School of Rock
Student Life
Unaware you may have a Rock star in your class? We interview Denuo and name a few other musicians studying at the Atrium
Picture Perfect We feature David Bertie in this Month’s “featured student” and his highly impresive work outside of the Atrium
Meeting the professionals
The Atrium hosted a careers seminar for students across South Wales to attend and meet a panel of successful professionals from different media fields. Co-organised by Skillset Screen Academy Wales and the Royal Television Society, the seminar panel was chaired by international award winning theatre director Ceri Sherlock. Also on the panel were S4C and Al Jazeera television producer Nia Ceidiog, web designer Aled Parry, director Phil John, and assistant editor at BBC for multimedia news Ceri Jackson. More than 50 students attended this event from different institutions across South Wales such as Coleg Glan Hafren, Newport University, Cardiff University, and of course the Atrium itself. The panellists shared their career experiences with the students and spoke about the origins of their passions for their respective careers. Notable was Ceri Jackson’s account of how her love for jour-
By Abhijan Barua
The Atrium event aimed to help the students
ting her a place in the traineeship at Hendon and Finchley Times. From there she made a name for herself while working for Bella magazine before moving on to the Daily Mail, and finally BBC Wales. Following the panellists sharing their career experiences, all students were broken up into groups of 12 allowing the panellists to go around the room and chat with them on a more personal level. S4C’s Tim Hartley, also a Royal Television Society fellow, was one of the main organisers of this event and he feels the main purpose of it is to assist students get an idea of what it’s like to attempt to gain that elusive first foothold in an industry before establishing themselves. He said: “The idea is to share experiences with those about to enter a similar line of work. Our panellists are from a wide sector of interest so we can break down traditional barriers between presentation and production, or public and private sector. “We can’t talk about the industry in terms of just the television or a single source. “There are different means, sources of funding and distribution platforms. It can be a scary world out there for someone just starting off but very very exciting too.”
“It is important this way to try and involve young people in to an industry that’s currently changing as new technologies converge” S4C’s Tim Hartley nalism began while accompanying her father, also a journalist, to the press box at Sophia Gardens many years ago. She went on to illustrate how students shouldn’t take one knock back to mean failure, when she accounted for her own master plans falling flat as she got turned down for a traineeship all those years ago. She told how she did unpaid work experiences on local London newspapers, then had a chance conversation with the editor – get-
Cardiff half marathon fund raiser
Among the 9,000 people who took part in the Cardiff Half Marathon was 21-year-old Sion Joshua Glaze. A medical student from Cardiff, he raised £200 for Action Aid, a charity whose priority project is to help street children in India.
The decision to support the charity came after Sion and his friends visited India last year: ‘‘We had lots of children approaching us for food and money,’’ he said. Sion, who had been training since July for his first race, says: ‘‘The money I’ve raised can pay for clothes, sports materials and even a month’s school fees for one child.’’
Atrium student music debut An Atrium student has made his music debut at the Swn festival.
Thomas Mason, who studies music technology at the Cardiff based school of Creative and Cultural Industries, premiered his acoustic alter ego “Denuo” at the Welsh music festival alongside other up and coming acts. Swn promoter John Rostron named him one of the acts he was most looking forward to over the weekend. Over the weekend several of the U.K’s most up and coming bands are due to play in selected venue’s around Cardiff like danananakroyd, Tubelord and Cardiff’s own Los Campesino’s.
Students live up to college reputation leader, Paul Jones, Students from By as a way of “putting the course at Matthew theory into pracBridgend Coltice”. He teaches Orefice the students a wide lege that gave range of skills, from the world Bullet recording, performance and live for My Valentine and sound to musical theatre, drama and musical history. The purpose, Funeral for a Friend have as Mr Jones said, is: “To show the hosted a gig at Sapphire’s students that it’s not all about the club in the town centre. rock star lifestyle and [that] there The students performed an array of songs by artists such as Lady GaGa, Michael Jackson, Chuck Berry and Metallica as well as some original material. Among the fans was Cai Loughran, 18, from Cowbridge Road, Bridgend, who said: “The sound was very good, and there was a fantastic atmosphere. These kids know how to perform!” The gig was organised by course
are many different avenues to take in the creative industries”. William Morris, 16, from Bridgend is one of the students on the course. He said, “The night has been very successful. It has given me a lot of confidence and experience and I can’t wait to learn more”. His band The Vehement performed some of their original material at the gig to a fantastic response.
