L'ART Issue 8, June 2012

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Issue 8 June 2012

L’ART

L’ART Music

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Contents

We countdown to our top 3 performers at Wireless Festival 2012

Editor’s Letter

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Over the past few months, we have been hearing about a lot of events surrounding the 2012 Olympics and we’ve even got a few things happening closer to home, which is going to be a great experience in itself!

Afrobeats singer May7ven talks shows, singles and UK recognition of her genre. Find out how you can support her.

Here is your chance to get involved in the Olympics with Take the Stage campaign

Fashion

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The Kinki Collection relocates to Oxford. Get in the know with this branded handbag line plus more!

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With an opportunity to help inspire the marketing behind fashion house New Look, the opportunities just keep coming for graduate Nicole Conn.

Performing Arts 7

Jemstone Academy - Get involved with this new theatre

school, opening soon.

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Every Olympic ceremony needs its performers and dancer Susannah Barnes is on the bill! Read her story here...

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i all and welcome to the eighth issue of L’ART; the Olympic issue.

We have Susannah Barnes, a London-based dancer who will be performing in the olympic ceremony and we take a closer look at the Take the Stage campaign that allows everybody to be involved in one of the biggest events London is hosting this year.

Plus, a new theatre school is set to open in Kent, we countdown to who we can’t wait to be up close and personal with at Wireless Festival and see which Oxford graduate approached a well-known fashion retailer and is set to work alongside Oxford’s new radio station.

Get updated with this, and more in this issue of L’ART. Enjoy!

EmJ unveils her new company, Body Politic

Reviews

Word On The Street

Letisha & Daniella

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L’ART Kinki Collection is the new handbag brand for 16-25 year olds. Read their story below...

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point of selling.”

they faced before progressing and starting again in a new location.

Turns out the move for their self described urban, modern fashion brand was the best thing they could have done, as today they look forward to more conquests, building conHaving upped roots and tacts and enjoying the benefits moved from the Republic of that come from owning a sellIreland, you can just imagine ing brand. how challenging it is to maintain a great work ethic.

“Looking back over a year or so, the UK is a far more suit“When you move, you lose able environment to begin a the contacts, the seamstress’, project like Kinki,” Hayley the fabric shops,” Hayley ad- continued. mits. As one half of the Kinki Collection team, she looks “Now finally all the hard work back on the disadvantages has paid off and we are at a

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www.kinkicollection.com

Image Source: Kinki Collection

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here’s an old saying that two minds are better than one. Well as much as some may work better on their own, there are those who can’t imagine where they would be without their working partner and this can be said for Oxford based duo Adam and Hayley.

car, her passion for art went from decorating to designing But let’s go back to the begin- hand bags. ning. What made this pair get into fashion? And just where “When I was 18, I was so did the name Kinki come naïve with regards to prodfrom? uct development,” she admits, after filling us in about Knowing the popularity of the endless amounts of hours branded names, something she used to spend on YouTube ‘short, catchy’, ‘sexy but not studying tutorials on how to tacky’ and a name that would make products from scratch. roll off the tongue was cer- “I did not even know there tainly needed. So with a little were companies out there oftweeking of the spelling of an fering embroidery services.”

English word and the addition of the word ‘collection’, Having now discovered the it seemed to tick all the boxes. broad amount of help in courses and work experience “Adding ‘collection’ to it placements, 2011 saw great made it sound a bit more lux- opportunities for both Adam urious, so that is how ‘Kinki and Hayley to really build Collection’ was born,” Hay- upon their brand and gain ley revealed. the knowledge and expertise needed to survive in the fashHaving a head for business ion world. was a bonus for Hayley as she strived for a career as a wall “We met two years ago and I Muriel decorator, but follow- immediately fell in love with ing a mishap with a portfolio the idea of Kinki Collection,” and flooding in the boot of her Adam states. “I thought it

www.kinkicollection.com

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www.facebook.com/kinkicollection

was ambitious.”

