Issue 42 - April 2018

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MØ GRADUATION GUIDE 2018

LET'S EAT GRANDMA SATURDAY 30TH JUNE

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HUEY MORGAN’S NYC BLOCK PARTY . KEB DARGE . DJ MASEO . DJ FORMAT ANDY SMITH . SHAKA LOVES YOU . DAVID BARBAROSSA . SWAMPFOG . ANDREW DIVINE

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Dreaming, believing, 21ST CENTURY achieving AUNIVERSITY 2

2018 TOP 600

FREE | Issue 42 | APRIL | WeAreTSA.co.uk

5 Politics 6 Mastersystem 8 Liam's Corner

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9 POTM – Buzzbomb 10 Near You 12 Gig Guide 14 Let's Eat Grandma

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16 Morcheeba 18 Love Simon 20 MØ

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28 Graduation Guide 32 Butefest 36 Visual Arts – GI 38 Student Art

Suite 3.3, Station House, 34 St Enoch Square, Glasgow G1 4DF www.wearetsa.co.uk TSA is the most widely distributed publication of its kind in Glasgow and Edinburgh and we work every day to keep it that way. Our in depth local knowledge means we deliver the right number of copies to all the right outlets, and our regular fresh issue keeps readers engaged.

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Elsewhere we've a heap of new music spotlights including an interview with Scott Hutchison on the formation of the superb new Frightened Rabbit, Minor Victories and Editors supergroup – Mastersystem, a chat with alt pop darlings Let's Eat Grandma and a wee Q&A with iconic chart botherer, MØ.

In this month's LGBT+ section, Jonny Stone speaks to Lydia Honeyborne, curator of the upcoming CCA Queer Classics film weekend where she runs through her choices for the programme and how the event came to start.

Inevitably in Visual Arts we focus on the biggest show in town, GI2018. We chat with festival Director Richard Parry, page 36, where he talks amongst other things about the importance of young people and their raw creative energy and power in the arts community.

Finally, we're especially looking forward to joining the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra for a celebration of jazz geniuses Kenny Wheeler and Mary Lou Williams. You can catch performances at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall and Edinburgh's Queen's Hall on 20th and 22nd April respectively.

If you're aged 16-25 years old and thinking about going along you should register at snjo.co.uk to get tickets to these special performances for just a fiver.

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E. info@thestudentadvertiser.co.uk Facebook: thestudentadvertiser Twitter: @TSA_Newspaper Managing Director Mark Ferguson Editor Kenny Lavelle editor@thestudentadvertiser.co.uk LGBT Editor Jonny Stone j.stone@tsaglasgow.com

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It's getting to be about that time where the final year students amongst us will be starting to turn an eye to finishing up and getting prepared for graduation season. Yup, the snow is barely gone and we are talking about summer already. With this in mind we've put together the first of this year's TSA Graduation Guides. You'll find our grad food guide on pages 29 and 30 with tips on where to celebrate with family and friends, including something for every budget whether that be large or largely non existent. We've also thrown in a couple of recipes you might like to try out if you're skint or would just prefer to celebrate at home.

Is it true that it's taken this long to have a major studio teen movie with a gay hero? Surely not. At any rate "Love, Simon" is out this month and we've a chat with its leading man, Nick Robinson on pages 18 and 19.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

By Kenny Lavelle

ITALY'S NIGHTMARE: “I was thinking of you when I saw the exit polls. I genuinely don’t understand how that happened, are those even considered parties?”

My tutor Salim is one of the dozens of people who have asked me for clarifications about the Italian election, as if my citizenship entitled me to provide the ultimate explanation to such a disaster. It seems like the amount of press articles on the topic does not satisfactorily analyse the magnitude of populism and fascist sympathies sweeping Italy.

Over February and March the British and international commentators had predicted that anti-establishment forces such as the Five Star Movement and the League would dominate that muddle called hung parliament, but the foreign audience still struggles to come to terms with the results. Out of naivety, I like to believe that until this very moment Italians have been able to dissimulate the country’s divisions and their own superficial outlook on it with some artistic smoke and mirrors. How to unfold new truth?

As I was trying to collect my thoughts and answer Salim’s question, one less appealing image popped in my mind: Steve Bannon at the Front National’s party conference, standing next to its leader Marine Le Pen and announcing that “history is on our side and will bring us victory”. Exactly one week after the Italian elections. An ultra-conservative American advisor who was ousted from office was celebrating next to a far-right politician, whose outstanding gains against the French Socialist Party had only been halted by the centrist Macron’s appeal for unity. In the ironic circle of political life, the right is finally uniting across borders in the name of autarchic nationalism, while the left who once took pride in its internationalism has not been able to create a bulwark against the flood of disenchantment.

Italy is the victim of a left wing that is even less coherent than its European equivalents, probably due to the recent evolution under Matteo Renzi’s leadership. At the beginning of his national career the former prime minister was seen as the one who could modernise the country and serve as the “scrapper” in the Partito Democratico: less than forty years old; optimistic rhetoric, channelled in his conventions at the Leopolda Station in Florence; substantial successes in the management of the city during his tenure as mayor; and the perfect timing in entering the party secretary competition after the dismissal of Pierluigi Bersani, who in turn had not been resolute enough during the 2013 electoral campaign to grant the PD a strong majority. From winning the secretaryship to stealing Enrico Letta’s technocratic government, Renzi succeeded in achieving the impossible.

And yet, despite his advancements in civil rights, Renzi represented a party which hardly embodies any other socialist ideals. That is proven by most of the policies enacted by his government: the liberal reform of the labour market; a failed constitutional referendum; a hybrid electoral code which merged

HOW TO EXPLAIN

By Lucia Posterado

the worst of both proportional representation and majoritarian systems, in the hope of guaranteeing the PD a landslide in the next ballot; the bail-out of regional banks, which had not respected basic regulations on capital and left investors empty-handed; the opening up to economic migrants from Africa without the EU Member States’ support in sharing this burden. On one hand Renzi showed values of acceptance and Europeanism that are paramount to a renewed left, following on from Blair’s New Labour. On the other hand his unrequited internationalism in the aftermath of the financial crisis could never elicit empathy among the middle class and the unemployed; those groups are waiting for a delayed recovery and rely on old-fashioned benefits and low-skilled positions for their subsistence. In addition, Renzi’s ascension brought about a presidential attitude uncommon in the Italian political scenario, which cost him the support of crucial cabinet members and caused the birth of splinter parties.

Renzi’s shooting star faded away with the disappointing 18% obtained on March 4th, an all-time low for the PD after the highlight of three years earlier.

The lesson learned by far-right groups consists in presenting themselves as populists in order to become popular – in the etymological sense of appealing to the people, the ordinary element that makes up society and yet is left in the darkness of globalisation. Although most of their proposals are impossible to finance and there is no plan for sustained economic growth, the right wing coalition and the Five Star Movement have interpreted the uncertainties of the population and provided a utopian panacea to the actions of the shattered left. The statistical data provided by Il Fatto Quotidiano frame the issue better than words.

The yellow areas are dominated by the 5SM, whose campaigns were centred around the introduction of a basic income close to 800 euros per month per person.

The National Statistics Institute points out how a number of structural problems have legitimised their triumph in Southern Italy: 46.4% of citizens in those areas are at risk of social exclusion and live below the poverty line, whereas 1.2 million people, 70% of which women, are neither employed nor enrolled on higher education courses. Living with a decade-long history of underdevelopment, Southerners have fallen for a drastic welfare reform despite not knowing by which fiscal means it will be financed, or whether job creation would be more feasible in the long term. Moving to the North, conversely, implies facing both Renzi’s failure and Matteo Salvini’s vicious discourse. The former is seen in the shrinking of the “red” provinces in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, which have historically been leaning towards a soft form of communism and find Renzi’s egomania out of place.

The latter is a mixture of two elements: firstly, the regional pride nurtured by the League, which had until recently debated the secession of the industrialised North to reduce pressure on its taxpayers; secondly, the growing concern for illegal immigration, on which Salvini’s propaganda thrives. His statements were not limited to discussing repatriation of non-EU offenders, but blamed migrants for drug peddling and criminal operations whose top management is a prerogative of Italian mafia families. In this case too, the elite has ridden on the electorate’s feeling of exclusion without tackling the root causes or investing in the African failed States. By using an “Italy for Italians” strategy that serves conservative plans, the far right is ignoring that migrants are trafficked by Libyan thugs in association with mafia groups, are abused in nation-based prostitution rings and exploited as cheap labour force by tax-evading firms.

Nonetheless, here we are again, accusing the weak and the newcomers of longstanding failures. With no projects in sight, Italy seems to travel back to the 1920s. Only a month ago, a neo-fascist who unsuccessfully stood for the League in local elections opened fire against black migrants in the centre of Macerata, imitated the Roman salute and expressed no remorse when questioned by the police. That is the other image that keeps haunting me as I look at Salim and blabber something on the lines of “It’s so complicated, I do not think we have the time for that right now”.

If his beloved France has coped with that, why did Italy feel the need to betray the rest of Europe? Either we are genuinely scared of being the good ones, or we have resigned to our fate as the underdogs. Whichever the reason, the sad smile on my face is the sign of the times, and Salim can only tell me “bonne chance” and invite me to discuss it when the dust had settled.

I will need luck for sure.

APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

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Formed of members from Frightened Rabbit, Editors and Minor Victories, the new project – stylized as “mastersystem” has just released an album after a small volley of single releases. We had a chat with Scott Hutchinson, front man of Frightened Rabbit and the fresh mastersystem, on how they got together, how they go about balancing different projects and whether or not there are any lawsuits on the way from Sega.

The first thing to consider when forming a side project, especially one made up of members from other bands, is finding the time to actually get some music recorded; and how, in the madness that is the music industry, people actually meet.

This was the first thing we asked Scott, getting stuck into the backstory of how he and Grant met Justin and James from the Editors: “We were opening for The Editors in Berlin and Justin was like, I’ve got these fuzzy raw tracks, I think they’d be perfect for your voice, perfect for Grant’s drumming, we should, you know, get together and finish these off at some point.” But even though there was an immediate connection there, a drive to allow these tracks to come to fruition, with their meeting in Germany in 2016, it is only recently that Dance Music has finally taken form. Their debut album “Dance Music”, a joke on the fact that the album is almost entirely grungy, fuzzy, pared down guitar heavy rock, was sent to the Hutchinson brothers with all the guitars in place, with Scott saying he, “didn’t play a single guitar on this record,” with just the drums and vocals to be filled in over the course of about three weeks.

The name mastersystem doesn’t give a lot away, it does have a real 90’s vibe, and was thought up in an email thread between the band after a few failed names, including Old Team which would later become a song on the album. When asked how they came up with the name, Scott shared that it was after an email thread that mastersystem was found, tying into the music being listened to at the time, playing Master System and how all of these fit quite nicely into being

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thirty-ish, “It ties into the idea when we were talking about it and playing music for friends. This is kind of what I was listening to in high school so it kind of harks back to that we were also probably playing Master System,” which is a really personal, but at the same time something that is really easy for people to relate to – it also is a pretty neat name, which Scott himself noting – “to me, it’s like, a cool name. I think it’s better than Frightened Rabbit anyway.”

The album perfectly does what it feels like its sets out to do - create a perfectly grungy, 90’s soundscape. This is accomplished by Justin and James Lockeys musical compilations, to which Scott added lyrics and melodies which collided together in a wave of classic grunge, with each song almost calling back to sounds from that time, from the intro riff of “Notes on a Life Not Quite Lived” casting up All Apologies

by Nirvana, and Teething with the quick-paced music and slow, slightly more sombre lyrics really showing off a Pixies style. Scott says this is exactly what the plan was, “That’s certainly the atmosphere they were going for. So, you know even thinking about the drum sound, our favourite drum sound of all time is on In Utero by Nirvana, and it’s trying to tap into that Steve Albini-esque grungy aesthetic.”

Which goes as far as to see the band really tone down the productions and just clearly having fun with what they are creating, which is nice to seen in the music industry today.

The mastersystem album is not the first time members of the band have taken to side projects, with the Lockey brothers on the Minor Victories line up. Scott has also released a full length album which when asked about it, Scott clarifies the difference between the Owl John and mastersystem projects, “I think the two distinct differences between this one and Owl John were to be quite frank, a lot of the songs on that solo album could have just ended up on a Frightened Rabbit album. They weren’t like a mile away from what we do anyway, but just far enough away that I think it had a purpose to exist.”

He goes on to say that Dance Music is wildly different from projects he has previously worked on, and how much a boon it would be to cultivate new fans with the LP, “I’d be really chuffed if the people who didn’t like Frightened Rabbit at all got into this because it’s significantly heavier and has a life of it’s own hopefully.”

One thing that does cross over from F'Rabbit into the mastersystem brand is the idea of growing up, something which Scott has revisited on Dance Music, specifically on Old Team and Notes On A Life Not Quite Lived. We asked Scott about some of the lyrics on the 'Notes', the lyrics in question being: “Lessons learned but lost in a deep abyss, your voice gets weaker, weaker still, were we really born for this?”

if someone enjoys music which is to the point and absolutely stacked with guitars then I think they’d be into this.

Scott went on to explain how this ties into the idea that rather than talking about growing up in a nostalgic way, it is dealing with it presently, again, like the music and the name of the band – it is designed for people feeling lost and feeling like they are tripping over the same things again and again, “That song was about getting to a stage in life and still sort of falling short a little bit, not really learning lessons that you should, repeating your mistakes.” He then goes on to talk about how this idea further ties into how he views himself and how the lyrics came about, “I’m always looking for ways that I can be better and focusing on the things that I’ve done wrong. So this song does that and the lyric ‘lessons learned but lost in a deep abyss’ is you know,

I fucking forget what I’ve learned and just repeat the mistakes again. It’s a bit of a fucking shame.” Which shows that while the musical content of Dance Music has shaken off a lot of the dourness, which permeates some of the Frightened Rabbits releases, it is definitely working away firmly behind the scenes.

We asked Scott, being in a band like Frightened Rabbit, that has such a clearly identifiable sound, whether or not he was tempted to bring elements from Dance Music into future F'Rabbit releases, and whether or not he feels a pressure to keep to the norm and keep putting out similar tunes as they have these past 14 years. When asked if the less-orchestral sounds from Dance Music might cross over into F’Rabbits, he says he was just talking about this earlier that morning: “doing this album and also recently

that the band is finished celebrating ten years of our second album. Doing those two things, it’s strange how looking backwards like that, to me, the best thing we did on Midnight Organ Fight were actually the kind of scrappier elements, and to think things that would embarrass me, things that would make me think its quite shite are actually quite loveable and add a more human element.” He also discussed feeling little pressure to keep releasing similar music from fans, to him the Owl John and mastersystem projects have a unique enough style that in and of itself need exist.

We took the time to ask Scott if we should expect more from mastersystem, even though it is very early days, and while it seems it is still undecided it's definitely not off the table,

“everyone in the band has got other projects that take up a lot more of their time so it could just be one off, there’s no plans to do anything … if everyone hates it then we won’t bother again, or maybe we will for that very reason [laughs]”. Finally we asked him how he’d sell Dance Music, to someone who had heard none or the singles or any of the band members, and he sells it with this “It’s not dance music, it’s an absolute kind of fuzz-rock, with very little embellishment, so if someone enjoys music which is to the point and absolutely stacked with guitars then I think they’d be into this.”

By Dominic Cassidy APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

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by Liam Menzies @blinkclyro

www.blinkclyro.com

RECORD STORE DAY 2018

Twin Peaks - Music From The Limited Event Series Not to be confused with the indie pop outfit that share the same name, Twin Peaks is easily one of the finest pieces of entertainment to grace us and while it may have changed over the past couple of decades, its quality is consistent. This includes its score and soundtrack which range from flourishes of cheesy soap opera romance to borderline nightmarish remixes of classic tracks, all adding to the formula that makes Twin Peaks such a stunning piece of art.

Car Seat Headrest - Twin Fantasy (Mirror To Mirror) While it may share the same name as another CSH album that dropped this year, Face To Face is the original 2011 LP that kickstarted the career of one of this decades most iconic acts. Rough, unfiltered yet somehow utterly charming, this’ll be one of the most sought after records for any indie rock fan worth their salt.

Record Store Day 2018

Sufjan Stevens - Mystery of Love EP

As a self confessed vinyl addict, I'm delighted the annual music lover Christmas (that isn’t Album of the Year lists) is on its way: Record Store Day may have its flaws, most of which comes down to greedy cretins, but it’s an event which any fan of the plastic old school format will have been eagerly anticipating since... well, last year. To get right into the mood for it, let’s talk about few of the prime bits of selection that I’ll be hunting down come the 21st of April.

