DRAFTED - Issue 08 by DRAFTEDmagazine

Drafted WWW.DRAFTEDMAGAZINE.COM

ISSUE 8 • DEC 2013 FREE

The boys are back! BOYZONE ON TWENTY YEARS AT THE TOP Inte ract

RIZZLE KICKS • JASON MANFORD • ARMAGEDDON: JUST A CLICK AWAY? FASHION • SHOPPING • BEAUTY • MUSIC • GOING OUT • CELEBRITY

ive

ine gaz ma

THIS IS AN E V I T C A R E T IN MAGAZINE Download Blippar from your App store now to your iPad, iPhone or Android phone.

BLIPP...

FILL SCREEN WITH IMAGE

IMAGE JUMPS TO LIFE!

DOWNLOAD BLIPPAR

Once downloaded look for the Blippar icon within the magazine to find out which pages can be scanned to give you extra content.

blip!p me eo footage

d vid Watch behind the scenes clips an or click to buy at the touch of a

button...

contents November 2013

K E E P I N T O U C H Twitter @draftedmagazine • Facebook /draftedmagazine

43 BLIPPAR Blippar Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 CELEBRITY Boyzone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ariana Grande . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Jason Manford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Rizzle Kicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

EDITOR’S LETTER t’s the season to be jolly and we have a jam-packed magazine for you this month! Staring the end of 2013 in the face, our writers are discussing the way in which technology has altered our language, love life and thirst for knowledge. While on the celebrity front we get up close and personal with some of the hottest up-and-coming music stars of 2013, as well as checking in with Boyzone, who are currently celebrating 20 years since it all began. This month we are also crammed full of festive fashion, ﬁerce beauty and top travel, as well as great ideas for dining and drinking out. Our Deputy Editor Kyle also tries his hand at playing professional poker in our Work Experience feature - check out page 66 to see how far he got on. And if that wasn’t enough, we want to make sure your Christmas parties go oﬀ with a bang, and so we’ve created a selection of exclusive cocktails just for you! So if you want an original tipple, they are highly recommended – and do make sure you tweet and let us know how you got on @draftedmagazine.

FEATURES Oh My Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Armageddon: Just A Click Away . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Is Technology Ruining Romance? . . . . . . . . . 20 Kate Temple Gets Angry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 The Last Laugh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Work Experience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Rivkie Baum

MUSIC The Hoosiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 New Bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Gigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 BEAUTY Beauty Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Must-Have Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Male Grooming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Tried And Tested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Have a fabulous festive break and we shall see you in the New Year! See you next year,

FASHION Women’s Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Men’s Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fashion Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2

LIFESTYLE Restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Bite Sized Big Apple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Drafted Cocktails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

36 THE TEAM

Editor Rivkie Baum rivkie@draftedmagazine.com • Deputy Editor Kyle Goodwin kyle@draftedmagazine.com Fashion Editor Krishan Parmar fashion@draftedmagazine.com • Beauty Editor Kate Temple kate@draftedmagazine.com Features Editor Elisheva Sokolic elisheva@draftedmagazine.com • Staff Writer Matt Russell matt@draftedmagazine.com • Online Editor Michael Bartlett michael@draftedmagazine.com Picture Editor Jay McLaughlin jay@draftedmagazine.com • Designers Kelsey Adams & Duygu Korkut design@draftedmagazine.com Business Development Manager Anastasia Meldrum anastasia@draftedmagazine.com • Commercial Manager Luke Warren luke@draftedmagazine.com Feature Contributor Henry Fry • Music Contributors Liam McCreesh, Jono White Photographic Contributors Annie Ly, Alexei Izmaylov • Illustrations Kelsey Adams Videographers Barry Curran, Jay McLaughlin • Advertising advertising@draftedmagazine.com Published By Drafted Media Limited • General Enquiries info@draftedmagazine.com

OH MY WORD R E CKO N Y O U CAN SURVI VE A W H OLE DAY WIT H OU T SC R EE CHING WORDS LI KE ‘TOTE S’ AN D ‘AMAZE B AL L S ’, OR N EW L Y CRE A T E D BLENDED WORDS TH AT H AVE SE E P E D IN T O SO C IE T Y ? E L IS HEVA GI VES I T A W H I RL A N D F IN DS IT ’ S N OT AS EA SY A S Y O U T HI NK . Words : ELISHEVA SOKOLIC Illustration : KELSEY ADAMS

here are a lot of things about language that annoy me. Other people’s language mainly. I’ve been known to be termed a grammar Nazi due to my inability to stay quiet if you’ve written how “truely” grateful you are. Can’t I just accept the thanks? Sure, if it’s spelled correctly. If you mix

FEATURE

up ‘lose’ and ‘loose’, don’t expect me to be nice about it, and if you’re going to say ‘supposably’ when you mean ‘supposedly’, please warn me in advance so I can make sure I’m not present when it happens. But what about new words? I’d like to think I’m capable of change, and to be honest, with language as ﬂuid as it is, and neologisms, or new words being coined every day at the estimated rate of one every 98 minutes, we all have to be. Okay, only around 1,000 of these make it past the amateur leagues and manage entry into the dictionary annually, but my point stands. Language is constantly evolving. So how many of these new words have inﬁltrated the vocabulary of a proper English

snob like myself? I set myself a challenge to record a day’s worth of my regular conversation, and see just how much the new words of the last few years have made a diﬀerence to my communication skills. Would 2003 me, understand me?

DATE NIGHTS with a DIFFERENCE

met my first 7.03 am Immediately challenge on checking my smartphone, a word that would have conjured images of a landline in a tuxedo a mere fifteen years ago. My fingers swept over the keyboard on autopilot greeting the social media world.

IF 2003 ME APPEARED JUST LONG

ENOUGH TO HEAR ME USE “UNLIKE” IN A

SENTENCE, SHE WOULD PROBABLY TURN RIGHT AROUND, HOP IN HER TIME

Joe’s Bar in Camden Town is a fab low key night out, plenty of little nooks for some privacy, as well as a juke box dance ﬂoor! With diﬀerently themed music every night, and the best hot dogs in town, try a Pink Cadillac and thank us later.

MACHINE AND RETURN TO WHENCE SHE C AME.

“Good morning, tweeps!” I cheerfully tapped out. I paused. Tweeps? Tweeps! Really, I was trying to say “Good morning people who use this social media platform known as Twitter”. It seems that over time, being restricted to a 140 character limit naturally forces you to be economical with your phrasing. I went to make myself a coﬀee. I was going to need it. been caught out 11.30 am Mainly by portmanteau this

However, ‘posted’ is not a new word - as well as creating new additions to our vocabulary we’re altering the context in which long established words are being used. Spoken communication is more fluid than it has ever been because our approach to words has taken on a new dimension. Language has never been more malleable, or dare I say it, more fun. We make mash ups, shorten expressions, and, btdubs, make amusing abbreviations. Language has become more Technology definitely than speech. It’s now the way we fit into responsible for around certain social groups, the way we ‘KIT’ with 75% of my change in language. No way to stop friends when we’re time-pressured, it’s really myself from telling people to Google things, a reflection of who we are. or to defriend someone on Facebook. And So my day has been enlightening. frankly, if 2003 me appeared just long enough Priding yourself on keeping to proper English to hear me use ‘unlike’ in a sentence, she is meaningless nowadays. It sentences you to would probably turn right around, hop in her a linguistically Amish life, toasting bread on a time machine and return to whence she came. pitchfork over a fireplace, when you can now buy a toaster that not only makes the toast, New words or expres- but fries your eggs and plays your favourite sions I caught myself tune simultaneously. saying today include: selfie’, ‘bucket list’ and But don’t get too excited. While my the truly indecipherable before the social FOMO might be too great not to jump on media explosion ‘I posted it to my wall’. (Cue the lexicographical bandwagon, I do have my a 2003 softly spoken patronising psychiatrist limits. Mix up affect and effect, and you’re on replying “that’s fine dear, and did your wall your own. write back?”) morning. Told my mum to chillax when she called to say the postman is reading her bank statements, referred to my husband’s new friendship with a colleague as a bromance, and even told a co-worker off for sexting during office hours (incredibly obvious by the way). Surprising as I usually repress an eye roll when I hear others using blended words. Except brunch of course. Brunch is a keeper.

Have you been to a Music Screen event yet? Making concerts comfy, they screen live gigs from around the world right to the ease of a cinema near you. We saw Keane, live from Berlin (Live from Leicester Square.) www.musicscreen.co.uk Looking for some magic? Nothing beats walking hand in hand around Winter Wonderland, open now in Hyde Park. Nibble on roasted chestnuts, pick up some stocking ﬁllers, or just watch the skaters fall over, it’s Xmas come early!

2.55 pm

9.00 pm

First date jitters? Try Bounce in Holborn, where as well as regular tables, you can challenge your date to a round or two of ping pong while you chat. Say goodbye to awkward silences, just watch that competitive streak! FEATURE

RIVER ISLAND

Pink Textured Necklace Jumper

£40

ACCESSORIZE

Turkish Tile Print Scarf

£25

DEBENHAMS

Skiing Penguin Jumper Dress

£40

Leather Jewel Gloves

Cable Knit Skirt

ASOS

£35

£25

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON @ HOUSE OF FRASER

Bag

£895

MARKS & SPENCER ROSIE FOR AUTOGRAPH

Dressing Gown

£69

OLIVER BONAS

Agnessa Leaf Statement Necklace

£35

PHASE EIGHT

Paige Tapework Collection8 Dress

£325

JAEGER

Pink Metallic Dress

£250

STEVE MADDEN

Spycee Green

£85

women's shopping Blipp to Buy

FASHION

fashion 7 |

AUSTIN REED

Blue Smoke Peak Jacket

£269

MARKS & SPENCER

Large Heritage Globe

£ 39.50

AUSTIN REED

Blue Smoke Trouser

£130

AUSTIN REED

Blue Smoke Notch Waistcoat

£110

DUNE

Oil-Eﬀect Patent Leather Formal Shoe

£95

RIVER ISLAND

Tailored Coat

£TBC

7 8

ASOS

Bobble Hat

£TBC

Tan Leather Holdall

£120

DEBENHAMS

Man Flu with Scotch Whiskey and Pure Honey

£9.50

ARMANI JEANS @ HOUSE OF FRASER

Leather Flight Jacket

£505

FASHION

men's shopping Blipp to Buy

FASHION

Duck down parka £395

Optical illusion print dress £239

Bouclé dress £189

SLINK B O U TI Q U E IS T H E H OTTE ST H U B F OR P LU S SI ZE F ASH ION IN T H E U K. Silk blouse £199

Sequin dress £479

This multi-brand online boutique offers amazing fashion finds from a size 16+. Beautiful knitwear, show stopping evening and cocktail dresses and great day time pieces, SLiNK boutique is a highly curated site offering some of the best plus-size fashion pieces from across Europe and the USA. With next day delivery and stylists on hand to help you select your perfect size, SLiNK boutique is the designer site you’ve been waiting for.

Grey leopard print sweater dress £119

Cropped faux fur jacket £395

Jewel print top £155

W W W. S L I N K B O U T I Q U E . C O M Highly Curated Fashion for Women Size 16+ 10

FASHION

Style Overhaul At Westfield

Words : RIVKIE BAUM

NO ID E A WHAT TO GET YOUR NEAREST AN D DE AR E ST F OR C HR I ST MA S ? HO W ABOUT BUYI NG TH EM A ST Y LISH F E W H OU R S W IT H A WES T F IELD PE RSONA L SH OPPER? one is the experimental style of our teens, and the catwalkobsessed looks of our early twenties. These days it’s all about looking appropriate for the office, put together on a night out and trying not to seem like we dressed ourselves on a hangover-induced cloud over the weekend. It’s safe to say that by the time you’re in your thirties you’ve conjured up some form of uniform that will get you through all occasions. From the go-to suit for that all important interview or meeting, to your failsafe first date outfit – our wardrobe becomes somewhat safe and perhaps a little predictable. It is pretty easy to fall, totally unaware, into a style rut. Trends come and go, we want to try them out but can’t for the life of us work out what to wear with the musthave midi skirt, and sad, lonely shopping errors hang in our wardrobe as a reminder to stick to the plan, the tried and tested formula. And with online shopping accounting for a huge part of the market, we don’t even need to head to the shops to make these mistakes, we can now do it all from the comfort of our couch, with a piping hot chocolate balanced somewhere dubious. But Westfield are aiming to change all that, with the expansion of their personal shopping service into the Stratford centre. I made a trip down there to see if the personal shopping team could excavate me from my own personal style rut. To start with, I’d been emailing Tanja (one of the many stylists on the team) before my visit. Tanja asked me a series of questions

about my current look, such as where I like to shop and what I’m looking to gain out of the session, along with general sizing and body shape questions. We establish, firstly, that I am wholeheartedly a dress wearer with a particular fondness for River Island’s neoprene fit and flare. Secondly, that as a rule I don’t really shop because I spend too much time around clothes through my job. Thirdly, that I buy long lasting items as opposed to fast fashion. And lastly, that I’m rather excited to hear what someone else thinks I should be wearing. When I finally do meet Tanja she makes me feel at ease straight away. She has heaps of style as opposed to being a trend-robot. We have a quick chat, where she tells me she’s going to make me edgier (I’m currently as edgy

as a beach ball – Minnie Mouse is genuinely my style icon), and is planning to get me into a pair of jeans (an item I’ve not worn for nearly a decade). This should be interesting, I thought. We hit the shops and chatted away like we’d known each other for years. As someone who generally doesn’t shop in a group, it’s quite nice to go with someone for an outsider’s opinion. I took the opportunity to step back, barely attempting to rummage through the rails – it was weird seeing Tanya grab items I’d never normally look at and talk about the diﬀerent combinations she’s going to team out.

