art, you can’t help but connect.

DM: To have your voice heard and taken seriously as musician what are some of the key elements you have had to take into consideration, on and off stage?

A: Technique is one element. It frees me up to be playful with my delivery and change things up. Other than that I try to be truthful in my storytelling. I keep no secrets in what I say or sing about. It’s a powerful thing, the truth.

DM: What are your goals to make 2016 the year for Afnan Prince as a singer song writer?

A: As I mentioned before, we’re looking to book a 30-40 date European tour for October time. That’ll take up a lot of my time and I also want to release the EP around September time. That and play a select few festival dates. As long as I keep

working hard and getting my music out there, I’m happy.

DM: As much as I love your classic tracks such as ‘She’ and Wolves, I also congratulate you on the strength of your newer material too. Do you find you have to be in a particular mind frame when it comes to song writing, or is it a case you it occurs when you least expect it?

A; Thank you! I’m glad you like it. It’s always strange feeling playing new material. You never really know if it’s any good until you debut it in front of a crowd.

For me, it just happens when it happens.

I try to go with feeling mostly and really surrender myself to what’s swimming around in the subconscious. Recently however, I must admit I’ve been a bit more deliberate about the finalisation of my compositions and storytelling.

DM: From my experience of seeing you

sing live, its safe to say that what defines you partly in a way, is your voice. How easy is it to hit those high notes?

A: How kind of you! It’s pretty easy for me now, but that’s after years of practice. It certainly wasn’t always the case.

DM: The last time we spoke, we discussed your past experience in other music projects, and your variety of influences.

With that in mind then, how significant were those early days in shaping you to becoming the musician you are today?

A: I think they were instrumental in guiding my writing and performance style. Many doors were opened to me, providing nuggets of information and experience, which (with a little bit of lateral thinking) melded together surprisingly cohesively. I think you can hear a lot of that in my sound.

DM: On your tour you were joined by another local musician, Ren. How do you

think you each complimented one another as musicians and people?

A: We’re both singer/songwriters and we couldn’t be more different. I think that worked perfectly. It added a level of variety that was often complimented and highlighted in fan Feedback.

As people, we’re terrifyingly similar! Truly a brother from another mother.

DM: Wolves will be officially released as a single. Be it singles, EPs or anything else, how does getting something officially out there changed the dynamic for a musician in your position?

A: It gives people a tangible access point.

Releasing anything is a different level of connection. Like a grand exclamation of ‘hey world! Look I did a thing’. It gives you a reason to play. It’s catalytic.

DM: With your amazing voice and skills as a musician this has brought a lot of loyal supporters and fans. Be it friends, family, peers or anyone else, what is that one key bit of wisdom anyone has given you that you will never forget?

A: Work hard and be patient. Got my

folks to thank for those nuggets.

DM: For anyone discovering your music for the very first time, what makes this a good moment as any for them to take that step and become part of your world?

A; I’m relatively young in my career and I’m insatiably hungry. I don’t ever see that changing. What this means is I’m able to do connect with people on a much more personal basis. I’m not playing 10,000 seaters. I play cinemas and tea houses. So if you’re on board, chances are we’ll go for a cuppa.

Article by Thushara S. Chandrasiri Photographer: Kate McConrey Model: Afnan Prince

//knuckle puck Chicago’s Knuckle Puck team up with Kerrang.com to premiere the brand new video for “Pretense”.

Chicago’s own pop-punk super stars Knuckle Puck have been rocking for the past five years, and gave us their album While I Stay Secluded in 2014 but now they have teamed up with Kerrang.com to premiere their brand new video for “Pretense”.

Although I will be honest I don’t see how this makes the release of the video any better than it would have been if they had released it by themselves.

As I’ve said many times before, I’m not a fan of pop-punk. I find it too light for my tastes and I am often found hating them because I couldn’t afford a nice pair of Vans Off the Wall when I was younger.

That being said, I find that Knuckle Puck is fairly agreeable as far as pop-punk goes in so far as they are more or less like every other pop-punk band that ever dared to sully the proud name of punk music.

This team up with Kerrang.com shows us how serious these guys are about their music, not only that but the music video itself shows this. With a collection of images that give us the impression they’re rehearsing and being guided by a benevolent, bearded mentor character. However the video confuses me through its use of completely unrelated images such as a man struggling with a contact lens. I can’t tell if I’m missing some attempt

at a subtle message or if it is simply confusing for the sake of such. If nothing else I admire the passion that these guys have and the passion they give to their fans.

The song itself is good for those of us who like pop-punk. It follows all the queues and has that classic low distorted guitar that doesn’t seem to know whether it’s in a Lil Wayne song or a high school band’s attempt at playing the clash. The lyrics are pleasingly unintelligible without the use of any distortion or extreme vocal ranges. Honestly all I heard at all throughout the course of the song was “broken flashlight”. And the drums are of course not playing around with 19 different time signatures.

Altogether the song is a classic slice of mild poppunk that should give the inner “quirky” 14 year old girl in all of us a good tickle, although not if you’re a fan of correct spelling.

So if you’re interested in the music video or happen to be a fan of Knuckle Puck then you can find the music video on YouTube and on Kerrang.com. As well as this if you want to see Knuckle Puck Live the band will be launching their UK tour on March 29 in Bristol, information on the tour is available on the band’s website. All songs are available for purchase at retailers and on digital download.

Article by Jack ‘Jax’ Nahajec

lr

B

The Au Revoirs

righton Four-piece, The Au Revoirs released their debut single FALLEN last November to accolades and adulation. In the short time since we last met, they have supported the Charlatans, found a new member, signed a record deal and look forward to a summer jammed with festivals…

Welcome back to Darkus! Its been a while! How has life been treating The Au Revoirs since we last saw each other last summer?

L .Manically. Which is obviously

wonderful. We’ve cranked up a gear and it’s kind of taken us all by surprise!

A lot of exciting things have been happening for you lately.

I guess the best place to start is your recent record deal? How did that feel?

P. It was a great feeling to know someone has confidence in what we’re doing and has given us

a real boost. We can’t wait to record our next single.

L. Absolutely, we’re just

desperate to get into the studio.

Kelly [from Southcoast Records] is exactly who we were waiting for. For him, it genuinely is all about the music, being a subsidiary of Rough Trade says it all really. A good old fashioned sense of making music over trying to please the suits at the top.

C. Yeah, there’s no second

guessing what the corporates might want. We’re writing what we’re writing and if it’s good, that’s all that matters.

Being passionate and hard Working, From your perspective what is the biggest level of respect and acknowledgment the music industry can give a band in your position?

C. I think the acknowledgement

we could hope for has kind of just happened with the recent signing. Really, just respect.

I think so much is placed on branding and sales. Just plain old artist respect – if you’re good obviously… good and dedicated and passionate and, well… an -artist in the good old don’t give a fuck sense of the word.

music The Au Revoirs next single, Dirty Heart Duel will be out May 2016 Summer dates and festival announcements will be made soon via their website: www.luciebaratandtheaurevoirs.uk and social media. @LucieBarat_ARVS

lr L. While being professional obviously!

Professionally not giving a fuck ;) About what kind of music we should be making…

We’re still all very polite and brush our teeth.

You have been busy already this year with playing a number of live shows as well as supporting The Charlatans. From those shows, what has the feedback been like from the audience?

C. The Charlatans show was by far the most fulfilling show we’ve ever played. The Southampton crowd were very welcoming and coupled with the great sound on stage – it made for a great night.

P. I agree. And there was lots of really great

feedback. Subsequent offers, etc.

L. Loads of people came and threw shapes

with us on the dance floor at the after party.

It seemed to go down well. Or it was the vodka? People were pie-eyed by the end of the night.

C …by people, we mean us.

L. We walked miles to a closed Macdonalds.

The disappointment was immense. Probably not as immense as if it had been open though, to be honest.

Was there any particular city which left you pleasantly surprised, especially once you took your music outside of Brighton?

L. Stockton on Tees was great! None of

us had ever been there before and it was a memorable show.

C. We got asked back but Lucie forgot the

name of the fella at The Ku Bar. We would definitely play there again.

With all the opportunities and adventures you are experiencing right now, would you describe The Au Revoirs as being in a happy place?

C. Of course, we’re excited about the future.

This year is lining up to be the best one yet with the singing and upcoming shows…

One of the major changes to the band since the last time we spoke, is the addition of your new bass player, Rhys. How well do

music Photographer – Simon Sarin Stylist – Simon Ekrelius Hair – Madonna Santa Make up – Gwen Aker Location – The Prince Albert, Brighton Dogs – Dolly and Ela

you think he has fitted into the Au Revoirs’ dream?

C. He’s fitted in unbelievably, it really works.

L. We we’re obviously sad

to lose Andy, and he left big converse to fill - but we started writing immediately with Rhys and it’s good!

P. It really feels like a

progression.

And Rhys?

R.

I feel really good. We had immediate chemistry and have just gelled.

What was it about Rhys that made you certain that he was the right choice? And Rhys, likewise with the band?

C. From the first bar of the first

song in the audition, we we’re exchanging glances. We knew he was the one. He locked straight it with Paul on the drums.

R. Completely. The same. Like

I said, we instantly clicked musically. I’m excited. The future looks really quite bright!

creative than usual?

When cornered by a) a bank manager b) a policeman…

We cannot invite you to Darkus without discussing some of your amazing music.

You recently released ‘Fallen’ to the public – how much of yourselves did you put in the music video?

L. No. Not really, I kind of

C. Not much really! We put

Wednesday (the girl in the video) in for the majority as she looks better!

L. She’s supposed to represent a

younger me as the song is about an old childhood friend of mine who died two years ago. But Wednesday was great. We were behind the camera when she filmed and she just performed her heart out, singing every lyric -way better than me.

Being a very skilled and experienced screenwriter, poet and musician Lucie, are there any particular situations where you find yourself being more

circle around them. Sometimes I’ll have an idea for a lyric and I’ll get right into that, sit up for hours writing top line to one of Cammy’s riffs. Sometimes I’ll have a great idea for a story I want to tell and start scripting.

Sometimes I put Patti Smith on really loud and paint. I’ve got back into painting at the moment but I guess, the short answer is music. I feel more free.

For now ;) By the end of this year what are some of the ultimate ambitions of the evolution of The Au Revoirs?

P. I know we have at least two more singles to release.

L. Some lovely filmic videos to

accompany those would be great.

Really we want an arsenal of new material and to be continually writing/recording/playing shows

lr

to at least half packed venues ;) I must admit despite hearing your music, I am yet to attend a live show. For many like me, what is the best way to fully embrace an Au Revoirs performance?

C. Coming to our show dressed

in one of our t-shirts!

L. Well, I’m going to say

the story of each song. But that makes me sound like an arsehole. So, I will retract that and say… I think we have

something to say and the full atmosphere and energy of that is best experienced in the flesh!

those left to check you out, why is now an ideal time for them to invest?

audience.

What do you think is allowing you to grow as a band?

middle, or back row seat. ;) Plus, Cammy’s riff factory has been working overtime so we’ve a lot more music to make yet.

P. Yeah, we do feed off an

C. I think it’s a simple case of the more we play and rehearse, the more ideas are generated, and the more we want to develop.

There are still people yet to discover your music, but for

P. You can still get a front,

The Au Revoirs are: Lucie Barât – vox Cammy Angus – guitar Paul Coleman – drums Rhys Bury – bass guitar TheAuRevoirs

TheAuRevoirs

//biffy clyro - wolves of winter Following their 2013 critically acclaimed #1 double-album ‘Opposites’ our favourite rock ensemble Biffy Clyro give us a new single called ‘wolves of winter ‘ to keep us on edge and excited before the release of their upcoming album ‘Ellipses’ to be released on July 8th this year!

The track opens with a series of muffled voices and strange audio creating an eerie atmosphere before pouncing in with a ferocious ‘we are the wolves!’ shortly followed by an alternation of angular riffs and the distinctive Scottish vocals that we love! All this accompanied by

the pounding beat typical of a song by these mischievous Scottish rockers makes for a soothing melody with a rock style edge.

And then there’s more! After this amazing new single We’ve got so much to look forward to this year regarding the ever improving Biffy Clyro!

Including the album release i earlier mentioned, a huge outdoor show at Bellahouston park (Glasgow) on the 27th of August and let us not forget they’re headliners of the majestic reading and Leeds festival and we simply cannot wait to be a part of it!

Article By Eve Monaghan

//blancmange

We recently spoke to Neil Arthur from BLANCMANGE to find out a little bit about the latest LP and chat about how life was going in general.

Hi Neil, welcome to Darkus …

Congratulations on the Commuter 23 LP which is released this month. How happy are you with the final creation?

Neil: You’ve got to let go at some point, so better now than never, eh? I’m learning to stop tweaking things.

There’s always another song that idea can go on in the future.

DM: What do you think the LP represents the world of Blancmange?

Neil: It’s a direct portal to the future.

DM: How would you summarise the sound and vibe of the material you create and produce?

Neil: Simple, pseudo poetry with noise; most of which is intentional …

DM: In what situations do you find your creativity at its strongest?

Neil: The further away I am from the studio the better. I do not go in the studio unless I have an idea to take in there. Obviously once past the initial ideas stage I’ve got to go in and engage with the machines.

DM: The UK tour takes places later in March, starting in Southampton and ending in Manchester. How excited are you to take Blancmange onto the road?

Neil: I’ll be happier when we get to the venues, as I’m not to keen on the travel aspect. So Blancmange on the road is not the bit I like. The gig and meeting fans,

then a pint with my mates in the band and some who aren’t, is great. That said I look forward to getting home to my family when it’s done and dusted.

DM: What has preparation been like with the run up to the tour?

Neil: Rehearsals, the careful construction of the “dark door” and much talk of the north; synths and good wine and beer.

DM: When people come along to the shows, what guidance would you give them on how to fully embrace and appreciate your set?

Neil: Try to relax and trust us, we’re doctors.

DM: Once the tour is out of the way, what does the rest of 2016 look like for Blancmange?

Neil: Football, musical collaborations, a trip to the coast and then to bed …

DM: Compared to previous work you have done, and for people who have followed Blancmange since the 80s, what does the Blancmange of the current day have to offer old and new fans?

Neil: Live it’s an opportunity for them to meet each other and listen to our music at the same time. From a recording point of view [Commuter 23] for both sets of fans it’s an invitation to experience a segment or stage of a journey towards the future.

Article by Thushara S. Chandrasiri

//boyce avenue Darkus Magazine: Welcome to Darkus Magazine guys. Has 2016 been kind to you so far?

Boyce Avenue: Yes another great year! And with touring underway and the album release coming soon, it’s only getting better!

DM: What have been some of the highlights over the past few months?

BA: The biggest highlight has been hitting the road again. We love being able to share our music live with our fans. And now that we’re touring again in support of the new album, it’s been a great time for us!

DM: You have an UK tour coming up soon, what are you looking forward to the most?

BA: The people. The U.K. has always really been in tune with our music and what we do and who we are. And playing live in the U.K. always reminds us of that. There’s a respect and passion for what we do and for our original music in the uk that we always love.

DM: I have a huge respect for your music and the positive vibe it radiates. How does it feel knowing that the material you create inspires your fans?

BA: That’s always one of the things that most

keeps us going. Hearing from our listeners at shows what some of our songs have meant to them, whether it was the song they first danced to at their wedding, or a song that got them through a difficult time, it’s a real reminder that what we do matters. And that’s so important.

DM: Do you see Boyce Avenue having a typical fan, or is it more a case that its music which is aimed at anyone?

BA: Our fans come from all walks of life. We love that. You’ll usually see as many guys as girls at our shows, which we think is awesome. And people of all ages. We feel like good music should transcend age or gender or generations even, so maybe we’re doing something right. ;) DM: Having been a band since 2004 what does it feel knowing that 12 years later you are still continuing to go from strength to strength, and also successfully managing to draw in new fans along the way?

BA: That was always a goal and a dream of ours--to have longevity. So we’re really happy with how things are going! Cheers to the next 12 years!

DM: From your experiences within the music industry what have been some of things that

any musician needs to take into account?

BA: Always work hard and never give up.

DM: After leaving Universal Records you signed to your own independent music label, 3 Peace.

Was that an easy choice to make? Or did it just feel right at the time?

BA: It felt like a huge relief, at the time, to go back to doing things by ourselves and for ourselves, and we’ve never looked back since.

Being independent has been amazing and has definitely been the best for us and our fans.

DM: There are a lot of brilliant songs in your collection, whether it be older or the more recent material, is there any particular songs which make you smile as soon you know your about to play it live?

BA: Haha. Great question. Sometimes it changes every night. It depends on what mood we’re in

or what we’re thinking about at the time. That’s what makes each show special. There’s always something new to appreciate or to get excited about.

DM: So with the UK tour coming, what advice would you give for people for the best way to fully embrace your shows?

BA: We love if people listen to our original albums before coming to a show. Also we like for people to come to the shows with an open mind.

We like to take things well beyond what we do on YouTube, so it’s fun for everyone.

DM: After being together for 12 years do you still have the same level of excitement you had back in day one?

BA: Absolutely!

Article by Thushara S. Chandrasiri

lr

Had too much to drink...

Brantley Gilbert-Stone cold sober

R

eigning all the way from Jefferson, Georgia in the land of the free and the home of classic country rock, USA Brantley Gilbert is returning to grace our eager British ears once again. Having already smashed last year’s C2C Festival at The O2 in London, tour dates this May are released with the Glasgow Oran Mor venue already sold out! And what a privilege it is to welcome them back, and an even bigger welcome from Darkus magazine!

This dude has rightfully earned 6 number one singles in the states, had enormous success with two massive platinum albums, Halfway to heaven and Just as I am (Awarded the American Music Awards Favourite Country Album in 2014) which has been re-released with 8 brand new additional soul touching country tracks, and not only did it top the iTunes country album charts upon its greatly anticipated release, it also effortlessly hung on to its place in the top 5 best-selling country albums of 2015 as well. Impressive!

So having rapidly expanded with angel wings spread, it is now 2016 and Gilbert takes yet another major step closer to world domination.

Still keeping true to his whisky whacking, country roots comes the single from the revamped Just as I am album-Stone cold sober. And if that wasn’t enough to please the die hard fans, in wake of their début, international blackout tour- they have also provided us with a fitting, all to familiar sobering video!

Rocking the beards, looking hench with guitar slides and knuckle duster microphones comes a heart filled, single telling a likely true story of nearly letting the one slip away after a crazy drunken house party and possibly saying some silly things in process, but let’s face it we have all been there; you know where you wake up and realise that yes, I really did that and you either cringe and don’t leave the house for days avoiding all social media or you laugh!

The beauty about this song is Gilbert is actually sober now and he still writes about drinking and fighting as it was a huge part of his journey.

Although I can’t say I’m with him on kicking the bottle as I can’t imagine life without that cold beer sat in the fridge, waiting to welcome me home at the end of a long day...calling my name...I think I hear it calling me now! OK maybe I see his point.

Directed by Shane Drake, the video to Stone cold sober premièred December 2015 and has had over 3 million Youtube hits which is an accomplishment by any means! More than likely from female viewers as clearly he’s a country western heart breaker (sorry girls but he’s taken for life now!)

Mr Drake has done a beautiful job capturing the meaning behind the words on video and it’s a video the large majority of us can relate to; and has projected Gilbert’s true feelings on the damage drinking can inflict on your personal life, waking up alone missing that midnight kiss...would suck right?

Something the fans may not know; the beauty about Brantley Gilbert’s material is the guy is a self-professing Christian and it’s demonstrated through much of his material-My faith in you from Just as I am speaks of his faith and is just another reason why they are so massively successful, because let’s face it, we are in desperate need of artists who write with motive and meaning!

BrantleyGilbertMusic

Tour dates: http://brantleygilbert.com/takeitoutsidetour

Reviewed and written by David Bullock

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Wolf alice H

aving been continuously playing shows for well over a year if not longer, Wolf Alice have become one of those bands who are embracing what it really means to be a live band. With countless visits to different parts of the globe, the release of their debut album, My Love Is Cool last year, things continue flow nicely for this four piece band, led by lead vocalist Ellie Rowsell.

I was fortunate to finally catch up with guitarist Joff, when the band came to York Barbican in March as part of their headline tour so it was brilliant to be able to get an exclusive update on what was new since the last time we met.

Darkus Magazine: Welcome back to Darkus. It has been a while, how has life been?

Joff: Yeah its been pretty busy since we last saw each other over a year ago. Continuoustouring and pretty much living life on the road.

DM: Wolf Alice has gone from strength to

strength. What do you think that is down to?

Joff: I don’t know really, hard work I guess. We have been doing this for a long time now. We put a lot of time into the rehearsal studio and take what we do seriously.

DM: The debut album, My Love Is Cool, was released last year. Having been out for a while now are you pleased with the feedback?

Joff: We are a little bit overwhelmed really.

Yeah we thought it would be a good record and something to be proud of, but I don’t think we ever thought other people would like it as much.

DM: Did everything you wanted make it onto the album?

Joff: Pretty much. Yeah sure stuff got left behind but you can always revisit that.

DM: How valuable is the addition of a debut album?

Joff: I don’t think you are ever seen as a ‘proper band’ until you have an official album out. In certain chapter starts when you release your first one, its kind of like going to big school.

music DM: Road trip memories?

Joff: There have been loads. We played lots of good shows. We got to return to The Olympia in Dublin which was special for us as the last time we played there was a couple of years or so ago supporting The 1975. Even back then we were stunned at how beautiful it was, so it was a real privilege to go back.

DM: By the end of the year and beyond what would you like to see happen?

Joff: I would like to have wrote some really good songs, completed our album campaign and have some things to look forward to in the years to come.

DM: Touring at least until September if not longer, what kind of ongoing preparation does that require?

Joff: It is hard to say! It has pretty much been non-stop touring. We did some time in the studio

before we set out on the road just to get things polished and tighter, but other than that there hasn’t been too much preparation. It is more a case of taking each day at a time.

DM: What have you learned over the years?

Joff: I guess one of the main things is that you are the master and commander of your own destiny. If you feel strongly and passionate about something then that is probably the right decision to make if you know what I mean.

DM: Is it fair to say that Wolf Alice is living the dream right now?

Joff: Yes definitely, were good! It is so good as a band to see people continually come to our shows, buy our records and are as passionate about being involved as we are.

Article By Thushara Answers By Joff

//dmas Darkus Magazine: Have you been enjoying 2016?

Mason: Yeah this year has been good man. Last time we came to the UK we did a headline tour and I have to say that the response has been a whole lot better this time around. Seems to be a lot more fans and better atmosphere at shows so yeah its good.

DM: You brought out the record recently. What was your proudest moment?

M: I think just when it came out. I wouldn’t say proud though more happy than anything else.

DM: What do you think the record represents about who DMA’S are?

M: A lot of guitars and vocals were recorded at Johnny’s house in his bedroom, so it shows how we have stayed true to our roots as a kind of a DIY bedroom recording band.

DM: What were your own influences musically growing up?

M: I have always listened to quite a few American guitar bands such as Sonic Youth. Sure I listened to others but it was those kinds of bands which really shaped my interest. Its funny to me now thought that I am in a Brit Pop band as I never really listened to any of that growing up.

DM: Was it a hard transition then going from the

influences you were used to and having to adjust to Brit Pop? M: Not at all man! If you listen to the likes of Dinosaur JR for example, one of my favourite bands, if you sang with a Liam Gallagher kind of tone to your voice it would sound Brit Pop. As a guitarist its not about the way you play, but more about the accent you are singing your music in. I think one of the main reasons we get labelled Brit Pop was because we didn’t sing in our everyday Australian accents, nor did we try and put an American twang to things.

DM: What were the memories of the very first guitar you owned?

M: That’s a very good question. It was a Fender Telecast, a Japanese model. In fact the headstock of the telecast is usually quite skinny and someone had put it on a guitar rack at a store and it had slipped through and cracked on the bottom so there was like a bit of paint chipped off. I think it was like 200 bucks cheaper because of that but I didn’t give a fuck at the time, I was like whatever. Last Christmas though I gave it to my second cousin who is a kid, along with a small amp. My uncle sent me a video of him playing it which was so nice to see.

DM: When did you realise that pursuing music is what

you wanted to do?

M: Ever since I was a little kid. I can’t remember a time when I did not stop thinking of music, even before I could even sing or play an instrument.