Picture perfect This month’s “Feature Student” is photography student David Bertie about university life and what inspires him..
In this months “Featured student” we focus on photography student David Bertie from Camborne, Cornwall.
The decision to feature David was purely baised on the fantastic work he has done in and out of class over the last two years studying at the Atrium. His work features popular surfing spots in Cornwall and Wales, as well as scenic shots that capture the hidden beauty that Cornwall offers. We spoke to David about his university life and the work that goes into his stunning photo’s.
Interview Q: Firstly David, how did you become interested in photography? I don’t know really. It’s just something I tried to do one day. I began messing about with a camera with some friends and it went from there really. Got bigger and better kit and started making some money. Q: At a rough guess how much do you think all your equipment costs? Your not putting my address on this I hope. Oh god I don’t know probably a bit more that a grand. Q: How much work and preparation goes into your photos? Not a lot of preparation really or a lot of work before actually taking the photo. Usually is a lot of editing and stuff. A lot of work goes into wedding photos actually. Q: How have you found the first few years of university? Ok really. Some of it’s good and
some of it is bad. Q: Why did you decide to come to the Atrium to study? I had friends that were living in Cardiff already and studied at the Atrium. When I eventually decided to go to university I decided to come to Cardiff. Q: Where has your work been featured? Mainly Hotels, brochures, newspapers and magazines at the moment. Hopefully I will print some work onto canvas’s and sell them when I become more experienced. Q: What photographers do you inspire to be like? I don’t know really. If I see something or an image I like it gives me inspiration to try and make it my own. I don’t think I inspire to be anyone else. Maybe the next David Bertie - LaughsQ: I have noticed a lot of your photos are set in your hometown in Cornwall. What do you find so photogenic about Cornwall? It’s just beautiful. It’s just a beautiful place to live basically the beaches, scenery, the wonderful people and not forgetting the great cider. The coastline and towns are incredible to work with. Q: Where can our reader’s see more of your work? You can see more of my work on facebook at David Bertie Photography. Or at David Bertie.co.uk Q: Where do you see yourself after you have finished your course? Face down in some dirty pool Laughs - Nah hopefully working for money and seeing the world. Q: Do you have any advice do any amateur photographers reading? Just have fun. That what it’s all about mate just keep taking photos of the things you love and if you’re having fun then you’re doing a great job. Just keep at it until you are happy with the photo’s you are taking. Q: Thank your for your time David. We wish you the best for
I don’t anyo think ne els I e i . n M s p Davi a i r y e b t e d Ber o t b h e e next tie..
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Location, location, location...
am writing this blog from a very different location from before - a different continent in fact! I am currently sat in the studios of Vibe FM in Ghana, West Africa. It is ridiculously hot outside and as required I am dressed in a shirt and trousers (and flip flops) luckily I am in an air-conditioned studio. I have just finished work for the day after reading the 1 o’clock news and recording the bulletins that will be used throughout the rest of the day. I’m just about to start some research for a travel piece that we are going to use on tomorrow’s show - which is called the Sunshine Café and airs between 10am and 1pm Monday through to Friday. Now if you have read my previous blogs you will probably be sat thinking what is she talking about? I thought you were working in insurance?! Well let me fill you in…
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to be a stable democratic African country and this is reflected in their journalism. It’s been a hard week in terms of adjusting to the food, climate and the customs but so far so good. This is such an exciting opportunity, not only to expand on my journalism skills in the world of broadcast journalism but also to be experiencing it in a different country altogether. I’m hoping to make an impact here in terms of how
t u o b a d e i r r o e r W futu e h t ?