I FALL IN LOVE

WITH A NUMBER OF

PIECES THAT NEVER

WOULD HAVE MADE THEMSELVES

KNOWN BEFORE

We headed to the changing room and started the dress up session. It’s fun to try out all the different looks and see myself through someone else’s eyes, and I fall in love with a fair number of pieces – especially a long rockstyle sweater and wet look pencil skirt – two items that would never have made themselves known before. I admire Tanya’s perseverance in the jeans department and while I humour her and try them on, I cannot be swayed into purchasing boy-cut jeans. But I see where she’s coming from. We try on several looks – I’d never normally experiment this much on a shopping trip, but go for tried and tested formulas and essentially just try items on for size – but I actually enjoyed having a play for a change and it was a lot more relaxing than I originally imagined. Getting someone a style advisor is a great Christmas present, especially if they’ve been moaning about not knowing what to wear, and a great one for fashion-resistant boyfriends. My only bugbear with the personal shopping system here is that there seems to be no base to leave your coat etc, or any preferential treatment in terms of taking more items into a changing room. However, having an impartial style advisor can certainly help you overhaul your look and start the new year with an altogether more stylish you. Westfield Personal Shopping www.westfield.com/stratfordcity £50 per hour FEATURE

ARMAGEDDON: ARMAGEDDON: R M A GEDD ON:

Just a click away

T H E E ND O F TH E WORLD I S COMI NG, AN D WE ALL KN OW IT . D O N’ T CA RE ? Y O U SH OULD, I GOOGLED IT . Words : HENRY FRY

he room blearily emerges in the morning half-light. I roll over. I groan. It’s 6.30am. A rip oﬀ version of the American Beauty theme tune titters from my newly updated iPhone. My expensive, immaculate running trainers gaze at me placidly from the chair opposite, like the calm before the storm, or the dodgy last shot before the hangover. Why did I decide to do this to myself? Why the pain? Why the bother? I’ll just

FEATURE

nap for another forty-ﬁve minutes instead. Later that day, after being late out of bed, late for work, and late for two meetings, my division manager asks me to look up details of the American Civil war. This is in a publishing house where every spare surface is piled high with books, most of them illustrated reference books. I consider leaving my desk and hunting for the appropriate passages on the appropriate pages in the appropriate volumes. I roll my eyes. I groan. I swivel to my

computer and click the Google Chrome icon. Well, I did get up early this morning, so the world pretty much owes me. This attitude seems fine, until you stop and think, ‘Oh wait, I’m actually pretty lazy’. How does anyone achieve anything with this sort of outlook? But then you share similar stories with friends, colleagues, and it normalises it. You think, ‘Yeah, it’s fine if everyone does it, right?’ Until that niggling sensation of guilt becomes overriding, and you realise, ‘Oh wait, no it’s not’. But laziness is not just a weekday lie-in. It has far more serious ramifications – which we won’t be able to press snooze on. You might have heard something about

it on the news, or read the headline of an article in the Metro on the way to work. You might even have read a book about it – or at least half a book. But very few of us actually feel inclined to seriously worry about the impending end of the world. Not even Google is putting out (in this respect at least). If you search for ‘end of the world’ the ﬁrst page of results is movies about the end of the world, shortly followed by evangelical warnings and message boards stating that we have already missed it. According to the Mayans at least. Yet even the die-hard climate change skeptics have come over to the understanding that yes indeed, humankind’s humungous energy output has contributed negatively to our planet. The problem is this: our culture has made us into lazy consumers. The more we buy, the more is produced, and the more energy is needed to keep producing these things that we don’t need. I don’t mean to go all Fight Club on you on your morning commute, but this is a serious issue that aﬀects all of us and not even our politicians are bothering to address it properly. Their running-from-climate-change trainers are even more spotless than mine.

OUR CULTURE HAS

MADE US INTO LAZY

CONSUMERS. THE

MORE WE BUY, THE

MORE IS PRODUCED, AND THE MORE

ENERGY IS NEEDED

TO KEEP PRODUCING THESE THINGS THAT

WE DON ’T NEED.

The issue is bigger than turning oﬀ the lights and recycling once a week. I recently read a whole book on the subject (it was very short), and found it easily the most terrifying tome I’ve ever held in my lack-luster hands. 10 Billion, by scientist Stephen Emmott, provides succinct and petrifying facts on how the global population is skyrocketing, and how the need for resources to support said population will, certainly within the next century, push our planet over the edge. The title comes from the

number of humans estimated to be living on the planet by the end of the century. There are already 7billion. But Emmott estimates that there could be double that number. More people = more stuff. More stuff = more production. More production = more carbon emissions. More carbon emissions = KABLOOEY. Want some scary figures? Course you do. It’s 8am. Okay, you got it: The total number of cars produced since their invention will exceed 1billion this year, and some 2.5billion more are expected to be produced in the next 40 years. If you consider that a car consists of mined iron ore that’s then made into steel, rubber that’s made into tyres, oil that’s made into plastic and moulded into dashboards, leather from animals made into seat covers, mined lead constructed into batteries. These components are shipped across the world before you put a single drop of petrol into the tank. As Emmott says, the cost of a car is “an absolute fortune”. “But there is hope,” says Bill McGuire, professor of Geohazards at University College London. “It’s relatively easy to do in just a couple of years. After Pearl Harbour we changed a wartime economy into a growing

economy in six months and that’s because there was a great push towards it. It can be done.” However, his skepticism is tangible – he doesn’t think we can be bothered. “In just a few hundred years carbon dioxide levels have risen to the highest they have been for 15million years. Global emissions have gone up 58% since 1990. Climate change is set to be severe.” Some scientists believe we could be feeling the consequences of this in as little as 12 years, bringing with it dramatic alterations to weather patterns and living standards. McGuire thinks a 20–40 year period is more likely. We better get oﬀ our arses. So what do we do? Go ‘slacktivist’ on the matter and sign an online petition? Leave that yellow sticker doughnut on the shelf? Veer away from Topshop in our up-cycled vegan orange juice carton sandals towards Parliament? We could support Friends of the Earth’s Clean British Energy campaign (www. foe.co.uk), which is urging the Government to tackle climate change by cleaning up our electricity by 2030. Whatever we do, we need to do it soon. The ﬁrst step is being informed. The second is lobbying powerful people to make big decisions. And if any of those steps are in trainers at 6.30am, well that’s a pretty good start.

FEATURE

Photographer Jay McLaughlin @ Kayte Ellis Agency • Stylist Oliver Vaughn • Styling Assistant Courtney Elliott Harrison and Tanya Hughes • Grooming Sarah Bridson • With thanks to The Gable www.thegable.co.uk COVER CREDITS RONAN Suit by Alexander dobell @ www.mytuxedo.co.uk • Shirt by ASOS • Shoes by Topman SHANE Suit by Topman • Shirt by H&M • Shoes by All Saints MIKEY Suit by Simon Carter • Shirt by H&M • Tie byTopman KEITH Suit by Topman • Shirt by Zara

20 years on... Words : FELICITY THISTLETHWAITE

CELEBRITY

RONAN Suit by Topman Shirt by Sandro Watch Ronan's own

T H E Y WE RE UNDI SPUTEDLY ONE OF T H E B IGGE ST S E L LING B A ND S OF TH E 1990S – WI TH HIT S LIKE ‘ LOVE M E F O R A RE A S O N’ AND ‘NO MATTER WH AT’ CAP T U R IN G T H E HE A R T S O F MA NY A FORLORN TEENAGER . AN D T H E Y ’ R E B A C K , RA RING T O DO I T ALL AGAI N – BUT T H E R OAD T O 2 0 YE A RS O F B O YZONE H ASN’T BEEN W IT H OU T T R AGE DY . D R A F T E D CA U GH T UP W I TH TH E BOYS T O T ALK N E W A LB U MS , S E L L - O UT TOURS AND STEPH EN ’ S LE G AC Y …

hey were the boy band of the 1990s – and 25million record sales, four Number One studio albums and six Number One singles later, Boyzone are still going strong as they prepare to embark upon the next chapter of their careers. Millions of young girls had the boys’ faces plastered over their bedroom walls, and adoringly followed them around the country like packs of bloodthirsty hounds. It would be fair to say that the Irish boy band struck up Beatle-mania at the turn of the millennium. And the boys of Boyzone, who appear to have cocooned and reappeared as hunky men, are back to mark their 20-year anniversary with the release of new album ‘BZ20’, as well as an extensive UK and Ireland arena tour. (Do we now call them a man band? Who knows?) This recent milestone has allowed the boys to reﬂect on their glittering career, and look back lightheartedly at the diﬀerent stages of their personal and professional development. “We didn’t know anything about the music business when we started out,” Keith laughs. “We didn’t know what direction we were going in or anything. Success happened so quick that we were just moving and before you know where you are you’ve been in the business for years. This time round we know what we’re doing a bit more, we know what to expect, and we know what’s expected of us.” In November 1993 the group of then young lads from Dublin presented themselves to the world with a now infamous performance on Ireland’s biggest TV show, The Late Late Show. Their careers swiftly went on to 16

CELEBRITY

BELOW

ﬂourish under the guidance of eponymous manager Louis Walsh, and they were soon repeatedly hitting the top of the charts with their catchy brand of love-laced pop tunes. The band split for nearly seven years in 2001, but after spending the day with the boys, they seem closer now than ever before. “There are no human beings on this planet, aside from my family, that are as close to me as these three,” Keith continues. “We’ve grown up together. We’ve experienced the best times of our lives together. We’ve had the highest highs and the lowest lows together. When you go through that with people it’s very natural to settle back into things. It’s only unnatural when you’re not with them.” “Boyzone is part of our DNA at this point,” adds Shane. “It really is like riding a bike. You don’t forget. You just get back on and ride up the road. And Boyzone is very much like that. It’s our mother ship. It’s everything that allows us to refuel. Getting back to doing the band is such a natural thing for us. After 20 years in the game we’ve learnt our trade very well. Our apprenticeship is well and truly done.” Shane continues: “For me, it’s hard to know when you’re spending time with people just how much they mean to you. It’s when you’re apart that you realise

KEITH

Suit by Topman Shirt by H&M Tie by Zara Shoes by Hunter

how much you really love them and miss them. Our relationships in the band are practically like a marriage.” But it hasn’t been an easy ride for the Irish singers of late, with the death of founding member Stephen Gately in 2009 casting a shadow over the last few years. Sometimes, though, it takes tragedy to unite people and rekindle old flames. “The loss of Stephen showed us how much we meant to each other and how much we needed each other,” Keith admits. “When we’re alone the whole Stephen thing becomes very real, and very hard to deal with - but when we’re together he’s in the room with us, we feel his presence, and it makes us feel stronger and more of a unit. He’s always with us. Everything we do somehow reminds us of him. I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to any of these boys. I don’t think I could go through that.” The sad loss of Stephen brought the boys back into a creative sphere with one another. In March 2010 the four remaining members released their fourth studio album ‘Brother’ as a tribute to Stephen, a release that included two new songs that were performed by the late singer before his death. “We’re closer now than we’ve ever been,” says Ronan. “All the things that life throws at you have brought us closer together. It’s a real bond. It’s a brotherhood. It’s almost unexplainable.” With five becoming four can they repeat their success again? Well, with a new four album deal with Warner Music, a mammoth arena tour and their 20th anniversary just around the corner – it would be fair to assume they’re going to be a big hit all over again. “This time around I think we’ve all shaken off the role plays we fell into before,” Mikey tells us. “Everybody is more distinctive about who they are. We’re all very confident of who we are and what our opinions are. Everyone is just open and honest, there’s no bulls***.” With huge hits such as ‘All That I Need’, ‘Baby Can I Hold You’ and ‘No Matter What’ already under their musical belts, what can we expect from Boyzone after 20 years of growth? “Back in the 90s the production sound was much thinner,” Mikey reminisces. “Where we are now is reflective of our musical tastes and the maturity of our musical pallet. With the production of the new record there are elements of folk, as well as more modern instrumentation. You’ve got to sell records at the end of the day, though, and you’ve got to be careful that you don’t go too left of center.” “We weren’t taken on by the label this time round with them saying, ‘Right, boys, this is what you’re doing’,” Shane picks up. “They