@kinkicollection

tomers allowed me to study what designs work, what peoAdam was no stranger to me- ple want. More importantly, dia experience so he went I could learn from their mison to find a hands-on job in takes,” Adam added. graphic design and sales for a garment printing firm, whilst Today this duo is all about netHayley gained experience in working, expanding their vibranding and retail, working sion and continuing to praise for the popular designer retail the existence of social netfirm Juicy Couture. working site Twitter; its benefits of reaching thousands of Here, Hayley gained a knack people at a time certainly benfor learning what the consum- efit a company getting on its er wants. By studying differ- feet. ent age groups and the varied styles people like to wear, she With liaisons with a local Oxfound this was the perfect way ford graffiti artist currently in to spend her time developing the works, Hayley and Adam the hand bags for the Kinki will soon be adding the proCollection. duction of printed tees to their Kinki Collection.

“It’s really exciting to see it all coming together,” she says.

As Hayley puts it, there are “Working with various cus- “exciting things to come! L’ART

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The Jemstone Academy

J Image Source: OX105FM

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aime and Emma-Marie share many interests as friends, but their passion for the theatre outweighs them all.

Jaime. “I started tap and ballet aged two and progressed into music when I joined a brass band. I learnt to read musical notation and three brass instruments, the clarinet “Performing Arts has been a and piano. major part of my life from as early as I can remember,” said “Music has had a big impact

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www.thejemstoneacademy.co.uk

JEMTTA - Theatre Training Academy on who I am today.

McCutcheon in 2000.

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“The real life-changing experience was switching to Sands Musical Theatre School in Wheatley.

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JEMstone Academy - Musical Theatre School

Image Source: Jemstone Academy

“I got to meet Terry Wogan and sneaked a peek at Beverly Knight rehearsing for the show; such an amazing voice and inspiring thing to have “I adored my time there. I just been a part of.” remember it felt like another world that I never wanted to Future Plans leave.”

Emma-Marie said: “I always had the idea of creating a Emma-Marie school to train said: “My mum “Another world young adults wanttook me to dance ing to become prothat I never classes from a fessional dancers. young age. Then I wanted to leave” Jaime approached was lucky enough me with the idea to be accepted onto the foun- of JEMstone (J for Jaime and dation degree dance pro- EM for Emma-Marie) and I gramme at Creative Academy, thought it was fantastic.”

Slough. It was an intense experience that prepared me for “The idea for the theatre life as a dancer.” school was born out of my desire to give something back,” Treasured Memories said Jaime. “And allow chil“My earliest memory of per- dren to experience the life forming would be singing on change that the theatre had on the BBC,” said Jaime. “I was me. part of the Children in Need choir backing for Martine “My school is about nurture.

It will be a platform for creativity and freedom of spirit.

Once a week, children from all walks of life will get to express themselves and naturally learn some technique along the way.

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receiving professional high quality training and developing into mature and capable dancers.

“We are aiming to open officially in January 2013. At the moment, plans include hold“I am very lucky to be teach- ing fun workshops throughout ing in a fantastic prep school the summer holidays to show as my day job, which has giv- off our new school.” en me the chance of making some excellent “And JEMTTA “A platform for links to other will hold workprofessionals, creativity and shops throughout events and char- freedom of spirit.” the year at a vaities.” riety of locations throughout the Emma Marie continues: “I southeast. trust Jaime as a friend and business partner. Once we “JEMTTA offers amazing decided to go ahead with the value for money for students musical theatre school I then at just £714 for a whole years suggested the idea of a train- training. We will also be offering a scholarship to one ing school for young adults. student which will include a “JEMTTA will have 1 week- whole years training for free!” ly session for six hours on a Sunday and students will en- This could be you! Simply rol on to the course for a year. search online for more up“Opportunities will include dates. L’ART Twitter: @JemstoneAcademy

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L’ART nah Barnes.

WORD ON THE STREET With the UK’s residents celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, we were on the look out for your

tion. Here are a few favourites...

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L’ART

Image Source: 2cuk, Polyvore, Amazon, Kaboodle, Union Jack shop, Blue Banana, Thinhs British

red, blue and white colour schemes at a local dance competi-

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ext month marks the start to the Olympics and what a countdown it’s been! With the big event being so close to home and the city of London being hosts for 2012, the lady you’re about to be introduced to felt she just had to become involved in something that will particularly be remembered by locals for years to come.

With opportunities to see the building process and purchase tickets to events such as athletics, basketball and volleyball, living in a country where such an occasion is taking place is a great honour for many, including Susan-

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“I thought I really want to be involved with that,” Su excitedly revealed, as she recalls on one of her friends taking part in the ceremony held for the closing events in Beijing back in 2008.