Projects abroad
ust before Christmas I had the chance to take part in a journalism work placement abroad, in the country of my choice, with an organisation called Projects Abroad. I have always wanted to go to Africa, I’m not quite sure why, but I knew straight away that is where I would choose to go should I be accepted on this placement. And seeing as I’m in Ghana right now then obviously I was accepted! As I am more interested in broadcast journalism as opposed to print, Projects Abroad have arranged for me to work at Vibe FM, in the capital city of Ghana, Accra. It is Ghana’s most popular radio station - Bradt guidebook’s words, not mine! I’ve been here about nine days now and working at Vibe FM for about five days - I am already writing and reading the international news! I’m enjoying the fast pace and I like getting truly stuck in, even if I am somewhat treading water at the deep end.
Journalistic differences
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am more than happy to accept. Journalists out here are not paid very well but they do it because they are extremely passionate about it - and their country. The elections have just taken place and a new government, the NDC, is in power. Vibe FM, as a station, have backed the NDC throughout their campaign - there is a definite bias within the media towards political parties - much the same as in Britain, however, the difference being that in the UK if the party you were backing lost, this would not mean the end of your station or newspaper - but that is exactly what it means out here if you are in sup-
the news is delivered and struc-
me in ways I didn’t really consider before. I underestimated the advantages of looking at journalism in another country, especially in this case, where the country in question happens to be one I’m very fond of! I’m hoping it will help towards becoming my ‘niche’ area as I’ve always wanted to concentrate on foreign and international news, and have always felt quite passionate about Africa, for reasons I’m not too sure of. I was quite surprised after speaking to the locals and my colleagues that although they listen to the BBC almost as much as their own local news stations, they are not always happy with the way Africa is reported and portrayed by western countries. I think this has something to
It may seem a while yet until you leave the 24/7 party that is university. But what happens next? Read through Liz’s blog about the things she encoutered after graduated from the University of Glamorgan with a degree in journalism. She has just spent three months in Ghana getting experience of broadcasting and newspapers there.
port of the losing side so to speak. Vibe FM’s financial position will be significantly altered now that the leadership they support has come to power. The journalists here are very careful to not come across as more in support of a certain party, however, they maintain their professional neutralism at all times - and in a country where politics makes up about 60-70% of the daily news - this can be a hard task!
tured at Vibe FM, as right now there is a lot that could be improved - and the team are aware of this. They are interested in my input so hopefully I can make a few changes here that will benefit the station. As a post-graduate, the word ‘experience’ has been directed at me too many times than I care to remember. If this placement is not the experience that future employers are looking for on my CV - I give up!
Six down... six to go...
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do with the fact that Ghana is a generally peaceful and democratic country, as I’m sure I’ve mentioned previously, and the people are very proud of this. So when other African countries, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Democratic Republic of Congo, hit the international headlines time and time again because of war, violence, genocide and corruption, it can shed a bad light on Africa as a whole. I have made a promise to those who think this, light heartedly if nothing else, that if I was to become a correspondent for Africa I would do my best to avoid this.