ABOVE

MIKEY Waistcoat & Trousers by www.asuitthatﬁts.com

Shirt by Sandro

WHEN WE’RE ALONE

THE WHOLE STEPHEN

THING BECOMES VERY

REAL, AND VERY HARD

TO DEAL WITH. – KEITH

SHANE Suit by All Saints Shirt by River Island Bowtie by ASOS Shoes by Topman

said, ‘You’ve got a four album deal with us, go make an album’. So we did. And they loved it. They loved the direction we went in, and that’s nice, to have that freedom. You hear from the greatest artists around the world that certain albums were what the label wanted, not what the artist wanted. It can often go to Number One, but it doesn’t mean that artist is happy in what we did, and have the success that we their own shoes.” had. But to still be in the business 20 years “The amount of freedom we’ve been later, and get a new record deal with Warner given by the new label is incredible,” Ronan Music, and get an ITV special, and have an interjects. “We’re allowed to be the band we arena tour around the UK that’s sold out, it’s want to be. With our first label, they signed us unbelievable. We’re very fortunate.” when we were kids, and I don’t think we ever Boyzone’s new single, ‘Love Will Save The became men to them - whereas we signed to Day’, has been produced by Brian Rawling, the Warner Music recently guy behind deliveras men, as fathers and ing hits for the likes husbands, as adults – of One Direction, and they’re treating us Kylie Minogue and like that. To be creative Cheryl Cole. With you need to be free.” those kinds of creRonan, who had a dentials, it seems an successful career as a impossible thought solo singer/songwriter that the boys won’t during the band’s hiabe an instant hit tus, tells us how grateful with a whole new he is to be back making generation – along music with his “brothwith their original, ers” again, and is relishdedicated fans. ing the task of creatively “It seems crazy propelling the band back that 20 years have to the top of the charts. passed since we “I’m still learning to be first got together,” a songwriter,” he says. Ronan continues, “Some days I can write, “but we are as exsome days I can’t. Somecited now with the times I have good things new album as we – RONAN to say, sometimes I have were back then. to make things up. But Bring on the next I’ve lived more now, so twenty years.” as a writer, to have had The band’s tour life experiences is the best situation to be in. of the country, which began at the end of last You have to dig deep. It comes from the heart month, covers 16 dates and several different when you do and you create easier.” arenas. And with another three new records in Boyzone are set to return to the stage the pipeline, Boyzone are well and truly back – later this year for the first time since 2011 for albeit with a new, manly twist and a renewed the BZ20 Anniversary Tour. But even though faith in themselves and the music industry. tickets have been in extremely high demand, We could’ve forgiven the boys for heading they’re not allowing themselves to be blasé into the depths of obscurity after Stephen’s about their re-entry into the pop stratosphere. death. But instead of being defeated by the “We’re very, very lucky,” Keith says. “We were sadness of the situation, Ronan, Keith, Mikey very fortunate 20 years ago to have achieved and Shane are heading back into the limelight with Stephen’s spirit surrounding them and supporting them all the way.

WE SIGNED TO

WARNER MUSIC RECENTLY AS

MEN, AS FATHERS AND HUSBANDS,

AS ADULTS – AND

THEY ’RE TREATING

US LIKE THAT. TO BE CREATIVE YOU

NEED TO BE FREE.

‘BZ20’ is out now. FROM LEFT RONAN Suit by Topman • Shirt by Sandro • Watch Ronan's own SHANE Suit by All Saints • Shirt by River Island • Bowtie by ASOS • Shoes by Topman KEITH Suit by Topman • Shirt by H&M • Tie by Zara • Shoes by Hunter MIKEY Waistcoat & Trousers by www.asuitthatﬁts.com • Shirt by Sandro 18

CELEBRITY

technology ruining

romance? HO W MA NY PE O P LE H AVEN’T YOU MET T ODAY ? Words : MATT RUSSELL

ear with me if you will: A random public place, you spot someone in the crowd. Tantalisingly bathed in sunlight; sheer obliviousness to their effect on another’s rapidly convulsing neurons making them evermore beguiling. You ponder outcomes for a second: You could quite easily leave this situation. No one would ever know. You could just go on your way; things will continue as they were. Screw that, let’s see what happens. Subduing any negative inclinations you may have, you walk over. You catch their eye. Pulses rise to a libidinous canter, what should you say? You ask their name and introduce yourself. They don’t punch you - this is good. An arbitrary joke here; a salacious glance there, you ask if you can meet them another time. Everything works out. Excitement builds to lust. Lust begets love. And you live happily ever after. Firstly, thank you for not vomiting. It’s terribly difficult to read through the remnants of a half-digested Sausage McMuffin. Secondly, does this scenario ring any bells? Yes? Well, it’s quite likely you’re over the age of fifty. With the frenzied nature of modern life speeding up the clocks of a generation, this nostalgic take on the quest for happiness is becoming rarer as people multi-task their lives into oblivion. It was only recently, however, that it really caught my attention.

FEATURE

OF ALL THE

CHARTROOMS, ON

ALL THE WEB, WH Y ’D YOU GO AND LOG ONTO MINE?

On a recent visit to the supermarket, I realised that I too had succumbed to the twattishness of modern technology. I was greeted at the checkout by an older lady with indelible rosy cheeks and a smile that said ‘my house smells of bread and I collect gnomes’ - a poster girl for M&S culture, if you will (please read those letters the correct way round!). Anyway, oozing genuine Werther’s Original kindness and bona ﬁde concern she asked if I was ok as I looked “very tired”. Kind of sweet, no? So, how did I react? How did I repay this uninitiated attempt to bridge the food travelator divide? Like any true purveyor of chivalry, I acted as anyone would. I took out a headphone. One single headphone. Yep. ONE. What a gent. Packing my stuﬀ away - one ear dedicated to this kind woman and the other to a particularly ridiculous section of Karl

Pilkington’s Rockbusters - it dawned on me: why not take both out? How impertinent. So I did. And, after apologising and having a quick chat, all was forgiven. It appeared, however, that while technology hadn’t quite broken me, it had, at the very least, started to rust my civility meter. Striding outside, it appeared this epiphany had left me acutely aware of the situation, as my newly liberated mind now noticed I was awash in a sea of the unenlightened. We all know the walk. Powerful stride, eyes down, right palm thrust forward checking their Facebook, updating their Twitter while swaggering to their next Tinder rendezvous, headphones dangling round them like bright white necklaces of isolationism, barring any real-life interaction; a technological chastity belt for the 21st century mind. I’m pretty sure that human beings aren’t designed to ignore the things around them. We rubber-neck at traﬃc accidents, laugh at people falling over and earwig people’s conversations as if cracking the frickin’ ENIGMA code depended on it. It does make me wonder, though. By essentially bowing out of the tangible world around us, and forgoing random encounters, how many lost opportunities - be it girlfriends or friends - have people sacriﬁced by their disinterest in interest? With life becoming more and more crammed it’s understandable that people

are trying to save time anywhere they can, nevertheless, could this be a technological paradigm shift too far? Though not particularly quixotic in nature, I think it’s natural to appreciate the excitement of the unknown. This is a little undermined by the idea of online dating. Now let’s be honest, here. We’ve all probably checked out a person’s Facebook photo to make sure our beer goggles weren’t deceiving us. But the idea of garnering so much information that you can literally revise for an encounter? Not only does this ruin the extemporaneous nature of conversation, it means you may give more time to someone who you would normally hate within seconds because they’ve rehearsed who you are. Similarly, with Facebook and Twitter where should our expectations lie? I defy anyone to admit they haven’t in someway positively augmented their online presence to make themselves cooler. People relentlessly delete unﬂattering photos, repost cod philosophies and fanciful humanistic dirge; all in the aim of self-promotion. With minimal eﬀort you can build up an image that’s so contrived it’s mind-blowing. You can save up your best anecdotes, edit

them and whittle them down into socially enthralling gems that prove your sheer hilariousness, and people who you know for a fact - in real life - are denser than a singularity, can sporadically post highly intellectual things that they would never use in normal conversation. To be fair, I just did it with that physics remark. But then, at least I’m honest about it. My point being, I suppose, that while superﬁciality may grab your attention, it very rarely holds it. If you think of the basics, falling for someone should be a lot easier than we think: ﬁnd someone that doesn’t annoy you all the time, if they decide you don’t annoy them all the time, then create some smaller people that will most probably annoy you both all of the time! Throw in a couple of trips to Disneyland and you’re pretty much there. People and things are always evolving. Just ask Miley Cyrus fans. Two years ago they could take their nan to a concert. Nowadays everyone leaving the venue is a practicing

gynecologist. This is not necessarily for the best, and most definitely does not render older ideas obsolete. Interaction is a positive thing and unfortunately it takes a touch more effort than gliding listlessly around on a Steve Jobs sponsored zombie walk. I suppose it’s not all that important how you meet. It’s infinitely more important where you end up. But if technology got in the way of our encounters you’d never hear another enchanting ‘how we got together’ story like the ones your grandparents told ever again, and that would be a shame. Let’s be frank. Humphrey Bogart is as cool as they come, but would Casablanca be the romantic masterpiece it is if transposed to a modern day scenario? “Of all the chat rooms, on all the web, why’d you go and log onto mine?” Somehow, it doesn’t seem to have the same ring to it.

FEATURE

bed of roses

CREDITS Photographer Jay McLaughlin @ Kayte Ellis Agency • Stylist Rivkie Baum • Hair Oscar Alexander using Bumble and Bumble Make Up Lauren Baker • Location Apartment at Megaro Hotel • Models: Patricia @ M&P models, Jonathon Saxby @ Models1

FASHION

HIM: Green blazer by Burton • Shirt by Uniqlo HER: Shirt by Limited Collection at Marks & Spencer • Bolero by Joseph Ribkoff • Trousers by River Island • Watch by Olivia Burton • Shoes by Call it Spring

FASHION

HIM: T-shirt by Diesel • Blazer by Burton • Jeans by Diesel • Shoes by Anthony Morato HER: Dress (worn open) by Celia Birtwell • Lingerie by La Senza • Ring by Thomas Sabo

HIM: Shirt by GAP • Boxers by Pringle HER: Dress by Celeb Boutique • Watch by Olivia Burton • Clutch by Lacambra

FASHION

HIM: Sweater by Johnstons of Elgin • Shirt by Uniqlo • Jeans by Topman HER: Sweater by Muriee • Dress (worn as skirt) by Miss Guided

FASHION

HIM: Jacket by Uniqlo • Polo Neck by Burton HER: Crop Top by Miss Guided • Skirt by River Island • Ring by Thomas Sabo • Shoes by Call it Spring • Bag by New Look

FASHION

HIM: Sweater by Johnstons of Elgin • Shirt by Uniqlo • Jeans by Topman HER: Suit by H&M • Camisole by Topshop • Shoes by Call it Spring • Watch by Olivia Burton