While its title song may have been “done dirty” at the Oscars according to some people, there’s no denying Sufjan Stevens crafted one of 2017’s most beautiful songs for an equally mesmerising film. Call Me By Your Name wasn’t a film that relied on its soundtrack but it was one that was vastly improved by its gorgeous music which all comes to the tracks featured on this EP. If you’re maybe in the mood for something a bit different from your usual rock affair then this will be right up your street.

Record Of The Month: Young Fathers - Cocoa Sugar

B-Side: Favourite Songs of March

Young Fathers - Holy Ghost

While Mark Renton may have proclaimed that it’s sh**e being Scottish, the latest record from our nation’s most exciting act will ignite some newfound pride in you by as soon as it starts and for long after it’s finished.

Soccer Mommy - Still Clean

Yup, we’re talking about Young Fathers again and no, I don’t expect this to be the last time this band are mentioned in some shape or form in this magazine.

While they’re heralded as a Scottish hip-hop act, and they certainly have the discography to justify it, Cocoa Sugar has next to no cuts that could be put under this bracket: well, that’s next to none if you don’t mention Holy Ghost, a song that feels traditionally like a rap song but it works in some nice touches, such as the timid, lush bridge vocals, that make it wholy a Young Fathers song.

You don’t have to do much dissecting to figure out why Cocoa Sugar is such a modern day gem though thorough analysis will certainly result in you finding something new to admire. In My View is a track I’ve mentioned in a previous column and my thoughts are very much the same: severely stripped back and almost lo-fi esque, the vocal performances on display and their variety are enough to send chills down your spine. Upon further listens, you’ll find a cryptic narrative that tells of a selfish being, preoccupied with the suffering of others in order to reap his materialistic gains or you may end up with a completely different tale altogether.

This is just the one track but the sheer beauty of Cocoa Sugar, while sometimes nightmarish,is undeniable - Turn is the track that first comes to mind with this description, starting off with rough, distorted vocals before evolving into a grandiose romp that touches on immigration and culture. 2018 is already shaping up to be a tremendous year in terms of music and with every new listen of this album, I find it hard to deny that Young Fathers have given us the best this year has to offer.

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Much like the debut album this track opens for, Sophie Allison is more than prepared to stand alongside the likes of Julien Baker in the emo-ish female singer songwriter sub-genre. Still Clean is extremely touching and is interestingly mixed, wrapped up nicely with just how beautiful and fragile Soccer Mommy’s vocals are - the shift from a polished version of the track to a raw demo during the second iteration of the chorus is such a small touch but it ultimately works in its favour, paving the way for the rest of this album to deliver small tidbits of experimentation. Truly one of this year’s gems.

Tyler The Creator - Orka I’ve seen people call Orka a Flower Boy b-side and while it definitely shares a lot of DNA with Tyler’s stunning 2017 LP, this new cut could easily go toe to toe with any single off that album. The distorted bass, chilling keys and almost horrorish strings set the stage for Tyler to let off some steam, showing off some impressive flow while paying ode to the likes of Call Me By Your Name’s Timothee Chalamet - what did you expect from one of hip-hops most stylish darlings?

APRIL PICK OF THE MONTH

BUZZBOMB Hello there guys, great to get you involved in this POTM interview at TSA, to be honest we had been eyeballing you guys for a wee while for this section, but we wanted to wait until the new release! So start us off by telling us a wee bit about the history of Buzzbomb then, how long have you guys been going, and how did you meet?

BR: I started playing in high school and the name stuck to me since then so much so that no one thought I had a proper surname until Facebook forced me to use it. We replaced members here and there until we’ve ended up with the current well oiled machine.

Stu made a huge difference when he joined giving us the aggression we were lacking and likewise Brett injected his infectious positive energy when he came into the fold. Not forgetting more than a little talent that both brought along with those other qualities. I think the 3 of us gelled well and it’s a proper team effort from start to finish.

SG: We were gigging from the mid 90’s but we became a three piece (and effectively a new band) in 2006. Myself & Billy basically took over the vocals, scrapping all the material from the old band in the process.

Brett joined in 2007 and that’s when things got a lot more refined. He was into all the same shitty movies as us and had the same metal background as me, so there was a real synergy going on for the first time ever in the band.

I had joined in 97 when their old guitarist disappeared. I’d actually never heard of them but a mutual friend told me they had high profile gigs plus a single release looming and were looking for a replacement to join quickly. Basically I threw my hat into the ring without even hearing them. They gave me a few demo tapes to learn from but when I got home and listened I just thought “Oh no”. The guitarist before me was classically trained and I was just a bruiser into faster, more aggressive & melodic US punk. Still don’t know how I got in to be honest but it’s been 20 years and I’m the same bruiser, hahaha!

DB: I was asked to join the band 10 years ago now. Tony, the previous drummer recommended me and they asked me the same day. I reckon that the change of drummer injected some new energy into the band because Stu had new songs written before I’d played my first gig with the old ones.

The name Buzzbomb, I love it, it conjures up suitably crazed eighties mad max-esque imagery when I hear it, tell me about that then, how did you come up with it, and why?

BR: It was so long ago I’ve no idea how the name came about originally but we stuck with it through thick and thin and I think we are reaping the reward for that just now.

Time served in the punk rock trenches.

SG: Yeah that’s pretty spot on about Mad Max – You should see the walls of our practice place, it’s 80s horror and scifi a-go-go. We’ve done a video for each album, the 1st video was for the song Sustainable Damage we did a ‘Repo Man’ parody. For the song Creepshow, we had a great time doing an ‘Evil Dead’ remake! We rehearse in this house located in a graveyard so it was perfect really - There were people running about with guts hanging out getting chased with chainsaws and crew running about with lights and generators in a wheelbarrow!

Tell us a bit about the new release from you guys, Sixty Miles Of Bad Road, where did that title come from? Does the album follow a specific theme throughout, and how would you say it differs from your previous album release?

SG: We’ve always used a number in the album titles and there’s a meaning behind each. I got that idea from the comic series ‘100 Bullets’, every collected edition of that has a play on words associated with the number of the volume. 2017 was a bit of an anniversary year for the band – I had been in for 20 years, Brett was 10 and Billy had been playing since about 1987 in High School so it occurred to us that we had racked up 60 years between us! We still didn’t have a title for the new album though, but I was sitting watching ‘Near Dark’ one night and Bill Paxton has this one great line about someone looking like “Forty miles of bad road”. Bingo, there’s the title.

There is a lyrical theme that’s threaded through the album that pops up every other song, which is to do what we do with our time and lives, how we dwell on things that are essentially toxic to us. But I also like to inject little pieces of my geeky side into every album too; There’s always a song about a film (Existential Crisis = ‘Blade Runner’) and also a song from comics (Blood & Whisky = ‘Preacher’).

BR: As Stu says we’ve had numbers in the album titles and 60 seemed to fit with the band timeframe. I think it fits the mix of songs perfectly and probably the whole process of getting this album out there. I think its important to point out that we have self financed the whole thing which in itself has been hard but means we have kept total control over the release.

Is it the same fantastic artist you used for the fold out cover on the previous release?

SG: Yeah, Patrick Goddard – He’s an absolute genius who produces some of the most incredible black & white solid line artwork I’ve ever seen. I love 2000ad and Judge Dredd - I have done since I was a nipper really. Around about when we were in the studio recording Secondary Objectives, I was lucky enough to attend a private showing of the ‘Dredd’ movie in

London. I met a few creators from 2000ad there, who I found were really cool and down to earth people. The experience made me reach out to Patrick – who is one of my favourite modern comic artists working for 2000ad – He came up with some amazing concepts and the unnamed femme fatale who is along for the ride with us on the covers so far (or is it the other way around?). Me and Brett had both grown up with the old Iron Maiden covers and I had imagined there was a story going on with Derek Rigg’s artwork right from their 1st album. So we figured, why not do the same?

So there is definitely a story arc in progress, I don’t want to elaborate though – Much like those Maiden albums, we’ll leave it for people to figure it out…

Shatterhand are consistently brilliant. But there are loads of great bands around Scotland right now.

BR: I’ll leave this to Stu. Enough to say we are eternally grateful to Patrick for taking on the projects. His artwork is fantastic and was an inspiration for us to make “60 Miles” as good as we possibly could. When we saw how good the artwork was we said “Well we cant afford to muck this up now…”

SG: Writing! The new album is out now of course - We’re chuffed to bits with how it came out and been great to see it being so well received. I hate standing still though so the process has already started for the next one. It’s also been ten years since Eight the Hard Way and it’s been out of print for a long time now so we’re hoping to re-release that one with new artwork, maybe a new mix too hopefully.

What made you pick up instruments in the first place then? Were you inspired by musicians and bands that went before, or was it something other than a band that inspired you down this route?

SG: I was into thrash when I was about 13 or14 and my dad bought me a Les Paul copy - Essentially the guitar became an ornament though as I was no Scott Ian or Kerry King!

A while later, a friend introduced me to the Ramones via a compilation tape of their songs – I’d had no lessons but the pieces started falling into place and I found myself playing along to that tape religiously; Suddenly other albums by the Misfits, Black Flag etc started making sense too. I’m betting 9 out of10 punk guitarists would tell you the same thing!

DB: I took up drums as a guitar playing schoolmate wanted to start up a band. He never did but I kept going anyway. Growing up in the 80s and 90s the metal / thrash then grunge were what I wanted to do before realizing that punk was my way to go BR: I was similar. Started at high school with a guy who learnt how to play guitar quickly so I picked up the bass and we started battering out Ramones tunes. Plus bass players are always the coolest folk in bands arent they….? I taught myself to play enough guitar to write songs but I am still banned from playing drums….

You guys have a pretty distinctive sound, is there any other bands you could tell the readers about on the local scene that you yourselves love, that may appeal to Buzzbomb fans? We always struggled to find similar bands to you locally, which can only be a good thing!

BR: I think the distinctive sound comes from the different grounding and influences we had as kids. We are managing to blend several types of aggressive music into songs and make it work for us. As a result have managed to play with some of the biggest names bands over what you would class as completely different genres and be lucky enough to go down well with fans of each too.

SG: We’re pretty spoiled for choice these days where we are. You could throw a stone and hit someone in a great band!

Shatterhand are one of the bands I recommend to people - They are from my hometown of Falkirk and have got this great balance of melody and aggression going on. They have some really intelligently written songs, both musically and lyrically.

Coming from Falkirk, they sometimes have the same self-depreciating thing as I do but don’t let them fool you – They are the dogs danglies.

So what’s new for you in 2018 then?

BR: Absolutely bursting with pride over this album. A lot of effort has gone into making it exactly what we wanted it to be and a lot of credit needs to go to Stu who painstakingly put the artwork etc together to give a great package plus wring most of the songs on there. Luckily we still have lots of ideas bouncing around the rehearsal room and some are surprisingly quite good.

We just need to get them on the go now the album is out there.

Any big gigs coming up, or have you managed to snag any festival appearances this year? Any possibility of a wee music video for any of your tracks on the horizon?

SG: There will definitely be a new music video, we’re just trying to decide which 80s movie to parody next! Maybe ‘Class of Nuke em High’? Yeah, we had a great time playing Rebellion in 2017 so hopefully if we can get our ducks in a row we will play some more festivals this year. But we’ve got some great shows lined up and hopefully we’ll be heading over to Europe for the first time too.

BR: The question of videos always rears its ugly head at rehearsals and its normally down to Brett. He will organize the whole thing and is the most energetic and enthusiastic person I’ve ever met especially when it comes to movies…… I will make the tea… I know my place when it comes to this sort of thing. Everything we do is a team effort and everyone has a say in the direction we take everything. Luckily we are well tuned into each other so it mostly works out for the best.

Rebellion was a real high for us last year and hopefully we’ll get to do it again sometime. Its such a brilliant festival. We have fingers in a few more pies, just trying to tie up loose ends and head to europe for a few shows too which will be fun.

Locally its difficult to single out any bands as there are lots of great ones out there right now. I have always had an affinity with Critikill from Livingston as they’ve been going about as long as us and I think the two bands complement each other well when on the same bill. And as Stu says APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

9

NEAR YOU 10 GIGS COMING TO A VENUE, WELL, NEAR YOU VERY SOON

THE LAKE POETS

GIRLS TO THE FRONT BANSHEE LABYRINTH APRIL 21ST, EDINBURGH

SNEAKY PETES APRIL 26TH, EDINBURGH

COVE OPIUM APRIL 21ST, EDINBURGH

Girls to the front is a feminist punk rock festival that happens every year in both Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

This year’s Edinburgh edition counts with names like: Petrol Girls, Yur Mum, Bratakus, Vertigo Violet, The Drop Out Wives, Run Into the Night, B-Trash, and GypsyRoots.

Whether you want to shout your lungs out for a cause or just listen to some really loud punk rock, then this is an easy win.

Kent hardcore band Cove released their new E.P, A Conscious Motion at the beginning of March. The new album features delicious walls of fuzzy guitars and unrestrainable heart pounding drums, all glued together by Charlie Smith’s bass and Ben Brazen’s versatile vocals.

Cove are touring the U.K. in April, filling venues all throughout the land with their barrages of uncontained energy and beautifully crafted tapestries of irreverent sound.

One for blowing off some steam with some serious beer spilling head banging.

“The Lake Poets” is Sunderland singer song-writer Martin Longstaff.

Martin’s first E.P was built around an assortment of live performances in support of artists like Ben Howard or Daughter. In 2015 as The Lake Poets he released his first L.P of the same name.

Martin has the extraordinary ability to drench every single syllable and note of his music with a unique brand of melancholy. On the personal lyrics themed around recollection, regret and fondness for a lost past, Martin builds these sparse, but efficient pieces of guitar picking and gentle piano notes.

CHRISSY BARNACLE HUG AND A PINT APRIL 23RD, GLASGOW

Chrissy Barnacle's music cannot be described with an elegantly contained number of adjectives, so ready yourselves. The singer song writer is funny, eccentric, brutally honest, realistic, pessimistic, optimistic and utterly worth your time.

Whether by herself or with her DIY punk band, Joyce Delaney, Chrissy has the ability to constantly deliver audiences into a world of hilarious self-reflection and bitter criticism that makes for an unmissable live experience.

Support on the night from amazing Canadian Dana Gavanski who is on her first UK tour and newcomer Molly Linen.

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music

OUGHT STEREO APRIL 22ND, GLASGOW

In the beginning of 2018, Ought have taken a big step in a new direction with the release of their third album “Room inside the world”. This new project finds a band with a sweeter, more mature

voice that seems more at ease with the world it lives in. Well...less aggressively disappointed with it at least.

You can still expect the characteristically poignant verses from Tim Darcy, the band's frontman, if only injected with a slightly lower dose of anxiety this time round. As a result, Darcy's voice also seems to drop into a lower register which in songs like “these 3 things” is reminiscent of their countrymen Timbre Timber or even King Krule while still maintaining the band's recognisable flavour.

NORTHERN STREAMS GRASSMARKET CENTRE 86 CANDLEMAKER ROW 20TH-22ND APRIL, EDINBURGH In it's 15th year and definitely a festival out of the ordinary. For three days in April this unique festival combines one off concerts with workshops bringing the finest in Nordic and Scottish music, song and dance to Edinburgh.

Highlights include Swedish student folk ensemble V-Dala Spelmanslag and the Glasgow based Fika Collective.

If the opportunity to try out some Scottish and Swedish dancing sounds your thing then The Northern Streams Ceilidh Band, made up of Scottish and Sweedish Musicians will provide the tunes.

All events take place at the Grassmarket Centre 86 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QA www.northernstreams.org

TRAMPOLENE SNEAKY PETE'S APRIL 21ST, EDINBURGH

OTOBOKE BEAVER CCA APRIL 17TH, GLASGOW

METZ STEREO APRIL 30TH, GLASGOW

The sounds in Metz' most recent album, “Strange Peace”, have been described as the whirring of a broken industrial robot interlaced with oddly infectious melodies.

The truth is that Metz are known to deliver some of the best live experiences around, electrifying venues with unstoppable walls of energetic guitar riffs, galloping drums and boisterous vocals. It's going to be an air tearing evening – remember your earplugs.

Otoboke Beaver are a Japanese, all female punk-rock-garage quartet who go all out. Always. Listening to Otoboke Beaver is like being hit by a short lasting, but really intense tropical storm.

From the moment when the drums, barrage of guitars and some of the fastest vocals you ever heard hit you, to the moment they stop, you’re likely to experience intense grinning and sudden euphoria.

Their 7 inch ‘Love Is Short’ sat in the U.K charts for four weeks. Intrigued? Don’t miss them live.

