HKD Magazine by HarpreetDawett

H K D MAGAZiNE

ISSUE 3 FREE

Tweet your pictures with H K D MAGAZiNE at #HKDMAGAZINE

Behind H K D MAGAZiNE My name is Harpreet Kaur Dawett. I am a freelance journalist/blogger/photographer and all round media lover! I go by the name HKD Media. I’m currently sat in the back of the car listening to Ice Box by Omarion whilst travelling to London. I’ve got my Macbook out and I’m trying to finish this issue off! In this issue I would like to introduce music artist, JAY1 as my main feature. I honestly believe he is the next big thing coming out of this city! I also had the opportunity to interview Devlin - one of the BEST grime artists in the UK. I can’t believe it! Never stop aiming for your dreams because no matter how long it takes, you will finally get it. I was born in London but moved to Coventry at a very young age, I went to school here and even did my degree in Journalism and Media at Coventry University. Over this past year I have discovered some great creative talent within this city. You could say I have a lot of hope and passion for Coventry and wanted to create a platform where I could show my work, as well as showing what young Coventry creatives have to offer to the rest of the world - this is my reason for producing this magazine. The designing of this magazine and all images/interviews are done by me unless stated. It is all self-funded and purely created because I love doing this! I hope you enjoy the read! I would like to thank Trapped Magazine for their support and guidance - for giving me the opportunity to write for their website, teaching me some fantastic tricks and for listening to me moan through our never ending phonecalls! Follow me: Instagram @hkd_media Twitter @HDawett Photography www.hkdmedia.portfoliobox.net Email hkdmedia@hotmail.com

CONTENTS 6-11 Accredited Street-Style Photographer AXT Visuals 12-13 Trapped Magazine 14-17 London to Coventry: Introducing JAY1 18-25 Photography by HKD Media 26-29 EXCLUSIVE interview with Devlin 30-33 Streetwear inspired trims and Wavey Vibes: Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grooming Company 34-35 UK Designer Expo 2018 36-39 Lux by Pero

ACCREDITED STREET-STYLE

PHOTOGRAPHER

FOLLOW:

A X T VI SUALS

Instagram: @axt_visuals

AXT Visuals is a street-style/fashion photographer from Coventry. He has worked with some well-known Coventry models and is now building his profiles.

I caught up with AXT Visuals to ask what really got him into photography and how he became a Content Creator for Hype Clothing. Why the name AXT Visuals? What’s your real name? It’s on a need to know basis – people I’ve worked with only know (haha!). My name is Terry! How long have you done photography for? I started around 5 years ago, took a long break and then rekindled it 2 and a half years ago. Why did you start doing photography? I started taking pride in my appearance and the way fashion was developing, especially within the independent market. It was a great way to escape from reality and it gave me more opportunity to meet new people. I’ve always been creative; I took up art when I was at school. What was your first camera? A Fujifilm Finepix (it was crap), I then got a Nikon D3200 and I’ve been using that ever since. How did you learn to do photography? Self-taught really – a lot of it was going out and experimenting, picking up advice from other creatives and tutorials online. How do you find your models? I find them on Instagram through midlands based brands who I’ve previously worked with and word of mouth! I work with both international and national models.

What makes you different from any other photographer? I believe I have a unique style when editing and the way I display my work through social media. To be honest, everybody has their own style. So, you only publish your work on Instagram? Why? It’s the best place! It’s the most beneficial place for creatives to publish their work; it’s a good social platform to connect with other people of the same interest. I also have my work up on clothing brands’ Instagram pages I currently work for. You work for Hype right? How did you land this job role? Yeah I do! The first time I connected with Hype was when I posted a photo of Coventry model, Kaman – he was wearing a hat from Hypes Pokémon Collaboration. They noticed the photo and reposted it on their own Instagram feed and used it as advertisement. After several months, the Director/Creative Director of Hype, Liam Green messaged me directly asking if I was interested in working alongside the company through a seeding programme (a seeding programme is where a company sends out products so it can be advertised through other influencers). After working within the seeding programme, I set up a meeting with Hype on how I could progress within the industry through them – during the meeting they asked me if I wanted to work for them directly as their Content Creator. I’ve been with them for a year now. What opportunities has this brought to you, working through the company? It’s opened up the amount of people I can work with (more established models). It’s given me the Turn page over...