ournalism is very different out Refreshing here - it wasn’t long ago that Adapting saying something that was not liked by the government in power have been told that it is All work and no play... could get you in serious trouble! refreshing for them to see a think that I’m about as adapted Thankfully it is a different situayoung female journalist and to the Ghanaian way of life tion now - but not without a lot of a westerner taking an interest as I possibly can be! It is my his week I have covered a people putting their lives at risk - a in their country. However, as I fourth week here (it’s going so demonstration held in the concept I can’t seem to quite grasp replied, it is refreshing for me to fast, maybe too fast?) and I am still capital city of Accra, it was coming from a free press country. be in a country where everyone enjoying every minute. Oh yes, led by a commitee who organThe difference is people out here is extremely interested in politics the news still baffles me at times ised the protest due to the rather care about politics - and football and what is going on within their (politics is hard work) and there are controversial situation in Ghana at luckily the moment, I’m quite over the exI have been told that it is refreshing for them to see a young female interpresident’s journalist and a westerner taking an interest in their country. However, as I replied, it is retirement ested in politics package. refreshing for me to be in a country where everyone is - not To put it extremely interested in politics and what is going on within their football simply, the so much Ghanaian country - they are not concerned with the goings on of Brad Pitt and - and its people, good to well, a large Angelina Jolie, or Big Brother! be doing majority of some them, feel ‘harder’ the retirenews. I have a very BBC voice country - they are not concerned moments at work where I’m pretty ment package is too much - it’s apparently which I think is a good with the goings on of Brad Pitt and sure I could be doing more than I along the lines of three houses, thing? But I need training - on Angelina Jolie, or Big Brother! actually am, but in the long run it is six cars... and for a developing delivery and stuff like that which I The Ghanaian people are proud turning out to be very beneficial to country, with a very apparent strug-
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gling economy, I must admit I tend to agree. Covering that was really interesting and I found myself chucked in at the deep end - again. It did, however, give me the confidence to think, ah what the hell - I’ll get right in the thick of things! So I just barged in with some questions! (Obviously there was a local journalist with me - I’m not that brave!) I’ve also been along to parliament a few times, which feels quite important work, especially at the moment, as the new government, the NDC, is still in the process of ‘transition’ - i.e handing over from one government to another (see, look how much I’m learning!). I attended the press conferences for the ‘vetting’ of the new ministers this week too, and to me it seems a very strange concept. It’s as if they are being interviewed by parliament, the press and the public in order to get the job, despite being nominated by the president!
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’ve had a few frustrating moments in work in the last week or so, mostly due to my own need to be busy and deliver the best news and the best stories and sometimes in the environment I’m working in out here, that’s not always possible. There are times I’m sat there just watching the clock - this is not how I picture my career in journalism. For sure, there are better radio stations than the one I’m working at and when I hear some of their shows I think aargh, I want to be doing that! Vibe FM (the station I’m at) are starting a new breakfast show this week though, and I’ve been asked to join the news team with them instead of the afternoon ‘team’ (there really isn’t a team, it’s pretty much just me), so fingers crossed I’ll be getting stuck in a lot more... But of course, it’s not all work! There is plenty of free time and so, so much to do out here, as you would expect being in West Africa. It’s like a working holiday, although I’m not sure I’m meant to think that way! The lure of the beach, the pool, the bars.... often too much to resist!
The deep end... again
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an’t quite believe I’m halfway through my time already! For want of a better cliché - it has literally flown by and I really don’t want it to end! There’s still so much I want to do, things I want to write about, people I want to meet and interview! Where do I start!? Better start picking up the pace! Although, this particular career choice in Ghana can be a very, very frustrating field at times - the occasional lack of professionalism, news values, sensitivity, accuracy.... need I go on? My lecturers at University would be turning in their (future) graves! Now, I’m not for a second saying that the media is not a valid one in Ghana, there are just certain things that are said and done which, in no uncertain terms, are just not done in journalism. Some days when I’m leafing through the morning’s newspapers, it’s really hard to take some of the stories seriously when the headlines are ‘MAN KILLS WIFE’ - pure and simple, no beating about the bush there.
In the Summertime..
Fast cars, high-kicking action and exotic locations: we’re just a little bit envious of one Glamorgan fresher’s Summertime experiences.