FONTAINES DC BLOC APRIL 19TH, GLASGOW

“We’ll be playing the U.K and Europe a lot more. We’d love to see some of Scotland this time too. ‘Hit the North’ as Mark E. [Smith] said…although he

British rock band Trampolene are the creators of some of the most grounded and gut wrenchingly realistic pieces of lyricism in today’s music.

The band has released their first full length album at the end of 2017 and walked into 2018 covered in glory and confetti as a consequence. The critics praised “Swansea to Hornsey” and so did the ever growing fanbase that the band has been gathering through the release of 6 E.P’s and with the help of a respectable number of European tours.

Now in Edinburgh to perform at Sneaky Petes. Don’t miss it.

probably had a different meaning in mind.”

Fontaines DC said it and so they did. For the first time ever, the band from Dublin is stepping onto a Scottish stage.

The band has had a busy 2017 with the release of 2 singles, a two track and 4 videos. They have also toured the U.K and some European countries. This year they have promised to do a lot more of the latter, as on stage is where they feel the most comfortable. “We’re all about the gigs. Whatever happens onstage is us, even the mistakes”.

It's their first ever Scottish show and, as always at Bloc, entry is free.

APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

11

Gig Guide: Music

in Edinburgh & Glasgow Electrikal Well it’s been 8 years of throwing parties with the likes of acts such TQD, Mike skinner, Kode9, My Nu Leng, Flava D, Alix Perez, Audio, Mefjus, Dub Phizix, Aphrodite and Champion to name just a few gracing us with their music on the sound system.

Bongo Club: 23:00 -

SAT, 21 APR

Quintet Every Saturday, a different hand-picked selection of five excellent jazz players meets on stage for the first time (hence the name) – and plays with no rehearsal, and not even a set list!

It’s always a ‘surprise’ line-up – even for the players.

The Jazz Bar: 21:00 £6.00

Edinburgh MON, 2 APR

Glamour And The Baybes 6-Piece funk with ripping horns and massive vocals that grab you by the soul and drop you on the dance floor!

The Jazz Bar: 23:30 £4.00

TUE, 3 APR

After Work Blues Acoustic/Electric Blues by singer/guitarist John Hunt – and check out his amazing hand-built guitars! ‘Gritty, Funky Boogie-Woogie from a master of blues slide-guitar’ – Evening News The Jazz Bar: 18:00 FREE

WED, 4 APR

Graeme Mearns A Hat, a Suit, and a Guitar. With a swing/jazz/acoustic style somewhere between Django Reinhardt and Richard Thompson, you’ll hear familiar songs in a way you’ve never imagined The Jazz Bar: 19:00 FREE

THU, 5 APR

Henry Ibbs Expect a mixture of tunes: traditional, original and cover versions (with more than a dash of Scouse!) from well-known singer/ songwriter Henry Ibbs.

The Jazz Bar: 18:00 FREE

FRI, 6 APR

MPG Acoustic Showcase Three of Edinburgh’s finest singer/ songwriters, Mike MacFarlane, Paul Montague and Graeme Mearns present fabulous (and occasionally anarchic!) musical entertainment, each week featuring specially invited guests.

The Jazz Bar: 18:00 FREE Propaganda An unrivalled audio visual mix of the best current and classic indie alternative music with special guests and Propaganda resident DJs. Liquid Rooms: 22:30 £5.00 Headset Bake (All Caps) and Peizo (Swamp 81) headline Headset.

Jazz Spastiks headline Room 2 (Old School Hip Hop).

Bongo Club: 23:00 £5.00

SAT, 7 APR

Quintet Every Saturday, a different hand-picked selection of five excellent jazz players meets on stage for the first time (hence the name) – and plays with no rehearsal, and not even a set list!

It’s always a ‘surprise’ line-up – even for the players.

The Jazz Bar: 21:00 £6.00 Soulsville Est. 2010, this is Edinburgh’s institutional shot of Deep Rhythms and Rugged Grooves. Main Room: Cameron Mason and Calum Evans playing rare funk, deep disco and some raucous worldly flavours. Upstairs: TBC. Strictly party vibes.

Bongo Club: 23:00 £5.00

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gig guide

SUN, 8 APR

The Sunday Sinners Dance to dynamic Funk/Soul grooves from in-the-pocket 5-piece band with outstanding vocals.

The Jazz Bar: 12:00 £4.00

MON, 9 APR

Glamour And The Baybes 6-Piece funk with ripping horns and massive vocals that grab you by the soul and drop you on the dance floor!

The Jazz Bar: 23:30 £4.00

TUE, 10 APR

After Work Blues Acoustic/Electric Blues by singer/guitarist John Hunt – and check out his amazing hand-built guitars! ‘Gritty, Funky Boogie-Woogie from a master of blues slide-guitar’ – Evening News The Jazz Bar: 18:00 FREE Midnight Bass DnB, Jungle, Bassline, Grime & Garage with DJs from Junglism, Big n Bashy, Electrikal, Roots, Witness, 59th Degree + more!

Bongo Club: 23:00 £3.00

WED, 11 APR

Graeme Mearns A Hat, a Suit, and a Guitar. With a swing/jazz/acoustic style somewhere between Django Reinhardt and Richard Thompson, you’ll hear familiar songs in a way you’ve never imagined The Jazz Bar: 19:00 FREE

THU, 12 APR

Henry Ibbs Expect a mixture of tunes: traditional, original and cover versions (with more than a dash of Scouse!) from well-known singer/ songwriter Henry Ibbs.

The Jazz Bar: 18:00 FREE

FRI, 13 APR

MPG Acoustic Showcase Three of Edinburgh’s finest singer/ songwriters, Mike MacFarlane, Paul Montague and Graeme Mearns present fabulous (and occasionally anarchic!) musical entertainment, each week featuring specially invited guests.

The Jazz Bar: 18:00 FREE Propaganda An unrivalled audio visual mix of the best current and classic indie alternative music with special guests and Propaganda resident DJs. Liquid Rooms: 22:30 £5.00 Substance Recognised by the authoritative Resident Advisor to be “one of Edinburgh’s most important outposts for house, techno and bass”, Substance brings a wide ranging collage of classic and cutting edge underground electronic music to the Bongo.

Bongo Club: 23:00 FREE

SAT, 14 APR

Quintet Every Saturday, a different hand-picked selection of five excellent jazz players meets on stage for the first time (hence the name) – and plays with no rehearsal, and not even a set list!

It’s always a ‘surprise’ line-up – even for the players.

The Jazz Bar: 21:00 £6.00 Messenger Messenger Sound System, the original roots advertiser, consistently programmes the heights of conscious reggae music, dub-wise and otherwise!

Bongo Club: 23:00 £5.00

SUN, 15 APR

The Sunday Sinners Dance to dynamic Funk/Soul grooves from in-the-pocket 5-piece band with outstanding vocals.

The Jazz Bar: 12:00 £4.00

MON, 16 APR

Glamour And The Baybes 6-Piece funk with ripping horns and massive vocals that grab you by the soul and drop you on the dance floor!

The Jazz Bar: 23:30 £4.00

TUE, 17 APR

After Work Blues Acoustic/Electric Blues by singer/guitarist John Hunt – and check out his amazing hand-built guitars! ‘Gritty, Funky Boogie-Woogie from a master of blues slide-guitar’ – Evening News The Jazz Bar: 18:00 FREE Midnight Bass DnB, Jungle, Bassline, Grime & Garage with DJs from Junglism, Big n Bashy, Electrikal, Roots, Witness, 59th Degree + more!

Bongo Club: 23:00 £3.00

WED, 18 APR

Graeme Mearns A Hat, a Suit, and a Guitar. With a swing/jazz/acoustic style somewhere between Django Reinhardt and Richard Thompson, you’ll hear familiar songs in a way you’ve never imagined The Jazz Bar: 19:00 FREE

THU, 19 APR

Henry Ibbs Expect a mixture of tunes: traditional, original and cover versions (with more than a dash of Scouse!) from well-known singer/ songwriter Henry Ibbs.

The Jazz Bar: 18:00 FREE

FRI, 20 APR

MPG Acoustic Showcase Three of Edinburgh’s finest singer/ songwriters, Mike MacFarlane, Paul Montague and Graeme Mearns present fabulous (and occasionally anarchic!) musical entertainment, each week featuring specially invited guests.

The Jazz Bar: 18:00 FREE Propaganda An unrivalled audio visual mix of the best current and classic indie alternative music with special guests and Propaganda resident DJs. Liquid Rooms: 22:30 £5.00

Mumbo Jumbo Mumbo Jumbo is a night with a mix of musical styles from funk and hip hop to house and electro care of resident DJs Trendy Wendy, Steve Austin and new recruit Eva Crystaltips joined by MC MAD (Groove Armada), with live congas and percussion by Bongo Dave and live musicians jamming.

Bongo Club: 23:00 £3.00

SUN, 22 APR

Jah Wobble Original UK post-punk legend John Wardle, aka Jah Wobble, will be among the most unique acts ever to have graced the Bongo’s stage.

Bongo Club: 19:00 £10.00

FRI, 27 APR MPG Acoustic Showcase Three of Edinburgh’s finest singer/ songwriters, Mike MacFarlane, Paul Montague and Graeme Mearns present fabulous (and occasionally anarchic!) musical entertainment, each week featuring specially invited guests.

The Jazz Bar: 18:00 FREE Hotline Hotline is back, following its recent First Birthday, collaborating with an all girl ECA collective to have art and visuals within the club night.

Bongo Club: 19:00 £5.00 Propaganda An unrivalled audio visual mix of the best current and classic indie alternative music with special guests and Propaganda resident DJs. Liquid Rooms: 22:30 £5.00

The Sunday Sinners Dance to dynamic Funk/Soul grooves from in-the-pocket 5-piece band with outstanding vocals.

The Jazz Bar: 12:00 £4.00

SAT, 28 APR

Glamour And The Baybes 6-Piece funk with ripping horns and massive vocals that grab you by the soul and drop you on the dance floor!

The Jazz Bar: 23:30 £4.00

Quintet Every Saturday, a different hand-picked selection of five excellent jazz players meets on stage for the first time (hence the name) – and plays with no rehearsal, and not even a set list!

It’s always a ‘surprise’ line-up – even for the players.

The Jazz Bar: 21:00 £6.00

MON, 23 APR

TUE, 24 APR

After Work Blues Acoustic/Electric Blues by singer/guitarist John Hunt – and check out his amazing hand-built guitars! ‘Gritty, Funky Boogie-Woogie from a master of blues slide-guitar’ – Evening News The Jazz Bar: 18:00 FREE Midnight Bass DnB, Jungle, Bassline, Grime & Garage with DJs from Junglism, Big n Bashy, Electrikal, Roots, Witness, 59th Degree + more!

Bongo Club: 23:00 £3.00

WED, 25 APR

Graeme Mearns A Hat, a Suit, and a Guitar. With a swing/jazz/acoustic style somewhere between Django Reinhardt and Richard Thompson, you’ll hear familiar songs in a way you’ve never imagined The Jazz Bar: 19:00 FREE

THU, 26 APR

Henry Ibbs Expect a mixture of tunes: traditional, original and cover versions (with more than a dash of Scouse!) from well-known singer/ songwriter Henry Ibbs.

The Jazz Bar: 18:00 FREE

SPH Band Contest Second round of the SPH Band Contest, featuring more live acts battling it out for supremacy Bongo Club: 17:00 £7.00

Soundsystem It’s a break-out, one-off session for Sound System Legacies (which now happens upstairs at Messenger Sound System every month), exploring the finest sounds in Jungle, Dubstep, Garage, DnB and Dub, as they celebrate the legacy of reggae music and sound system culture on today’s club sounds, and all via the FULL Messenger Soundsystem.

Bongo Club: 23:00 £12.00

SUN, 29 APR The Sunday Sinners Dance to dynamic Funk/Soul grooves from in-the-pocket 5-piece band with outstanding vocals.

The Jazz Bar: 12:00 £4.00

MON, 30 APR Glamour And The Baybes 6-Piece funk with ripping horns and massive vocals that grab you by the soul and drop you on the dance floor!

The Jazz Bar: 23:30 £4.00

Glasgow SUN, 1 APR

No Place To Fall Join Phillip Taylor (PAWS) & friends for the first of many free open stages at The Hug and Pint.

Hug & Pint: 13:00 FREE

MON, 2 APR

I AM Welcoming back those juice enthusiasts Capri Collective to the Sub Club basement for I AM’s first outing of 2018. Having played with the young guns numerous times now over 2017, I AM know what to expect from their friendly faces.

Sub Club: 23:00 £5.00

Acoustic Open Mic Night Glasgow's longest running open mic is open to all, and each performer gets a free beer!

Nice N Sleazy: 20:00 FREE

PERMOCULTURE The History of Dance, made present!

Nice N Sleazy: 23:30 FREE

Open Mic Night Come down to BOX and play some tunes. Hosted by the extremely talented lads Ross Leighton (Fatherson) and Callum Wiseman (PRIDES) Box: 21:00 FREE

Do You Even Disco? An evening of 70s/80s Disco, Italo-Disco and Nu-Wave with dashes of 90s House and just a taste of modern Indie Dance!

Nice N Sleazy: 23:30 FREE

TUE, 3 APR

WED, 4 APR

Carla J. Easton + West Princes + Bite Carla and her band return to Glasgow to play new songs from Carla’s forthcoming second solo album which she recorded in Montreal with Howard Bilerman (producer of Arcade Fire, Leonard Cohen, Godspeed You! Black Emperor).

Nice N Sleazy: 19:30 £10.00

THU, 5 APR

ADJUST/ALL FEAR DEATH + RAZORBITE & RUTHLESS First date on the Adjust/All Fear Death UK run – Come and support the troops before they hit the road for a wild weekend away!

Broadcast: 19:00 £5.00 3 Generations of Ska Featuring an exclusive performance from Stranger Cole, as well as legends Neville Staple and Christine 'Sugary' Staple, The 3 Generations of Ska tour will pair both new wave and classic ska alike to delight listeners ears.

O2 ABC: 19:00 £25.00 Iron Bastards + Cartilage + Dead Otter Hard as nails fast rock n roll for fans of Lemmy, Fast Eddie, Philthy Phil. You know what we're talking about. Iron Bastards are from france and have been constantly on tour for the last few years and they do not surrender.

Nice N Sleazy: 19:30 £5.00 Joana Serat Joana .deals with farewells but is filled with an optimistic melancholy that doesn’t isolate nor enclose the spirit and determination to realise our own dreams Hug & Pint: 19:30 £8.00 Thee Hypnotics Thee Hypnotics King Tuts: 20:30 £14.30 Jelly Baby JellyBaby resident DJ Ted plays a party mash-up.

O2 ABC: 23:00 £4.00 First Dates with Spook School DJs Pop Punk + Nu Metal School Disco vibes Nice N Sleazy: 23:30 FREE

FRI, 6 APR

The Wonder Stuff It’s been 27 years since Stourbridge legends, The Wonder Stuff and Ned’s Atomic Dustbin shared a stage together, so they’ve decided to reunite for a one-off, 12-date co-headline tour for 2018. With millions of records sold between them, this is going to be a special event that you won’t want to miss out on.

O2 ABC: 18:30 £34.00 Human Renegade Formerly known as The Royal Thieves, Human Renegade are just four guys from Glasgow that love creating fresh music and performing live.

Having recently been in the studio recording their debut single, catch them live in April to see what’s to come from the quartet.

O2 ABC2: 19:00 £9.00 Klub Kids Prepare to be amazed, as Klub Kids return with Twisted Circus, a night full of jaw-dropping circus production and seven of the world’s best drag acts.

O2 Academy: 19:00 £34.00 Greenfinch + The Local (usa) + guests Greenfinch are proud to host San Diego band "The Local" as they bring their debut album tour to Glasgow on Friday the 6th of April at Nice N Sleazy. Greenfinch are a Glasgow-based five piece who perform folk-inflected songs built on a warm bed of intertwining guitars and ethereal vocals – in English and Gaelic.

Nice N Sleazy: 19:30 £5.00 Carnivores Carnivores Hug & Pint: 19:30 £7.00 The Roov The Roov King Tuts: 20:30 £7.70 Propaganda An unrivalled audio visual mix of the best current and classic indie alternative music with special guests and Propaganda resident DJs. O2 ABC: 22:30 £5.00 Harsh Tug Harsh Tug OG Kush + Gin n Juice + Hip Hop Bangers Nice N Sleazy: 23:30 £3.00

The events listed below were correct and up to date at time of going to print but please check the venue’s own website prior to booking

SAT, 7 APR

Epica Symphonic metal titans Epica return to UK stages after a sold-out show at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire earlier this year. The Dutch sextet bring their latest EP, The Solace System along with them for a string of epic live shows.

