FANCIFUL MAGAZINE - APRIL/MAY 15

F ANC I F APRIL/MAY 2015

JESSIE J

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HER? //DOUG ARMSTRONG //TYLER OAKLEY //DANIEL J //BLACK SHEEP COMPLEX //SAMMI MARIA

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MAGAZINE

april - may 2015

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Well, hello Spring!

I personally have had the busiest two months ever. Had many great experiences, met awesome people and got involved in things I would never had imagined, so it still great months.

Also, showing all my achievements on Fanciful magazine, makes me happy.

Have been joining some new habits and leaving behind some others.trying to have healthy life is extremily hard, you know?

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Darren O’Toole at Of Mice & Men show at Brixton o2 Academy // 28th March 2015

Marina Roldicienta at Janofest // 21 March 2015

Bianca Bars at Jessie J’s Surprise Bus Party // 24 March 2015

Ella Eyre’s London Show at Roundhouse //11 March 2015

FANCIFUL’S MONTH

Marina Roldicienta & Paloma Fenty at “Home” premiere // 14 March 2015

Doug Armstrong Shoot

by Ollie Ali // 23 March 2015

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CONTENTS Selena Gomez 26

Daniel J 66

BSC 50 May’s Playlist // 11 What’s new? // 12 About YouTube // 16 ‘Home’ movie // 18 DIY: Friendship bracelts // 20 Street Style // 22 Coachella Style // 24 May/April’s Favourites // 28

30 // Fact-File: Dan Howell 32 // Adventures in Spain 34 // Tyler Oakley 36 // Raul Fernandez 40 // Doug Armstrong 46 // Mark Ferris 58 // Jessie J 64 // Sammi Maria

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APRIL - MAY // ISSUE 03 // JESSIE J

FUNDER&EDITOR-IN-CHIEF //Bianca Bars

CONTRIBUTERS

THANKS TO

//Sofia Alessandro //Ollie Ali //Twila Marie Bergania //Cristina Espadas //Paloma Fenty //Ana Garcia Scheker //Aaliya Janjua //Aisha Janjua //Paz Lara //Dean Lock //Natalie McKee //Rhiannon Moore //Patricia Nevado //Darren O’Toole //Marina Roldicienta //Katie Tulip //Tamara Vargas //Victoria Wu

//Tyler Oakley //Daniel J //Raul Fernandez //Jessie J //Doug Armstrong //Mark Ferris //Janoskians //Jack and Jack //Black Sheep Complex

CONNECT //twitter.com/fancifulmag //fancifulblog.tumblr.com //facebook.com/fancifulmagazine CONTACT WITH US editor@fancifulmag.com

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Getting into summer mode 1. Muse - Psycho 2. Maroon 5 - Maps 3. Coldplay ft Rihanna - Princess of China 4. One Direction - Night changes 5. Mumford & Sons - Believe 6. Auryn - Make my day 7. Panic! At The Disco - This is gospel (original/piano version) 8. Nate Ruess - Nothing without love 9. Kings of Leon - Use somebody 10. Imagine Dragons - I bet my life 11. Sia - Chandelier 12. Iggy Azalea ft Rita Ora - Black widow 13. Paramore - Now 14. Sam Smith - I’m not the only one 15. Kodaline - Honest 16. Echosmith - Cool kids 17. Thirty Seconds To Mars -Bright lights 18. Zedd ft Selena Gomez - I want you to know 19. Carly Rae Jepsen - I really like you 20. Grimes - Realiti

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WHAT’S NEW NINA DOBREV LEAVES THE VAMPIRE DIARIES On Monday 6th April, actress Nina Dobrev confirmed via Instagram that she will not longer be part of The Vampire Diaries.

Dobrev is one of the original cast members of The CW’s series, but a picture with the creator of the show Julie Plec and caption underneath said “I celebrate her and prepare to say goodbye to her -- and to my work family -- as I move on to the next chapter of my life.”

Plec also had something to say, she shared it with PEOPLE magazine: “Saying goodbye to Nina is both bittersweet and beautiful. After six-plus years together, the entire cast and crew of The Vampire Diaries has reached a level of closeness that I don’t think any of us ever expected. Nina is excited to spread her wings, get some rest, travel the world and also take it by storm, and we support her a thousand-fold. We will miss Nina and the 400 characters she played, but we look forward to the insane and exciting challenge of continuing to tell stories of our Salvatore Brothers and our much-loved and gifted ensemble.”

‘THE AMAZING BOOK IS NOT ON FIRE’ + DAN &PHIL TOUR Our two treasured, awkward, internet sensations have recently announced the release of their very first book. Dan Howell and Phil Lester announced this by releasing a trailer on Danisnotonfire’s YouTube channel on March 26th, 2015. This 2 minute futuristic trailer featured a mystery box, futuristic walls, and of course our favourite- adorable cat whiskers! If you are planning on announcing a book take notes! This has got to be one of the most creative announcements ever.

The Amazing Book is Not On Fire will be released on October 8th 2015 worldwide, but is now ready to pre-order. With months of secret planning and writing the book will be inviting readers to the world of Dan and Phil starting all the way back from 2009 when the two youtubers first met. We can not wait to have a read!

Dan and Phil made a video explaining this unexpected announcement as well as another announcement- as if one wasn’t enough for the internet. The two youtubers will be going on a tour the day their book will be released. To start off, the tour will be featured around the UK and eventually outside of the UK too. Tour tickets for the UK are already available to buy. Good luck to Dan and Phil and big well done on their book project

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Zoe and Alfie’s wax figures will be put and displayed ZOE SUGG AND and set up in a mock bedroom that looks the same as ALFIE DEYES ARE their spare bedroom.While the figures are sitting on the bed uploading their videos. Zoe and Alfie both THIS YEAR’S ADDIheaded over to twitter to tell their fans the amazing TIONS TO LONDON news.

MADAME TUSSAUDS

YouTube star sensations Zoella (Zoe Sugg) and PointlessBlog (Alfie Deyes) are going to be this years new addition to London’s Madame Tussauds alongside many other celebrities for example the queen, footballers and even One Direction in the museum.

On Monday 13th August Zoe and Alfie had a meeting to discuss what would happen and they decided they would donate their own clothes for their waxworks to wear. With Zoe and Alfie getting the publics vote to be in the museum it’s no wonder they are going to be so popular with Zoella having nearly 8 million subscribers and Alfie having 4 million Subscribers.

Of Mice & Men have been known for their incredible live shows and they proved that last night when they played their biggest show to date as part of their “Full Circle Tour” at Brixton’s o2 Academy and smashed it.

