Workers Eleanor - Editor
OPINIONS IN THE FANDOM WORLD
Andrea—Proof Reader
hate *insert your Beth—Fashion Stylist favourite book/ show/film/artist/ Charlie—Film Reviewer actor/thing*." It Ellie—Book Reviewer hurts, doesn't it? Even thought Em—Upcoming Books/Films it is fictional, or a celebrity you'll never meet, it still Emilie—Interviewer hurts if someone says they don't like your favourite Emily—Grammarian thing. It doesn't matter if it's direct to you or not, the feeling still twists in your gut and makes you Emma—Illustrator angry, especially when it is a nonchalant comment Eve—Columnist where the speaker doesn’t acknowledge the Imi—Music Editor effetcts. It makes you angry how they think they Jessica—Fandom Updater have the nerve to be so rude about someone's favourite thing and treat it with no respect. Juve—Quiz Master So here's what I propose: if you ever feel the need Saffy—Book Reviewer to say something like that or see yourself halfway through typing it, stop and think. Change it to your get in touch favourite thing. Read it back to yourself. How would you feel if a stranger, or even a friend, said Email us at fandomsassemblemagazine@ that? You wouldn't like it, so there is no need to gmail.com inflict that pain onto others. Words are powerful things, what you say and what Tweet us at you don't say can be the biggest regret of your life @fandommagazine and sometimes opinions need to be kept to Follow for fandom news at yourself. fandomsassemblemagazine.t umblr.com
“I
Find out what some of our workers are loving right now
2
2
Ellie The new
Em I may or
season of New Girl is hilarious, and also Nick and Jess are so cute and they're little moments are adorable.
may not have watched the first season of Once Upon A Time in two days.
Updaters Rae—Web Editor Victoria—Publicity Imi—Web Designer Beth—Ariana Grande, Phandom Cameron—Harry Potter Cian—Harry Potter, Once Upon A Time, Percy Jackson, Pretty Little Liars Jessica—Doctor Who, Marvel, Sherlock Laura—Divergent Lisa—Jedward Rae—Disney, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Supernatural Saffy—Divergent, Lord of the Rings, The Mortal Instruments Soshin—Mumford & Sons, Vampire Weekend Yasemin—The Hunger Games
IT’S NORMAL NOT TO BE NORMAL his is most likely going to sound incredibly cheesy but I would just like to state the fact that it is ok to be unique. Perfectly normal, in fact. So why is it that most of us still hide behind what is viewed as normal? We love fandoms but fandoms can sometimes be seen as for geeks. So what? We are all individual, and we don't have to like what everyone else likes. Someone once said "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment” which I honestly think is one of the truest quotes. We are constantly told to be something we are not and are forced into groups we don't want to belong in. Why do we have to be anything? Why can't we just be individuals? So strive to be different, to not fit in. There are millions Ediof people who probably feel the same way but hide it, and maybe, just maybe, if you stop hiding from your true self, other people will as well. So embrace your fandoms, and don't pretend that you don't like them so you can seem 'popular' because I bet there is at least one other person you know who feels the same way.
T
Find out what some of our updaters are loving right now
3
Yasemin Right
Cian I am
now I’m enjoying the new CF TV spot because the trailers and TV spots show how amazing it will be.
enjoying watching Downton Abbey! It’s an amazing show!
3
CONTENTS 13
6. Tagged 8. Recommended Blogs
10. Interview: @piercetheswift
IMPALA SOUNDTRACK
18
12. Quiz 16. Confessions 20. Fashion 26. Fandom Updates
FANDOM SONG PARODIES
28. Music Updates
22
29. Music Review 30. Upcoming Films 31. Film Review 32. Upcoming Books
4 UPCOMING ARTISTS
4
36
33. Book Review 34. To Read Next 35. Book Club 37. Column
FANDOM SONGS
40. Top Ten
44
43. The Fandom Games
43. Tweets of the Month
44. Gifts 46. Fanart
WHY IS MUSIC STILL SO IMPORTANT TO US?
