Deviant magazine

DEVIANT SEPT 2013

THE NORTH EAST’S ALTERNATIVE ONLINE OPTION FOR MUSIC, MODELS AND MORE

ANNABEL CHILLEY

UP AND COMING MODEL

EZEKIEL OX INTERNATIONAL ROCK STAR

DEF CON ONE

INTERVIEW AND REVIEW

BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

CONTRIBUTORS Editors and Designers Dean Barnes Chris Parker Bethanie Moran

Fashion and Beauty Courtney Stevens Kayleigh Armstrong Annabel Chilley Nicole Louise Lee

Music Randy Demerara Carl Kalugarama Karen Thompson Pringle Fraser Chisholm Rob Davies Megan Atkinson Denz Drums

Sport Stephen ‘Sven’ Cochrane Stephen Kane

Photography Chris Parker Dean Barnes

WELCOME to the latest issue of Deviant Magazine, it is a huge relief to be able to write this as for a time I thought I couldn’t make it, but that was during the Great North Run, and you can see my Alternative review here.

ONE thing I want to mention about the Run was once again the hospitality of us Geordies is fantastic, coming out in the WIND and rain to cheer the runners on, and of course the fruit, biscuits and beer that is on offer from the crowd is a MASSIVE help, but I’m sure you already know this. The Fashion section is going from strength to strength in Deviant but don’t just take my word for it, have a look yourself. Well, keeping with the generosity of the North East we are pleased to share with you the latest issue of Deviant with the STUNNING Annabel Chilley, and fantastic interviews and reviews. I am pleased to welcome some new members to the Deviant Family and hope you show them the hospitality that you have shown us all so far. The Music section showcases interviews with Def Con One as well as Dionne from Elysium productions and much much MORE. We continue our love affair and show support for the North East Roller Derby, as we introduce you to a few more key members of the sport as well as a roundup of their bouts.

Dean Barnes

An

h w t r e Vi t No

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By Dean Barnes

I feel no sense of pride as I write this account as in all fairness it was a rather silly thing to do but here is my Alternative review of the Great North run, ran by myself Dean Barnes dressed as a monkey.

“I could run the great north run” I said to myself, as if trying to convince my own mind that despite being out of shape and knee still throbbing from surgery and a failed comeback to rugby league, that I could run 13.1 miles no bother… I cannot blame naivety as I have completed this gruelling challenge 3 times prior without training but yet something told me I had to do it, maybe it was all the people that said I was silly for doing it and that I was “out of shape” and “past it”.

So here is my training schedule that I carried out in preparation of the run….. Yup none, I didn’t even try and run a mile for fear my knee would cave in, I believed I could get through the run with determination, luck and adrenaline.

So how did I prepare in the build up to the event… First off I chose my fancy dress costume (as doing it without training is not hard enough it appears). So Monkey Onesie out ready next to my trainers and bum bag. On the night time I thought it was a good idea to have a good meal, so Pizza and wedges would do as that’s my 5 a day sorted (onions, tomato, peppers, corn, garlic) that counts surely ?

My morning preparation was far worse than I had planned, I lost my race number, I have made this mistake before and knew I could get one when I was there but I was determined to find it, I don’t like to rush to the race as the long walk there is classed as my warm up, however I had to concede defeat and as it was approaching time to leave, I had to bite the bullet and risk asking for a replacement number.

As I approached the race I realised that I once again skipped breakfast, not the best start, however luckily there was 2 ladies giving out yoghurts at the start..phew thats breakfast sorted.

No stretching for me at the start though as that’s an injury risk, so let’s just walk to the start and then do the run.

During the race there were plenty of water stops and delays so I could High Five people along the track and some much needed oranges and biscuits from the crowd ensured I kept going.

Well to cut a long story short, I completed the race in less than 3 hours, and a promise that my 5th time I will prepare, train, wear correct attire

Inspire an Image Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

Inspire an Image has been creating images for around 2 years now. I have always enjoyed taking photos, but only really started learning the trade in late 2011.

How important is vision to your creative process? Are your searching for the best light and exciting landscapes or do your more or less stumble upon them?

A bit of both. Vision is really important for me when I am trying to recreate an idea that has come to me. I have a file of must-shoot locations and a plan book where I storyboard my ideas so that I can try to build my vision before I arrive at the location to start shooting. >

Did you start photography as a landscape photographer, or you later changed into one?

I wouldn’t say I started as a photographer in any particular genre. I’ve always liked shooting landscapes, they never turn up late or hungover and we all know some great landmarks so it’s simple to find a good spot, but not always so simple to take a great shot there. Beyond landscapes, I have always enjoyed shooting animals, people, cars and anything that caught my eye, it’s always been more about capturing the moment than sticking to a specialism.

while I’m there. For sunrise and sunset shoots I will always look at The Photographers Ephemeris or online sources to find the times of the sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset and for coastal shoots it’s always worth checking out the tides, especially if you’re hoping to shoot a lot of beach in the foreground of your subject.

For you, what does it take to make a beautiful picture and what time is apt for a perfect landscape?

A beautiful picture just has to captivate a person, whether that is with the colours in the sky, What do you shoot with these the remoteness of the location days? or the image that it creates in As a wedding photographer, I someone’s mind. There is no have to have two cameras to specific time for the perfect avoid a wedding day disaslandscape. Sunrise and sunset ter, so I currently shoot with a are often best for getting bright Nikon D7000 and a Nikon D90, vivid colours in the sky, but a but it’s more about the lenses perfect landscape can just as than the camera’s themselves. easily be taken in full daylight I’ve always used Nikon, but with large contrasty shadows you never know what the future and of course after dark leaves holds…… a variety of opportunities for

more creative work.

How do you plan your shoot, what kind of homework is How important is light and necessary in knowing the place weather elements to capture a better? landscape photograph?

If the location isn’t too far away These can be major factors from where I live I will check it and it’s always best to check in out on Google maps to find my advance if you have a particubest way in then I will always lar kind of shoot in mind, but a go and visit the location first so good sunrise or sunset are very I can figure out the best place hard to judge far in advance so to park, the route to where I sometimes you have to just go need to be for my composition, and hope for the best!! Someany safety issues along the times you’ll be disappointed, but way and any areas that I may when you’re not, it will be well not have previously seen or worth the effort! considered for shooting. If it’s further away, I will have a look Where is the best place in the on Google maps, use the Street North East that you have shot?

View function if it can get close I have shot weddings and enough and draw out a plan landscapes at various locaof what I am hoping to shoot tions across the North of Eng-

land, but without a shadow of a doubt, my favourite location at the moment has to be Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland. It’s a magical place, with so much character, but also brings massive challenges with it (not least from the extremely bright flood lights!!). There are so many opportunities at Bamburgh, from the poppy fields nearby, the ruined ship, the painted tank defences in my latest shoot and different angles around the castle. You can visit several times and still have things you need to go back and shoot, I know I do!

Some people might think that landscape photography is boring or repetitive. What is your opinion on that?

People who think this may have been looking in the wrong place! Everyone has their own taste and if landscapes aren’t their thing then fair enough!

You don’t need to look far to find some amazing landscape photography work and photographers are always trying to push the boundaries and be creative with landscape work.

What are your future goals and ambitions?

I have learnt a lot in recent years, but still have more to learn. This will be my first published work and I hope that there will be many many more to come. My main goal is to continue to learn and improve and never be complacent with my work. My ambition is a very interesting question. Ideally I would love to be able to take my photography on to the highest levels possible, but not just in one area such as landscape or wedding photography.

Only time will tell whether or >

Photography: Inspire an Image Models: Nick Danks and Elissa Owen Makeup Artist: Viki Lloyd Designer: Chris Niari

not I can do that, but I’m sure that I am more than capable of it in the long term.

What was your inspiration for this Bamburgh Shoot and how did you put your team together?