OF MICE AND MEN SMASH 02 BRIXTON ACADEMY

The night kicked of with two upcoming bands: “Volumes” and “The Amity Affliction”. After 13 songs Of Mice & Men left the stage, but the fans wanted more, and that’s exactly what the band gave them, two more songs, two songs that drew the best crowd reaction of the night, “The Depths” and “You’re Not Alone”.

Of Mice & Men left the fantastic Brixton stage to a pleased crowd.

The trailer for the second John Green novel to become a movie “Paper Towns” was released this past few days. The trailer shows a boy named Q played by Nat Wolff growing up and falling in love for Margo Roth Spiegelman played by Cara Delevigne, except by the time senior year grew to a close they were strangers. This suddenly changes as Margo appears at Q’s window one night with the intention of executing a series of pranks on her ex boyfriend.

‘PAPER TOWN’ TRAILER RELEASED

After the night draws to a close, everything changed between Q and Margo, as Margo leaves a trail of bewildering clues for Q to unravel with the hope of finding Margo. The trailer leaves the viewer with the intention of a cute, fantasy, mystery love movie full of hope and romance.

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MORE NEWS

NATALIA KILLS AND WILLY MOON FIRED FROM XFACTOR NEW ZELAND Mediaworks fired Kills and Moon from the X factor New Zealand less than 24 hours after the on air bullying of Joe Irvine after his performance of ‘Cry Me A River’. After the performance Kills said “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m going to state the obvious, we have a doppelgänger in our midst. As an artist who respects creative integrity and intellectual property, I am disgusted at how much you have copied my husband. From the hair to the suit, do you not have any value or respect for originality?

You’re a laughing stock, it’s cheesy. It’s disgusting. I personally found it absolutely artistically atrocious.

I am embarrassed to be sitting here in your presence having to even dignify you with an answer of my opinion.” Irvine stayed composed and compassionate by responding with “thank you Natalia, you’re beautiful”

Kills stepped in again for some final blows stating “it’s disgusting, you make me sick, it’s absolutely disgusting, you have no identity, I can’t stand it, I’m ashamed to be here”.

Moon continued the verbal attack with a booing audience “it just feels a bit cheap and absurd.

I mean, it’s like Norman Bates dressing up in his mothers clothing. It’s just a little bit creepy and I feel like you’re going to stitch someone’s skin to your face and then kill everyone in the audience.”

After the episode Twitter exploded, Kills and Moon received majority negative tweets with Irvine receiving positive tweets from celebrity’s all over the world. Ellie Golding, Bastille and X factor all gave support to Irvine with Lorde sending him Cupcakes and a handwritten letter.

Irvine still remained composed “I think I look really good”Kills quickly jumped back with “you look good ‘cause you’re dressed as my husband!”

Irvine wasn’t alone as judge “Melanie Blatt” jumped to his defence saying “actually, you dress better than her husband!. Do you know what? Joe? I don’t think many people have believed in you in your life, I’ll tell you right now: I believe in you, you got what it takes.

You have a beautiful tone.” She then told Irvine to ignore Kills and Moon’s disgraceful comments by saying “please don’t listen”.

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AS IT IS RELEASED ALBUM IN APRIL The Band ‘As It Is’ have a new album due to be released very soon on 20th April 2015.

But what can we expect from this album? The album has been creatively inspired when in good olds when days ‘Emo’ wasn’t used a dirty word and its inspired by the rose-tinted-specs spirit of late, great John Hughes’ and even celluloids such as The Breakfast Club, Brighton-via-Minneapolis poppunkers. So this album has been inspired by quite a lot.

During the past two years As It Is have been working so hard on their new album, creating new sounds and steadily building a good reputation as one of the UK’s brightest new names in the music industry via the independent gigging and fan-funded breakthrough E.P, ‘This Mind Of Mine.

Biss, who co-founded As It Is with Walters whilst ‘on the same pretentious music course at uni stated “Unlike our previous release, we ultimately wrote these songs without an agenda,”

“We used to get overly hung up on ticking boxes structure, duration - whereas this time around we just wrote and went with what happened naturally.

We found this time around that we don’t disagree as much as we used to. Or at least we deal with things less like bickering shits.”

Bickering would not be welcomed in such quarters, a s when Biss and Walters collaborated together on the band’s dual pronged vocal, and lyrical, output. As Biiss said - ‘When we write a song, the music always comes first, and from the vibe of the music we pick a theme that we think will suit the song. We then both write separately, even if we’re next to each other, and then piece together the best bits of what we have coherently. Sometimes I’ll write a line that Patty loves and he’ll splice it with a few things he has and vice versa until we have a song that grasps what we want to convey. It’s like writing lyrics knowing that it’s already relatable to two people rather than just one.”

With ‘Never Happy, Ever After’ due to be for released on April 20th before they have an incredible 8 month touring schedule which fans will see them perform in the UK, Europe, North America and at some festivals (details will be revealed soon!)

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What do you think about YouTube and people getting famous by using the platform?

The people of North London expressed mixed opinions on YouTube and how they feel about the platform being used by people to become famous.

Emily Halle, a 17-year-old West Herts student from Radlett said: “It’s good, I don’t really watch YouTube, as it’s not a thing for me.” Charlotte Brown, 16-years-old from Watford said: “I’m not really interested in all that YouTubers generation, actually” but Gaby Darling, 18-years-old student from Watford had a slightly different opinion on it: “I think it’s fine because sometimes it can be educational watching stuff on there, if people have to work on something or get some homework done they can just go there and get things clear, so it’s useful.”

opinion on it. Luke Parkhouse, 30, from Elsberry says: “I’m not really into YouTube. Seeing all these people, apparently famous, that’s not my cup of tea at all.” Instead, Luca McDonagh, a 17-year-old West Herts Student, from Wembley said: “People, I think should not be treated like celebrities, that is a bit too much, but yeah, I guess it’s alright, their fame doesn’t affect me that much.”

Ali Al-Nabhan, 17-years-old from Harrow said: “YouTube is now a successful thing. Some people started it from nothing and they are building up, I met people, as I work with Youtube networks, that Some other people I talked to are aware of how started from nothing and now they have got a big big is YouTube now, or just don’t really have an fanbase, and they are doing it so well, it is amazing.

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So, I think YouTube is a good platform for people who have got talent.” And Anneliese Bird, 18-yearsold from NJ, USA added: “I like it, I think is really cool. I like how the variety of content you can find there. You have so many people doing so many different things.”