14 HOW I… SET UP MY JEDWARD BLOG JEDWARDSLITTLEADVENTURE 5
5
6
6
7
8
8
9
9
Interview:
@piercetheswift
@piercetheswift is a Twitter account run by Kira from the UK, and after becoming a fan of Taylor in 2006 she decided to support her further by creating her Twitter account in 2010. Since then Kira has established herself in the online Swiftie community, accumulating over 47,000 followers along the way. Kira talks to us about becoming a Swiftie and why Taylor is a great role model. 10
10
When did you first Besides her music, what I become a Taylor Swift love most about Taylor is the way that she cares fan? Just after Christmas in 2006, I heard two girls talking about her and I decided to look her up and became a fan almost instantly.
about the world and the people in it. She tries to help those less fortunate than her as much as possible and she brings happiness to many people.
Why did you decide to dedicate a Twitter account to Taylor? Prior to making my fan account, I already had a personal account, and on that account I followed many fan accounts but there didn't Do you have a favourite seem many dedicated to Swiftie Twitter account? Taylor, so I made one. @marvelousswift and What is it you love most @blessedswift.
about her?
Do you have Do you think too much a favourite emphasis is put on Taylor Taylor's personal life moment? rather than her music or
t f i w S Taylor
She turns negativity into fuel and uses it to move ng: o forward and S e ile or t i r m u S o A v Fa better With r e h t oge herself. I Tied T ohn. J think that's r a e D m: On the whole, I think we what makes u b l A rite get along very well but her a good Favou on: ow. ti a N r sometimes arguments role model. k o a Spe collab r o l y erupt. ohn rite Ta
What do you think of the Swiftie community as a whole? Is it a friendly place or are there a lot of arguments?
ith J w Favou t r a y He M f O f Hal r. Maye
At her concert in London on her Fearless tour, she looked out into the crowd of screaming fans and teared up. I was a part of that crowd and it's still such a precious memory, so that's do you think this has got my favourite Taylor moment. better over time? I definitely do think people focus on Taylor's personal life too much. I'd say it's getting worse, not better.
Do you belong to any other fandoms? I guess I'm a part of the Paramore fandom as well.
And finally, are there any fandom related events you're looking forward to this year? I'm really excited for the Catching Fire movie.
Have you seen Taylor perform live before? Do you plan to in the future?
I've been lucky What do you think enough to get to see makes Taylor a great role Taylor live three times and I hope to go to model? Taylor has never given up. another one of her concerts in March. 11
11
12
12
13
13
HOW I
SET UP MY JEDWARD BLOG jedwardslittleadventure.tumblr.com
Rachel, aged 29, set up her Jedward blog in February 2012 and now has around 120 followers on tumblr and is just shy of 800 on her twitter (@worldmeetsgirl). She first had the inspiration when she was living in Thailand teaching English. It began following a request from a friend that she draw a cartoon picture of her with Jedward, which turned into a comic strip, and escalated from there.
14
14
HOW I DID IT THE NAME CAME FROM THEIR TV SHOW ‘JEDWARD’S BIG ADVENTURE’. When I posted that comic on Twitter, I had no idea that it would ever be more than a one off. But some of my friends saw it, and they suggested that I keep going. So I did. For every night until I left Thailand a couple of weeks later (aside from one night when I went camping), I drew a 6 panel comic.
INSPIRATION FOR THE COMICS COMES FROM SEVERAL PLACES. Primarily it comes from John and Edward, from their energy, their mannerisms, way of speaking, and outfits. They're incredibly creative and are always doing something interesting that a story can be made from. A lot of the more recent comics come from these real life interesting things John and Edward have been doing, places they've been and people they've met. These comics often take the longest to produce, as I have to wait for an overarching storyline to evolve from events unfolding in real time. Others are based on things John and Edward have tweeted. Some comics, especially in the early days, were inspired by things in my life. When I went camping, the twins went camping. When I went to Australia and New Zealand, the twins went too (they've since been to Australia and I've since drawn the real events). Some comics are exceptions to all of the above. I've drawn comics for friends as presents, using entirely imaginary scenarios. I've also drawn comics for promotional purposes, writing them in different languages so they can be used for promo pushes in certain countries, or tailoring them to specific magazines and radio stations as a way of requesting articles or coverage.
I’VE BEEN INCREDIBLY LUCKY WITH THE NOTICE THEY’VE PICKED UP. The comics I've drawn featuring real people have been commented on by those people themselves, with Yahoo Music tweeting one of my comics after I included an image from an interview they did with the twins. I've had feedback from magazines, radio stations, and quite a few of the people I've featured. John and Edward themselves have also been incredibly supportive of the comic, asking me about it when I see them and letting me know how much they love my work. They're great guys. Last time I saw them, John made a point of telling me they'd been talking about the comic with Lyndsey Parker from Yahoo Music when they went back to LA in August/September, and Edward also got very excited about the JedSheeran comic I drew.