DM: Was there a particular song that encouraged you further with this choice?

M: Disney movies! I watched a lot of them growing up.

DM: Favourite Disney movie?

M: Hmm that is a tough choice as they are all good, but I guess Snow White is sick from back in the 30s or Beauty And The Beast – you know the classics!

DM: What are you doing to keep yourself motivated mentally and physically while on the road?

M: Physically we don’t really get a whole lot done.

Like we lift out gear in and out of the van but that’s as far as it goes. Mentally though I will listen to a lot of other bands, especially new releases which I like as that helps to inspire me.

DM: What makes a DMA set complete?

M: I think if nothing goes wrong. For example a string could break or the pedals will mess up, so if that doesn’t happen its good.

DM: From a fan point of view what would be the best way to embrace your music?

M: It is hard to say as we have a lot of different fans.

I would like to think though there is a lot in our music that they can relate to. We have a lot of kids come to the shows as well as the older generation who were kids in their 90s.

DM: Where do you see the next dimension leading you as a band?

M: I joined the band after Johnny and Tommy so when it came to the first EP I didn’t really get a lot of say. However I would like to bring in some more of those guitar based influences we spoke of earlier.

Answers By Mason (Guitarist) Questions By Thushara

//the duke spirit The Duke Spirit have returned! After a threeyear performance hiatus, it is clear that the band are back with a burning hunger to take the UK by storm following the success of their comeback sell-out show at the notable Wilton Music Hall. The band speak the language of musicians; after listening to a number of tracks on their Spotify account, it is clear to suggest that the group draw on a number of varying influences, resulting in an array of flourishing and somewhat contrasting sounds, producing an overall beautiful tonality.

In their latest single, taken from KIN which debuts on May 6th, it is apparent that they are taking fans on yet another adventurous route drawn from their arsenal of inspirations.

Whereas previous songs such as Love is an Unfamiliar Name, takes on a timbre that can only be surmised as a Florence Welch – Kasabian lovechild, their newest

track, Wounded Wing takes on a more exposed, bare tone. Although the track only predominantly features a delicate vocal line accompanied by a piano, the piece blossoms as it progresses, with the band successfully captivating and engaging the listener, an element, which only the greats are only usually able to succeed at; resulting in a powerfully sounding sombre piece of music.

After listening to a number of Kendrick Lamar albums before writing this review (weird, I know!), it is great to hear a piece of pop music at the opposite end of the spectrum. Wounded Wing, is not only good, but a severely risky career move that The Duke Spirit have been able to pull off in style! If you like artists such as Florence and the Machine, Loch Lomond and our featured artist gracing the front cover of Darkus Magazine, Afnan Prince, then perhaps, The Duke Spirit are worth checking out!

To celebrate the success of their highly anticipated album, KIN, The Duke Spirit will be making some UK appearances: Friday 6th Kingston Banquet Monday 9th Brighton Resident Wednesday 11th London Rough Trade Thursday 12th Southsea Pie & Vinyl Article By Andy Elsender Photos By Steve Gullick

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music

Eliza and the Bear I

f there was one album I would recommend as my editor’s choice, although there is so much variety and awesome material out at the moment, my vote would probably go to the self-titled debut album by Eliza And The Bear. There is such a positive vibe about this album from the very moment you listening to opening track ‘Friends’.

Both as an album and a debut, I believe that this is a masterpiece which introduces the music scene to a band who have something incredibly special to offer. The end result being that it leaves you as a listener in love, addicted and even curious to know what the band are capable of next.

First impressions are so important these days, as it can be one of the deciding factors of whether you convert fans or lose them. Eliza And The Bear however, wow, they certainly know how to deliver in style, thus winning the hearts and souls of the listeners thus probably explaining why I am never ashamed to have the album on repeat at least a few times a week.

In terms of the tracks on

the album,, those positive vibes are consistent throughout – another winning factor about the album. Most important though is any one regardless of how you day is going can relate. For example ‘Light It Up’ or ‘Oxygen’ have lyrics which help you to reflect but in a way that does not feel scary, and is instead making the world of exploring feelings and emotions a safe and comfortable process.

Another bonus about this record is that it gives you that extra bit of support and courage to face up to the challenges that life presents to us. In some sense Eliza And The Bear are simply saying some of the thing which are thinking to ourselves anyway but in a healthy and productive way.

Consisting of 15 track this certainly is an incredibly strong record, and one that will see the band make 2016 their year.

Released via Capitol Records, the self titled album is ready to buy now. If your looking for that bit of new music which excites then Eliza And The Bear and definitely the band for you.

Article By Thushara

//ghost town The last time I saw American three piece band, Ghost Town we were sat on the floor at a very busy yet fun packed Vans Warped Tour over at Alexandra Palace back in October 2015. Therefore when I heard that drummer Manny, guitarist Alix and frontman Kevin Ghost were back in the UK as one of the main supports for Simple Plan, I totally had to get myself along to one of their shows and catch up. I have so much love and respect for these guys and whether it be seeing them play live or hanging out, they are such lovely and genuine people who always make me smile.

Read on to see what happened when we met…

Darkus Magazine: We briefly saw each other at Warped. How’s life been treating you since then guys?

Kevin: Pretty good, been living life on the road. Things have been crazy and we have been non-stop promoting the latest record.

DM: While being on the Simple Plan tour has the time been good to you?

Kevin: Oh yes it’s been amazing. Incredibly fun. So many places we have never been before. Like we always dreamed of visiting but never thought it would actually happen. To be able to play along the like

of a legendary band such as Simple Plan is quite an honour.

DM: Which cities or even countries did you enjoy most?

Kevin: Probably Prague. Sometimes on tour you have a day off, but you are a truck stop all that day with nothing around you except a McDonalds. With Prague though it was such a central location allowing us the chance to head into the city, check out some historical landmarks. Then the actual show, oh my god, ended up being one of the biggest shows of the tour, playing to 4,500 people. Such an experience on another level!

DM: You are crossing not just one country but a number of different ones, so no doubt you’re experiencing different cultures?

K: I know right. You always wake up each day and say to yourself ‘shoot! How do I say thank you today?” It’s so good just to see how wherever you go in Europe there is always a huge love and respect for music. We get really in depth questions from kids who have waited ages just to see us especially as it’s been three years a band visiting some of these places. With them wanting to discover more about us is really refreshing as it shows our fans really do

care about substance. Every single person is having a good time, dancing and jumping. No one really has their phones out as much, it’s really interesting.

Manny: I think for me I want to take some of the lingo and not even try and add the accent, but go back to the US and use some of the slang and y’all use and be like ‘Bloody Hell sir’ haha!

DM: What does the rest of the year look like for you?

Kevin: Well we are always writing and recording new music and doing some really exciting thing with that, still promoting the new record. Then over the summer we will be doing the full Warped Tour in the US which is really cool.

DM: What does the rest of the year look like for you?

Kevin: Well we are always writing and recording new music and doing some really exciting thing with that, still promoting the new record. Then over the summer we will be doing the full Warped Tour in the US which is really cool.

DM: Being in a festival environment like Warped what is the biggest form of recognition?

Kevin: Kids just being at our set. There are so many other bands playing at once, so to make the choice to come see us play really means a lot to us. When we played Warped back in 2014, Linkin Park did a special appearance in Ventura, California and we ended up being booked at the same time as them. At first we had doubts whether anyone would show up to see us, but that soon disappeared as soon enough 300+ kids turned out to see us. I just wanted to go on the mic and say “What the hell are you guys doing here? Go watch Linkin Park!” haha!

DM: What do you think on each tour you support you bring to the table?

Kevin: A different sound and one that no one is expecting. Even our merchandise is so much different including the artwork. As it comes to the end of the tour with Simple Plan for example we get tweets or tags via Twitter and Instagram from people who caught out set for the first time and there was something in that 30 minutes or so which encouraged them to want to discover more about us. We giving people a door way to our universe and they then step through and indulge.

DM: What is the best way to embrace your universe then?

Kevin: Come with an open mind! We are more than just the sound, there is the visual and artistic side of things too. We have a comic book out so we encourage people to read that and listen to the music after or at the same time.

DM: Where did the idea for the comic book come from?

Manny: We had so much art and thought it would

be a better way to utilise it, rather than put it on a t-shirt and be like ‘oh there you go’. We make a story out of it which like us is continually evolving with new characters being added to the equation.

Alix: Alistar our artist is one of the coolest and talented people we know. He has such a crazy imagination too so he is able to bring the ideas inside his mind to life.

Kevin: It’s cool because people don’t realise at first that we are a conceptual band and we have this whole different world with a mixture of characters and dynamics. However that has always been our thought process since day 1.

DM: How much value do you place on each record you release?

Kevin: I feel that Evolution is the first of our 3 albums to really get great publicity out here in the UK especially. It’s so cool to see people coming up to us after seeing us on the TV, hearing us on the radio etc, which is a really new thing for us.

It’s important to have all these opportunities without having to compromise who you are and that is something we have continued to do. It’s about preserving the right amount of integrity and creating a record which is a true reflection of our band, but also bringing people into our world.

DM: Why is it the right time for people to discover you?

Manny: I still feel it’s the beginning and everything we have been through since January, I feel like it’s just going to lift off from here really fast so don’t want you to be left behind.

Kevin: We are just starting to scratch the surface into the comic book world. Our artist has just started getting into animation so there that to come too. It’s a universe we are creating, which gets bigger by the day and we are always trying to keep people guessing so it should be interesting.

Article By Thushara S. Chandrasiri

//giants Darkus: Welcome to Darkus Magazine guys, it’s a privilege to have you with us, thought we would start off with a question that I find usually provides some amusing answers!

Do any of you guys have backstage habits or rituals before going on stage to prepare yourself, you know like Van Halen demands all brown M&Ms be removed from their bowl (and rightly so!)?

Jack: What’s wrong with brown M&M’s? Not really, I guess we are pretty humble with riders, apart from two of the band being vegetarian we don’t really care what we get- we’re always grateful for anything someone is willing to give us.

DM: So this is your first full length album, it must be emotional, how does it feel to see your album going out on sale in the big wide world?

J: It’s a great feeling, it has been a long time coming for us and we’ve put every ounce of our beings into making it, so we’re very proud for it to be finally out.

DM: It looks like a promising, strong album with 13 massive tracks listed, how do you narrow

down which songs make the cut or do you simply expand the length of the album?

J: That’s actually something we’ve never had to do before and it was difficult, especially for me.

If I write a song and we keep it, it’s because I’m 100% proud and happy with it you know? We had to cut some of the songs we recorded for this record and it was a difficult decision to make, but you’ve got to think of the record as a ‘body of work’ that needs to make sense to listeners.

The songs we cut were just slightly different to the main backbone of the record in terms of style, so we’ve kept them back for later endeavours.

DM: So you have your own merchandise store and it’s looking really cool! How did you come about making the decision to get involved with this?

J: The merch store is run by us, that’s cool and it helps us fund the band a bit; plus we now have Impericon and Holy Roar helping us out in terms of merchandise too, which is rad - helps us get the merch out on a bigger scale.

DM: It must be a nightmare juggling your time

from writing new material, recording it, gigging, being entrepreneurs and having a social life, I can’t even remember to feed the cat! How do you cope!?

J: It’s all about being realistic. Sure we’d love to be on tour forever and a day, but we have to be real about it, we need to pay rent - which you can’t do just from writing a punk record and touring in clubs for weeks on end unfortunately. That’s the way it is. It’s all about doing things that are right for the band as a whole, keeping the members of the bands interests in mind as much as anything else. Put simply, if one of us loses a job and can’t pay rent/ends up without a house or food, the band can’t function! So I like to think that we are pretty sensible with our touring schedules.

as we speak, just awaiting some final edits. We always try to do something different with our visual media as we do believe it’s a part of being in a band that is so stale. Music videos are, for the most part undeniably repetitive and boring so we like to try things out side of the box.

DM: So not only is your first ever full album being released and having an extremely busy few months ahead with tour dates booked solid over Europe!

Where do you see yourselves at Christmas time as a band, and I don’t mean hitting the beers and sneaking in the parents cupboards for presents!

J: By then we hope to have done a fair few decent tours on this record, I hope that we’ll be looking into travelling further overseas...

DM: You have an impressive, well established fan base already behind you, how important are your fans and what do they mean to you?

DM: And lastly, I have to ask, are there any thoughts on a second album? -I know your first has just been released but we can’t contain our excitement!-

J: Honestly, they mean everything to us it’s a clichéd thing to say but if we didn’t have fans like we do, we wouldn’t be here doing it still. We did a kick starter campaign to help fund the record and the support we got from it was insane, it really gave us a boost of confidence that we have friends out there who care about our music with such passion.

We are truly blessed.

J: Believe it or not, we have about 4 songs already written, so by the end of the year it’ll probably start shaping up hopefully! Then who knows when that will be out, we want it to be a natural thing, no pressure. We’re looking forward to getting into that.

DM: I love the video to your new track “I’ve been low”, this is what fans to want to see, the behind the scenes gigging stuff! Do you have any plans for future videos! (Don’t spare on the details!)

J: Yeah we have one being put together

DM: It’s been a pleasure interviewing you guys and we wish all the best for your album release and tour! Good luck!

J: Thanks man.

Article by David Bullock Answers by Jack

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Glastonbury Through the eyes of a festival virgin

S

o the boss has decided to send out a festival virgin to one of the worlds biggest music events in history, is it just to sit back and laugh at me having no idea what atrocities to expect or to genuinely cover the event...who knows!

2016’s Glastonbury, know what’s happening, the special appearances and why you want to make sure you’re stood in the soggy sea of sludge at the worlds biggest music festival!

So of course the acts have been announced finally and the reaction has been spectacular; Adele announced she would be headlining the star The one thing that always amazes me, is the hype surrounding these prestigious festivals, it has ridden pyramid stage during a gig at the London 02 in March, Muse (I may freeze out of excitement always had me curious but other commitments when they walk on stage!), Coldplay and Ellie never allowed me to experience an event like Goulding are a few others gracing us with their Glastonbury; tickets sold out in just 30 minutes this year and when names such as Adele, Muse and presence!

Jeremy Corbyn get thrown around, who wouldn’t Opening the festival will be Manchester band be curious?

James with front man Tim Booth saying “we’re going to cut the ribbon and smash the champagne Although tickets may have sold out rapidly and on the ship.” kicking things off at the ‘Other stage’ you found yourself being one of the unfortunate ones who timed out during purchase because, like at 11am on the Friday! me you don’t have 4G, chill out and brace yourself, So Adele at Glastonbury? It appears this because thanks to those naughty individuals who announcement has had a varied mix of reviews didn’t pay the balance on their tickets before the deadline, there is a ticket resale announced for the across social media with some people saying it wouldn’t be their choice, and others saying 14th of April starting 18:00 so make sure you’re at who wouldn’t want to see Adele? The singer was the ready! reportedly put off gigging Glasto after the Kanye By the end, you will understand the hype of

music West performance in 2015...she says it was the size of the crowd that was intimidating...or was it just the fact Kanye West headlined?

stop, move clockwise through all of the areas and seeing the awesome activities and acts that are going to be dotted around I can see why this is sound advice!

I mean you have your chart smashing predictable artists, such as Adele, Ellie Goulding etc. But then names such as ZZ Top and Madness appear and it just goes to show that there really is something for everyone, for all tastes and all ages!

Coldplay and Bring me the horizon-I can only assume Glastonbury organisers have made the sensible decision to keep BMTH and Coldplay on separate stages, or even better separate days after the performance from BMTH Oliver Sykes at the NME awards...you know, the one where Oli gets up onto Coldplay’s table totally trashing it! Awkward. It isn’t just music and massive celebrities, this year has so much more to offer! One of the main additions to the festival is the Pilton Palais Muse headlining is incredibly exciting for many Cinema tent! This is perfect if you’re waiting for a (including myself) however many didn’t seem particular act to come on, or you simply just want surprised at this announcement having already played in 2004 and 2010, but they will be the first a change of pace; they show a huge variety of films band to have headlined each day at Glastonbury so so there is something to suit everyone’s taste, from children films to horror! And on top of that there’s maybe they just wanted to hold the record! space set aside on the “greenfield” for those who are interested in alternative medicines, there are And it’s exciting times for you Babylon uprising demonstrations and displays of environmentallyfans too; celebrating their 5th year of music friendly technologies, many forms of cultural and mashing they have confirmed their return to the festival, opening their tent doors to fans for a boat religious expression and there’s even a forum for debating key issues such as the environment, social party! (Boat...in a tent...yes) and moral topics, which brings us to the next big People say the best thing to do at Glastonbury to name that is appearing on the stage... get the full experience is to keep moving, don’t

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Main acts: Muse: Friday night Adele: Saturday night Coldplay: Sunday

So what does everyone think to Jezza Corbyn doing a little speech at Glasto? It turns out this controversial dude has been handed an invitation

by Glastonbury to speak on stage in the “left field” (The field that mixes pop and politics!) to discuss a range of issues! Personally I find it a little out of character for the whole theme of the festival given that Glastonbury festival is traditionally known for being laid back and mellow; it’s a gathering of musicians, fans and performing arts and I’m not sure Jeremy Corbyn’s views on gender and the economy classify as an art...although some might argue politics is a performing art (see what I did there?) Either my predictions for this are some heated debates, laughter, maybe the odd ‘booing’ and who knows, maybe even an egg or loo roll tossed (Not by me!)

In summary, there is a tonne going on at 2016’s Glastonbury festival; we have seen many much loved and greatly missed artists pass this year,

David Bowie being one which devastated the music world and fans, and Glastonbury are set to honour his name in this years event (but aren’t giving away any details!) And being bang slap in the midst of student graduations, the EU referendum for the anticipated, highly debated ‘Brexit’, there is just far too much going on than I have the space to write! It’s going to be a very interesting experience for all let alone us festival virgins, hopefully we get some sun this year for it, or we may find ourselves joining David Cameron, hiding in our homes “watching it on TV in front of a warm fire”...in the middle of June...

See you there and wish this festival virgin luck!

Written by :David Bullock-Darkus Magazine Photos Provided By :Glastonbury Festival Press Team

//kelvin jones While studying at University the last thing you expect is to become an internet sensation for you music over night, but that’s exactly what happened to Kelvin Jones. Now having supported the likes of James Morrison, X Ambassadors, James Bay and german superstar Mark Forster the singer, songwriter is set for big things. Hear his story…

“It was two years ago that I wrote Closer and put it on Youtube, a buddy of mine then put it on Reddit without me knowing and within 12 hours the song went from 1000 views to like 500,000.”

Kelvin recalls. “I was out with some friends when the whole thing started, I had no idea that I had been posted up, then I could feel my phone buzzing in my pocket and I ignored it for a little while and then I was like what is this, this is crazy, I thought it must be an alarm or something and I checked and every second a new person was tweeting that they loved the song. Then my friend messaged me and was like You’re on the front page of Reddit, you’re on the front page of Reddit! “I just ran home, and was up the whole

night replying to messages, I didn’t get any sleep!”

Kelvin tells us. “Then the next day after that it was on Good Morning America!”

So with all this craziness going on how did music fit in with University, the answer, it didn’t.

“I was studying civil engineering in Portsmouth and I hadn’t been to lectures for a while. In the October I saw John Mayer, he’s my favourite musician and it was my very first gig at the O2 Arena. I remember leaving the gig thinking that’s what I want to do, I don’t want to go back and do civil engineering, and that’s when I made my mind up. I started writing songs and playing in pubs and spoke to my parents about it, well argued about it for a month and then in the March I left Uni completely,” he says.

When it comes to musical influences Kelvin has a varied taste “On my album I’ve got four influences, four artists; John Major, BB King, Noel Gallahger and Michael Jackson. The first two are self-explanatory when you hear my music, it’s like ok you get the blues thing, then Michael Jackson I grew up listening to because my parents

listened to it. I figured out when I was making my album that you listen to Michael Jackson in the same way that you watch the Simpsons. So when you’re a kid Simpsons is funny and simple to you, the same way that Michael Jackson’s music just makes you dance and makes you feel happy. Then you turn 16/17 and you need something edgier and cool so you listen to some grind metal, then you stop watching Simpsons and watch Family Guy instead. Then when you turn a certain age you come back around to Simpsons and you see all these jokes and deep references that you missed as a kid. With Michael Jackson I listened to his record and was like holy crap this is genius, it’s like you’ve got new ears from when you first listened to it years ago.”

“When I was making my album I took a bunch of influence from Michael Jackson and just put little hints in it. Noel Gallagher knows how to make a simple song; it’s not about showing off. It’s like this is a song, this is how I feel, and that’s what I want to do too.” Kelvin explains.

So how is the budding star finding life on the

road “Nothing better”, he says. “There is nothing better than being on the road. My favourite part of the music thing was playing infront of people, that’s what I did in pubs and then I spent a year making a record. At the time I thought that the best way to convince someone to listen to my music is just for them to hear it. I love when I see that connection, that it’s not about me, they’re lost in the music and I live for that moment,” he says.

“The objective is to make as many new fans as possible, the X Ambassadors tour was amazing and the James Morrison tour has been so, so good. We were in Southend which was ridiculous; everyone was so nice and so friendly. For people to pay attention to someone they haven’t’ come to see and really enjoy it and to hear more, it’s the best feeling. We ran out of CDs and had to make more!” Kelvin says.

Two years later on from that Reddit video, it still hasn’t quite sunk in for the singer, songwriter who has supported X-Ambassadors and James Morrison. “Someone smart once said your life always seems normal to you because it’s

happening to you and you have nothing else to compare it with. So when my song went viral I was just like ok, this is what happens, it was weird but it was like ok it’s happened, then the next thing, now I get to make a record, now I get to do this. My album is called Stop The Moment, it wasn’t so much about the big moments, but it was about the little things, I wrote the song which was about the time I used to hang out with my friends after school, and just go to the shops and get some food and the biggest worry was when homework was due in and that’s the stuff that I really want to stop and appreciate. All of this is very unreal, but it’s little moments like now when you stop and think, where am I, what am I doing and what was I doing two years ago…” With his album on the way we asked what could be expected. “I want to say its pop mixed in with a hint of blues, and a hint of whatever I am. Everyone is like a painting by colours of the people they listen to and love, and then there’s that dot that’s just you.” Kelvin says.

“My favourite track is the title track Stop The Moment, for what it is and what it means to me. It was one of the first songs that I wrote that wasn’t about a girl, it was my first song about a different subject and it opened up the possibility for me that I could write about other things. It has ended up meaning so much to me and every time I play it I feel like I’m right there still. Some songs have timelines, like you write a song about a girl and a year later maybe you don’t know her and it doesn’t matter, you don’t feel the same way so that song’s timeline has finished in a way, you can find new ways for it to mean something, but it doesn’t mean that original thing. With this song, I can’t call my own song timeless, but for me it is timeless, that feeling of always wanting to stop the moment and appreciate everything, to me it will always be relevant. Every now and then I sing it and it’s like holy crap I’m on tour with James Morrison, and then it’s like I’m on tour with X-Ambassadors, every single time I sing it, it still means something so that’s my favourite,” he

says.

Kelvin’s debut album Stop The Moment, will be released on March 25th through Epic Records & Four Music.

Article & Photos By Jemma Dodd

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Live At LEEDS 2016 A

10 Years & Beyond

pril 30th 2016 will see the prestigious Live At Leeds celebrate its ten year anniversary.

Unlike other music events out there, this is a day event which sees organisers getting a multiple selection of local venues on board such at Brundell Social Club, Orporto, Holy Trinity Church & both Leeds Becket and Leeds University as the Live At Leeds welcomes many incredible musicians from both the local and national level. Having been for the first time in 2015 I was left incredibly impressed thus making me even more excited for this year.

Usually when you think of festivals you think of fields, wellies and tents. Although that may be your stereotypical festival, Live In Leeds is run in a way which offers a little bit different and one which embraces the bustling and lively music scene which exists in one of the most amazing cities in the North. When people think of Leeds, automatically they think of the summer event, however Live At Leeds having grown in popularity

over since 2016, has brought its own energy and excitement. For local businesses Live At Leeds is an opportunity to get themselves noticed especially the local restaurants, bars and the like.

With the amazing memories which are created each year, its no wonder why whether you live within Leeds itself or in another part of the UK, this is an event which makes everyone passionate to be part of – musicians, businesses or fans!

So with this being 10 years what can we expect?