chance to work with more brands, for example, Society Sports - who recently launched in Footasylum. I’ve learned how to do videography and enhance my photography. I’ve even had the opportunity to travel to different places. What advice would you give to people who want to step into the industry? Don’t think you have to have a specific education in the field to do it. Make sure you use social media as much as you can, as it’s the best tool to network and flaunt your work. Find an inspiration that reflects you, which you can portray through your images, whether it’s your editing style or the brands you use. Who was your inspiration? George Davies – he’s the lead photographer for Dark Circle clothing (@georgedavies.dc) and @sammiswar, a freelance photographer. George has a very streetstyle vibe and Sam goes for the clean alternative look. I use them as an inspiration to always improve. How do you find your locations? I literally just find them when I’m driving around. I don’t usually plan my locations; I plan an area and work within it to find what will suit the shoot best. What is your end goal? I would love to work for a magazine within the modern industry, such as Hypebeast / Highsnobiety or to work for urban stores like JD and Footasylum. Do you think we have many independent brands in Coventry? Yes, but I don’t think they are established nationally yet. Nike or Adidas? Definitely Nike! What’s your favourite piece of clothing that you currently own? My Supreme x Hellrazor Jersey from one of the April 2018 drops. You can style it with anything and it’s good for summer!

Photography by

A X T VI SUALS

Check out the photography by AXT Visuals For any enquiries contact: axtvisuals@outlook.com

Photography by AXT Visuals

Trappedmerch is the Official Merchandise for Trappedmagazine. The UK’s Premier Online Culture and Lifestyle Magazine focuses on Fashion, Sneakers, Music and Lifestyle. Shop the streetwear staples online from www.trappedmerch.com and follow their Instagram at @trappedmerch for all the latest drops and upcoming pieces.

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Instagram @trappedmerch Images on this page are credited to Nicholas Sandzi / Instagram: @Nicholas_sandzi

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LONDON TO COVENTRY INTRODUCING

Jay1 is an upcoming music artist who moved from North London to Coventry, UK. His brand new track ‘That’s My Bae’ has hit over 100,000 views on GRM Daily, with the hashtag #ThatsMyBaeChallenge trending on Instagram, where people can spit their own freestyle to the beat.

Previously performing alongside Nadia Rose, Not3s and AJ Tracey. Jay1 is one to keep your eye on! Playlisted under UK Rap on Spotify, Jay1 sits down with us to tell us how it all started.

When did you start writing music? I started a year and a half ago (that’s when I took it serious). I could always do music, but I never took it seriously. Who inspires you, musically? I like Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith is cold.

Where did the name Jay1 come from?

That’s surprising! Why them?

Well, my name is Jason. So I thought, what’s an abbreviation for Jason? Jay. The ‘1’ is just a number and it was simple. Before I put my first video up on Youtube last year, my name was Young Jay – I quickly changed that!

I’ve always listened to Ed Sheeran, he’s always got a song that’s going to stick in my head. He’s someone I look up to and he’s from the UK and has done a lot in the scene.

What would you describe your genre as?

Where do your ideas come from when writing a song?

I would see it as UK Rap, but I can switch it up a bit because I can do Grime and I can also jump on a Drill or Dancehall beat. UK Rap covers all these areas really. My new song ‘That’s My Bae’ has also been playlisted under UK Rap on Spotify, which was an achievement, I’m happy about that because I’ve never been playlisted before.

I talk about what I go through. So, whatever I go through I just write it down. It could be anything, I talk about what I live.

What is ‘That’s My Bae’ about?

Do you feel like you need to be in London for your music to do well?

It’s basically about my bae (haha!). We’re in an arcade and I’m just flexing with my girl. I met her at a bar, got her number, asked her what she’s doing later and linked up (haha!). Your acting skills were on point in that music video, maybe you could be an actor one day? Do you know what, I really want to go into acting in the future – because people tell me I’ve got a character. ‘That’s My Bae’ was my first actual music video and I thought my acting wasn’t that good because I was a little shy, but I feel I’m going to progress!

What was the last song you listened to? Cool Kid by Loski (haha!)

No, I don’t think so because I started my music in Coventry and now it’s going really well for me. There are so many artists in London, so I think it would be harder if I was there to be honest. I built my first fan base here, so it’s pretty sick. What’s the go to place to take a girl on a date? Zam Zams – just a normal chicken shop (haha!). Nah, definitely not The Shard – even if I blow out, I would never take a girl there. Probably Nando’s or Bella Italia – I’ll take her there fam. Spice it up a little bit. Turn page over...

JAY1

What is the future goal for you? To lips Beyonce (haha!). I’m joking! Just to become successful in music and to get involved in acting, maybe feature in a film – a bit like when Stormzy featured in Brotherhood, something like that. I’m performing alongside Young T & Bugsey next month and I’ve got a freestyle coming out soon, so keep your eyes out on my socials!