WHO TO FOLLOW @planetjedward of course! Also their instagram jepicpics, and YouTube channel. Anyone with any interest in John and Edward and what they're up to needs to follow @JedwardGENIUS for news, pictures, videos and all your Jedward needs. @worldofblaze is a new account set up by John and Edward for their Chihuahua puppy Blaze. It's completely adorable and a must for any dog lovers.
ARTISTIC PLAYLIST I don't have a specific drawing playlist, but I love artists like Tegan and Sara, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding. I also had Marina and the Diamonds and Kelly Clarkson on repeat at one point when I was staying up until 2 to make sure a comic was finished in time! And Jedward of course!
MUST HAVES Must haves for me are definitely good quality pictures to work from for drawing outfits etc, good drawing pens (I use Faber Castell PITT artist pens and Uniball UniPIN fineliners), inspiration (artist’s block is just as bad as writer’s block), and support from my friends.
15
15
I really like how the 5SOS Fam is so drama-free. We all like the boys equally, and there’s no real divisions with us.
I love Benedict Cumberbatch but I don’t see how people find him good looking!
16
16
I hate Bonnie Wright. She’s a terrible actress. Potterheads feel obliged to like her because she’s in HP but I think that is ridiculous.
I am so tired of hearing about, and seeing gifs of, Teen Wolf and Dylan O’Brien. The first time I watched AVPM I didn’t recognise Darren, and I’m a Gleek.
The last season of Doctor Who was really childish and I don’t see why everyone loves Matt Smith.
17
17
18
18
19
19
20
24 FANDOMS ASSEMBLE 20 26
21
25 FANDOMS ASSEMBLE 27 21
UP AND COMING Eight artists who you may not have heard of, but trust us, you should. They are all similar to well known artists.
KACEY MUSGRAVES BEARS DEN Similar to Taylor Swift
Similar to Mumford & Sons
Album(s): Moving On; Wanted: One Good Cowboy; Kacey Musgraves; Same Trailer Different Park
Members: Andrew Davie, Kev Jones & Joey Haynes
Origin: Golden, Texas Twitter: @KaceyMusgraves Website: KaceyMusgraves.com Our favourite song: Follow Your Arrow
22
22
Album(s): Agape; Without/Within Origin: London, England Twitter: @bearsdenmusic Website: bearsdenmusic.co.uk Our favourite song: Pompeii
HAIM Similar to Fleetwood Mac Members: Alana Haim, Este Haim, Danielle Haim Album(s): Days Are Gone Origin: San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California Twitter: @HAIMtheband Website: haimtheband.com Our favourite song: Falling
TONIGHT ALIVE Similar to Paramore Members: Jenna McDougall, Whakaio Taahi, Jake Hardy, Cam Adler, Matt Best, Mitchell Stanger (past member) Album(s): What Are You So Scared Of?; The Other Side Origin: Sydney, Australia Twitter: @TonightAlive Website: tonightaliveofficial.com Our favourite song: To Die For 23
23
FOALS Similar to Arctic Monkeys Members: Yannis Philippakis, Edwin Congreave, Walter Gervers, Jack Bevan, Jimmy Smith, Andrew Mears (past member) Album(s): Antidotes; Total Life Forever; Holy Fire Origin: Oxford, England Twitter: @foals Website: foals.co.uk Our favourite song: Blue Blood
THE VAMPS Similar to McFly Members: Bradley Simpson, James Mcvey, Connor Ball, Tristan Evans Album(s): Debut album coming out 2014. Title TBA. Origin: Various places in England Twitter: @TheVampsBand Website: thevamps.net Our favourite song: Wild Heart 24
24
THE RATELLS Similar to Bastille Members: Ashley Holland, Ben Stubbs, Danny Clare, Sam Humphries Origin: Sheffield, England Twitter: @theratells Website: theratells.tumblr.com/ Our favourite song: Cold Water
ROXANNE EMERY Similar to Ellie Goulding Album(s): For Weddings And A Funeral (Coming soon) Origin: Southampton, England Twitter: @Roxanne_emery Website: laterecords.com / https://www.facebook.com/ RoxanneEmeryMusic Our favourite song: The Fall 25
25
FANDOM UPDATES What is happening in the fandom world right now DOCTOR WHO
PERCY JACKSON “Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods” by Rick Riordan cover was released! Also, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters starring Logan Lerman comes out on iTunes and Amazon on December 3rd and it comes out on DVD and Bluray on December 17th. 26
26
Only a couple of weeks left until the 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who. New stills of David Tennant, John Hurt and Matt Smith in the TARDIS in The Day of the Doctor were released this month, as well as a 1 minute trailer celebrating 50 years of Doctor Who (which had none of the new footage from the 50th in it).