ARIANA GRANDE 34

CELEBRITY

2013 H AS B E E N A B IG Y E AR F OR SIN GE R / AC T R E SS A R I A N A GRA NDE,, AN D 2 0 1 4 IS SE T T O B E E VE N B IGGE R . KY L E G O O D WI N MEE T S T H E 2 0 -Y E AR -OLD ST AR T O DISCU SS LIF E S I N C E TH E REL E ASE OF DE B U T ALB U M ‘ Y OU R S T R U LY ’ ... Words : KYLE GOODWIN

eporters from Entertainment News stroll back into the press room at Soho Hotel - where journalists have been busily coming and going all morning - having just spent 20 minutes in the company of Ariana Grande, whose highly anticipated debut album ‘Yours Truly’ has just rocketed to Number One on the iTunes Chart in over 30 countries (within 19 minutes of going on sale). “She’s in good spirits,” they say, packing down their camera equipment. “She’s been singing Christmas songs for us.” The 20-year-old singer is over promoting new single ‘Right There’, which features a cocky, swagger-fuelled guest appearance from Detroit rapper Big Sean. And today, gradually working her way through a series

of interviews in the heart of London, she’s not alone. 10-or-so members of her entourage are sitting in the room with her, including The Wanted’s Nathan Sykes, to whom Grande has been romantically linked in recent weeks. She emphatically leaps onto the sofa as we arrive, barefooted, and looking down, holds out her hand to greet us. “Hi, I’m Ariana,” she says. Waves of acknowledgment sweep across the room from her guests. She’s in her element, humming vocal melodies faintly as she sits back down again; leaning forward gracefully to begin our conversation. There are plans for Grande to be in the UK regularly over the coming months as she continues to promote ‘Yours Truly’, and further deepens the dent she’s been carving into the pop world. “I’ve always loved the UK,”

she beams. “It’s been my dream to come here and perform in London for a long time.” Although the pop star lifestyle is still relatively new to her, Grande is no stranger to fame. American TV series Victorious premiered on Nickelodeon in March 2010, with Grande starring as Cat Valentine, a character that would later be handed her own spinoff Sam & Cat – a sitcom which partners Grande with iCarly’s Jennette McCurdy. She’s long been accustomed to celebrity life - the compliments, the autographs, the attention. But today, as 2013 draws into its closing stages and a new year looms merrily around the corner, it’s a very different kind of attention she’s been receiving. “The biggest change has probably been people recognising me for my music,” she tells us, “and coming up to me saying they like my album and like my voice. Because I do kids television as well, I’m used to parents coming up to me and saying, ‘Oh my children love you’. But when an adult comes up to me now and says they really appreciate my work that really means a lot.” This recognition from the adult world is still very fresh, and pride bubbles in her eyes as she discusses the demographic shift within her fan base. “I didn’t think it would happen so quickly,” she admits. So far the leap has been seamless, from Disney-esque children’s star to international pop sensation, (without having to resort to contrived, Miley Cyrus-style antics to alter people’s perceptions), and she’s now on the verge of fully cementing her right to be here. The word transition crops up in conversation. “There’s that word again,” she says, smiling knowingly. Grande is more than aware of this transition she’s going through, both professionally and personally, and tells us she’s been embracing the changes in her life. “It’s all felt very organic,” she claims. It’s going take a while, still, before that word disappears entirely from her life. While she alternates between children’s TV and her career in pop, that word may never vanish altogether. But she’s done enough, for the moment anyway, to quieten the lurking presence of Cat Valentine as she continues to disassociate herself from her fictional

counterpart. “I think what makes me really proud is feeling like I’ve accomplished what I wanted to accomplish,” she says, “which was managing to separate Cat Valentine from me, as myself, without doing anything too crazy. I just wanted to let the music speak for itself and let people know who I am, the real me, rather than an actress or a persona.” This past year has been loaded with exciting achievements for Grande. First single ‘The Way’, featuring Mac Miller, has now sold over 1million copies in the US, with follow up ‘Baby I’ shooting straight to Number Two on iTunes, amassing over 11million YouTube streams. “I still can’t get over how many people bought the ﬁrst two singles,” she explains. “I don’t think it will ever truly sink in.” ‘Yours Truly’, released in the UK and US in September this year, made Grande the ﬁrst female artist to enter the US Album Chart at Number One with a debut album since January 2010, when Ke$ha’s ‘Animal’ claimed top spot. “I can’t help but be very proud of that,” she continues. But while the album has exceeded all expectations since its release, it took a while, and a few “back to the drawing board moments” before Grande was fully content with the overall sound. “I’m like the most self-deprecating, selfcriticising person you’ll ever meet,” she says. “And I’m a big perfectionist, so it took a long time for me to like everything on the album. Once we found the groove, though, there

I ’M LIKE THE MOST

SELF-DEPREC ATING, SELF-CRITICISING

PERSON YOU ’LL

EVER MEET.

AND I ’M A BIG

PERFECTIONIST, SO IT TOOK A LONG

TIME FOR ME TO

LIKE EVERYTHING...

was a click - then it was like, ‘Boom, boom, boom’, and everything was perfect. That’s what I like most about working with the core group of producers I have now - Harmony, Samuels, The Rascals, Babyface. We see eyeto-eye creatively. And usually when I feel that something is wrong they’ll feel like that exact same thing is wrong before I even say it. We’re always on the same page. Making a record is a very organic process that you can’t push.” ‘Right There’ featuring Big Sean is out now. www.arianagrande.com

CELEBRITY

g n i d t r e o e f m an m DRA FT E D ’ S FEATURE EDI TOR ELI SH E VA SOKOLIC C AT CH E S U P W IT H CO ME DI AN J A SON MA NFORD AF T E R H IS ST E LLAR S T A ND U P PE RFO RMANCE. Words : ELISHEVA SOKOLIC

earing Jason Manford do stand-up is like having a chat with a mate down the pub” one fan gushed during the interval. In the best possible way, we couldn’t agree more. Accessible and entertaining, a real break from reality, your only ‘First World Problem’ would be ﬁnding it sold out. Once we’d composed ourselves, we caught up with Jason for a quick Q&A after the show. Secretly hoping for our own private comedy encore, we weren’t disappointed!

“H

HOME IS

WHEREVER YOU LAY YOUR HAT.

SO DON ’T LAY IT SOMEWHERE

CRAP AS YOU ’LL BE STUCK THERE.

WHERE WOULD YOU SEE YOURSELF IF YOU WEREN’T DOING COMEDY? I’d be that annoying bloke in the oﬃce who thinks he’s a comedian. WHAT’S TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST? The MegaBucket3000™. Hard wearing but ﬂexible, 28litres, solid handle for upto 700llbs. THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE! WHAT ITEMS DO YOU GRAB BEFORE RUNNING TO SAFETY? My original signed copy of the bible by the author ‘Richard Bachman’. WHAT FIRST WORLD PROBLEM ARE YOU THE MOST GUILTY OF COMPLAINING OVER? When there’s only sparkling water in the First Class carriage. CAN YOU TELL US YOUR FAVOURITE JOKE? The 43rd one on my 2nd DVD. WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU ENJOY? I do love listening to a bit of Irish folk music or country and western. IF WE CAME TO YOUR HOUSE FOR DINNER, WHAT WOULD YOU MAKE US? I’d make you leave. I mean, we’ve never met, I tour 6 nights a week and hardly see my actual friends! WHICH TWO CELEBRITIES WOULD YOU PICK TO BE YOUR PARENTS? Peter Falk (when alive) and Mary Berry.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? My children. WHERE WOULD YOU HIDE THE DEAD BODY? You mean “where have I?” WHERE IS HOME? It’s wherever you lay your hat. So don’t lay your hat somewhere crap as you’ll be stuck there. YOU HAVE TO LIVE ABROAD FOR A YEAR. WHERE DO YOU CHOOSE AND WHY? It depends. If I’m on the run then a forest in South America but if just for chilling out, Australia. Hot, great people and decent comedy scene. YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP ONE, WITH NO MEDICAL RAMIFICATIONS! FOOD OR SEX? Sex. Cannot live without good yet have lived without sex for sometime now. DESCRIBE THE PERFECT DAY.. Lie in, couple of hours with the kids until they start being dicks, watch telly, maybe meal with friends and ﬁnish at the casino with my brother till 4am.

Jason’s tour, First World Problems, runs across the UK until 30th April 2014. CELEBRITY

The

Hoosiers W IT H NE W A LBUM ‘TH E NEW S FROM N OWH E R E ’ ON T H E H OR I ZO N, T HE H OOSI ERS ARE BACK WIT H T H E IR IN F E C T IOU S P OP R O CK S O U NDS AND SOARI NG VOCAL M E LODIE S. DR AF T E D M EE T L E A D S INGER AND GUI TARI ST I RWI N SP AR KE S T O GE T T H E L O W D O WN... Words : MATT RUSSELL

ollowing the previous success of top ten albums ‘The Trick To Life’ and ‘The Illusion Of Safety’, The Hoosiers return to bring their pop-infested sound back to the masses with new release ‘The News From Nowhere’. Having separated from their former label, the pop rockers are striking out on their own and it seems taking time off to regroup and concentrate on the basics has been an entirely positive experience. “It feels like we’re waking up after a very long sleep,” begins frontman Irwin Sparkes. “There have been a few cobwebs to blow off but over the course of time we’ve realised we really enjoy each others’ company and we actually enjoy making music, so we thought we’d make an album that we really enjoy and are excited by.” While record labels wield the power to influence a band’s progression, they can sometimes create a stifling effect when it comes to creativity – especially when both parties feel determined to head in different directions - and many bands go on to thrive within the liberating aspects of cutting those ties. “The rules have changed for The Hoosiers,” Sparkes continues, “which has been quite freeing. In a way we’ve rediscovered that initial joy of why we wanted to make music in the first place. Like a very wise man once said: ‘Everything has been said’. You have to find your own unique voice, and everyone’s got one. So we work with that, and try to come

up with songs that sound like no one else could have done it. And that’s a real pleasure because it feels like you’ve come up with something a little bit more unique.” With the addition of Sam Swallow on keyboards, the new line-up have just finished up several O2 Academy shows across the UK. It’s been almost seven years now since The Hoosiers hit British airwaves with their first

more experience when they get older. For me it’s the joy of discovery and finding something that really moves you that makes you feel like you are really a part of the song.” Irwin and his fellow bandmates have incentivised the pre-ordering of their new material by giving fans a chance of receiving a credit on the album, being included in the artwork or even having the band deliver the record to you personally. This hands on approach to all elements of the record has evidently kept the boys busy, and they are enjoying the newfound freedom on both a personal and musical level. “The production of the album has been vastly different,” Irwin tells us. “It’s very much been a project that we’re doing ourselves. It’s an album that we produced ourselves. We’ve never been so involved in the whole process – in terms of marketing and things like that. We’ve been able to make more of an adult pop record and be a bit more indulgent. It definitely feels like a breath of fresh air for us. We’re still a pop band, and we’re still driven by melodies and hooks, the music has just grown.” The Hoosiers new single ‘Somewhere In The Distance’ is out now. www.hoosiers.com

WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE MORE OF

AN ADULT POP RECORD AND BE A BIT MORE INDULGENT. IT DEFINITELY FEELS LIKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR US. – IRWIN SPARKES single ‘Worried About Ray’, and with three years passing since their last release the band, completed by bassist Martin Skarendahl and drummer Alan Sharland, are clearly eager to get back on the road. Ultimately, though, it’s the songs on which musicians will be judged, so how do their newer batch of tunes compare to previous endeavours? “The process of songwriting never changes,” Irwin explains. “You take what you’ve learnt about what makes a good song and add to that but effectively it never changes. With a lot of artists, their best work is from when they were really young, even though they have MUSIC

Kate Temple

G ET S A NG RY EACH M ONTH WE FIND OUT WHA T ’S M A K I N G K A T E T E M P LE A N G R Y . Words : KATE TEMPLE, Photography : JAY MCLAUGHLIN

arllier this year the word ‘selfie’ was added to the Oxford English Dictionary. This is a photograph that one has taken of oneself, “typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media”, the dictionary now describes. Are we now a nation of narcissistic ‘selfie’ photographers just waiting to capture the perfect shot of ourselves? And do we do the dirty deed so often we have to educate the future generations by not only creating a new slang word to throw about, but adding it to our dictionary – thus cementing it in our history? As far as I’m aware the act of taking a ‘selfie’ (Yes, I’m going to put it in apostrophes throughout this, as I refuse to acknowledge it as a real word) has grown fourfold since Mr iPhone added a forward-facing camera to his products. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a self-obsessed teenage habit, oh no. We’re

harboring a whole segment of society who take pictures of themselves constantly – our celebrities. From top models like Bar Refaeli to teenage chart-toppers like Miley Cyrus – they’re all at it. And talking of celebrities, they too are responsible for the ‘naked selfie’. It is what the sex tape was to the early 2000s. Lindsay Lohan’s posted topless pictures of herself to Twitter, with just her hair covering her breasts. Demi Moore’s a fan of the sexy ‘selfie’ – which I can imagine is much to the bemusement of her children. And finally, Victoria’s Secret model Candice Swanepoel sends many a woman into the depths of envy with her self-taken derriere pictures. With the rise in social media and the current trend for ‘selfies’, it would be a fair assumption that our addiction to ourselves is at an all-time high. Imagine a world without all the likes and comments on your Facebook profile picture providing you with a sense of self-

worth and meaning – crazy, right? I struggle to understand the point of taking a photo of one’s self? Surely, and please, correct me if I’m wrong, the point of a photograph is to remember a time, a place or a moment that is special to you. Not a picture of yourself doing a catsbum pout, on the 143 to London Bridge? Maybe we’ve forgotten how special a photograph really is? I remember taking my first photograph and my darling father telling me: “Imagine it’s 50p per photo – it’s got to be really worth it.” If only we all thought like that now – the internet wouldn’t be swimming with self-indulgent photographs that, really, no-one cares about. The summer trend for ‘bodysurfing’, where one takes a photo of their body, from a birds eye view, has finally petered out (apart from those jammy sods who’ve escaped the beginning of British winter for a hotter clime). But what will that be replaced with, I dispair? A winter version where all you see is scarf, coat and winter boots on a snow lined pavement? Are we really that bothered about what everyone else is up to, all of the time, that we thrive on looking at these ‘selfies’? Call me old fashioned, but I think I’d rather stick to taking pictures of golden sunsets and what I’m having for dinner.