FOLLOW: Twitter: @Jay1Official_ Instagram: @jay1official_

Photography by H K D Media Model: Leo Kuttaz aka @23.kuttaz on Instagram in Birmingham, UK. For any photoshoots, contact hkdmedia@hotmail.com.

EXCL USI VE

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DEV

Grime MC, Devlin sits down with us and talks about all things music! With the release of his latest EP in collaboration with Syer B and an upcoming album in the works, Devlin tells us what makes him one of the best grime artists in the UK.

Let’s start from the beginning, why the name Devlin? It is what it is, it’s just me, no gimmicks – it’s my second name. When I was very young I called myself ‘Devastation’, that was a bit gimpy so I ran with Devlin in the end (haha!). Was music something you always knew you could do? I’ve always loved music, just listening to it in the car with my mum when I was young. I caught wind of the old school garage when I was around 12-13 years old – I liked that, it caught my ear. Then I heard grime, it was more relevant to me and was going on around me, so I thought I’d have a pop at that. Is there anyone who inspired you to start rapping? Yeah, I’d say loads of people from Bruce Springsteen to Nas (I had all of his Nas’ albums), Sharky Major, the Nasty Crew, Roll deep and all that. Well, it was only going on down the road from me, so I felt it was something I could get into and be a part of it! How do you come up with your lyrics? Sometimes it’s just a vent, I’ll feel angry inside and just rhyme horrible words. Certain events I’ve been through. Other times I might just see something or put myself in other peoples shoes – so I won’t be writing specifically from my point of you. I just vary it. What’s your opinion on grime in 2018? Well, it’s come on leaps and bounds since we was in council flats, doing the pirate radio etc. Now there are opportunities for young people, they can earn a career out of the video game. They’re making careers out of music – one tune on YouTube now and you get hits, you get a record deal on the table, it’s mad.

It’s nowhere near as lyrical as it was, when I was inspired to get involved.

You’ve released a new EP ‘Something In The Water’, how did the relationship between you and Syer B start? When I was very young, I got involved with Dogzy and that. That’s when I got on Rinse FM, Syer was running them, he was with them for years – they had a little set, so we didn’t really see each other. A few years later we got back in touch, me, Dogz and Syer – we started doing a few tunes. Didn’t see him again for years and got chatting to him again and started making a couple of tunes, we started bouncing off each other well, the beats were hard, he makes bloody good beats and I think this EP was beneficial to both of us. What’s the creative process for both you and Syer B when making a track? It was more so taking it back to the raw art form of bars. We’d find a dirty beat and trying it as hard as you can really. I’m not saying there was no great thought process in it, but yeah, just find a beat we liked and hit it hard. Your lyrics “you don’t really wanna come and dance with the devil, you must have a lot of bollocks like Caitlyn Jenner” stood out! I like disturbing the peace sometimes, everyone’s too PC and they all sound the same. It’s about time I turned up with a bit more of a dynamic flow and give it a bit large, you know what I mean? Ruffle a few feathers (haha!) What is the message behind the EP? We wanted to come out with that Dagenham grime sound. Just that raw, dirty, high energy and fast flows. We wanted to take it back there and I think we accomplished that. Turn page over...

H VL IN

We worked with Risky Roadz and my other pal Frostbite and got two really good videos out the boys. I was really happy about that. What’s your favourite track on the EP? Something In The Water, because of the flow, lyrics and it’s pacy – it’s one of them, you could listen to it before you go to war. I like Mushrooms as well, it’s dirty. It would be good to perform. The Devil In’ did well. What was the hardest song to write? It did do well, it reinstated me – that’s what I was looking to do with that album. Albums are hard, but once you go past that certain stage and you’re looking for the last little tunes and ideas – it’s all hard to make really. I couldn’t pin point one tune. It’s a great relief when you finish it though. What inspires you to keep making music? It’s all I know. I ain’t going back to college now (haha!) I love music and I’m lucky enough to make it and have people supporting me. People say ‘Devlin needs to make a comeback’, what’s your reaction to this? They’ve been saying it for years. I make a comeback, they tell me I’m good and I don’t know, I’m still here (haha!) I prefer staying low-key, I just love my own. Love my own little crew and family. Ive stayed grounded to my roots. I’ve never been a flash fucker anyway! I remember your song ‘Lately’ with Ed Sheeran, how did you turn so many sleepless nights into a strength? You know what, he showed me that tune when he was doing that EP. I really liked the old rap beat on that, reminded me of old school New York rap a little, but a bit more melodic. Probably a lot of weed, a lot of hours writing and then it just happened (haha!) What’s the last song you listened to? It was the one that was just playing before this interview! It was Bodyguard enit? (Devlin sings) “I can be your bodyguard.”

Should we be keeping our eyes out for anything? Yeah, give it a couple months and I’ll probably have an album out. It’s done and it’s ready – it’s going to be called ‘The Outcast‘ so keep an eye out for that. I’m going Magaluf next month, Boomerang Nightclub on the 16th of June and Eskimo over at Finsbury Park. Get Something In The Water on ITunes now.

FOLLOW: Twitter: @devlinofficial Instagram: @devlinartist

Streetwear Inspired

Trims and Wavey Vibes

Men’s Grooming Company Connor Evans and Louis Gormley (26) are two friends who own an independent barbershop in Coventry, UK called the Men’s Grooming Company. As I walk in to the shop, I’m greeted with the waviest vibe. The place is full of urban culture, skateboards on the walls, streetwear stickers around the mirrors and the sound of UK Rap/Hip Hop coming out of the speakers. Co-founder and barber, Louis Gormley sits down with me and explains why the Men’s Grooming Company is the place to be for that feel-good trim! Who owns the Men’s Grooming Company? So, it’s me and Connor, it’s like a family affair kind of thing. We grew up together, went to school together and now we work together. We’ve been working together for about a year or so and decided to do our own little project. Where did the name ‘Men’s Grooming Company’ come from? The name was a result of months of deliberation and sort of throwing stuff out there and it getting battered back (haha!). It was a bit of a compromise sort of thing. We knew we wanted something that says what it is. How long have you been open for? Almost a year now! When did you start barbering? About 2 years ago. I had a very corporate job and I knew I had to change something up and start doing something a bit more free and a bit more creative, that’s when I started looking into barbering. Connor was my way in there – he taught me and brought me through. Connor is currently at college teaching other people, our whole team is homegrown, everyone who works here has been taught by us. Connor previously has had 2 other shops in town, then he made a transition with me to a joint business. What makes you different to any other barbers? For us it’s all about the service. We always knew we had a good product and it would sell, but we were always limited to what we could do with the spaces we had, for example, renting small shops and kiosks. Barbershops to me are very stale and a little bit dated, in a sense that you go in there, you sit and wait for a guy to remove some of your hair and you 9 times out of 10 times go out unhappy. For us it’s about the service, so we want to deliver these fashion driven haircuts that are cut to the individual. In order to do that, we offer appointments – this allows us to build a relationship with the client. We offer 45 minutes as a minimum for our appointments, it allows us to give time for a thorough consultation and to properly get to grips with what the client wants. Turn page over...

The vibe in this barbers is nice, does it reflect your personality? Yes for sure. Everyone comments on the decor and music. We play a lot of UK Rap and we like playing a lot of relaxed hip-hop tunes – people love it! I can see a wall full of certificates next to you, what are they for? Well, Connor won the judges choice for British Barbers’ Association Hall of Fame for November 2017. He’s now in the finals for Barber of the Year. We also did a photoshoot a couple of months ago where we have just made it through to the finals for the Modern Barber Awards – Best Photographic Entry. Have you had any weird haircut requests? Since we’ve been in here, not so much. I once had a guy come in and ask me if I would shave his back, that was obviously a swift NO. You get asked for all sorts! If someone sits in the chair and someone really wants something that we know isn’t going to be great for them or isn’t going to benefit them, we will try and talk them out of it (haha!). At the end of the day, what walks out of our doors is a walking advertisement for what we do. Do you think there is a certain style people go for? Yes, a lot of people are focused on streetwear. So, a lot of people want really edgy haircuts to match, they want these really deconstructed messy tops and close shaved sides. I think streetwear has a huge influence on the way people wear their hair. Haircuts are an important part of your fashion, it’s there on your head just like the clothes are on your body – it’s an expression of yourself, which is why it’s so important we tailor haircuts to individuals. Do you enjoy what you do? I love it man! I wouldn’t change it for the world! I come to work everyday with my friends, I get to make stuff with my hands and I get to make people happy. It’s a super rewarding job. It’s one of those things where you are the master of your own destiny, whatever you put in, you get back.