Most of the people agreed on YouTube being a platform to share talents and information, and that can be useful. Nedeshi Hephins, a 17-year-old music student from Borehamwood said: “You know, I think it depends, some of these Youtubers and video people are really useful, they are teaching viewers all this stuff, sharing information, helps you, it helps me on my personal training, instead of buying a disc, they are really expensive sometimes, so you can just like go on Youtube.

I think it’s great for artists, specially for musicians like myself, you can just put yourself out there and people can listen to your music, but some other people are a bit overrated. Some people should just come down. That’s how I feel about it. “ and Dodescu Denisa, from Bucharest, Romania added: “I like YouTube, actually. These people getting famous and making a lot money from YouTube are really smart, this is an interesting way to make money and making a living.”

The rest of people I asked just don’t care that much about YouTube or are not interested in it.

Ewa Baranowska, 54-years-old Poland said: “I think YouTube and all the attention is fantastic, sometimes if you need to find important stuff, you have YouTube, people out there teaching or sharing information.

But only sometimes is useful. I don’t know much about these other people getting famous through YouTube though.” And Agi Barnowski, 35-years-old from Poland said: “I’m not that interested in it, I don’t really care about these people getting famous actually. If they are famous, good for them.”

“Zoe Sugg and Alfie Deyes are this year’s new addition to London Madame Tussauds.” on some recent research, I found the following posted on one of The Mirror’s articles about Zoe Sugg: “Well she’s not a pop star, model or actress. You don’t see her on TV or in the gossip columns. Yet Zoe is a global star. She can’t go out without being recognised, and she earns enough from her fame to live in a seafront Brighton penthouse at the tender age of 24.

She’s a celebrity in a parallel world that passes under the radar for most of us – the lucrative, bubblegum-coloured Planet Teenager which lurks in cyberspace.” story by Bianca Bars

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About the movie

by Paloma Fenty

Home is an original story with heart, action and humour with positive messages for younger children about conquering fears, understanding outsiders, knowing yourself and the importance of keeping the family together.

Its voice cast features Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Jim Parsons and Rihanna, an ethnically diverse and distinctive list of performers that enable the film to bring in adults as well as children.

Jim Parsons is Oh, an extraterrestrial of the Boov species. The Boov decided to inhabit Earth and relocate its humans to Australia. This relocation separates Rihanna’s character, Tip, from her mother, Lucy (Jennifer Lopez). Oh and Tip overcome their differences and join forces to try to reunite mother and daughter and save the planet from annihilation. Tip can be looked up to for her continued strength and she is a strong female whose main mission doesn’t involve the love of a man.

Home was the weekend’s top ticket seller, pulling in $54 million, and it’s one of the studio’s best-ever openings for an original movie and the biggest debut it has had since “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” in 2012. Furthermore, Rihanna made history with DreamWorks Animation for playing the voice of the first black lead of a 3-D animated film.

The premiere experience

by Marina Roldicienta Three of Fanciful’s team member had the pleasure of attending to “Home” premiere, animation by DreamWorks. The premiere took place at VUE Leicester Square on the 14th Marzo in London.

That day, VUE was full of bubbles and kids everywhere, ready to enjoy the Little fun at the foyer previous to the screening. The whole place was themed with movie and you could see “Oh” and “Tip”, the main characters, everywhere. Even the main doors of the venue was all themed with “Oh” there to welcome you to the screening.

Once you are in, you see balloons and pictures of the main characters all around the place. Also, let’s mention all the themed food. Juices, coffees, cookies and so much more. Kids could get their faces painted with small drawings related to the movie.

Right before getting into the screening room, we got the chance of having a pictures with Oh and Tip, thanks to a Green screen, which was so much fun and final results, incredible. We then finally got ourselves into the room and sat down to watch the movie, but before, we had a kind of gigant bubble show, where kids got into huge bubbles, right there in front of everyone. The movie, the show, the Little party, were all amazing. It was such a fun day that we could enjoy thanks to DreamWorks and Vue.

do it yourself Have you got some friends you need to tie down?

Well how about keeping them ‘tied’ with you very own friendship bracelets!

One of the most popular designs is the chevron bracelet.

What you need:

6 strands of embroidery floss or wool (you can measure the length by wrapping the floss around your wrist 3-4 times) Scissors Beads (if you feel like using them!)

2) Clip the bracelet to a clipboard or a toolbox and plait the shorter end.

1) Align the strings and make a forward knot about 1-2 inches down the strings.

3) Flip the bracelet over and separate the colours symmetrically.

4) Make 2 forward knots on the 2 strands on the left side of the bracelet.

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5) Make 2 backward knots on the 2 strands of the right side to complete the symmetry.

6) Double forward knot the 2 red strands and you have completed your first chevron line!

7) When you get about half way down the bracelet, string on a bead to the inner 2 strings of the bracelet.

8) Carry on making the chevron knots around the bead.

9) Carry on until you are satisfied with the length of the bracelet and knot and plait the end the bracelet.

10) Enjoy your new bracelet!

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIANCA DUBOIS WITH MARINA ROLDICIENTA& DEAN LOCK

STREET STYLE

This month at Fanciful, we have two new street styles to inspire you when getting to go outside. Not everyone is having the same weather so we thought we would have a couple of outfits perfect for windy, cold weather but also wamr, as you be ready to go with just take the coats off.

Also, let me mention that thanks to two of our lovely team members, Spanish writers and music expert Marina Roldan and photographer Dean Lock, we have some new original styles to share with you. Get inspired by these two and change a bit you style to try something new.

Next month, get ready some summer styles, and the first of the year!

STYLING

by Cristina Espadas

Selena Gomez

There is a big difference between the singer’s Street style and the outfits chosen for events like MTV Awards, KCA or Oscars. She picks looks where confort goes before design, for more elegant and fashionable events, she trust on top designers Dolce & Gabanna or Versace. Apart from this, she is always trying to keep the style of youth, even on her 22s, she won’t forget the huge impact Disney had on her life.

Last year, at Coachella, she shows up wearing a white lace dress from Free People, which is mostly transparent, allowing us to see another outfit underneath. White short jeans, also from Free People and a black crop top. She then completes the look with black military boots, hat and matching sunglasses.

Spring Breakers premiere, Selena showed up at the event wearing a black two-piece suit, with gold details turning it into a v blazer, all from Femme Tux. She matches the outfit with the lovely stiletto.

Here we see another example.

This time, long sleeve crop top with high neck and high waist skirt, with crops on the sides.

This match comes from Versace, along with stiletto shoes by Zanotti in black, with little gold details.

With matching high waist skirt and crop top, Selena shows some of the keys of her style. She is not randomly wearing these pieces, the singer knows what goes on well with her height.