FEATURE

SECTIOn | 1

MUSIC

RIZZLE KICKS CELEBRITY

THE Y MA Y HAVE A PLATI NUM ALBUM U N DE R T H E IR B E LT S, B UT JO RD A N S T E PH ENS AND H ARLEY AL E X AN DE R -SU LE – B E ST K N OWN A S R IZZLE KICKS – ARE ONLY JU ST B E G IN N IN G , WIT H N EW A L B U M ‘ RO ARI NG 20S’ PI CKI NG UP E X ACT LY WH E R E T H E Y LE F T O FF. D RA FTED’S K YLE GOODWI N CAT CH E S U P WIT H T H E TW O - PIE CE FO R AN AFTERNOON OF TE A DR IN KIN G, SWAN KY SU IT S, A ND FRIE D CH I CK EN... Words : KYLE GOODWIN

Photography : ALEXEI IZMAYLOV

Styling : KRISHAN PARMAR

“S

Grooming : MIRA PARMAR

tress rarely leaves, it just shifts.” Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan Stephens is sitting in the backroom of a photography studio in East London, flicking through songs on Spotify, skipping tracks midway through as he stumbles across the next tune that excites him. He’s talking about the pressures of following up 2011’s platinum selling debut ‘Stereo Typical’, a task which Stephens – along with bandmate Harvey Alexander-Sule, who is still in the next room – recently accomplished with the highly-anticipated release of ‘Roaring 20s’ in September this year. “We knew what the label wanted from us,” he continues, “but we wanted to create a coherent body of work, something we would be proud of regardless of chart positions and things like that.” The duo, who rose to fame with debut single ‘Down With The Trumpets’ in 2011, have just about shaken their hangovers from the previous night’s antics, and are preparing to hit the town once again, in fancy dress this time, for 2013’s Halloween shenanigans. “My brain is still an absolute minefield,” Stephens sighs as the subject of last night comes up. He pauses. Even with a clearly unpleasant hangover Stephens is still one of the sharpest men in pop; angling his way expertly through conversation – something the 21-year-old excels in. It’s this personable nature that has contributed, in part, to the reputation Rizzle Kicks have for being a very fun band. And without this influence, the Rizzle Kicks story may well have been very different. “After college I wanted to go to drama school,” begins Alexander-Sule, finally being allowed to join us, “because I wanted to be an actor. I saw music as a hobby at the time. But Jordan was like, ‘Look, we’ll give it a year and if nothing happens just go to drama school’. So I said okay and in two months we had a record deal. I believed in him – not only musically, but socially as well.” Between them, the two Brightonians make a fine double act, with Alexander-Sule providing the attention-grabbing hooks and 44

CELEBRITY

JORDAN WAS

LIKE, ‘LOOK, WE’LL GIVE IT A YEAR

AND IF NOTHING

HAPPENS JUST GO TO

DRAMA SCHOOL’.

SO I SAID OKAY AND

IN TWO MONTHS

WE HAD A

RECORD DEAL. – HARVEY ALEXANDER-SULE

melodies which sugar-coat Stephens’ tonguein-cheek rapping to great effect. “Jordan will admit this himself,” continues Alexander-Sule, “that none of our friends really took his music seriously until there was singing on it.” With 56million views on YouTube and Vevo, 1.3million Twitter followers and 1.1million Facebook likes, we can comfortably say Rizzle Kicks are being taken seriously far outside their friendship group these days. Since the release of ‘Stereo Typical’ the duo have been a regular in the Top Ten, receiving praise from some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Stephen Fry, who tweeted his appreciation for the boys’ “old school hip hop sounds”. “It’s pretty crazy,” Stephens muses. “We just had to take it all in our stride.” But even with compliments flooding in from all directions, the rapper, now based in West London, still feels there’s room to better their act. “I’ve definitely got better at writing since our first album,” he tells us, “and I’m still getting better every day. I started trying to write a book two years ago about my time at college, and I came back to it six months ago to completely rewrite it because my style of

writing has really improved. And musically, as well, I feel a lot more comfortable now.” ‘Roaring 20s’ is a natural progression from ‘Stereo Typical’, further showcasing the songwriting prowess and instantaneous charm which has made them a household name in British pop music. Without veering too far from their preliminary path, Stephens and Alexander-Sule have added a depth of maturity to their sound, while still eﬀortlessly

I FIND IT QUITE DIFFICULT TO WRITE A SONG TRYING TO GET IN THE TOP TEN. THE MOST

IMPORTANT THING IS THAT

WE MAKE MUSIC I WOULD BUY IF I WASN ’T MAKING MY OWN

MUSIC, AND I ’D ENJOY – JORDAN STEPHENS

encapsulating youth culture in the 21st Century. First single ‘Lost Generation’ purveys a bleak but humorous portrayal of modern society and the rise of reality TV – perhaps uncommon subject matter for a Top Ten Single – according to Stephens, though; penning tunes with chart positions in mind isn’t exactly the Rizzle Kicks way. “I find it quite difficult to write a song trying to get in the Top Ten,” he says. “The most important thing is that we make music I would buy if I wasn’t making my own music, and I’d enjoy. What I want is for our albums to be out, and in like 20-years-time, one 19-year-old boy to go on Spotify version 78, or whatever it is then, and see us in ‘related artists’ to someone current and check us out. We do that all the time.” “We wanted to naturally grow to somewhere different,” Alexander-Sule adds. “The first album felt very rushed, it was all a bit of a haze, and I think ‘Roaring 20s’ is a lot more considered. We had to really think about what we were doing because it wasn’t just a hobby anymore.” The release of ‘Roaring 20s’ has ushered a new era into the lives of Rizzle Kicks. Along with a more refined sound musically, they’ve grown in other areas of their lives, too. “We’ve settled down a lot in terms of ourselves,” explains Alexander-Sule. “We had to grow up very quickly, because we were thrown into that world of having to be adults. When our first album was released our friends were just starting Uni. We were so young, and we’re still so young, but now I feel like I’ve got a more mature head on my shoulders. I want to be immature sometimes but I can’t bring myself to do it.” Rizzle Kicks may be moving on from their teenage days, but their vocation in pop is still young. The fun is only beginning, and there is plenty more to come as they continue the rambunctious journey into their roaring twenties. Rizzle Kicks Christmas single ‘Happy That You’re Here’ is released December 15th on iTunes. www.rizzlekicks.com CELEBRITY

red revival revi Photography Jay McLaughlin @ Kayte Ellis Agency • Make-up & Hair Amy Brandon • Model Jordan @ D1 Models • Retouching Hazel Nelson hazelnelsonretouching.com

BEAUTY

Face

Stay Matte Moisturiser by Clinique Satin Primer by Illamasqua Studio Sculpt Foundation by MAC Airbrush Concealer Light by Clinique Loose Translucent Powder by Illamasqua

Eyes

Brow Fix by Mud Cosmetics Natural Volume Lashes by Eylure Naturalites False Lashes Mascara by MAC Cranberry Eyeshadow by MAC Bronze Eyeshadow by MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow by MAC Pigment Silver by MAC Brow Fix by MUD

Lips

Prep + Prime by MAC Brick Lip Pencil by MAC Relentlessly Red Lipstic by MAC BEAUTY

Face

Stay Matte Moisturiser by Clinique Satin Primer by Illamasqua Studio Sculpt Foundation by MAC Airbrush Concealer Light by Clinique Loose Translucent Powder by Illamasqua MAC Mocha Blusher

Eyes

Brow Fix by Mud Cosmetics Natural Volume Lashes by Eylure Naturalites False Lashes Mascara by MAC Blacktrack Fluidline by MAC Fascinating Eye Kohl by MAC Paintpot Painterly by MAC Vapour Eyeshadow by MAC

Lips

Prep + Prime by MAC Beet Lip Pencil by MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick by MAC Clear Gloss by MAC

BEAUTY

Face

Stay Matte Moisturiser by Clinique Satin Primer by Illamasqua Studio Sculpt Foundation by MAC Airbrush Concealer Light by Clinique Loose Translucent Powder by Illamasqua MAC Mocha Blusher

Eyes

Lips

Prep + Prime by MAC Beet Lip Pencil by MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick by MAC BEAUTY

Face

Stay Matte Moisturiser by Clinique Satin Primer by Illamasqua Studio Sculpt Foundation by MAC Airbrush Concealer Light by Clinique Loose Translucent Powder by Illamasqua

Eyes

Brow Fix by Mud Cosmetics Natural Volume Lashes by Eylure Naturalites False Lashes Mascara by MAC Blacktrack Fluidline by MAC Paintpot Painterly by MAC Cranberry Eyeshadow by MAC Concrete Eyeshadow by MAC Carbon Eyeshadow by MAC

Lips

Prep + Prime by MAC Beet Lip Pencil by MAC Russian Red Lipstick by MAC Pigment Silver dabbed in centre by MAC

BEAUTY

Face

Stay Matte Moisturiser by Clinique Satin Primer by Illamasqua Studio Sculpt Foundation by MAC Airbrush Concealer Light by Clinique Loose Translucent Powder by Illamasqua

Eyes

Brow Fix by Mud Cosmetics Natural Volume Lashes by Eylure Naturalites Blacktrack Fluidline by MAC False Lashes Mascara by MAC Cranberry Eyeshadow by MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow by MAC Pigment Silver by MAC

Lips

Prep + Prime by MAC Brick Lip Pencil by MAC Plush Glass Lip Gloss by MAC BEAUTY

BLACKBERRY, BOBBI BROWN £19

PLUMALICIOUS, BEAUT Y UK £3.49

This creamy, semi-matte lipstick gives lips instant polish with rich, full coverage. • www.bobbibrown.co.uk

Cheap, cheerful and the perfect lipstick to chuck in your handbag for those impromptu after work drinks. • www.beautycosmetics.com

Luscious Lips Luscious berry lips are the next big thing. So wrap up in your scarf, exfoliate those lips and slick on one of these gorgeous colours.

MAGIC, THE MAKE UP STORE £12.50

SHEER BERRY SLIM LIPSTICK, THE MAKE UP STORE £12.50

Have you ever seen a nicer shade of lipstick? It really is Magic. • www.makeupstore.co.uk

With shea butter and avocado oil to nurture your lips, there was never a better time to run out and buy this lippy. • www.makeupstore.co.uk

MUST H A VES Words : KATE TEMPLE

CONFETTI, BARRY M £3.99 New Confetti Nail Eﬀects is the perfect party for your nails – and don’t worry, it’s easier to get oﬀ than the dreaded glitter nails of 2012! • www.barrym.com

WINTER’S HERE — but don’t despair! We’ve got every trick in the book to keep your hair and skin looking radiant and fabulous. From the perfect winter shade of lipstick to the best moisturisers in town, Drafted’s beauty team has done the research for you! So don’t get the winter blues, be the ice queen instead.

MATTE EFFECT, BARRY M £3.99 If glitter and tattoos aren’t your thing, these new matte nail polishes are the perfect accompaniment to everyday life. • www.barrym.com

Colourful Nails Bad nails can ruin a whole outﬁt, no matter what you’re wearing. Don’t let your festive season be ruined by terrible talons.

NAIL ART, URBAN OUTFITTERS £5.99 Don’t fancy a real tattoo but want to keep up with the trend? Do the clever thing and try out these snazzy nail tats. • www.urbanoutﬁtters.co.uk

BEAUTY

DAILY DEFENCE MOISTURISER, ENGLISH ROSE COSMETICS. £14 A gel like moisturizer, which plumps out ﬁne lines and wrinkles whilst intensely moisturising. • www.english-rose-cosmetics.com

COCONUT FOOT CREAM, BURT’S BEES £9.45

Moisturizers

Revives and rejuvenates your dry, oh-so neglected feet while Rosemary and Peppermint Extracts refresh your weary soles. You’ll go nuts for it. • www.feelunique.com

A good moisturizer is like the perfect partner: dutiful, brilliant late at night and gives you that youthful glow.