The line up this year includes the likes of Jess Glynne, Circa Waves, Rat Boy, We Are The Scientists and Duke Spirit. With over 100 artists performing on the day, this will be a great opportunity to witness some of the amazing artists of 2016 as well as discovering a few emerging artists too.

As much as the event is exciting from a fan perspective, Darkus decided as it was such a significant year, it would also be useful to hear from Aaron Snowden, one of the main organisers

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With April 30th soon approaching, how is the preparation going?

AS: Live at Leeds originated as part of the

AS: Preparation is going great! Lots of finishing

hat was the vision for Live At Leeds when it was first launched the idea 10 years ago?

city wide celebrations of Leeds’ 800 birthday.

The vision has always been that we wanted to celebrate the great music scene in which the city holds and provide a platform for local bands and breakthrough bands to develop a fan base, which is still at the heart of what we do today.

With the festival now celebrating its 10th year this year, what are your fondest memories over that time?

AS: My

personal fondest memories of LAL include The Cribs at Leeds Town Hall last year.

It was a special show for them, and the venue was at capacity almost immediately as they started. I also remember Frightened Rabbit headlining Leeds 02 Academy 3/4 years ago, and that has to be one of my favourite shows to this date. Not to mention Rudimental storming Leeds Academy in 2013!

Has it always been a smooth process?

AS: I guess it changes every year. There are a lot of logistical things to work out when programming a festival which uses 15+ venues. I mean, some years venue availability will change, and will be harder to book. Not to forget, when you are booking 180+ acts each year, there will be bands that drop out, or can’t play for one reason or another. So you always have to be on your toes, ready to make decisions and overcome any issues that you haven’t foreseen.

touches to put together in the final weeks, but it’s mainly just organising the bands, and making sure everybody know’s what they’re doing. I can’t wait for the actual day now as it’s been something we’ve been working on August last year.

Any extra edges to make this year that extra bit special?

AS: Corrine

Bailey Rae will be performing a special intimate hometown show this year at Hifi Club as part of the 10 year anniversary.

She actually worked in the club when she was younger, so it’ll be a glorious return to her old stomping ground. Her new record is due out this year, so that will be one not to miss. We also have SLOW CLUB returning to LAL to headline the Holy Trinity Church stage. The band actually performed at the very first LAL. Leeds College Of Music will also be presenting a special tribute to David Bowie by opening up the main stage at the venue.

How do you come to a decision not only which Artists to select each year, but also which venues you wish to get on board?

AS: We try and get as many venues in Leeds

involved as possible. It means we can programme more band and you’re more likely to see more acts by venturing into the venues in close proximity.

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For example, we have the 02 Academy Leeds, Nation Of Shopkeepers, Leeds Beckett’s, The Key Club & Belgrave Music Hall all very close to each other. It really makes a difference being able to enter a different venue and watch a different genre of bands.

What is the next level for you?

AS: Planning for next year’s festival has already begun, and we’re planning to incorporate more venues in 2017, as well as potentially having a Live at Leeds village. We also hope to do more events in the week leading up to the Saturday festival.

Events such as yours help to put the North back on the map in terms of entertainment, culture and of course music. Would you agree?

AS: I agree, it’s great to see all the people of Leeds

come together for one day of the year. There are thousands of people with Live at Leeds wristbands on, and there’s a real buzz about finding new music. This year we have pop up stages at Briggate (one of the busiest streets in Leeds) as well as Trinity Kitchen & Slate and Social Bars, showcasing more acts than we have ever before.

Although Live At Leeds does attract many big names each year, its also as much about creating

music a space for musicians at the independent and local level to be acknowledged too right?

AS: Absolutely! We try and bring through as many local artists to the festival each year. This year we have bands such as Fizzy Blood & Autobahn, who have both been to SXSW this year, as well as Vitamin, Sunspots & Party Hardly, who have all studied music at College / University and are now touring the country in bands.

Be it anyone coming to the festival for the first time, or those who have been returning each year what is the best way for them to embrace the Live At Leeds experience?

AS: I would say research the bands! I first

came to LAL as a punter nearly 5 years ago, prior to working on the festival. I used to take the time to make playlists, look at different bands and try and cover as many as possible. All the venues are so close together that it’s so easy to stumble upon your new favourite band. I’d also suggest visiting venues you might never usually go to. Holy Trinity is fantastic on LAL day, as well as Hifi hosting the special Corrine Bailey Rae hometown show, one not to miss!

So as you can see from our chat with Aaron there is so much Live At Leeds has to offer, and its safe to say that each year the team are dedicated to making each year better than the last. For more information and to get you tickets head over to www.liveatleeds.com. If there is one thing you do this year, I cannot emphasise enough how much I recommend you get yourselves along, because trust me this is one of those special moments you really don’t want to miss.

Article By Thushara Photos Courtesy of I Like Press

//louis berry As many of you know, I do a number of interviews on my travels as Editor, and come across many great people who are artists of their creative trade. Thinking back to all the people I have met recently, I had to say meeting Louis Berry was one of my favourite interviews.

Not only is Louis both charismatic and filled with a positive infectious level of confidence on stage, but off stage he is a inspirational guy using his passion of music to bring strength to himself and others. I cannot hesitate enough how you check out his music and discover this Liverpool based musician at a point of his life where things are going to just incredibly exciting.

Darkus Magazine: How does it feel to be involved in the Sunset Sons Tour?

Louis: For me its just another tour. To be honest before this tour I had never heard of the band but the producer I had been working with over in America had worked with them and had spoken highly of the lads.

DM: Are you happy with how this year has

been so far?

L: It started really strong. I did my own tour which was my first ever headline tour, then straight over to America to record my album.

DM: How significant is recording and releasing a piece of material to the public?

L: See there are thing you can do in the studio that you can’t do live and vice versa. Recording for me is a secluded place where I get the chance to get down and deep. I find that I go into myself a lot, especially as some of the songs I wrote were done a long time ago before I even stepped into any studio. Therefore it’s about rediscovering the same spirit I had when I wrote that particular song and reliving an reflecting on everything such as the emotion and where I was in life.

DM: Are you happy with the direction of the record?

L: Definitely! No one will be expecting what I have in store, even those who have seen the live shows. The album sees me put things on another level.

DM: How easy is it to go from a support tour to your own?

L: I had only ever really done one support tour to be honest. It was a good way to gain some valuable experience. On a support tour you step out onto stage never knowing what to expect and whether people are going to like you or not. However I try not to let that enter my mind and just carry on and do my thing.

On my own tour though people have seen me on the TV or heard me on the radio and have some out to see me specifically. To have that happen so early in your career and with some of the shows being sold out too is such an overwhelming but great feeling.

DM: Which city seems to have given you a pleasant reaction?

L: I am going to say Manchester. It’s a really good city, similar to Liverpool in some ways and different obviously in others. The people there are really responsive and sing along to the songs which is really good.

DM: Song wise, what is a good starting point?

L: I would probably say start with ‘Rebel’ as its music from my past. I am not from the music world, not like the rest of these people. I dress, think and behave differently and have a totally different background. To put it one way, I wasn’t good in my past. I was forced to do things that I didn’t necessarily want to do and did what I did just to get along in life, as did many other people from I am from. My soul purpose is to stand up there and represent those people and not just play music. It’s about making people feel better about their day.

DM: When you are playing music do you feel it’s a good and healthy way to express yourself?

L: Yes definitely. It’s not just an expression of myself though its an expression of similar people and the struggle.

DM: Important word of wisdom anyone has given you?

L: My grandad always taught me that when it comes to life don’t hesitate.

If there is something I see others achieving, having the confidence to say yourself ‘I can do that too’. So for me its about never hesitating, go for it and remain positive throughout.

DM: When do you find you are most driven, inspired and creative?

L: In hard times and struggle.

It’s my way of expressing struggle whether its early frustrations, love or things that happened in the past. I am not really into watching TV that much. Ok I am partial to an odd Netflix series now and then haha, but yeah I just watch and think how much people are buying into this world that the media portrays. That’s the kind of thing that would frustrate me and encourage me to go and write so I can tell people how it really is.

DM: Do you have anything to keep you motivated while on the road?

L: Other people make me motivated and just being around them. Also we have this big television on the tour bus so have hooked it up to my Playstation 4 so that too keeps me busy haha!

DM: From the Sunset Sons tour then, what would like to achieve?

L: For me its stepping stones into where I came from. We are in a new age where there is a rise of a new age of writers coming through, and I believe I am one of those at the forefront. This year is going to be a big one for me. The team I have got behind me, there a good team. It’s always about taking those small steps and never forgetting you have to walk before you can run

DM: Obviously the album will be big as well as any on the shows you play. However what else do you want to achieve via your music?

L: For anyone thinking of giving up I encourage them to listen to one of my songs. A little bit of that positive mentality makes a huge difference.

What people need to remember is that they may go out one day and how they behave in a particular moment might change their life forever.

I am on my way at a personal level to where I want to be, but there are others out there who have no idea which way to turn, yet alone how to get where they want to be.

DM: If a drink represented Louis Berry, what would you select?

Water! Totally pure and truthful.

DM: What is the incentive for people to take the journey with you and your music?

L: I am not just growing as an artist but a man too. I want people to be part of that journey too. At the end of the day I am doing this for them, not me, so I want them to be as involved as much as they can. If people are investing in me, they are actually investing into themselves via the music. Real life stories and the truth.

Article By Thushara S. Chandrasiri

//luvbug

Caution: Highly infectious

year...

Now under the wings of PR giant Chuff Media, LuvBug, led by the awesomely talented Marvin Humes have already broken their way through to the top 20 UK dance charts in 2015 with two cracking singles, “Resonance” ft. Talay Riley and “Revive (Say Something)” ft. Mark Asari. Working with the likes of David Guetta in Vagas and tucking Wireless and V festival under their belt it will come as no surprise that these guys are about to set 2016 on fire with new single “Best is yet to come”. A huge accomplishment having only set off on their journey about 18 months ago!

Putting my bitterness aside, check it out it’s worth a watch if your listening to the tune anyway! It even has an unexpected twist at the end!

Little has been said about this track by the dance craze duo however one thing stands true, and that’s “It’s infectious and it’s a record that can be received universally”. A few precious words but as the great Steven Tyler once said, “Let the music do the talking!”.

Now with a huge fan base already behind them and already having an impressive set of So this is literally the song that has you break UK tour dates, dominating 2016 should be a into rave, dancing around the room like no one breeze for LuvBug; the tune is available to preis watching. It’s definitely one of them tracks you order from the 5th of February and released will drive your neighbours crazy with on repeat on April 15th, and is anticipated to smash the all day long as it’s formed of all the components competition in the UK dance charts. And you that collide to make the next big dance anthem! know these guys are really going places when This track blares out the synth, proves auto-tune you’re on a pre-order basis! isn’t dead and is backed by flawless melodic work from the piano with some super rhythmic Wishing you all the best for 2016 LuvBug, from beats you can’t help but shuffle to! With a all of us at Darkus Magazine, see you in the pure, laid back summer anthem feel, it leaves charts! you with the catchy chorus stuck in your head, longing for the nearest beer garden to soak up Available for pre-order from 05/02/16, that rare British sun. released 15/04/16, for UK tour dates give these guys a like and check out their page!

And if we weren’t already impressed, it has an accompanying music video! Filled with www.luvbugmusic.com handsome dudes, pretty ladies donning bikinis www.twitter.com/LuvBug and sporting an Audi! www.facebook.com/LuvBugOfficial Although for me it’s just a reminder how some of us have no sunny holidays planned this

Reviewed and written by David Bullock

//september girls So today I received these guys new Album-Age of indignation-to have a listen to and give my thoughts; got to say it’s incredible!

angry definitely suits September Girls.” and what a shout that was; built around the feminist movement, the 1916 uprising in Ireland and the complex attitudes toward the Catholic church, it’s clear this album is a clever, articulate compilation of their beliefs and ideals; it really is that kind of album that has so much metaphor, passion and emotion to it because it’s constructed purely from the bands political views and heritage. It has meaning behind every word.

The September Girls are made up of a feisty foursome who all contribute to lyrical and music efforts and what they have is something really special; ad being only formed in 2011 they have already received critical acclaim from several heavy hitters including NME, established a fan base and more impressively making The Times top 11 new bands in the world. It’s clear why I was Recorded at Dublin’s Orphan studios, the band taken back when the first track started... have taken that step into further professionalism after recording their début album mainly at home Age of indignation is the latest dark, psychedelic to achieve the voice and mechanics they were result from the Dublin group following from their seeking to make this a tight record. late 2014 EP release Veneers; The four track EP was an extension of their début album Cursing Ahead of the albums release on the 8th of April, the sea which had a lighter atmosphere and has they dished out a quality music video for the fans lead them down darker paths and the result was to one of their new singles ‘Love no one’; directed this masterpiece. by guitarist Jessie Ward O’Sullivan the video is constructed of all things strange and dark with a NME were quoted as saying “Embittered and feel that I can only describe as having some sort

of affiliation with the occult/wiccan type thing!

Stevie Nicks would love it no doubt! It’s a very fitting video with great detail and effort by all involved and is most definitely worth a watch!

Age of indignation is 10 gnarly, deep dark tracks that resonate with every word, filled with a flurry of emotion; hate, anger, frustration, dissatisfaction, history, love and truly is a work of art. The guitar work seems to have its own voice with sinister, lingering ghost notes! There isn’t a band I could begin to compare them to as they have done the impossible and branched into their own style and genre, making it a nightmare for anyone to pick out influences!

Definitely a band I am busting a gut to get my hands on to interview to seek the fine, mysterious details and shed some light for you intrigued fans!

For fans over the pond with us in the rest of the UK here are the tour dates, get yourself a long!

May 15th: Arts Club Loft, Liverpool, UK May 16th: O2 ABC2, Glasgow UK May 17th: O2 Academy 3, Birmingham, UK May 18th: O2 Academy 2, Oxford, UK May 19th: O2 Academy 2 Islington, London, UK May 20th: Full Moon, Cardiff, UK Written by David Bullock

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www.dotphotographyanddesign.com

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S l a m 28th-30th May 2016

If there is one festival which truly represents the start of summer and the exciting months to come my vote has to go to none other than Slam Dunk

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aving first attended in 2012, this will be my fourth year in a row attending. Regardless of how busy my schedule can be as Editor, this is one of those events I make sure I always make time for. Oh man when I just think of my Slam Dunk memories it just makes me so excited as I relive all the awesome music all over again.

Taking place at Leeds, Hatfield & new this year Birmingham, Slam Dunk is one of those shows which regardless of which part of the UK you live in is so accessible to get to which I really admire.

With this year seeing Slam Dunk celebrate 10 years, the question on everyone’s lips is what is in store to make this a year to remember and celebrate Slam Dunk is absolute style.

Simply by looking at the line-up, its safe to say that music fans will not be left disappointed.

Headlining this year will be none other than Panic At The Disco, one of those bands which for many were a great influence musically when growing up. Other greats include the likes of Of Mice And Men, New Found Glory, Hit The Lights, The Story So Far, and one band which made me scream once I realised they were playing this year, The Starting Line.

What I look forward the most about Slam Dunk is that is I get to see all those amazing bands who were a big part of my formative years when first discovering my love for alternative music. I was in Nova Scotia, Canada when I first bought The Starting Line & New Found Glory’s records, so that in itself rekindles fond memories. Soon enough I was discovering a lot more new bands over the year, a large number who have always

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d u n k appeared on the Slam Dunk line up. Whether I have seen them countless times, or simply owned their record and seeing them for the first time ever live, Slam Dunk provides fans such as myself an opportunity not only to relive those classic poppunk or post hardcore songs, but also helps you to be brought up to speed where those incredible bands are right now with their journey.

If the line up is not good enough, things get even better as for the first time this year, providing you have the pennies, ticket holders will be able to

upgrade so they have access to all three locations, as well as access to all the after-show parties each night. For anyone looking for their first ever live music or festival experience, then without a doubt I would recommend Slam Dunk as one of your main starting points. By the end you will left having discovered new memories, friends and excitement for your next visit.

Article By Thushara Photos Supplied By Slam Dunk Press Team Festival Celebrates Decade In Style

//sleeping with sirens Sleeping with Sirens due to release a new Live and Unplugged album including classic tracks from their catalogue.

None of us are strangers to the classic Live and Unplugged albums, that have graced the catalogues of giant bands such as Nirvana, Korn, Alice in Chains and Eric Clapton but now a new generation of rock fans can step into the warming glow of an Unplugged album, brought to them by Sleeping with Sirens!

After the generally positive release of their fourth studio album Madness and single Kick Me last year the band has begun working on their new Live and Unplugged album to be released April 8. The album will show case some acoustic versions of the bands hits as well as covers all with the band’s developing pop-punk style. The album will include classic Sleeping with Sirens songs such as Gold, With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear and Go Go Go. All of this alongside a collection of the band’s acoustic takes at modern pop songs like Iris by

the Goo Goo Dolls.

Both Iris and Gold are available on YouTube and give a brilliant insight into the albums melodic, acoustic tone. The combination of timings highlights the relaxed excitement of the fast songs as well as the unbelievable chilling effects of the slow more melodic tracks. By the band’s own admission they’ve based many of their songs on authentic tales of childhood woes and overcoming adversity, and this album is no different.

This will be the second feature length studio album that the band have produced with Epitaph Records after the band split from Rise Records in 2014.

The album will be available for purchase both in hard copy and digital download on April 8 as well as the band’s back catalogue. The band will be performing at Leeds/Reading Festival this August.

By Jack ‘Jax’ Nahajec

//lany Nashville Trio, LANY recently came to the UK as part of the Ellie Goulding UK arena tour. The band consisting of Paul, Les and Jake have been working hard and focusing on getting their music out there. We met up at a cute little coffee shop in the centre of Newcastle City Centre when the guys came to Newcastle for their show with Ellie.

Darkus Magazine: Although you are support for Ellie Goulding, where do you see yourselves fitting into the equation?

Paul: We are all playing instruments so there is a ‘band’ vibe to things. I see it as a introduction to people coming to see Ellie, which is a good opportunity for us to get our name out there especially as we have a different sound to the other artists.

DM: 2016 – what are your initial feelings?

Paul: Its been good!

DM: Being 3 friends who started this journey together, what are some of the things which have made LANY a special place to be in?

Paul: I think what is great is that we are free to make music exactly how we want it. Even

when we signed to Polydor they gave us the opportunity to preserve that sense of freedom. To be in a band where you have the support of your label to continue doing what you already do, is pretty special in itself.

Also being 3 friends who work, live and travel together is just fun.

Jake: Totally! We like to have a laugh, goof off and stuff while on the road.

DM: How easy is it to remain motivated?

Paul: We take things seriously as a band are always committed to giving everything our best.

I will be honest though, it can be hard to write while on the road, so to get round that I write down even small phrase and words which I can use as a way to expand into something bigger and meaningful.

DM: Part of your success was due to you showcasing your music on the likes of social media site, Soundcloud. How much of a significant turning point was it when you decided to embrace the digital age?

Paul: We started off by embracing the digital

age. We put our songs on Soundcloud, and at first our profile had zero followers but we kept it there regardless. We have always taken the stance that we want as many people as possible to have access to our music be it Spotify, Ti unes, Soundcloud or Google Play. We live in the digital age, we are kids from the digital age, so yeah that’s

how it goes.

DM: For a band in your position, what is the biggest form of recognition and respect that you could receive?

Paul: To be honest we really want to win a Grammy so we are working on song ideas.

I know that is not exactly a digital age answer, especially as not many people around these days think of getting awards like that, but for me I personally see it as the highest form of respect.

Jake: Becoming a household name too that everyone can enjoy regardless of age.

DM: With the EP and the other material you have, what do you think it teaches people about where the spirit of LANY lies?

Paul: I really appreciate music which takes you to a better place than where you are at right now. Taking the music in and feeling that sense of inspiration, not necessarily musically, could be life in general. I really want our music to take people to a good place in their heart and soul. A lot of our stuff is honest and relatable.

DM: So when you are writing when do you find that you are most creative?

Paul: We just try a lot of stuff, so when it clicks we feel like we are on cloud 9 and just roll with that, we just like to explore with an open mind. I don’t think you can approach art being overly seriously and forcing yourself to be inspired in a dark room with a load of candles. Instead it takes a conscience decision to turn off your phone or whatever, and sit down and

reflect where you’re at in life and what I want to say, be it 10am, 2pm or 3am – that’s a true artist.

DM: How is the next few months looking like for you?

Paul: We have the whole of April off so it’s a chance to work on our new record and get that as ready as possible. Then we will be doing our first headline tour back in the US consisting of 10 cities which are close to some festivals we also doing.

DM: How do you see it being different going from supporting to your own shows?

Paul: We played a show with Ellie at Nottingham, then drove back to London to play our own show at Camden Barfly to a room of 2009 people, and that was so special. To be a touring band playing to a crowd who doesn’t know who you are then playing a song you put up three days ago that a crowd instantly recognises is really amazing. That’s when it really feels fun to be in a band.

DM: Forget Ellie for a moment, from Arena experience, what would you like to get out of it?

Paul: I guess I see it as a kind of us putting up a billboard and showing people we exist and getting them to remember us too, especially as we are playing two hours ahead of Ellie haha!

DM: Why is now a good time for people to embrace the journey, music and world of LANY? Paul: We are coming into our stride as a band. We have only been doing this for a year and a half to two years. Now is probably a good time for people to buy in because its going to get pretty intense and things will take off quickly as we seek to establish ourselves and make our music taken seriously.

Article By Thushara S. Chandrasiri

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Sundara Karma R

eading based band Sundara Karma has been quite busy recently on the road spreading their music, including a couple of headline tours, with another one due to take place in May. Having been referred to them by my good friends over at Carry On Press I was pretty impressed by their refreshing music which is both addictive and fun. It was therefore to meet up with the guys when they came to Newcastle for a bit of a chat.

Darkus Magazine: How are you enjoying life lately?

Sundara Karma: Its been pretty busy. We toured with Wolf Alice in Europe then soon after came back to the UK for our own headline tour so as you can imagine we have been playing a lot of shows.

DM: How does it feel to go from a supporting role to headline?

SK: Yeah it’s a huge difference I think. A lot more intense and lots more pressure. The bonus though is that there is an audience there just to see you so you know the crowd will be more appreciative of

the material you present to them.

DM: For a new fan is it best they start with your recorded songs, You Tube videos etc, or instead come along to one of your shows?

SK: They both offer something different I think.

I don’t know why but for some reason lately our shows seem to be going mental which is nuts haha! The crowds are more energetic, our show in Southampton being an example. I guess when it comes to listening to our songs the material is easily likeable.

DM: Inside your head then who do you see as your typical fan?

music

SK: Someone like an art student probably.

DM: Which song do you think best represents you?

SK: As much as the old stuff is good, we actually looking forward to the newer material especially the new song, ‘Olympia’ which we are really excited about.

Its kind of strange because when we release new material we have already between us have heard it countless times but there is a mixture of emotions when you know our fans are going to be hearing it for the very first time.

No matter where we are at, be it the first track or the tenth release, we still have the same level of excitement, if not more.

DM: What are the elements of a successful performance?

SK: As long as people can walk away from it

having felt like they have had a great night out. It is like a house party vibe but in a gig venue setting.

DM: How do you stay focused when touring so much?

SK: Probably by playing silly drinking games. One game our tour manager introduced us to recently is called ‘Buffalo’. So the rules are pretty straight forward, If you have a drink in your right hand or the one you usually write with, and someone calls out Buffalo you have to down that drink. It doesn’t matter if it’s a beer, a glass of wine, a soft drink or even a full bottle of whisky – no excuses, the same rules apply.

DM: Are you looking forward to the summer?

SK: Yeah – were playing a lot of festivals and playing the main stage of Reading. We are from Reading so it feels pretty surreal still to be offered a

lr platform such as that.

what can we learn about the people behind Sundara Karma?

SK: We are all vegetarians and enjoy gin and tonic!

DM: What can fans expect from your shows?

SK: Great atmosphere, a burst of energy and hopefully some mosh pits.

DM: Why is now a good time to invest in Sundara Karma?

SK: It doesn’t matter whether you join us now or a few months down the line – its all good. We are loving life at the moment, hitting harder than ever and with the album coming out soon it is a better time as any.

DM: What were your influences growing up?

SK: Pink Floyd, The Doors etc.