THE HUINGER GAMES Catching Fire is also released in a few weeks! Many new stills were released to fans this month, including Katniss, Peeta, Haymitch and Johanna. The stars of the movie were also featured on Entertainment Weekly (Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Sam Claflin). A behind the scenes featurette was also revealed.
ONCE UPON A TIME PRETTY LITTLE LIARS The Halloween episode is coming up soon for Pretty Little Liars fans and it’s sure to be an exciting one! Majority of the stills released were of Shay Mitchell, Lucy Hale, Ashley Benson and Troian Bellisario dressed up in old fashions. Also, stills were released from Pretty Little Liars spin off show “Ravenswood”!
Several stills were released this month from Once Upon a Time, including “Nasty Habits” (S3E4), “Quite A Common Fairy” (S3E3) and “Lost Girl” (S3E2). The synopsis for “Lost Girl” was also released, saying that while looking for Henry, Peter Pan gives Emma a map of his whereabouts.
SHERLOCK Many rumours were speculated for the show Sherlock this month! One of the composers from Sherlock tweeted that they would be doing the scoring for S3E3 around mid November. However, who cares about Season 3, what about Season 4? It seems that Benedict and Martin confirmed they would be coming back before BBC even decided for a 4th season. Hopefully we will get Season 3 soon and maybe a Season 4!
27
27
28
29
29
Movies of November Movies
Carrie
Catching Fire
Gravity (3D)
In cinemas 29th November
In cinemas 21st November
In cinemas 8th November
DVDs
This Is The End
The Wolverine
The Great Gatsby
Out 4th November £12.00
Out 18th November £10.00
Out 11th November £10.00
The 50th What Superwholock are we looking forward to?
Eleven’s Regeneration Sherlock Series 3
30
30
THOR \
very good. How wrong I was. As the Norse god, Thor, Hemsworth is magnificent. There is no denying that he has the physique to play the character, and the delivery of his lines was surely helped along by Brannagh. He also adds an element of comedy due to the way Thor misunderstands Earth when he first arrives. Although Hemsworth is great as Thor, I believe the truly standout performance of the film is Tom Hiddleston as the antagonist, Loki.
It is fair to say that ‘Phase One’ of Marvel’s film universe has been a massive success, and it couldn’t have been possible if any of their solo superhero films were bad. Through good casting and production, none of them have been so. Directed by Kenneth Brannagh, and starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and Natalie Portman, with Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba, Stellan Skarsgard and Kat Dennings in supporting roles, the film is full of great acting talent. Despite the all-star cast, I must admit that before I saw Thor, I was sceptical that it would actually be any good. I’d not seen Chris Hemsworth in anything before, and wrongly assumed he wouldn’t be
31
The supporting cast also give great performances, without which the film would no doubt be worse. Natalie Portman plays scientist, and Thor’s love interest, Jane Foster, whilst Kat Dennings provides much of the comic relief in the film. Although he has a limited role in the film as guardian of the bifrost, Idris Elba is still good in his role, as is Stellan Skarsgard playing the scientist Dr. Erik Selvig, who is also a good friend of Jane’s. Special effects are a big part of any Marvel film, and Thor is no exception. Thor’s home, Asgard, looks simply stunning, and its creation is a real achievement by the special effects team. There are also the Frost Giants, which look fearsome and are a match for Thor and his friends. Overall, Thor is a good film on its own, and is one of the better ones of the Marvel universe, although not as good as Iron Man. If you’ve not seen any of the Marvel films, and are wondering whether it’s worth watching them all, it definitely is. Make sure you don’t miss Thor.