HIGH DIFFUSION HYDRATING CREAM, COLLIN RESULTIME £47

RADIANCE DAY CREAM, URBAN VEDA £14.99

A cream enriched with three molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid and Shea Butter to nourish and hydrate. • www.collinresultime.co.uk

Moisturising and collagenboosting extracts help to feed skin, keeping it soft, supple, hydrated and plump. (Just what you need in the winter!) • www.urbanveda.co.uk

KERATIN HAIR MASK, JENORIS £26.50 Hair masque created to improve resistance to breakages and chemical damage – and it leaves your hair silky smooth too! • www.jenoris.co.uk

NEROLI LUCÉ REVITALISING FACE OIL, BODHI £32

ANTIOXIDENT PROTECTION SPF 15 MOISTURIZER, AUBREY £18.45

Revitalise and rebalance with skin-toning Tunisian Neroli, rejuvenating Frankincense and restorative Sea Buckthorn oil. • www.bodhi.uk.com

Firming moisturiser which rehydrates sensitive skin with nature’s most soothing ingredients. • www.aubreyorganicsuk.co.uk

Illuminating Powders

Stars aren’t the only things that should shine – check out these illuminating powders to brighten up your day

TRANSLUCENT LOOSE POWDER, MARY KAY £18

SWIRL PRESSED POWDER, PAUL & JOE £23 Paul & Joe’s limited edition Carousel collection includes this pressed powder highlighter (and check out the box!). • www.thisisbeautymart.com

All-new formula contains light-scattering properties designed to help soften the appearance of imperfections for a skin-perfecting ﬁnish. • www.marykay.co.uk

ILLUMINATOR - POLKA DOTS AND MOONBEAMS, ILIA £30

PRIME & CREATE MIXING MEDIUM, BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENTS £20

Working to subtly highlight your best features, this stick gives you a youthful glow in no-time. • www.net-a-porter.com

Use this clear gel as a primer to give a matte, shine-free base and ﬂawless make-up application. • beautifulmovementscosmetics.com

BEAUTY

MAle GrOOming RUSHING FROM THE COLD OUTSIDE, TO THE DAMP HEAT IN YOUR PACKED TUBE, TO THE DRY CONDITIONS OF YOUR AIR-CONDITIONED OFFICE CAN PLAY HAVOC WITH YOUR SKIN HAIR. HAIR AND BODY REVITALISING GEL, SOTHYS £18 A 2-in-1 shower product to cleanse and soften your skin and hair. • www.sothys.com.sg

Don’t let your good looks slip — take control of your life with these simple products.

AGE DEFYING HYDRATING FLUID, SOTHYS £40 Basically, the miracle skin treatment you’ve been waiting for. Smells great, works perfectly and makes you look better than your average. • www.sothys.com.sg

Words : KATE TEMPLE

MATTE GRIP, JOICO £11.95 Delivering the ultimate in pliable, natural-looking texture and deﬁnition, this texture crème is humidity resistant, and leaves hair with a clean, matte ﬁnish. • www.joico.com

BEAUTY

STRUCTURE, CONFORM £11.95

FLEX CONTROL, JOICO £11.95

Perfect for adding texture and deﬁnition to medium and short hair styles, this sculpting clay provides hair with a natural matte ﬁnish with a clean-looking, medium support. • www.structurehair.co.uk

Ideal for creating a pliable and matte deﬁnition, Flex Control glides eﬀortlessly through damp and dry hair to transform any style, whilst protecting tresses from UV rays. • www.joico.com

Tried& tested LUKEJACOB — SALON

Words : XXXX XXX

IF THERE’S ONE THING I LOVE IT’S PEOPLE WITH PASSION. AND IF THERE’S ONE THING LUKEJACOB’S TEAM HAVE OODLES OF, IT’S PASSION. ONE THING I LOVE IT’S PEOPLE WITH PASSION. AND IF THERE’S ONE THING LUKEJACOB’S TEAM HAVE OODLES OF, IT’S PASSION. me with a welcome comfy chair and the best cup of tea I’d had in months – not to mention homemade shortbread. Luke introduced me to Ross, who was colouring my hair, and they both talked me through how I usually do my hair, what my weekly routine was like and what I wanted from my hair (on a daily basis). After the consultation, I was primped and preened like a true A-list. Nothing was too

If there’s one thing I love it’s people with passion. And if there’s one thing LukeJacob’s team have oodles of, it’s passion. Set in the heart of east London, Luke and his gorgeous team are probably the most welcoming, friendly and talented individuals in the city. And more importantly, they turned my lackluster locks from drab to fab with a side of homemade shortbread. Luke describes his salon as a “unisex hair salon in Spitalfield dedicated to consistently providing high customer delight with excellent service, quality products and great hair”. And delight they did. The salon is welcoming, stylish and quirky; it’s like being in your own, if maybe better slightly better decorated, living room. The atmosphere is so friendly you almost forget you’re not with long-term friends, and leave hoping to make long-term friends with

the inclusive team. There are four key members of staff: Luke Coster, salon owner and innovator who also has the best choice in shirts I’ve seen since Paul Smith’s Nottingham store first opened in 1970. There’s Deane McDonald; a specialist in Yuko Japanese straightening, hair extensions and making customers feel a million dollars. Ross Fletcher is another key member of the team – he began hairdressing at the tender age of 13 and, now 24 years old, works miracles with both scissors and colour (more on that later). And finally, the newest member of the team is Danielle Killick: a self-confessed perfectionist and uber-talented stylist-tothe-stars. When I arrived at LukeJacob rather early one Saturday morning, the remnants of the night before were clogging up my pores and I looked less than glamorous. Luke greeted

much for the team, and within thirty seconds of meeting Ross we were talking like old friends. As I had my hair wrapped in perfect foil parcels, there were copious cups of tea to be drunk and the tunes were pumping. I completely forgot I had come in with a (slight) hangover as Craig David serenaded me so beautifully. When I could tear myself away from the piles of magazines and banging tunes Ross washed off my colour, tailoring the temperature of the water to my delicate head and giving probably the best massage ever. Next up it was Luke’s turn to have a go at making me fabulous, darling. Swift with the scissors, we discussed styles I liked and my daily routine. Upon discovering I’m a hair straightener addict with a fringe I’m desperate to grown out, Luke fitted my new cut with my lifestyle – finishing it all over with a lesson in blow-drying my own hair. With bouncing, beautiful hair (a stark contrast to what I arrived with) I left LukeJacob with a sense of self-worth and a new love for my hair. I swore to myself I would no longer hurt my hair with constant heat abuse, and, six weeks on, my hair is still in a fabulous condition. In fact, I’m probably ready for my next appointment with Luke and the crew…

BEAUTY

this Blippe to pag ck out m he fro

c ideo a v h bandIPPAR eac5 FOR BNL S...

IO E PAG UCT SEE INSTR

new bands GET YOUR E AR S AR OU N D T H IS LOT ! Words : LIAM MCCREESH

SZA It must be a lonely business being this far ahead of the game, but none-the-less, it’s a problem now facing New Jersey R&B innovator Solane Rowe (SZA). Like pop music re-imagined in some vaguely dystopian near-future, SZA makes psychedelic dreamscapes that take mainstream sensibilities to the absolute outer-limits of weirdness. You might expect this from someone whose listening habits tick every box from Lauren Hill and Bjork to Ella Fitzgerald and Animal Collective. Now signed to Top Dawg Entertainment, she’s become the first singer to join a label that currently boasts the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock. Illustrious company indeed, but it’s also a sign that SZA’s star is on the rise, and an indication that her profile is about to outgrow the blogs that have got her this far. Taking trap-music’s lethargic, sub-bass rumble and filling the spaces with cascading synths and trippy atmospherics, the production calls to mind the likes of Clams Casino and Main Attrakions. SZA’s vocals are then treated in such a way that they sound distant and ethereal, as though beckoning you out of a dream. There are three EPs currently doing the rounds, the most recent of which is simply called ‘Z’. She’s also self-coined her own genre, the aptly titled glitter-trap.

MUSIC

DOUGLAS DARE

KIRAN LEONARD

The name Douglas Dare is probably more comic book super-hero than introspective singer / songwriter, but true to his name there’s an enormous deal of courage at the heart of the 22-year-old’s music. With nothing more for company than the faint background clatter of electronic percussion, his songs, crafted from his own poems and short prose, really have nowhere to hide. Originally from the South-Westerly market town of Bridport, Douglas, the son of a piano teacher, became acquainted with his chosen instrument at a young age. But it’s his voice that stops you in your tracks: a wearily soulful tone that belies his slight frame and unassuming presence.

For an artist so young to be operating so freely from the influence of their peers is both an unusual and curious thing. But every once in a while someone like Kiran Leonard shows up: someone so consumed by their own implacable creative vision they seem to exist in their own artistic microclimate, completely oblivious to the rest of the playing field. Hearing Kiran Leonard veer wildly from psychedelic wig-out one minute, to macabre, baroque pop the next, makes one thing very clear: Leonard, (who has only just finished his A-levels, by the way), isn’t content to be following in anybody’s footsteps.

KWES

RAINER

Free-range avant-pop pioneer Kwesi Sey may have been operating from behind-the-scenes up until this point, but he’s cast his distinctive shadow over electronic music over the past few years. Whether it’s remixing for the xx, touring with Bobby Womack’s band or being sampled by Kanye West, his considerable talent as a producer has been coveted by many a household name. Kwes describes his music as “free-pop…music that can go anywhere”. And go anywhere it does. Verses stray into strange, unfamiliar territories before returning wide-eyed. Crucially though, at the heart of these sonic-adventures is a genuine fondness for the sheer joy of the art.

Vocalist Rebekah Raa and producer Casually Here make sophisticated, sultry R&B that incorporates garage and post-dub-step in a similar vein to Disclosure and Aluna George. Rainer’s tracks feel lived in, not only by warm synth washes and playful strings, but also Raa’s pristine vocals recorded high in the mix. Their appeal lies in the trade-off between the duo’s respective listening habits: Nell’s fondness for hip-hop and experimental electronic music is tempered by Raa’s penchant for melancholic Scandinavian pop – and vice versa. Add to that Raa’s ability to pull out killer vocal hooks, seemingly at will, and you’ve got a pretty happy marriage as far as we’re concerned.

gigs

OUR PI CK OF DE C E M B E R ’ S T OP SH OWS... Words : JONO WHITE

GNARWOLVES

OLD BLUE LAST • 12TH DEC

OWEN

OLD BLUE LAST • 8TH DEC Mike Kinsella, performing under pseudonym Owen, is a genius, no other adjectives needed. With his extensive back catalogue of cult bands American Football, Cap n’ Jazz and Joan of Arc preceding him, Kinsella’s solo eﬀort introduces a graceful maturity to the largely adolescent genre of emo. Now nearing 40, Owen is as powerful as ever, merging convoluted acoustic melodies with the most heartrending sentiments. Whilst it’s gotten to the point where you can completely rely on Kinsella to deliver more of the same perfect musical poignance, his seventh album under the Owen moniker allows for a more reﬂective feel that will only translate more powerfully on stage.

HAIM

Gnarwolves are one of the most legit bands in operation today. Their ascension from home town heroes to one of the nation’s best underground bands has been a hard fought road of blood, sweat and beers. The slacker punk threesome have played over two hundred shows this past year, which is testament to hard work’s triumph over PR hype, a stance scarcely held in today’s industry. The longevity of this band is in no question; their hallmark pop punk has already demanded the attention from Reading and Leeds organisers, as it should do of yours. If you head to The OBL on the 12th, Gnarwolves are going to give you a good time, I guarantee.

THE FORUM • 9TH DEC There aren’t enough girl bands, and I mean girl bands, not a group of ﬁve auto-tuned bimbos put together by a certain Mr S. Cowell. Don’t despair, Haim have come to save a day that’s been all but desolated by the latter; the LA trio have become a linchpin for female rock n’ roll. Their indie folk tendencies laced with R‘n’B vocals have continued to defy genres and subcultures world wide, appeasing mainstream and underground alike. Live, this contradictory mix translates all too well and lends itself to a grunge driven animal that’s punishing on the ear and easy on the eye. Take a look at their set from this years T in the Park if you don’t believe me or, better yet, be at The Forum on the 9th.

GOAT

KOKO • 2ND DEC Hailing from a Swedish voodoo-village with a population similar to that of a large primary school, Goat are an enigmatic treat. Although they may not be the G.O.A.T., their debut release World Music gained a profusion of praise in 2012, as they quickly established themselves as one not to be missed. Tribal psych-freakery amalgamates with a more familiar brand of fuzz, all adding to the mystical exotica they try so hard to project. The masked assembly apparently gain inspiration from their hometown’s long history of witchcraft which seems apt as the December days grow ever darker. Don’t be dissuaded though, their music is unique in every sense of the term and should’t be missed. P.S. The witchcraft thing is probably bullshit anyway.

LOS CAMPESINOS!

HEAVEN • 9TH DEC

Those who endlessly rome the toilet basin that is the blogosphere may have heard the term ‘maturation’ when it comes to talking about Los Campesinos! and their latest record No Blues. Let’s be honest, maturation isn’t something that is exciting for a live show. But this seems like a thoroughly colourless way to describe a record that’s vastly more confident, measured and, more importantly, far better than their previous two LPs. The lack of shout-along moments may seem a little unfortunate at first, but in it’s place you find much more engaging content that sticks with you for longer than a choral blast. Don’t despair, there’s still more than enough xylophone bonks to enable you to get down. MUSIC

dine out

DRAFTED’S FAVOU R IT E LON DON R E ST AU R AN T S... Words by : KYLE GOODWIN & MATT RUSSELL

S ERV I N G A S EL E CT I O N of top quality British cuisine and hearty pub classics, Grace - located less than a minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Circus tube - is the perfect West End stop oﬀ (especially if you need to refuel in the midst of your last-minute Christmas shopping – when a cheeky drink from their extensive cocktail menu might be in order, too). This stylish mezzanine terrace restaurant perfectly balances tradition with modern elegance, and oﬀers Mediterranean style salads and risottos including Feta and Pea within its menu, if you aren’t in the mood for all things British. And with the futuristic, James Bond-esque Milk Bar just downstairs, with its all-white interior (we like what they did there), the evening has every chance of getting very carried away.

I F, L I K E U S, the idea of a mozzarella bar intrigues you beyond words, Obika on Charlotte Street is without doubt the finest place in London to see what the fuss is about. With fresh mozzarella ordered twice a week from Italy (where they take mozzarella very seriously), the level of authenticity you’ll find here simply can’t be rivalled, unless, of course, you’re enthusiastic enough to actually hop a flight over to Naples itself, the hometown of creator Silvio Ursini. Being described by The New York Times as “Rome’s and probably history’s first Mozzarella Bar”, Obika - which in the dialect of Naples describes something that is happening ‘right before your eyes’ – is the epitome of freshness, quality and tradition. And with the most knowledgeable staff we’ve ever met, don’t be afraid to ask a few questions.

H I D D EN AWA Y I N S I D E the chic Crowne Plaza Hotel and merely a hop, skip and a jump across from Blackfriars tube station, lies an Italian delight. Specialising in classic and bold authentic ﬂavours, Diciannove boasts a luscious array of Italian tapas for the indecisive amongst you, and an equally mouth-watering selection of mains. After much meat-related deliberation, the Filetto di Manzo was our choice and cooked to perfection (though for those with an appetite I’d recommend a side or two to share). Understated and elegant, ultimately, for whatever reason you decide to venture here - perhaps a subdued business lunch or nestled away romantically in one of their discreet booths - there’s just one rule at Diciannove: take the staﬀ’s advice - get the cherries and pistachios for dessert.

42-44 Great Windmill St, W1D 7NB Piccadilly Circus • 020 7851 0800 www.grace-bar.co.uk

11-13 Charlotte Street, W1T 1RQ Goodge Street • 020 7637 7153 www.obika.com

19 New Bridge Street, EC4V 6DB Blackfriars • 020 7438 8052 www.cplondoncityhotel.co.uk

GRACE

LIFESTYLE

OBIKA

DICIANNOVE

bars

OH , I T’S A DRI NK YOU ’ R E AF T E R ? T R Y T H E SE OU T ! Words by : RIVKIE BAUM & KYLE GOODWIN

EIGHT MEMBERS CLUB

W H EN RED E M P T I O N, BA S ED in Ladbroke Grove, invited us down for a few drinks we were strangely excited to hear there would be no alcohol involved (which is lucky for us, being a school night and all). The brainchild of Catherine Salway, Redemption serves up an array of healthy alcohol-free cocktails (inspired by and replicating their alcoholic cousins), as well as some delicious vegetarian food - including a healthy, cheesefree cheesecake (it’s honestly not as suspicious as it sounds). Admittedly, Redemption doesn’t really have the traditional vibe of a bar. But with reclaimed furniture and a creative use of the space, it’s a great place for a chilled night. And anyway, your liver could do with the occasional rest.

W I T H T H EI R L AT EST ongoing event Blind Bee, Bank’s Eight Members Club has been stepping back in time and welcoming an assortment of live cabaret, Balearic, and jazz performances on every weeknight (making it even more tempting to have a few midweek drinks). One of London’s best kept secrets, Eight Members Club is decadently tucked away in an underground hideout, and maintains an exclusive edge that only those in-the-know can say they’ve experienced. The cocktail menu - with 8 brand new concoctions created speciﬁcally for Blind Bee – is one of the most innovative and creative we’ve ever seen, including our favourite, The Queen Of Hearts; a rum-based invention charged with mixed berries and champagne, we were still talking about this one two days later.

I F PRO F ES S O R G REEN and Millie Mackintosh gave birth to a club, it would undoubtedly be INK London. A bit of an East London vibe in a West London location, INK London is the hot nightspot for West End clubbers. While the vibe is relaxed, the style is much more Kingsland Road than Kings Road – only with the bright lights and colourful cocktails of the West End replacing the sticky cider floors of the East. But don’t forget you’re in a West London club and drinks prices and table costs definitely reflect this. As Professor Green’s first co-owned London club venture, the man himself is a regular and has created the perfect night spot to drink, dance and dine - what more could you want?

13-15 Golborne Road, W10 5NY Ladbroke Grove • 07500 745 684 www.redemptionbar.com

1 Change Alley, EC3V 3ND Bank • 020 7621 0808 www.eightclub.com

One Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA Leicester Square • 0207 287 0151 www.inkldn.com

REDEMP TION

INK LONDON

LIFESTYLE

as they can all be found outside M&M World. Most tours offer the past for 24 hours, which means you can split your sight seeing trip over a couple of days. It’s also a great way to explore different parts of Manhattan as you can hop on and off. Choose between Lower and Upper tours. If it isn’t quite freezing yet, wrap up warm and sit on the open top, as this will give you the best views and photo opportunities.

bite sized Words : RIVKIE BAUM

Taxis

Having been on a flight for several hours you’re going to want to catch your first of many yellow cab rides. Luckily there is a fixed fee from the airport to Manhattan. But don’t forget tax, tips and tolls 60

LIFESTYLE

Hit up Central Park in the daytime of a weekend and soak up the atmosphere. This is a little bit of man-made heaven in the middle of absolute mayhem. Calming, tranquil, romantic and beautiful, the park is also home to numerous street performers and snack

BIG APPLE

N E W YO RK MA Y BE TH E H OME OF EVER Y T H IN G SU P E R SIZ E D – B U T H E RE IS O U R BROKEN DOWN GUI DE T O A F U N AN D SP E E DY T I M E IN NY C. he Big Apple is just a mere seven hour flight from the UK, and while the jet lag when you get back can send you to sleep for a week, the outward journey means that you travel back in time and gain a day back. This makes it the ideal place for a short break, especially in December – where New York City is literally the most Christmassy place you could go, other than Santa’s hometown. If it’s your first time heading to the city that never sleeps, though, it may seem a daunting task to fit it all in to a three or four day trip. This is actually plenty of time, and will of course leave you wanting more. After all, everyone needs an excuse to head back to New York once in a while. Here is our whistle stop guide to a short break in NY.

Central Park

are added on after (this confusion will never leave us), so make sure you have at least $65—$70 each way for your cab ride from and to the airport.

Getting Around Town

It’s pretty cold this time of year, as I’m sure you can imagine, so make sure you have a warm coat and some thick boots for trekking around. The subway is open 24 hours and is an adventure in itself. But if you’re keeping your trip fairly centralised you’re best oﬀ walking. The grid system makes it really easy to navigate, and it is by far the only way to really get to know the main centre of New York. There are, of course, plenty of yellow cabs about and while there are tons of cars on the roads, traﬃc is nowhere near as gridlocked as it is in Central London. Just remember to add a tip to each ride.

Sight Seeing Tour

A total cliché, sure, but great fun none-the-less. There are several companies that operate tours in the area. Head to Times Square

vendors as well as horse and carriage rides and the less traditional rickshaw drivers (these are extortionate but fun once you get bored of walking). If you have time, stop by the Boat House bar and restaurant (below) that overlooks the lake where you can boat in the summer. Delicious cocktails, great food and an amazing view, this is popular with both tourists and locals alike.

Bryant Park

Normally a gorgeous green space in summer, Bryant Park becomes a hotbed of Christmas fun this time of year with ice-skating, music and other live events. There are also a couple of restaurants and bars on site, power stands to charge your mobile phone and great WiFi. It also backs on to the famous New York Public Library – another must see on your whistle stop tour.

Dining and Drinking

You could basically eat and drink all day long and never get your jaws around all the delicious oﬀerings. You will never go hungry and you may clog up an artery or two, but in all fairness it’s entirely worth it. Although we do recommend a rooftop or two – 230 Fifth (right) is an amazing bar with both a Middle Eastern themed inside bar and a gloriously trendy roof top (complete with blankets) for outside drinking and dining. It also does the best Sunday brunch in town. Find it on the 20th ﬂoor, 230 5th Avenue, on the corner of 27th street.

Rockefeller Plaza

The Rockefeller Centre is one of the many busy office blocks that also quadruple up into a shopping centre, subway station and tourist attraction. Spend a while milling through the shops on the ground floor before heading to the dizzy heights of the top of the centre. This gives you a great view over the city and definitely ensures some pictures for the photo album. After that head to try out your skills on the infamous Rockefeller Christmas ice rink!

DRAFTED’S

H OT EL PICK

THE BENJAMIN

he Benjamin is a luxury boutique hotel in midtown Manhattan situated on 50th Street and Lexington Avenue, meaning that you can enjoy staying right in the heart of the hubbub of the city and are just a short walk away from the numerous and exciting sights of the Big Apple. The hotel has recently undergone a 10million dollar renovation under the careful watch of interior architect and designer Lauren Rottet and the final results are stunning. Rottet has created a series of guestrooms and suites to ensure that a stay in NYC’s chicest boutique hotel is like a home away from home, and is the ultimate in luxury living combined with comfortable, homely surroundings. From the moment you step into the lobby you can feel the glamorous energy that has descended on the building. The rooms and suites are incredibly welcoming and we were fairly unwilling to leave the comfort of our one bedroom suite, which was incredibly spacious. The luxurious, yet calming palette of white, silvers, mink and golds ensured a sophisticated glamour throughout. The suite had a spacious lounge, a large walk-in style closet and one of the comfiest beds we’d ever slept in. The kitchenette is perfect if you’re in town for a few days as the large fridge / freezer, microwave and drinks maker, as well as a selection of snacks and crockery ensure you have everything you need to live out your own New York City apartment dream. Both the lounge and bedroom boast widescreen televisions making this a hotel that is hard to leave in the morning and the perfect place to unwind after a long day in this busy city. There is food and drink available via room service, as well as breakfast orders that can be placed the night before and sent to your room, ensuring you can stay snuggled up in The Benjamin Hotel’s dressing gown and slippers for as long as you want. The Benjamin also boasts its own in house spa and hair salon with celebrity stylist Federico Calce, ‘Federico Hair & Spa at The Benjamin’, which offers access to blow-drys, color, cuts, manicures and massages in-salon or in-room. The National Bar & Dining Rooms by Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian is one of the most charming and delicious restaurants in town. The bar has also been known to host live jazz, making the bar and restaurant a great place to relax when not laid out on your suite’s couch flicking through the magazines that are left neatly displayed on the coffee table. While situated on a busy corner, the hotel itself is very quiet, making it an absolute pleasure for a good night’s sleep (as well as their in-house sleep program; see their website for details). Having spent a fair amount of time in NYC in a number of hotels we can honestly say that this has been our absolute favourite. From comfort and style, to a location that means you’re The Benjamin New York close enough to stroll to the likes of 125 East 50th Street Times Square without feeling that New York, New York 10022 you’re in a movie. 212-715-2500 thebenjamin.com Rating: 5 stars

NYC’S CHICEST

BOUTIQUE HOTEL

IS LIKE A HOME

AWAY FROM HOME

LIFESTYLE

TH ings to do do HE A D T O T HE PARADI SE TH AT I S TH E RO O F G ARD E NS F OR Words by : JOSIE JONES A W INT E R S E A S O N OF MUSI C AND COMEDY .