I have shot landscapes and models amongst other things for a while now and I’ve noticed a lot people producing very good work that was pretty similar to other photographers and I really wanted to push my work to be something different. I’ve seen a few videos from Karl Taylor Photography and recently I saw a late night shot of Karl’s that involved a model in an evening dress lit beautifully in a remote location, a type of work that Karl has coined ‘Fashionscapes’ and it got me to thinking about how I could blend my landscape work with models to create something spectacular. Being a massive fan of Bamburgh I have researched this location a lot. I had seen shots of the tank defences painted as dice and really wanted to shoot this as a landscape, but when I thought hard about this shoot the idea came to me that I could pull together a team that could pull this off in spectacular fashion utilising both the dice and the castle, I think I was right and I hope everyone else agrees! The team - when I started planning the shoot, story boarding and drawing out ideas I >

Photography: Inspire an Image Models: Nick Danks and Elissa Owen Makeup Artist: Viki Lloyd Designer: Chris Niari

had a few models in mind that I hoped I could get involved, but wasn’t too sure whether they’d go for it or not. I spoke to Nick Danks and he was on board with the idea straight away and I suggested Elissa Owen as the female part in the shoot, Nick was happy and Elissa also agreed straight away, everything was falling in to place beautifully! Viki Lloyd (the Makeup Artist) and I had been looking to work together for months, so it was great to get her involved too. The final piece of the jigsaw was the dress! This could’ve been the death of this shoot without a great dress, this shoot and the final images just wouldn’t have been the same. I’d followed some of designer Chris Niari’s work and knew he would have the perfect dress for us, but I had never met or spoken to Chris, I was worried about >

making that first contact. I explained my plan for the shoot and asked Chris if he would have something we could use for this shoot. Thankfully Chris had worked with all of the people in my team and was happy to provide us with the dress.

A special mention should also go to Nick and Elissa’s friend Adam Henderson and to Viki Lloyd’s two kids who all assisted with carrying stuff, holding lights, the dress and generally made the whole shoot a lot easier on everyone!

The rest is history............

Deviant Fashion & Beauty

Newcastle

STREET STYLE

By Kiera Muers

Being a fashion student, I am always on the look out for ways to develop and experiment with my own style. When it comes to style one of my biggest influences is street style and seeing the incredibly diverse ways people choose to express themselves though their fashion. The northeast is one of the most exciting and diverse places when it comes to street style fashion and so I took to the heart of the city to see what I could capture.

Keep up to date with Kiera on her blog http://kieramuersbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/

Newcastle University Student

Style icon: I like Cara Delevingne and Kate Moss.

Favourite shop in Newcastle: Urban Outfitters, Topshop and Next.

Favorite part of outfit: My fake Chanel broach I bought on eBay.

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A Level Student, Newcastle College

Style icon: Alexa Chung.

Favourite shop in Newcastle: Mainly Topshop, occasionally H&M. Favorite part of outfit: My coat from Topshop.

Business Student, Newcastle University

Style icon: I love Alexa Chung because she’s ahead of everyone else.

Favourite shop in Newcastle: I love H&M, it’s affordable but pretty.

Favorite part of outfit: My acid wash jeans from H&M.

Art Student, Northumbria

Style icon: I’m more influenced by music than fashion really, I love Dita Von Tease though.

Favourite shop in Newcastle: I look in charity shops and H&M and the new Dr Marten shop.

Favorite part of outfit: My red bow I found in a charity shop.

College Student

Style icon: Alex Turner and Russel Brand, I like to mix it up.

Favourite shop in Newcastle: Mainly The Deep, they have a cool style in there.

Favorite part of outfit: My shorts and my limited edition converse.

DEVIANTFASHION&BEAUTY

College

Couture

By Annabel Chilley

Ever thought it wasn’t possible to walk into college looking a million dollars with minimal effort? Well thankfully, you’re mistaken!

As a student, early morning starts are inevitable and most of us quite frankly can’t be bothered to spend ages raking through our wardrobes, frantically trying to find something to wear during the early hours. Other points which need to be taking into consideration are the comfort and pricing of the clothing. All of these contribute to making easy, affordable and most of all comfortable outfits an everyday essential. Jumpers and sweaters will be your best friends this season. They’re snug, look great and most of all very affordable as you can pick up very cheap, yet fantastic quality ones in stores such as Primark, ebay or even charity shops! By teaming an over sized jumper with other garments, you can create many different, edgy looks. From tucking one into a pair of high waisted jeans, high waisted shorts or a bodycon miniskirt skirt or cute A line, the possibilities are endless! These

overall looks are both cosy and feminine and this combination is great for layering with coats, tights, and boots during the colder months of the year. Another favourite of mine is to wear a baggy smock with a pair of tights. This, teamed along with a chunky synched-in waist belt will create a very slimming, yet comfortable look. When it comes to footwear, ankle boots are a life saviour. You can get many varieties, from heeled to flats, as well experimenting with different colours. Personally I prefer to stick to black, whilst teaming them with a pair of black woolen tights, as sticking to the same colour all the way down the legs cleverly elongates the length of them, creating an illusion that they’re way longer than they actually are. These are just a few of many tips you can follow and get inspiration from to create looks that will turn heads on campus, which won’t result in you losing precious sleep time from worry of deciding what to wear or burning a massive hole in your purse!

jacket £59.95 (£47.96 with student discount) white oxford shirt £29.95 (£23.96) Trousers £49.95 (39.96) Scarf £19.95 (£15.96)

Blue

GAP Back To

Gaps fall campaign –back to blue- is celebrating the brands heritage by going back to its roots and original style of authentic denim in a iconic, stylish and accessible way. The fall collection will feature iconic layering pieces such as the denim jacket, sweaters and oxford shirts. The women’s collection features rich indigo denim fits such as the Legging Jean, Sexy Boyfriend and Always Skinny. Menswear sees classic signature fits and modern basics including the slim and straight fit jeans. The fall collection is an authentic expression of Gap’s optimistic and casual sense of style.

Visit Gap within House of Fraser, Gateshead, Metrocentre to get 20% student discount between the 25th September – 23rd October.

DEVIANTPROMO

Authentic Skinny Jeans £44.95 (£35.96 with student discount) Oxford shirt £32.95 (26.36) Scarf £19.95 (£15.96)

Jumpers £34.95 (£27.96 with student discount) Sexy boyfriend jeans £49.95 (£39.96) Belt £22.95 (£18.36) Shoe £39.95 (31.96)

Northern

Magic

By Charlie Barraclough

Many of us can relate to the magical world of Disney and its rosy cheeked, bright-eyed characters that either skip and sing cheerful melodies or lurk under dark, murky harmonies. For Bobby Abley an upcoming talented British fashion designer, Walt Disney’s animated friends are his passion.

Bobby’s prints and cuts have all blossomed from his love of Disney and each design certainly captures the charm and fantasy that Walt Disney greeted us with since 1923.

This resembles his bad attitude perfectly and portrays his tongue in cheek collections. To pay homage to his dream girl, ‘Princess Ariel’ he has a tattoo of her. The the 23 year old from Scarborough envisages an outer space desire for an alternative existence, hence looking at Disney and other cartoon narratives to replicate his escape to this ‘fantasy world’.

It is crazy to think that London being an international fashion capital, under represented menswear. However, now menswear One errand given to me during is taking off rapidly and designmy summer internship with Woners such as Bobby are striving derland/Rollacoaster Magazine in creativity, making menswear was to meet Bobby Abley at his more than just a pair of jeans flat in London Soho, and give to and a t-shirt. The impact of Lonhim a pair of Yellow Palladium don Fashion collections has cerboots for him to customise with tainly boosted Bobby’s profile. his quirky cartoon imagination.

He claims that, ‘It has helped me pick up new stockists and defiAs I waited in the porch, out rushed a tall, dark, nitely helped me develop the understanding of the bearded man who was dressed all in black and more business side of running a brand.’ decorated in a number of tattoos. I knew it was Bobby by these tattoos; they were of course, re- Previously working for Rankin, Jeremy Scott and lated to Disney. Across his knuckles reads, ‘Dream Alexander McQueen, Bobby is alert and alive with on’ with Mickey Mouse’s middle finger stuck up. creativity. This previous experience has provided

DEVIANTFASHION&BEAUTY

Bobby with substantial expertise knowledge and well practiced skills for designing in the future. Having worked for these designers, their influences of dedicating their collections to the fine craft and bizarre narratives has certainly inspired the way Bobby works now. The unique energy and distinctive collections has even caught the eye of Dame Vivienne Westwood.

Before hitting the London fashion scene, the Northerner studied at the Ravensbourne College of design and communication, where he graduated with a menswear collection that presented a narrowed yet kitsched vision of his personal obsessions. It would also seem by his collections, that he wants to reveal the darker side of Disney and to look past the sugar coated songs.