O2 ABC: 18:00 £22.00 Space Having gained much of their success in the 90s, indie band Space are back for 2017 with new single ‘Dangerous Day’ and their upcoming album Give Me Your Future. Catch them on their upcoming UK tour as they celebrate their career and the future ahead of them.

O2 ABC2: 18:30 TBC Funeral Shake Supports Slime City + Hicks Broadcast: 19:00 FREE Ritterskamp + Michael Anguish + Normal Service + Gift Horse The perfect mix of melancholic shanties and more experimental sonic landscapes Nice N Sleazy: 19:30 £6.00 Carnivores Carnivores Hug & Pint: 19:30 £7.00 The Rubens The Rubens King Tuts: 20:30 £11.00 LOVE MUSIC With great music, the stunning lighting display & the powerhouse of a soundsystem it has been the benchmark for the best in clubbing experiences in Scotland.

O2 ABC: 23:00 £4.00 Glitterbang! Glitterbang Europop + Disco + Sweatcore 11.30pm Nice N Sleazy: 23:30 £3.00

SUN, 8 APR

No Place To Fall Join Phillip Taylor (PAWS) & friends for the first of many free open stages at The Hug and Pint.

Hug & Pint: 13:00 FREE Guttersnipe + Cuntroaches + Gross Net + Security + Atatat + Cartilage Half a dozen examples of peerless aural malevolence Nice N Sleazy: 18:00 £5.00 Demob Happy Celebrating the release of their second album ‘Holy Doom’ on March 23rd, Demob Happy join us at The Haunt as part of their UK tour.

Broadcast: 19:00 TBC The Martin Barre Band The Martin Barre Band O2 ABC2: 19:00 £28.00 En Vogue En Vogue have been trendsetters in the R&B world for over two decades now and since returning with new music in 2016, the group have been touring the world, with the UK being next on their list. Don’t miss your chance to witness these iconic women perform live.

O2 ABC: 19:00 £33.00 Jessica Lea Mayfield A raw document of a woman in progress; one weathering cruel storms but finally able to blame the rain itself for the flood Hug & Pint: 19:30 £8.50 MisterWives MisterWives King Tuts: 20:30 £11.00 Get To Funk Come down to Sleazy's for a first Glasgow event for WhiteWalls!

Nice N Sleazy: 23:30 £3.00

MON, 9 APR

COLDBONES With Local Support Broadcast: 19:00 FREE Dancing On Tables Formed in their last year of school, school mates; Robbie (22), Callum(19), Hamish (21), Gregor (21) and Michael (21) bring an eclectic range of influences to create an infectious pop rock sound.

Hug & Pint: 19:30 £5.00 Acoustic Open Mic Night Glasgow's longest running open mic is open to all, and each performer gets a free beer!

Nice N Sleazy: 20:00 FREE The Sheepdogs The Sheepdogs King Tuts: 20:30 TBC

TUE, 10 APR

SUGARSPUN Hot off the heels of a headline UK tour, numerous sold out gigs, heavy praise from BBC Introducing and record label interest all within 6 months of forming, Sugarspun are set to release their debut single ‘Spaceman Dreams’ with yet another UK tour to coincide.

Broadcast: 19:00 TBC Arlissa Arlissa O2 ABC: 19:00 £15.00 False Friends False Friends are a band now nestled calmly in the vibrant music scene of Glasgow, after the majority of the band moved to the city from Northern Ireland.

Hug & Pint: 19:30 £5.00 Blitzen Trapper Blitzen Trapper King Tuts: 20:30 £12.10 Open Mic Night Come down to BOX and play some tunes. Hosted by the extremely talented lads Ross Leighton (Fatherson) and Callum Wiseman (PRIDES) Box: 21:00 FREE I AM Welcoming back those juice enthusiasts Capri Collective to the Sub Club basement for I AM’s first outing of 2018. Having played with the young guns numerous times now over 2017, I AM know what to expect from their friendly faces.

Sub Club: 23:00 £5.00

WED, 11 APR

Tigers Jaw Tigers Jaw Slaughter Beach, Dog Worriers Stereo: 18:30 £14.00 KASHMERE Manchester Indiepop/rock 4 piece Kashmere, bring together a clever collection of interesting drum beats, jangly guitar riffs and interesting Lyrics and Hooks to create a complex but fun sound.

Broadcast: 19:00 FREE Aidan Smith Aidan is a young singer/songwriter and multiinstrumentalist who is beginning to make a name for himself in the music world.

Hug & Pint: 19:30 £5.00 Queen Zee Queen Zee King Tuts: 20:30 TBC

THU, 12 APR

TWENTY FOUR With support from Indian Tonic Broadcast: 19:00 £6.00 SHAME SHAME Stereo: 19:00 £9.00 The Vaccines ollowing a three-year hiatus, The Vaccines are back with new album Combat Sportsand a headline tour to go with it. Known as one of the UK’s most-loved bands, this tour will be a true return to form for the indie-rock stars.

O2 Academy: 19:00 SOLD OUT Florist Florist is a soft-synthesizerfolk band and the friendship project of Emily Sprague, Rick Spataro, and Jonnie Baker.

Hug & Pint: 19:30 £8.00 BBC Music Introducing Glassmasterer, Tupper, Werewolf, Baby Taylah, Neon Prism King Tuts: 20:30 £8.80 Jelly Baby JellyBaby resident DJ Ted plays a party mash-up.

O2 ABC: 23:00 £4.00 Headset Garage / Techno / House / UK Sub Club: 23:00 £5.00

FRI, 13 APR

The Pontangz O2 ABC2: 19:00 £9.00 Calum Scott After the success of debut single ‘Dancing On My Own’, singer Calum Scott will be heading out on a full headline UK tour in April to promote his highly anticipated debut album Only Human, which is set for release early 2018.

O2 ABC: 19:00 £18.00 Fenne Lily Fenne Lily Stereo: 19:00 £8.00 Melody Maker's Melody Maker's Hug & Pint: 19:30 £8.00 Aquilo Aquilo King Tuts: 20:30 £12.10

Propaganda An unrivalled audio visual mix of the best current and classic indie alternative music with special guests and Propaganda resident DJs. O2 ABC: 22:30 £5.00

SAT, 14 APR

Walk The Moon Walk The Moon O2 ABC: 19:00 £21.00 Crow's Feet Crow's Feet will be launching their new single 'Towns' at The Hug and Pint.

Hug & Pint: 19:30 £7.50 Talker Talker King Tuts: 20:30 £7.00 October Drift October Drift King Tuts: 20:30 £9.00 LOVE MUSIC With great music, the stunning lighting display & the powerhouse of a soundsystem it has been the benchmark for the best in clubbing experiences in Scotland.

O2 ABC: 23:00 £4.00 Subculture Subculture is one of the world’s longest-running underground house night and the longest weekly house music residency on the planet. With Harri and Domenic in control week in week out, it’s easy to see why it has endured for the best part of two decades as they continue to serve up the most upfront and relevant selections of all that’s good in house and techno, keeping the vibe that the reputation of the club is built on.

Sub Club: 23:00 TBA

SUN, 15 APR

No Place To Fall Join Phillip Taylor (PAWS) & friends for the first of many free open stages at The Hug and Pint.

Hug & Pint: 13:00 FREE Isaac Gracie Isaac Gracie King Tuts: 20:30 £13.00

MON, 16 APR

White Buffalo With several of his songs featured in the Sons Of Anarchy hit series, Jake Smith comes to UK shores under his moniker, The White Buffalo. The American singer-songwriter will bring his new, sixth full-length album, Darkest Darks, Lightest Lights, on the road with him.

O2 Academy: 19:00 £19.00 Acoustic Open Mic Night Glasgow's longest running open mic is open to all, and each performer gets a free beer!

Nice N Sleazy: 20:00 FREE Jerry Harmon King Tuts: 20:30 £8.00

TUE, 17 APR

The Homesick The Homesick Hug & Pint: 19:30 £12.00 Open Mic Night Come down to BOX and play some tunes. Hosted by the extremely talented lads Ross Leighton (Fatherson) and Callum Wiseman (PRIDES) Box: 21:00 FREE I AM Welcoming back those juice enthusiasts Capri Collective to the Sub Club basement for I AM’s first outing of 2018. Having played with the young guns numerous times now over 2017, I AM know what to expect from their friendly faces.

Sub Club: 23:00 £5.00

WED, 18 APR

Just Jack Just Jack Hug & Pint: 19:30 £5.00 The Kicks Professional Cover Band, playing all your favourite tunes!

Box: 23:00 FREE

THU, 19 APR

Urvanovic Glasgow chamber-pop ensemble Urvanovic launch their new 'Harmonium // Trove' double A-side single with support from local weirdos Mitchell Museum and Mayor Stubbs.

Hug & Pint: 19:30 £8.00 Little Hours Little Hours King Tuts: 20:30 £12.00 Jelly Baby JellyBaby resident DJ Ted plays a party mash-up.

O2 ABC: 23:00 £4.00

Presented by

www.northernstreams.org

Festival of Nordic & Scottish music, song & dance

eltmsa@yahoo.co.uk (+44) 0795 191 8366

Edinburgh & Lothians Branch

“...something out of the ordinary” The Herald

20-22 April 2018 Grassmarket Centre, Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QA Invited guests:

Peter Puma Hedlund (Sweden) Paul Anderson & Shona Donaldson (Scotland) V-Dala Spelmanslag (Sweden) Fika Collective (Scotland)

The TMSA is registered as a Scottish Charity SCO03819 & a company limited by guarantee No: SC199976.

FRI, 20 APR

Brownbear Brownbear Stereo: 19:00

£10.00

The Streets Returning to the stage for the first time in seven years, Mike Skinner and The Streets will perform all their greatest hits for the ‘The Darker The Shadow, The Brighter The Light’ UK tour in 2018.

O2 Academy: 19:00 SOLD OUT Lucy Dacus Lucy Dacus's No Burden is full of surprises—sharp lyrical observations, playful turns of musical phrase, hooks that'll embed themselves in your frontal lobe for days.

Hug & Pint: 19:30 £5.00 Nick JD Hodgson Nick JD Hodgson King Tuts: 20:30 £11.00 Propaganda An unrivalled audio visual mix of the best current and classic indie alternative music with special guests and Propaganda resident DJs. O2 ABC: 22:30 £5.00

SAT, 21 APR

The AC/DC Experience The AC/ DC Experience are heading out on tour to deliver the legendary sound, spirit and attitude of one of the world’s greatest rock bands. Nailing the power and look of the rock god’s perfectly, this is a show all AC/DC fans have to witness.

O2 ABC: 19:00 £15.00 The Sea Atlas The Sea Atlas is like all maps, sheltered havens to open expanses that will weather the harshest storms.

Hug & Pint: 19:30 £5.00 Grant Lee Phillips Grant Lee Phillips King Tuts: 20:30 £19.00 LOVE MUSIC With great music, the stunning lighting display & the powerhouse of a soundsystem it has been the benchmark for the best in clubbing experiences in Scotland.

O2 ABC: 23:00 £4.00 Subculture Subculture is one of the world’s longest-running underground house night and the longest weekly house music residency on the planet. With Harri and Domenic in control week in week out, it’s easy to see why it has endured for the best part of two decades as they continue to serve up the most upfront and relevant selections of all that’s good in house and techno, keeping the vibe that the reputation of the club is built on.

Sub Club: 23:00 TBA

SUN, 22 APR

No Place To Fall Join Phillip Taylor (PAWS) & friends for the first of many free open stages at The Hug and Pint.

Hug & Pint: 13:00 FREE

Ought On Room Inside the World— Ought’s third album and their first for Merge—growing up doesn’t mean mellowing out so much as it means learning to pay attention, listening carefully and openly, staying somewhere long enough to really understand where you are.

Stereo: 19:00 £13.00 Zoe Bestel Join Zoe Bestel as she takes you on a journey through her new album released by LNFG on 180gm Vinyl and CD on RSD 21/04/2018 Hug & Pint: 20:00 £7.00 Mallory Knox Mallory Knox King Tuts: 20:30 £20.00

MON, 23 APR

Chrissy Barnacle The eccentric, comedic and poignant Chrissy Barnacle headlines a Song, by Toad night in Glasgow, with amazing Canadian Dana Gavanski on her first UK tour, and newcomer Molly Linen.

Hug & Pint: 19:30 £5.00 Acoustic Open Mic Night Glasgow's longest running open mic is open to all, and each performer gets a free beer!

Nice N Sleazy: 20:00 FREE Gengahr Gengahr King Tuts: 20:30 £14.00

TUE, 24 APR

Skindred UK ragga metal legends Skindred will bring the force this coming April, as they embark on a huge headline tour to promote their upcoming seventh album, due for release in the same month.

O2 ABC: 19:00 £25.00 The Yawpers The Yawpers O2 ABC2: 19:00 £11.00 FLING Psych-pop glam-rockers FLING release ‘The Legend of Banjo Billy’EP out April 13th on Dance to the Radio.

Hug & Pint: 19:30 £7.00 Icon For Hire Icon For Hire King Tuts: 20:30 £11.00 Open Mic Night Come down to BOX and play some tunes. Hosted by the extremely talented lads Ross Leighton (Fatherson) and Callum Wiseman (PRIDES) Box: 21:00 FREE I AM Welcoming back those juice enthusiasts Capri Collective to the Sub Club basement for I AM’s first outing of 2018. Having played with the young guns numerous times now over 2017, I AM know what to expect from their friendly faces.

Sub Club: 23:00 £5.00

WED, 25 APR

Angus Munro Angus Munro is a multi-faceted vocalist with a four-octave range that can break glass and suitcases full of pianosoaked memories. London-born and Scotland-bred, his 2014 EP “Shooting First” received international acclaim for it’s 60’s nostalgic sound and vocal gymnastics that saw Angus tour North America and Eastern-Europe.

Hug & Pint: 19:30 £7.50

THU, 26 APR

Quiet As A Mouth Quiet As A Mouth Hug & Pint: 19:30 £5.00 The Academic The Academic King Tuts: 20:30 £10.00 Jelly Baby JellyBaby resident DJ Ted plays a party mash-up.

O2 ABC: 23:00 £4.00

FRI, 27 APR

The Lake Poets The Lake Poets Hug & Pint: 19:30 £10.00 Columbia Mills Columbia Mills King Tuts: 20:30 £9.00 Propaganda An unrivalled audio visual mix of the best current and classic indie alternative music with special guests and Propaganda resident DJs. O2 ABC: 22:30 £5.00

SAT, 28 APR

Plan B With his new album Heaven Before Hell Breaks Loose set for release in April, award-winning artist Plan B will also be embarking on a headline UK tour, his first in nearly six years, to premiere his new material live.

O2 Academy: 19:00 £34.00 Gypsyfingers Following a fantastic performance at SEC in October 2017 supporting Tubular Bells For Two, Gypsyfingers return to Glasgow bringing their unique blend of ethereal folk-rock to The Hug & Pint on Saturday 28th April during their first headline tour of the UK. Hug & Pint: 19:30 £8.00 Katee Kross King Tuts: 20:30 £8.00 LOVE MUSIC With great music, the stunning lighting display & the powerhouse of a soundsystem it has been the benchmark for the best in clubbing experiences in Scotland.

O2 ABC: 23:00 £4.00

SUN, 29 APR

No Place To Fall Join Phillip Taylor (PAWS) & friends for the first of many free open stages at The Hug and Pint.

Hug & Pint: 13:00 FREE Slug Slug Hug & Pint: 19:30 £8.00

MON, 30 APR

Katie Von Schelicher On her debut full-length, Von Schleicher strikes again on the magic that comes from her warped and uncompromising sound. Shitty Hits channels the bright, sunny radio burners of the 1970’s, songs you drive to, carefree, and songs you can cry to.

Hug & Pint: 19:30 £7.50 Acoustic Open Mic Night Glasgow's longest running open mic is open to all, and each performer gets a free beer!

Nice N Sleazy: 20:00 FREE Justin Nozuka King Tuts: 20:30 £14.00

APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

13

'

We catch up with Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth of Let's Eat Grandma the day after their UK/European tour opener at Glasgow's Stereo.

When they first appear on stage, Let's Eat Grandma are vaguely terrifying; like the twins from The Shining, complete with identical long wavy hair and matching clothes; but with synths and a sax - so better. In photos they look like twins or sisters (they're neither) and though the similarities are not quite so strong in real life they're just similar enough to set you wondering, to add a layer of creepiness to their performance. Unease is the ground they thrive on.