DM: Which city has pleasantly surprised you?

SK: Southampton is always good, but more

recently Manchester. When we played there the show was sold out, so due to high demand we had to upgrade to a bigger room where we were playing to 500+ people, one of the biggest shows we had played off our own back.

DM: Looking inside your mind for a moment

Article By Thushara Answers By Oscar, Haydn, Ally & Dom

//sunset sons One of my most loved bands at the moment, and with a debut album official released, The Sunset Sons have set their sights on making this this year that they take their journey to the next level. We caught up with Rory and Jed on day 1 of their ‘Very Rarely Say Die’ UK & European Tour Darkus Magazine: Day 1 of your tour. How are you?

Rory: I am nervous but excited. I always feel nervous for shows, especially when it the first one.

DM: From this tour what would you like to get out it the most?

Rory: Just to put our show and music across to the fans and gain some new fans along the way.

I think word of mouth is always the best. You will always have people say ‘oh this band is great’, but when you have someone says ‘you should go check out this gig man, I heard its epic’ that is pretty special. We love being out on the road and we feel most comfortable and in our element when playing a show.

Jed: It is also an album tour! The main thing is that our record has just come out, so everyone whose bought tickets to the shows are already going to

know the songs.

DM: Are you happy with the completed album?

Rory: I am very happy. We are quite critical on ourselves so we are happy in the sense that we are proud of what we have done. Ideally it would have been nice to have it out last year but it wasn’t ready enough then. I remember having a conversation with Jed and the others where I felt frustrated that it wasn’t out. However Jed soon explained you have your whole life to make a debut album and 6 months to make your second record so I was like ‘dammit! He’s right’.

Jed: The whole point of a record is to show where you’re at as an artist at this certain point in life, and I think our album is on the same wave length as that concept. It is a true representation of us and all the different factors that go into our journey not just our music. I suppose the real test when making any form of art though is knowing when to stop because there is always that temptation to continue to add more or even spend time over tweeking. I will be honest; to just stop was something we only recently got used to doing.

DM: Do you see the release of the album being a new chapter?

Rory: Yes and no. It is good to have it out there, but you also have to approach this industry with you best foot forward.

Jed: I can only go off what I seen from bands I like. Sure they may have a couple of singles or EPs out but I never actually make my mind up until I have heard the first album, There may be a lot of people who come to our shows because they are curious but its with having an album under our belt that takes that curiosity to the next level when they realise we are the real deal. It is quite easy to have 3 or 3 good songs, but not to have 12 together.

Rory: Its quite funny because we put a single out and stuff which helped increase our fanbase over the past sort of year. The fans will give you their feedback and they will share their excitement on social media thus making them anxious to know when the next bit of music is coming out. Although we see it happen there is always that feeling of ‘are they going to like it?’. Jed is a lot more open minded than me and get real excited whenever we release anything. Me however, I have to listen to things a few times and correlate that with the feedback too. Only then will I then realise that yeah its good.

DM: This tour sees you going in to Europe too.

How prepared are you for the differently cultures you are highly likely to expose yourself to?

Jed: We are in a weird position. All British, with the exception of one Aussie, but we also all met in France where we studied, worked and hang out. So we may be appear to be British, but we are not the most British of bands and we see that. All out formative years were spent in France and were used to travelling anyway, so I guess its fair to say it wasn’t that that new to us. It makes it easier that we have already visited some of the places thanks to the likes of Imagine Dragons tour, so people kind of already know who we are.

Rory: Germany has really been quite appreciative of our music. It’s a huge place and where the likes of The Beatles made a name for themselves outside of the UK. Eastern Europe too was good as at one point we considered it as untouched territory, unsure if they even knew who we even were.

DM: What are the plans for the rest of the year?

Jed: We have a shed load of festivals including Isle of Wight, Goldcoast (a cool surfing type festival down in Devon) and T In The Park etc. Last year we did about 25 or so, and this year just has a mixture of UK and European festivals.

DM: How is best to approach a festival you have previously played?

Rory: I think every year we get better and better.

Reading and Leeds were one of the earlier festivals we ever did. It was a bit unnerving not knowing if people would come and watch, but then you start playing and soon enough the crowd start turning up. Last year the tent was pretty packed out, so it may sound like nothing, but something as simple as that can change your outlook.

DM: Having been together for so long do you think the chemistry has remained?

Rory: We do get that emotional rollercoaster, but that comes with any band I guess.

Jed: I don’t think anything has changed to be honest. Other things around us and the experiences and opportunities may be new, but the relationships still remain as strong as day 1.

Rory: Anyone who says everything is perfect is lying because sometimes to have a healthy relationship, disagreements are part of the territory. For example me and Jed may have a

disagreement, but then once on stage that all disappears and you soon remember why your making and playing music together in the first place.

DM: Are you at a happy place?

Rory: Yeah I guess so. We are at a place where we are still a relatively new band with a great year ahead of us. This tour seems to have a lot of buzz with venues selling out, and things keeping getting better each day. However we still have a lot more to do.

DM: What is the motivation for new fans to come to the shows?

Rory: You have to see our bassist Pete he is a force to be reckoned with.

Jed: I like to think we are a band that tries to involve everyone in the room and there is nothing but fun and a party atmosphere. We may take the music seriously, but at the end of the day we also know how to have fun and I hope that comes across when people see us on that stage.

Article by Thushara S. Chandrasiri Answers By Jed (Drummer) & Rory (Lead Singer)

//The big moon The bright, brooding, London girl gang The Big Moon are back with a brand new single Cupid and you are going to want in.

Never at Darkus have we been so excited about the future of a band, until The Big Moon’s brand new single landed in our inbox. It is no surprise they have been described as, ‘London’s most exciting new quartet’ as they blaze a trail for all-girl rock which packs a punch. Following their previously acclaimed singles Sucker and The Road, Cupid is confidently executed, it grabs hold of you, spins you round and leaves you breathless. Weighty lyrics delivered on this track by vocalist Juliette Jackson paired alongside melodic guitar lines, will cast an arrow straight to your heart.

Previously the quartet have supported The Vaccines, Ezra Furman and The Maccabees on high-profile tours, further highlighting

their ability to hold a stage next to the some of the biggest indie names on the circuit.

Juliette decided to form The Big Moon after a Palma Violets gig, with a mission to recreate a band formed on chemistry, comradery and the desire for a damn good time. The Big Moon sound as though HAIM and Amanda Palmer got together and had a British love child, they are a refreshingly honest girl band you can’t help but want to be part of. Their infectious new single Cupid is their first release through Fiction Records and is available to stream now, however if you want to support the vinyl revival you can pick up a limited edition record from the 13th May. Currently on a twelve-date headline tour this April, The Big Moon will be frequenting venues near you. Be sure not to miss these girls on the rise.

Written by Eva Lightfoot

//the calls DM: Hi guys, it’s great to get the chance to speak with you so shortly after the release of your debut four track EP Garageland …

TC: Yeah it’s great to speak to you!

DM: So first of all I have to ask, where did the name Garageland come from?

TC: It’s the title of the last track on The Clash’s first record. We figured it’s very fitting for our sound and the message we’re trying to convey in the songs. It’s got a low-fi feel and a lot of social commentary.

DM: What’s the story behind the EP? TC: We have so many songs that we want to record and get out there, and we were desperate at this point to lay down as much as we could. We ended up in the basement studio of Mickey Dale from Embrace, after recording the first single with Keiron Melling from The Fall last year. The songs were already tight after gigging them non-stop in 2015 and we went in and got every track done in a couple of takes. It just took two days. We had a good time making it and now we just want to get it out to people.

DM: How does it feel when you see the tracks you spent so much time constructing and recording released out to the public?

TC: It feels great. Other musicians often tell me how they’re nervous about peoples response, whether they will like it or not. My attitude is that I’ve put everything into writing these songs and we’ve come out of it with a great set of recordings. At that point you’ve just got to believe people will enjoy it, and so far people have done.

DM: You did a music video for the second track on the EP, Back In Town; how important do you feel a music video is to your campaign when releasing an EP? TC: It’s essential. People listen with their eyes, especially now when everything’s available at the push of a button. People want something that’s instant and visual and if they don’t get it immediately they’ll discard it along with everything else. It’s sad but it’s the way it is and we have to deal with it. Any artist needs to have as many videos as they can make. Platforms like

YouTube are what the industry now survives on.

DM: Are there any plans for further music videos?

TC: Yeah, of course, but as with everything the limiting factor is money, so if people are liking what they’re hearing they should come to the gigs and buy a CD and t-shirt. It’s going to be another DIY shoestring job but they’ve worked out great so far.

DM: You can hear certain influences in your music along with a lot of originality; what sort of music inspires your writing and style?

TC: Good music. Anything that’s well written with interesting ideas and production of any genre. Obviously we’re massively into British rock n roll, like The Clash, Paul Weller, The Beatles, David Bowie, The Smiths and The Stone Roses. But we have a lot of other influences as well – we’re really into reggae music (we have a little homage to Bob Marley in Tales of Lovers and Thieves) funk, psychedelia, baggy and indie, so we have a bit of all sorts mixed together. People tell us we’re too young to be listening to that music, that it’s before our time. I say great music is timeless.

DM: MELOGRAPHIC described your band as a “rawness of power that should stop comparisons with other Leeds bands”; how important is being unique and not being compared to other bands?

TC: It’s huge. As a young, new band the first thing that always happens is you get compared to other bands, and inevitably you’re going to sound like

other bands. Everyone has influences.

Originality isn’t something you just have, it’s something which you develop as you progress as a band and find your sound. Again, everyone wants the perfect finished product instantly these days when it takes time to get there – they want a short term answer to a long term problem. Ultimately though, if you’re good you will be different, and history tells us that you only have to be a little bit different to be fresh. We’re a four-piece rock n roll band, which is nothing new, and we’re not claiming to be revolutionising music. I think it’s fair to say that we’re definitely not like any other Leeds bands though. We’re finding our sound and honing our stage performance, and we have some new material in the pipeline which is really going to push us somewhere different.

DM: What are the plans for the band over the summer?

TC: Writing, gigging, recording, shooting videos. Everything. There’s no time to stop and we don’t want to.

We have so many ideas and we just want to keep going. We’re planning on playing to new audiences more than anything else and our recent tour has gone down really well for that, so we just want more of the same. As I said before, we’re also looking to expand our style with some new material.

We’re not the type of musicians who are content to put out the same thing twice – every song has to have a distinct identity, and as a group we are trying to push ourselves in a different direction every time.

DM: Do you guys have plans for a full length album?

TC: Eventually, but it’s not in the works just yet. We want to keep writing and keep touring for now. We’re aiming to go into the studio to record a full album when we know we’ll be able to make it the best it can possibly be.

DM: You find many bands these days take to social media to expand their fan base; what do you find works best for getting gig dates, publicity for the EP release, and to get general band info publicised to the fans?

TC: Social media is a great tool, but it isn’t the toolbox. It’s one of many things you’ve got to use to get your name out there. I find it’s most effective for reaching your exiting fans, but for getting new fans it’s very limited because it’s so overcrowded.

People are now at the point where they’re ignoring a lot of new bands because they don’t think it’s worth their

time. It’s hard when you’re one of the good new bands to convince them that you’re worth the initial two minutes of their time and the minuscule amount of effort to click and check out your video. I find that the best way is the good old fashioned way of networking – getting out there and meeting people. You can’t beat the personal touch, especially in this age of social media where people hardly have any face to face interaction any more.

It might seem a bit alien, but they really appreciate that little bit extra.

DM: Great stuff thanks for your time, we have no doubt Garageland will be a success and we expect to see you storm 2016.

TC: Cheers. We will!

Best of luck The Calls From your friends at Darkus!

Interviewed and written by David Bullock

//The Hunna The London based rockers have only been an established band for six months; however, following the incredible success of their debut releases, ‘Bonfire / She’s Casual’, it is apparent as to why the group is now preparing to head out on their debut 14 date headline UK tour with their more ambitious US tour, celebrating the success of their recent singing to US indie label 300 Entertainment. With the likes the most recent hip hop world-famous Fetty Wap signed to the label’s roster, it highlights the imperative successful adventure that they have now embarked on.

For a band that have achieved so much in such a minimal time frame, it beggars belief to their success and opens up the question, what can they do next?! With their most recent single release, ‘You & Me (Hunna Tree), the band just keep going from strength to strength. The single features an overall high energetic performance, introducing fast-paced melodic guitars that produce a wonderful harmonious wall of sound, accompanied a heavy primal drum track that

would make even the likes of drumming god Grohl proud! ‘Not just a band, a family.’ Ryan’s vocals ushered throughout the song, are truly what make this new single stand out. Whereas a number of more recent developing bands seem to posses a wonderful selection of musicians, but lack the seemingly imperative strength in vocals, The Hunna have completely nailed it with this new atmospheric sounding summer anthem!

When he exclaims ‘the people sing, they’re listening’, you better believe it! This new release is completely addictive; a breath of fresh air in the seemingly ever so stale up-and-coming UK rock scene.

As the band begin to embark on their high in demand recent tour, with a number of dates already sold out, it is clear that 2016 is going to be the year that puts The Hunna on the map!

With the likes of Radio One’s DJs Annie Mac and Huw Stevens and music world superpower Apple Music’s Zane Lowe queuing up to air the band, just imagine what another six months could do…

Taking into consideration within the past year, UK bands such as Lisbon and Nothing But Thieves have exploded onto the scene gaining exposure on a national level, it is exciting to see what is entailed for The Hunna and how they will slot into the industry.

A group that have only been established for a short period, a time in which most artists would still be attempting to book their first show, The Hunna have taken on a far more mature approach, beginning to already clearly finalise and perfect their destined signature sound.

From listening to a number of tracks on their SoundCloud page, it immediately gives the impression of a well rehearsed band, who are quite frankly stadium-ready and prepared to take on the music world by storm. Although the guys are going to be busy working in the US with their new label, it it definitely worth catching them at one of their shows in the UK before they leave to truly experience a wonderful band in the making.

Article By Andrew Elsender Photos By Keith Fusco

Having been in the music scene for an impressive 30 years, Darkus Magazine caught up with front man, Miles Hunt to discuss the past, present and beyond.

DM: Are you pleased with the way 2016 has been treating you so far?

TWS: Absolutely. We finished recording the new album in January which we are all very happy with. And currently you find me six dates into the band’s 30th Anniversary Tour and I am happy to tell you that every date has been an absolute treat.

DM: The 8th record, 30 Goes Around the Sun, will be released this month. What was it like to work on and was there anything you wanted to do differently?

TWS: I had half of the new record written by March last year, but once I had those five songs in the bag I started to find it increasingly difficult

to come up with any more. At the suggestion of our drummer, Tony Arthy, we decided to get all five of us together in a rehearsal studio and thrash out any ideas that any of us had.

Within three days we had the rest of the album written. I hadn’t done that in a long, long time.

Writing together as a band was easy, thoroughly enjoyable and most important of all, incredibly productive.

DM: Having been a band for 30 years, what are some of the valuable lessons you have learnt over the years?

TWS: The relationship between members is far more important than any member’s musical talent.

You have to really enjoy being together, you have to look forward to being in each other’s company and you have to trust each other. You have to know when to give one another space and you have to pick each other up whenever it becomes necessary. Figure that lot out and the music will just flow into your lives.

DM: With an ever evolving music industry, how has the scene changed to what you experienced when you started back in 1986?

TWS: Jesus... there isn’t enough time to discuss that in one interview. Let’s just say that my end of it, being a songwriter, a guitarist, a singer, a member of a touring crew... that hasn’t changed a bit. Which is just as well as that’s the stuff I enjoy, the reasons for me still doing this. The rest of it, record companies, the media, the internet...

I wasn’t interested in what they were about way back when and I ain’t particularly interested in them now either.

DM: This March you will also be taking to the road for your UK tour. Having done a number of shows already, what has the response of your fan base been like?

TWS: I believe you meant to refer to them as ‘your audience’. I hate the ‘fan’ word, it’s disrespectful. That word might work for imbecilic boy bands but not for me. I owe everything to the people that still come to see my band play live, absolutely fucking everything. And during this tour they have blown me away with their enthusiasm, really, I am beyond words. For once.

DM: How do you decide what songs go into a set list, especially when you have 8 albums of work to choose from?

TWS: I pretty much know what goes down well with our audience, but just to be sure, before we began rehearsals for this tour I threw the question out there to our audience via social media. I was really pleased with what they came back to me with. It was pretty much the same list that I was thinking about but with a few helpful

additions. So far I’ve heard no complaints.

DM: What makes The Wonder Stuff special is the fact that you are a live band and proud. When you are up on that stage what goes through your head? Do you still get the same level of excitement and adrenaline like you did back in day one?

TWS: More so. Because now I can add ‘grateful’ to the list of emotions that I go through. Grateful and blessed.

DM: When recording the new album, you returned back to Stourbridge in The Black Country. What was it like to return? Did you find it was to opportunity to relive the old memories and create some new ones too?

TWS: Stourbridge and me have hardly become strangers, I’m there quite regularly seeing friends. Taking the whole band to Stourbridge was something else though and actually writing and recording in Stourbridge isn’t something we’ve done for 28 years. It was perfect. I was seeing old friends in the pubs after a day’s recording, still while I was putting finishing touches to the lyrics, being immersed in their humour was really good for me. I love the place and the people.

DM: You have already achieved so much over your time together, is there such a thing as a next level for The Wonder Stuff?

TWS: Just to keep it going. I don’t wanna be greedy, but I’d love to think there are a few more years in us. I haven’t a clue what I would do after this, so yeah... just more of the same please. Can you arrange that for me?

Questions by Thushara S. Chandrasiri

//trampolene It took a good five minutes to attempt to describe Trampolene and yet, I’m still finding it extremely difficult to put words onto a page! I would argue that that is the best way to describe the Welsh rock trio. The band are hilariously brilliant. Without focusing on the comedic vocals, a listener would be convinced by the well-constructed rhythmic section; however, when you begin to actually deconstruct and engage in what Jack is singing, ‘he took 200 mushrooms / And didn’t even trip’, you realise that Tom Hardy is more than just a piece of music, but an amusing accolade to the actor himself.

Is it wrong to consider the band seriously in comparison to alternative rock bands? A number of times, I have witnessed music students diminish acts similar to Trampolene due to their more comedic approach; it’s a terrible thing. Listening to Tom Hardy it is a crisp take on the music scene; a band whom seem to usher the severity of the industry to one side and simply enjoy

writing and performing music. The music is both well structured and mixed whilst the rawness of the vocals reflects on the band’s approach to the industry. The highly energetic single gives an immediate impression of how the guys would perform live, the audience would never get a break!

For fans of the likes of Brit Pop, indie and the earlier punk eras, Trampolene are the perfect band to listen to! The have a feel of The Ramones, Tenacious D, The Libertines and Arctic Monkey’s all bundled up into one amazing trio!

Although they have support both Reverend & The Makers and The Buzzcocks, in an industry that is growing evermore ferocious with the continuously increasing severity for artists to produce a highly polished specified image, it is great to hear a band that have taken an alternative direction.

By Andy Elsender

//vukovi Darkus Magazine caught up with Glasgow based band Vukovi when they came to Newcastle in March as part of the Fearless Vampire Killer Tour. This band have achieved some exceptional things, and continue to bless the music scene with their refreshing fun loving, passionate and lively personalities and music. It’s always such a pleasure to be in their company and am so honoured and proud to call them my friends.

Darkus Magazine: First day on tour with Fearless Vampire Killers. How is everyone feeling?

Jason: Yea pretty ok! We are quite optimistic for the shows ahead. We played a warm up show in Shoreditch, London before we came on tour which seemed pretty good especially as shows in London can be quite tough. When we came to Newcastle we had a day of PR which included the likes of Amazing Radio which went smoothly so that helped maintain high spirits.

DM: Are you living the dream right now?

Jason: What is the dream? Haha! The real dream is still a work in progress!

Janine: We aint got any Ferraris just yet haha.

DM: Precious memories over the last 12 months?

Hamish: Touring with Young Guns was one of them we would say because there were lots of great moments on that tour and the band themselves are such lovely people.

Then in October we went out for Halloween in Bristol with some good friends of ours called Area 11.

DM: Did you dress up?

Janine: Kind of, it was mainly face paints and everything haha.

Hamish: Going back to the Young Guns tour though, for one day we went to the Vans Warped Tour in Alexandra Palace just to hang out, so was good just to speak to some serious legends!

DM: Being support on a tour such as FVK Tour as well as the one with Young Guns, what do you think Vukovi continues to bring to the party?

Jason: We bring the party to THE party! Big riffs, bit of dancing and a lot of fun.

Janine: I think we may break things up quite nicely

especially as the likes of FVK are a lot darker.

DM: You have been busy making music videos too. Can you give us any insight?

Jason: All we are saying is we like a lot of paint!

Hamish: We have been quite strict on ourselves by not even allowing anyone to even see a snippet of it. It was fun to do though and we hope that excitement and fun shows when it’s officially released.

DM: Who do you see as being a Vukovi fan?

Jason: There is no stereotype as such. The music applies to the young as well as the young at heart.

DM: How does it feel representing Scottish bands?

Jason: Yea its good. There is a lot of good music from Scotland that sadly doesn’t get to see the light of the day so we feel lucky that we are getting the opportunity to step out of the shadows.

Hamish: I don’t really see us as a Scottish band, not in a bad way, I mean it’s an honour, but we have always set our sights on taking our music

wider.

DM: With such a great level of support behind you, be it family or management what words of wisdom will you always remember?

Jason: Stay humble – and that’s one we had from a few people along the way! You can never be too cool or too busy to speak to fans. We are all people at the end of the day, so there were bands we would see when we were younger who we wanted to meet and discover more about.

DM: What else do you want to get out of this year?

Hamish: An album for sure and increasing our exposure! We have to see what happens but festivals like Reading & Leeds plus Download would be good to work towards.

Jason: We are already playing Hevyfest and cabin Rocks, so be nice to get a few more under our belt.

DM: With all the travelling you do, how do you keep yourself sane?

Janine: Bad jokes and good company!

Hamish: Out tour manager Dave and our driver provide a lot of banter too!

Janine: This FVK tour is the first time when we have had our own driver and has made a massive difference.

For example small things like where to park the van, whether you can afford petrol to get you the next city, can help take the stress off when you have to perform each night too.

DM: What are some of the quirky facts people should know about Vukovi?

Jason: There is too much quirk to condense into small facts haha!

DM: What is the feedback from fans to your newer material?

Hamish: Quite supportive actually. For example our last campaign for ‘Bouncy Castle’ got extended. Having begun in November, Christmas then got in the way, but nevertheless momentum still built.

Janine: We have gained a lot of new fans I have noticed recently too thanks to the assistance of Social Media. Even though we have been a band for four and a half years, this kind of increased fan influx has really started occurring since last year.

DM: What do you do you enjoy most about touring?

Jason: Any show we play we really come away with really good friends.

Everyone is so welcoming.

DM: Having know you for a year now I love the fact you are hard working on a daily basis. What are the elements that give you your ambition and your drive?

Hamish: We were talking about this the other day.

Progression is so addictive, you accomplish one thing then your setting yourself the next goal then the next and so on.

Jason: I think it can be something as simple as being on the road with your mates, which can sometimes be taken for granted.

Hamish: It can be quite an emotional process too because your emotions are continually

changing. One moment you may feel frustrated and stressed then soon after you have played everything will feel fine again.

Janine: I think what has helped is that although we are friend we are still open and honest with each other as at the end of the day we are all in the same boat. I can see it being different for other bands though where tensions are high and personalities clash so again we are lucky in that sense.

DM: What makes this an exciting time to discover Vukovi?

Hamish: This is the closest we have been to our album.

Janine: I think it’s quite nice when people join the family, especially on social media because we are the same honest, friendly and down to earth people on there like we are in real life. We don’t ever pretend to be anything that we are not.

Answers By Janine Shilstone (vocals) Hamish Reilly (guitar) Jason Trotter (bass/vocals) Colin Irving (drums) Questions By Thushara S. Chandrasiri Live Photos By Gary Chaytor

//you’ve got the talent Lately we have seen quite a rise in the number of talent contests, and although I tend not to get involved, I was blessed when Newcastle University student, John Rootham approached me to ask about being one of the judges for his music project, You’ve Got the Talent. A little bit reserved at first, as the thought of having to hear countless versions of Adele’s ‘Hello’ or a cover of James Bay or Little Mix was a bit scary – “Hello is it me you’re looking for?”….sorry not today flower!