Following a long but great ending to a process, Su’s research and quick off the mark thinking led to her completing her application to be involved with the closing or open ceremony’s for 2012.

“I got my audition date and then I had a two to four hour audition,” she explained.

Specialising in contemporary dance, Su auditioned with as many as 200 people at a time.

As you can imagine, thousands of people auditioned and every individual was aware they really had to stand out as a performer whilst their skills, presence and ability were being assessed.

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“There are four hour block rehearsals spread between now (May), all the way through until the closing ceremony,” she said.

ing the fact that she’s looking forward to getting stuck in whatever is thrown her way.

And with a bonus of being involved with the Olympic torch’s journey from GB to Brazil, she will get a feel for the closing ceremony experience as Brazil’s takes place before the UK’s.

“It’s great for me. I’m a Hackney born girl, I live in Hackney,” she continued. “There are quite a few parts to the closing ceremony, so we kick Although Su is not aware of off in July starting in Hackwho she will be performing ney, then we go to Crystal with or what her routine’s will Palace and then it goes on.” offer as of yet, there’s no hidSince training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds, Su has been involved in plenty of projects throughout her career, where she became the proud owner of a scholarship for her first year. She then went on to get her Bachelor in Performing Arts.

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Image Source: Susannah Barnes, Depot Images & Crescent Theatre

Su will be one of thousands putting on a great show for live audience members and the millions of people watching on TV, so as expected, a lot of hard work and dedication is needed to perfect routines and apply themselves to the strict rehearsal schedule given.

And this isn’t actually the first time Su has had the opportunity to represent her country. Highlighting just a percentage of her impressive resime in the arts, some of the events that came to mind as Su looked back on her career included representing Great Britain at a dance school in Japan. She then later returned to the country to work for three months as a show dancer.

doing an editorial like French Vogue, next you’ll be working in Oxford working with contemporary dance group Gelede, both of which she has done.

Today Su juggles teaching at her own Stagecoach Chigwell franchise with 14-18 year olds and recently celebrated her second student to make it onto ITV show Britain’s Got Talent, but as much as Su has not been short of accomplishments to celebrate, performing at the It was then on to Turkey Olympic stadium in Stratford where she gained an interest has to be the biggest thing in for dancing and touring sev- her career so far. eral places with a role as a backing singer and dancer for “This is such a historical moa Pop group. ment in life. I can’t imagine anything beating that… other As a freelancer, Su now finds than giving birth,” she jokes. being in and out of so many “It’s cool. It’s just a fantastic projects all the time as second thing to be involved with.”L’ART nature: one day you could be

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One big-time festival that is taking place over the July weekend is Wireless and there are so many talented stars performing over the three-day extravaganza, that you’ll be star-struck by the end of it.

Music fans have been spoilt for choice, as the line-up includes Drake, Rihanna, The Dream, Mz Dynamite, Clement Marfo & the Frontline, Nicki Minaj, The Roots, Rita Ora and a whole lot more.

Rita Ora This will be one of the first opportunities that fans will get to see Rita live on stage, so why wouldn’t we be excited?

She’s one of Jay-Z’s latest signings and as a UK talent, she has certainly kick-started her career in a fabulous way.

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Countdown To The Wireless Festival Plus, her upcoming album seems like it will sound incredible, as collaborations include Kanye West, Will.I.Am and Chase & Status.

Her single ‘R.I.P’ featuring Tine Tempah remained at number one for a number of weeks and she has also been busy supporting Coldplay on their current tour. She has continuously kept her twitter followers up-to-date with her latest movements, so we’re looking forward to what she has in store for us on July 7th.

Image Source: Wireless Festival - Live Nation (Music) UK Limited

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ummer is the time for family holidays, adventures with friends, lots of BBQ’s, outdoor outings and (most of all) music festivals!

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Nicki Minaj It’s different watching stars perform on TV to when they’re live on stage and Nicki Minaj is definitely someone we want to witness in person.

The Roots This is one of the industry’s longest running hip-hop groups right now and they continue to produce a high standard of music. As they’re based in America, you could say this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to catch these guys this summer and enjoy their endless list of hits since their 1987 debut.