Do you and Connor ever get sick of each other? Nah, well, yeah off course we do (haha!) but then boom, you sweep the hair off the floor and it’s gone, it’s done and forgotten about. Are there any future plans for you guys? Almost certainly, the Men’s Grooming Company will always be our baby and starting point! We need to get this right before we start anything else. The next thing we’re working on at the moment that will be coming soon is our products, we want to print high end male grooming products to the market – so we’re working on our own products, but also bringing in what we feel are the best products on the market. We would like to start selling stuff online. You recently hosted an event at the shop, do you have anymore upcoming? We’ve hosted a couple of events here recently. We were lucky enough to work with an organisation called Great British Barber Bash. So basically, what they do is they tour the country putting on educational shows/ seminars and general industry days. We sold tickets to people from salons across the country, they came in and watched the demonstrations in the shop. We had a barber from L.A. who came in to do a demonstration, he’s worked with celebrities and it was really cool! We will be putting on a lot more stuff, so stay connected on our socials for more information! Insta: @mensgroomingcompany

Facebook: Men’s Grooming Company

Website: www.mensgroomingcompany.co.uk

Jordan Richards, 31, is the founder of an independent streetwear event called UK Designer Expo (UKDE). The expo is back again on the 22nd July 2018 in Digbeth, Birmingham. Jordan tells us more about the event and how you can get tickets! What is UK Designer Expo? It is a platform created to giving independent brands an opportunity to gain audience. You can meet unique clothing companies and also network whilst you’re shopping. Unless you go into the shop and try clothes on, you wouldn’t really know what a piece of clothing feels like - a lot of the independent brands are based online, therefore this is a chance for people to see the clothing in front of them. What brands are appearing and what do we have to look forward to? We have a large range from Hoodrich, GVNMNT, Critically Acclaimed, Trapped Magazine Merchandise and many many more! We’re going to have a barber station where people can get trims, a DJ and some special performances, which will be announced soon! Why did you start this up? I did Events and Venue Management at university - I was just sitting there one day and thought of this idea. I was a man that liked clothes and fashion in general. I would go for designer clothes but I wanted to try and find clothing that no one else was wearing. Now I’d wear a tshirt from someone who designed it down the road. From online brands, I couldn’t really tell what the quality of the material was like - I wanted to simplify this and that’s where UKDE came from. Is this event for everyone? Yes! For everyone who loves streetwear! We get a lot of people coming from all around the country. We also really encourage bloggers and manufacturers to attend too. If you want to be involved, you can contact us on contact@ukdesignerexpo.co.uk Where can we get tickets from? Early bird tickets are £7 and are available from www.ukdesignerexpo.co.uk

Images credited to UKDE

LUX BY PERO

Lux_ByPero is an online luxury fashion boutique based in London, UK. Lux products offer unique and affordable fashion accessories for fashion conscious young peoole. Our unique items include hand made sunglasses, clear glass frames and bespoke jewellery pieces.

LBP officially launched in May 2017 by Pero Ositelu. With 2 successful collection launches, including ‘Summer 17’ and ‘The winter Lux Collection’. Lux_By Pero will be launching the long anticipated 3rd Edition, ‘EVOLUTION’. This collection will embody a new dynamic of fashion accessories with its bold materials and sharp distinctive looks. The 3rd edition will show the evolutionary change the brand has experienced since inception. Lux_By Pero continues to grow and move forward with unique styles and trends. Our products represent individuals who are not afraid to stand out and make a fashion statement. Lux_By Pero believes in supporting up and coming artists, models, influencers and businesses. From our models, to the photographers and brand promoters, Lux_By Pero envisions a communal sense of business support where we grow and build with the support of other businesses. We believe that as young professionals it is important to take our craft seriously and to deliver and take fashion to the next level. As we enter our 2nd year of business, LBP looks forward to exploring new fashion trends and styles while growing the business even further. LBP has sponsored events such as The Dy’Understand TV Launch Event, Remembering You - Cancer support, BEBB Online Launch Event and Miss Congo UK 2018. In July 2018 we are excited to be sponsoring Nissy Tee’s Official “The Power of You” meet and greet event.

About The CEO: My name is Pero Ositelu and I am 24years old. I am the CEO of the online fashion boutique Lux By Pero. I started the business one year ago whilst I was studying for a Masters degree in International Business Management at University of West London. I have worked in the areas of Business and Sales and always had a passion to demonstrate my creativity through business ventures. Since I launched the business I have been overwhelmed with support from family, friends and ordinary people from all walks of life. I have also learnt so much about resilience and the value of a consistent work ethic that is required to build a successful brand. Our mantra is that opportunities in the market do not just happen, it is up to us to create them. We are lucky to have a team of incredible people that help to run the business operations and this support is what makes us a vibrant and forward thinking business. We look forward to a bright future and all that it holds for Lux By Pero.

Images credited to Lux by Pero

Image: Sophia

Shop now on www.luxbypero.co.uk

Image credited to AXT Visuals

Image: Sibby

Male models wear Retro FlipMode Â£25.00

FOLLOW: Instagram: @lux_bypero Facebook: Lux By Pero Twitter: @Lux_bypero

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