However it wasn’t soon till my worries fizzled away once I discovered that this was a contest which encouraged local up and coming musicians to take part. A lot of the people who took part were those who worked their ass off to get themselves acknowledged at the likes of open mic nights, busking or even embracing the world of social media world.

I am no musician, but as a lover of live music I can appreciate the work that these contestants put in, not just as part of the competition but in their daily lives too. So what is involved? The

first round is closed auditions where those with successful demos are invited to a live audition, consisting of 1 or 2 songs of their choice.

Having chosen 17 from this round, they are then invited to the Head of Steam to perform to not just judges but family and friends too. Having already been to the Semi Final, I can safely say it was such a fun night with many talented musicians, but man deciding who I personally thought should get through to the next round was a hard decision for anyone to make, especially as there are only 10 spaces available in the final. I tell you something though once I heard the results back at the end of the night, I was quite content that those who got through to the final were some of the strongest and had a lot of potential, so when the final takes place on 26th April 2016 at Think Tank Newcastle, it’s certainly going to be an incredible night.

Wanting to discover more about the man behind, You’ve Got the Talent, I spoke to John to find out a little bit about his vision.

So John what was your thinking?

“You’ve got the Talent originated out of the perception that reality TV shows such as the X factor put the money before the music. At YGTT we wanted to make the artist important again, and give them a chance to shine without having to worry about being judged for their own musical ability or song-writing preferences.

By giving everyone the chance to have their own personal feedback on auditions, and recording their process throughout we are offering them valuable advice which could aid them in their musical development.

Musicians are being given the opportunity to perform in front of 4 industry professionals at some of Newcastle’s most prestigious venues in 3 very exciting rounds. In addition to this the winner will receive a full day in a professional studio, and media exposure in Darkus magazine.

By using the North East local music scene, we are able to bring local bands out of the cold and into the prominence of an audience who are desperate to see live music! At its core It is our job to ensure you have the opportunity to perform and enjoy some of the best venues the region has to offer, and whilst doing this become known to some of the industry’s most professional insiders.”

Sounds pretty cool right? This brings me to the next thing you’re probably asking yourself – who are these judges we speak of? First up we have founder of Need Music Ltd, Mr Bruce Tate. Bruce is such a cool, laid back kind guy, but one who knows talent when he hears it. He runs a number of open mic nights in Newcastle at venues such as Mr Lynch’s. If you haven’t been to any yet, be you a musician or not, I recommend you go.

Next up we have Steve Williamson, owner of YStudio over in North Shields. With many years’ experience, Steve has worked some incredible up and coming musicians and uses his passion of music to give back to the community by giving

disadvantaged young adults to get ahead in life through the power of music. Again similar to Bruce, Steve also hosts a number of open mic nights in the likes of Mr Woods Coffee Shop over in Tynemouth.

Adding a bit an insider’s experience (as a musician) that has been lived and breathed the local music scene for many years is exceptionally talented drummer, Andy Elsender. I first met Andy way back when he was in a real awesome local band named Harwood Drive. Despite having disbanded for a while now, Andy has still been pursuing his love of music. Like John, Andy is also currently studying music at Newcastle University. Get him in a room with a drum kit though, and trust me you will be blown away, those skills man, there just on a different level.

Knowing my luck if I tried to do what Andy did as a drummer, I would end up poking my eye out ha!

Then of course the final judge is me. I may not be a musician ( I did play piano in Year 11 if that counts) but countless years of going to live shows, interviewing and writing has helped me to come across many talented people, a lot who I am blessed to call friends. I guess in a way compare to the rest of the panel I offer an even more different perspective.

We all know by now I do like to talk a lot so as well as quizzing John, I also wanted to speak to my fellow judges to get their perspective not just on You’ve Got The Talent but the view of the music scene through their eyes.

Having been asked to judge this year’s You’ve Got the Talent, what do you think you each bring to the judging panel?

Bruce: I bring first class experience. I’ve toured nationally (playing at festivals such as Rockness, Kendall Calling, Evolution & Camden Rocks)

and internationally numerous times including playing SXSW in the USA multiple times, I’ve also performed alongside the likes of Ed Sheeran, The Automatic, Shed Seven and Maximo Park, I know what it takes to get to that stage in your career.

From hosting many live music events on a weekly basis for the past four years, I have a good eye (or should I say ear) for talent, and can pick out musicians who I know have potential, and help them reach their goals.

has to offer.

Andy: I’m looking for something fresh. It’s great to hear people exploiting their voices, highlighting impressive ranges etc. But, I want to hear something different.

We’ve seen it a few times already, but as judges we want to sit at the panel and be taken back by an artist that just immediately attracts our attention; whether that be for the talent of their voice, or originality!

Steve: I want to see what talent is hiding in the North East.

As the manager of a music studio I’m keen to look to offer support to up and coming artists and bands from all genres with access to advice and state of the art affordable music facilities.

From an industry point of view how do you see the current state of the North East music scene?

Andy: I would probably suggest the main thing I bring to the panel is a neutral standing point between promoters and artists. I’ve been in the same position before as all of the guys that are singing in front of us have been; it’s a scary thing to have to do!

Steve: I have been in and around the music industry for over 18 years. I moved to the North East in 2010 taking on the install and launch of YStudios a brand new community music studios at YMCA North Tyneside.

Over the past 6 years the studio team has had Bruce: The North East scene is pretty much the pleasure of working with, supporting and the same as the rest of the country. The huge developing North East bands and artists such as digital and DIY shift has opened doors for many Lisbon, Street Party in Soho and Sam Fender. bedroom-musicians, but made signing to a major I feel I bring to the panel a honest and open label that bit more difficult. understanding of the industry. I’m a huge supporter of nurturing local talent and bring There are so many great acts in this region, and with the team at the YMCA Music Studios a what I love is the variation. As we haven’t had wealth of experience in artist development, a particular “scene” here unlike say Manchester, industry quality recording and production. this paves the way for acts to perform in an individual way, rather than copying the band that “got big”. Folk, rock, blues, soul - we have it What is it you’re looking for from this all, and at a high standard too. competition?

I like to think that by what I do I am giving Bruce: At Need Music we are always on the exposure to new musicians, and with a big client lookout for fresh new local talent. We love list of bars and restaurants. There are plenty being the first promoter to put an up and coming options for acts looking to gig, be it a small act on. I have high expectations of the entrants, intimate open mic night or a huge corporate given the massive pool of talent the North East gig!

Andy: Newcastle is a funny old place when it comes to discussing a music scene. In recent years it has faced cataclysmic shifts resulting in a broadened type of music listening. We now have a number of ‘rock’ venues that are now home to both smaller and more known bands: Trillians, D&P, Think Tank, O2 etc. and thanks to our fellow judges Steve and Bruce, the acoustic scene is becoming massive, holding a number of nights per week. Although many argued that with the decline of venues such as the old Riverside and The Mayfair, that the music scene would slowly succumb to its inevitable fate, this has clearly not been the case.

Steve: I think it is reasonably healthy although there is room for improvement and investment from the leading labels and promoters. There is a strong emphasis on solo artists which isn’t a bad thing but i feel is limiting the opportunity for bands to develop.

Do you have any particular favourites, and whether people get through to the final or not, what advice would you give to each artist who was fortunate to be part of the process as a whole?

Bruce: I wouldn’t like to say - I’m keeping my cards close to my chest. I will say that there are 2 acts who I am pretty certain will be in the final - hate to use the phrase “X factor”, but there are a couple acts who have something special about them, and I would not be surprised if they go on to big things in the music industry.

As an original musician, my advice would be to gig as much as possible, don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas, and to take advantage of your social media platforms they’re free for goodness sake!

For acts doing covers I will give you one piece of advice - learn a song from every decade.

That way it doesn’t matter which venue you are playing, you will please everyone regardless of their age…

Andy: From the first round, there have been a number of artists’ that have really ‘wowed’ me, but that’s not to say that the other acts were not good; everyone has been extremely impressive! I know this will sound cliché, but never give up! If you do not make it through one of the rounds, or do not win the final, that does not mean that you are not talented!

Artists and bands face scrutiny on a regular basis, it has become part of the process, take it with a pinch of salt; use it as a way to develop and flourish. This is just one talent show, there are hundreds of opportunities out there, musicians’ just need to get their hands dirty when looking for the next one!

Steve: I don’t have a favourite; I’m really looking forward and excited to see what comes through the door. The North East has a rich heritage for music and I’m hoping we unearth some incredible talent that will go onto great things.

So that is the rest of the judges all with a clear idea with what they are hoping to see. If the tables were turned and some of the questions were put to me I would probably say that what I am a little bit stricter as a judge. What I look for are people who are passionate about their music, not just because they think it’s a pretty neat thing to pass the time. What makes me smile the most is people take risks by sharing original material. Realising music of your own is not easy as it sounds, but just having that courage to share your material shows me the makings of a person who thinks outside of the box. Ok I am not the biggest fan of covers, but if you can manage to make a well-known song sound refreshing with your own unique twist, then chances are I may give you half a smile.

Furthermore as a music fan I am looking to see how you engage with the audience. I get that for some people music is a very personal space, but remember to those who are willing to listen not to be afraid to share your world. Do I have any favourites in this contest? Yeah there are a few who have impressed me a lot. I already know a couple of the contestants from previous events I have been too, but it’s some of the ‘new discoveries’ who have really captivated me. First impressions really count, so some of the people I have heard over the past few weeks have really made me stop and say out loud to myself “dangggg you’re good!”. Want to know who they are? Guess again, you gonna have to see who I featuring issues of the magazine to find some of those delightful hidden treasures, as for now my lips are sealed.

I have given you bit about my stance and the insight of the other judges, but more important than any of that, is the actual people who have the hunger and drive to get their music heard.

If this competition has taught me anything is that there we are starting to see an increase of acoustic singer/song writers, showing that there is such depth, beauty and meaning behind acoustic music than I had previously though.

To explore this a little bit further I spoke to contestants Sarah Connelly, Samantha Lavery & George Suddaby. This is what they had to say.

What was it about the You Have the Talent competition that attracted you to enter?

Samantha: I thought it was a good chance to perform at different music venues in the Newcastle and meet some different artists who have different styles to mine. I’ve done competitions before but this was with a whole set of different people and different judges which means different opinions, which I was excited about!

Sarah: The competition offers so many opportunities like meeting amazing people, performing in some cool venues and the prize is fab!

George: The fact that I could showcase myself in front of new audiences, and experience new

venues, whilst also having the chance to record a professional demo EP if I won.

As an upcoming singer-song writer in the North East, what do you think gives you that edge?

Samantha: I like to make myself original, Unique and most of all quirky so that people remember me. I do this through the songs I sing, making something completely my own version so it’s something fresh, different and new! I like to change up well known songs and make them my version so that I’m not like anyone else but 100% my Style. I also think my image really portrays the artist I am. I like to look confident and give the audience the idea that I know who I want to be. My ‘big hair’ and defined image always sets well with the moodiness and haunting vibe I go for to catch the audience’s attention and really stand out from the crowd.

Sarah: I try to bring elements of numerous genres into my music, and when I write music I write about things that matter to me giving my songs more meaning.

George: I feel my light-hearted but personal nature of interacting with the audience really gives them a chance to relate to me. I think that this is perhaps the greatest attribute which I have got, that a lot of performers don’t tend to bring into their sets. I’ve always had the strong belief that a live concert is more than just about the music, so I have put a lot of energy into how I approach this side of my performances.

When being involved in any competition what advice do you give yourself to remain focused and motivated?

Samantha: It’s all about being prepared and confident with every aspect of your song choice and performance. I know people are going to be watching me on stage and that motivates me because I want to be seen as the best I possibly can be every time I perform. Each time I sing different people are watching and you want to impress every time! Plus it’s a competition at the end of the day and other people are going to be on the A game and are there to try and win as well!

Sarah: I just try to enjoy it, I do get nervous but

but I try not to let it affect my performance. I find that the more I enjoy what I’m doing the more the audience do too.

George: I tend to approach it as I would any other gig, but with a slightly more ‘give it all you’ve got because you’ve only got X amount of songs to show them what you’re made of’. I always tend to put myself in a mind-set earlier than I do before any other gig because I know I have to nail it from the first note!

Where does the spirit of your music lie?

Samantha: I always believe music is something that should really contact with you through the storyline and lyrics. It needs to have a meaning and purpose which makes the song more relatable. Music is a massive part of my life and it’s a way of expressing and showing the person I am.

Sarah: I think I inherited my love for music from my dad. Music isn’t like anything else, writing music is like therapy but cheaper.

George: I believe mainly I the fact that my songs feel like a journey, either in the way it develops or how the lyrics tell a story of a situation which has affected me, or is something I have noticed about a situation in life. The way a song develops is what I work most on: I try not to bore the listener and want them to feel like there is a movement between the beginning and end of a song, either building up or dropping away depending on what I want to convey in the track.

We are increasingly seeing more of a rise of acoustic influenced musicians within the local music scene. How does it feel to be part of the revolution?

Samantha: It’s great! I am really passionate about my music and so dedicated and working hard to achieve as much as I can! It’s all about keeping pushing and developing into the artist you want to be. I really believe that to stand out you need to be original and 100% your own person, not trying to be like anybody else!

Sarah: It feels amazing to be part of the local music scene. There’s some amazing musicians about with gorgeous voices who inspire me to better myself.

George: It’s great because it’s finally something different to what is dominating the charts at the moment, which seems to have stagnated a lot and isn’t going anywhere. As a developmental tool it is fantastic because you have all these people who can inspire you or show you something that works, whilst also maintaining a challenge which in turn keeps me motivated because there are always things that I can do to be better!

There we have it then, the inside story behind You’ve Got the Talent from the view of fan, judge, organiser and of course contestant. I feel so honoured to be involved, and once again I thank John Rootham for the brilliant opportunity. Wherever you go in this process as a contestant though remember, never give up on your dreams. If someone gives you feedback always channel it to create something positive.

The end result being only to make you even more focused and determined. Good luck to all contestants and on behalf of Darkus, we love ya’ll!

Article By Thushara S. Chandrasiri Photos By Shutterchip Photography

//Clean Cut Kid DM: How has your past few weeks been?

CCK: Pretty mad! We had a tour with Fickle Friends then played South By South West. On 23rd March we played our last gig of the month after such a busy few weeks, so we are looking forward to just relaxing on the sofa, watching the TV and having some chill time.

DM: How valuable was all the touring?

CCK: Really valuable. We were really learning how to test ourselves and how to not be worn out.

DM: What is the atmosphere like in Clean Cut Kid? CCK: It is like a marriage. Everyone learns to accommodate each other and getting used to each other’s unique personalities.

DM: What has the fan reaction been like in the live setting?

CCK: We have had some pretty amazing feedback, and people are going mad at our shows especially to our tracks ‘Vitamin C’ and ‘Pick Me Up’. The best way we find to enjoy our set as a fan though is just to let your guard down and embrace.

DM: Where do you see yourself in your journey as a band within the music scene?

CCK: We have been doing this for less than a year, so to have our first show back in the early days seems like such a long time. Our first show being a secret gig in London. We were absolutely shitting ourselves, we caught Fresher’s flue too so it wasn’t ideal to start with.

We had a semi filled room and was a Tuesday night.

DM: How did being signed change things?

CCK: It changed everything and took the pressure off things. Before then we were struggling to make ends meet, and as you could probably understand the excitement being overtaken by the frustration. I guess it really felt real once we received that very first pay cheque.

DM: When are you at your most creative?

CCK: It’s tough to say, we try to motivate ourselves when it comes to the song writing and try to let the song write itself based on the emotion and place we are at, at that time.

DM: What have been some of your precious moments but also those moments left to come?

CCK: It was such an incredible experience just to go to the USA especially as no one knew who we were. However, I think we managed to successfully capture the attention of the audiences out there especially as there are fresh undertones of roots, folk and Americana in our music.

As for the future, this is going to be our last wave of intimate gigs, go the live experience is going to be something worth remembering.

Questions by Thushara S. Chandrasiri

“NONE MORE BLACK” Nigel Tufnel - Spinal Tap

Sharon McInerney PHOTOGRAPHY

W W W. S H A R O N M C I N E R N E Y. C O . U K M O D E L | R A C H E L M A R I E WA L L S S P E C I A L F X | C E R E B U S C R E AT I O N S

Sharon McInerney Ad.indd 1

12/04/2016 21:08

Model: Marianne McHenry

//alternative model of the year

Model: Rebecca Linney

A model contest with a difference is set to return this April, in search of the nation’s most unique and outrageous individuals.

Alternative Model of the Year is not your typical beauty pageant, and boasts to replace the Prada with Punk, the Gucci with Goth and the Armani with Attitude.

Organisers say “we celebrate individualism and diversity in the modelling world and break down the barriers in what is otherwise a competitive industry, welcoming everyone who stands out from the crowd and not afraid to break the mould”.

Model: Sara Elizabeth

Since launching in 2011 the event now tours 6 major cities including; Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, London and is now the biggest contest of it’s kind in the UK, even featuring on a National Geographic Channel documentary back in 2014. Not only attracting the tattooed and body modified, the event has helped plus size models overcome any stigma and has been supporting the transgender community. The aim is to question mainstream views on true beauty and stamping out the prejudice that many face.

Entrants will be put to the test in a series of photo-shoot sessions for their chance to strut their stuff on the catwalk later this year as well as winning an array of prizes including a photography studio day worth ÂŁ1000 and a model agency signing.

Regional auditions are being held monthly right up until September 10th. For more information and to apply visit: www. alternativemodelling.com Credits: Stephen Martin, Photographer

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lifestyle y m m u Y

Cola Fudge Cake

Ingredients 1 x Betty Crocker fudge cake mix 1 x 330ml of Cherry Cola (Dr Pepper also works) 1x hand full of chocolate chips (white/milk/dark or mix)

P

rep 1 large mixing bowl Grease a 7-8 inch cake tin with butter/spread or spray with cake release Pre heat Oven to 170 degrees.

pre heated oven for 15 mins then cover with foil (shiny side up) and cook for a further 20-25 mins place upside down on a plate and Cool or see optional step

Step 1: Mix together in a large bowl the box of cake mix with 300ml of cherry Cola until fully Step 4: Enjoy a gooey warm slice of moist combined chocolate heaven

Step 2: add the chocolate chips and again mix Optional step:

until evenly distributed

Step 3: Pour mix into the ready prepared cake

tin and place on bottom or mid shelf of the

Cover with Betty Crocker chocolate fudge frosting while warm for extra yummy Recipe courtesy of Melanie Neale

//falafels

Impress your friends with these quick and easy falafels! They are delicious and healthy. Team with some lovely flat breads and salad, and add some hummus and chilli sauce for a truly sensational supper!

Ingredients: 1 x 400g tin of mixed beans 1 x 400g tin of chickpeas 1 lemon 1 tablespoon of harissa 1 heaped tablespoon of allspice 1 1/2 heaped tablespoons of plain flour Bunch of fresh coriander Olive oil

Directions: Drain and dry the beans and chickpeas and put them in a food processor. Finely grate in the lemon zest and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the flour, harissa, allspice and half a bunch of chopped coriander. Blitz until smooth. Scrape out the mixture and use clean wet hands to quickly divide and shape into patties/balls (whichever is preferred). Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a frying pan and add the falafels. Keep turning them until they are golden and crisp all over.

Recipe by Jane Robertshaw Photo by Amy Hanna

//far cry primal - back to basics Traversing a world 10,000 years in the past is something most of us have only dreamed of until now.

Now we’re free to do it from the safety of our own homes in the newest instalment of the Far Cry series.

Far Cry Primal is a very out of the box idea from Ubisoft, where as in our previous Far Cry games our protagonist is an average Joe who has to pick up a gun and shoot his way through his problems, Primal starts us off as an early homosapien trained and ready for survival and combat equipped with only a crafted spear and his instincts to help him.

We’re quickly introduced to a beautiful, expansive and dangerous world where everything including the birds and bees are (literally) out to get you, but you are a hunter gatherer and making use of everything around you is essential to get you through this game.

If you run out of arrows and forget to pick up the ones you’ve used, or don’t have the resources to craft more arrows or other weapons then you’re out of luck my friend and predators in this game show no mercy.

But the wildlife isn’t your only problem, your main enemies are relentless and you’ll meet them frequently and randomly in your travels and during missions, but even if this becomes troublesome the AI in this game can easily be used to your advantage, and trust me there’s nothing more satisfying than watching an enemy tribesman getting trampled by a mammoth they picked a fight with.

Graphically the world of Oros is a beautiful place that you’ll definitely want to explore, by completing

certain missions and gaining certain equipment you’ll be able to traverse much more efficiently, and there are a good number of fast travel spots (though you’ll have to fight for them) to help you get around. If there’s one thing worth remembering about Oros it’s how flammable it is, almost everything can be set on fire, and though it can be entertaining your character isn’t fire proof, so as much as you might want to set fire to the grass it spreads quickly, so be sure to plan your escape route first.

There are a lot of things in this game to keep a player entertained for many hours. From beast taming to expanding your tribe’s population through different side quests and random encounters, and using an owl to scope out your foes before sending your beastly companion to attack anything you can’t handle on your own it’s hard to get bored and very easy to get distracted from your main quest, something I haven’t experienced since the many, many hours I spent on Skyrim. Skill points can be spent on a variety of different survival skills depending on what kind of player you want to be and the NPCs have varied and entertaining personalities.

I’d recommend this game to my fellow explorers looking for a challenge and full immersion into a world so far unexplored, especially from the back of a mammoth.

Article By Kate McConrey Twitch.tv/KateMonsta

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Georgia Mordey En Route to Miss Newcastle 2016

H

i I’m Georgia Mordey, new to the dream team! I’m a local girl living in Tyne and Wear.

I’ve been involved within the modelling industry for a good few years now, I’ve gained so many new skills and shared so many amazing experiences with such incredible people.

I originally signed up to an agency in 2013 with no previous experience, I did it for a bit of fun, to see where it would take me, to gain experience!

Unfortunately that didn’t work out so well, I gained no work and it wasn’t taking me to where I wanted to be within the industry. So i then decided to go freelance, do things off my own back kinda thing! I shortly found this worked

so much better for me! I could put myself up for things that actually suited my personality, themes that interested me! Local photographers started to recognise me and get to know me. Because of this I created my own Facebook model page, simply so that both new and known photographers could get in touch, contact me regarding shoots and also it’s a much easier way of keeping your portfolio updated and current!

Things were going really well, my portfolio was rapidly growing, I gained so much experience simply by doing so many TFP shoots! I began to know what things worked for me and what things didn’t in regards to certain angles, poses, makeup and hair etc...

lifestyle

"Grand finalist for Miss Newcastle 2016" Tyne Tees soon after contacted me inviting me to a catwalk training day, with an amazing coach and choreographer Anna Brown, this gave me so much confidence as I’d never had any catwalk training previously! This then lead on to me taking part in a heat for Miss Newcastle. The heat was called Miss Ace and was organised by the amazing Hannah Lee Gray! This was in March 2015.

It was a Victoria Secret themed show, which is of course every girls dream!!

Unfortunately I didn’t win, but of course this was my first ever catwalk show/pageant/ competition (whatever you want to call it!) I had so much fun and it again gave me so much more confidence and understanding of wider aspects within the industry!

In October 2014 I decided to take part in Miss Teen Great Britain and was incredibly shocked to be announced as a grand finalist! I’d never done anything like this before, I’d describe it as being exactly like an American beauty pageant but it was so much fun! It took place in Blackpool and

again was an amazing experience for me. Pageants like this really focus on raising money for charity, in this case the charity we were donating too was ‘Together For Short lives’ and I participated In a sponsored sky dive in order to raise as much money as possible! Again, unfortunately I didn’t place in the competition but it was something completely different and I loved every minute of it!

Fast forward to now (April 2016) and I’ve participated in so many more amazing photo shoots, competitions and gained so much more experience within the industry, I’ve met so many incredible people!

I’m now currently a grand finalist for Miss Newcastle 2016! The final takes place in June and I’m currently doing a lot of prep work for the competition! I can’t wait to see what this year brings and I’m so honoured to be a finalist for Miss Newcastle representing my home town.