Rosa and Jenny have known each other most of their lives, they met when they were 4 years old and started making music together at the age of 14. 'The Angry Chicken' was their first song; Rosa played the guitar she received for her 13th birthday present and Jenny played an out of tune ukulele. Their first album I, Gemini was an odd and otherworldly mix of songs, at times presenting a deliberate naivety that brings to mind Icelandic experimentalists MĂşm but with a wider palette of sounds, and rapping.

Most of the set list is made up of I, Gemini

songs tonight, some of which are played in condensed form, allowing space in the 40 minute set to fit in a couple of tracks from new album 'I'm All Ears'.

It's easy to glance at the duo's deadpan school-yard hand clapping games and playing dead theatrics and dismiss the duo as overly earnest but nothing could be further from the truth. As soon as you realise that they're seriously intent on messing with their audience it's difficult to keep a wry grin from appearing.

Their new single 'Falling into Me' is a slightly more structured, polished and straight up slice of pop than anything from I, Gemini. It features little nods to The XX and the kind of wide horizons M83's Anthony Gonzalez has made his stock-in-trade. Hot Pink, their Faris Badwan and SOPHIE produced 'comeback song', is in turns gently textured and an abrasive neon thumper of a tack which Rosa explains is about 'reclaiming an underrated colour from stereotype and celebrating femininity'.

It's about people, our friends, our experiences touring, romance, mental health...'

I ask, do they often come across gender stereotypes in the industry or outside?

Both jump in 'Yeah! All the time'. Jenny gives an example from earlier that day to illustrate just how common it is, 'I mean I just bought a skateboard cause it was reduced in Toys R Us and I got lots of comments from guys saying, do you want to show me it, do you want me to show you how it's done? And that's an example of a stereotype just in the last hour'.

We get onto the topic of dodgy promoters and the perils of play to play which they say they got into doing without even realising that was what they'd agreed to.

They've some advice for bands starting to find their feet and play gigs, 'you've got to stand your ground cause people are going to fuck you about and you have to know what you want.'

'I think generally you have to not be afraid of doing your own thing.', says Jenny, 'I think that maybe when we started playing in our music scene, I mean Rose plays guitar but we're not a guitar band, we're more electronic, It kind of felt like there wasn't any room for that so we created a space. You just have to do music that you personally like playing. And questioning things as well, questioning the norm. Why it's wrong and not necessarily the right thing to do.'

They're glad they had time to develop away from the spotlight to explore ideas, nurture their own talent and not have a massive amount of pressure put on them.

Rosa explains 'I think with a lot of bands that play in London, they don't really get time to do that. When you're playing a show in Norwich there might not be that many people there and there's not as much of a competition for band that want slots so therefore you get a bit more time to hone your craft and play gigs where you're going to be shit so that you can improve.'

These days they say their gigs are really good for them because they've a booking agent that they trust but initially they found that promoters and sound techs could be demeaning and rude, Jenny acknowleges 'It doesn't help that we weren't as good a band then either.

There needs to be the chance to make mistakes and learn because everyone has to start somewhere.'

So what can we expect from the rest of the album once it's released? Jenny doesn't give a lot away, 'I think that we're just trying to literally represent our lives over the last couple of years, it's not a concept album or anything. It's quite an honest album, it's quite open. I think we're just being ourselves even more.

And we're exploring our individual interests as well. It will make more sense once it's released but it draws on so may different things. It's about people, our friends, our experiences touring, romance, mental health...'

You can catch Let's Eat Grandma on tour around the UK and Europe till April 23rd or at The Great Escape, Bilbao and Best Kept Secret festivals over the summer.

New album I'm All Ears will be released June 29th on Transgressive Records.

APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

15

Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis

Support and Advocacy Services for survivors of rape, sexual abuse and exploitation – no matter when the incident has happened.

For more information about the range of services we have available visit www.glasgowclyderapecrisis.org.uk

PHONE US: We have a Freephone number on our helpline. You can contact us on 08088 00 00 14 every day between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm and on Monday – Thursday between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm EMAIL US: support@rapecrisiscentre-glasgow.co.uk

FIESTA x FOLD

MORCHEEBA Grammy-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist Nile Rodgers will produce, perform and host this year's Fiesta x FOLD Festival. No surprise that he has pulled together an fantastic line-up for what is set to be one of the biggest parties of the Scottish summer! Joining Nile Rodgers & CHIC as co-headliners on the Saturday are the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire plus The Pointer Sisters. With De La Soul, Roy Ayers and Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club also playing. On the Sunday you'll find multi-award winning Scottish singer-songwriter, Emeli Sandé, co-headling with Nile & CHIC. Joining them will be UK electropop icons Goldfrapp plus Laura Mvula, Morcheeba & Ana Matronic. All set in the glorious surroundings of Kelvingrove Park, what's not to love?

We very briefly interrupt Morcheeba's world tour for a quick Q&A. So, you’re playing Fiesta x Fold at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove bandstand this summer, it’s a cracking lineup with Nile Rodgers & Chic, Goldfrapp, Earth Wind and Fire and yourselves. Any old friends on the line-up that you’re looking to catch up with?

Nile Rogers is a very special gentleman, it will be lovely to see him again.

What made you want to write under Morcheeba again?

We will always write, record and perform as Morcheeba, that’s who we are.

So the current Morcheeba are very much a family in the true sense of the word.

How was the experience of writing and performing with this new line up?

16

music

It was lovely, even though it is hard work sometimes you still appreciate what a great experience it is.

Skye, you have mentioned feeling a lot more involved in the creative process this time around, having even written the lyrics in the new album. How does that influence the way you perform live and the nature of the album itself?

It makes it more personal.

Skye has described the experience of recording this album as “fluid”. What do you think has changed in the way you work that allowed this?

It was pretty relaxed and organic and we tried bring the energy from the live shows into the studio.

The new record is called “Blaze Away”.

Skye has mentioned in a recent interview that the name has changed during the process of writing the album. Can you tell us a bit more about why it changed how you came to this final choice?

We always like sneaky references to smoking weed. It’s the Morcheeba way.

What are you trying to evoke in this new album? Would you say it's more of a party record or are is there an overall story arc or message?

Use love to make the world a better place.

What are the plans for Morcheeba after the tour?

The tour is a year or so long, after that we’ll probably need a holiday!

FACETIME US: itunes@glasgowclyderapecrisis.org during helpline opening times.

INSTANT MESSAGING: You can contact us anonymously using Instant Messaging via our website on www.glasgowclyderapecrisis.org.uk during our helpline opening hours.

TM SKYPE US: Call us on the Skype app by searching for Glasgow Clyde Rape Crisis during the above helpline opening times DROP IN: Wednesdays 10.30 am until

FACEBOOK: @GlasgowRapeCrisis

3.00 pm and on Wednesday evenings from 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm. Address for drop in is 30 Bell Street, 5th Floor, Glasgow, G1 1LG.

TWITTER: @RCCGlasgow

TICKETS ONLY £5 for anyone aged 16–25 yrs Register at snjo.co.uk

APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

17

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By Jonny Stone

INTERVIEW AVAILABLE IN PRINT ONLY

18

lifestyle

ACTION PACKED FUN IN GLASGOW

INTERVIEW ONLY AVAILABLE IN PRINTED VERSION

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19

MØ An interview with

How’s tour treating you so far?

It’s been nice to be back in the UK I’ve been a lot in America lately so its nice to be back here where it started and going back to the cities that remind me of of the beginning of my career, so it’s been nice. I also have some really amazing fans here, very dedicated, so it’s been nice to meet them after the shows. and chatting and hearing where they are in their lives, I’m enjoying it a lot.

Where are you calling home now?

I guess I’d still call Denmark home but honestly this year I’ve only been there for two weeks so at the moment more or less a tour bus or hotel is my home, I’ve been considering moving to London or L.A but it’s like I’ve not really had the time to make that move so I just have an apartment in Denmark and that’s it for now.

What are the highlights of your career so far?

In 2012 I released my first couple of songs and that’s when my career properly started, I remember that getting me recognition for the first time in my life, especially after struggling for so many years in all of these bands knowing this was what I wanted to do, so when blogs started writing about me I was so happy it was a dream come true, so that was the beginning. Getting signed to Chess Club through RCA here in the UK that was a huge deal because there wasn’t many Danish artists getting signed to international companies so that was big. Then the album let me travel the world and tour so much but of course Lean On happened and that was the craziest thing that has happened in my career so far. Going from a small indie artist then having a major hit with one of my favourite bands was such a milestone which completely changed everything. Then Final Song was my first solo hit and that went crazy!

Did you have a lot of British influences growing up?

Well The Spice Girls, I always maintain, were the first band that ever struck me and I think because of them I got really interested in going to London and then I remember being super into Blur and Joy Division and that whole scene. I was insanely crazy about them and as I grow older there’s been so much music coming out of the UK. I’ve always been intrigued because there was always so much soul and emotion and energy so I loved that and have always felt connected to the UK in that respect.

Where did your Spice Girls fascination start?

I was around eight or nine at the time and it was the first time I was ever actually interested in something, growing up they were the first time I saw the light, and that made me want to be a musician. It’s hard to describe because for two years they were my entire world so I guess they influenced me in ways i probably don’t even know. The idea of the value of strong friendships, partners or lovers these things come and go but friendships could potentially stay for life and this whole thing about a female group taking over the world made me think I could be just as successful as a man and that being a girl shouldn’t stop me.

How did you get into music?

The Spice Girls again started it, we used to use the music room in school after hours and use it to practice, but i’ve been in so many bands, they started off quite pop but as I got older it was more punk, I was in a punk band at one point. Just playing loads and I’ve been writing songs at the piano in my parents house since I was about nine years old. I was so hungry to be a musician that was all I wanted to do, I took drum lessons and bass lessons and played in all these bands I think because I don’t come from a musical background I had to learn and do everything, take all I could get.

You need to find a community where you can enlighten each other because that’s everything You used to be in a punk band, what advice would you give to young people looking to be more politically aware?

I’d always advise young people to be themselves and be socially conscious, try and be as politically aware as possible, especially right now when the world is such a crazy place. Most importantly express yourself, that’s why I’m so happy now. You need to find a community where you can enlighten each other because that’s everything.

Tell me about the new single “Nostalgia” I got an early draft of the beat a while ago and I remember putting it on and immediately wanted to do a spoken word thing with it. I got so intrigued because I’ve never done anything like

that and just thought it was so cool and fresh and the words were just flowing out of my mind and that’s how it began. I love when songs just happen because you get struck by this inspiration and you don’t know where it comes from but you just go with it. So I patchworked this thing together with my producer. It’s plain and simple looking back on your first love, like pre-teen growing up in the suburbs and that whole feeling of being restless hanging around with your friends on the street corners with all this energy and you’re dreaming of getting out of there, just me looking back on that. Sometimes your heart hurts looking back on the joyful moments and that’s what I wanted to convey.

How important are those friendships to you now?

I feel like throughout my teen years I had a gang of girls and that was what made me as a person, the way we’d mirror each other and support each other and be each others support system. Those years and those friendships are everything to me and now in the industry whether you’re a guy or a girl there’s a lot of competition, it’s very hard, and I think obviously its important to back each other up because we’re all out on the road. We’re all missing our old friends so even though we don’t have a lot of time to hang out we still need to support each other and back your girls up! It’s just necessary, it’s not even

like “a good look” to have these female friends it should be about loving and helping one another. But never force it, it has to come natural. You can’t rely on fake friendships anyway. I still have my friends from back home, and not to make it sound like a fairytale but we are all still super close i just wish I saw them more.

What do you have coming up for 2018?

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I’m finishing the UK tour and then going out to Coachella play that and then a couple of festival dates and the biggest thing will be the release of my album because that’s been underway for a very long time so I’m excited for that to see the light of day!

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22

CINEMA AT THE CCA With LGBT+ cinema gaining real mainstream success and accolades,

by Jonny Stone @jonny_stone_

audiences are prone to forgetting the trailblazing films that laid the ground for new titles and shaped queer culture as a whole. Running between Sat 25th and Sun 26th May at CCA Glasgow, Queer Classics is perfect for anyone curious to discover quintessential LGBT+ movies or is in dire need of revisiting some old favourites.

There are two days of screenings depicting iconic representations of LGBTQ+ people across the decades.

From the “gay boys” of Japan’s 1960s trans subculture in Funeral Parade of Roses to the origins of voguing in the Harlem balls of Paris is Burning, and the magical, queer, gender-shifting tale of Orlando right up to the present day story of Sin-Dee Rella in Tangerine shot entirely on an iPhone.

j.stone@tsaglasgow.com

LGBTQ+ cinema of course has a rich and diverse history. In this mini retrospective film festival, the programmers hope to give a brief overview of some of the some of the most infamous, intimate, outlandish and diverse depictions of queer people ever to grace the silver screen. TSA sat down with programmer Lydia Honeybone to discuss this amazing line-up of films.

You have chosen some quintessential classics as well as lesser known titles: what was your criteria, or how did you go about creating your programme?

The programme is, at its heart, a fundraiser to commission a new work of artists moving image by Glasgow based, queer focused artist Andrew Black. For that reason, I had to think about getting bums on seats to raise money. I looked at it from my own perspective: “what would I just have to see if it was showing on the big screen?” It was also incredibly important to me that each letter of the queer alphabet was included along with more marginalised communities. I worked hard to represent POC, International films, film by women and British cinema too. Many of the choices are very close to my heart: we had a copy of Orlando recorded off the TV on an old VHS tape when I was a kid that I would watch over and over. I think Tilda Swinton was a real queer awakening for me, as I’m sure she is for many people.

When queer cinema has started making a notable impact in mainstream cinema, why do you think now is the time to revisit queer cinema classics?

I think it’s incredibly important to recognise, celebrate and understand our queer history. I have become increasingly aware of the assumption of queer culture into the mainstream.

As positive as this can be for many young people, it is important to understand a time when being LGBTQ+ was not so easy.

This was my main reason for choosing The Naked Civil Servant; there is a lot to learn from “the stately English Homo.”

Tangerine felt like a watershed moment for trans representation in cinema (fast forward to the likes of A Fantastic Woman); do you feel we are making positive progress in regards to authentic inclusion/diversity and what steps do you think we still need to make to achieve this?

Absolutely! Tangerine really paved the way and really embodied a truly queer spirit through its unconventional filmmaking techniques. It honestly represents trans people, people of colour and people surviving on the margins of mainstream society. I think more could be done in terms of non-binary representation. I would love to see a movie where a character is content with their them/they status rather than the traditional narrative of being born in the wrong body and transitioning.

It feels like queer culture has never been more popular or indeed profitable, largely in part to elements and quotes that have been taken iconic films like Paris is Burning: do you feel a sense of responsibility in terms of sharing these films?

Again, you’ve hit the nail on the head! But it’s also about the viewing experience. You can see Paris is Burning on Netflix, why would you spend a fiver to view it at the CCA? I believe for cinema to survive our digital age we must make it experiential. No T, no shade Momma!

Finally (and probably the toughest question: what is your personal pick in the programme, or the one that connects to you the most?

OMG! I’m so torn. They all have a lot of personal significance, James Bridgood is a major influence sited

by some of my favourite artists working in Glasgow today. Paris is Burning is an absolute must-see for any young queer person. But I’d have to say, The Naked Civil Servant – it’s is another one we had bootlegged off the telly and watched it on repeat growing up. I was raised speaking Polari (the secret gay language) fluently from a young age since both parents worked backstage at a London theatre. So, it’s a film very close to my heart, and I’m sure desperately unfashionable today! We would have drag queens turn up at our doorstep on their way to perform at the Vauxhall Tavern and we would natter away to them in Polari learnt from Quentin Crisp quotes. As soon as we could speak, my sister and I were speaking Polari. Though, I can’t watch Orlando without crying at the Jimmy Somerville song at the end.

I believe for cinema to survive our digital age we must make it experiential. No T, no shade Momma!

Interviewee: Lydia Honeybone – Curator APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

23

Continued from Page 23

LGBTI NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD In a very positive step, New Zealand is set to unanimously pass a law allowing for convictions of men for homosexual ‘crimes’ to be pardoned from the public record.

Nearly 1,000 men were found guilty of homosexual offences between 1965 and the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1986. Family of anyone who has since died can apply for pardoning in their place. And while there is no indication of official compensation, the government has issued a number of public apologies.

In the UK, thousands of gay and bisexual men were charged with gross indecency under the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885. The legal repercussions varied, from Oscar Wilde’s sentence of two years hard labour to computing pioneer Alan Turing’s chemical castration, an alternative to a prison sentence. Homosexuality was only decriminalised in England and Wales in 1967, while it took until the 1980s for similar law changes in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In the face of an infamously anti-gay rival, centre-left candidate Carlos Alvarado Quesada has been elected as President of Costa Rica. This is very progressive, as he has been outspoken in his support of gay rights and a pan-American human rights treaty that requires the country to provide legal recognition to same-sex couples. His opponent Fabricio Alvarado Muñoz. Speaking to thousands of cheering fans, the new

President-elect said: “My commitment is to a government for everybody, in equality and liberty for a more prosperous future. In a time when the world of politics and things feel like they’re being run by garbage people, inspiring results like this Costa Rican election give us a little hope that there are political figures gunning for our rights, in the face of those who are stripping them away.