31
Legend Trilogy #3: Champion! 5th November
When new boy Ryan Westland appears at Eden’s school she starts figuring him out straight away. But what she discovers ruins everything she’s ever known. After Eden is a sci-fi novel by Helen Douglas that should be on everyone who loves a good romance with a twist’s shelf! Released on 7th November. Everyone has a natural talent, it just so happens that some people’s talents are more prominent than others: like reading people, or time jumping. When crimes are committed the people with these ‘talents’ (The Naturals) are called to help. A YA novel that incorporates crime, not one to miss! Get it on the 5th.
He is a Legend. She is a Prodigy. Who will be Champion? The phenomenal finale to Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy! We know that the end of Prodigy would have left you screaming at your book, so don’t worry, we are all eagerly awaiting the next installment. Set in the dystopian community that was once Western USA, Champion follows June and Day as they battle with the plague and the toughest decisions they have ever faced. “An explosive way to end the trilogy” The trilogy began with deaths, secrets, plotting and truths. Who knows what it will end with...
Books of November The much awaited fourth installment of the Bloodlines series. Bloodlines is the Vampire Academy spinoff series that follows the young alchemist Sydey Sage. The last book ended on such a cliffhanger that you could hear the gasps of Sydrian fans across the world, so this book will hit like a storm. Will Sydney be able to keep her secret life away from her sister? Or will all her training with Marcus and Mrs. Telliweger be for nothing? Will it be the end of Sydney and Adrian? We’ll have to wait and see...
Like the look of this and fancy reading it? Good. Because you should! But read the Vampire Academy series first! 32 Heart (Bloodlines #4) 19th November The Fiery
32
World After (Penryn and the end of Days Book #2) is about Penryn, who lives in a world where most humans are gone, and in their place lay savage angels. The last book saw Penryn searching for her sister, whilst teaming up with an angel, Raffe. This book will continue to follow their travels. Don’t miss it: November 23rd.
The one we’ve all been waiting for: The Course of True Love [and First Dates] (The Bane Chronicles #8). Finally, we get the one on Magnus and Alec: ‘Malec’ to all Shadowhunters out there. They may have fallen in love, but everything needs a first. And this is their first date! November 19th.
Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher
Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher, (Author of My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece) is written through the form of anonymous letters addressed to a prisoner in America on death row. The letters are written by "Zoe", a girl living in Britain with a huge secret; one that she needs to get off her chest but can't dare to tell anyone she knows. She killed someone. Ketchup follows Zoe through her explanations of what's happening now, what lead to that night, and finally, in an emotional description, the night. She writes about her family, her friends, and while reading, the way she writes about them to this Mr Harris - though it feels like she's talking to you - you can't help but grow close to her and Pitcher has written it so that this connection is made, so that you realise that no matter who it was she'd killed, whether by accident or on purpose, I knew that I wouldn't blame her or it wouldn't matter.
I also felt very sorry for Zoe, having to deal with this big secret, and her home life; her parents arguing and her deaf younger sister. Also, having to deal with Sandra, the grieving mother who is almost cruel to Zoe by constantly contacting her, reminding her of who she lost, and then reminding her of what she's done, and bringing on this fresh wave of guilt. I found Zoe and all the characters in Ketchup Clouds to be very real characters, with tears and anger and love, and that could be why I enjoyed it so much (or perhaps it was the Brown Eyed Boy that you just really root for during the book). Ketchup Clouds has definitely been added to my list of favourite books, and I wish I had bought my own copy, instead of borrowing, so that I could have it on my shelf and go for a reread. I've already recommended it to friends, and I want to recommend it to all of you, because it was such a great book that honestly, anyone can enjoy. It hasn’t got a restricted target group like some books, because it's fun, emotional and interesting. It gets you thinking, asking yourself questions like "what happened?", "who was it?" and forcing you to find your own answers. Most of the time I was wrong, but it was still fun to guess - and in my defence, I was very close. I would rate this book 5/5 stars. There was nothing I didn't like about it, or if anything, it was that it wasn't long enough. I wanted more. I wanted more for Zoe and Aaron, but perhaps my idea of Zoe's ending is too unrealistic for this book - and 'unrealistic', this book is not.
Read a book we've reviewed? Tweet us what you thought at @FandomsMagazine We all love a good chat about books after all...