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RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons 2016 Extravaganza Tour W

hen it came to likes of ‘drag’ culture it was something that didn’t really get encouraged a lot, however fast forward to 2016 and its so good to see people stepping outside of their comfort zone and embrace what makes them feel and look good. Recently the every so popular RuPauls Drag Race came to Newcastle as part of their European tour, with our region being one of the only few places that the tour was coming to in the UK. Now as you know my usual thing is either music or fashion related, so this was one of those events that I didn’t know what to expect, so the best approach was to go with an open mind. From an outsider point of view I regarded this as a celebration of all things Drag, as those who had turned up for the show also made the effort. It was equally nice to see that the night also incorporated local event organiser, Andrew Hoyle and his event, Klub Kids.

So that is a little bit of the basics, now for the actual event itself. The night started with an exclusive VIP Meet And Greet with some of the fans so they could speak with some of the stars who were going to be part of the RuPaul Drag Race Tour. I can only imagine for majority of fans

to come face to face with stars they see on the TV is quite a mind blowing experience. When we think of meet and greets its quite easy to imagine a some what stampede kind of situation, however you know what that wasn’t the case on this occasion. At a fan level everyone was civilised and respectful, yes there was excitement but people were being considerate rather than hounding our visiting guests.

In return the stars of the show such as Michelle, Courtney & Pandora were equally accommodating ensuring that they made time for all the fans that had turned up to meet them. At the end of the day regardless of who you are and what you look like, the main thing is about being down to earth, friendly and approachable which all the Drag Race stars were I met.

Having started to get the vibe from the Meet and Greet, I then was fortunate to speak to both Pandora and Courtney backstage, just to find out a little bit about how the tour is going so far. They were the same lovely people as they were when meeting the fans. This is what happened when we met up for a chat:

lifestyle

Courtney

How does it feel to be in Newcastle?

I love Newcastle. The audience here is always extremely loose. Last night we went to get a sandwich at like 11pm and people were already losing their ability to walk.

What personally do you think you bring to the party?

My favourite part of the show is that I get to wear the iconic wings that I wore on Drag Race, so basically II don’t have to do anything but walk out onto stage, do my thing and see everyone go wild.

Best way to embrace this tour as a crowd member?

Just have fun! Dance, dress up and express yourself however you want.

What do you want to get out of this tour?

This is my first time on a bus tour. I guess personally it always fun being part of a big show like this especially in a theatre venue as suppose to a nightclub setting.

Where do you get your energy from?

The audience! The minute you step onto stage makes it all worthwhile. I try to rest as much as I can, especially as I sing too, so I like to stay relaxed so I can do my best show on stage.

Pandora

How are you?

I am good!!

What was it like to be invited to be part of this tour?

I wasn’t really invited, I kind of gate crashed,

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lifestyle and they were too nice to say no haha! But yeah its amazing especially as I haven’t been to most of these places in Europe so I am really excited.

I quite like being in Newcastle, because what I noticed is that people like to get drunk real early.

We were out last night and I was like ‘Gurllll, it aint even 10pm yet”, back in the USA that is the time people are just going out, but here its like “quick honey we better get you home or something”.

What do you think going to bring to the tour in terms of your ‘A’ game?

Well I know that backstage especially I bring a level of sanity, but also an air of comedy too.

Are you happy with 2016?

Gosh, its been so good to me because I am part of this amazing European Tour. However sometimes when you travel and do a lot of this I don’t really know what day it is.

I am like wow 2016 already? The last time I checked it was 2000 and I was high on ecstasy.

How are you keeping sane?

I would of brought my dog with me but he’s quite big to take anywhere, but I just keep myself busy and keep in touch with my boyfriend back in the US. I am looking for tour boyfriends though.

What would be the ideal qualities of a tour boyfriend?

Somebody who just says yes to everything, doesn’t talk about drag and just has a really big dick.

What was the meet and greet like for you?

Everyone is really super nice and so respectful.

People are being polite like remembering to say please and thank you. We have visited places in the past where people just grab or hound you making you feel awkward. Its really humbling to see the excitement in the UK especially as it’s a place that the show didn’t regularly air in.

Did you ever imagine you would ever get the show screen across the globe?

No! I joined because it was an amazing and safe platform for drag Queens and RuPaul was attached to it - such a giant idol, so I had no idea of what would come next. I actually said in the show once that this one day is going to reach thousands of people and RuPaul was like, “you may be onto something there.”

So yeah as I was saying I saw this as a platform to explore whether Drag was something I should continue doing. I was at a stage that I was like something has to change or I have to hang it up. However the universe was quietly saying to me, ‘keep those panties on lady!. Its fun but sometimes after a long day in some of those dresses I am like “mannn my ball’s hurt’, I am sitting on a secret.

“I quite like being in Newcastle, because what I noticed is that people like to get drunk real early” Conversations over it was time to head back into the main room of the O2 Academy and soak up the atmosphere and get ready for the show. There

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“Serving Up Drag Realness Hunny”

was such a lovely warm energy in the room, and whether you were dressed in drag or not, you were still guaranteed to feel comfortable and treated with respect. Some of the dresses some of the audience members were just stunning and to see the confidence it brings them just makes me smile.

After a little bit of a wait, the lights went down and there were energetic cheers from the crowd as the stars from RuPauls’s Drag Race took to the stage with their opening number.

They then took different parts of the popular TV show such as the ‘Snatch Game’ which involved crowd participation as well. I have never seen the show myself but I love how the RuPaul Drag Race Tour incorporated music, comedy and all thing

fab. I won’t lie this is not something for the faint hearted, but hey it was enjoyable nevertheless.

Although RuPaul was not there for the tour, fans were still left in good hands with Michelle Visage, our host for the evening and RuPaul’s right hand lady. Like I said at the beginning I didn’t know what to expect when I was on my way to the show, but you know what I had a really good time and its one I would look forward to checking out should ever the opportunity arise again.

I will leave you with the famous words of RuPaul, “Serving Up Drag Realness Hunny” 19th March 2016 – O2 Academy Newcastle Upon Tyne Article By Thushara Photos Courtesy of Gary Chaytor

//dawn of justice Many people have been to see Batman Vs Superman, many of those people have been critics, many of those critics have handed in, handed out or handed over a very bad review of this film, but not to fear dear friends for I am here to tell you why it’s not such a bad film and why the critics giving it a hard time should just sit down and drink a jar of granny’s peach tea.

Now that is not to say this cinematic adventure is perfect, it’s very rare that we find a film so well made, well received and popular. This film like many others does have its plot holes and its bit’s that don’t entirely make sense, but don’t be afraid! That doesn’t matter.

When I saw the movie I was blown away! I loved not only the action but the individual characters, with Henry Cavill returning to his Kryptonian role and Ben Affleck giving, in my opinion, possibly the best portrayal of Batman. However any major problems anyone will have with this film can be summed up by a lack of familiarity with the DC comics.

The film starts off with the age old flashback of

Bruce Wayne’s parents being gunned down (if anyone shouts about spoilers here I shall not be impressed!) with all the visual sensation that we have come to expect of Zack Snyder. We then get to experience the epic final battle of 2013’s Man of Steel entirely from Bruce’s perspective.

This is where we begin to see the fight start brewing since Superman and General Zod’s fight brings down what many of us can only assume is Wayne Enterprises: Metropolis. And so Batman decides that Superman is a threat in what some critics have the nerve to call a thin device.

However once again if you know your DC comics you would know this is entirely plausible since Batman is the second most paranoid member of the Justice League (the Question is obviously the number one guy). But I digress, Bruce saves some people, rescues some others and begins his acceptably short eared scheming.

This is where we first bump into Louis Lane again, this time in an undesignated African village, where she quickly does her job and becomes Superman bait. Unfortunately this leads to even

more trouble for poor old Sups as he is currently under scrutiny from a government committee who is questioning Superman’s motivations.

But that’s enough of the plot because I am reluctant to spoil this film for you. Now lots of people had a problem with the suits, I’m here to tell you they are mad! Mad I say! The suits are expertly done without any of that briefs over the trousers nonsense. Superman rocking a dark blue and red suit that barely seems to fit around his colossal biceps. Batman returning to the dark greys of the old days, but more important than the colour of Batman’s suit is his technology. Not only has he now got a bullet proof cowl but he has one seriously awesome cave, one that any man would love to have as his own man-cave.

Now I know that I have been singing the praises of this movie but it is time to address the elephant in the room. Some critics have said there is major problems with the film, and while there are problems, they’re not as big as they’ve been made out to be. Firstly Batman has more or less become homicidal! Now I know what you’re thinking, “Homicidal!? That’s not a small problem Jack!” and normally I would be inclined to agree but I can see through this haze of confusion, and I shall show you the way. It is obvious that the film has taken inspiration from many of the DC comics but mostly it would seem The Dark Knight Returns and Earth-51 Batman.

While The Dark Knight Returns explains the inspiration behind the epic Batman vs Superman battle and also why Ben Affleck has suddenly developed an allergy to shaving equipment,

the Earth-51 Batman explains why Batman has suddenly abandoned his own moral code.

This is because Earth-51 Batman does start killing people! I’m not going to tell you why for fear of ruining the comics but I would definitely recommend that you read it. But more than this critics had a huge problem with the story, some saying that it’s thin, others saying its flimsy and generally just not positive things. Now those among us who decided to watch 300 back in back in 2006 (yeah, it was a while ago) you will know that Zack Snyder is an amazing director in terms of visuals but not great at story. Now this isn’t to say that the story is bad but it definitely could have been executed better. Especially with it’s very unsubtle Justice League drop (but honestly that just made me even more excited!

I can’t wait to see Aquaman and Cyborg). The first half of the film is gritty and real and swirls controversy like a spoon in a very sugary cup of tea, but in the second half this just breaks down, and I can understand why. It can be very difficult to keep up a certain amount of deception and intrigue when all the cards are on the table in the form of one giant Kyrotonian mutant.

So before you go to see the movie and come out complaining that it was terrible or that the story was thin or that Batman is murdering people, just go read some comics, immerse yourself and love it for what it is.

Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice is in cinemas now.

By Jack ‘Jax’ Nahajec

//My Journey to Kayfabe Over the next few articles and blogs I will set out to see how different Wrestlers and organisations approach live audience shows. Ranging from local shows such as RAD:Pro, to hopefully the global phenomenon that is WWE. Recently I had the absolute pleasure to attend a RAD:Pro Wrestling event in South Shields, before doors opened.

RAD:Pro are a group of hugely talented individuals, so it was not a difficult choice when starting this series of articles.

I had the opportunity to speak with two of the top Wrestlers at RAD:Pro, Jay Oliver and Joseph Biggs. They gave me an insight to what it is like to perform in the squared circle, what got them watching and what keeps them watching. I hope you enjoy.

N: Who are you and who are you and who is your Wrestling character?

JAY: I am Jay Oliver, my Wrestling character is Oliver Barrett.

JOE: I am Joseph Biggs and my character is

Joseph Biggs. I am me.

N: What age did you get into Wrestling and when did you start training?

Jay: Since I was three I wanted to be a professional wrestler, I told my mam that’s what I wanted to be, so I started training when I was nearly 15, and my mam hates it to this day.

Joe: I started training when I just turned 16. I was only suppose to be there to accompany a friend, they quit after two weeks but I stuck around.

N: What or who got you watching wrestling?

Jay: I’ve always looked up to the likes of Eddie Guerrero Joe: Over the years I’ve watched it on and off, around 2009 is when I started watching it again, this is when I found the Lair of Lucha and started training.

N: Let’s take you back to when you got into wrestling, using the superstars of today, who would be that person to get you hooked?

Jay: I look up to Sami Zayn, or the likes of Bayley.

Joe: ROMAN REIGNS WITHOUT A DOUBT

N: Do you still watch WWE? If so why?

Jay: I have started watching it again a lot more now, not only for the superstars like Sami Zayn and Kalisto, but I’m aiming to be part of the WWE, I need to watch it.

N: What are the pros and cons of a local show like this?

Joe: Sometimes it hurts. If you do a no holds barred match that can lead to injuries.

Jay: I think it’s good because there isn’t a lot around here where people can come to which is family friendly as we are. It’s £3 to get in and all ages are welcome. We try and mix it up with matches like Joe said, but when we had that match at the last event everyone seemed really interesting and it’s nice to see a response from the hard work we all put in.

N: Have you had any serious injuries whilst training or in the ring?

Joe: I hurt my knee quite badly last year, it still clicks to this day.

Jay: I hurt my neck quite badly in training. I was attempting a move, and basically landed awkwardly. I was in hospital and had a number of scans and MRI’s. The doctor was certain it was broken, fortunately, it was just a brushed spinal cord, but it’s like that for life now. This is why people need to be careful and properly trained.

N: What is it that you want to get out

of training and doing shows like this one?

Jay: We do this to be in the WWE that is the goal. Everyone’s dream is to make it to the WWE. However I want to travel the world. I take this so seriously now. My names getting out there more and more. I’ll never give up *starts humming the John Cena theme.

Joe: Some days I want to make it big, but I love it that much I’m happy to do this as a hobby.

N: Last question, any advice for young trainees?

Jay: If you love wrestling just get there.

It’s not just about making it into the ring let alone the WWE, we are a family at the Lair of Lucha School of Wrestling (cheap plug). It also helps with confidence and health.

Joe: Hit the gym, get knee pads and get there.

For a full blog on the time I spent with all the wrestlers at RAD:Pro and links to their up and coming shows go to www.jcwrestlingreview.wordpress.com/ My first article had been an amazing experience. Shout out to Georgie Leggett for allowing me backstage at his event.

Signing off.

JC Rivers.

Article by JC Rivers

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Jemma

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aving such a brilliant team who share your vision and your passion is such an important thing these days, and as much as Darkus enjoys interviewing bands, designers and the like, as Editor I also like to highlight the work of my exceptional dream team. This time it was the turn of one of the most talented and strongest music photographers I have the honour of calling a friend and colleague, Ms. Jemma Dodd. Read on to find out more about her journey when I invited her for a nice chat.

Welcome to our very own music photographer, Jemma Dodd. How are you enjoying your time on the dream team?

I’m loving it! It’s great to be a part of such a passionate team and I’ve had some amazing opportunities since being joining Darkus.

So we have covered a number of amazing events together, which would you say stand out most to

you?

Leeds Festival without a doubt was the biggest highlight of last year. It was my second time shooting the festival, but the first time for Darkus.

Being able to take photos of bands I love as well as seeing and finding new artists is also a plus. Shooting Bastille on the main stage and Alexisonfire really stands out, as well as getting to meet New Found Glory! Slam Dunk and Hit The

photography Deck are also always amazing to shoot as well.

This year photographing Ellie Goulding at the Barclaycard Arena has got to be the highlight so far!

Has music photography always been something you were fond of?

I’ve always loved taking photos; I was the annoying one on family holidays who made everyone pose or made them wait while I took several photos of something that interested me. When it comes to music it’s something I couldn’t live without and I’ve always been to lots of gigs. I’m a mega, and I mean mega fan of Avril Lavigne and I remember seeing photos of her from gigs I’d been to and I wanted to be the person taking those photos.

Can you remember that first ‘Live Show’ you ever did and the camera you used?

I can’t remember the name of the band, but it was a local Birmingham band that I found on Myspace (back in the day), I’d recently been given a second hand Nikon D70s and started approaching bands on Myspace. The gig was at the Carling Academy in Birmingham at their tiny venue, the lighting was terrible, and I was most probably using a kit lens and when I think back now the photos must have been terrible too!

When you are shooting live music, what conditions for you tick all the right boxes?

Lighting is a big one for any photographer, it can be the difference between getting some amazing shots and getting almost nothing at all. I also like it when there’s a fairly empty pit, again something I’m sure all photographers would love. If a band member decides to pose for or act up to the camera that’s a big plus! Jared from Bowling For Soup noticed me singing along once and pulled a face for me.

When you’re in that photo area during a show, with only 3 songs to shoot what is at the forefront of your mind?

No matter who the band is you always want to get amazing shots, my instant thought is to be prepared. As soon as the lights go down the band could slowly emerge or come running on, you never know what’s going to happen so you have to get ready for anything.

Although you have an amazing DSLR, I know you also partial to a bit of Polaroid too. What is it about Polaroid photos that make you smile?

I love that you can see the picture instantly and that you don’t really know how it’s going to turn

lr out. My auntie had a Polaroid camera when I was younger and I still have a shot from it of me and my sister when we were little, so it’s got a bit of nostalgia for me to.

Some of your recent work which we see here, include The Vamps and Ellie Goulding. I am always impressed by your work, but to you what do think these images say about where you at right now as a live music photographer?

That’s a tough one, I think photographers and anyone within the creative industry is always striving to achieve more. When I get to shoot such big bands I feel like I’m taking a step further, but as they say you’re only as good as your last piece of work. I definitely feel like I’m always learning and improving even after shooting live music for seven

years, but there’s still more goals to be achieved and more bands to photograph!

As well as having your work published, you also share it on the likes of your social media sites.

Be it a fan, a manager or a band themselves, has there been any stand out feedback which will always make you smile when you remember it?

Any feedback whether it be a like, comment, share, retweet etc means a lot to me, but the stand out moment has to be winning the live category of the NME Photography Awards in 2014. To have your work noticed by the editor and picture editor of such a big magazine is amazing, I really couldn’t believe it when I won. At the awards ceremony the editor told me that my photo was ‘f#cking amazing’ and I will NEVER forget that!

I also occasionally shoot weddings and portraits

photography

and when people tell you how much they love the photos it really does mean a lot. You feel so pressured on the day to make sure you get it right and it all comes down to what they think of the photos.

Where do see you taking your photography next on a personal and professional level?

Keep shooting and shooting some more, it’s the only way to go! I do have a few things in the pipelines and there’s always shoots in the planning. I’m hoping to launch a print store very soon, so watch this space!

Photos By Jemma Dodd Article and Questions By Thushara

@jemmadoddphoto

jemmadoddphotography

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ere at Darkus we are always supporters of local born and bread brands. We were lucky enough to catch up with Steven Brown, founder and owner of up and coming brand, ‘Who’s the artist? Apparel’.

He tells us what its like to start up your own brand, and the struggles and positives of working within the Fashion industry, specifically in the North East.

Are you interested in starting your own brand, or have a passion for fashion? Continue reading for some inside tips!

Hi Steven, tell us a bit about yourself?

Where did you get the idea for the brand?

I began my career working in retail way back in 2001, working part time whilst studying sports coaching at college. I began to fall in love with fashion industry and loved how trends changed so frequently. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to go on some buying trips with my old employer, which then began to start my interest in creating my own label.

I was sick of seeing rubbish designs being printed on to t-shirts time and time again from loads of large companies, and I have seen so many talented people draw amazing images on prints/canvas/ paper etc and I thought they would look so good on t-shirts where people know where they have came from and that were all lovingly created by hand from an artist perception.

So what is WTA Apparel?

How much preparation was needed?

Who’s the artist is a brand who focus on helping to showcase talented individuals from across the globe, we care about creating something different that connects art and fashion into lovable fashion pieces.

There is a great deal of work needed to even reach the final stage of having you brand ready, from sourcing artist to work with, sourcing the right quality of garment to use, then the company you

FASHION wish to put your trust into to deliver high quality finishes, building of your website, social media platforms and of course setting up bank accounts etc!

Is this something you’ve always wanted to do?

I have wanted to run my own business for about the last 5 years but it wasn’t until recently when I saw an opportunity in the market to create something unique and different.

Do you think your experience in retail has helped?

Yes 100%! I have had support form some of the best retailers in the business and want to give a special thank you to Heather Rowlinson and Lee Hogg who have helped me with great tips and advice.

Who has been your favorite artist to work with?

I have really enjoyed working with all the artists I have collaborated with so far, they all have great individuality and creativity and that is the reason I selected them.

Is there anybody you want to work with?

Yeah, I would really love to work with someone from my home town of Newcastle as I believe there are so many talented people. One of my favorites however are the guys at Prefab 77!

Where do you see the brand in the future?

I would like us to become a brand that’s well known for giving opportunity to people to showcase their talent, a brand that breaks the mould of company’s who create thousands of the same piece of clothing and care solely about their bottom line profits!! Our ethos is growing through collaboration’s and doing things the right way. Hopefully in five years time we will be well established name that people easily

recognize.

Was it difficult starting up your own brand from scratch?

Yes we came up against a lot of challenges, people believe its very simple to just print a design and slap in onto a t-shirt (which it can be if you just use a random graphic from a computer). We however, have stuff all created from scratch, from someone’s imagination and their unique vision which set’s what we do from anyone just doing quick graphic designs! We also made a couple of expensive mistakes along the way but they have helped us get to the place we are today so I don’t have any regrets.

What advice would you offer to those wanting to do the same?

Don’t do it!!!!!! It takes over you’re life ha ha!

Only messing, I would encourage anyone to give it a go, if you have a vision and a passion you should follow it.

Do you think the Fashion Industry is a difficult industry to get into?

Yeah it’s a very difficult industry. It’s hard as lots of company’s don’t want to take risks on potential new products incase they don’t work and end up losing them money, they stick with “tried and tested” brands. I totally understand where they are coming from as trade is really tough on the high street these days with people having access to the web and more and more people look for deal etc. However I know there are so many people out there who welcome the “next big thing” and always want something new and different.

Do you think there are good Fashion opportunities in the North East?

lr Yeah, like everything in life I believe if you work hard enough and are prepared to offer something unique and special people will take a chance with you no matter where you are.

What has been the most useful experience/knowledge when it came to starting up the brand?

Don’t rely on other people’s deadlines, as they never deliver on the dates they say!

Also always do you’re research!

Would you ever take WTA abroad?

Yeah, if it was the right opportunity and in the right market. I think it makes sense as we work globally with artists already. I want us to be established in the UK first though.

Is there anything else you want us to know?

You should always support your local artist!

Look out for Who’s the artist Apparel coming to the North East very soon! Until then, you can catch them on Instagram to follow their journey

@whostheartistapparel

Models: Helen Parker & Sam Lowerson Photographer: Dave Bell

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Vogue festival 2016

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o, as a lot of you may already know, Newcastle Fashion Week is not happening this year.

Although this is sad news, there are still many other events that you can get your claws into this year.

The event we are most excited about is the Vogue 100 Festival, 2016. Whether you are a fashion student like myself, a blogger, or just have a passion for fashion, this is not one to be missed.

There’s going to be some of the most influential names in today’s fashion industry speaking at the event, including the gorgeous Alexa Chung, the amazing Grace Coddington, and the beautiful reality T.V star, Kim Kardashian West.

For you fashion enthusiasts, Christopher Kane, Isabel Marant and LuLu Kennedy will also be making appearances during the two day event, and for those more interested in beauty, Charlotte Tilbury will also be speaking.

There really is going be something there for everyone, and for many a once in a lifetime opportunity to get advise from the professionals themselves.

There is going to be a lot of exclusive beneficial information broadcasted to festival goers on the day, including discussions on personal image, social media, and how to shop smart with

members of the editorial team from Vogue itself.

Do to previous success, this year they will be holding their master classes again.

This has very limited places as you will get the chance to speak face to face with the leaders in their fields of fashion and beauty, giving knowledgeable ‘how to’ sessions.

If you are someone who isn’t necessarily aiming for a career in the fashion or beauty industry, there are going to many different activities there on the day that will be suited to you.

In Kensington Garden’s you will have access to the Vogue café, and Vogue shop, that will be selling exclusive Vogue branded garments and collaborations with the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Kurt Geiger and J Crew.

There will also be a fashion illustration class held in the RGS with David Downtown, which is a great way to improve your drawing skills, or just let out some creativity.

You will also be able to meet your idol Grace Coddington at a book signing. Whatever you have in mind, and whatever you position may be, it’s going to be a jam-packed weekend for everyone.

For the first year ever, Vogue are selling a very limited number of Vogue Gold Tickets, which will give you exclusive access to the full weekend of talks at the festival, que jump pass, and a personal tour of the Vogue headquarters. If that isn’t enough, you will also get an invite to Vogue’s 100th

fashion

birthday party that is being held in London this May. Sound like something you’d love? Tickets are available at www.vogue.co.uk/voguefestival, with these exclusive Vogue Gold tickets priced at £1,000.