With a head-to-toe by Louis Vuitton Selena shows up in this year’s Paris Fashion Week. Printed dress by Louis Vuitton’s pre-fall collection 2015, leather jacket and handbag, also by Louis Vuitton but 2014’s collection.

She completes the look with black leather uncle boots.

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This a risky look, chosen for the VMA where Selena was the main host of the night. She chose a Atelier Versace dress in blue klein, matching her emerald earrings. This time she takes it beyond her style, not to mention the leg crop but also a corset made out of a transparent cloth.

No bags this time, as the dress is enough itself to be a complete look.

Here we have a more formal look for the Billiboard Music Awards.

This time, she chooses one-piece dress with heart neck, perfect for all breasts type. The main detail is the big crop, leaving half leg showing, which also helps on her height, making her slightly taller.

The final touches are a Zanotti sandals and matching cluch.

Back to the premiere of the movie Rudderless, we have Selena with a one-piece red dress. Balloon skirt to point up the hips, and risky neckline.

Although, she did show a sexy and daring without going too far. She completes the look with Stiletto, Clutch handbag and diamond bracelet

Not everything is dresses and glamour; Selena also has street style to show us. She is a simple and confortable girl, this style would include dark red thin trousers, crop top saying “YOLO� by YMCMB and sleeveless shirt. To finish, black boots and bag.

Another good example of simple and comfortable is this one. She wears a trending clothing piece, which is a stain coat, poncho style, and skinny jeans. Finishing up the look with black boots and bag.

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TOP 6 BEAUTY PRODUCTS

for flawless skin

by Natalie McKee

Hi everyone, I’m Natalie and I’m a makeup artist and beauty therapist with a love for quality products that are kind to our skin. I’m going to share some of my favourite products and tips with you in this article, so sit, relax, and grab a cuppa.

Summer is finally here and the sunshine is starting to make an appearance at long last. Hooray!

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However, the sun can have a negative effect on our skin during the summer months as it can cause dryness to our skin, so I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 beauty products to help keep your skin in tip top condition, even in the strongest of heat waves.

*Secret tip* This fantastic mask can be used in an at home slimming body wrap to help you loose inches instantly. Trust me, I’ve tried and tested this and it works! It helps to detox the body of chemicals Lush Cosmetand toxins which can result in a ics- Bubblegum visible loss of inches from cerLip Scrub £5.50 tain areas of the body, Amazing!

Simply slather a generous layer Ensure you have over the area you would like to the perfect pout detox, wrap in cling film ,then finished with tinfoil and relax for 45 minutes your favourite summer lipstick shade with before wiping off with damp this natural sugar lip scrub. It helps to extowels. foliate your lips to prepare them for your lipstick, lip gloss or lip balm for a smooth There are other fabulous prodand long lasting finish. The delicious canucts which can be used along dy scent and taste will have you hooked! with this mask to create the ultiThis little pot of tastiness is my secret mate detoxing body wrap, which lippy weapon and the best thing about it we will chat about in the next is that you can actually lick the excess off. few issues of Fanciful, so be sure YUM! to keep your eyes peeled for it!

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Seasource Detox Spa- Sea mud face & body mask By Arbonne £33 This luxurious botanical mud mask can be used for both the face and the body.

The detoxifying actions of sea mud and bentonite clay absorb excess oil from the skin, helping to draw out impurities and leave skin feeling fresh and looking radiant.

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Arbonne- perfecting Liquid Foundation Spf15 Sunscreen £31 As a makeup artist, I have tried and tested countless foundations and my all time favourite has to be this! I adore the fact that it is completely chemical and toxin free, and vegan certified making it suitable for everyone. It’s a real multi tasker as it protects, moisturizes and gives the appearance of firming looking skin by lifting the look of facial contours. It is also extremely long wearing and sweat proof so you can wear with confidence on your summer holidays.

NYX Cosmetics HD Finishing Powder £10

This translucent powder is formulated with 100% pure mineral silica and is perfect for setting your foundation to a flawless matt finish. It helps to absorb excess oil form the skin so it’s a must have for those hot summer days! *Secret Tip* Help your lipstick to stay put for longer by splitting a tissue in half, placing it over your lipstick and dusting a generous coating of NYX HD finishing powder over the top. This helps to seal the layer of lipstick in to the lips. Apply a second coat of lippy over the top and your good to go!

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MAC Cosmetics- Fix + Setting Spray £15.50

NYX Cosmetics- Matt Bronzer £8

This finishing mist from MAC Cosmetics helps to lock in moisture after applying your makeup along with smoothing out the appearance of the skin and increasing longevity of makeup. It’s also really refreshing on your face. Say goodbye to blotchy makeup. You will have no worries this summer with this baby in your kit!

Perfect for spring, summer and beyond! This compact bronzing powder from NYX Cosmetics is matt and provides a natural looking contour to the skin while adding depth to the face. Love, love, LOVE it.

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FACT - FILE Dan Howell is a 23 year old English YouTuber formally living in London with his good friend and fellow YouTuber Phil Lester. Howell is also associated with BBC Radio 1 and referred to as an internet cult leader. Born on June 11th 1991 Dan Howell (also known as Danisnotonfire) currently has over 4.5 million subscribers.

Howell was encouraged by his friends to start off a YouTube channel in 2009 when he uploaded his first video titled, ‘HELLO INTERNET’. His channel has since consisted of creative videos, vlogs, challenges and of course, it is not Danisnotonfire without any anecdotes (or Danecdotes). His most popular video is ‘How to speak internet’ which dwells on some very unusual internet slang words featuring film maker twins, Jack and Finn Harries.

Howell and Lester collaborated for ‘My Damn Channel’ called The Super Amazing Project which was a series of videos where the two YouTubers investigated paranormal events from spooky happenings that viewers sent in, and reported various, unique internet news. On October 1st 2014 both Dan and Phil announced their departure from The Super Amazing Project.

Presently, Danisnotonfire accompanied with Phil Lester have created a gaming channel labelled ‘DanAndPhilGAMES’ in which the two friends take part in a series of video games. The channel reached 1 million subscribers On March 8th 2015.

With some great accomplishments Dan Howell has attracted a larger fan base over the years. From starting off presenting his own radio show for BBC Radio 1 along with Phil Lester all the way to having voice cameo appearances in Disney’s movie, Big Hero 6.

Awards that have been presented to Dan Howell have included the Sony Golden Headphone Award in 2013 and the Lovie Internet Video Person of the Year Award in 2014.

From 2013-15, Howell and Lester have also presented backstage coverage at the Brit Awards. Recently, the two internet sensations have also announced the release of their new book and UK tour which will take place starting from October 2015.