The designs showcase his fetish fascination of superhero narratives, Disney and the world of cartoon characters. Bobby’s individualistic touch to these cartoon prints is his sense of humour. Creations such as a Mickey Mouse Gimp mask, speech bubble trousers and his Teddy bear logo show how Bobby sprinkles a pinch of fun on to the runway. Not forgetting, his mascot and logo, his Bobby Abley bear which takes pride on most garments.

Bobbly avidly visits to replenish his beady eyed zest for Disney and observe the energy of the space and the interactions with the characters, fantastical stories and rides. The end result, we are transported into an exuberant mix of sexualizing the unknown (that wants to be known), world into a bright coveted dreamlike state. His clothes are unique yet accessible for the urban city, fashionable male. Bobby states, that his ideal client is ‘someone with no inhibitions.’

This season saw Bobby Abley go back to the gloomy Middle Ages but of course with his signature fantasy twist. ‘My SS14 collection has medieval references from stories like the Sword in the stone, a bit fantasy land. With each look you will find a subtle progression of a person becoming a king. There is a mix of candy colours, like from the old Disney movies soft fabrics to give it a slight romantic feel alongside a darker palette.’

To see the yellow Palladium boots, they are featured in the latest Issue (9) of Rollacoaster magazine, Wonderland’s sister magazine.

BIG Brows...

... You Are Beautiful Looking after your brows is just as important as looking after your skin – as these two laden strips of hair actually frame your whole face. It’s an age old fact that has been relayed over and over again but it’s something that I know (visually!) that women don’t take seriously enough.

I myself have been guilty of over plucking, bad dye job and letting them go wild! But after having an amazing waxing and preening done by a local salon, my look was transformed and I’ve never looked back since!

My issue though is from my high school days I over shaved – yes you read rightly, shaved my eyebrows. It was hideous I used to get shavers rash and everything, the little bristles growing back! Just embarrassing!

Back then though it was acceptable practice when you don’t know any other way – and

due to this misfortunate time my eyebrows now suffer from lack of hair growth. Excessive shaving and plucking has resulted in now just thin uneven lines and I’ve tried my hardest to grow them out – tried HD brows, tried leaving them for almost a year without waxing and they have filled out a little bit – but i still need to fill them in.

So it comes with a bit of sadness that this season’s hottest make up trend is full brows.

It has been a big hit on the Chloe catwalks – with perfectly groomed brows being the focus on the models. This look can be achieved by us by 3 simple steps:1.

Brush – a small eyebrow brush goes along way. Once you have applied your base make up use the brush to flatten and put in line any stray hairs 2.

Wax – eyebrow finisher is what it is known as. Mac do a waxed version which is clear and it keeps hairs sleek and in place.

It is priced around £12 and it can be used in other areas of the face. (see hot tip) 3.

Powder – I use the term ‘powder’ instead of pencil – as you get a nicer, less harsh finish by using small tipped brushed dipped in powder rather than an eyebrow pencil – either proper brow powder – benefit have a great selection for this – but if your short of cash then simple eye shadow is great. You can match shades from a palette specific to your colour – always go a few shades darker so it makes your eyes stand out.

So if you want to be a dedicated follower of beauty trends then get your brows in check.

Regular maintenance appointments are important to keep them groomed. But do not go overboard with thick slugs on your face – we all know how that look goes down!

By Kayleigh Armstrong

DEVIANTFASHION&BEAUTY

Only £12!

TOP TIP

The eyebrow finisher from Mac can be used to stop lipstick bleeding around the lips – even stop lip liner running. Once you have done your foundation rub the wax around lip area onto the skin part as well – dab around to get rid of any wax patches – then add your lip liner and lipstick. Wallah!!

Smudge free lips!

Planking

By Kayleigh Armstrong

A few years ago a craze swept across the country – where you would see on nights out people lying down in random places – stiff as a board, just for the banter. THIS is NOT planking!

The planking i am referring to is the kind that when done correctly works nearly every single muscle in your body. It is a total body workout pose and should be incorporated into a workout at least once a week. Also there are so many variations of the plank so you can target different muscle groups and make it more difficult or easier if need be.

The main muscle group that is targeted by a plank is primarily the rectus abdominus (abs) and transverse abdominus. The secondary muscles used are Traps, rhomboids, rotator cuff, anterior,medial, and posterior deltoid muscles, pecs, serratus anterior, gluteus maximus (bum) quads and gastrocnemius.

DEVIANTFASHION&BEAUTY

In order to execute a perfect plank follow these rules: 1. Start with resting belly down and leaning on your forearms 2. Push up from your stomach and arms so that you lift your bum up so your body forms a V sign 3. Then rest back down on your toes and forearms but in a straight line with your legs and stomach kept off the floor.

4. You want to keep your stomach pulled in and kept tight so that you feel it in your core.

5. Keep holding this for 30 seconds then rest.

6. Repeat until you have completed 2 minutes worth of planks.

This is the basic plank and there are many variations to chalenge your body more and to target more specific muscle groups; • You can try moving each foot out and then back in whilst holding the plank – this really hits the abs.

• Try lifting up on to your hands and then back down onto your forearms – repeat this for the time take care not to rock your body the key in this movement is to keep everything tight and not to move side to side. This is a total ab and arm burner!

• Try a side plank – use same method as above but you just lean on one side resting on your forearm – lift your hips up and keep your abs tight. Raise your opposite arm towards the ceiling and hold for 30 seconds. Change over and repeat.

One To Watch Annabel Chilley

Annabel, you are new to modelling, how did you get into it?

Yeah I’m still very new to it all haha! Well it only recently started when a few friends asked me to model mostly for their college pieces and I’ve also been in a few local, charity fashion shows which I really enjoyed participating in. Seeing as I’ve always had a massive interest in fashion and makeup, I find shoots really good fun and look forward to them and have met some lovely people along the way.

Do you have any other shoots planned?

Yeah, I have a couple in store for the near future, as well as another one with Dean, which I’m looking forward to!

What is your ideal shoot?

It depends really. I’m always up for trying different kinds of locations and different styles, but I think the best is when the photographer is someone friendly who you can get on well with and that you’re wearing clothes and makeup you like as feeling comfortable and relaxed are both very important aspects. I also love getting my hair/makeup done for them as I find it really relaxing and calming!

How did you think your shoot with Dean went?

Yeah it went really well!

The location of the shoot “I find shoots really was great, the sun was out good fun and look and Dean was a fab phoforward to them tographer, very friendly and professional. I’m looking and have met some forward to working with him lovely people along again.

Do you have any role models in modelling?

Yeah, I have many! But definitely probably most of all either Kendall Jenner or of course Kate Moss, they’re the way.” both naturally very beautiful What was your preparation and great models, with figfor the shoot? ures and features to die for!

To be honest, very little haha! I just left my hair to dry naturally and didn’t style it at Are there any models in the North East all and did my usual daily makeup routine, you would love to work with? which is very simple and doesn’t take long It’d be a pleasure to work with any! Think at all. it’d be really interesting and fun working alongside another person on a shoot.

What makeup did you use for the shoot?

When it comes to makeup it’s always just What are your future plans for modelling? drugstore brands. I used L’Oreal anti-red- I’d like to continue doing shoots during my ness CC cream, Rimmel clear complexion spare time and to try out different varieties and concealer and powder, MUA liquid lin- of locations and styles to help build up my er and NYC clear lip gloss. portfolio.

By Dean Barnes

Please tell our readers a little about yourself.

I’m Dionne, a 33 year old mother of 2 crazy but wonderful little girls, Morgan (10) and Elysia (5).

I live in Newcastle with them and our 3 cats, Kenzie, Tipsy and Delilah. I’m very lucky to be in love with my best friend Lee and I have the job of my dreams running my company Elysium Productions.

How did you get into being a gig promoter?

Back in 2010 I did a spot of stage managing for Sian Wintle from Electric Kicks at events she ran at The Riverside and also at Legends night club.

Through doing that I started to make contacts of my own and it seemed a natural progression to branch out on my own. In 2011 I started Elysium Productions, approaching Pete Ferry at Venue (Krash) to see if he had an available slot for local unsigned bands and he gave me my first chance to go it on my own.

You used to manage a band as well do you still do this and if so who?