If that is a little out of budget for you, or you simply just want to take part in the fun on the day, headline sessions taken place at RGS are priced at £60 per session, and other talks held in the Kensington Gardens are priced at just £40 per session. Super Tutorials will be held in the Vogue World Tent, and are priced at £80 per session. The festival that is in association of luxury retailer’s, Harrods will take place on Saturday 21tst May, and Sunday 22nd May at the above locations in London.

So whether you think this is something that will benefit your hobby or career, or if you want to plan a fun weekend with your friends, don’t delay and grab your tickets now where they are on sale at www.vogue.co.uk/voguefestival.

Article by Helen Parker

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Vogue Celebrating 100 Years

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n May 21st and 22nd 2016 the highly anticipated Vogue Festival in association with Harrods, returns in its fifth year for a weekend of designer royalty and spectacular events, enough to inspire and encourage even the least fashion savvy!

With this year’s event centred on celebrating 100 years of British Vogue, attendees are invited to enter what is sure to be a dream - the ‘Vogue World’ tent in Kensington Gardens. Shop exclusive Vogue goodies, designed in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana and Kurt Geiger and pick up tips from styling sessions and trend talks with Vogue Fashion Director Lucinda Chambers and Vogue Fashion News Editor Julia Hobbs. After a quick pit stop in the Vogue café to rest those

weary Choos, there’s chance to head to Grace Coddington’s latest book signing as well as a fashion illustration class with David Downton.

This year also sees the return of the ever popular ‘How to’ master classes; covering everything from fashion journalism to setting up a beauty brand, with advice from industry leaders on what it really takes to get ahead in the fashion business. 2016’s impressive line-up of guest speakers includes designers’ Christopher Kane, Claire Waight Keller of Chloe, Peter Dundas of Roberto Cavalli, Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana – yes D&G themselves, and Alessandro Michele the latest creative director at Gucci.

Alexa Chung will once again be gracing the stage to provide the season’s ultimate style clinic.

fashion Whilst Charlotte Tilbury and the queen of contouring; Kim Kardashian West, reveal their top transformational beauty buys.

Now, as a makeup artist and a massive beauty geek in general I may be slightly biased, but the highlight of the whole weekend has got to be the programme of ‘super tutorials’ released especially for this year’s milestone event.

Presented by some of THE legends of hair and makeup this is literally a must see for anyone attending.

Whether you want to learn the secrets of session styling with Sam McKnight, George Northwood and Josh Wood, or the techniques to becoming an amazing Makeup Artist with Val Gardland and Hannah Martin– yes you heard right!! Val Garland, who’s career as a makeup artist spans over 2 decades, designing runway looks for Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen and more recently, the visionary behind Lady Gaga’s alien cheekbones on the ‘Born This Way’ album.

And for those who don’t know, Hannah Martin, a Pro Artist for Bobbi Brown and was also behind the Duchess of Cambridge’s beautiful bridal look in 2011.

The appropriately named ‘super tutorials” are sure to light a fire of determination and imagination for aspiring hair and makeup artists alike. Tickets for these 1 hours 45 minute tutorials are available online at £80 each which also includes entry to the Vogue World tent and are sure to sell out fast as numbers to these sessions are limited.

If you’re reading this with an air of excitement and longing for what’s expected to be one of the more inspirational events in fashion this year, head over to www.vogue.co.uk/ voguefestival for more information on the event line up, guest speakers and to secure your tickets. See you there!

Article By Rhiannon Crowther

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Stephy Cattran-Robinson

ere at Darkus, we always like to keep an eye on some of the up and coming models within the North East scene especially those who do a lot of inspirational work, on a daily basis.

It was an absolute pleasure therefore to meet up with Stephy Cattran-Robinson to find out more about her, her experiences and where she is at in her journey not just as a model but a person too.

Hi Stephy. Tell us a bit about you?

Oh, where do I start! I’m originally from Cornwall.

I spent my entire childhood growing up on a farm so I’m a bit of an animal lover. I’m now an aspiring actress, a Model and fitness freak. I enjoy a challenge, and I love being in front of the camera!

You have many strings to your bow, from modelling to acting and everything in between.

What do you find the most rewarding and enjoyable?

Ooh that’s such a tricky question! Acting can be very demanding and I often have to put a huge amount of time and effort into researching a character then learning lines, sometimes even having to learn a new accent! I’ll then sit and read through them over and over again until I’m happy with the delivery. That said, I love the challenge that it brings and it gives me a great opportunity to work alongside other great actors and actresses who share my passion. The modelling side of my

life is very important to me because it’s really where I started and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the people who took a chance on me at the beginning! Modelling really means I have to stay in shape and so naturally, I find it incredibly rewarding to see the effort that I make transpire into a great picture.

Recently you auditioned for miss GB Newcastle.

What encouraged you to be part of the process?

I’ve always dreamed of being part of Miss GB and signing for Headline models last year inspired the decision to throw caution to the wind and audition for Miss Newcastle GB! I’m incredibly proud to have reached the finals, representing of Such an amazing city, plus It gives me the opportunity to raise awareness for Capital FM’s Global make some noise Charity!

The creative world, as much as it is fun, can also be demanding.

What have been some of the things you need to

photography take into consideration to keep you motivated mentally and physically?

For me personally, I’ve found It most effective to set myself some short and long term objectives.

It always feels like such slow progress in both the acting and modelling, and it is easy to become disheartened if things aren’t happening as quickly as I like. By setting myself objectives, I’ve found that it encourages me to stay motivated with the small gains while keeping focus on the end goal.

How has being signed to headline models helped you progress with your work?

Actually this was one of my longer term objectives So I was thrilled to be signed to Headline!! It’s not only opened a number of doors in terms of both the quality and quantity of work available but it also highlighted to me that my ambitions are potentially attainable, no matter how distant they may seem!

Looking at your portfolio, you have such an amazing collection of work.

When people see your work, what is it that you want them to take into consideration?

Well thank you!! I guess the biggest thing I’d like people to consider, is that to get a perfect shot, you really have to work for it. Every day we see hundreds of images without really considering that, often somebody has put a lot of time and effort into creating that image. I also feel that the industry is too dependent on photoshop, and you may have even seen a video of a guy transforming a piece of pizza into a glamour model! I really don’t want my pictures to be about that. I like to put in the effort so that I can really feel a sense of pride in an image.

This industry can sometimes be rather competitive, what are your survival tactics for staying safe and more importantly sane?

In terms of staying safe, I would say there are a few important things to do.

1) Always research your photographer to ensure they are legitimate, especially when starting out.

2) Agree on a style of photoshoot so that you know what to expect.

3) Don’t be pressurised into posing for a photo you aren’t comfortable with.

4) Always take a chaperone!

don’t!

Staying sane isn’t quite so straight forward!!

In performing arts It’s never easy to face rejection when you’ve put your heart and soul into something.

I do however always try to adopt the mentality of either win or learn. If I don’t get a part, then there’s always something that I can learn from the experience that I can take forward and build on for the next audition. Modelling is slightly different because, to be brutal, they either like the look of you, or they

So from the photos we see here, what does it say about you as a model?

I would like my work to show that I am a dedicated and diverse model who is quite prepared to sit in a waterfall in Jesmond dene for over half an hour at the end of October, just to get the perfect shot! But on a serious note, I do like to put maximum effort into all of my shoots and I have tried to acquire a diverse portfolio by undertaking a variety of work.

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Who would you say are your biggest supporters and influences?

I have a great support network of family and friends which I am, of course, eternally grateful for. They keep me on the right track and are really encouraging. I don’t have any specific role models as such, however I find that during auditions and modelling shoots, I often meet people who have been in the industry for a long time who possess qualities which I then try to carry forward with me.

work. If its compatible with what I would do and if I could see myself fitting into that sort of genre of work, then I will do it. I like to have a bit of diversity in my portfolio and so i do like shooting with different photographers who naturally carry different styles. That said, I am extremely picky with who I work with as I am aware that one false move could be detrimental to my work!

How easy is it to have your voice heard when it comes to contributing to shoot ideas?

I often work with my favourite photographers a number of times and so it becomes easy to contribute to styles and locations as we have a great rapport. I believe some of my best work has come from last minute shoots where both myself and the photographer have an opportunity to experiment with an assortment of obscure ideas!

Can you remember what the early days of your journey were like?

I remember it being rejection, rejection and a bit more rejection to accompany it! I had this ridiculous dream that if I applied for a top modelling agency on Monday, by Friday I’d be working in Milan earning my millions! How naïve I was! I couldn’t believe the amount of rejections one girl can receive in a week! I don’t know if there’s a rejection record but if there is, I’m pretty sure I own it! It took a long time to get noticed by a higher standard of photographer.

When being invited to take part in a project, be it on a TF basis or paid shoot, what are the key things you look out for before deciding whether to accept the project?

I always like to research the photographer’s style of

Did you learn any important lessons to help you become the incredibly gifted lady we see here today?

Persistence I think is the number one lesson!

Never underestimate the power of networking

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and just Learn to accept that rejection is part of the job, pick yourself up and carry on again. Don’t dwell on your mistakes, learn from them and push forward!

What direction do you see yourself going next?

Well, in the short term I’ll be hassling the good business people of Newcastle in order to secure sponsorship for Miss Newcastle GB. Looking on from that, I could potentially be invited to

compete in Miss GB. I also have an exciting strategy for acting in the pipeline, so I’m looking forward to what the next 12 months has in store for me. Beyond that? Who knows! The sky, as they say, is the limit!

Photographer: Chris Gray Model: Stephy Cattran-Robinson

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feel so blessed to be able to be included in this issue of Darkus! My previous article at the back end of last year talked about my journey to get where I am now.

So much has changed since then! I am now a Full Time Photographer building my photography business from the ground up.

Its been a long road and will continue to be very hard one but LR photography will get there!

I have featured some of my most recent work, working with models and some ordinary people like you and me!

I intended to make LR photography a relaxed environment where anybody can come and have a feel good shoot, a portfolio shoot or simply just for fun. It is hugely important to me that LR photography is a calm and lovely environment to work in, weather this be for a professional shoot or a more intimate feel good shoot with clients of all ages, shapes and sizes.

The prospect of a studio is becoming even more real, which is crazy! I never thought that I would get to this point in my career, I’m so thankful for everyone who has helped and continues to help me get to where I am today! I don’t know what id do without the support I have received for LR photography. @LRphotographyandDesign95

@laura_robinson_

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Steph Powell

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elcome to Darkus Steph. Lets start with a bit of an ice breaker. If your life was a cocktail what would it be?

Hurricane - Classic New Orleans cocktail with lime juice and passion fruit....my life is a big disruption at times! Although I don’t destroy everything in my path but you will certainly know if I’m coming!

How happy are you with the progression of 2016 so far? Has it all been fun and games thus far?

Well 2015 provided a lot of work and was all about building up my portfolio, but 2016 is about getting myself out in the big wide world of modelling, obtaining more work, meeting more talented professionals and establishing a fan base! It is a lot of hard work and juggling getting work, modelling and finding contacts with a full time job and planning a house move it has been very crazy!

When people see your work, or even collaborate with you what is it they need to understand?

During shoots I do tend to go with the flow and hope it looks good, I always take in other peoples opinions of clothing and poses and love getting feedback and new ideas off others, if you communicate and build a working relationship with the photographer this shows in the pictures

and builds your trust and confidence. This is if they can get me to be quiet as I don’t shut up!

This can sometimes be a competitive and weird industry. How does a model such as yourself prepare yourself mentally and physically?

Be unique, have your own style and do what you are comfortable with. I have a totally different image to other models, I am a bit like marmite you either love me or hate me, but hope you’re feeling the love more! I make sure I have plenty of time to get ready, I get my outfits and props ready the night before so I am prepared for the day, if I feel slightly nervous I have a strong drink for breakfast!

As for preparing myself physically, despite what some may think, I literally do no exercise and eat tonnes of junk food...seriously...it’s quite bad really!

I used to be a semi-professional sprinter in my younger years and I have very good genes from my Dad, he is 79 and is still a professional champion weight lifter! (Thanks Dad!) so he is my inspiration to keep myself healthy and aim high...I guess I probably should go for a run now and again...I’ll start on Monday...ha!

When your in front of that camera how do you feel now compared to how you first started?

Now I feel confident, happy and enjoy the

photography experience, I’m so excited at the end of the shoot to see the final edits! When I started I was so nervous I nearly changed my mind as I suffered with my confidence, but I really proved to myself and others that I can do it and resulted in getting some amazing images!

How important is it to create your opportunities as well as saying yes to other opportunities which take your fancy?

I am really fortunate to have a partner who shares my passion and enthusiasm who manages a lot of my admin and is a genius at finding me work!

I started off on portfolio websites but found this attracted a lot of strange photographers with some dodgy motives. Having said that I did meet some insanely talented people and made some great friends! It was being set up on social media which really pushed things in the right direction, although I have to sift through the very inappropriate messages off some male (and female!) fans to get to the job opportunities! As I developed, gained more experience and contacts I have found myself in a position where I can pick and choose my work now, to get them classy lingerie shoots, leaving behind the “man with a cam” photographers and those days of shooting sleazy lingerie sets with a creepy sweaty man looking infatuated, intimidated and very flustered!

You have a loyal fan base so far. How valuable is the support you get from friends, family and fans?

My fans are incredible, considering they have never met me in person for the most part; they are so encouraging and supportive I couldn’t ask for much more! I have some offer to buy me clothes and accessories for shoots but then some that have wanted to buy my underwear and used tights!

Although I do get my fair share of nasty, abusive and very inappropriate messages and pictures but it comes with the nature of the job! Fans are essentially what keeps you in work because they are the guys that want to see your images and buy the magazines you feature in!

As for family...My Mum doesn’t agree with my modelling work and called my pictures “pornographic” saying I was an “embarrassment” to the family saying I had “changed for the worst”.

This was initially hard to hear, but with it being something I enjoy and helps me grow in my

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confidence, it would have been nice to have some support and encouragement instead of negativity.

My husband and Dad on the other hand are the two most important men in my life who do nothing but support and encourage me in every decision I make and I am truly blessed to have them in my life.

When are you your most confident?

I am actually most confident when I am around my friends, my friends are fantastic and so supportive. I am really happy and content when I am around them and feel I could take on the world, knowing I have them and my partner behind me. Being in front of the camera is actually pretty daunting, but if you have a familiar face near by it’s amazing how much more relaxed and comfortable you feel. Oh and of course when I have had a drink I officially turn into the best dancer ever! Or so I think haha!

Your planning a project – take us through the process?

When you are still establishing yourself the work involved in turning an idea into reality is huge!

For example when I wanted to focus on getting my work published me and my partner had to start from scratch; we had to pitch my portfolio to potential magazine publishers until we got a response! This took weeks of searching and

eventually when you find someone who wants to publish your work you then have a time limit to get the images they need for the issue! The hunt for the right photographer to get the images begins! You need to get it perfect since these are going to be published! You put out a casting call for photographers, you speak to them about the project, hear their ideas, carefully examine their own work, as man with a cam who has no experience editing or using artificial lighting simply will not do! You set a date, spend hours picking outfits out, doing your hair and make up and then smash the shoot and await the images!

You then hope and pray the magazine editor likes the images and you are done!

How easy is it for you to get your work noticed and voice heard in the north east scene?

Easy is far from the word I would chose! I imagine for any aspiring artist, be it models, fashion designers, musicians etc. it is hard for anyone without the right contacts off the bat! It takes a huge amount of man hours and work to get started and you need to be prepared to put the work in and be very persistent! I wouldn’t know where to start without the help from my partner in crime!

He deals with my promotion and a lot of my social media management and is constantly on the look out for new opportunities! I think being in the North east can be a bit of a challenge as you find

photography a lot of people in this line of work tend to migrate down south where there is more work, money and models so it is quite difficult finding work up here!

It’s great to see a magazine digging in up here and doing so well!

Also more importantly taken seriously and respected?

This one is much more difficult, especially when you do lingerie modelling, if you dare share your work on social media be prepared for the bombardment of seedy messages from blokes and even “photographers”! It’s a man’s world in lingerie modelling. It’s the sex appeal and I haven’t met a single female lingerie photographer...that says a lot! I have had a lot of photographers that pride themselves on keeping that professional boundary during a shoot and make it enjoyable and comfortable, however I have also had a good few photographers that do and say inappropriate things, one actually said to me out of nowhere, completely randomly during a lingerie shoot, “you know some models offer extras...”. So if you go into lingerie modelling you need to be prepared for this sort of thing until you establish who is respectable and professional!

We see a number of great images here, but what was it about these images you liked the most?

The thing I like about these images are they were from my first ever fashion shoot! The shoot was organised specifically around fashion and there isn’t much else I’m more passionate about than my clothes (I have an entire room dedicated to my clothes and shoes...) oh and maybe my kitten pebbles, who photo bombed some of the best shots during the shoot!... I take pride in going for a unique look with my fashion sense and feel it shows in these images!

The Ferrari pictures are really where my modelling truly started so have a bit of a nostalgic relationship with those images!

The truth is there are so many amazing images from the numerous talented photographers I have worked with it was really hard to narrow them down!

Where do you see you taking your journey next?

I am hoping with relocating a little further down the country I’ll be able to expand my reach to new photographers and opportunities; My real

goal is to work in fashion; be it having a fashion column one day or to own a clothing boutique, it’s just somewhere I see myself being happy! As for modelling I would ideally like to settle in fashion modelling, I think that is most models ideal niche, lingerie shoots are all well and good but it can get a little boring doing the same thing over and over and also a little cold during the winter haha! So hopefully I will get the chance to work with new people with new exciting ideas and continue to grow in confidence and achieve my best!

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Sketch Co

ell us a little bit about the concept for your designs?

The concept behind the brands designs is to express one’s individuality, talking specifically tie dye how often do you see high-street stores filled with that or only stocked during summer but what if a person wants to express themselves with such colourful clothing all year round and can’t? That’s the reasons I have taken the approach with all my clothes I have created, to express being unique and standing out from the crowd.

Who do you see as a typical customer to be wearing your clothing?

A typical customer for someone who wears my clothes would be someone who finds the high street stores lacking in expressing an individual’s personality. Which is exactly why I do what I do, to give people the chance to express themselves with unique clothing that a high-street shop can’t offer.

What gave you the idea in the first place?

Time… time, I had so much time on my hands being the Summer of just finishing my GCSE’s in

2013 and with an interest in general graphic design I thought why not actually create something I can wear and here we’re today.

Where can ppl discover your work?

The best way to discover what is on offer is to check-out the website, www.sketchco.co.uk - with this said social media plays a big part so would definitely recommend checking out the Facebook page too, just search – Sketch Co. What direction do you want to take your work next?

With the 2016 summer I want to try and represent a different type of hippy style. I want to give something to my festival goers and just general hippies that won’t find this style anywhere else. I always try to make sure my next range is different to my last as I always want to be offering something new and unique to the people to wear.

How easy do you find it as a young and upcoming designer to get your beautiful clothing taken seriously?

It’s always been a push to getting taken seriously in

lr this industry with my age especially when starting out, when I was 16 and having my own site is already an achievement I felt. Having meetings with bank managers etc. really pushing towards to getting myself out there. It’s not easy getting your foot through the door but once you do, I’ve personally found people really respect and our impressed with the next generation taking the fashion industry under control.

Where do you currently see yourself in your journey?

If honest, I feel like I’m still just getting started. I have so many plans for the company that I want to make happen running my own business whilst still

in full time education has always been challenging but so rewarding. I feel like I’ve achieved a lot so far, having my clothes seen alongside John Lewis and Peacocks working with many industry experts to achieve greatness. The amount of people I’ve had contact me just to compliment what I’m doing and how it’s helped them be their selves just means the world to me and makes me realize what I’m doing is working.

Article By Thushara Photos Courtesy of Glenn Wallace

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NOTTINGHAM

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Sharon McInerney Photography Many will recognise Sharon from last year when we featured her as part of her Shot By S adventure. Having taken time out, it was a delight to discover that this amazing lady had returned to the scene having rebranded, but her work awesome as ever. Taking the conscientious choice to rebrand is never an easy thing, but I admire and respect Sharon for going with her instincts and doing what felt right for her.

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elcome Sharon! We last met in Summer 2015, how has life been treating you since

then?

I’ve been working a lot behind the scenes, writing out plans and building foundations for my work as a freelance photographer.

This has been a year which saw you starting to rebrand your photography. Has the process been a smooth one thus far?

It’s been crazy ha! But exciting. I decided to get rid of the ‘business’ name and use my own. I’ve set up new social media accounts so attracting new followers has been a bit daunting but it is starting to pick up speed now. I’ve kept all of my accounts under the banner of Sharon McInerney Photography so that I am easy to find on all platforms.

Do you think you have come even further than you were last year?

Absolutely! Especially from a business point of view. I am taking on more work and I have my new website is coming soon, it will ‘most likely’ be live by the time this goes to print. I am always learning on a creative level with my photography and editing.

So with your recent project, which we see here, what was the initial concept?

I was approached by Rhiannon (Make-up Artist) with an idea for an industrial glamour shoot. We

agreed to work together and I soon started to generate ideas with the team.

Did you find yourself sticking to your plan, or did it evolve as the shoot went on?

Yes. The plan was to find lots of urban/industrial backgrounds. I encourage photographers to go out and use their surroundings, you don’t always have to be in an expensive studio or need to travel far.

You’d be amazed at what the wider picture looks like in these shots, particularly the shot with the grey fence. It’s all about framing and zooming in on the bits you can use.

You’ve worked with Rhiannon Crowther (make up artist), and Solitaire Weber (hair stylist) before. What was it you love about working with these talented ladies?

They get me as an artist and that’s a big deal for me. As soon as I discuss an idea with them they are straight on to it and they bounce their own ideas back to me. I am confident in their creative flare and they are both very professional - I love working with them.

Having seen your previous work, which is just beautiful in itself, I quite like this set as well as it looks simple yet effective and refreshing. Would you agree?

Yes I agree it is very simple but the make-up, especially the eyes are quite dramatic. I wanted to focus on them, so it was important for me

lr to keep the rest of the elements simple while complimenting the overall look.

to be correct at the time of shooting, to save you time in editing later

Being a talented photographer, but also an inspirational part of the creative industry getting your work showcased is part of the equation. How important is it to embrace social media?

Is it always your friend or do you use other methods too?

Doing photography as an artist and doing it as a business require different approaches... As an artist the key to your work is to stay true to yourself and not give a damn what people think.

So sharing on social media in that sense is easy. As a ‘hired’ photographer you’ve got to tune into what your client requires and if attracting clients is what you are aiming for on social media then you have to be selective in what you share. I think people hire me because they like what I do, however I do have fresh ideas with each project that comes my way. My portfolio of work is developing all of the time and I am happy with the way it is going at the moment.

Is there more to photography than people initially assume?

I’m not sure what people assume really... and I think it depends who the photographer is. I do a lot of stuff behind the scenes... from making costumes and props, to editing my own images. I like taking on the full project and building the concept myself. Though sometimes I do turn up to shoot and it’s all done, then I just have to work on coaching the models and capturing the shots. When you do your own editing, you quickly realise what it is that you need

Article By Thushara Photos By Sharon McInerney Photography Model: Sophia Appleby Make Up Artist: Rhiannon Crowther Hairstylist: Solitaire Weber

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he inspiration for Seven Skulls Co?

We love metal. The older, the better. The 70’s, 80’s, the 90’s... you name it. We’ve always loved music, and band shirts, so we take inspiration from that. We just like everything alternative.

Your Vision, Dream & Ethos?

Our mission is simple. New, wearable, alternative clothing. We like black t-shirts, we like slogans, and we like alternative clothes. We hope to become a recognised brand with loyal fans who love us! We wanna keep it straightforward. A reliable, wearable t-shirts with a rockstar feel. No tie-dye, no cats, no triangles and definitely no mandalas. Clear-cut apparel with attitude.

When your customers invest in your brand what can they expect?

Reliable postage for a start. We’re upfront with how long our delivery will take. We’ve seen a lot of brands getting bad reps recently thanks to not being honest about posting and timings – we’re not about that.

Aside from that you get a bitchin’ t-shirt! We create simple and original designs, which are wearable and versatile.

Some of the designs you are most proud of?

So far we only have our first collection made up but there is some really cool stuff coming. So far

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Models: Neva Moria + Aedea Lynch Photographer: Say Something Location: Leake Street tunnel, London MUA: Neva Moria Clothing: Seven Skulls Co.

the Psycho shirt is our favourite – its so classic, so simple but its an interesting statement.

As a relatively new brand, how are you finding having your designs being acknowledged amongst others like yourself in the fashion scene?

We’re still in the ‘embryonic’ stage of our production at the moment, so we can’t really say! We’re hoping for big things. We have good connections, and we’re building relationships with a lot of models, photographers and even other designers – so watch this space!

The platforms you use to showcase your work, why and which at present seems the most effective?

We’re starting off with Etsy as we’ve used it for other ventures previously and we know our way around. It means we can offer variations and customisation on our items. We’re working on a website, but as I’m sure a lot of people know, they’re not too easy to make!

Questions By Thushara Answers By Neva Mora (Creator & Designer of Seven Skulls Co.)

facebook.com/sevenskullsco / instagram.com/sevenskullsco

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Markus Roberts - Clarke D

arkus Magazine: At last we meet Markus.

How has life been treating you this past few months?

Markus: The last few months have actually been

a rollercoaster ride... I’ve actually been struggling with an addiction to drugs... And survived a house fire and a domestic violence ex... But I’m clean for 125 days... And have left my partner and starting again... And it feels amazing... I’ve been offered some amazing jobs lately and it feels amazing that I have a great support network.

DM: You have been involved in so many things,

what has been your most enjoyable project so far?

M: Any #LiveFashionOfficial catwalk I’m involved in... It’s Live... It’s on the streets of London...

Chaos... And end up tearing up London Fashion Week... It’s amazing... Check out the videos on YouTube.

DM: This year saw you being involved with London Fashion Week. What was it like to be

asked to take part?

M: It’s always an honour to bring a bit of sass and vivacious alternative edge to an iconic event.

DM: If you could choose a song to walk down the catwalk to what would you choose?

M: Rudimental feat John Newman - Feel the love DM: I love your unique style from your personality and incredible fashion sense. When it comes to modelling and life in general how important is it that people maintain an element of individuality?

M: For me it’s essential... Be humble... Be grateful and Be unique. ”They laugh at me because I’m different... I laugh at them because there all the same” DM: From your experience as a male in the UK

fashion and modelling scene, how easy is it to make your own mark?

M: For me it’s been a struggle for people to see past the eyebrows and hair... But with every shoot

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Photography and make up - Dan Ellyot Moore

I feel every shoot is becoming more alternative to show my real capability... It’s boring seeing a model do the same face... The same look the same boring outfit... That’s not a model to me.

So if there’s any agencies out there willing to sign me up... Give me a shout

DM: Take us through

what a typical day looks like for you?

M: It’s searching through my social media sites...

Facebook... Twitter and Instagram. Becoming a glorified self promotion whore.

Then I apply and search for countless castings... Help other budding models try and achieve there dreams as a model... And attending a lot of fashion or blogger events I’ve kindly been invited too.

DM: Having signed

to BMA Models, how did that change things for you?

M: To be honest we parted ways last year... They have far to many clients...

And I only ever had 3 castings in 1.5years...

It’s a shame... But they just didn’t seem to know how to brand and market my look, and I’m proud every job I’ve done and achieved has been through me working freelance and working my balls off.

DM: Tell us a little bit about some of the pictures we see here?

Livefashionofficial Organisers - Dan Harley...

Lien Vu and Yo Yoshi Photography - Steve Edwin Make up - pkb london @nazilaloveglam on Instagram HAIR STYLIST: MARK REA Designer - @candyatom on instagram

M: Like I said before... I love going bigger and

better... I do the odd collaborating shoot... But only if there as wild.. Spontaneous and crazy as me in ideas.

I feel each picture tells a different story.. And brings a uniqueness of “Markus the Model” I’ve been working hard to create.

modelling, fashion or life in general?

M: “Don’t ever change... Create your look... Own it work it and brand it” “I’ll try anything once and twice if I like it”

DM: Would you say your at a happy place?

M: My therapist would definitely say I am......

DM: When people see your remarkable

modelling work, what do you want them to take away?

M: Pride... Passion and Personality

DM: What do the next few months look like for you? Is there anything that you want to try which you haven’t done so yet?

M: I’m dying to do an underwater shoot but no idea how my eyelashes will hold up.

I have 2 new TV shows coming out... Dinnerdates on ITVbe. Friday 18th March And Sexpod on channel 5 in the summer and I’ll be back on your screens in the summer on Big Brothers bit on the side.

There are some EPIC photo shoots coming up too....

Fun and frolics and all things bollocks DM: What is the most valuable piece of advice that has helped to keep you motivated be it

Body artist and makeup artist Byrony o Dame @queen_beemua on instagram Photography - Steve Edwin photography

@markusMRC85

@markusmodel

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Photography: Rachel Sherlock Make up - Alexandra Gray... Hippy Poppins

//dot photography: one year on

DM: Where do you see yourself in your journey?

A: At the moment my journey is at the perfect moment. I have a steady job to fund my compulsive lens buying habit and it seems the perfect time to take the next step. In the future, I see myself working alongside agencies and freelance models. Family shoots and things like that aren’t my true ambition although I do enjoy it, so that type of thing is currently taking a backseat.

DM: Is Dot Photography and Design still evolving or have you found your direction?

A: I think that would be yes to both! As a creative you’re always learning, whether it be about equipment, lighting, composition, anything like that, but I think I know what direction I want to stay in.

DM: What does the collection teach a new viewer about the nature of your work?

A: I’m arty. I like to concentrate less on high fashion polished photographs and more on the entire scene. I want to communicate through the work. I think as you look at the photo of Kat on the rooftop by the wall, you can feel that peacefulness, the wind, the ambience. As with the photo on the chaise longue, you get the vibe of comfort, warmth and cosiness. I think that’s infinitely more attractive than having something stiff.

DM: Shoots on location or studio - which for you seems most appealing and why A: A mix. Generally I prefer studio because it’s a safer environment for my equipment, but I love location because it doesn’t seem as forced when the model is actively communicating with their surroundings.

DM: What’s next?

A: You’d have to wait and see! I kid. I have a few projects lined up. I haven’t found the models for some of my ideas but I’ll be making a trip up to the North East soon to work with old friends.

Questions: Thushara S. Chandrasiri Answers and photos: Amy Joelle Hanna Model: Kat Von Quinn

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Jae Storer

photography

Shoot what you love, and everything else will come naturally

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arkus Magazine speaks to Ipswhich based photographer, Jae Storer to discover more about his journey and his approach to the world of photography.

Darkus Magazine: Who you are and how did you first got into photography?

Jae: Well, where do I start? Haha! I’m Jae and I’m old enough to know better, young enough not to care… I shoot primarily portraits, and inspired by photographers such as Boo George, Richard Avedon, Terry Richardson as well as Michael Mayren.

I first got in to photography when I was about 7 years old (I’m not giving away my age that easily…) when I used to shoot using 110 film on a camera which my mom bought me as a young’un (thanks mom!) and ever since then, it’s been a whirlwind affair for me.

DM: Your Vision, Dream & Ethos?

J: Oh wow, you’ve stumped me on this one. I guess I’d say my vision, is to create beautiful portraits, which inspire other individuals to pick up a camera, and I guess that’s basically covered my ethos too. Dream? Ah, too many to mention.

DM: Do you see yourself as more than just a photographer?

J: I prefer the term; ‘Image maker’ but I guess that’s just me trying to jazz myself up a bit, haha!

DM: How to approach the creative industry effectively from a photography point of view?

J: That’s an interesting question, but whether I have the right answer for it, I don’t know.

What I’d say though, is to be opened minded as possible, shoot as much as possible and don’t let others get you down.

Shoot what you love, and everything else will come naturally.

DM: The best way to appreciate the creativity you produce?

J: The best way? That’s a good question… How do YOU appreciate the creativity that I produce? Haha!

DM: What is it that the images selected for the magazine say about you?

J: I’ve selected these images, due to being the styles in which I love to shoot, as I’ve used analogue and digital methods. I feel that there’s

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something special when making a portrait, using analogue methods, due to how it slows you down, everything needs to be precise and there’s minimal error for mistakes to occur, which is something that I really enjoy, as well as the time spent in the darkroom processing images!

DM: Have you captured the ‘perfect’ photo, or are you still searching?

J: Haha! You know, when I’m shooting sometimes I’ll have the feeling that I’ve got ‘that’ photo, but each time I’m shooting, as look as amazing work is the final end product, I’m always going to be happy.

DM: The platforms you use to showcase your work, why and which at present seems the most effective?

J: I tend to use a variety of platforms to showcase my work, from Vogue Italia to Instagram, although I’m overly selective on what I put out to the masses. At this moment in time, I really love Instagram, as I’ve been able to connect with some dope people who I’ve looked up to for a long time.

If you want to check out more of my work or connect with me on social media, you can get me at the following;

jae.storer

jaestorer.tumblr.com

jaestorer

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FASHION

Is Fast Fashion giving our industry a slow death?

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hat is fast fashion? It’s a modern day term used to describe the quick process of taking seasonal trends from the high fashion catwalks, and injecting them into affordable high street stores.

For us as a consumer, this a great way of staying up to date with the latest trends while on a budget.

A classic example of this is high street store Zara.

If you take a look at their collections, they are very similar, if not almost identical to those by high-end names such as Stella McCartney and Moschino, but for a fraction of the price tag.

It’s also beneficial in the way that you can update your wardrobe as little and as often as you like in order to follow your forever changing, favourite style icons.

Although this may appear to be a win/win situation, others claim ‘slow fashion’ and the ‘old fashioned’ way is a better approach, and that ‘fast

fashion’ is spoiling what we know.

Slow fashion represents taking time into making a garment. This will probably be an individual who will spend a couple of days making a garment, as opposed to mass produced garments being made in a factory under a tight timescale. Of course the price will vary because of this, although a resent article by the BBC, suggests that people are willing to pay more for a garment that has had time put into it and has been handmade.

Another point that has been made is that the quality of products made by slow fashion, will be higher than those of fast fashion due to the time and care going into them.

There has been a large debate as to whether ‘fast fashion’ is really ethical and environmentally friendly. The reason being is that if someone buys their clothes at a cheap price, they may wear them a couple of times, then chuck them out and move

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onto the next trend. Of course this is a huge waste of materials and labor and therefore a strain on the environment.

In order to create collections and garments at such a fast pace, sometimes even just days, it requires very intense labor, often in factories aboard where those are forced to work in poor working conditions. Although this is not always the case, this is another huge factor that fast fashion is criticized for.

This is a very modern ongoing debate and something that is very current. Let us know what you think. Are you in favor of fast fashion for low prices but current trends, or are you more traditional in your ways paying more for a one off garment that will last you a lifetime?

Writen by Helen Parker Models Featured: Fifi Galore (Photos By Sharon McInerney Photography) & Rouge DeVille (Photos By Rebecca Jane)

FASHION

Models: Emma Davies and Lauren Marshall @ Tyne Tees Models MUA: Kayleigh Hardy

//dean hindmarch Darkus Magazine: Tell us a little about yourself and how you first got into photography?

Dean: My name is Dean Hindmarch, I’m a full time photographer based in Newcastle Upon Tyne. I first step foot into the world of photography when I was studying Fine Art in college. I guess photography has always been an interest of mine and it was there, at college, that I could finally indulge in it.

My uncle has been the biggest inspiration to me.

After training me and employing me straight out of college at 17, he has passed his 40+ years of photographic expertise on to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his help; I owe my entire career to him.

DM: Can you remember the first camera you ever picked up?

D: My dad’s camera. A Canon EOS 10D. That’s what really sparked my interest, when I actually had the freedom to just go about roaming the coastline or the city centre, taking pictures of whatever I could. Looking back, the pictures were terrible, but it felt great to have finally found something I had a genuine interest and love for.

DM: As a photographer and videographer when do you find you are your most inspired?

D: Always. For me, inspiration can be found anywhere at any time! Whether it be a post I scroll past on Instagram or an ad campaign in a shop window, I’m always searching and being inspired. I can’t switch it off!

DM: Capturing a moment is one thing, but how important is the editing and retouching process?

D: Very. A quote I once read in an article outlined my views on retouching and image editing perfectly: “At least 50% of the final quality of your photograph can be achieved by post processing.

If you don’t carefully post process your pictures then you are losing 50% of their impact.”

DM: You do a lot of work with the fabulous Tyne Tees Models. How did it feel to be invited to be part of their team?

D: Amazing. I’m so grateful for all of the experience and confidence I have gained from Team TTM, along with all of the incredible opportunities they have given me. I don’t know where I’d be without them!

Model: Cait Apps @ Tyne Tees Models MUA: Kayleigh Hardy

DM: With such a busy schedule, do you have such a think as a typical day?

D: Well for me a typical day is sitting in the office all day, retouching! When shooting however, there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ day haha!

DM: Be it your own projects or work through TTM, how easy is it to bring your own ideas and influences to the table?

D: It’s easy enough to bring them to the table, as well as it is for the rest of the team. When brainstorming, I believe it’s essential to bounce ideas off of one another to develop them and come to a finalised idea or plan.

Model: Lauren Marshall @ Tyne Tees Models MUA: Kayleigh Hardy

DM: When our readers look at your work, ideally what is it that you want them to understand and take away from your work?

D: Portraiture is my main love; I like photographing people. I’m always striving to better myself and I’d like to think that you can see that in my images, I’m always developing my style. But mainly, I take photographs because I love it and I hope people can appreciate that.

DM: Having been in the industry for a fair few years now, how important is it to make the use to opportunities that the scene offers?

D: I would say, make use of every opportunity that comes your way. In this industry, experience is everything.

Model: Lauren Marshall @ Tyne Tees Models MUA: Kayleigh Hardy

DM: What have been some of the special moments you have captured both on and off the camera?

D: Moments and memories with my friends at my regular haunt, Tynemouth SurfCafe, are most special to me.

Model: Elle L @ Tyne Tees Models MUA: Kayleigh Hardy

DM; In order for a shoot to be successful from start to finish, what are some of the things, from your experience that need to happy?

D: When shooting, I’m always trying to stay positive and make people laugh as well as get the job done. I feel that a shoot can not be efficient if it is not an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

If everyone is happy, everyone is comfortable. And if everyone is comfortable, the model is comfortable. And if the model is comfortable, I can capture them at their best.

An uncomfortable model makes for a difficult and disappointing shoot.

Model: Antony Impey @ Tyne Tees Models

DM: Obviously the majority of your work can be seen via Tyne Tees Models, but what other platforms do you find are useful for having your work acknowledged and your own voice heard?

D: Instagram is my main platform of engagement; it’s where I receive the majority of interest in my work. I love it because I can find inspiration, share my own work and interact with other photographers/models.

Model: Ashley Gittins @ Tyne Tees Models MUA: Kayleigh Hardy

DM: Do you ever feel you can ever take the perfect photo, or is it a case that as a creative you are always searching?

D: My uncle has always said “You are only as good as the last photo you’ve taken.” So I am constantly trying to better myself and not to fall into a rut when it comes to my work.

I feel I can take what I think is a perfect photo ‘in the moment’ whether it be on a shoot or just a snap I’ve taken of my friends, but I think that’s more about capturing a perfect moment, not a perfect photo.

My social media links are: Website: hindmarchimages.format.com Facebook: facebook.com/ hindmarchimages Instagram: @deanhindmarch_’ Article by Thushara S. Chandrasiri

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photography

Danny Shaw D

arkus Magazine: Introduction to

who you are and how you first got into photography?

Danny: Hey Everyone! My Names Danny, I first

started doing Photography when I was around 16/17, although I always used to steal my Dads 4 megapixel Sony Cybershot camera and take photos around the house before then, I’m not quite sure why?.

I remember when I was in secondary school, quite young and all the photography students would walk past the window while I was sitting in class and I knew every day I saw them it was what I wanted to do. Soon as I left secondary school I was working as a cleaner, I saved every penny I possibly could for 3 months and I brought my First camera a Nikon D90. Using an Old Minolta for Dark room work and using the D90 for my digital work I instantly fell in love with Photography.

I think like most photographers it started just by snapping away, outside in the garden, at the beach, things around the house, and It must have been the begining of my second year at college I found a love for working with people, Instead of just taking a colourful photo I got a massive kick out of making people happy with my work.

DM: Your Vision, Dream & Ethos?

Danny: The big dream overall for me is to be

able to provide portfolio shoots full time, if we are aiming even bigger it would be to have my own studio, A studio that is completely different from the normal, Makeup artists, other incredible

photographers, Photoshop Artists, one giant team working together to create the world’s most Creative and the most outstanding Portraits and creativity anyone has ever seen, Maybe one day!

DM: Do you see yourself as more than just a photographer?

D: I don’t think it’s just about photography

anymore, When you reach a point where every free moment you get your looking for new inspiration, sitting on Photoshop trying to create the next new concept or idea to perfect and thinking about what lighting to use before you go to sleep at night. You become an artist. All these ideas, all the motivation, its more than just being just a photographer, it’s a whole lifestyle dedicated to creating images. Its hard to explain a feeling but my answer is yes.

DM: How to approach the creative industry effectively from a photography point of view?

D: To be honest with

great difficulty and a lot of motivation to not give up. Not many clients will pay someone for creative manipulations compared to high end glamour these days. However, I always create a manipulation idea within each portfolio shoot I do, Something that’s personal to the client and will surprise them. Everyone has different tastes when it comes to food, clothing choice, and same goes for art, which is why it is hard. If you keep pushing your work out there I believe any artist can make it, it’s all about being motivated.

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DM: The best way to appreciate the creativity you produce?

D: The biggest kick I get from my work is 110%

seeing the client happy with the photos they receive; there is no greater feeling in the world than working hard on a set of images and seeing how much of an emotional impact you can have on someone. Making them happy, making them feel better about themselves, surprising them with a photo they didn’t expect, it makes all those hours worth while. The second thing for me is putting my work together and being proud of myself, seeing the progression I have made over the years.

I can’t wait to see the work i produce in years to come!!

DM: What is it that the images selected for the magazine say about you?

D: Portraiture, Beauty Shots and Manipulations is

where my heart is at and its the direction I would like to go down, weather I am successful or not its where my passion lies.

I wanted to try and show a mix of my portraits as well as my creativity to show a bit of variety.

Considering each manipulation I do is unique to that person the ideas can range from being a dancer lost in the moment, to being turned into a robot fixing yourself back together again.

DM: For someone such as yourself, either the most valuable piece of feedback you will never forget?

D: The most valuable piece of feedback I remember was probably from my mum I must have been around 17 and she said to me after one of my first photoshoots ‘ Keep Practicing’ and that advice has kept with me my whole career, keep pushing, Keep practicing, keep striving to make each shoot better than the last.

DM: The next level?

To get the opportunity to work with bigger names in the industry, push my creativity and hopefully get one step closer to my dream.

photography

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photography

Alex Pretswell She is one of the most coolest, talented and imaginative hair and make up artists I know, and finally after last seeing each over just over two years ago it was time for a long overdue catch up with the latest addition to the Darkus Dream Team, the mighty Alex Pretswell.

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elcome back to Darkus Alex, it has been far too long. Yes I know I hang my head in shame haha. How has life been treating you?

doing photoshoots just doing hair for people when I was 16, and as my confidence of doing makeup for other people grew I started to do both!

Hi! Yes I know, it’s been far too long! Life is pretty good at the minute, newly engaged and keeping myself busy! Been working very hard in both my jobs (hair and makeup artist by day – bartender by night) as well as trying to be a grownup! Haha.

You have taken part in some pretty epic projects, how do you think photography and shoots differs through the eyes of a HMUA compared to say a model or a photographer?

Hair and makeup artists is attention to detail, you have to watch out for stray hairs, check all the makeup is flawless and equal, as well as checking for any wardrobe malfunctions. Most of the time your job is also to play stylist, piecing together outfits and accessories and making sure that the hair and the makeup goes with that theme! And of course at the end of it we generally like completely different pictures to the model or photographer because we like the pictures where our makeup or hair work is the focus!

As a Hair And Make Up Artist, what do you enjoy most about your role?

I love being able to be creative and making peoples visions come to life….but most of all I love to make people feel good about themselves!

Bit of a chicken vs the egg question here haha.

What came first the Hair or The Make Up? Like the chicken and the egg story, there is no proper answer! My obsession with all things glam started with my Mama (grandmother), she would give me all her old bits of makeup and I would ‘make her up’ for hours! She would end up with about 6 different lipsticks on and nail-varnish all over her hands – but I loved it! Thankfully I can say I’m a little better now! During school you could not keep me away from makeup….I would have the craziest black and silver leopard print cat eyes with the hugest eyelashes - every single day.

As soon as I finished my GCSE’s I went straight to college and became a fully qualified hairdresser (level 3), while doing this I was also doing night classes in makeup and special effects. I started

I have known you for almost 3 years now.

Looking back over the years, do you feel your in a stronger happy place than you were say like a couple years ago, or even last year?

I am 100% in a stronger happier place. I used to be a bag of nerves, I would get so nervous before doing any makeup or hair work – to the point that I would feel ill, and only recently I have conquered this and have a newly found confidence. I honestly think my fiancé is to thank for this, he is my number one cheerleader and is always saying he is super proud of me.

lr When in an industry which has a number of other HMUAs, how do you get yourself noticed?

There are so many hair and makeup artists at the minute, its fantastic to see so much talent! It’s hard to stand out, but I think people maybe notice me because they have no choice - I swamp their newsfeeds on all social media with pictures of all my work!

There was also a time where HMUAs were overlooked with much of the attention being on the model or the photographer. Do you think that has changed?

I think hair and makeup artists are getting a lot more praise and credit these days, maybe its because there are so many of us!

When it comes to comments about the images though, people tend to be mostly focused on the model and the photography – but as the hair and makeup is a huge part of these – these comments also apply to you.

Take us through a typical day in your life?

There is no typical day for me! Every day is so different – that’s what I love so much about the industry. Working two jobs, I have a pretty hectic life at times – but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Some days I may just sit for hours finding inspiration on Instagram or Pintrest…..and others I will have had two hours sleep off working the night before, do an all day shoot or makeovers all day and then go back to the bar work! Just like one

day I might be making someone beautiful…and the next I might be creating zombies!

Are there any particular themes, or shoots which excite you the most when you know you are going to be involved?

I love working with other creatives. I get most excited when I get to do something a bit different instead of just making people beautiful all the time – its nice to work on a strong theme where you can go wild….or even get to do some special effects.

If you consider your Kit for a moment, what are some of the essentials that are your pride and joy?

My airbrushing machine is literally like my child, I LOVE it – best investment I ever made! I have a massive obsession with highlighters at the minute as well!

What are your fondest HMUA memories?

I wouldn’t say I have any ‘fondest’ memories, I always enjoy all of the photoshoots and makeovers that I do. But when my work was published in Playboy I was SO excited – for the sheer fact that it is such a massive magazine. I’ve worked with some many amazing people and without any of them – I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What are some of the things you consider when trying to decide whether or not a project that is offered to you benefits your portfolio?

If the photographer is good, there is a good theme

photography and the model is quality – I’m in!

Here we see a number of your examples of your work. When people see your work, what is that you want them to take away?

I guess my aim would for people to maybe look at the image more than once – and maybe – hopefully think that my work is good!

From your point of view when it comes to Hair and Make Up, what would you say are your do’s and don’ts?

I wouldn’t say there are dos and don’ts in the fashion industry…..anything can look good. So long as you are always hygienic and don’t ask for eyelashes back, keep your brushes and your kit clean then the world is your oyster! Always be your worst critic….zoom right the way into your photos and tell yourself what your errors are and what you need to improve on – if the lip liner or the eyeliner is wonky – I probably wont post it…..its no reflection on the photographer – I just wouldn’t of thought I did my absolute best. Always do a thorough consultation. Confidence is key.

Other than shoots, are there other methods you use to showcase yourself?

This is quite a hard question in the sense that this industry is all about visuals, so I think posting photos is always the best way to ‘showcase’ yourself. I have always been involved in photoshoots since starting out in the industry – it has to be one of my favourite aspects of the job. On the other side posting ‘before and after’s definitely makes you seem more approachable to people.

All social media is good to get noticed, and I also have a website. I have been quite lucky to be with agencies – they showcase for you – its always good for you to get recommended to new clients.

Article By Thushara Photos Courtesy of Stu Glen & Malcolm Urwin

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In The Next Issue..

Darkus issue 3

Bu i l tt oPOWE RUP! byWRE CKREA T I ON