‘In this book is a world. A world created by two awkward guys who share their lives on the internet!’

story by aisha janjua collage by bianca bars

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Adventures in Spain We all need breaks sometimes, don’t we? being a student and running a magazine might doesn’t sound like that much work but you have no idea how stressful can be to get a couple of stories up every week, tweet them or put some words and pictures together on InDesign. Let me tell you my friend, if you don’t have this kind of stuff to worry about, you must the happiest kid.

I’m not seeing I don’t like my magazine, Fanciful is one of my biggest achievements as a journalism student and I love it, I enjoy every single bit of my stressful days. Oh yes I do. We all just work so hard, trying to balance our daily lives and studies or work with the magazine, that when you see everything up and others commenting on it and sharing it, it is all so worth it.

But being the editor of all this mess is getting to me. Luckily I had Easter to go home and just chill, even if I did some magazine work, it could relax so much from London-busy-stressful life. I went all the way to Parla, a little city right outside Madrid, where I lived most of my life with my family.

Is just to go back there, not to mention the amazing warm weather, but it just feels good to see the family and friends you have grown up with once again.

Not much has changed, I just see all my friends making plans for the future, and stressing about university, I also see them all so beautiful. Yeah, sounds weird, I would never have said that, but when you go away and only see these people three or four times a year, when finally do see them you just want to say ‘you have grown up into a beautiful person’ What about the parties we get? Over the year not that many to be honest, but summer is always amazing. There not even one single day that won’t spend drunk. God bless you, summer and Spanish culture.

This one right here is not me, but one of the Fanciful writers Patricia Nevado, Patt for us. We got together to catch up and have lunch and take silly pictures that we would later see, regret but still upload to Facebook. I think she looks lovely though.

Words+picture by Bianca Bars

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TYLER OAKLEY &THE TREVOR PROJECT Story by Rhiannon Moore Photography by Persona PR

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The 26-year-old American vlogger Tyler Oakley had a little chat with us. He told us about his YouTube life, for example, he shared the best and worst that came along his YouTube career. “The best part is traveling the world to meet all the people who make my life possible. The worst part is not knowing how good the Wi-Fi will be in all of those countries.”

Oakley also mentions how he feels about his fame “I’ll never get used to strangers stopping me on the street to say hi. It’s the best feeling in the world, but it will always take me by surprise.” But mainly, we talked about The Trevor Project.

Tyler has set the goal of raising $500K for The Trevor Project this year on his birthday, just like he did the last two years. He once again reached the goal. Tyler has made over one million dollars in donations.

The Trevor Project, it’s a non-profitable organisation based in US set up for helping and saving the lives of LGBTQA+ youth. The project works with suicidal and depressed young members of the community in order to save lives and prevent suicide. The project was founded in 1998 and is the leading national organisation providing help to people ages 13-24. “Knowing that so much of my audience can utilize its resources definitely makes it an Organization that’s near and dear to my heart.“ he told us.

They have resources such as: Trevor chat, a free confidential instant messaging service run by trained volunteers.

Trevor text, a free, confidential texting services run by their trained volunteers.

Trevorline, the only national 24/7 crisis lifeline for LGBT+ young people.

In addition to that, they provide education resources to schools across the country as well as an online community known asTrevorSpace, that’s safe and monitored for kids to connect with each other and feel less along.

Now every year for this amazing project the one and only Tyler Oakley has set up a birthday fundraiser in order to help raise money for The Trevor Project and the work they do. Last year Tyler raised a whopping $525,704 when his goal was only $150,000 and he’s gone and done it again. This year Tyler set out to raise $500,000 for the project and last night whilst live streaming with Korey Kuhl, Tyler hit his goal! “I’m very lucky and privileged to have such a supportive following. And I don’t take it lightly.”

The fundraiser has been going for a couple of weeks now and still has just under a week to go. In the total of just 2 years Tyler has raised over a million dollars for the cause and for years in a row presented things at the Trevor Live event and even won an award from them for being a young innovator. In years to come who knows how much Tyler and his fandom could raise for The Trevor Project.

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RAUL FERNANDEZ PICTURES+STORY BY BIANCA BARS

As always, here at Fanciful we try to make sure you are updated on all interesting people and stories out. This time, we went all the way down to Madrid, Spain and met the lovely photographer Raul Fernandez.

Fernandez is a 21-year-old many things, born in Getafe, Madrid.

He is an artist in many different ways. Once he finished secondary school, he started studying hair and make-up, at the same time he studied online and got a master in fashion. Once this was done, he went for a diploma in photography. A really hard-working and busy human we have here.

Raul is currently working on his final projects for this last mentioned course and doing his work experience along an experienced photographer in Madrid. He is one of those who can never be doing anything, “I can never stop doing stuff, and I always have to be busy”. He also mentions his hobbies; for example, how much he enjoys his boyfriend and family’s company or walks around Madrid. Raul is a movie lover. >>

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‘What can I create that people would like?’

He says he is a big fan of film maker Tim Burton, “as an student of fashion, make-up and hair I enjoy analysing his movies, they way he makes them from a professional and artistic point of view.” But not only movies, he is a huge fan of music, especially Lady Gaga. “I love drawing too. I don’t do it as much as I used to” he shows us a few of his fashion designs when talking about drawing.

Since Raul was a little kid, he loved everything related to arts and at a very young age, he started drawing. Through the years he realised that drawing wasn’t the only way to be artistic. He then saw himself getting into fashion design, photography, etc. He learned so much and improved a lot his skills on many other artistic areas apart from the ones I mentioned.

About his favourite fashion designers, he talks about Alexander McQueen “He was a real genius”. Raul includes on favourite’s list Hubert de Givenchy, Agatha Ruíz de la Prada, Amaya Arzuaga, David Delfín and Francis Montesinos. In terms of fashion inspirations, “I like to get inspired by the two fashion icons Lady Gaga and Aubrey Hepburn. They both are glamorous” but he mainly tries to get inspiration from his inside, he tries to get creative from his imagination. “ ‘What can I create that people would like?’ Is something I ask myself every single day. I can’t stop, I love creating”. Talking about his photography inspirations, he likes Mario Testino, Richard Avedon, Tim Walker, Irving Penn, Annie Leibovitz and many others.