Plus their work has been recognised and named by Rolling Stone as one of the 20 greatest live acts in the world. Now that’s a title you don’t just She is full of energy and stage give to anybody! presence and this is something we love to see, especially They are our top three artwhen live music is involved. ists overall, but to be honest, We’re sure she’ll be perform- we’re very much looking foring a range of songs from her ward to the whole event. It’s two albums Pink Friday and going to be full of good vibes, Pink Friday: Roman Reload- a vast range of music and ceed so we’re counting down to lebrities everywhere in the see what creative stage show beautiful Hyde Park. Are you excited yet? L’ART she has planned this time.

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L’ART EMMA-JANE GREIG Company Director

Oxford Launches new Company dedicated to uniting the dance industry pany amalgamated from the original EmJ’s classes, dedicated to growing a strong dance community in Oxford and the UK. It strives to unite the industry through offering training opportunities, for young people to develop their passion for hip-hop.

Emma-Jane Greig, the founder of EmJ’s Classes, has been hosting workshops with professional choreographers from across the UK and internationally for the past two Body Politic is a new com- years.

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The show will take place at 7:30pm on 22nd September 2012 at Pegasus, Magdalen Road, Oxford. This is the first of many Body Politic activities that will be held across the city of Oxford and London.

emjgreig@gmail.com

Image Source: Body Politic

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n Saturday 22nd September, Body Politic will be hosting the ultimate hip-hop showcase at Pegasus.

Local Oxford crews such as Pink Noize, Unleashed, KC’s School of Dance and Raw Diva will be performing alongside the incredible Definitives (London) and Project Patchwork (London). We are also excited to have special guests from Leeds, Plymouth and Southampton represented.

“I feel very privileged that both the Definitives and Project Patchwork will be headlining the event. Both these crews are incredible and are artists that I really admire and respect. It’s a brilliant opportunity for young aspiring dancers to share the stage with such talented artists. This is definitely not to be missed!”

Emma-Jane Greig (25) said: “Body Politic is the natural step forward for EmJ’s Classes. The name itself represents a unified body of people working together towards the same goal.

If you would like to know more about the event, please “The showcase aims to high- check out www.bodypolight just this. We dance be- liticdance.com or book your cause we love it, it’s simple! I tickets online (JULY 2012) just wanted to offer a platform at www.pegasustheatre.org. opportunity that would cele- uk. Limited tickets are availbrate the incredible talent that able, so book yours as soon as we have in Oxford and create possible. This is the event of a real buzz for the city. the year! L’ART

Contact: 07791905851

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L’ART L’ART Afrobeats singer May7ven is loving the reception to her single ‘Ten Ten’. Find out what she plans to do next, what she wants from you and which artist she has her eyes on for a duet... focusing on her upcoming promo performances, keeping her face out there and most importantly, pushing for those music downloads.

http://www.may7ven.com/

Image Source: Kimberly Hatton

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@May7ven

“What I do is combine mine (style) with rnb music,” May7ven explains. “A few years back I used to call it afrnb, which is a combination of African rnb. I think it’s something that’s really merging.”

frican music, particularly afrobeats, is becoming more and more popular in the UK. But for a genre of music that’s been celebrated

by Africans for years, it’s natIt is with this merge of genurally part of their everyday res that May7ven, real name life.

Yemisi May Odegbami, stands out from the crowd, following One lady in particular who’s her conscious decision to purhelping to make the genre of posely inject African music afrobeats more mainstream into her style. outside of her native is singer, May7ven.

“I was born in Nigeria, so I was always going to add inWith her single ‘Ten Ten’ befluences from where I’m from coming one of summer 2012’s in my music.” popular dance tracks, the Nigerian born artist has been Right now with her style be-

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ing so new to the UK scene, May7ven is naturally received more positively to audiences in Nigeria. But with things getting off to a good start over here, she remains positive in knowing afrobeats is seen as a fresh and new sound.

afrobeats artist Dbanj at his live show on August 27th.

He’s one artist in her genre that she would love to collaborate with in the future, so this is no doubt going to be an exciting experience for her. When asked about those outside her niche, she replied: “It’s definitely a step in the “Usher… it would be out of right direction to getting the this world!” music heard,” she expressed.

The UK market has been a bit As she continues to push the of a challenge. Now they’re barriers, May7ven wants the starting to get it and afrobeats fans to keep listening to her is growing.” And if all goes music and look out for her upwell, she hopes ‘Ten Ten’ will coming shows, as she’ll defikeep progressing as a single nitely be keeping herself on so she can then go on to re- the TV and radio. lease another single and produce an album by the end of Like she said: “it can only get the year. better.”