lthough one associates the great roof bars of London with those heady summer months of sipping rose in the relative British sunshine, there is a growing number of London bars keeping their roof top a bopping till the wee small hours throughout the winter months too. After all there are outdoor heaters and we are a nation used to the chill. While some people simply like to head out for a drink and are happy at the local pub, I do love to be surrounded by decadent décor and lots of interesting sights to tempt me in between sips of a multi coloured cocktail. There is no place better to do this than at The Roof Gardens in Kensington, which is nothing short of a tropical get away just a stone throw away from High Street Kensington tube. This quirky garden, smack bang in the middle of London is home to both live chicks and ﬂamingos, which can be spotted wandering the gardens mixing with revellers on a regular basis. But while this maybe one of London’s hippest drinking spots (a real favourite with a celebrity crowd too, being just next door to the Sony record oﬃce) this gorgeous bar carries on the musical theme of its next-door neighbour by hosting some of the hottest music nights in 62

LIFESTYLE

London. It was even awarded the accolade of Best Live Music Venue during 2012’s London Club Awards by a judging panel that included Mark Armstrong and singer Paul Young. The music nights, put together by Craig Nightingale, The Promotions Executive, who has worked in the music business for most of his professional career, pulls together a great combination of established and emerging talent both home-grown and international. It really is the platform that showcases to London who’s who and what to look out for. Craig doesn’t simply wait for acts to knock on his door. Using his connections, Nightingale scouts the scene for both underground and well publicised acts and like the perfect cocktail throws them together to create ultimate nights of great music in atmospheric surroundings. This incredibly successful Live Music Programme at The Roof Gardens runs throughout the winter and into March 2014. This season will also see the permanent introduction of Laughing the Roof Oﬀ – which will see a series of live comedy nights being added to the schedule of events at The Roof Gardens. A great way to enjoy amazing live music and laugh out loud in one of London’s most beautiful roof top bars.

Tickets can be purchased on Ticketweb for £15 or on the door for £20 and both include entry to the club. For more information on upcoming acts for the Live nights, please visit www.roofgardensclub.com/live-music

Photography : ANNIE LY

DR AFTED DRAFTED OCKTAILS CCOCKTAILS W E’ RE NO T GOI NG TO LI E; WE’RE P AR T IAL T O T H E ODD C OCKT AI L HE RE AT DRAFTED... So when we were invited down to Foundation in Covent Garden to create our very own Drafted cocktails – working with bar manager and mixologist David Kay – we just couldn’t resist saying a massive YES. We sent our Deputy Editor and Online Editor, Kyle Goodwin and Michael Bartlett, down to see what happens. Here’s what they came up with...

••• Check out Late Night London’s 12 days of Christmas cocktails, including the Festive T&T available at Foundation www.foundation-bar.co.uk 5 Langley Street, WC2H 9JA

THE SEDUCTIVE SAILOR

THE TROPICAL MCLAUGHLIN

THE DRAF TED DESTROYER

THE MUCKY MICKYLE MUDDLE

A sweet and fruity cocktail with enough kick to get an evening going long before you know it. We’d be more than happy to only drink these for the rest of our lives. Seriously.

Arguably the tastiest cocktail ever created. Take a sip, close your eyes, and be swept straight oﬀ to an exotic beach in the Caribbean.

Don’t let the muddled blueberries cloud your judgement; this bad boy packs a heavy punch in the aftertaste! Not one for the faint hearted.

This may taste like an innocent milkshake, but a few of these and you’ll be waking up with a very fuzzy head the next day. Just don’t blame us when you sleep through your alarm!

Muddle 37.5ml spiced rum with 4 or 5 blackberries Add 12.5ml cherry liqueur Splash of lime juice 4 drops Angostura Bitters 10ml sugar syrup

25ml Vodka 25ml Midori 10ml passionfruit puree Pineapple juice Dash of lime juice

Shake and pour over crushed ice. Garnish with lime and 2 blackberries.

Shake and pour over cubed ice, drizzle with Blue Curacao then garnish with lime and strawberries.

Muddle 50ml gin with 12 blueberries and thinly sliced fresh chilli Add 10ml Sugar Syrup Apple juice Splash lemon juice Add ice and stir. Strain.

37.5ml bourbon 12.5ml orange liqueur Two tbsp melted chocolate Orange marmalade Milk and cream (half and half) Shake and serve over cubed ice. Garnish with milk chocolate pieces. LIFESTYLE

the last laugh

WIT H HIS NEW SH OW FOCUSI N G ON T H E T H E F T OF H IS IDE N T IT Y , WE SE N T MATT RUSSELL TO FI ND OU T WH O NI S H K U MAR R E ALLY IS… Words : MATT RUSSELL

“Whenever my parents come to my show they’re absolutely forbidden from being visible to me,” Kumar laughs. “I try and make sure they’re in as dark and secluded a corner as possible. “There was a very specific anecdote in the first show about me going to see the film Fame with my Dad. He looked pretty aghast when he came to see the show. I think that was like him having to relive Vietnam, it was his own private nightmare. He really thought he’d buried that and it was coming back to haunt him in a really active way. I once heard my Mum laugh at the phrase ‘An erection tinged with nostalgia’, as well. That was officially the end of my childhood.”

IF I EVER GET

ollowing another critically acclaimed run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, comedian Nish Kumar is heading south to bring his unique take on modern life to London’s Soho Theatre. With praise fired at him from almost every direction, Kumar’s wittily written anecdotes and sharp punch lines have garnered him much attention in the comedy world. Nevertheless, it seems his quirky writing style can sometimes confuse even the man himself. “If I ever get hit by a bus and the police find my notebooks they’ll think I’m some sort of serial killer,” Kumar tells us. “They’re full of all these weird notes. There’s a lot of stuff in my notebook that even I don’t understand. Like dog hat? I have no idea what that was supposed to mean. I can’t even remember the context. I just seemed to have written the words dog and hat next to each other. Opening my notebook is like looking into my brain, and it’s not very pleasant.” Comedy is generally at its peak when laying its performers bare. Honesty is an integral part of the connection between crowd and comic, and this cohesion is paramount to the success of any gig. Kumar is renowned for relaying in-depth, personal tales involving friends, members of his family and even his girlfriend - which can be somewhat awkward when they’re sitting in the crowd. 64

FEATURE

HIT BY A BUS &

THE POLICE FIND MY NOTEBOOKS THEY ’LL THINK

I ’M SOME SORT OF SERIAL KILLER

While parent-based material can lead to a few potentially uncomfortable family dinners, embarrassing your girlfriend in front of a large audience may have a slightly more detrimental effect on your personal life – if you’re not with the right girl, of course – but luckily for Kumar, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be sleeping on the sofa anytime soon. “It’s always awkward,” he grins. “I’ve done jokes about my girlfriend whilst being able to see her sat in the crowd. She takes it very well, though. She’s a very good sport about these things. A lot of people in my life are very tolerant of me, for a lot of different reasons.” Having been described as ‘slick and sharp’ by Time Out and as ‘a highly polished, subtly innovative stand-up’ by The Guardian, Kumar has clearly honed his act in front of a live audience. His first television performance was on the much-celebrated Stewart Lee Show, and while the idea of performing on

television can be nerve-wracking for some, it appears - at least in Kumar’s eyes - that the Stewart Lee format is ideal for filming stand up. “They’ve created an environment where it doesn’t feel like you’re doing anything different other than a normal gig,” he says. “There’s no hair and make-up, there’s no big production side to it, there’s no fuss. They really capture the energy of a live stand up gig.” Throughout his new show Nish Kumar: Is A Comedian, Kumar deliberates identity, why we take offence, and what happens when the internet steals your face - something which, strangely, has recently happened to him. “This show is actually about something quite specific that happened,” Kumar explains. “My first show’s poster got turned into an internet meme called The Confused Muslim without my knowledge. I got sent it by a friend of mine. It’s a really strange story. The show's about the fallout of that revelation.” If, like us, you want to get to the bottom of this anecdote and delight in the wryly witty tales of a talent worth catching, Nish Kumar: Is A Comedian runs through 9th- 21st December at the Soho Theatre.

LIFESTYLE

work experience

I N CA S E T HE WH OLE W RI TI NG TH I NG DOE SN ’ T WOR K OU T , OU R DE P U T Y E DIT OR KY L E I S SP END ING E A CH MONTH TRYI NG TO F IN D A B ACK-U P C AR E E R . T H IS M ON T H H E T R IE S H I S H AND AT BEI NG A P R OFE S S I ON A L P OK E R P LA Y E R... Words : KYLE GOODWIN

kay, I might lose some serious dude points for admitting this; but I’ve never played poker before. That’s right. Never. Yes, sitting around drinking bourbon and smoking cigars with a bunch of mates sounds like a very enjoyable evening, as I imagine it does to most guys, but for some reason I’ve never felt compelled to chuck £20 down on the table and sling some shades over my eyes. The idea of becoming a pro poker player, however, has become quite appealing since PokerStars invited me down to play at the European Poker Tour, and bought me into 10k competition. Luckily for me, they had also organised a couple training session with one of the UK’s most successful poker players, Jake Cody. Not wanting to waste Jake’s time on the basics, I got my housemate – who once paid for an entire ski holiday by playing online poker – to show me the basics, so I’d at least know a ‘full house’ from a ‘straight’ when I started training with Jake. Although I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to last more than 10 minutes on a table full of pro players, I thought it was worth at least trying to not embarrass myself – and although £10,000 would be nice, not making a massive tit out of myself became my primary target. Jake was waiting for me at The Hippodrome in Leicester Square a few days before the tournament. Setting up in one of the private rooms, we played a few fake hands, recreating potential scenarios, with Jake

FEATURE

talking me through strategy and psychological thought processes. Feeling slightly less petrified, I left, heading back to the office to revise the notes I’d made that afternoon. This was good. I’d had a personal training session with one of the top players in the world, and had been given some first-hand advice on how to approach the game. I pulled up to The Grand Connaught Rooms in Holborn an hour before the tournament began, feeling in no way confident about what was about to go down that evening. Drafted’s picture editor Jay had joined me, preparing to take a few sneaky pictures as we sunk a pre-tournament pint at the bar. The final call went out, the tournament was about to start. Jay wished me luck, and I got up to join the rest of the players at my table. Surprisingly, I got off to a strong start, winning the first couple of hands. I was up. I was implementing Jake’s advice. I was keeping it cool, raising aggressively at the right times, not being too rash. The chips were stacking up. The other players had no idea I was a complete imposter. I’d made a few minor etiquette slip ups, but seeing as I had more chips than anyone else, it seemed like I was intentionally making the other players think I was clueless – a classic hustle. Things continued to go well. The guy sat directly to my right was having a nightmare, and went out about half an hour into the game. I started to become more confident but, unfortunately, this didn’t work to my advantage, and I lost a big hand getting

carried away and being reckless. And then it happened. Possibly the worst poker faux pas imaginable. At no point had anyone mentioned that as the big blind increases, so does the minimum bet. I tried to raise with what I thought was the correct amount, and pushed the chips forward. Everyone at the table was staring at me, confused. The dealer was saying something to me. I had no idea what was going. So I panicked, and in the heat of the moment, I tried to fold. Now, this was a weird move to make – especially seeing as once you’ve put chips forward in poker you can’t then take them back. Essentially, I just threw a load of chips away. The rest of the table looked on in complete disbelief. I had been rumbled. I had no idea what I was doing, and now everyone else knew it too. I couldn’t help starting to laugh, and had to excuse myself from the table. “That’s it,” I said to Jay. “They’re going to destroy me now.” And they did. I was completely out within twenty minutes. If you can master this game, you can live a very good life. But no matter how good you become you’re always going to be relying on luck to some degree, and luck will always ﬂuctuate. Overall, I’d say a few more practice runs are needed if I’m ever going to play professional poker again.

Verdict: FIRED Do you want Kyle to come try your job? Do you want some free labour in the name of journalism? Tweet us: @draftedmagazine

FASHION

EscapE to EuropE from thE hEart of London. Return fares from London City Airport

Dublin Rotterdam Amsterdam

£99 £99 £99

Luxembourg £99 Paris £99 Antwerp £119

Florence £129 Nuremberg £129 Dresden £129

If you fancy escaping on a European city break, CityJet flies to 19 great destinations from London City Airport, right in the heart of London. Located just 22 minutes from the City, it’s the fast and convenient way to start your trip.

visit cityjet.com

CitySaver return fare inCludeS all taxeS. Correct as of 18 September. Non-refundable, non-changeable. Subject to conditions and availability.