Did I? I used to think I could manage my boyfriends band when I was 16, I was very wrong haha that didn’t end well. There is nothing worse than an interfering girlfriend. These days I don’t believe that bands need a manager, not until they get to a certain level anyway, with a bit of hard work it is really easy for local unsigned bands to manage themselves. It’s not what you know it’s who you know in this business and you really have to have a shy bairns get nowt mentality.

How long have you been in the business for?

Elysium is 2 years old now but adding on the time I spent with Sian I’ve been in the business for 3 years or there abouts.

What are your hates about promoting?

I can’t stand excuses, I am fully understanding that most people have a life outside of their band and we all have commitments, if there is a reason for dropping off a gig then I’d rather people were just straight up about it. I do however HATE bands that just don’t show up, there is nothing worse than a no show. I also have a massive gripe about drummers who don’t have drum kits, but it’s not a hate it’s just a pain in the ass.

Were you in a band and if so please tell?

I could never imagine being in a band years ago and it wasn’t really practical being in a band and bringing up my kids, but now they are older and I have the support of my boyfriend, Lee, it’s been possible for me to take the leap. I currently sing in a 90’s cover band called Izzy’s Revenge, which is a work in progress but is loads of fun!! My fellow band mates are Emma Anderson of Lyxx, Mike Cousins formerly of Virtues Must Live, Sunny Singh of Insylum and Ben Lackenby of The Shinobi Fantobi. Myself and Ben are also doing a few acoustic gigs round the doors at the moment

Which bands should we watch out for?

Bands you should be looking out for over the next few months are any bands with a 90’s feel, grunge is making a massive come back as are bands that have that old school metal type of sound. I’m totally in my element as I used to go to the Mayfair in the 90’s so the resurgence in this genre is taking me right back to some brilliant times, it’s just a shame that the local music scene doesn’t have the same closeness as it did back in the day. Local bands to look out for are Hellion Rising, Death to Indie, Dixon Did It, Raising Ghosts, Wants! , Carved Lies and Lingua Vulgaris.

What is your favourite North East Venue for gigs?

Oooooh now then. I prefer a nice little local venue for gigs, somewhere intimate where you can feel the buzz in the room. So places like Trillians and The Cluny are awesome as far as I’m concerned and of course, The Lord Clyde @ Byker has the most electric atmosphere, but then I’m biased as that is my baby and the venue I’m calling home and have been for the last 10 months.

Any embarrassing stories from your time promoting gigs?

I once allowed a band from outside of Newcastle to stay at my house and their lead singer and drummer had sex for 3 hours in my bathroom, she was very operatic about it all shall we say!!

Best experience so far?

Running my first mini festival in April of this year was an unbelievable experience but then I must say in this job great experiences are plentiful, every time I meet a new band or see the talent that comes through my door and on to my stage it’s a very beautiful experience.

What is the best band you have promoted and why?

Ouch….. they are all the best isn’t going to cut it for you is it? Ok, I am a massive fan of Manchester based band Hell to Pay, I love their sound and their live performance is second to none. I am also looking forward to hosting The Last Cry at my next festival as I’m a big fan of them too. You won’t get any more than that though, you can’t have favourites in this business!!

B.R.M.C BBy Daniel Grice

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are one of those bands that have seemingly been around forever, whilst also being obscure enough to not know exactly how you know them. Starting out in LA back in 1998 under the name ‘Element’ they made a conscious decision to shed that name, taking their current name from Marlon Brando’s 1953 film ‘The Wild One’. It left them with rather large boots to fill, considering the last band to pilfer a moniker from that movie used the rival gangs name ‘The Beetles’ and apparently they had a few records out in the 60s that did alright.

They released their genre spanning debut B.R.M.C. back in the heady days of 2001, which was a critical smash in no small part to the singles ‘Whatever Happened to My Rock and Roll’ and ‘Spread Your Love’ which were the catalyst for their ascension to one of the leaders of the Garage Rock Revival movement. Their live shows were atypical for this time and genre: small dingy venues, sweaty people bouncing in unison with loud, dirty rock and roll skullfucking everyone lucky enough to be there. This was their time to go from a niche indie band to greater things, but unfortunately that didn’t quite happen. Deviant spoke to Peter Hayes, guitarist and singer “I don’t think we are defined by ‘rock and roll but even if we were, its allowed us to keep performing and we are just grateful that we had it. Thousands of bands are not lucky enough to have a song that launches careers like that so we certainly don’t resent it. We are yet to find out what happened to our rock and roll though!”

Their follow up LP ‘Take Them On, On Your Own’ was a much darker affair without the catchy soundbites from the eponymous debut. Despite entering at number 3 in the UK charts, the album was critically panned and the sales inevitably tanked.

This seemed to coincide with issues within the band which culminated in Nick Jago walking away following 2004’s V festival after an incident at the

signing tent involving an inflatable penis, although many felt it was due to drug problems he had reportedly been experiencing.

For most bands, this would be the start of the slippery slide back into the soft embrace of obscurity and ultimately, anonymity, however BRMC managed to salvage their career with the potential last roll of the dice with their 3rd album ‘Howl’. This coincided with the return of Jago and although he only featured on one track called ‘promise’ the album was well received, and his return restored some stability and familiarity back into their live performances which further enhanced their reputation and helped remove the dour perception that began to precede them. Gone were the glum faces and negativity, in were smiles and more upbeat Americana.

Yet again, they failed to build on the goodwill that the previous release had afforded them. Baby 81 was yet another gloomy missed trick, and then the questionable choice of releasing an instrumental album through their own label meant they were essentially finished – in an ironic twist you would not be surprised if they had queried ‘Whatever Happened to our Rock and Roll?’. In 2008 Jago would finally leave the band for good, and would be replaced by Leah Shapiro, who was previously part of tour mates ‘The Raveonettes’. The positive influence she would bring to the band as a whole was crucial in bringing about another upsurge in the Black Rebel world. As Hayes puts it “when Leah came it was refreshing having someone that wanted to be there. It’s a great thing though, seeing a girl behind the drums and beating the shit out of them. It’s not something you see very often.”

One thing that could not be leveled at the band is the quality of their live performances. They are no longer playing small venues, at least not in the UK, but they manage to make it feel intimate and

transport you back to the early noughties when rock was fun. This tour sees them venture from the relative safety of the UK shores to less well trodden paths. “We have some control over the tour. We get told certain gigs, tours and festivals we will play, and we can then book around that.

For example on this tour, we are going to Russia.

We don’t know yet whether it will be popular or not as we have never played there before, but the UK leg of the tour will cover the costs of it. Management don’t always approve if the gigs lose money, but its part of the fun to see and experience new places.”

positive reviews. The album itself was recorded in tribute to Michael Been, the father of bassist Robert, who died backstage after the band appeared at a Belgian festival in 2010 and the sense of loss is apparent. Whilst it’s a cliché to say that pain is an excellent source for inspiration, tracks such as Some Kind of Ghost and Sometimes the Light prove that there is a reason it is oft-quoted.

The weakest track is actually the cover of Been’s own Let The Day Begin, which is given a by the numbers grunge sheen. The album itself veers uncomfortably between the stripped down blues rock that they handled so well with Howl, and the dirty, energetic fun of B.R.M.C. Its no surprise to find that they considered a double album, as it feels like 2 separate albums spliced together but somehow it works.

“I wouldn’t care if I died, I just want to see a huge fucking duck.”

One of the things that has kept the band relevant for the past 10 years, despite barely troubling any charts, is how often their material is used elsewhere. Whether it be used for film soundtracks such as Twilight, TV programmes like ‘Sons of Anarchy’ or any number of computer games, they are always on the fridges of your subconscious.

This is a double edged sword for Hayes ‘A lot of the time we are not asked for permission to use our songs on TV programmes, so you can be watching something on MTV and hear yourself without receiving royalties.

I wanted to try and prevent this happening however our management discouraged this, as they didn’t want to take on the fight as they feel that the coverage it affords is worth it. Plus it would be a big fight!’