On July 14th, May7ven will perform at an event in London’s Somerset House, hosted

by Choice FM’s DJ Abrantee, as well as with fellow

Did you know that?...If May7ven could get a ticket to the London 2012 Olympics, she would spend her money on the men’s or women’s 100m race. L’ART

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L’ART From fashion houses to her work with local radio station OX105FM; Art Director in the making Nicole Conn has plenty to look forward to...

With three years worth of professional practice and finding her own projects to persue, this art director in the making offered bosses an impressive pitch, which has led to their collaboration in updating their media outlet, as well having a local event to highlight the launch within the community.

“Me and my partner (Andy Mulvany) went in and had a meeting with him (the manager) and he absolutely loved it,” Nicole happily revealed.

Having successfully produced a media pack within a two week trial, Nicole and Andy focused on the popularity of social networking’s potential influence on advertising; “as an urban radio station with a wide generation of listeners,” this was the perfect idea.

Creative advertising graduate Nicole Conn, one of the lady’s behind the marketing team, had a chat with L’ART about how she approached this new, growing station with fresh ideas, her bubbly personality and a brief that showed just a handful of her buzzing poten- “I want it to bring Oxford tial.

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Image Source: Nicole Conn

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ith your introduction to Oxford’s local radio station OX105FM in full swing, get ready to clear your diary’s for that all important date, as they are soon to have a launch party!

back together.

We really want to advertise this one, we want everyone to go to it,” Nicole said.

With the opportunity to produce everything from business cards to the organisation of the launch party, Nicole is looking forward to getting more experience under her belt as a freelance creative advertiser and becoming the sales executive of Oxford’s new station; OX105FM! We look forward to seeing more of your work!L’ART

L’ART Nicole’s snapshot portfolio: Nicole became part of one of five creative teams, making up a duo of a film editor and an art director for New Look’s advertising. “We had a screening in Soho, got the team in to watch, it was a really good experience. It will hopefully trigger some inspiration.”

Nicole works for SB:TV’s James and recently produced an exhibition based on the contrast between women’s relationship’s and their fashion sense. A 5 minute video was the result.

Nicole has experience with TDA agency who campaign for charity F**k Cancer.

Look out for a FB app taken from Nicole and her partner’s work in the near future.

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s well as Wretch 32, stars such as NBA player Derrick Rose and David Beckham are fronting the 30-second adverts for this campaign.

Worldwide Support Mobile network Samsung are proud to support the London 2012 Olympic Games and they are working alongside David Beckham and Zara Philips – the Samsung Ambassadors – in celebrating this year.

As we count down to the huge Olympic event taking place in the city of London, Adidas have been working together with our stars of today in the music, fashion and sport world. This is all in aid of celebrating talent in and around the UK before we witness the most anticipated event on our doorsteps in years.

Each advert is bound to inspire people in many different ways, as the main message surrounding the campaign is that there is a stage for everyone in 2012. Wretch couldn’t

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have said it in a better way when he said: “Greatness is made in the city I’m from.”

So as Great Britain are hosting one of sports biggest events, it’s only right to show why London was honoured with this privilege. Be proud to represent the UK and get yourself involved in the Olympic event of a lifetime!

Here’s how…

Image Source: dj-mg.com, afashionablesport.com, enchantedlearning.com

TAKE THE STAGE

And we couldn’t agree more.

By offering their services, these celebrity role models have encouraged the public to go for their dreams. Two opportunities up for grabs are with David Beckham, who will be working with a budding new photographer in the making and one lucky person Take part by experiencing the will get the chance to hang out day-to-day lives and training and play with basketball star regimes of top British ath- Derrick Rose. letes, including Daniel Purvis, Jenna Randall and Victoria “Celebrate London and inPendleton. spire the rest of Britain,” says Nick Craggs, the Adidas UK If this sounds like something marketing director. “Our new you want to get involved with, Take The Stage campaign is simply keep visiting their site designed to showcase LonSamsung/takepart for their don, but also the talent that latest video updates. exists within Great Britain.

The Next Step ‘The campaign refers to impossible dreams, achievement, rising against all odds to succeed. It’s inspiring, emotive and patriotic in a very contemporary way.’

“Adidas is providing young people across Britain with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that could change their lives.” It’s up to you to take those chances. Are you inspired?

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