Raul shares the goals he has on his career. It’s very important for him to get as much experience as possible. “I want to reach the highest level of experience and be able to create unique pieces and hope people like it.” He then adds. “Its hours and hours of work, Talking about professional experiences, Fernan- its dedication and passion. I hope to find a good job dez was of the contestants for the Spanish National in the future, or who knows, maybe have my own Make-Up Competition in 2013. He ended up being brand.” the second one with a ‘Flor de Loto’ Geisha makeup. Not only that, in 2014 he once again entered the Fernandez is definitely proud of everything he competition, but this time on the ‘Pop Art’ category, has done so far, and the work and time he puts he went for a look inspired on Roy Lichtenstein in on everything he does. He is completely sure he the 60s. He did not get the expected results from the wouldn’t change a thing of his life or what he did in competition, but he has the experience. the past; he now only looks forward to grow as an artist and gain experience. His likes to share all the Other important moments for him on his career is work he puts behind a simple picture, and even if it his chance of presenting his work, this exhibition is exhausting, he really does enjoy it. He also wants is called ‘Fashion Art Photography’. But a unique to keep studying and adding more diplomas to his event on his life was meeting Spanish fashion CV. designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada and also getting invited to attend to her 2015-2016 Autumn-Winter To finish this little chat, Raul has a good advice for fashion show. “Had a short but lovely chat with her those who want to get into this. “The most imporand showed her a bit of my work, she signed all her tant, you have to be creative and be excited to learn books for me, and invited me to her showroom in and grow as an artist. Hard work will take anywhere Madrid.” you want”.

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INTERVIEW WITH

DOUG ARMSTRONG QUESTIONS BY KATIE TULIP PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLLIE ALI

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First of all, thanks for the little interview! As a first question, please make a short introduction about yourself. Birthday, where you were born, hobbies, etc.

Hello and thanks for having me! I’m a British Youtuber & Presenter. Specialising in lifestyle, food and travel. I was born on May 22nd in a small town in Sussex, UK. Aside from being in front of or behind a camera, I love keeping fit at the gym, making music and being a closet geek.

Now tell us about your youtube channel, what made you start making videos?

I remember playing with a neighbour’s camcorder when I was 10. I must have loved it and been in-

spired because a year or two later, I had saved up enough pocket money and was able to buy one of my own. I would make silly videos about anything, but just loved it doing it. When I found YouTube in high school, it was just the logical next step to start make stuff to share online. I remember discovering and being inspired by a few of the earliest British vloggers too.

What else do you do apart from videos?

YouTube is my main full time job. I also do some presenting here and there and am looking to increase this over the next year, but of course will never neglect my YouTube channel.

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Is there any video that you regret making, or you would not make now?

In a way, all of my earliest videos! They’re just so cringy to watch back now that I’m 7 years older.

But of course I wouldn’t change a thing because without them, I wouldn’t have had anything to learn from and wouldn’t be where I am today.

What would it be your greatest achievement as a YouTuber?

Being invited to Malawi, Africa to help support Sightsavers charity. It was such an incredible experience.

Being in the newspapers for it was quite cool too!

Who are you top 3 favourite youtubers? Who was the very first youtuber you watched?

Too tricky & I don’t remember!

If you could collab with anyone (not only youtubers) who would it be and why?

Jim Carey for guaranteed hilarity, or the Queen of England.

What do your family and friends say of you making videos?

My family are always supportive, though do still hint that they’d wish I’d be utilising my masters degree in computer science and be on my way to earning the big bucks; but I think they’re happy that I’m getting by doing what I love. My friends basically just hate me for all the fun things I get to do and places I get to go!

How long does it take to make a video? From developing your idea to uploading the video, tell us the process.

I make a wide variety of content with varying complexity. A simple Q&A or vlog can take two days from planning through to putting live and pushing it out on social media. Bigger videos like my Life Hacks or travel videos can take a week for the same process.

What plans do you have for 2015?

I want to do even more travelling, widen my presenting experience and meet loads more people through YouTube.

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Have you ever had a bad experience with a fan? Or an experience you will always remember?

It’s really nice when someone comes up to me at a YouTube event whom I recognise because they tweet me a lot or consistently comment on my videos – it’s always so satisfying to put a face to the name/avatar and I remember a lot of those moments. Also someone sent me photos of a ‘Doug shrine’ they made once, that was weird.

Which of the recipes you have made on your channel is your favourite, if it’s possible to pick just one.

Ahhh such a hard question! I think I would have to go with Nutella Cheesecake (even though it’s literally 25% sugar eep).

To finish the interview we have some short questions: favourite food Cheesecake favourite colour Lime green favourite place in the world and why Cabo, Mexico – had the best spring break holiday there with friends most played song on your phone right now? Kygo – Firestone

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INTRODUCING

MARK FERRIS story by bianca bars photography by dean lock

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There are a lot of talented people out there yet to be discovered, one of them is Mark Ferris, and our duty is to bring all talents to you. We had the chance of catching up him, so lets have a little introduction.

Mark Ferris is a British youtuber born on the 18th October “which makes me a Libra (WOO!)”. He is currently living in South London, where he has lived all his life. His a hiking and travelling lover, two very good choices I would say, and apart from this, he also enjoys making vlogs and short films, mainly horror films.

When talking about his channel, he describes it as “light hearted, fun, a bit crazy and very positive.” at the beginning he started making videos with a friend.

They did challenge videos like “The Tin Can Challenge” or “Kitchen Smoothie Challenge” just for the fun.

This was until he decided to try making a video on his own “then one day I randomly decided to film a solo video of myself, like a simple ‘About me’ video.” He said.

A lot of questions around him and many others could get to them. “What makes you special, that you feel the need to film yourself ”, “What’s the point?” or “How’s the money” are frequently thrown to youtubers. Luckily for mark, this comes Ferris really wanted to get into YouTube. “I really wanfrom a very small amount of people. ted a channel that people can escape to, 4 or 5 minutes of fun, to take someone’s mind of something.” Says Youtube is becoming a huge platform but not everMark on his reasons for joining the YouTube commuyone understands it as well as the people who are nity, his main priority is to make people happy and already putting themselves on it. have a laugh.

For all youtubers, having a channel and putting yourself out there can have good and bad sides. For him, one of the best things is definitely the support he gets from viewers. For youtubers, who put a lot of time and work very hard on every single one of their videos, having it praised it like that, is incredibly important.

YouTube has changed him; it made him a much more confidant person. “It may look easy but it’s taken a while for me to feel 100% comfortable in front of the camera”. He now finds it easier to put himself in front of the camera, and everything comes out naturally.

But also, as I mentioned, there are some bad sides. The negative that comes along stat making videos could affect many youtubers at the beginning to the point of them leaving the platform, but this isn’t a problem for Mark.

Mark also takes us through his fangirl moments.

We all have them at some point in life, lets be honest. His, would include Niki and Sammy and Dan and Phil. The first time meeting Niki and Sammy was while filming at the YouTube Space “I felt like I was really awkward because I love their videos so much haha, I’ve met them a few times after so that’s OK. Really nice guys.” And the next two, Dan and Phil. “I saw Dan and Phil at Summer In The City ‘14 and I wanted to jump on them.”

All youtubers have something they are proud of, for Mark, is hitting 5000 subscribers on youtuber, and is now closer to the next level. “now I’m almost at 10,000. I can’t believe it! Hitting 10,000 subscribers was a dream I NEVER thought I could achieve with my silly videos.”

“I can’t believe I actually have regular viewers on my videos. It means so much to me. There’s no better feeling (for me) than working really hard on something and have it praised by the people that matter the most.”

Is not all about the viewers, once you get into YouTube the people you are surrounded by might have an opinion on what you do. How do you think yoututber’s families react to this new platform? Mark’s family are completely supportive and know how much he enjoys making videos and how passionate he is about his channel and viewers. “they love seeing me work really hard on it. They’ve seen some of my videos and love them.”

And what about his friends? Even if they don’t quite get what Ferris does, they do support him and are always there to listen and advise him. There is nothing else to ask for, is there?

Thinking about how far Mark has come is incredible.

Youtube is changing so many people’s lives. If he had the chance to go back in time to a younger self, he knows what he would say “Follow your dreams, don’t listen to people who will try and put you down, maybe work a little harder in future lessons, haha.”

Story by Bianca Bars Photography by Dean Lock

BLACK SHEEP COMPLEX

BLACK SHEEP COMPLEX “Our songs have a depressive touch, being a little sad but without losing power, and also the rest are almost demands.”

Coming from Madrid, Spain, José Manuel Peinado, Ulick Miranda, Sergio Gadella and Diego Garrido, form Black Sheep Complex, an alternative rock band with songs in Spanish and versions of songs as mythical as The nobodies by Marilyn Manson orCalifornication by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

José and Sergio are cousins, and several years ago, by common interests and playing one day together, they thought when would they have a band, so both would be in it. José and Sergio wrote their first own song, Sonrisa vertical. Then came Ulick, who José met at the high school playing theatre performances, and Ulick’s family gave him a bass and he learnt to play it. They met a couple of guys that could get in the band, but it didn’t quite work because of their own styles.

Being already three people ready to form a band, they thought they would need a drummer. Sergio’s mother knew Diego’s mother because they went together in chorus in their childhood, and one day Diego’s mother told Sergio’s that her son plays the drums since he was six years old, just the one they needed in the band. Furthermore, Diego has been playing in several bands since he was fourteen years old, but was finally BSC where he has found his “place”.

José, vocalist and lead guitar, defines the foundation of the band as “a dream unattainable”, to quench their artistic and vital thirst concern. Ulick, bass, thinks that none got into the band by listening to each other’s music, because they are not so similar, but they get to an “harmony”, without dispute, like pieces of a puzzle fit together. They define themselves as outsiders, and “the benefit / problem we have as a group is that we have so many different styles that our songs come out as a result of a mixture of all condensate”, said José.

Each one of them listen to a type of music different, from punk rock and rock classic listened by Sergio, passing through rock, flamenco, rap, music classical, industrial metal listened by Ulick, with death metal, music classical, rock Japanese listened by Diego to rock and indie listened by José. About their initiation in the world of music, Diego drummer, when he was five years old he played with his toy cubes turning and touching them with sticks. At this young age, his parents decided to enter him in battery and music theory. Ulick bass, began playing the violin and Sergio, second guitar, began playing the piano. José our vocalist and lead guitar, not played none when he was a child, but people have always told him that he has a good voice for singing.

In relation to continue professionally with this, giving a long life to the band and not let it simply as a hobby, José says he has much hope in this and that would frustrate him if it becomes nothing, because many people have been already told them they have something that can go forward, and a big detail is making music in Spanish because this is not in the best musical moment in its history. However, Ulick now think that is still a way to go forward and that it would not be anything if this is so, as they are every week to play and unwind. At the time of composing, they won’t sit and wait for the inspiration to come and write a song, they all individually might start a base for a song, and then finish the whole thing once they get together. They can get inspired by anything from everyday life to create this base.

Ulick, being honest, clarifies that what defines his band is indigence and disaffection, as their songs have a depressive touch, being a little sad but without losing power, and also the rest are almost demands. >>

All songs composed are in Spanish, and “if any rea- But by the time they played a couple of songs they der of the magazine wants any English version, we realised that tension shouldn’t stop them from simply are willing to transcribe it,” says José laughing. enjoying playing to that audience that had never heard them. An anecdote about their second gig, says José, Asking for their own favourite song that have already is that at the end of this gig, “I dropped the guitar, I been composed (they have already more than a who- didn’t throw it directly” but everyone there present got le CD content), Sergio admits he has a special appre- scared and they thought that the guitar was broken, ciation for Sonrisa vertical (Vertical smile) for being but “it was alright”, says the vocalist. the first one they composed. Ulick says thatComplejo de oveja negra (Black Sheep Complex, which gives One day, Sergio heard on a Rock Station there was its name to the band) is his favourite “because rage, a contest called “Hard Rock Rising”, where several because it helps me to relieve tension or encourage unknown bands participate to win, to present and me if I have a bad day because it is touching it, and I perform at the Hard Rock Festival, in Barcelona, next stay calm”. to big bands. Then he told the others and José at the time prepared their page and he signed up them for Diego said thatVendaval (Gale) is his favourite be- the contest. Unfortunately they did not make it to the cause “it was one of the first that we composed as a semi-finals, but it got many votes and likes from the band and it is one of those with more adrenaline, it’s beginning. one that we most enjoy singing, playing, and coming more into the audience”. José prefers Barro (Mud), In relation to next concerts, they will be playing one because “I foresee a very big future, it’s very powerful on the 21st March, in their home town, and they are and we are waiting for the demo version of that song”. waiting to play more concerts as soon as they can. In the near future, BSC is playing in medium and large All of them admit that in their first concert they were venues in Madrid, then gathering everything it assuper nervous, looking all the time the strings to ked for to play, such as the models and the necessary avoid mistakes, having much insecurity. paperwork for it.

STORY BY PATRICIA NEVADO PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAMARA VARGAS

HEARD ABOUT

?

Read about Jessie J’s Surprise Bus Party in London and also, get to know her a bit better with a few facts!

British singer Jessie J got into a plane and came all Later she then hit a songwriting deal with Sony/ATVthe way to London to join a “Surprise Bus Party” music publishing where she wrote songs for artists organised by McDonald’s last 24th March, with 15 such as Miley Cyrus and Chris brown. lucky fans.

Her music consists of an unconventional musical and Some of you who might watch Joe Sugg (Thatcher- performance. She has her soul vocal with pop and r Joe) on YouTube have already seen his video on his and b and hip hop beats and even electro pop. She has 2nd channel called ‘No Way!!!! Mcdonalds Ad’. He had many hit singles from “Price Tag”, “Domino” and had a little fun car interview with the singer right be- “Do It Like A Dude” and has sold millions of copies of her albums and singles. fore her Suprise Bus Party Jessie J (Jessica Ellen Cornish) born in London in Apart from Joe Sugg and Jessie’s fans, the Bus Party was 1988 currently 27 years old is a singer/songwriter. As joined by youtubers Darcy Cole, Lucy and Lydia. a child, she attended to Brit School, after she got signed with Gut Records.

Story by Katie Tulip Photography by Bianca Bars

How much do you think you know about the 27-year-old British singer Jessie J? Have a read a little bit about her!

When Jessie J performs on stage to fans, sometimes she will get thrown cuddly toys, food, sweets and even t-shirts onto the stage for her. She admits it’s weird but that she gets used to it. Sometimes she even kicks it under the stage so she can have it later.

Jessie likes festivals, it’s one of her favourite times of the year especially summer shows and being outside. Talking about summer shows, her favourite show if she had to choose would be Glastonbury. When she went there ages ago she set up the tent and bailed it, she just couldn’t hack it so she went home to her mums house. She tells us that shows are one thing where everything has to be right and your doing it and it’s happening and you need to be prepared, for example to her it’s having her eyelash extensions in etc. One of her other favourite festivals is v-fest because it is in Essex her hometown.

If Jessie could be better at one thing it would flying as she says she’s not very good at it and sometimes she wishes she was better at that as when flying at festivals gigs etc, as you use your arms it hurts all the time. Jessie is afraid of heights and that’s why she isn’t very keen on flying. She is also claustrophobic but sleeping in bags doesn’t bother her, its when you can’t get out like planes, a lift, places like that that she doesn’t like.

If she Could always says what’s her mind or never be able to speak again she would chose always say what’s on her mind because She kind of does that anyway. If Jessie could only sing one of her songs for the rest of your life she would pick “Nobody’s Perfect” because it had different moments in it, like soft and hard but, high and low bit, so it wouldn’t get as boring.

Apart from singing, if she could she would love to be a chef as she likes cooking, but she would also be happy with life coach and therapist. Another fun fact is that Jessie believes in ghosts. Well when she sees one then she will know they exist and watches youtube but not very often.

sammi maria story by bianca bars photography by gleam futures

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Samantha Maria, better know online as beautycrush, is an English o line celebrity. Born in Harrow, London on the 10th August 1989, the 25-year-old has over 1M subs on her YouTube channel, where she makes make-up tutorials, shares opinions and gives advices.

Sammi joined YouTube in July 2009, her very first video was uploded in September of the same year, where shw wouls share her diet tips.

This year, in March, and a little over five years, Sammi has announced the launch of her own clothing brand, shared with her boyfriend and also youtuber Jason Davis. “I wanted to release something that you guys could have a piece of something I created” she said on a video she uploaded to her YouTube channel called ‘massive news’ to talk about the clothing brand.

The brand will be called Novem & Knight, and she has been working n it for over a year. Over this time, along Jason, they designed every single piece of it, cut and sewn, got some pieces done, created samples, etc. “I wanted it to be quite personal” she adds.

All the clothing will be done in the UK. “That is quite rare these days, so many pieces are made overseas”. Sammi said she was hoping to launch the brand by the end of April this year, but it’s been delayed.

Until then, we have Sammi’s main videos and vlogs, on TheSammiMariaShow (her second channel). She will soon be sharing more news about the brand on her YouTube channel and social media.

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INTERVIEW WITH

DANIEL J interview by bianca bars photography by dean lock

I imagine most people know who you are but for the people who don’t, could you tell the lovely people more about you?

My names Daniel J, I’m 18 years old and I first started singing and playing guitar when I was 14.

I decided to upload a cover onto YouTube and to my surprise I had a very good response and it went from there really.

What does the J stand for in your name?

It stands for John.

So, your new single ‘I wont let you down’ is out, what is the song about and how did you come around to making it?

The song was written as a message to my fans.

They have always supported me and I know they want me to do well in the music industry which is really hard so that’s it my message to them. “I wont let them down”.

How did you know you wanted to become an artist, is that something you always wanted to be or you had something else in mind as a child?

No, when I was about 9 years old I started doing gymnastics and I went on to parkour which I did right up until I started singing around the age of 14.

You currently have a really big fan base, you call your fan base ‘Alien Meerkats’ how did you come up with the name?

I just wanted something different for them, something that wasn’t boring. I’m a random person and one day I just thought of Alien Meerkat, and I thought it sounded cool.

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Who would you say is your biggest musical influences?

I listen to any genre of music and if I have to pick names it would be Ed Sheeran, Chris Brown and Eminem.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’ll be 23 in 5 years time so I hope I have developed as an artist enough to be able to tour the world and meet as many fans as possible.

How do you get inspiration for writing your original songs?

It all depends on my mood at the time and who I’m working with.

What music artist would you say your style is like?

No-one really, I just want to be me.

So many people compare artists with other artists and I believe we are all unique.

When performing live, do you get nervous before a performance and how do you deal with the nerves?

Yes I do get a little bit nervous before I perform but once I’m on stage I’m fine, I actually really love it. I also find it helps me if a take a friend with me to a gig because it feels more like a day out and I forget about the nerves.

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We know your family are a big part of your music career. Did they encourage you to get into music?

It was my choice to become a singer and I’ve been lucky that my parents have always supported me.

Do you have any other hidden talents? If so, what are they?

Around the age of 10 I started gymnastic and then went onto parkour which I did right up until I was 14.

If you weren’t singing, what would you like to be doing?

That’s a hard one. I can’t imagine doing anything else at the moment. It would have to be something to do with music like production.

Now, as a last questions, tell us your plans for 2015?

I have been in the studio writing and recording new songs for release this year. I will be releasing my next song in the summer and hopefully performing at some gigs. Hopefully Paris because it was so good when I was there last year.

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Yeah, just wanna say thanks for being on this journey with me so far. I’m happy that my music has meant something to you and maybe even helped some of you though tough times in your life. I have a lot of exciting plans and surprises for 2015 for you guys and I can’t wait to share them with ya! #AlienMeerkats x 70 Fanciful Magazine

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