33
33
SO YOU’VE READ ‘KETCHUP CLOUDS’ BY ANNABEL PITCHER’ AND ENJOYED IT? WHAT NEXT?
34
34
THIRTEEN REASONS WHY—JAY ASHER
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS—JOHN GREEN
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life.
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
SKIN DEEP—LAURA JARRATT
BOYS DON’T CRY— MALORIE BLACKMAN
After the car crash that leaves her best friend dead, Jenna is permanently scarred. She struggles to rebuild her life, but every stare in the street, every time she looks in the mirror, makes her want to retreat further from the world. Until she meets Ryan. Ryan's a traveller.
You're about to receive your A-level results and then a future of university and journalism awaits. But the day they're due to arrive your old girlfriend Melanie turns up unexpectedly… with a baby. You assume Melanie's helping a friend, until she nips out to buy some essentials, leaving you literally holding the baby...
Editor’s pick:
BOOK CLUB
Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller A book perfect for Percy Jackson fans, or indeed just those who enjoy Greek myths, The Song of Achilles is told by Patroclus and is about his and Achilles’ life, from when they first met to their dying breaths and beyond. It stays close to Homer’s plot, which is another reason why it is perfect, and will make you become overwhelmed with tears and feels— sometimes even at the same time!
@LexyMagic
see what’s on our staff’s bookshelves
More Than This Spirit Walker by Gone by Michal Grant. by Patrick Ness. Michelle Paver It’s different to other things I’ve read in a It has plot twists and You grow to really care wonderfully weird way turns that no-one about the characters and and you never really would think of and the some parts are so story gets in your know what’s going to unexpected. Eve—@jilyinthetardis happen next. It always head making you question what A Game of surprises me (and you're actually reading. It has wonderful plot development and creeps me out). Thrones by it focuses on hard hitting subjects, @HedwigsBro whereas most novels these days forget that the characters are Burn Mark by Laura meant to be real people that deal Powell. It’s basically an with real things.
action-packed drama Em—@voldemoriarty full of east end gangs, witches, and a modern day inquisition. Read an absolutely
@consultingloki Whispers Underground (third in the series) by Ben Aaronovitch because it has35 a great storyline and it is funny and it contains magic.
George RR Martin It has a fantasy element whilst still addressing real life issues. Rae—@Raelicious_
magnificent book recently, and you can’t help but want to share it with the world? Tweet us and it will appear here! Don’t forget to hashtag it. #fabookclub
There are some songs which whenever you hear you think of a certain fandom. So we have compiled a list of those songs, just for you.
FANDOM SONGS
Doctor Who
Sherlock
Merlin
500 Miles
Stayin’ Alive
You’re The Voice
The Proclaimers
The Bee Gees
John Farnham
Supernatural
Glee
The Vampire Diaries
Carry On Wayward Don’t Stop Believing Son Journey Kansas
Give Me Love Ed Sheeran
How I Met Your Mother
Percy Jackson
Harry Potter
Legendary
Highway To Hell
Hedwig’s Theme
The Summer Set
AD DC
John Williams
36
38 FANDOMS ASSEMBLE
M
WE WANT IT ALL It’s finally November, which means two things: Catching Fire and the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary.
don’t have £23, let alone $23. Also, I live in the UK— I can’t afford to ship something over from America, even though I desperately want to.
These two things have been long awaited, and there will be all sorts of ways for fans to remember the moments. One of the things fans will do is buy merchandise.
With Christmas coming up, I’m sure we all want to ask for some form of merchandise. Whether it’s a sonic screwdriver, the Elder Wand or a mug with Benedict Cumberbatch’s face on, we want it all.
Merchandise is really great, but I often wish I could actually afford what’s on offer. Scrolling through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, I often find myself looking at a photograph of a perfect Harry Potter t-shirt or Doctor Who figurines. Then, like many others, I click on the link underneath the photograph to look at the website. 99% of the time, I immediately wish I hadn’t. This is when I realise never in a million years will I be able to buy this t-shirt. I
Maybe they’ll start releasing Harry Potter t-shirts in shops that I can go to. Maybe they’ll be less than £20. However, I am quite sure of one thing: if I had the money, my bedroom would be a Doctor Who shrine, I’m telling you. Let’s hope that when we all get a bit older and start earning money, our merchandise dreams will come true.