A wonderful, warm and fuzzy middle finger to Mike Pence has been found in the least likely of places: a children’s picture book about a bunny. A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo is a glorious illustrated book based on pence’s real rabbit Marlon Bundo and his relationship with fellow male bunny Wesley. Fun fact: real life Marlon was the first bunny to travel on Air Force Two. The audiobook version features the likes of Jim Parsons, Jesse

Tyler Ferguson and RuPaul. The book was created to highlight Pence’s vile anti-LGBT attitudes and has been promoted avidly by TV host John Oliver, who said that aside from sending an inclusive message, he was hoping to annoy Pence over the competition for his family’s book and the fact that Last Week Tonight is donating all proceeds of its book to LGBT-friendly organizations the Trevor Project and AIDS United.

The fight for marriage equality in Northern Ireland continues as Labour MP Conor McGinn proposed a law to introduce an equality act, which passed its first parliamentary stage in the House of Lords.

Usually any such laws would be addressed and passed by the Northern Irish Assembly – who voted against equal marriage in 2015 – but since the Assembly has not been functioning in the last 15 months, the

UK government can introduce laws into Northern Ireland. There has to be cross-party support for such a bill to go through and it is uncertain as to whether or not this law will be successful, but given the Republic of Ireland’s momentous marriage equality referendum, hopefully law-makers will be inspired to follow every other country in the UK and allow people to marry whoever they want.

A news channel in Pakistan has for the first time hired a transgender news reporter.

Marvia Malik anchored a show on Kohenoor following three months of extensive training and has achieved great success despite being disowned by her family. She stated “The dream that I saw for myself, I was able to climb on the first stair to achieving it…Our community should be treated equally and

there must not be any gender discrimination.

We should be given equal rights and be considered ordinary citizens, instead of thirdgender.” This is a truly inspiring occasion, and in March the Pakistani Senate voted in favour of supporting a bill to protect the rights of transgender people, allowing them to determine their own gender identity.

24

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01

Paris is Burning If you have ever muttered the phrases “Reading is fundamental,” “Shade comes from reading” or referred to someone as an overgrown orang-utan, don’t thank Mama Ru: pay homage to the queens who star in Jennei Livingston’s documentary, which follows the legendary houses of the New York ball scene (Labeija, Corey, Extravaganza and more) and the pioneers of queer culture as we know it today. A heartbreaking and enlightening film, Paris is Burning should be at the top of the list for every newcomer to queer cinema.

1990, 71 min, 1 hour 11 min – 16:30 | Friday 25th May

02

Tangerine I love Tangerine. The oft overlooked comedy drama deserved every award imaginable in 2015 but is for sure a great addition to the queer cinema canon. Tangerine follows Sin-Dee, a transgender sex worker, who discovers her boyfriend/pimp has been cheating on her and spends Christmas Eve on a journey to find him. The first Academy Awards campaigns for openly transgender actresses supported by a film producer were launched for this film, in 2015, for actresses Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, though neither was nominated. Incredibly shot, you would never believe it was filmed entirely on an iPhone.Language film at the Academy Awards, so don’t miss it!

2015, 88 min, 1 hour 28 min – 18:00 | Friday 25th May

03

Pink Narcissus A 70s classic, Pink Narcissus focuses on a the erotic fantasies of a gay sex worker in an arthouse, psychedelic masterpiece. Between visits from his keeper, or john, a handsome male prostitute (Bobby Kendall), alone in his apartment, lounges, fantasizing about worlds where he is the central character. For example, he pictures himself as a matador, a Roman slave boy and the emperor who condemns him, and the keeper of a male harem for whom another male performs a belly dance. A gorgeous and provocative film. was filmed entirely on an iPhone.Language film at the Academy Awards, so don’t miss it!

1971, 65 min, 1 hour 5 min – 20:00 | Friday 25th May

04

07

The Watermelon Woman What an underrated movie! The first feature film directed by a black lesbian, about Cheryl, a young black lesbian working a day job in a video store while trying to make a film about a black actress from the 1930s known for playing the stereotypical “mammy” roles relegated to black actresses during the period. The film explores Cheryl Dunye’s status as a black gay woman and how she relates to the world around her and film history. Not to be missed!

Orlando Again, I will give you two minutes to go onto Amazon and order Virginia Woolfs seminal novel Orlando…good. Sally Potter’s 1992 adaptation stars Tilda Swinton and follows the adventures of Orlando, a poet who changes sex from man to woman and lives for centuries, meeting the key figures of English literary history. Oh, and it stars the aforementioned Quentin Crisp. Satirical and beautifully shot, Orlando is the perfect film to close what is an incredible programme of queer cinema classics.

1996, 90 min, 1 hour 30 min – 12:00 | Saturday 26th May

05

Funeral Parade of Roses An important title in the Japanese New Wave movement, Funeral Parade is a groundbreaking film that follows the trials and tribulations of Tokyo-based Eddie (played by iconic gay performer Peter) and other transvestites. Effortlessly cool and offbeat, this is a film often overlooked, especially given the influence it had on future classics like A Clockwork Orange.

1969, 105 min, 1 hour 45 min – 16:00 | Saturday 26th May

06

1992, 94 min, 1 hour 34 min – 20:00 | Saturday 26th May

QUEEN ZEE We always have an eagle eye on music and artists that celebrate diverse LGBT+ identities, and our latest obsession arrives in the form of queer punk band Queen Zee. Hailing from Liverpool, the quintet, fronted by Zee, are loud, angry and their music will stick with you for hours. As they prepare to bring their headlining tour to Glasgow, allow us to formally introduce you to one of the UK’s most irreverent and exciting bands.

Their 2017 EP Eats My Sass boasts real variety and accessible melodies with challenging lyrics On “Idle Crown,” it sounds like a

blend of Sioxusie and the Banshees and Marilyn Manson, while “Hunger Pains” wouldn’t sound out of place on a Distillers record. The band rejects the hypermasculinity of a genre by whom they were evidently inspired. Of course, punk (in my eyes) has always been at its most immediate, most inspired when the hero behind the mic isn’t a straight white guy: the likes of Debbie Harry, Poly Styrene and Kathleen Hanna are pioneers in an industry pitted against them, and each brings a unique voice to the table.

Queen Zee feels like a natural progression of the groundwork laid by these key figures.

The Naked Civil Servant If you are unfamiliar with Quentin Crisp, you have a minute to look him up on your phone…good. Crisp is effectively the Queen of the Queers, a renaissance man who was renowned for his writing, art and eccentricity. Adapted from his autobiography, the film stars John Hurt and explores Crisp’s youth to middle age. A critically-acclaimed tribute to someone who left a huge mark on queer culture and whose outrageous presence is sorely missed.

1975, 77 min, 1 hour 17 min – 18:00 | Saturday 26th May

Unpredictable, diverse and hugely talented, Queen Zee prove punk is still alive and more important as ever. In an era where the world is going down the toilet, it’s nice to hear other people being pissed off too. They play the iconic King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut on Wed 11 April.

by Jonny Stone @jonny_stone_ j.stone@tsaglasgow.com

l

APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

25

EUROVISON It’s in my genetic make-up to enjoy Eurovision: I may not buy into it completely, but as a card-carrying member of the LGBT+ community, it is my duty to engage in it.

As has been established many times, my feelings towards Eurovision are mixed at best, ranging from ambivalent at best to unashamed enjoyment of its high camp, poor quality status. English singer SuRie is representing the UK at this year’s ceremony in Lisbon with her song “Storm,” a pretty standard issue pop song that will send yawns echoing across the continent. I feel comfortable in the knowledge that we could present national treasure Julie Andrews as our champion and still not take home the prize. It’s not going to happen.

This year, as always, has seen international drama unfold – because nothing beats the drama that coincides with the gayest stage in the world. In January it emerged that Ukrainian singer Alekseev had performed a Russian-language version of his EuroFest entry “Forever” once before in 2017 ahead of the submission deadline set by the EBU, potentially violating the rules of the contest. Six artists threatened to withdraw from the selection if the song were allowed to compete, but all has thankfully been put right and the competition remains in tact.

(Side note: isn’t it ironic that a country with such dangerous anti-LGBT+ attitudes and legislation is in such turmoil over what is probably the gayest event in the world?) But there is a month to go, so there will no doubt be some outrageous scandal before the curtain rises. Let’s hope Eurovision isn’t the one thing that triggers World War 3.

music and fun. And previous contestants and winners have certainly shaped this gay-friendly reputation – such as drag queen champion Conchita Wurst and Russian faux-lesbians t.A.T.u as well as gay icons like Sandie Shaw and Céline Dion – plus the notion of celebrating what makes people special and unique must arguably have inspired an entre generation of gay youth.

Also, it is terrible. The production and performances are so absurd and camp it makes for amazing television; when I need a pick me up, I watch “Dancing Lasha Tumbai,” Ukraine’s 2007 entry, and urge you to do the same right now. I also recommend Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 2008 entry, which has the power to lift even the darkest depression. Each year we see glitter, cringe-inducing presenter fails, absurd stage production and if all goes to plan, a plethora of drag queens: ingredients for perfect a gay television experience. “But how do I share this culturally significant, emotionally resonant event with my loved ones?” I hear you cry.

For one, a Eurovision night is always great party fodder: everyone picks a country out a hat and swears die-hard allegiance to said nation until the bitter end, when representatives from each country reveal their country’s scores with an excruciating lack of finesse. Everyone loves an underdog, and in a competition where worst is somehow best, you might just be the champion of your party. This year, challenge the inner cynic within, invest in a broad palette of face paints for the designated nation you are supporting and enjoy the world’s biggest, gayest party.

IT'S NOT MY ROUND, IT'S EURS!

Despite tensions in Europe escalating at an alarming rate, Eurovision’s status is only growing; 2016 saw the ceremony’s first ever broadcast in the USA on Logo TV, and more countries participate with every year. And in 2018, when it feels like the world is one enormous toilet, perhaps Eurovision has the power to bring us together for one super gay night of fun.

What is it about this tacky, baffling song contest that keeps us coming back for more?

A Eurovision drinking game is some (most) people’s way of handling the ceremony. Should you introduce a pointsbased system, I suggest costumes and national dress should be rewarded.

Perhaps you should create your own rules, but here are some I like:

Its status as the world’s gayest event remains strong: ABBA did win in 1974, after all. I once read the ceremony described as “The Gay World Cup,” and why not? At its most basic level, the contest is aimed at people from all walks of life, which translates nicely as a progressive, anything-goes celebration of

2 Drink when a country tries to make a political statement. You may need to line your stomach ahead of this year’s ceremony…

1 Drink at any particular moment the presenters insist on maintaining a sexual chemistry that just isn’t there

3 Drink at any lighting or sound delay 4 Drink every time someone cries, authentically or otherwise 5 Drink as long as the singer holds their high note Each time someone doesn’t sing in English, attempt to sing along. As soon as you find yourself struggling, take a big gulp of your drink.

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RUPAUL'S

DRAG RACE

I adore RuPaul’s Drag Race. Not a day goes by when I won’t watch Unnhhh, or listen to the deep crevices of RuPaul’s discography, or debate with my boyfriend the performances of queens like straight people do with footballers. And the audience has never been larger, or as mainstream, as it is now, with everyone from 12 year old girls to the most unlikely of celebrities investing in what could be the best reality TV show of all time. But following a controversial reception of All Stars 3, as well as some questionable comments made my Mama Ru himself about the role transgender women play in drag, Drag Race seems to be at a crossroads.

My first experience with RuPaul was when I first saw him on Sister Sister, playing a saleswoman serving Lisa (an underrated 90s TV hero in her own right), and later in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, before seeing the VH1 talk show that shot him into the stratosphere. Fast forward many years, closeted me was watching RuPaul’s Drag Race effectively in secret, embarrassed to watch such a show in fear of being found out. Now you are in the minority if you don’t watch the show.

In March, RuPaul told The Guardian he would “probably not” let a trans woman compete on Drag Race, contending that “You can identify as a woman and say you’re transitioning, but it changes once you start changing your body.”

RuPaul has since apologised, but this sparked much disdain from some of the world’s most famous drag queens, trans performers and LGBT rights activists who were particularly upset that RuPaul supported the frequent and offensive idea that physical characteristics define a person’s gender identity. And it is a slap in the face of former contestants who competed as out trans women or have since transitioned.

Aside from the offence that his statements cause, RuPaul’s ideology is unclear or inconsistent: in one breath, we are told “We’re all born naked and the rest is drag,” and that drag is a “f**k you” to gender-roles and politics, before being told that to be on drag’s biggest platform and succeed, you have to play by the rules set by a heteronormal society. This feels hypocritical, as does the history lessons RuPaul often gives viewers about the pioneers who paved the way for shows like Drag Race to exist. Ironically, Ru has himself quickly forgotten how trans women – from Marsha P Johnson and Sylvia Rivera to Crystal Labeija and April Ashley – spearheaded both the gay rights movement and the elements of queer culture that the programme has had no issue reinterpreting and capitalising on for ten seasons.

So yes, RuPaul himself can be a complex and ambiguous figure, but the format of the programme itself is on a slippery

slope. All Stars 3 was not well-received by fans, despite its stellar cast. The trickery, buffoonery, drama and conflama pulled by producers in an effort to appeal to fans backfired: between unfair eliminations, the clumsy returning queens episode and, regardless of how you feel about the crowned winner, what was a ridiculous finale twist, the producers must have felt this is what the loyal fan base wants. There is no need to pander to an audience that is already there. And when you follow up one season with another within a week, things start to feel stale and repetitive.

The show has unintentionally become a parody of itself, which is ironic given that in its very roots it is a parody of shows like America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway. Mainstream acceptance and exploitation may be the root cause.

Undoubtedly this was what RuPaul and World of Wonder (the show’s production company) wanted to achieve from the get-go: a show that starts off as an underground cult hit with mass appeal that will hit the jackpot once the straight audience catches up.

Perhaps they should call it a day and end the show on a high. Perhaps RuPaul should pass on the mantel, giving one of his crowned queens the chance to steer the ship in a new, politically-engaged direction. He says himself that he dislikes being in drag and only does so when the cheque is big enough. My money would be on All Stars 2 champion Alaska, a selfconfessed Drag Race fanatic who is the only queen savvy enough and businesssmart to replace RuPaul as a cultural icon. She knows her audience and has the power to appeal to everyone.

So you may have outgrown Drag Race.

But drag doesn’t end with a crown and a $100,000 cheque. Explore and invest in your local drag scene, which is particularly impressive in our own fair city: Glasgow is home to a rich and diverse line up of queens across the city.

The Polo Lounge hosts Mothertucker each Tuesday with some of Glasgow’s finest queens, including Lacy Rain, October Fist, RuJazzle, CJ Banks and Perry Cyazine. Wednesdays spell out Suck each week at Delmonica’s, and on Thursdays you can head to AXM and indulge in Trigger, which boasts a roster including Carrie Ann Crow, Frans Gender, Bearberry McQueen and Ann Phetamine.

If you find Drag Race and its cultural fallout a little stale, take the enthusiasm you have for the art form and support your local queens.

I love RuPaul and respect the contribution he has made to queer culture and the community at large. The format needs a shake-up and the market is absolutely oversaturated, but that is hardly Ru’s fault for creating a show that has had such a huge cultural impact.

RuPaul is not immune to criticism, and should be held accountable for attitudes that are outdated, but he deserves our respect, applause and finger clicks for everything he has achieved.

You know what? I’ve had a change of heart. Just have Tammie Brown host it.

by Jonny Stone @jonny_stone_ j.stone@tsaglasgow.com

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APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

27

By Dominic Cassidy

HOSTING A DINNER NIGHT

Instructions

Fried Chicken

Procedure

1

1 The first thing you'll want to do is prepare

You've finished your degree, you've seen the culmination of four years of work come together and now you're being left alone to fend for yourself in the big, bad, real world.

2 Now just set the pasta onto the boil in

This American classic which has been increasingly moving across the pond in recent years is one that is dead, dead simple, and lets you really do your own thing with it. You can switch out any flavourings you want - make it mild, super spicy or somewhere in between.

It can be served with chips or potatoes but it goes fantastically on white bread with hot sauce. This recipe is also very free to be tweaked, if you're not happy with how the flour mix looks put whatever in it, and as for chicken, a good rule of thumb is 5 pieces of chicken to two eggs.