This leads us to their current album, Spector at the Feast, which has received almost universal

Who knows what the future will hold for BRMC. Looking at their career to date, the smart money is on a dud album next, but with the new tours and the increased exposure, maybe now is the time they go stratospheric. “We will keep playing and writing together until we stop enjoying it. We don’t set too many goals for ourselves with albums or singles, we continue because we enjoy it and because our fans seem to enjoy it as well. Its an arrangement that works for us” As a testament to how the band has changed since they started out, a question that would normally have seen the band walk out of the interview was met with laughter “Would I rather fight 100

f e d

CON E N O

ers b m e M d n a B ls a c o V e l k i Davey Me ms u r D t n a L Antton uitar G r e t n u H Johnny ass B r e l l i M e Stev

After their sound check we all sat down for a chat and I couldn’t have been in better company. The lads are great to talk to and so down to earth considering what they as a collective have achieved.

So what is it that you have been up to recently?

JH: We are busy recording a new album, for what we’ve got so far trumps WarFace. Even though WarFace is brilliant the new stuff is far better.

DM: I totally agree the new stuff is much more ferocious, Its still us, Def Con One but different to WarFace.

How do you gel when you’re writing?

DM: That’s the easiest part, we don’t have to try to write songs they just seem to happen. We haven’t once yet got to a point where we say “What the f*** are we going to write. As soon as we finish a song and we have a 5 minute lull someone will come up with another idea.

JH: Sometimes Davey come in with an idea playing air drums saying I think we should this and we’ll say maybe like this and we go from there.

How did you meet?

AL: Johnny and I used to be in a band years ago. But we wanted the songs to be heavier so we started getting people to come and play but they came and went then we got Steve we were happy with that and Steve has been with us for 10 years. We were never happy with the singers and then I asked Davey to listen to the songs, see what you think as soon as he heard it he thought it was awesome. That was 3 and half years ago.

And we all seem to think from the same box.

What inspires you when you write?

DM: LIFE! Just things that happen to us, it’s very hard to write a happy song we write what we know and have happened to us.

SM: Yeah it’s not easy for us to write a fictional story!

Touring must be tiring so what do you love about them to keep you going?

JH: Nah we love it we get to play to new people and gain new fans at every gig.

DM: We have a proper laugh when we’re on the road, we have a hoot it’s a couple of days out.

Do you ever get tired of performing any of your songs?

AL: It’s different when you’ve wrote the song and it means something to you.

When you play it and there’s a crowd reaction it get put a lump in your throat.

We supported Hate Breed at the O2 and the whole crowd were singing WarFace.

Do you get nervous before a performance?

DM: Always I throw up and always get a sore throat.

AL: Gigs don’t bother me it’s when something goes wrong in sound check I worry.

What’s since the last time you were in Deviant?

SM: Wow that was our first EP. Since then we’ve released the WarFace album, played Blood stock, ¬Hammer Fest, headlined Beermagedon, supported Eccentrix and Hate Breed.

DM: Loads and the new album.

EXCLUSIVE

AL: We’ve got a secret EP coming out end of October just so we’re putting something out before the album. We’re putting 4 of our new song we’ve recorded for the EP. In your opinion do you think metal of all genres is making its way back bigger than ever in to the mainstream?

DM: Defiantly yeah it’s on the rise again and becoming more popular everyday How does it feel to be compared to Pantera by Metal Hammer?

AL: Like a pat on the back. It’s an honour as we’re all Pantera fans they are like the kings of metal. It would be a bummer if we’d been compared to a band that’s s***.

DM: It’s nice to know we’re that good.

If there was any artist you could collaborate with who would it be?

After some very strange suggestions everyone agreed Corey Taylor. Hell Yeah!

How was it supporting Hate Breed.

JH: Brilliant and to know they were watching us from side of the stage felt really good.

Were you nervous about the reaction to WarFace?

SM: Nah I wasn’t worried.

DM: I wasn’t worried about hard core

metalers liking it. I was just worried about how many people would like it.

What is next for you guys?

God where’d we start. New album, the secret EP, videos, photo sessions and drink more.

Throughout the whole interview all we did was laugh I seriously suggest you check out these masters of North East metal. You can find them on Facebook or their Website along with up and coming gigs and events.

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DAY BOMBS

By Carl Kalugarama

Following their 2011 debut album Just Before We Go MAD, this Leeds/London outfit are now back with their new album Day Bombs. Despite losing two members to a samba band in Brazil (I shit you not) Karlost and Gareth Mochizuki Ellmer decided to plough on regardless.

The opening track ‘Bloody Fingers’ has its moments and it’s obvious that there is talent there within the band but the song itself is on the ‘teaching you how to suck eggs’ side of repetitiveness. Next up ‘He Doesn’t Know What He Wants’ the better song on the album, starts with a QOTSA esque flow (nice, I hear you bellow) but just seems to fall short in the chorus but all in all a catchy enough effort. Third track ‘Greatest Escape’ starts in the same vein musically as its predecessor. Great rhythm section but vocally lazy, making things worse by the half arsed attempted harmonies. It goes rapidly downhill from here (eggs are oot of the gob and teaching lesson is over)… ‘They Lie’ I just don’t understand and that’s as kind as I can be and ‘Ben’… holy leprechaun shite, you’re not 9 year old, the demographic of your listeners is not 9 year old ( I hope) so don’t do it! Jack Black gets away with it (just) as he is humorous, after all the blokes a comedian - be yourself and don’t try to be someone you’re not, is the best advice I can give Karlost on this one. Skip tracks to ‘Senses’ and you can hear a bit early Brand New in there with whirling guitars, solid hard hitting drums and silky bass however; the vocals have by now began to make me want a ‘brand new’ set of brackets – damage done!

The album as a whole seems to mismatched, maybe a difference in ideas between the ‘oldies’ and the newbies’ or maybe, as I surmise the album was just rushed with no time for the quartet to gel as an actual band. I write and I quote ‘’we wanted to write and record as fast as possible’’. For me, this just does not bode well and it shows.

All in all, I’m struggling to think why they didn’t just disband and start again. Bearing in mind the two ‘newbies’ in rhythm section are the highlight of the band on this showing.

Highlight: He Doesn’t Know What He Wants

EZEKIEL OX EXCLUSIVE

By Denz Drums

Ezekiel Ox, The Nerve, Full Scale, Mammal, Over-Reactor, these are the bands I heard you in before doing some research. I loved the diversity, politicalness and good riffage. I then did some research on you for this interview; you were involved in so much, now I don’t know where to start! So how about tell us in your own words about your career, and what you have going on at the minute?

knows the answer to.

Did these bands influence your in the music you play today?

Yes, heavily.

did you play?

I’ve toured once in 2009, with Mammal.

If you have played in the U.K, what do you think of the music You play a number of instruscene? ments, what’s your favourite to We were headlining clubs, no play and why? festivals. So I really just drove, I am a singer first and foremost. slept and then played. Everyone I love the way it vibrates the was really cool and supportive, chambers in the head and chest bands, promoters and punters. when you do it for extended pe- We had a ball! riods of time. It gives me a real physical buzz and helps with Do you have any plans to tour problem solving and meditation. the U.K in the future with any of your bands? (supply links, Did you take lessons for any of pro-mp and dates) the instruments you play or are None at the moment. I’ll be you self taught? back in some form. All the mesI’ve had singing lessons from sages from UK fans are noted Janice Taylor Warne, an amaz- and the support means a lot. ing teacher from Perth. I am always absorbing ideas and Who would you like to work processes from other artists I with in the future or do you meet/work with too. It’s best to have plans in the works? be like an antenna.

Just Over-Reactor, The Nerve, I’ve been an activist, songwriter, Smash Nova, and anyone else singer, actor, musician, dancer What’s your song writing prowho’s qualified and ready to get etc, for 15 years full time. It’s cess? Do you get involved with serious about the groove. an extremely challenging and writing for all the instruments wonderful occupation, and I get or just what you play in that When I’ve watched your gigs to see lots of my friends and particular band? online, you always give 210%, family in the process. Did I get Depends on the process, project what does it for you when your the job? And more important, and particular piece. Whatever on stage? Is it the political what does it pay? gets it to the point I can abanside, the crowd feed back, or don it really. just simply spilling your soul Tell me the first five tunes that for all to see, in other words, come on when you hit random I see you where involved in what gives you your buzz on on your ipod? opera at one point, was this stage?

I don’t have an iPod sorry. I a phase or does opera tickle First of all, giving 210% is (obbeatbox. your fancy? viously) impossible, so that’s I did some light opera. It holds quite the compliment. It infers What bands are you into? no interest for me at all anysome kind of supernatural presRage Against the Machine, The more. ence when I play live, which Clash, Jimi Hendrix and his frankly, pleases me greatly. The tribe, Eminem, and anything that Have you played in the U.K energy that you observe comes asked a question that it already often if so with which bands from a love of performing live. It

is dangerous, nurturing, chaotic and organized all the time, every time.

Your mirror ball hat…. Mint….. can I have it to wear when I’m drumming?

It’s in my sister’s shed, and it’s retired a long time now. It was one of my favourite hats I’ve made, when I went through a brief “millinery” phase between 2006 and 2008.

Have you received any weird shit from a fan in the mail or have you had any run-ins with freaks or nut jobs?

People are (in my limited but varied experience) are compassionate, caring and helpful. I like to try to encourage these qualities when I connect with others.

You mentioned before when we spoke that mammal is in the past, but I first heard you in mammal and lots of people I know loved it. Was it musical differences or did mammal just run its course?

The band ended in 2009. Basically, none of us wanted to do it anymore. Which for me, was really sad and liberating at the same time. It was just about grieving the time we spent together. I still see the guys around, which is always fun.

Full Scale, a little birdie has told me that Full Scale might be reforming under another guise, is this true?

FULL SCALE WILL NEVER DIE, it lives in your heart as you write this question.

What are your most memorable shows to date and which projects are you most proud of?

I can’t chose. I just love writing

songs, but they are just a vehicle to play live, which is what I love the most. I love showing everybody what I’ve got right there, in that moment of time.

It’s risky every time, and I’m a junkie for it.

Loved Over-Reactor, you need to get to gig in the U.K, and for a treat for me would you play Realizing and Easy?

By the way did you get your cheese from the fridge, your tim-tam and did you get your something savoury, ah ha?

Over-Reactor is chugging along really well. Cory is such an amazing talent, he thinks very uniquely, and for that I am blessed and grateful. We do smoke weed together every now and then, but it really depends who’s asking/offering/taking notes etc.

musical influences?

Dylan, Pantera, Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, John Farnham.

One of the things I like to do after a gig is to interact with the crowd, is this something you like to do or used to do at your smaller gigs?

Of course, people’s people.

What are your plans and goals for the future musically?

A slow steady rise from underground Australian artist, to a full global artistic hegemony. World Domination.

Are there any bands you can recommend for the people looking for something new to listen to?

Clutch, Karnivool, The Deep Loves, The Protomen.

Keep up: https://www.facebook.com/thenerveaustralia https://www.facebook.com/ Overreactorband‎ https://www.facebook.com/ mammaltheband

I understand you’re involved in politics, so what’s pissing you off at the moment? This mag is growing world wide slowly but surely, so is there anything you would like to say on that subject?

Check your privilege daily, and then act accordingly. Don’t talk to the cops.

Growing up what were your

Till The Death of Rock and Roll

By Denz Drums

My first spin of the disc was pleasure to my ears, a great rock n roll record by a bunch of reprobates such as tom spencer/ Rich “Pheramone Jones”, Rich rags,el Jonez, and Simon Maxwell at the helm of this flying space train.im not going to go thru this review track by track as u can all read reviews anywhere and most bore the ass off me to be fair, I think i should just let you know my thoughts and hope fully you will all check it out and make your own decision...just look up the loyalties on bandcamp/facebook etc, you can even check the tunes for free before buying...can’t say fairer than that..

Spooky intro i thought, with lone bugler playing a verse of the last post, before cracking straight in with the mighty death of rock and roll, which with an air of arrogance and great rock n roll swagger pounds thru with catchy choruses’ throughout, and there’s the first one to stuck in your head for sure.. black halos fans will get a little twitch when they hear Jonesey[s guitar licks in this one. Anyone for polish vodka and Malbrough lites.?

Will to Kill strikes me as more folk orientated rock track, I cannot fault the amazing voice of Nella Johnson, which works so well but don’t get me wrong for me its one of the true gems on this album of which there are many.! if I was to pull out my favorite tunes from the album they would be till the death of rock and Roll, the will to kill, I’m the blues, which is as catchy as a dose of crabs, proper get pissed up and jump around music, ashtrays empty, and of course Pheramone Jones...u know why? Because the girls all love his dulcet Atlantic tones and because its a balls out rock n roller.

For me the album doesn’t let up 15 tunes that all hold their own and it finishes with “rock and roll over and die”...but don’t worry with a little cracker like this the rock is certainly still rolling, the booze is still flowing, eyes are still hanging out the party is never over...

10/10 tell it like it is denz...........porn shoe on..porn shoe off!

Tyne and Fear were the North-Easts first men’s Roller Derby team, and also one of the original men’s teams to form back in April 2011.

In July 2012 7 teams descended on Birmingham for the first Men’s European Roller Derby Championships(MERDC) and Tyne and Fear were unlucky to be pushed out of a spot on finals day based on points differential. One year on and after a lot of training and a hectic bouting schedule they returned to MERDC 2013 with a point to prove.

MERDC 2013 has increased in size along with the men’s side of the sport. This year 16 teams representing countries all across Europe were in attendance, including the mixed team “The Expendables 2.0”. Two days of intense competition lay ahead in the sweltering July heat. Tyne and Fear had been seeded 6th for the tournament.

Tyne and Fear’s first opponents were The Expendables 2.0. The Expendables had shocked everyone a year earlier and caused many upsets at MERDC 2012.

This year with a very different line up (including skaters from all across Europe and the Legend that is Quadzilla L.K. from the US!) they looked set to be the fly in the ointment again for a few teams.

Tyne and Fear didn’t buckle under the pressure of facing one of the world’s best players and defeated The Expendables 2.0 with a score line of 117 – 67 after 30 minutes of play.

The first obstacle out of the way it then left Tyne and Fear facing off against Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder in the second round match. Winning this would push Tyne and Fear into the Semi-Finals.

Tyne and Fear had met The Thunder Ducks in December 2012 (playing under the old rule set) and the boys from Lincolnshire had taken the victory on home ground. How would they fair against them this time around?

Buoyed by the crowd’s support and chants

GRAEME WHARTON - ZERO G PHOTOGRAPHY

GRAEME WHARTON - ZERO G PHOTOGRAPHY

of “Be More Dog” Tyne and Fear looked to be in control of the game and held a comfortable lead at half time. LRT were missing one of their mainstay skaters as L’il Joker limped off track early on with a pulled hamstring. The Thunder Ducks decided they weren’t going out like that and pulled it back to within reach, before they were beaten by the clock with the game ending, Tyne and Fear 152 – Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder 141.

This win secured Tyne and Fear a place in the Semi Finals and meant that they would be playing on Sunday.

Sunday Morning rolled around and the Semi-final matchups we’re scheduled with Tyne and Fear taking on The Quad Guards from Toulouse, after The Inhuman League took on last year’s champions, Southern Discomfort in Semi-Final 1 (Southern Discomfort beat The Inhuman League to take the first spot in the final).

The game started close, but it was clear that The Quad Guards jammer had the better of the Tyne and Fear Blockers as Mr Furieux and Slash Gordon racked up the points. Going into halftime the score stood at 130 – 53 in favour of the Quad Guards. Tyne and Fear came back fighting and maximised on the big hits but it was not enough to hold back to speed and agility of the French.

The game ended with a score line which didn’t do the game justice, Tyne and Fear 144, Toulouse Quad Guards 242.

So the final 2 spots were secured with a rematch of 2012 as Southern Discomfort were lined up against the Quad Guards of Toulouse. Tyne and Fear would be playing off against The Inhuman League for the 3rd place.

Tyne and Fear and The Inhuman League go back a long way. Both teams formed around the same time and they both combined as the Inhuman Fear to take on Southern Discomfort shortly after that. Since then they have met a number of times, with Tyne and Fear coming out on top in every matchup. The bout started off fast and the score lead changed hands every single jam with the score at halftime settling with only a couple of points separating them. The second half was much of the same, until finally Tyne and Fear managed to break and pull ahead, maximising on

the penalty time of The Inhuman League. The bout ended with Tyne and Fear taking the win, 232 – 176, and taking the spot as 3rd in Europe.