37
37
here has never been a time so bright for sharing music as now. In a world where the internet makes everything accessible in a matter of seconds, and technology allows anyone to make and share music of their own, music is available at every turn. In this frenzied modern world of instant entertainment, what makes music any different from the rest? Why is it still so important?
MUSIC
-class orchestra or a child at the piano, birdsong or a pop singer, music has the capability to connect with us. It can make us dance or help us sleep, soothe a broken heart or lift our spirits. As a pianist, “true” music music that resonates with your emotions, that moves and comes alive – is, to me, one of the most valuable things in the world, and one of the things that makes life so special. “Where words fail, music speaks,” and oh, the things it says…
HAS
THE
CAPABILITY TO CONNECT WITH US
As many have said, music is the universal language. Even without words, it allows ideas and feelings to be communicated across all manner of differences. Recent studies have shown that people around the world, including those who have been totally isolated from Western music, can accurately recognize the emotion it depicts. This connection between music and emotion is mysterious and still being studied scientifically, but any musician will tell you that it is entirely real. Music has always been more than just sound. Whether it’s created by a world
This ability of music to uniquely express so many things leads to another reason for its importance. We listen to music that relates to us, not just music that “sounds pretty.” It is there for us when nobody else is, and it understands us in ways nobody else can. Music provides comfort and reassurance, the knowledge that someone else knows and has felt the same. In someone’s darkest moments, knowing that someone else out there understands in such a deep way can be a saving grace. Lyrics to music are no small part of its allure. The masters of older times may be
all we do here!” - Albus
magic far beyond all we do here!” - Albus
WHY IS MUSIC STILL S
T
38
magic far beyon
beyond
h, music. A
Ah, music. A
music. A
nd
all we do here!” - Albus Dumbledore · Ah,
able to pull deep emotion from notes alone, but songs with lyrics are no less valuable. They can be fun, emphasizing beats and glamour, and there’s nothing wrong with that. They can be stories told through song. Lyrics are so often poetry told though the instrument of the human voice, and though some people prefer their words and music separate, I for one believe it’s one of the best forms of art.
LYRICS
ARE
mental facilities.
POETRY THROUGH
OFTEN TOLD THE
INSTRUMENT OF THE HUMAN VOICE
With all these advantages of music, yet another reason why it’s important is the benefit of making it yourself. Expressing yourself through creating music is different in many ways from simply listening to music, though the two go hand in hand, and provides so much satisfaction. There are other positives, as well – studies have shown that children who learn music generally have better test scores and overall better grades later on in life, and playing an instrument improves
Dumbledore · Ah, music. A
39
all we do here!” - Albus
Music is not just about the music itself and all of its incredible characteristics. The community behind music and supporting music is just as beautiful. From Bach to the Beatles, Mozart to Metallica, and Liszt to Lana Del Rey, music has always been about an exchange between musicians and audiences. Today, some bands are as much revered for their members and image as they are for their songs. International fandoms have sprung up around groups for all manner of reasons, and that’s okay – it’s beyond okay. As our universal communicator, and a language where we cannot find any other, music in all of its forms continues to connect us, to ourselves and each other, and for this, it will always be important.
magic far beyond
SO IMPORTANT TO US?
27
magic fa
40
41
42
42
43
43
FANDOM GIFTS
Mini Notebook heykatiedesigns. £1.60 $2.64
44
44
Guitar Pick Necklace musicshop. £8.37 $13.43
Lyric cards LyricalSentiments. £3.84 $6.00
Necklace. BurritoPrincess. £8.31 $13.00
Hair Bow. AlexsMisfitToys. £6.39 $10.00
iPhone 4&5/Samsung Galaxy S3&4 case. BluesSueckanCustom. £9.59 $15.00
Long Live Us. LuckyJinksCreation. £6.39 $10.00
H
Purple Frame. valderie. £8.31 $13.00 Mic Bra Blue Shirt. LiveForMusicApparel. £14.06 $22.00
45
Buttons (set of 8) . Buttons4us. £3.83 $5.99
45
FANART
Alison (@taylorbakes13)
Emma (@Emmajradford)
46
46
Beth (@BAMansfield)
FANART
Jess (@Jessicaaston) Ciara (@Romione69)
47
Kathryn (@maraudylan)
Remember to email us your fan art at fandomsassemblemagazine@gmail.com
47
48