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ate in August, somewhere in Port Talbot, a dangerous young man with peroxide blonde hair is sitting in a red, sporty car, late at night, with the engine running. Outside, not too far away, his victim starts walking. He puts the car in gear; it starts creeping forwards… Behind the wheel sits Kai Stroud, a mere handful of weeks after getting his provisional driving licence. Around him, cameras and crew, filming the motorised stalking scene for the movie musical Summertime. Kai plays Tris, the villain of the piece. Earlier that day, he tells Glamlife: “Most of my scenes are at night. When Tris drives around in his car with his gang at night, there is a bit more to him that you don’t quite understand. I’ve never met anyone like this guy before. This guy is brutal.” This is quite a contrast to the friendly young man sitting on one of the sofas in the ATRiuM for the interview. After reading about his casting in WalesOnline.co.uk, the Glamlife team decided to contact Kai and find out what it’s like to star in a movie – and what the secrets of his success are. So, what is it like? “My first ever scene was getting beaten up. Pretty good way to start it off! (…) When you get a bad guy, you get all the action. The role I’ve been given
is obviously not as big as the lead part, but I get to tease people, have fun with one of the boys, I get to beat people up, I get beaten up, I get to drive fast, … a lot of physical stuff. I love it.” There are some small sacrifices involved though. His hair had to be coloured to fit with the character, landing the role of the villain means Kai did not get a chance to dance in the movie’s big, choreographed disco scene, and the role requires him to smoke cigarettes. “Yes, I have to smoke. I used to smoke; I don’t mind doing it again. I’m prepared to make sacrifices to do a good job. I think every actor would do that as well.” Acting is a competitive career to choose – and Kai had to outdo 500 other actors to get the role of Tris. The audition process had several stages, starting with open dance auditions. 40 pupils from Kai’s college (Coleg Gwent, Crosskeys campus) attended one set of these auditions, after a tutor mentioned the Summertime casting sessions. “They auditioned first with the dancers because there’s more people who want to do dancing. I went to the second recall. There was an acting workshop. Maxine Evans (the director) told me she wanted me to audition for Tris. That’s where it began, really. Then I went for another one, and she rung me up and said ‘I
want to offer you the part.’ on pantos or movie extra know unless you try.” It got a bit more challengwork, Kai keeps an eye out ing at every step.” for all other acting opporThe movie shoot for SumBefore landing this role, tunities: “Anything that mertime finished on SepKai had already been comes along in my way, tember 12th – gaining acting experiif I like it, I try it shortly before ence. At the age of 12, his out. I Kai would sister invited him to the start his school drama student life class, and as Drama, he got the Theatre part of Edand Meward Lyons dia stuin his school’s dent in production of ATRiBlood Brothers. uM. “I should thank He my sister, actually! If it wasn’t for her inviting me sed les ba s, to drama, I wouldn’t a W h out citie be here right now,” d by S in several n find e c u d g ro ca he says. In year ten in ovie p premierin year. You ept up m a e s k t school, Kai tried his time i and will b stival nex ant to be me a r e m eco Sum o Films, ou w m Fe hand at a very tradid es Fil online. If y Cardiff, b a n n n r a o T eC ie s in tional British type of ing th t the mov t premiere . d u l c u in acting, although he is hen i book e abo t mor nd know w an on Face u o picked quite definite about that f a o date t experience: “I’m done Glamorgan from a number of universities that with pantos! …I played an hope things offered him a place. “The ugly sister in Cinderella,” will come more often ATRiuM is just brilliant. I he smiles sheepnow after this film. TV, ishly, assurhad my screen test here, in theaing Glamlife one of the studios. I think that this was it’s going to be tough but a long, long exciting, inspiring. I’ve time ago, got Freshers’ Week first, During t “There’s but I’ll be away by then. times th he interview, K at h ai ment ione a lot of I’ve got a karate chamis not a e keeps an eye fraid to on oppo d several t laughter. pionship in Mexico. I’ve r rtunitie especia s, and lly impo y his luck and ap rt but can It’s hard been doing shotokan karate be help ant in the crea ply. This is t f i u v l re ei to keep a for ten years. I’m going to ultimate gardless of wh ndustries, straight the World Championships ich field ly want to work you in. face, in Cancun on September If your lec espe21st.” As it turns out, Kai est, it’s turers mention worth g s o m e t h iv ing of i the Car cially is the number one karate ntereers Ser ing it a try. Al s v o i , c when martial artist in Wales in check o work ex e website and ut GO Wa perienc you his category, has a number les for e oppor t u n i ties. make of bronze and silver meda mistake. als at home, and has won They’re all sitting, waitthe Welsh championships tre, all kinds of ing…” in June and a silver medal areas, really. You never While he’s not too keen at European level.