MERDC 2013 saw the new kings of Europe crowned after The Quad Guards beat Southern Discomfort in one of the most thrilling, and probably the loudest finals ever.

Tyne and Fear Celebrated not only picking up the Bronze medals but also that Dark Matter was picked as one of the All Star Tournament Jammers, and Re-animated Gif as one of the All Star Tournament Blockers.

Tyne and Fear want to thank everyone that helped them achieve this including the supporters, the volunteers that came to look after the merchandise and Queens of The Sin Bin for supplying their new team uniform.

GRAEME WHARTON - ZERO G PHOTOGRAPHY

ROLLER PROFILES

CHRIS PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Roller Derby Name - Big Smack & Fries, 199 (one ninety-nine, get it?)

Position - as a skater, everywhere and anything.

I used to hate jamming but I started getting into it last year and love it now. My other main role in roller derby is Tyne & Fear’s line up manager - I’m the one who decides which 5 of the 14 rostered skaters are going on track for the next jam and who’s doing what.

How long have you been involved in roller derby - I started roller derby in March 2010, when my best friend and I decided we needed to make new friends and get a cool new hobby, and I was sort of in the market for a girlfriend and suspected (correctly) that roller derby would have a strong queer community. 3-and-a-half years on I’m still here and almost 3 years into a relationship with one of the male members of the league... funny how things work out.

How long have you been skating for - In my adult life, since I joined Newcastle Roller Girls!

I used to ‘play out’ on quads and eventually blades when I was about ten but my roller skating phase kind of died out when we got the internet.

What do you love most about roller derby - My team mates, and all the cool people I’ve met and places I’ve been thanks to this crazy sport.

It’s amazing how such different people have this one thing in common - I work in McDonald’s, my best derby friend is a midwife, and we skate with teachers, police officers, a plasterer, a piano tuner, this one guy who makes paint...

Best roller memory so far - As a skater, probably when I skated out at Jailhouse Block in June this year - my first bout after a long time off skates due to injury. I skated out last for our B team, the Whippin’ Hinnies, and the home crowd and my team mates all went absolutely crazy cheering for me, it was really emotional! As a line up manager, definitely when the lads came 3rd in Europe at this year’s Men’s European Roller Derby Championships after being seeded 6th - it was such an amazing weekend and when the full time whistle went me and Stiff, their bench manager, both burst into tears. But I didn’t tell you that.

What is your pre-match preparation - I don’t re-

ally do anything in particular. Some people like to listen to certain songs, or do breathing exercises and visualisation, and we all like hanging out together as a team before we go out on track.

But I don’t really do anything other than freak out, I get terrible bout day nerves despite bouting since September 2010. I’m fine after the first jam though!

Ambition in roller derby - Right now, I’m trying to get back onto our A team, the Canny Belters.

I was a Belter since our first home game back in March 2011 and played every A team game after that until I broke my ankle in November last year.

It’s hard because my fitness is nowhere near as good as it used to be and the game has moved on immeasurably since then (the MAJOR rule change happened when I was off skates) but one day I will be a Belter again, just you wait.

Worst injury so far - snapped my left tibia and fibula at practice in November 2012. The annoying thing is I wasn’t flying foot first into the wall or jumping the apex or anything that would make for a cool story when I did it - I wasn’t even moving! I was stood still on track, went to turn around to speak to someone in the bench area and everything moved except my left foot which decided to stick to the floor - SNAP. I got some cool titanium plates and screws and some gnarly scars from it at least, but I also had to take six months off skating when I was at the peak of my game and it moved me back MASSIVELY. Literally the worst thing that has ever happened to me.

If you could change 1 thing about roller derby what would it be - We would get paid for all the stuff we do for the league besides skating! I’m a coach, I’m on the marketing committee, I’m part of the Roster Selection Team, I design our posters and programmes, I announce games now and then, I run our fresh meat intakes... and I probably don’t even have the most jobs! Derby is awesome but a lot of people have to commit a lot of time away from the track if you really want your league to work, luckily we have a great group of people as dedicated as myself so we can get stuff done. But it sure would be nice to quit making burgers and go professional...

ROLLER PROFILES

CHRIS PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Roller Derby Name - Blackjack Belle Position - I’m a swiss army knife. Jammer, Blocker, Pivot. I go where they need me.

How long have you been involved in Roller derby - Been involved since Feb 2007 through an invite on Myspace (How old school is that!).

How long have you been skating for - Started skating in Spring 2007 in a car park in Aberdeen on a pair of skates bought off ebay with green glittery wheels.

What do you love the most about Roller Derby - I don’t think i can specify one thing. I like how it pushes me out my comfort zone again and again. I like to be challenged. I think the thing I love most though is the people I meet and the cameraderie from the people round the world. I was adopted for a week, career by Calgary Roller Girls when I went on holiday there. They taught me sooo much in that week and they even organised for me to stay at one of the girls houses so I wasn’t in a hostel. Its that kind of attitude that makes it an amazing community.

Best Roller memory so far - Too many to count.

First time jamming was memorable, though my favourite memory is probably when my boyfriend donned a pair of skates and pads from the newbie kit bag and had a go at skating. I was so happy he enjoyed himself, though I tried hard not to laugh too much at the fact the only helmet that fitted him was a bright pink one! He’s come a long way since that day. ... and I may have lied about trying not to laugh... it was wayyyyyy too funny!

What is your Pre Match preparation - Trying to eat something. I don’t ever feel nervous pre bout, just never particularly hungry. Though my cure for lack of appetite is cooking pancakes ...and trying to eat a few before Glen MoreAngry scoffs the lot!

Ambition in Roller Derby - To make it into Team Scotland. Watching them play in the World Cup made me sooo proud.

Worst injury so far - Damaged my Anterior Collateral Ligament. I was blocked to the outside and went down with my foot trapped with

someone else leg and it twisted as I went down.

However a fantastic Physio put it right with some exercises and stretches. Other than that, I’m the most easily bruised person in the club, so often look like i’ve been in the wars.

If you could change 1 thing about Roller Derby what would it be - NRG are sooo lucky having the Dome and All Saints, however it is expensive, and it takes a while and lots of campaigning for some places to allow people to skate. It is also expensive for kit. So more exposure of the sport would be awesome, more money coming in to the sport too. The more folk see derby the easier it will be to attract sponsorship, get permission to use more sports halls and get more fans attending bouts. I’d really like to see derby on mainstream telly, that would be awesome.

ROLLER PROFILES

CHRIS PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Roller Derby Name - Brie Larceny Position - Pivot/Blocker How long have you been involved in Roller derby - Since early 2009 when I heard about roller derby and started trying to get a team together in Newcastle.

How long have you been skating for Since early 2009 when I realized that learning to skate would be an important part of playing roller derby! I skated a handful of times when I was a kid but my mum always thought it was too dangerous.

What do you love the most about Roller Derby I love the challenges. They never stop coming.

Once you learn how to skate you’ve got to learn the rules which are fairly complex. Then you’ve got to learn the strategy. There’s a million things you’ve got to think about in a split second and implement with your body whilst along with your team mates. Roller Derby is constantly evolving so there’s no hard and fast playbook that would last. You’ve got to creatively think your way into the game as it exists at that moment as a team.

So there’s not much room to rest on your laurels which is great because I’d get bored!

Best Roller memory so far - So many! Most recently going to Glasgow and beating their Maiden Grrders team. They had beaten us twice before in real nail biters and we were determined not to go home with the same result. We’d been working really hard on a few things and all of the team put it into practice flawlessly, each skater proving her worth on track. We came out with a great score margin and heard on the coach home that we’d risen up the European rankings to 31.

Lump in the throat.

What is your Pre Match preparation - I always try to make sure I am well rested and well watered. At home bouts the Canny Belters watch as much as we can of the Whippin’ Hinnies game which precedes us. We then all go to our changing room to pad up and have a last minute discussion about what we’re aiming for in that bout.

We do an off skates warm up and I usually do some yoga vinyasas which help me personally to calm down, be present in the moment. After that

we go into the main hall together as a unit and give kudos to the Hinnies for a game well skated.

Then it’s skates on and bout time. Things are less predictable when you skate away and we have sprinted off a coach whilst putting our elbow pads on before!

Ambition in Roller Derby - By the time I retire, I would like to be able to say that I pushed my boundaries to the edge as an athlete. I want the team to be within the top 10 in the UK would love to skate with the team at Womens Flat Track Derby Association playoffs.

Worst injury so far - ACL tear. Something I had never heard of before I bust it. Before that point I had always assumed that you injured yourself, spent a bit of time out and then got back into it when your body had knitted back together so it was a bit of a shock when I was told that it was game over for my poor anterior crusciate ligament. You just have to keep your legs strong to compensate and I don’t notice any pain much anymore. My knees were different shapes for over a year though.

If you could change 1 thing about Roller Derby what would it be - I would change the widespread perception of Roller Derby (or lack thereof). Usually when you tell people what you do, you have to explain what it is. I must have had the same conversation one thousand times! No matter how you phrase it, most people either assume its some kind of weird roller disco, ask about girls in short skirts or imply that we’re a brutal meatheads. Ok, so roller derby is rough and tumble. There are light hearted elements to it for sure and we do sometimes wear short skirts as part of our “boutfits” but it makes less and less sense to characterize it like that. We train as a team 2 or 3 sometimes 4 times a week and are doing off skates fitness nearly every day. The game requires that we skate smart as well as hard and we deserve recognition for that. I think that people who make it to our bouts realise that much.

ROLLER PROFILES

CHRIS PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Roller Derby Name - Miss Wired Position - I have been a jammer for years but have found my love for blocking so you could say I’m a Blammer.

How long have you been involved in Roller derby - I saw my first ever roller derby game in November 2009. It was Edinburgh battling it out against Glasgow. I can’t remember who won but what I can remember is just thinking what an amazingly brutal, high speed, super charged sport it was and I want in! In January 2010 I put my first derby skates on and joined the Newcastle Roller Girls and ever looked back. They are my second family.

How long have you been skating for - I remember wearing those strap on skates that you can wear with normal shoes. Kinda lost touch with my wheels around my teenage years.

What do you love the most about Roller Derby - The speed, strategy that’s involved and rolling with my teamies. You also get to meet lots of cool people.

Best Roller memory so far - One is NRG’s first international bout away in Ireland playing Cork and Limerick back to back winning both. Another one is playing against team Scotland as warm up before the World Cup in Canada and getting the best jammer award for that game.

What is your Pre Match preparation - I like to get into the zone by putting my eye makeup on and listen to some Korn or Disturbed.

Ambition in Roller Derby - I would like to see NRG play in international tournaments and even travel to America would be a dream.

Worst injury so far - Bust my ligaments in my shoulder together with some spine problems but meh! Keep on rolling...

If you could change 1 thing about Roller Derby what would it be - Put Roller Derby in the Olympics. Wired oot!

ROLLER PROFILES

CHRIS PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Roller Derby Name - Glen Moreangry Position - Referee and Bench Manager for Tyne and Fear How long have you been involved in Roller Derby - Early in 2010 my (at the time new) girlfriend Blackjack Belle invited me and fellow NRG ref Sven Willibefamous up to watch a weekend of derby in Scotland and we saw this as a great opportunity to practice our new hobby of photography. After 15 minutes of that first bout (Glasgow Irn Bruisers against London Rockin Rollers) the cameras were laid aside and we were both hooked. One month later I again found myself at a bout in Glasgow but this time involved as a non-skating official (NSO) operating the scoreboard and since then I’ve officiated in over 90 different bouts as an NSO or referee.

How long have you been skating for - I donned skates for the first time about three and a half years ago at a Granite City Roller Girls practice in Aberdeen. Aside from my utter lack of grace, stability or any kind of natural talent the thing that sticks with me from that practice is the only spare helmet that would fit me was the most unnatural shocking pink you’ll ever see. The photos from that day still haunt me now.

What do you love the most about Roller Derby - So many things it’s difficult to pick just one, if pressed though I think I’d have to say the community. Wherever you travel for a bout you’re met with a warm welcome and when it’s all finished and the teams are enjoying celebratory/conciliatory drinks everyone is really friendly and welcoming - no matter how fiercely fought the bout was or what they thought of the officiating.

Best Roller memory so far - I’ve got a lot of great memories from the last 3 years but the best came a couple of months ago at the Men’s European Roller Derby Championships. I went there not as a skater but as the Bench Manager for Tyne and Fear, the sixth seed. We had a very tough schedule of bouts over the course of the weekend and a lot of our games came down to the last few jams. The team played fantastically with everyone giving their all and we battled our way to a well-deserved bronze medal position. My role on the weekend was to keep spirits up and everyone calm whilst keeping an eye on how the game was progressing and adjusting our tactics accordingly. Apparently though, looking for sympathy for how tiring it is standing on the side lines shouting is not the done thing, particularly when speaking to 14 lads who’ve spent the last hour skating hard and being knocked around.

What is your Pre Match Preparation - My pre match preparation will vary depending on which position I’ll be refereeing in for a particular bout but it all starts as soon as I put the stripes on. Regardless of position if I’m reffing my home league I’ll spend time pushing what I know about our own skaters to the back of my mind so they stop being friends and team mates and are just a colour and a number. This may sound a little cold but it’s actually for their benefit and to ensure my penalty calls on the day are not influenced by the knowledge of which penalties individual skaters usually commit during practice. I’ll then follow the teams as they go through their warm up and start noting what people’s numbers are and identify specific things to distinguish different skaters e.g. skating style, helmet colours/designs, uniform accessories.

This is particularly important when jam reffing as you need to keep a mental note of exactly who your jammer has passed.

Ambition in Roller Derby - I’m hoping that next year I’ll be able to get my level 2 WFTDA certification as a referee so will be working hard towards that. I’ll also be applying to ref the Men’s World Cup however expect competition for spots to be fierce so may have to wait until the next one.

Worst injury so far - I’ve been really fortunate this far and to date I’ve had no injury worse than the usual bumps, bruises and blisters, this has been a shock to many as I’m generally regarded as a rather clumsy individual. Now if the question had been ‘What’s the worst injury you’ve caused?’ that would be a different matter as I have given another ref concussion whilst awarding lead jammer, but that’s another story…

If you could change 1 thing about Roller Derby what would it be - I’d eliminate the Star Pass from the game, actually I’d not only eliminate it but I’d collect all copies of this section of the rules and hold a bonfire so that all refs could join together and celebrate the death of this endlessly.

ROLLER PROFILES

CHRIS PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

What first drew you to Roller Derby ?

It was coming to watch my girlfriend ‘Eeek’ play in her first game. A mens game followed her game and at half time a member of the team approached me about joining and the rest is history.

How do you come up with your nick names?

Most guys mash up their name and what they are known for, whether that be their job, their other hobbies or even their favorite film. Mine is simply linked to my weird obsession with all things Physics, Dark MATTer How accurate do you think TV or movie portrayals of derby have been? (Whip It, CSI episodes, etc.)

Not far off actually, yet to see them do a Merby portrayal. I would so love Johnny Depp to play me in ‘Pirates of the Roller Being’ or some other cheesy titled, straight to DVD release.

What sort of traditions/rituals/initiations does your team have, if any?

I dont know about the team but I tend to have a tradition of forgetting/ loosing stuff before or after a bout. So far on separate occasions I have ether forgot or lost shorts, socks, shirt, helmet, mouthguard and even my skates.

Is derby a cathartic release for you? (ie, a place to take out your frustration or stress?)

Not really a release, more of a constant physical challenge that I need to push me forwards. I get bored so easily, and derby always has something new to learn.

What’s the worst injury you’ve sustained doing derby?

I have been really lucky so far (touch wood) and all I have to show is a broken little finger and a few scars. Although, all the scars are from vert skating without pads on, so they are my own stupid fault really.

How often do you train?

I train every day in some shape or form, either cardio, weight, plyometrics or actually on skates at training sessions. As a team we train 3 times a week. I am known as the weird one who skates everywhere in my village, even skating to the local shop if the weather is nice.

How can people get involved?

Simply come down to your local session. If you have your own skates and pads then great but even if you don’t we have spares we can rent

to you until you do. For Tyne and Fear this would be Friday 6.30-7 pm or on Sunday 2.304.30 pm at The Walker Dome in Byker. Even if you don’t want to skate there are tons of roles available for none skaters (known as NSO’s, Non-skating Officials). So simply come along and join in the mayhem!

Dark Matter Vice Captain of Tyne and Fear