Having people over for dinner is one of the easiest ways to celebrate all you have accomplished and better yet, it's hugely rewarding feeding the people close to you.

We've put together a couple of wee recipes, some really simple things that you can whip together in no time at all, they're not too pricey. You can whip them up for family coming around or having all your mates over - just dig in.

Pasta Aglio e Olio This dish was from that really steamy scene in the Jon Favreau movie Chef, with a whole bedroom kitchen montage with Scarlett Johansson and while it only has five ingredients, the absolute delicacy of it is just absolutely unreal. Serves two.

Ingredients 250 grams linguine 1 cup of olive oil 2 teaspoons of chilli flakes 4 cloves of garlic Half a lemon of lemon juice 1 cup of parsley

Once there's a light simmer going on, take it off the heat and put in the parsley and lemon juice, stir for a little longer and its ready to plate. some salted water, you're going to want to cook it until it's not almost soft all the way through - you'll want it to just be somewhat al dente. Put the olive oil into a frying pan on a fairly low heat until the oil is shimmering, at which point just go ahead and whack the garlic in; take off the heat once the garlic just starts to brown.

3 When the pasta's done you can strain it to rinse the starch off but save a little of the pasta water from the pot – this helps to create the sauce. Once the pasta is rinsed and dried a little then put it back into the pan and get the heat back on.

4 At this point put the chilli flakes and the

pasta water back in, constantly stirring to prevent any garlic getting left against the bottom of the pan to burn.

5 Once theres just a light simmer going,

take it off the heat and put in the parsley and lemon juice, stir for a little longer and its ready to plate.

All in all this dish takes about 10 – 15 minuets to cook and will absolutely impress anyone that's chowing down with you.

Ingredients Chicken – a good mix of light and dark meat 1 tablespoon of plain flour 2 tablespoons of corn flour 1 tablespoon of Ruskoline 1 teaspoon of curry powder 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons of paprika A pinch of smoked paprika Salt, onion salt, garlic powder, pepper Vegetable oil Eggs

your chicken. For the breasts this means pounding them out a bit to a more uniform size and cutting them, if you want. All pieces of chicken should then be dried with paper towels, especially for thighs, the drier the chicken is at the start the crispier it will get.

2 For the flour mix, sift through the flour

and corn flour into a bowl, if you're looking for some extra crisp then a little bit of ruskoline goes a long way towards this.

Once that's sorted, add in all the spices and go really generously on the salt, this will pull the moisture out of the chicken.

Add some of the spices into the eggs as it just further infuses the flavour into the chicken.

3 When breading the chicken, place it first

into the flour mix, then into the eggs, and then finally back into the flour. A good tip for this to save on mess is to keep one hand solely for moving the chicken from the eggs to flour and the other for placing the dry chicken onto a wire rack to wait. The chicken can either be fried straight away, or if you have time it can be placed into the fridge to dry off and let the flavours all gel together.

4 In a large deep frying pan, fill about half

way with vegetable or sunflower oil and get it onto a medium heat. Wait till bubbles are forming at the bottom of the pan and if you're still unsure put a really small pinch of flour mix into the pan, if it fizzles it's good to go.

5 Be sure not to overcrowd the pan if you

want a good even fry, put maybe 2 or three pieces in at a time but use your best judgement. Breasts will take much less time to cook than bone in chicken pieces, with breasts taking about 10 minutes and thighs and drumsticks taking around 20; be sure to take the chicken out just before it's at the colour you'd like that to be as it will continue cooking until it's cooled. Once it's out, salt it and its good to be plated.

28

RESTAURANT GUIDE A customary end to the whole Graduation event is a meal to celebrate with friends or family the culmination of your career as an undergraduate. There is absolute freedom in choosing where you can go for these meals. Somewhere dead fancy? Golden. Somewhere a bit more casual where you'll get no funny looks for letting your hair down? Perfect.

We've went ahead and compiled a wee list of places for both the east and west

coast, a mix between formal joints and more chilled out locales, places you can go with your family and places that'd suit your pals.

We've laid out a wide range of venues; bars with great food menus, small eateries, big fancy restaurants, vegetarian and vegan friendly places so everyone can have some great food that isn't mushroom risotto!

BLOC

One of the most popular bars to grab a bite in the west coast, Bloc is a punky basement bar with an absolutely insane food menu, good for carnivores and vegans alike.

The bar is pretty snug, sitting maybe 80 people, but the small size, and the orange neon really add to the kind of speakeasy dive bar feeling that the bar carries off perfectly. The whole vibe of the venue really enforces close knit conversations, on account of the music, which can be a good or a bad thing depending on what you're going for. As for the food, the menu is super varied, including hotdogs, burgers, tacos, and steaks, with vegan options a plenty for those who do not partake of animal products. Some highlights that should in no way be missed are the Sloppy Jock, a beautiful Scottish beef burger, topped with a massive bit of fried haggis and smothered with peppercorn sauce, there's also The Bru Boy Grilled Sandwich, “Glasgow in a gourmet sandwich” filled with IrnBru pulled pork, melted cheese and grilled between two beautiful slices of buttered bread.

Bloc's the perfect place to grab dinner, weather with your family to celebrate or with your friends alike. Also, they do a meal deal every weekday and on Sundays so if you're on the skint side you don't have to miss out. If it's reasonably priced grub you're looking for, Bloc's the place for you.

Priced between £3 and £5 through the week and a tenner for a T-bone on Sundays. General themes are hot dogs, burgers, pasta, and chicken, each specific to the day.

Good for: Celebration with friends, veggie/vegan friendly, large groups Cost: £ Address: 117 Bath Street, Glasgow

WAHACA This chilled out Mexican eatery is the chain's only Scottish location. It's known for changing up its menu regularly and always having fresh specials ready to go for those feeling adventurous.

The Edinburgh location has plenty of seats split over two floors so it's ideal for big group get togethers. There are plenty of small plates flying around to let everyone try a little bit of of every fantastic dish. The look of the restaurant reflects the food really well. It's an ultra bright, well lit and colourful space, filled with music and funky eye catchers. The word that reflects the food best would one hundred percent be “zesty”, it's tasty fresh food that packs a lot of flavour into small plates.

While you can get the food in the form of big plate main meal situations, it is suggested that diners get a couple of small plates, each set to rock the taste buds. One easy recommendation are the massive hibiscus glazed chicken wings from the street eats portion of the menu. They are the tiniest bit spicy and brilliantly sweet as well, a real treat. There's also the Pork Pibil which form the cornerstone of pork tacos; lovely bits of slow roasted pork shoulder, spiced with peppers and citrus flavours, served as always with pink pickled onions. If it's a bigger bite you're looking for you could do worse than the cod served with olive and herb salsa, from the bigger bites portion of the menu.

Good for: Family celebrations, lunch with friends, veggie and vegan friendly Cost: £ - ££ Address: 16 South St. Andrews Street, Edinburgh

BAG O' NAILS Named after the famous Soho pub from the 60s which was frequented by Jimmy Hendrix and Paul McCartney the Glaswegian iteration is a big open planned pub with a great bourbon and beer list as well as a cracking menu, perfect for a nice family dinner or celebration.

Located where the old Partick Tavern used to be, Bag O Nails has breathed new life into the old venue. The bar has a really open, warm homely feeling with a big emphasis on comfort; nice leather seats and a focus on wood - floors, ceilings plus whatever else they could salvage and make out the material. It's the kind of place you're as likely to see a bunch of guys out for a pint as you are to see an older couple enjoying a nice meal, adding a real nice feel of inclusiveness which is aided and abetted by the layout of the pub.

As for the food, the pub grub is slightly more refined than what you might find in other drinking dens around Glasgow, with a good roster of burgers, varied main courses and a great pizza list.

A highlight is the Buffalo Soldier, a riff on a totally normal cheese burger, instead with buffalo mozzarella cheese and jalapeños to add a wee kick to a groovy burger. There's also the Shredded Brisket Chilli which features delicious shredded pieces of brisket slow cooked in chilli and served with wraps and rice.

One thing to note if you're considering Bag O' Nails is a real lack of vegetarian and vegan options which can make it a difficult place to eat at if anyone in your party doesn't eat meat. They do however have a kids menu which is nice to see in a pub, allowing more members of the family to take part.

Good for: Family dinners and celebrations, big groups, child friendly Cost: ££ Address: 165 Dumbarton Road, Partick

TING THAI CARAVAN Ting Thai grabbed Edinburgh by the tongue during the 2012 festival from a pop up just around the corner from where they now have their permanent home. The restaurant rocks a low key canteen style and is a gastronomic heavy hitter, delivering great thai dish one after another.

The look of the restaurant also carries a very substantial vibe with long wooden tables enforcing a communal dining experience; the whole space seems to be geared toward togetherness with a largely open plan and a really chilled out friendly atmosphere.

The restaurant is perfect for pared down family gatherings as well as getting together with your pals. With a sun up and a slightly restricted sun down menu, the eatery is perfect for dining at any time. While scanning the menu you will find yourself fighting the urge to ask for one of everything as everything is so enticing. There are however some dishes that should on no account be missed, the Saikroke-san from their small plates menu is a case in point. It consists of cured pork, rice and other zesty fresh flavours, something perfect to start your meal off with. Theres also the Ped Nam Pueng, a delicious, crispy duck dish accompanied by a fresh salad with pak choi, tomatoes plus other greens and veggies - something slightly more filling and perfect for the hungry customer.

Good for: Family celebrations, celebrating with friends Cost: £ Address: 8-9 Teviot Place, Edinburgh

KIMCHI CULT Nestled just off Byres Road is a tiny wee restaurant which consistently hits out with some of the tastiest, heartiest food in Glasgow. Kimchi Cult is a smashing wee Korean food spot which deals mostly in street eat type stuff with baos, rice bowls and fried chicken - all of which are dangerous in their addictive properties.

This is definitely more on the casual side in terms of eateries with only about 20 seats in the restaurant itself. You can however take away and enjoy the delicious food at home. While this place doesn't lend itself very well to family celebrations it's great for friends to get together in, share some tasty food and catch up.

One highlight are their baos, small steamed buns filled with protein and vegetables. Definitely not to be missed is the pulled pork bao, formed of delicious braised pork, drizzled with hoison sauce, sriracha, and topped with pickled cucumber. There's also the the delicious fried chicken, which unlike American fried chicken, has only a thin layer of crispy batter, the flavour is then communicated through the sauce that is fried onto the chicken, they serve with a soy garlic or a hot sauce glaze. All meals are also served with a side of kimchi (normally spicy pickled cabbage but also comes from different vegetables).

The joint is also very inclusive on the basis of folks eating behaviours with prawn panko options for pescitarians and tofu for vegetarians and vegans.

Good for: Cosy celebration with friends Cost: £ Address: 14 Chancellor Street, Glasgow

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URBAN ANGEL

THE BOTHY

As far as well to do family brunch spots go you could do a lot worse than Urban Angel. It's a snazzy, fine dining lunch spot, aiming to use only the freshest of ingredients to create new and interesting recipes. It's the perfect spot for an early in the day celebration on account of their glorious Bloody Marys and Mimosas.

A taste of modernized traditional Scottish cuisine. Sitting just off Byres Road it serves great food, has a fabulous collection of scotch whiskey and the staff are all absolutely lovely – plus they all wear kilts.

The interior of the restaurant looks exactly like what you'd expect a farmhouse kitchen to look like, complete with a log burning stove and white plastered wall. It serves simple wholesome food which hits hard with flavour while being quite small size wise. This reinforces the strong balanced flavours and keeps the dishes simple.

The restaurant is ideal for small scale family celebrations, the space is small and very cosy. Inspired by the simple toned down food of New Zealand the menu is completely heart felt. One stand out is the french toast with bacon and maple syrup, which while utterly ubiquitous in the brunch scene is done perfectly here, balancing the savoury and sweet flavours very well. There is also the more and more commonly popular avocado toast which in this situation is topped with roasted tomatoes, feta cheese, chilli flakes and mint. It lifts the dish from a quick lunch time snack to something that works well as a proper brunch option.

Good for: Family celebrations, brunch Cost: ££ Address: 121 Hanover Street, Edinburgh

MONO Set right in the heart of Glasgow's city centre is Viva Ristorante, an Italian restaurant with a great selection of food including pasta, pizza, seafood, and steak. It has toned down colours and a relaxed but keen feeling which creates a real sense of comfort.

Viva doesn't go out of its way too look like the sleekest eatery ever but it knows that the food it puts out is absolutely interstellar. The steak at Viva is just perfect, served medium rare it cuts like butter and is just perfectly tender – served with potatoes and greens. The carbonara is absolutely classic in its delivery; fantastically creamy but not overly rich.

The look of the restaurant is how you might imagine a small place in Italy might look, all terracotta and soft warm autumnal colours. It's really good for big family get togethers and celebrations as you can also book private dining for up to 80 people, and with large tables available in the main dining area.

If it's a choice of great seafood, amazing pasta, pizza and different types of meats then Viva Ristorante is the place to be.

Good for: Family celebrations, intimate dinners Cost: ££ Address: 77 Bothwell Street, Glasgow

VIVA RISTORANTE Set right in the heart of Glasgow's city centre is Viva Ristorante, an Italian restaurant with a great selection of food including pasta, pizza, seafood, and steak, it has toned down colours and a relaxed but keen feeling which creates a real sense of comfort.

Viva doesn't go out of it's way too look like the sleekest eatery ever, but it knows that the food it puts out is absolutely interstellar, something you will have a hard time restraining yourself to savour each bite. The steak at Viva is just perfect, and served medium rare it cuts like butter, and is just perfectly tender – it is served with potatoes and greens. The carbonara as well is absolutely classic in its delivery and fantastic in that respect; it is fantastically creamy, but is not overly rich, with the ham bringing things down a bit.

The look of the restaurant is how you might imagine a small place to eat in Italy might look, all terracotta and soft, warm, autumnal colours. It is really good for big family get togethers and celebrations, as you can also book private dining for up to 80 people, and with large tables available in the main dining area it is an ideal place to go for meals with large groups of people.

If it is great seafood, amazing pasta, pizza, and different types of meats, then Viva Ristorante is the place to be, with food made from fresh ingredients, with great service it is a great restaurant which does not disappoint.

Good for: Family celebrations, intimate dinners Cost: ££ Address: 77 Bothwell Street, Glasgow

CIVERINO'S SLICE Edinburgh's premier slice shop is taking over the east coast pizza scene by reflecting something more commonly seen in New York. There's always five top pies on offer by the slice, with a couple of daily pizzas to choose from. It's the ideal place for people to come together, talk, laugh and share good food.

When you enter the pie shop, the interior is maybe not what you might expect – from the outside it looks like store front was lifted straight from somewhere from New York, but on the inside it looks like you asked someone on acid to colour in a pizza shop.

Good for: Buzzy night with friends Cost: £ Address: 49 Forrest Rd, Edinburgh

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The Bothy is like a slice of Brigadoon in the west-end and it's perfectly geared towards serving large groups of people tasty, heartwarming food. The eatery is pretty cosy and dimly lit, the tables are all wooden and the building has a very rustic feeling which really adds to the feel.

The food has a quality over quantity edge to it with the plates being quite small but absolutely bursting with flavour. One meal which has to taken with the highest recommendation is the fish and chips, served with a pickled egg, mushy peas, and tartar sauce. The Bothy takes a iconic Scottish food and reworks it into something more fine dining...ish. The batter on the fish is light, crispy and somewhat flakey while the chips, despite lacking all the wee crispy bits, are big beautiful fluffy skin-on guys that are more like roast potatoes. Another thing you must try is the Scottish breast of chicken, served with haggis croquettes, roast parsnip, and crispy chicken skin. Desserts wise there's the sticky toffee pudding which is dangerously moreish, being sweet enough you know it's bad for you while not quite getting to the level where you can feel teeth rotting in your head in the process.

Good for: Perfect for family celebrations, kid friendly, intimate dining Cost: ££ - £££ Address: 11 Ruthven Lane, Glasgow

PARADISE PALMS If you're in search of rekindling memories from a bygone age and if they happened in a now utterly cliched tiki bar then the time hop that is Paradise palms is for you. Serving exclusively meatless and often times vegan food courtesy of permanent residents Lucky Pig, this dimly lit romanticised idea of a Polynesian pub feels like you've taken a holiday but the whole journey and getting there has been wiped from your mind, it is utterly other worldly.

The bar has quite a lot of space, the kitchen being downstairs frees the entirety of the main floor for dining and drinking as well as an outdoor seating area (should the weather hold). While it does work for family get togethers to an extent, it's perfect for small intimate get togethers with only a few people.