Opport
unities
School of rock
The Atrium prides itself to hosting the brightest and most creative students in Wales. Here we showcase the students who not only write essays but write and perform music around Cardiff.
Painting s Bus Stop corded their first E.P The first using the Atrium’s year of uniBy recording facilities. versity usuThey have even Adam Cheung played the Atrium ally revolves several times around partyincluding the brand ing, drinking obscene new Student Union. These five young students put on a fun amounts of alcohol and show playing around Cardiff and occasionally reading a Swansea with their own brand of book but for five Atrium new school rock and roll taking examples from old greats like students it was about Cream and The Beatles as well as forming a new band and modern influences like Oasis and rocking out. The Arctic Monkeys. Painting Bus Stops consists of three Atrium Journalism students Richard Protheroe, Scott Bassett and Nathan Barrett clearly not content with writing the headlines and decided to make them instead. Along with Callum James and Josh Norton-Cox they have been known as Paint Bus Stops since December 2008. They are a perfect example of how the Atrium helps to nurture the creative side of the students attending the university and have re-
You can usually catch these guys playing at Milkwood Jam in Swansea or the Atrium’s Student Union where they will be playing again on the 10th of December.
For fans of The Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Oasis... Listen to them at www.myspace.com/paintingbusstops If
you you prefer your music with a distinctive metal edge with fast paced music alongside screamed vocals then it may be in your best interest checking out Nihilist.
Nihilist
Featuring Atrium student Ross Jones; Nihilist exceed the thousands of clone “metalcore” bands that have burst onto the scene over the last year or so. Whilst it’s more common nowdays for bands to be more concerned with their
Denuo Thomas Ma son’s acous tic indie rock a lter ego ear ned him a place at this years Swn festival asw ell as a reco rd on itunes “Tom orrow you’ ll understand. ”
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enuo is the creation of Atrium student Thomas Mason who between studying Music Technology and writing essays finds the time to play the venue’s of Cardiff on a regular basis.
What sets Denuo apart from the countless other students who perform acoustically at an Open Mic night is the inspiration behind Denuo. Taking an influence from the North Wales coast as well as New England where he regularly spends time in Boston has helped him to create emotion driven
Swn festival. What is so remarkable about Denuo is the emotion that pours through his tracks which somehow makes you feel apart of the song; like it was your own experience. It’s songs like He was a poet and Eric banana that you expect from music veterans well versed in portraying real emotions through song without it sounding like corny teenage poetry. Expect big things from this young man. acoustic Indie rock with nods towards Jeff Buckley, Coldplay etc. He released “Tomorrow You’ll understand” on I tunes at the beginning of the year which was greeted with praise from the likes of John Rostron who promotes Cardiff’s
For fans of Coldplay, Minus The Bear, Elliott Smith... Listen to them at http://www.myspace.com/ denuo
Q: Hi Tom. First what to you study at the Atrium and how are you finding it? I study Music techonology. It’s great. i’ve always been interested in audio engineering. Q: As we know, you’ve receantly played the Swn festival how was it? it was awesome. i had a lot of fun. it was my first time playing in the Toucan club and i really liked it there. And i was pleased to see the organiser, John Rostron, amongst the crowd Q: Did you catch any other bands over the weekend? yeah, i saw Strange News
From Another Star in the Model Inn. it was epic. Q: Cool. So how do you find being a student aswell as a gigging musician? It seems to work quite well, especially with the course i’m on. I can perform around the city & get stuck into the technical side of things in university. Q: With the things you are learning in school would you consider recording without a producer? Probably not. i’d love to record other people, but when i’m recording my own music... i like to have a second opinion. my producer and i seem to work really well together Q: “Tomorrow you’ll understand” was a brilliant debut considering you
wrote most of the record alone. Were you pleased with the outcome? I’m incredibly over-critical of myself, so there are always going to be little things i’d like to change. but, overall i’m pretty pleased with it! (producer) russell hayes gave it a really nice sound. Q: When can we expect another record? I’m hoping to release an EP in early 2010. maybe februrary. hopefully spillers records will take a few copies too Q: lastly have you enjoyed your time at the Atrium and your university experiance? yeah! it’s been a great experience so far. it’s good to be surrounded by likeminded, creative people.
haircuts and dress sense; Nihilist put effort into the areas that matter. Creating a more distinctive european metal sound to their counterparts, the musicianship on display is absolutely phenominal from such a young band. Tracks like “In The Shadow Of Yesterday” mixes elemts of tech death metal with progressive music creating an Arch Enemy style
vibe to the track. The band have played shows in Wales supporting big name bands of the genre like Annotations Of An Autopsy. The band are currently without a lead singer and plan to audition a suitable replacment at the beginning of the new year so if you think you have what it takes to front a band visit the bands myspace for more information.
For fans of Annotations of an autopsy, Arch Enemy, At The Gates.. Listen to them at http://www.myspace. com/nihilistsw
Interview
Barfly
Metros
Where is there to go on a night out in Cardiff? There’s the obvious... Oceana, Walkabout, Tiger Tiger etc, but where is there if you want to rock it out? There’s just one answer... Metros. It’s one of Cardiff’s only specialised rock/metal clubs and with student friendly Wednesday night’s mixing cheap drinks (bottles often from 99p!!!) and hard fast rock, you can’t really ask for a better night out! It’s also conveniently located on Baker’s Row, near Howells. The basement club draws in the crowds with a mixture of music from heavy metal and punk to alternative and a touch of indie, be prepared to mosh throughout the night! Wednesday’s ‘Cheapskates’ student night offers ‘alternative mayhem’ and some ‘old skool cheese’, something you definitely don’t want to miss. To find out more about Met-
ros and the drink offers, competitions and flyer savings add Metros Cardiff as a friend on Facebook. The club is also looking for flyer distributers so it’s a great chance to make you a few quid so take a look at the job section of their website www.metroscardiff.com /jobs plus when you register on their site you can give your name and e-mail to the doorman on Friday or Saturday and get a free drink!! But be quick, the offer only stands for one month after you sign up. All in all, Metros is a great place to go for an eventful and often crazy student night out that won’t break the bank! One word to describe this basement venue... Smashing! Sometimes quite literally! But let’s get serious for a second, this alternative club will be the highlight of your many evenings out on the razz.
Do you enjoy a venue where the playlist consists of classic hiphop, rap and modern day chart toppers? A club that goes beyond the simplicity of only one flavour of vodka shot and instead offers an extensive ranger from chocolate to bubblegum? And finally, do you believe the best nights out offer a place to chat with your friends as well as a large dance floor to show off your disco moves? If your answer was yes to these questions then I believe Revolution is the place for you. ‘Revs’ sits near Cardiff castle and can cater for almost everyone’s perfect night out. Downstairs features remixes of old school hip-hop to modern day hits with large seating areas available inside and outside the building; perfect for socialising. While upstairs hosts a massive dance floor with club remixes played
throughout the night fuelling the adrenaline of the clubber within you. However it’s not a ‘revolution’ as the name suggests. It is an ordinary club featuring the glamour that most clubs have and the same type of music that music most Cardiff clubs play. However the edge ‘Revs’ has over the competition is the massive scale of different flavour vodkas available. You won’t like all of them but you have to marvel at the variety available and challenge yourself to try each flavour throughout the term. If it’s a night socialising with new and old university friends you’re after or a classic night out dancing the academic blues away then Revs is the place to be. Also I suggest buying your friends chilli flavoured vodka and convince them it’s Strawberry and see their faces cringe.
By Ross Jones
By Jade Kinsey Rating ooooo
Revs
By Adam Cheung Rating ooooo
Rating ooooo If you’re new to the city of Cardiff and have a penchant for all things alternative then look no further than barfly. The venue holds a plethora of events from club nights to gigs with something to fit the music taste of almost everybody. If you are one of the lucky individuals who can remember a far gone era where The Spice Girls topped the charts and aluminous clothes were socially acceptable and wish to relive that beautiful time then barfly’s weekly 90’s disco “Hammertime” is the palace to be. It is as close as you can get to a children’s disco without being a teacher. The only discernable difference is that instead of an endless mountain of hotdogs for 50p you are offered pretty much any bottle of alcohol for the bargain price of £1. What I will say is if you want a guaranteed spot inside then start cueing early because when it gets busy it adopts a “one in one out” policy which can leave you in the queue for a long, long time. Although recently renovated it is still smaller than your average venue so if you’re not a fan of close contact with complete strangers then Barfly definitely isn’t for you. Its close proximity often leads to gigs being much more special there than anywhere else. So if a night of sweaty, drunken debauchery is your bag then head on down to Barfly where you’re sure to be obliged. Highlight: When everybody in the club is chanting along to “Cotton Eyed Joe” like it’s 1995. Student budget friendly: Dependant on which night you go . Tuesdays offer bottles at £1 so if you’re after a cheap messy night out Tuesday is your best bet! Atmosphere: Brilliant most nights, the more people in attendance the better as emptier nights can seem a bit stale...
s ’ t a ! h o n W
Oceana
The biggest and hottest (literally sometimes) night club in Cardiff is Oceana. It may not be your ‘typical’ student place, it’s not boho, it’s not really very cool, but you won’t fail to have a good time. Billed as ‘the world in one night’ because of its many themed rooms, it’s certainly a new experience for those who have never ventured through its doors before. Oceana’s student nights take place on a Monday and Wednesday, offering reduced entry for NUS card holders and cheap drink prices, with bottles of VK around £1.80 and not much more for other drinks. The main room in the vast expanse that is known as Oceana is the Ice House, ironically named as it is the hottest place in Cardiff. Sean Kingston, Rhianna and Kayne West are the flavour of the night but don’t worry if R‘n’B isn’t your thing, Oceana caters for most. Just next door is the New York Disco and it’s exactly what it says on the tin. With a multi-coloured light-up dance floor and choons from the 80’s and
90’s, it grants those of us who want to return to our childhood to dance the night away to the likes of S Club, Baywatch and the song that blighted every primary school disco: The Macaraena. Downstairs houses the chill out rooms which provide seating areas and bars to the sounds of relaxing, elevator-type music. Villa Tahiti even has sun loungers to chillax on! The most ‘interesting’ room shall we say is the Parisian Boudoir, and if you’ve been there, you’ll know why but if you’ve yet to experience the plush red crush velvet sofas and curtains and the walls adorned with pictures of naked ladies, you’re going to be somewhat astonished. But no doubt in Fresher’s week it will be the one room where you will see the most revealing look of Cardiff city’s new students. It’s a boudoir after all...
Venture a little further past a bustle of cheap end pubs and nice restaurants and to your left you will find a converted town house right on the edge of this lane known as Buffalo bar. Walk inside and prepare for a festival of the senses, gothic wallpaper, antique aviaries suspended from the ceiling, retro phones stuck to the walls. The three story building includes a lounge/ bar/dining area on the ground floor, tables and chairs set out to comfort the clientele in style. Step outside and down to the ‘secret garden’ where people can mingle, eat, chat and smoke... The garden itself is again designed to invite, wallpaper tattooed on the walls, benches and tables all covered by comforting garden parasols. Move on up to the top floor nicknamed the ‘Beatbox
Ballroom’ introducing you to another level of the Buffalo brand. Another trendy bar area, this time with retro televisions and old Marantz stacked on top of each other. Buffalo is ‘known’ to offer some of the best cocktails around town. From Long Island iced tea to a more sophisticated Martini cooler, this bar caters for the more demur style of drinker. But if that’s not tempting enough, many drink/food offers given every week really do reflect Buffalo’s drinker ethos. Manage 2 4 1 deals on the ‘favourite’ cocktails, £2 bottles of Stella, and a specialised array of spirits and organic beverages to satisfy a wide range of customer.
By Emily Cole Rating ooooo
Buffalo
By Cheriton Lee Rating ooooo
r e t t e b s o t h W tuden u s o y n a l l h e t t t s to he be t e r . . e . wh s are e i t r a p