As for the food, it's completely vegetarian and a good portion is vegan friendly. They've gone for a soul food feel with a lot of hearty chilli's, macaroni and cheese's and hearty feel good food. Some standouts include the Lucky Dawg; a vegan hotdog topped with relish, mustard, and crispy onions, plus a host of other toppings to choose from, including cheese and chilli. Another exemplary dish would be the Chipotle Mac n Cheese which has four different types of cheese and is blended with chipotle seasoning for an extra wee kick, creating an unctuous creamy dish - definitely not vegan friendly!

Good for: Family celebrations, lunch with friends, intimate dinners Cost: £ Address: 41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh

CROWNE PLAZA GLASGOW This is your one stop venue for all your graduation celebration needs. If you've family and friends coming to Glasgow for the ceremony, they've plenty of stylish and spacious rooms to accommodate – best get planning ahead though as they're always busy around graduation time.

Extra bonus points for that iconic view across the Clyde and into the city – not something to quickly forget. Then there's the beautifully sunlit Mariner restaurant and bar for your celebratory meal and drinks, full details still to come on their grad menu but if it's anything like their regular menu you're in for a treat.

Fancy working off last nights fun before heading back to reality? They've a gym and swimming pool to help clear your head and straighten you out.

All this plus they can accommodate gatherings of all sizes from small intimate family parties to a full on graduation ball. Give them a shout for more details – 0871 942 9091 Good for: Single venue celebration with style Cost: ££ Address : Congress Road Glasgow (Near the SEC)

GAP YEAR HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS You’ve finished uni, it’s time to take a step back, will you go on to a different degree or a postgrad? Maybe go into work? Crumble under the weight of existential dread? All are good and valid, however a growing choice for graduates, is to instead travel, and see some of the world outside of their university library.

But with the whole world at your feet, where do you go?

There’s lots of things to consider: how expensive is it to stay there? Will you have to work when you’re there?

Can you travel when you’re there? We’ve compiled a wee list of different places that are worth a visit, which will tell you about some really cool parts of the locations, and some of the things to be aware of.

THAILAND NEW ZEALAND

At this stage, Thailand is seen by many as THE gap year destination, the living's cheap, and the nightlife is unchained. With lots to see and do, in Thailand it’s not about what you can find to do, its about deciding what will make the cut; you can journey to the coastal areas of the nation, and find your way to Thailand’s many beautiful beaches, which are plenty, and if you know where to look, fairly unspoiled. You can take ferries around the close Karst islands, which if you bypass the tourists traps like Phuket, you can get there fast, and on the cheap. While getting there can be a bit on the expensive side, especially if you are on a budget, the living costs once there, from where to stay and what to eat, can almost make up for it.

The island nation of New Zealand is the epitome of backpacking to many the world over, and arguably with good reason. With the sweeping mountainous vistas dotted between the north and south islands, to the metropolitan cities of Auckland and Queenstown, the small island nation is crammed full of things to do and things to see.

With beautiful nature spots, like the Abel Tasman National Park, which is located at the top end of the south island, it is known for its glorious coastal trails, and the population of fur seals and bottlenose dolphins in the marine reserve below.

If you’re looking at letting your hair down, you ought not to miss the legendary full moon parties; which are held on the night of each full moon. Lasting throughout the night, the sheer amount of hedonism is not to be missed by any accounts.

On top of this, if you’re looking for something more touristy, there is obviously The Shire, sets from The Lord of The Rings movies which were left up, allowing fans to see the fantastically recreated spots from their favourite books and films.

VIETNAM The South-East Asian nation of Vietnam, which has been experiencing explosive economic growth in recent years, is an ideal place for backpackers, on account of the cheap and well maintained transport throughout the country (as well as a wealth of things to do).

If wildlife and beauty is what you’re into, then theres the very relaxing and highly recommended Phú Quốc, a small island off of Vietnam’s coast, which is mostly made up of a national park, which is chock full of wildlife, tropical jungle, hiking trails, and the whole island is basically ringed with beautiful white sandy beaches.

For the pure marvel of it, there is also the Imperial City, in the old Imperial Capital of Hue. The city played host to different military outfits during the Vietnam War, and the stone outer wall is subsequently riddled with bullet holes from the conflict. The Imperial City itself is filled with royal buildings, from the house of the imperial mother, to the red and gold, throne room in the palace – it is truly a wonder, and something to see. For nightlife, Saigon is the place to be, the city is filled with bars and things to do, there's always something to do.

TANZANIA If you are feeling slightly more pious in your gap year prospects, something that is worth considering is volunteering. While Tanzania has plenty of opportunities for volunteering, its holiday prospects are in no way lessened because of that.

From adventures in the Serengeti, to safaris in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which has the “Big 5” of game animals, including Lions and Elephants.

There is also Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano which dominates the view, in an astounding display of beauty.

You could also visit Zanzibar, just a short boat ride away from mainland Tanzania; where there is a much more thriving nightlife than on the mainland, somewhere to maybe enjoy a relaxing beach side drink at the end of your trip?

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Head over and be part of one of this summers most accessible and affordable Scottish island music festivals.

Butefest is a seriously friendly weekend with lively music, awesome food, superb drink and best of all, a truly wonderful setting. All this on an island only 33 miles as the crow flies from Glasgow – just an hour and a half via train and ferry.

The first wave of this years acts have recently been announced with cheery poppers The Hoosiers, Idlewild's Roddy Woomble, the always superb King Creosote and one of Scotland's most exciting folk groups, Rura all set to bring the party atmosphere alive at this year's event. There are plenty more acts to be announced so keep an eye out here and on their social medias to keep up to date. Past highlights include The Wedding Present, Gerry Cinnamon, We Are Scientists, Fallen Arches, Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 and Dopesickfly

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so you can be assured of a quality lineup.

The festival is super student friendly and if you present your NUS or Young Scot card you'll skip having to pay the usual £5 per person camping fee.

If you're looking to get the full Butefest experience then we'd recommend either going a couple of days early or staying a day or so afterwards to get a wee explore around the island. They've stunning beaches where you can enjoy a wee paddle and an ice-cream, you can hire a bike to explore further afield via the safe and fairly flat road network, there are abundant wildlife spotting opportunities (seals, otter, golden eagles and basking sharks are all common sighs here) and you could even go on a wee tour of the Bute Brew Co. brewery to see how the local beer is made.

If you're into your history and architecture then you should also set by some afternoon time to visit Mount

Stuart, an astounding Victorian Gothic mansion and one of the world’s great houses within magnificent grounds. Here you can see glinting horoscope ceilings, a breath-taking marble chapel, a swimming pool, a secret passage, and an original First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays.

Butefest 2018 will run from 27-19th July – tickets can be purchased at butefest.co.uk/buy-tickets/

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HIDDEN DOOR FESTIVAL

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Picasso to Warhol £3 OFF TICKETS WITH CODE ‘STUDENT’ AT NEWLANARK.ORG

A showcase of 20th century art in vintage textiles and fashion garments Highlights include prints of work by Picasso, Warhol, Matisse, Dalí & more

Open daily until 29 April 2018 New Lanark World Heritage Site #ArtistTextiles | © Image courtesy of Fashion and Textile Museum | New Lanark Mills, Lanark, ML11 9DB | trust@newlanark.org / 01555 661345 | New Lanark Trust is a Registered Scottish Charity

Glasgow City 0141 954 1000 Paisley 0141 887 3000

www.practical.co.uk APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

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Ulrike Ottinger, Chamisso’s Shadow (2015) Courtesy of Ulrike Ottinger Filmproduktion

Mark Leckey Installation view UniAddDumThs (2013-15) Mixed media

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL

Dimensions variable Containers and Their Drivers, MOMA PS1, New York, 23 October 2016 - 5 March 2017 Courtesy the Artist and Cabinet, London

manel.cardo@gmail.com

By Manel Cardo

Glasgow as a gallery, canvas, stage and interactive classroom. This is the core of Glasgow International (GI).

GI is a biennial contemporary arts festival. It aims to celebrate both local and international artistic and creative projects, as well as to promote Glasgow itself, as an international lighthouse for both production and showcase of modern art. This year’s edition is going to take part from 20 April to 7 May. “The festival is about the vibrancy of the art scene in Glasgow and it’s about bringing artists that are making urgent and exciting art work into the city.” Says Richard Parry, GI 2018’s Director.

Richard further explains “There are two parts to the festival. It has a quite unique and special format in international art festivals. On one hand there’s a series of core commissions which we put together and then the rest of the festival is undertaken by open submission.”

2018 edition (A walkthrough with the festival’s director) 45 group shows and 40 solo exhibitions over 268 artists from over 30 countries 78 venues and 80+ associated events This is Glasgow international 2018 edition This year presents a sort of continuity in relation to the previous editions of the festival, with one of the biggest changes being, according to the director, the political landscape that the world finds itself in this time around. Richard claimed that he sees it as an urgent driving force for a lot of creators. “The arts community is responding to these issues and learning to navigate these new times and that is very, very exciting.” He adds.

No one can beat young people when it comes to intrinsic and unashamed creative power and this year GI is celebrating precisely that with two exclusive exhibitions under the “Year of the Young People” topic.

Artist Mick Peter, alongside with a

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Hardeep Pandhal, Plebeian Archive (2015) Courtesy of Max Slaven

Torsten Lauschmann, Bend (2014) Courtesy of the artist.

Joseph Buckley Better Clone Sons (2017) Plywood, epoxy putty, acrylic resin plastic, plexiglass spheres, synthetic hair, platinum cure silicone rubber, spray paint, vinyl gloves

E. Jane, Lavendra Iteration No.3 (2017)

208 x 199 x 7 cm Photo credit: Jules Lister.

Joseph Buckley

Courtesy of the artist.

Brotherhood Tapestry (2017) Digitally printed vinyl banner group of young people from the west of Scotland, is producing a 76m long billboard to cover the dilapidated façade of the historic Dalmarnock Gas purifier building.

The project aims to reflect on the city’s architectural history as well as the nature of the transformation of its industrial built heritage. The project will still offer a daily performance, that’ll count with a different piece of public sculpture being ceremoniously wheeled out of the building and back in at the end of the day. This live performance is intended as a take on the building process that’s so interlinked with the image of industrialization and, therefore, deeply embedded in Glasgow’s history.

Richard describes the project as a “Satirical, cartoon-like take on the history of architectural change in the city”. He also takes the time to reflect on, and highlight the transformative power that creating art can have on young people’s lives

153 x 1198cm Photo credit: Jules Lister.

As part of the Year of Young people, GI will also offer several prints, paintings, sculptural installations, video and live pieces created and performed by Alys Owen and Beth Shapeero. These pieces are to be shown and performed across Glasgow’s network of subway stations and carriages.

“I think Glasgow has real wealth of young people and the art school here is really strong. (…) So many young artists live in Glasgow and that translates into a lot of energy and creative power.” Says Richard.

GI’s exhibitions and events cover a wide array of artistic disciplines, topics and views and are not tied in to a central topic. However, GI’s director highlighted this year’s group exhibition at GOMA as an important overarching discussion.

“This group show at the gallery of modern has the title of “cellular world” and the sub-title of “cyborg human avatar horror”. That sub-title is really a list of themes that crop up throughout the director’s programme in particular, but also beyond that. It’s about that relationship between individuals and social media. It is about how people represent us and how we represent ourselves online through avatars.

What the imaginary means in a digital landscape.

These are key things that you’ll see not only at GOMA but throughout the city in a lot of different exhibitions.”

In addition to the exhibitions running through the entirety of GI 2018, visitors can also count with a series of scheduled events happening at different venues throughout the city of Glasgow.

“There’s over 60 events including workshops. We are a tiny team and most of these events are done by the individual partners, but we definitely encourage people to participate, because we know how valuable that can be.” Says Richard.

Ross Birrell Criollo (2017) Film still Image Credit: John Engstrom.

Linder

Ciara Phillips

Ciara Phillips

Post-mortem - Tamara (i) (2016)

Every Woman a Signal Tower

What we recognise in others

Photomontage.

(2015)

(2015)

Image copyright of the artist and courtesy Stuart Shave/Modern Art, London

Screenprint on linen, 119 x 84cm

Screenprint on linen, stretched and framed, 164 x 144cm

Another Highlight for GI is the number of different venues to host exhibitions this year, around 78. Ranging from modern galleries to old historical buildings these venues promise to surprise and engage the city of Glasgow as a whole.

“We’re really happy to be working around the city, activating sites that are usually not visited.” Richard informed.

“Our main goal is to create an exciting set of exhibitions that both work for the arts community here and give people opportunity and a platform to do something new ambitious and of scale, on the other hand welcome audiences to see what’s being made here and to be a showcase for the incredible art scene that exists in Glasgow as one of the key cities for contemporary art in Europe.”

A lot of GI exhibitions will run for the 18 days of the festival, but some of the events, discussions and workshops are one-offs. The full list of dates and venues can be accessed through their website at: http://glasgowinternational.org/

Photo credit: Alan Dimmick

Photo credit: Alan Dimmick

Film still from No End to Ender Courtesy of Stephen Sutcliffe/ Richard Heslop or Lion Eyes Manchester 2017

Mark Leckey, Containers and Their Drivers (2016) Courtesy of the artist and Pablo Enriquez.

Love Unlimited Urs Fischer

Room Service

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Installation view, Union Pacific, London 2017, courtesy Urara Tsuchiya

(2015) Aluminium panel, aramid honeycomb, two-component polyurethane adhesive, two-component epoxy primer, galvanized steel rivet nuts, acrylic primer, gesso, acrylic ink, acrylic silkscreen medium, acrylic paint 243.8 x 194.9 x 2.2 cm 96 x 76.7 x 0.9 in © Urs Fischer. Courtesy of the Artist and The Modern Institute/ Toby Webster Ltd, Glasgow

Alex Sarkisian, arc’teryx (2016).

Courtesy of the artist

Photo credit: Mats Nordman Esther Ferrer, Malarmé Revisé o Malarmado Revisado (2015)

Alys Owen, Golden Boys (2013)

Photo courtesy of Hervé Veronese

Courtesy of the artist Cécile B. Evans, Something tactical is coming. (2018) Courtesy of Cécile B. Evans, Glasgow International, Renaissance Society (Chicago) and Chateau Shatto, Photo credit Yuri Patti-son Ross Birrell

Kapwani Kiwanga, Afrogalactica (2016) Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Jérôme Poggi

Athens-Kassel Ride: The Transit of Hermes, documenta 14, Image of Tina Bosche, Macedonia.

Image credit: Samuel Devereux

Mick Peter, Pyramid Selling (2015) Courtesy of Tramway and Galerie Crevecoeur APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

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University of Edinburgh Photographic Society’s Spring Exhibition winners in the categories of Edinburgh, Motion, Self-portrait and Analogue Find out more at www.facebook. com/PhotoSoc.ED

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Title: Winter Wonderland Name: Lucia Moreno Huang (Thea) Category: Edinburgh Edinburgh is a city of magic, of tales, a wonderland. With its crooked stone walls and chimney covered rooftops it takes me back to the middle age, when magic was believed in and witches roamed the paths. I want you to take a closer look and step into this cold,magical Edinburgh with me. — taken from the west side of The Meadows

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Title: Emergence Name: Mary Lannia Category: Self-portrait Let not the darkness trap, but seek the light.

Seek the light, so it can breathe onto you a new skin, a new life.

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3

Title: Cherry Name: Cordelia Ostler Category: Analogue A film still, shot on an Olympus OM-1 with Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400

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Title: Untitled Name: Alfredas Bukys Category: Motion Human motion when captured in a photograph carries the momentum through. The “pose” produced is unique and genuine. Life imitates art and incidentally the way the subject was captured can resemble The Creation of Adam. Sometimes it requires waiting 15 minutes under the Millennium Bridge for the right people to pass - capturing motion requires the photographer to be static quite often.

APRIL 18 | WeAreTSA.co.uk

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RAISE A GLASS TO THE SMARTEST PERSON OF THE MOMENT WITH OUR GRADUATION MENU AT TIGERLILY & RABBLE. CELEBRATE WITH US & WE WILL ADD SOME EXTRA SPECIAL TOUCHES TO MAKE THE DAY PASS WITH FLYING COLOURS

Tigerlily is only a short walk from the Usher Hall

To book please contact: TIGERLILY: 0131 225 5005 or jo@tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk RABBLE: 0131 622 7800 or vicki@rabbleedinburgh.co.uk Available 7 days a week from 12pm - 10pm. All graduation bookings must be made in advance

55A Frederick Street, Edinburgh EH2 1LH 0131 622 7800 | www.rabbleedinburgh.co.uk

125 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4JN 0131 225 5005 | www.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk