MUSIC - FASHION - LIFESTYLE
ISSUE 1 2017
Yellowcard DEPOP:
Shopping On Another Level
The Maccabees:
Live For The Last Time
You Me At Six
Blood Brother Embracing 2017 in Style
Editor-In-Chief
Thushara S. Chandrasiri Music Photography
Rhiannon Brown
Contributors: Jack Alexander Lauren Boden James Reynolds Kayley Cowey Pippa Luisetti Gardelio
Graphics Team
Lydia Townsend Beth Clarke Laura Robinson Cover Stars: Blood Brother
Mike Harris Sal Fasone Guest Photographers: Greta Tuckute Matt Higgs
Photography: Mattias Bjorklund Styling: Danielle Emerson Model: Logan @ Ford Models Cover Designed By Laura Robison
Special Thanks To: APB PR, Carry On Press, Chuff Media, CMPR, Ian Cheek, I Like Press, Listen Up Music Promotion, Little Press, Mercenary Publicity, Pomona, Rage PR, Tony Linkin, Wild Promotions, Wilful Publicity
Music:
LA Salami
Yellowcard
A Day To Remember
Lewis Watson
You Me At Six
Avenged Sevenfold
Live At Leeds 2017
Brooders
Lower Than Atlantis
Fashion/Lifestyle:
Bruno Mars
MO
Blood Brother
Bury Tomorrow
Olly Murs
Depop
Come Play With Me
Palisades
Kimothy Joy
Dance To The Radio
Post War Glamour Girls
KOTA
Danny Howard
RedFaces
Real People Real Inspiration
Dead Sea Skulls
Rod Stewart
Russell Brand
Ed Sheeran
Seaway
Trainspotting 2
Glass Mountain
Stormzy
Tried & Tested
Hawkwind
The Big Moon
Vote For Vegan
Hippo Campus
The Final Claus of Tacitus
Hit The North
The Hyena Kill
Into The Ark
The Maccabees
Jodie Abacus
The Pretty Reckless
John Hassall & The April Rainers
The Shimmer Band
Johnossi
Tom Walker
Jonas Blue
We The Kings
Photography: Adam Barnsley Lost In The Gardens Voxical
A
r e b m e m e R o t y a d
BAD VIBES WORLD TOUR
There was only one place to be for the pop punk fanatic on January 27 and that was at London’s SSE Arena, Wembley. A Day To Remember topped the billing, alongside special guests New Found Glory and Britain’s very own Neck Deep and Moose Blood. energy the genre is synonymous for - Bassist, Ian Grushka, drew a particularly big cheer when he (obviously) took off his top and started bouncing around. Unfortunately, the vocals were still muddy and overwhelmed by the thunderous sound of guitar and drum. A Day To Remember (ADTR) would address a packed Wembley Arena by opening their headline slot with Mr Highway’s Thinking About The End. Moose Blood were up first and their brand of indie/pop punk made for satisfying viewing and provided the crowd with something slightly different. Up next were Neck Deep, whose youthful vigour shone through and impressed with its sheer intensity. Both bass guitarist, Fil Thorpe-Evans, and lead vocalist, Ben Barlow, were extremely adept at engaging with the audience. It’s just a shame that the vocal setup was often drowned out by the rest of the band, a problem that was destined to continue throughout the night. Pop punk in its purest form, Neck Deep were the perfect act to precede New Found Glory. Formed in 1997, the giants of the genre are celebrating their 20th
anniversary this year and took to the stage following a fantastic intro soundtrack that combined Vangelis’ Chariots of Fire and Rocky Balboa’s famous: “It’s about how hard you can get hit…,” speech. All Downhill From Here was the first of an 11 strong set list, finished - not surprisingly - with My Friends Over You. 37-yearold Jordan Pundik and co weren’t to be trumped by their younger peers, displaying the cheeky stage presence and electric
The chugging distortion drenched intro and thick, screaming vocals proved a complete contrast to the evening’s earlier and decidedly jollier festivities - and the crowd loved it. By Paranoia, frontman, Jeremy McKinnon, is instructing the crowd to create the biggest circle pit possible, and they dutifully oblige.
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2nd Sucks was a visual spectacle, with projected moving images (disguised as a wall of Marshall and Peavey amps) serving to silhouette band members to brilliant effect. In fact, the entire stage show itself was highly impressive; a fantastic
retro themed stage was complemented by a truly (and literally) blinding light show. During I’m Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of? The screens were projecting black and white optical illusions - with a white and indeed black and white polka dot guitar to boot. Vocal woes still persisted though, but ADTR had the crowd so hyped, it hardly mattered. Fans were treated to free t-shirts, courtesy of a t-shirt cannon. And, later in the set, a barrage of inflatable beach toys were unleashed upon the crowd - quite how an inflatable crocodile made its way into the tiered seating, one will never know…
The crowd just wouldn’t die down; empty plastic drinks cups, items of clothing, beach balls, and crowd surfers bobbed up and down on a sea of hands. And still, Bad Vibrations managed to up the ante even further - no doubt by living up to its name and literally forcing vibrating sound waves throughout the crowd – so loud was the band. This preceded a particularly amusing moment when members left the stage as jolly lounge music played and a message stated on screen: “Please stand by while we change our guitars…” Have Faith In Me prompted many members of the audience to sway the torchlight of their phones in the air and proved a rather tender moment amidst a set list of mostly metal core/pop punk mayhem. The main set ended with the ener-
getic The Plot To Bomb The Panhandle, which was well received. It also served to contrast the first song of the encore, acoustic ballad, If It Means A Lot To You. I deny anyone who claims not to have joined in by singing the chorus. The clean vocals of All Signs Point To Lauderdale and The Downfall Of Us All ended the show. As the latter ended, a giant burst of
confetti exploded high above the crowd and fierce plumes of smoke covered the stage. Sound difficulties aside, those who travelled to Wembley Arena on Friday 27 were treated to four solid sets and one heck of a stage show courtesy of ADTR. A gig to remember and a fine way to start the weekend. Article By Mike Harris Photos By Matt Higgs
The Stage Tour Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena 12 January 2017 We haven’t had the presence of Avenged Sevenfold in the Newcastle for 6 years, so it was much to fans excitement when the band announced they would be pursuing a UK tour – one thing they wouldn’t have been excited about was the wait to see A7X perform. But we’re sure time flew around with the festive season in the way just before the lads kicked off their UK tour on January 10TH in Glasgow before they headed to Newcastle, where we
were lucky to catch them before they headed south for the remaining 6 dates and venues. The band announced the exhilarating news on their website and throughout social media in July 2016; and also announced that they would be joined on tour by special guests In Flames and Disturbed. Both bands proved that they were the perfect choice to warm up the crowd. In Flames had such a positive reaction and
Disturbed put on quite a show that it seemed they were the main act at times as they had such brilliant staging and special effects including pyro, flames and smoke – nice touch lads! The time finally came for A7X to take to the stage, so as the lights went down and the visuals were projected onto the several screens of staging, the crowd were going crazy and chanting for the band to appear. Appearing one
MUSIC by one with the original death bat logo projecting in different colours above them, lead singer M. Shadows ran on stage sending the crowd into even more roars of excitement. Starting the night with most recent single release and title of their 2016 album, ‘The Stage’ followed by the 2008 track of ‘Afterlife’, the fans were definitely warmed up and set to be an awesome crowd. Addressing the fans and apologising for not being in Newcastle for 6 long years, Shadows made a promise with the crowd, “…to make sure you forgive us we’re gonna have to play a real long set for you guys tonight, we haven’t played our recent songs from our 7 albums, so let’s go!” – promise made, promise kept, the night was crazy and very impressive. They then continued on to sing hits from previous albums including ‘Hail To The King’, ‘Buried Alive’ and ‘Almost Easy’ and a few newer tracks from last year’s album. To accompany such a great setlist was excellent staging and visual effects – the band had a giant moving cube above them which was used for lighting and as a screen for the short films and visuals to project on during tracks. Another highlight from the night was when Shadows and the guys took time out to sing happy birthday to the band’s security guard Big T and got the crowd involved before singing and dedicating Big T’s favourite A7X song ‘God Damn’ to the birthday boy himself. The energy from both the fans and the band was none stop. From those in their seats, those who were floor standing and those who had paid the extra dollar to be on stage in the side pits, the
band surely must be proud of how dedicated and energetic their fans truly are. Returning to the stage, Avenged Sevenfold played a further three songs for their fans before leaving the stage for the final time. Finishing the night off with the 2004 track ‘Unholy Confessions’ the band were waved and cheered off stage. They deserved every cheer and clap they received, just one tip lads – don’t be strangers and please come back soon and give us another epic night to remember! Article & Photos By Rhiannon Brown
brooders
Having recently found a new home in Leeds, which can only be described as a thriving city for discovering new music, the exceptional trio known as Brooders have been really working hard to make their music that extra bit special. With a LP due for release on 10th February 2017 and a true passion for their music, this is a year which will certainly see Brooders take their journey to exciting new heights. We caught up for a chat with front man and guitarist, Adam Bairstow to find out a little bit more.
DM: What is it that you love about Leeds?
Darkus Magazine: How was your recent tour with Kit Trigg and Goldsand?
DM: So what is your favourite venue?
Adam: The end of 2016 as a whole has been very good, we played a lot of shows, and there were a mixture of highs and lows. With the tour it was the first time we ever did a full tour so was a good learning curve for us. It helped us to think about exactly the kind of endurance and planning which is required as well as a good test of our personal strength. I think for the majority of that tour we lived off zero sleep so another good thing about the tour of that scale was it was a reminder of how important it is to look after your body when playing show back to back each night. DM: Many have described your music as Psychedelic Grunge, would you agree with this or has your sound evolved? A: To be honest as a band we try not to pigeon hole our sounds too much, especially as there is such diversity of influences between myself, Liam and our bassist Adam. We always try and be the best we can and always like to experiment, so in terms of Brooders, yes I would agree its much more of a evolution but one with Psychedelic Grunge at the core.
A: Well none of us are not originally from Leeds, we all come from other parts of the UK such as Nottingham, Derby and myself, London. Now being based in Leeds though we love it so much. It is such an artsy city with so much going on. In terms of the music scene here, its always on the up, especially as you can practically go to a gig every day of the week.
A: I would probably say Brundell Games Room and the 360 Club are my personal choices. DM: With the mini LP being released in February what do you think it says about the Brooders? A: This past 12 months we have really pushed ourselves, so releasing a LP has been a long time coming. We are really excitied about getting it out there, but as it has been ready for some time now, it has been quite an agaonising having to wait to release it officially. What the LP says about Brooders though is that it represents everything we do, and although only an LP is a really big achievement. Sometimes you ask yourself which is better an album or an LP, it’s a tough question as both have there advantages, but sometimes it can just be better to have a release of a few of your best tracks as the music is much more concentrated. DM: So why should new fans really start to invest now with the Brooders? A: I think we are different, fresh and new. We bring a lot of big riffs to the tables with a touch of psych, reverb and grunge for good measure.
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Bruno Mars by Kayley Cowey
BRUNO MARS: 24K Magic Tour. He’d do anything for you... catch a grenade... throw his hand on a blade, and now he’s bringing his 24K Magic tour to Europe and that includes the UK. That’s right, Bruno Mars is visiting a handful of UK cities this April and May to perform his upcoming tour. The multi Grammy award winning artist has announced a total of 85 dates for his upcoming tour, starting March 28 in Belgium before heading across Europe to cover arenas in the UK, Spain, France, Germany and more. Mars will then head back towards home turf in July to cover 45 cities across the US and Canada, ending his tour with a four night leg in LA. Bruno Mars rose to fame back in 2009 when he featured on B.o.Bs UK number 1 Nothing on You, but is hugely known for his own chart topping tracks of Just The Way You Are, Grenade and The Lazy Song. Since then, the singer, songwriter, producer and musician has continuously grown in fame and success, selling more than 170 million singles and 26 million albums across the globe and 20 Grammy award nominees and winning several – it goes without saying that Mars is one of the greatest artists of all time. The Twenty-Four Karat Magic tour comes in celebration of Mars third studio album 24K Magic which was released in November 2016– fans whom pre-ordered the album received early access to buy tickets for the tour before public sale on November 21ST 2016, giving them a place at the highly anticipated performance of the main man himself! The album includes album titled track and the first single to be released from the album 24K Magic and new track Chunky which Mars sang on a recent appearance on Saturday Night Life on NBC.
Now, this is going to be Mars’ first tour since he sold over 2 million tickets and sold out 155 arenas back in 2013 when he toured worldwide with his Moonshine Jungle tour – so if those statistics are anything to go by, then we can only assume that this tour will be just as successful and exciting as that one, right? If you havent seen Mars perform in person, you must have atleast seen one of his performances at some point, if not, go check one out on YouTube or VEVO and I can assure you that you will agree that the guy puts on one heck of a show. Proof of this comes from his 2014 performance at Super Bowl where he made NFL history for the second most watched half time performance ever. He returned to last years Super Bowl along with Beyonce and Coldplay. Goes to show that from his vocals and his love for his fans all the way down to his show stopping choreography, he always gives the fans more than they expected and this tour will be certainly be no exception.
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Tour Preview Although he hasnt toured in four years, the multi-platinum selling entertainer hasnt just been lazing around; hes been writing his album and collaborating and killing the charts with Mark Ronson on the worldwide smash hit Uptown Funk. The hit made history in the Billboard charts as the longest leading Hot 100 single of the decade and stayed in the number one place for atleast 14 weeks – only 9 other hits have done this the history of the charts over the last 57 years. The hit also picked up several Grammys, including Record of the Year and Best Male Video; if thats not an achievement to be apart of, then what is?! With the tour coming in support of the new album, its clear that were going to hear new tracks on the tour, but surely Mars will mix things up and bring us his well-known and earlier tracks from the beginning of his career. Hell be bringing along his band, dancers and backing singers, but who could we be graced with to warm up before the main act himself? I guess well just have to wait and see!
So now that you know the ins and outs, do we really need to convince you anymore to go and get yourself some tickets?! It’s Bruno Mars! Here’s the UK tour dates, go go go...
APRIL 12 | Glasgow, SSE Hydro APRIL 15 | Liverpool, Echo Arena APRIL 18 | London, O2 Arena APRIL 19 | London, O2 Arena APRIL 24 | Birmingham, BarclayCard Arena APRIL 27 | Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena MAY 2 | Manchester, Manchester Arena MAY 5 | Leeds, First Direct Arena MAY 6 | Sheffield, Sheffield Arena
Bury Tomorrow have announced the long awaited Earthbound headline tour, kicking off April 2017 and get this Geordies, the band will be playing at the legendary Riverside Club, Newcastle!
The Earthbound tour is the named after the bands 4th album which includes tracks like Last Light and Cemetery plus the feature track, Earthbound - obviously. Dani Winter-Bates said that the Earthbound album “feels like the distillation of everything we’ve ever wanted this band to be about”. Once you admire the killer album artwork your met with some killer tracks. Lead single Earthbound cites artists like Soilwork, with a fierce pace which never lessons and soaring vocals in the choruses. The energy of Earthbound is well structured, progressing smoothly from uplifting passion to heavy anger and the guitar-work is great on a technical level. The Earthbound videos features only the band playing in bright lights, which is fitting as this is certainly where they are headed. Last Light feels musically similar to Trivum in the Ascendancy era. It brims with melodic guitar riffing paired nicely with touchingly heartfelt lyrics. It talks about promising to meet a loved one at the gates of heaven and the heart
rending lyrics make this track one of the more memorable songs of the album. Last Light takes on the same tone as the rest of the tracks but with a less-boisterous and rockier feel to suit the tone of this emotional song. The video for last light is dark, and I don’t just mean because it’s in black and white. This artsy video is a fun play on vintage goth but serious enough for the track. We love it! This will be the band’s first UK headline tour in over two years, following the album’s Top 40 chart position, extensive touring and festival appearances. It’s a chance to show what the band are really
capable of and we can’t wait to see the guys really let loose! The band will be at the well known Riverside Club, Newcastle on the 17th April. “It’s been over 2 years since our last major headliner and we cannot wait to play some of our biggest live shows to date!” Says Dani. Japanese electronicore Crossfaith are also coming along for the ride as the support band. Bury Tomorrow may be Earthbound, but we know this tour will bring some out of this world metal! Article by Lauren Boden
The Earthbound tour comes to the following UK venues: APRIL 14: BIRMINGHAM o2 Institute 15: MANCHESTER o2 Ritz 16: GLASGOW Garage 17: NEWCASTLE Riverside 19: LEEDS Stylus 20: NOTTINGHAM Rock City 21: CARDIFF Yplas 22: LONDON o2 Forum Tickets are now on general sale, see you there!
MUSIC Ever since I was introduced to Bury Tomorrow back in 2012, I have had nothing but respect for these exceptional guys. What made them special was their adrenaline fuelled live shows, catchy tunes and their warm personalities. Fast forward to 2017 and the band return for their first headline tour in 2 years as well as a new record, Earthbound which if you have already read the article by Lauren Boden is a record not to be missed. With all that in mind therefore I felt it was only right we had a long overdue catch up with lead vocalist, Dani Winter-Bates. Darkus Magazine: Hi Dani great to catch up again. How enjoyable and exciting have the past few months been for you and the rest of the Bury Tomorrow chaps? Dani: We’ve been lucky to have some down time over the last couple of months after coming back from the architects run, it’s really been a great time to reflect on how amazing our year has been. DM: Having ended 2016 in style which included your tour with The Architects, and also the release of your latest record Earthbound, do you feel your going into 2017 feeling strong and confident? D: Yes, I think every New Year for BT is an exciting opportunity to be honest; we obviously have our headline tour to look forward to which is always exciting and the beginning stages of writing the next album. DM: April will see your first headline tour in 2 years or so, what is going through your head right now? D: Just excitement really, headline tours are how you gage how your band has grown, how you have got better and where you need some improvement. DM: When we last spoke to you, when asked why you would rec-
ommend Bury Tomorrow to new fans, you described your music as being ‘a gateway drug’. Would you still agree with that, or has it evolved even more? D: Yeah I still stand by that, I think our music gives a lot of people the stepping stones to get into really heavy music. Obviously with earthbound we stepped up that side of our style but any music with melodic parts will appeal to a wider audience. DM: For the April tour, what is that you want to get out of your time on the road the most? D: Honestly our entire band just wants to enjoy ourselves, we are all of the mindset that having fun is the most important thing about being in a band. DM: With the latest record, Earthbound, what do you think it says about where your at in your journey? D: I think it shows we are a band that knows what they are doing and where they want to be. DM: Having been together for just over 10 years now, what have been the major changes you have noticed about the UK music scene when it comes to being part of a metalcore band? D: I think just maturity in writing and attitude. The metal scene is always changing, I think the UK
BURY TOMORROW THE NEXT CHAPTER is a lot less influenced by US styles these days, which is a good thing. Growing some of the best bands in the game. DM: There is no denying that when it comes to live shows, that Bury Tomorrow well and truly bring their A Game – can we expect much more of the same when you return in April? D: Indeed, it doesn’t matter the size of the crowd the show will always be as hard as ever. DM: With their being the 5 of you how do you think you all build, support and complement each other? D: I think its all about respect to be honest, we are all very different individuals but we are all in it for the same reason. DM: To the fans that have supported over the years to the new ones just joining you in your journey, what would you like to say to them? D: Come to a show, listen to our music and just enjoy yourself along the way. Article By Thushara Answers by Dani Winter-Bates (Vocals)
bigger plans of how I want this year to look.
If there is one thing I admire more than anything, it is the amazing hard work of people who really help to make a positive impact to the UK music, especially here in the North. A lot of the time the focus is usually on artists, but the question we must ask is what about the other incredible souls? Well let us introduce you to Tony Ereira, founder of Come Play With Me music label based in the Yorkshire. With a passion for discovering new talent, Tony and his team have developed CPWM into a label and a brand which truly does keep the music scene in Leeds, York and surrounding areas alive! We spoke to this exceptional guy to discover more about the vision, evolution and journey of Come Play With Me. Darkus Magazine: How have the past few months been for you as a label and a manager? Tony: They have been incredibly exciting. When I started Come Play With Me it was all self-funded and I always thought that the furthest I would last, despite a couple of strong releases would be mid-2017. However thankfully I was able to tap into a bit of funding. One was from the Arts Council and the other from Un Limited. The one for the Arts Council pays for the label aspect of the series. I am going into 2017 with a lot more confidence with the feeling that I have backing behind me
rather than stressing all the time that the bank balance is getting really low. DM: What have been the main stages to get you to where you are now? T: When I launched the label I wanted it to have a consistent feel and identity. The next stage was to ensure we had quality artists on board to collaborate with. After that came the Public submissions stage where we ask artists to submit tracks for our consideration. Once all that was in place, then came the funding side of things which I mentioned earlier. I have
DM: You have had 3 sets of submissions already. When you first did it, what were some of the things that were highlighted in regards to what did and didn’t work? T: We put the submissions callout to some of our partners such as Jumbo Records, BBC Introducing (in both Leeds and York) as well as a couple of others. We got some really strong submissions as a result and I guess a lot seemed to be indie focused. I want this to be more representative of the region and in the early stages we weren’t getting enough artists from all genres. Sure we could have gone with it, but I didn’t want this project to be pigeonholed as just indie rock. Another thing is that those days a lot of the interest came from people within Leeds city centre area, so I wanted to extend our outreach to a much wider area, to include places such as Barnsley, Harrogate, Wakefield and York. DM: With recent years seeing the Yorkshire area really blossom and become a hub of activity for new music, what does it feel like knowing CPWM are contributing to that uprising?
MUSIC in the same position as they once T: For me there is so much good material coming from this region, were. What I am trying to avoid is people working with us whose and I feel it I can do my part only expectation is to to celebrate and shout I want this to have a vinyl created about it, that can be more representaand go their separate only be a good tive of the region ways. thing as it helps to enrich the reI really want to establish DM: What does gion even more. CPWM as a respected brand a typical day in your life look like? DM: What are that people trust every your main ambitime we have a release T: To be honest, these days I work tions for where you around my kids, I am want to take CPWM? really not starting work until T: I really want to establish about 7pm. At the moment there CPWM as a respected brand that is a lot of work going on to get people trust every time we have vinyl ready for release as it can be a release. I want it to stand on its a long process. We have three difown two feet and to take artists we work with around the country. ferent releases at different stages. I am also getting ready for our next In addition this year I really want launch in a few week time, getting to push forward with the mencontracts and masters organised toring side of things. I speak to a for the next one as well as just lot of young guys and ladies who starting to get submissions in for are all very bright in respects of what they want, so its about giving our September release. As you can imagine it takes a lot of juggling. them that extra support to help them reach their full potential. DM: When it comes to a launch or even working with an artist – DM: When you are working with artists, from a management do you make time that sit down point of view what are the quali- discussion? T: Always! Part of the submission ties you are looking for? process is we ask the artists “how T: It needs to look and feel like a will you work with us to promote partnership. The ones that work the release?”. However I like to go well are the ones that take on the further and have a phone call or a advice. I don’t pretend to be an sit down more than once to make expert, especially as I have only sure everyone is on the same page. been in this industry for 3 or 4 years, but there are some good strong people around me that are. If we can help to build those artists we take on, I would like to think that within time they will return to us to help be a mentor to those artists who are
DM: How important is it how an artist put themselves across on social media? T: Really important. Its vital they understand we are doing things in a certain way for good reason – to develop their audience. We do look at how these artists are using social media, how they communicate, what their main platforms and outreach is like. DM: Anyone considering putting in a submission next time round, what advice would you offer? T: Even if you in doubt still go for it. I always encourage artists if they have been turned down before to still come back and try again. Also just be honest. I want to see some evidence of a future plan. DM: What makes Come Play With Me for you personally, exciting to be part of? T: I just love working with different artists which reflect different parts of the music scene. I don’t care if they are already the biggest artists, I just want to help spread the word locally as well as nationally and celebrate the journey everyone has taken together.
Links: http://cpwm.co/
Article by Thushara
DANCE TO THE RADIO
Dance to the Radio
Legendary Leeds label Dance To The Radio are back and have announced the return of their 4x12” vinyl compilation series with a new release scheduled for the 21st of April, just in time for Record Store Day. The Leeds label, who have released records from bands like iForward Russia! I Like Trains & Grammatics announced its return in 2016 with a new album from The Pigeon Detectives. Dance To The Radio’s hugely influential Compilations have included singles from the likes of Pulled Apart By Horses, Esben & The Witch, Three Trapped Tigers, The Sunshine Underground, Sky Larkin, Paul Thomas Saunders and Das Racist. However, for Dance To The Radio, the focus is not on the past, but the futue. For the first instalment of the newly revived format, four Yorkshire artists will be stepping up to contribute a single. Self-styled Trash punk trio Dead Naked Hippies will lead the release followed by the psychedelic mad-men of FLING who will be performing at the Brudenell Social Club on Monday 23rd January following Steve Lamacq’s live broadcast from the venue as part of Independent Venue Week. Making up the second half of the compilation is the brilliant & gloomy electronic pop of singer and producer LAMIA and arty odd-ball recluses The Tiny Minds from the deepest darkest corners of the Yorkshire Pennines.
Sally Bryant, the new A&R Representative for Dance To The Radio explains what the label has in store: “The return of the Dance to the Radio 4x12” compilation is a really exciting thing for new music. I can’t wait for these artists to make their own mark on the city’s brilliant music scene. We’re really looking forward to unearthing the next set of great artists in our city.” Long serving label boss Colin Oliver echoes this sentiment “We’re really pleased to be bringing back the DTTR compilation releases in 2017. We want to help promising artists from the region, and all our releases over the past decade have been about that. Now we’re looking to help the next generation of the Yorkshire music scene and beyond, we need to shout more about the talent we have in the North!” To celebrate the release of this compilation, each of the artists featured will host their own events in and around Leeds in collaboration with Dance To The Radio. Dead Naked Hippies will be curating shows in Leeds city centre, while Fling will launch a monthly residency at Milo, one of the cities most beloved rock bar’s, and The Tiny Minds will curate a show in their hometown’s own legendary venue, Hebden Bridge Trades Club. Expect to hear the first track from the compilation in the next few weeks.
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ANNOUNCE RETURN OF 4x12” COMPILATION SERIES
www.dancetotheradio.com /DanceToTheRadio @dttrlabel
music
Friday 30th June 7 - 11pm
Danny Howard to broadcast live
from hideout festival 2017 with bbc radio 1 BBC Radio 1 will be heading back to Europe’s leading electronic music festival to broadcast four hours of live music Host of BBC Radio 1’s Friday night dance programme and Saturday’s Dance Anthems, Danny Howard returns to Hideout to kick off a special four-hour live broadcast with fellow R1 Dance family member B. Traits. Based in Croatia, Hideout is one of Europe’s leading electronic music festivals. Listeners tuning into the broadcast can expect a diverse selection of fresh new material from upcoming and established artists, with sets from the likes of Dusky, Solardo, Skream and Eats Everything. The broadcast will run from 7pm – 11pm on Friday 30th June straight from Zcre Beach.
Danny Howard’s notable radio show Dance Anthems on BBC Radio 1 pulls in 1.2 million listeners every weekend; his growing popularity helped him to secure a coveted slot covering Annie Mac’s iconic Friday night dance show. Successfully running his label Nothing Else Matters, and embarking on a four-date UK club tour championing his favourite upcoming artists in March, Danny has established himself as a key tastemaker in the UK electronic scene.
/dannyhowarddj @DJDannyHoward /djdannyhoward
dead sea skulls Article by Thushara Answers by James Crutchley (Bass) Photo by Liam Oakes
Having first checked out their music thanks to a recommendation by one of my friends about a year ago, I have always enjoyed listening to Birmingham trio, Dead Sea Skulls. Consisting of Ashley Sheehan, Nick Crutchley and James Crutchley they are three of the coolest, stylish and down to earth people you will ever meet. We caught up with bassist James to find out what exciting plans these guys have in store for 2017! Darkus Magazine: Hi James, tell us a little about what the world of Dead Sea Skulls looks like these days? James: Hi, all is good in the hood. We are writing and recording some new material and generally keeping the house in order. DM: You will soon be heading out on the road for a tour, any updates on that, that you can share with Darkus? J: Well, at the moment there’s a few sporadic gigs in the pipe line, we are headlining Fleecetonbury festival pretty soon. Behind the scenes we are in the process of organising a fuller run of shows.
DM: Are there any places you always look forward to playing, that feel like a second home? J: We enjoy everywhere, we are the party so no matter where we play, we will be enjoying it. DM: As you enter the 2017 music scene, what are you most excited about? Do you have a good feeling about this year? J: We are looking forward to getting back out there on the stages and performing for everyone. We had a slight hiatus towards the end of 2016 as all 3 of us became busy in our own worlds. We are looking forward to bringing it all back together. DM: As a trio how do you think you complement each other? J: We complement each other well, no others can do what we are doing and it can be said that if any one of us was changed in the band it wouldn’t be the same. We all work on the same brain frequencies. Nick and myself are brothers and Ash is as close to a brother to us that could be possible, so the bond between the three of us is indomitable.
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DM: From your own experiences how have you found the UK music in regards to not just discovering new music, but also acknowledging emerging artists? J: Personally I think if you’re good enough to be heard, you will be. There will always be an “us and them” scenario in the music industry because if you’ve got enough money to be singed, you’ll get signed. Labels want self-sufficient kids who can afford to hang around and in return they can be paid with fame not money. But if you keep your head high and crack on with what feels good to you, eventually it might happen and if it doesn’t, at least you’ve had fun. Oasis were the last ‘real’ band to make it and it was on the cusp of a political revolution of the working class getting power, similar to what’s happening in todays world – so maybe music will be given back to the Working Class, too. I might add that I follow no political persuasion; I think they’re all mugs. DM: When it comes to creating new music, what are some of the influences you call upon when writing a new song? J: We are all influenced by completely different things. So that’s a tough one for me to answer! We just want to write tunes that you can sing along to and dance to. There’s no
point in writing something that’s technically amazing but boring? That’s not what Dead Sea Skulls is about. DM: When you are up on that stage performing at a show, what matters to you most? J: Nothing. We don’t sound check, we don’t rehearse and we usually turn up 10 minutes before we perform. We rely on nothing that someone or a venue has to provide as its always unreliable. As long as the three of us are there, that’s all that matters. We all know the game well enough that we don’t need anything. DM: For anyone discovering Dead Sea Skulls for the first time, where would be the ideal starting point? J: You’re best to come to a show really. There’s 3 EPs on Itunes etc. We just performed for Blackstar Amps down at their HQ, it was filmed and it’s on their Facebook page or it can be found on Youtube.
@deadseaskulls
by Kayley Cowey He left music and social media behind for a little while to go ‘into the wilderness’, but after breaking his social media silence by announcing he would be returning the first week of the new year sent fans into melt down. Promise kept and on January 7TH we were given not one, but two new tracks from the singer-songwriter – both of which have taken the charts by storm. Can it get any better? Yes, yes it can, now that the legend has released tour dates for his 2017 tour! The talent from Suffolk, known for his ginger hair and his song writing and singing with the occasional rapping, has been musically involved since a very young age through parental influence – Mr Sheeran, Mrs Sheeran, we thank you a lot! Sheeran started selling his music independently in 2005 on his own label before being signed to Atlantic Records in 2011. Later that year his career took off with his first two singles, ‘The A Team’ and ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’, both making the top 5 in the UK charts, closely followed by his debut album + which debuted in at number 1 in the UK album charts. Three years on, with a lot of work behind the scenes, Sheeran released his second album x which took the top spot in 11 countries and was best and fastest selling album of 2014 in the UK. ‘Sing’ was the first single to be released from the album and was Sheeran’s first number 1 UK single. Now with all that in such a small amount of time – plus the amount of touring he had done, worldwide – it can’t have come as much of a shock to many that Ed needed a break from music and social media. But Sheeran posted a screenshot of a note explaining his reasoning for his hiatus to his Instagram account which was snapped up quickly and announced across all radio stations and social media all around the globe. In true Sheeran style, a geeky little video was posted to the singer’s social media accounts where we see Ed holding paper with the words ‘new music coming Friday’ on January 1ST, potentially the best belated Christmas present for fans everywhere! Word kept, on the following Friday ‘Castle on the Hill’ and ‘Shape of You’ were both released alongside each other. Both singles have taken over the world, but when you release dual singles one is gonna top the other. Lucky for Sheeran, ‘Shape of You’ took the number 1 spot everywhere, with ‘Castle on the Hill’ just be-
hind in number 2. If that wasn’t enough to make the man a legend right now, he broke Spotify records with ‘Shape of You’ with the most ‘one week’ and ‘one day’ streams of a track all around the world, beating Drake and Adele; he also broke Apple records within the first 24 hours of the release of both singles, and to date, both singles have accumulated more than 370 million streams. Nice one Ed! After a couple of cracking weeks into 2017, Ed released the news of his new album ÷ which is set for release on March 3RD. The album is set to be ‘the best thing’ he has made this far and with the success of two singles over the course of a few weeks into the new year, are we wrong to assume that this album is going to be one of the greatest things we will ever hear? What better way to celebrate the release of an album than to go on tour … worldwide. Sheeran will be visiting the UK, Ireland, Europe, Mexico and the States up until June, starting the tour in March in Italy, around Europe before returning to the UK in April. The last time the ‘Drunk’ singer played in London was for his record-breaking success of a show at Wembley Stadium in July 2015, so I’m sure those shows in May will be highly anticipated and in high demand, just like all of his other dates, so make sure you grab your tickets on February 2nd. Just Thinking Out Loud here, but reflecting on his previous success in London back in July 2015 you’d be crazy to give this tour a miss! If you haven’t already seen it, you should maybe give the live DVD of ‘Jumpers for Goalposts’ a watch and you’ll get an insight to what one of his gigs is like and see what he gets up to off stage and how much effort is put into his tours from himself and his team. Oh, and did we mention that his Wembley gig broke records? He became the first artist to headline at the stadium without a band. Correct. Ed sold out the stadium three consecutive nights all because 240,000 fans wanted to see him, his loop pedal and guitars on stage. That is insane. So Ed brought along a treat for fans and collaborated with Sir Elton John – who knows who he might bring on this tour? After all, he has collaborated with the likes of Christina Perri, Rudimental and Taylor Swift. So go grab yourself some tickets and get ready to Sing! Here’s the dates...
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Tour Preview
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12 15 18 19 24 27
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Glasgow, SSE Hydro Liverpool, Echo Arena London, O2 Arena London, O2 Arena Birmingham, BarclayCard Arena Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
MAY 2 | Manchester, Manchester Arena MAY 5 | Leeds, First Direct Arena MAY 6 | Sheffield, Sheffield Arena
Having last featured in our 2016 collection series, we caught up with fabulous Bradford based band, Glass Mountain to see how this sensationally incredibly band has been progressing over recent months and also to see just what they have in store for their fans in 2017. With the music scene from West Yorkshire continuing to flourish, Glass Mountain are without a doubt one those bands that are playing a pivotal role in making the music scene in their region just that extra bit special. Darkus Magazine: Welcome back guys, how has life been treating you since we last spoke? William: Hello to you and thank you for checking up on us! We had a truly amazing 2016. Our Glacial EP was received so well, not just by the press but also by lots of people who saw us play live and then picked up the CD on the merchandise stall. It’s always nice when those new fans send us a message to say how much they enjoy the songs. For a new band, we played quite a lot of shows in 2016 and we rounded off the year with a run of dates supporting Embrace on their UK tour. It was an incredible experience playing to bigger audiences. The Embrace fans are very attentive and they seemed to really enjoy Glass Mountain. Embrace also very kindly invited us to share their big tour bus with them which meant that we were zig-zagging all over the UK in total comfort, like actual real life rock stars! DM: Bearing in mind all the
incredible work we saw from you last year, particularly your debut EP Glacial, do you feel that you are stepping into 2017 in a position of strength? W: We’re really happy with how the new songs are both flowing well and turning out. We’re still a new band and fine-tuning our sound, but then again I hope that’s always the case – that we keep evolving musically and don’t start treading water. DM: You have a new single COWBOY SONG | MORE THAN THIS due for release in March. It is still a good few weeks away, but what are the excitement levels like right now for that? W: We’re so proud of Cowboy Song. Writing the song was a very natural process and yet capturing that in the studio was a real challenge and at times incredibly frustrating, to the point where we’d finished it and thought we were all happy. Then two weeks later, we scrapped all of it and completely
re-recorded it from scratch. Fortunately, now, we couldn’t happier or more proud. The song is about living life as fearlessly as possible; being prepared to fail and learn from mistakes rather than avoiding doing things in case you make a mess of it. It’s also about trusting not only your instinct but trusting other people, even total strangers. The media has a knack of conditioning us to trust no one, living in fear that everyone’s psychotic or evil when in actual fact the world is full of amazing people who selflessly perform acts of amazing and profound kindness and bravery every day. We’re here for a short time, so it’s better to just throw yourself into doing challenging things and making as many friends as you can along the way. And More Than This is a cover version of the Roxy Music Song from the 1980s. Our favourite film is Lost in Translation [starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson]. There is a scene where they’re both sat in a Tokyo karaoke bar and a
MUSIC very drunk Bill Murray sings the song to Scarlett. It really resonated with us and so we decided to record a Glass Mountain version of it. In stark contrast to Cowboy Song, it took only about three hours from start to finish to record and mix it. DM: You’re playing a number of support shows over the coming weeks; what would you say Glass Mountain will bring to those shows? W: We’re supporting One Sided Horse at a homeless benefit concert in Leeds. We’ve played with them before and the two bands do compliment each other very well. Mark the One Sided Horse singer has this huge, booming Scott Walker-esque delivery that totally fills the room, and their songs are deeply personal and intense. It’s jaw dropping watching them do it live. Amazingly, we’ve also been invited to support the legendary space-rock band Hawkwind at Leeds University. They’re a band
with amazing history [Lemmy from Motorhead was in Hawkwind many decades ago]. They have a very loyal army of fans, so we’re hoping that they’ll be receptive to our music. We have a new song that’s almost finished and we feel that the Hawkwind crowd will get it, so we’re keen to play that because it’s a bit more ‘out there’ for us with complex rhythms and a couple of time signature curve balls to keep us on our toes! DM: As creative people, when do you feel you are at your most inspired? W: That’s a very good question! Sometimes the ideas come when we are all together in the room with our instruments, but more often the big moments of creative clarity – the answers to those probing and awkward questions that songs like to present to you as you try to write them – they come flooding in at 4 in the morning! They wake you up with a huge jolt, and you have to act on that
jolt there and then, which usually involves dragging yourself out of bed to a guitar or piano, turning on a tape recorder or the voice recorder in your mobile phone and simply letting the ideas out of your head and onto tape. Once you’ve got the ideas out, you are then allowed to sleep, and you can then listen back in the morning to see if the idea is even any good. Fortunately, so far, these nocturnal musical adventures have been paying off. I think the creative brain is at its most powerful when the conscious part of your brain is not telling itself to be creative. When the mind is resting, the tiny ideas can get through and be heard and counted. And sometimes the most delicate, fragile idea is the one that grows the tallest, or can run the furthest. DM: Having supported on the full Embrace tour in December last year, what do you think you learned most from that? W: Well it was 7 consecutive dates
DM: Having supported on the full Embrace tour in December last year, what do you think you learned most from that? W: Well it was 7 consecutive dates so there was no day off, which is quite intense for touring bands and their road crews. So we learned that going to bed [and not staying up all night drinking gin] is a good idea. We learned that touring is the most fun you can have as a band. You see a new city every day, so it’s vital to see as much of it as you can, eat well and take walks. You also learn which band members are early risers and which ones can sleep like cats! Embrace and their brilliant crew were very kind to us. It was our first ever tour and we were spoilt, living on a tour bus with TVs, fridges, bunks, a bathroom etc. And it meant we were playing to much bigger audiences every night too. We began to miss it as soon as we got home. DM: When playing to a new crowd, how important is it to make good first impressions whilst also ensuring that you stay true to the ethos of your band? W: We always try to make a great first impression. First impressions tend to cling in people’s minds so even if one of us is poorly or having a really rough day for whatever reason, it’s important that for those 30 – 40 minutes we’re on stage, that we give it all we’ve got. Not all gigs will go perfectly. Four human beings and piles of musical equipment – things will occasionally go wrong. But we know we are there to engage with the audience and entertain them. We’ll always do that on our own terms. We don’t like being told ‘Oh, you should say this’ and ‘Why don’t you say that’. We trust our gut in-
stincts and do our own thing. An audience can tell if you’re putting on an act and not being true to yourself. And let’s face it, if you can’t get on stage for 30 minutes and be yourself, then there’s no hope really! DM: What is your vision for the coming year as Glass Mountain? W: The things we’re fully in control of, like writing and releasing songs and making videos, and playing shows, we have a plan in place. We are going to release at least three singles. Cowboy Song will be the first one in March. Each single release will come with a new issue of GHOSTS, which is our Glass Mountain 16-page zine. We figured that in this world of digital downloads and virtual product, we as a band all love physical products like books, records, CDs and even the humble cassette tape. So we made issue #1 of GHOSTS to coincide with the Embrace tour as a way of introducing their fans to Glass Mountain. It was a very cut and paste affair with scissors, Sellotape and our heads in the clouds. Issue #2 will contain a CD of Cowboy Song / More Than This. Each zine will have some fun stuff to read, some [hopefully] interesting facts, some strong photography and a Glass Mountain recipe for either a meal or a cocktail! Gig wise, we have a run of dates for the Cowboy Song single in March and we’re busy looking at festivals for the summer. We’re shooting the Cowboy Song video mid January in the North York Moors, Whitby and Spurn Point. There are mutterings about a Glass Mountain trip to Chicago in
the summer to play some shows and do a live TV session, fingers crossed but it’s pie in the sky at the moment. At the end of 2017, we’ll put the Glacial EP plus all the songs from 2017 into a deluxe vinyl package because we often get asked why we haven’t pressed vinyl. And we really don’t have a good enough excuse not to, so we decided to just get on with it! Article By Thushara Answers By William Sand [bass / keyboards / backing vocals]
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Links: http://www.glassmountainband.com/ https://www.instagram.com/glass.mountain https://www.facebook.com/glassmountain/ https://twitter.com/glassmountainuk
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HAWKWIND Having a incredible journey in music over the past 50 years which has seen numerous changes and a catalogue of remarkable music, the legendary HAWKWIND have announced that they will be releasing a new album, Into The Woods as playing a number of shows, some yet to be announced over this coming year. We spoke to founding member, Dave Brock to discover a little bit more about HAWKWIND past, present and future. Darkus Magazine: Happy 2017 Dave, are you enjoying the start of 2017? Dave: It has gone really well, we are on course, so it could be worse. DM: Fantastic news about the new album Into The Woods which comes out later this year. What have you enjoyed most about working on the record? D: This will be the first album that our current bass player will be doing with us. It was really fun
to work on, and in some respects it didn’t feel as regimented as the other albums we have worked on. DM: Over the years HAWKWIND has seen many changes, how important and easy is it to remain focused especially when the world around you is changing in more ways than one? D: We have had the same band line up for 8 years now which shows just how well we work together. We also believe in the
importance of protecting wildlife and taking care of animals. DM: March this year will see you take your music on the road, including Leeds University Refectory. For you what are the main hopes for your time on the road? D: Definitely not to get a bad cold. Last year our keyboardist got ill, so when your travelling together its only a matter of time till it spreads especially if you don’t look after your body properly while on the road. At the end of the day whole point of touring is to go on stage, so its important when you are up there you are giving it 100%. The good thing though is that we are all vegan, so it tends to assist with helping us to eat healthy. DM: Being regarded as The
tivals, have there been any in particular which you will always cherish the most? D: The funny thing is when you go on to the likes of Ebay you will see people put signed Platinum Framed disks on sale, saying that they were signed by us or something. And for a moment you are like, ‘hang on where are our gold discs’ haha! Festival wise though I would probably say that the ones in Europe always bring great memories. Another good memory is whenCaptain of the ship by many fans, what are the extra responsibilities which come with leading HAWKIND that people may underestimate? D: You have to direct what is going on in some respects and always have to be on the case in terms of organisation, recognising opportunities. We have a lot of support around us too which is good, so it always feels like one big family. DM: Having started your love of music through the art of Busking, how did you think that helped you with the years that followed? D: It has helped a lot. I first started playing on the streets of London near the subways – be it winter or summer I would still play regardless. In a way it was a good way of teaching me the value of hard work when it comes to music. DM: In the 50 years you have been together as a band, what is the biggest lesson you have learnt about yourself? D: The importance of keep plugging away. We are a band that live for the times, but also know the value of planning ahead. DM: Having won numerous awards and played countless mind blowing shows and fes-
MUSIC ever we played the Sage in Gateshead – the people there from the staff to the fans are always so nice and give us a fantastic time. DM: What do you think the new record will teach the fans about the on-going evolution of HAWKIND over the years, and where you are at right now? D: Into The Woods is pretty much a fun album, and in some respects I would describe it as a vegan lunch. There is a lot of humour as well as plenty of variety. When
you’re making an album you need to make it count, so I think this new album is 70 minutes of pure entertainment. It is also a step in the right direction and shows our fans how we continue to move forward.
IT ALWAYS FEELS LIKE ONE BIG FAMILY Links: www.hawkWE ARE A BAND THAT wind.com Article By Thushara LIVES FOR THE Answers By Dave Brock (Vocals/Guitar) TIMES
Having released their debut record, ‘Landmarks’ back in 2016, 4 piece Hippo Campus are one of those bands who are going to make 2017 their own. We caught up with band member Nathan Stoker to discover more about the bands outlook for the year ahead. Darkus Magazine: Welcome to Darkus Magazine gents. Tell us a little bit about how life has been treating you lately – has it been your friend? Nathan: I’m hungover and want to die. Just finished up our first headlining UK tour and the shows were rad. readying ourselves for the album drop. DM: In February you will be releasing your debut album. For anyone that listens to it – do you think it gives them a good first impression of what they can expect when they become part of the world of Hippo Campus?
N: There is no world of hippo campus. We’re just four dudes trying to sort ourselves out in the singular world comprised of many individuals. And that is what the album is representative of. First impressions are important, but we
can’t expect or demand that people understand right away. DM: What did you enjoy about working on the album?
N: We learned a bit more about our process. There was a lot of breaking down and rebuilding that we hadn’t been able to explore with the previous EP’s. We had a lot more time to work on things. Recording down by the Mexican border in Texas was an incredible experience as well. Usually, there’s no one thing that takes the cake; rather a culmination of small tidbits. DM: Much of February and March will see you heading to the USA – have you thought about you will be packing to take with you? N: A wide assortment of oils,
MUSIC briefs, papers, pens, and heat. DM: What are you most excited about the US tour? N: The live show experience cannot be traded. Producing a moment onstage that can be remembered and reflected upon is ethereal and generates an excitement unlike anything else. DM: You have already gained a lot of praise from the likes Annie Mac, Zane Lowe to name but a few. When having any of your material played across the airwaves what goes through your head? N: We’re grateful people take the time to listen. It’s usually hard to balance names and who’s who/ what’s what. In the end, another person listening is a job well done. DM: Have you got any other plans after the US tour, of what else you want to do this year? N: Our summer is shaping up. Most of our year is going to depend on how the record does when released. We choose to take it day by day. Our aspirations are alive and well. DM: The upcoming album has been described as a coming of age record for all of you. As four men was it always a smooth process when it came to the song writing especially as these songs are quite personal to you? N: No. that cliché about breaking eggs and omelettes is undeniably true. “Pride is the downfall of man” comes to mind as well. It’s never easy, and it’s not always smooth. we don’t expect it to be. I’m not sure if our gender changes the fact that the four of
us are working for the sake of a single entity, and not ourselves. of course, our personal wellbeing is not to be ignored, but sacrifice is necessary. it sounds bleak, but we believe it. DM: Would it be fair to say that there is much more to Hippo Campus than meets the eye? N: Just like anything else. we embrace the knowledge that we are constantly evolving and growing as human animals. That could mean different things to different folks. We’d hope someone would pay attention to the work we do and realize that stagnancy is not an option for us. we see no value in doing what’s been done before. We accept growth and change as
alienating characteristics, especially when it’s applied to what we do and the music industry, whatever that is. DM: For any new fans out there what are the other good starting points that they can go to for discovering more about you? N: The internet seems to be their best bet. it’s full of lies, but if one digs around enough, I’m sure they could find some truth. Links: www.hippocampusband.com Article By Thushara Answers By Nathan Stoker
April 2017 will see the first ever Hit The North Festival to come to Newcastle Upon Tyne. What I love about living in this region, especially over the past few years is how the music scene continues to excel, so the arrival of Hit The North will certainly enrich the North East even more. Run by SSD Concerts, Hit The North will see multiple different venues working together all in the name of live music. Wanting to discover more about this new venture, Darkus Magazine caught up with the festivals organiser and front man, Steve Davis for an exclusive chat. Darkus Magazine: What gave you the idea for Hit The North? Steve: Looking around the UK festival circuit it seemed like every other major city had a festival whose sole purpose was for the celebration and discovery of new music. We wanted to give music fans in Newcastle and the sur-
rounding areas of the North an outlet in which they could watch their favourite artists and discover some new bands all under the individual back drop the of Northern City. We wanted to put Newcastle and the North on the map as a serious contender in terms of the UK live music scene.
DM: As an active part of the north music scene, what is it you love about live music here in Newcastle Upon Tyne? Steve: There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a Geordie crowd. The buzz and excitement of watching a great live show the Toon (and the occasional chant of ‘Shearer’) is something I’ve not quite seen replicated in other cities. Plus you can’t beat the Northern hospitality – we’re a friendly bunch of gig goers. DM: With this being the first ever Hit The North, how is preparation going? Steve: Preparations are going well.
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It’s all systems go in Hit The North HQ. Our team are working round the clock, gearing up for our second wave of announcements and scheming up some surprises for festival. Watch this space. DM: When you were looking for artists to be part of the line-up, what were the some of the winning factors? Steve: We wanted a mix of new and established talent to fill the festival bill. We tried hard to book acts bands which we found exciting. Some of the acts on the bill we’ve worked with before and been blown away by their live performances. Returning acts like The Hunna, The Magic Gang or Jaws, who all smashed Newcastle on their last turns here. We also wanted to give an opportunity for some local artists to gain some time in the spotlight. DM: Hit The North works across a number of the cities vibrant music venues, are there any
places in particular you are most excited teaming up with? Steve: We’re thrilled to have our main venue as the 02 Academy Newcastle, the venue celebrated it’s 10th Birthday in 2015 and has seen many local and acts rise to success upon it’s stage. We’re also excited about our more intimate venues like The Jazz Café and The Mining Institute which have some real historical footing in Newcastle’s music scene. There are some cool spaces on board so we’ve very excited to have them all. DM: Already having done a number of successful events via SSD Concerts, how does it feel knowing Hit The North, is helping to keep live music alive here in the region? Steve: I doubt that anything could ever keep live music down in the region, however we’re very passionate about what we do as SSD Concerts and we pour our heart and soul into evolving live music
in the region. We couldn’t be happier with the response to Hit The North so far. DM: For everyone this will be a new experience, so what is the best way for them to truly embrace the Hit The North experience? Steve: To fully embrace Hit The North I would suggest getting yourself a ticket for our pre-festival party MEET THE NORTH, which will be taking place on Thursday 27th April. This will gain you access to an expansive showcase of rising Northern artists from all over the North of England. In addition to this we’ve got an extremely exciting headliner to be announced to kick of the festival in style. MEET THE NORTH tickets will be sold at a discounted price to customers who hold a ticket for Hit the North on Friday 28th April. To find out more about Hit The North, head over to www.hitthenorthfestival.com Article By Thushara Answers By Steve Davis
Into The Ark consisting of duo Dane Lloyd and Taylor Jones from Blackwood in Wales, are ones to watch this year as they give us a refreshing twist to acoustic music. We caught up with Dane to find out a little bit more about the vision, journey and world of Into The Ark. Darkus Magazine: Hi guys, tell us a little bit about how Into The Ark began? Dane: I guess it began officially two years ago. That’s when we came up with the name, saved some money for recordings and decided to start playing our own songs. Before then we met up for some busking and the odd show, we were basically just waiting for Taylor to turn 18 so we could get on the road and do some travelling. DM: For anyone who has not discovered you yet, how would you best describe the band? D: I would say its acoustic music with folk, soul and blues influences. DM: One of the songs you have out at the moment, which I must say is very catchy and beautiful on every dimension, is ‘My Ghost’. How easy did you find it trying to demonstrate the same emotion and message you had in the studio when it came to actually making the music video? D: Why thank you! Well in all honesty we get pretty nervous being in front of a camera so we tried to perform exactly like we would if we were playing at a gig in the hope that we capture the same emotions. DM: What have you got planned for 2017? D: Hopefully more of the same! We release two singles last year (2016) - we plan to do more writing, then we’ll release more tracks - but mainly we’ll be getting back in the old VW van and start making our way around the UK touring again! DM: You have been friends for quite a long time, and have shared many experiences through music as well as life in general. How do you think you both complement each other? D: I think musically we compliment each other because our voices work in completely different ways, Taylor has this thick soulful voice and I sound like a girl (basically) haha! But it does give it quite a haunting old school sound, which is exactly what we’re after. As mates we’re always messing about so there’s never a dull moment… DM: We have seen in the past 18 months a rise in incredible artists from the Welsh music scene, how does it feel knowing that Into The Ark are now part of that mix too? D: Amazing! It’s pretty cool to be fair, we love seeing folk from close to home doing well... goooo on WAAAALESSS!!
INTO THE ARK
Article by Thushara, Answers by Dane Lloyd
MUSIC DM: Many have described your sound as Acoustic Soul – in your mind what does that entail? D: Well it would be hard to only label it as ‘acoustic soul’. There are lots of heavy influences from folk, blues and hip hop for sure. The hardest part of our journey as a band was probably finding the balance between it all. I’d like to say its Taylor’s voice that brings the most soul out in the tracks and the folk element comes from the melodic guitar parts. DM: Where do your influences come from especially during the creative process? D: Our biggest musical influences come from (naming a few) Otis Redding, Bon Iver, Ray Lamontagne … If we reflect their music even a bit, we are doing something right! Lyrically, we just try to tap in to what’s going on around us. The last 2 years we’ve had, we’ve hardly been home so it’s been quite an adventure. It’s kept the writing side of things very fresh. DM: Do you think people can underestimate the beauty that comes from the world of Busking? D: Yes I do. I think its an awesome place to try out new songs, really work on your craft. The great thing about it is no one has to listen, it’s not a gig they have paid to see and its not one type of crowd either. So even if a few people are stopping you are onto a win. It takes balls to busk, so I think if you can do that, you’ll smash it in a nice warm venue! DM: How do you think those early years together have helped to bring you to where you’re at right now as musicians? D: I think it has helped us incredibly, playing live is slowly becoming second nature now. I wouldn’t say we don’t get nervous anymore, because we do. I think the most we have learnt about is the industry...so my advice to anyone would be: play what you love and play it everywhere! DM: Where is the best place to start for anyone who wants to find out more about Into The Ark? D: Our website! intothearkofficial. com - this has links to everything we do online. And if you stream - we’re on Spotify, Deezer, Apple and so on... thanks a lot!
Let us introduce you to up and coming future-funk artist Jodie Abacus. Having had a sensational few months, 2017 will be a year where he really will really continue to grow from strength to strength. We caught up with incredible man himself to discover a little more about his hopes and vision for the year ahead. Darkus Magazine: Welcome to Darkus, Jodie. 2016 was quite an amazing year for you, right? Jodie: An absolutely surreal and fantastic adventure, Darkus! DM: Many have described your music as future-funk. In your mind is that a fair description or is there much more to the music of Jodie Abacus than initially meets the eye? J: To be honest, I just want the music that I make to be whatever it wants to be, what’s really important first and foremost is that it is honest and enjoyable and it hits home and gets the intent across or for you to question it. DM: What are your main hopes for how you want to grow as an artist in 2017? J: I want to be a better singer and songwriter. I want to make better
MUSIC music, I want to be as great and prestigious as artists such as Adele and Ed Sheeran. I want to be part of this British wave of music alongside those guys at the same time. I would like to know that whatever I think in my head, I can also hold in my hands. DM: You will be releasing some new music very soon to welcome the year in style. What do you think it will show your fans about where you are right now? J: That I’m capable of being consistent and to show the music can be dynamic. I have a lot of stories to tell. DM: You have played at events such as the Secret Garden Party, Love Box, V Festival to name but a few. What did you enjoy most about those experiences? J: Everyone’s very happy… I can’t imagine why?...I just really appreciate the fact that I’m doing all this… the festivals were great, last
year gave me the opportunity to see fans singing my songs back to me, and to see crowds grow and grow as I got through the year. DM: When it comes to music and the song writing process, what are your biggest motivators? J: How I’ve lived my life, I’ve been a bit of an adventurer over the years. I have been in traumatic situations with the notion that I know that I only have one life to live this purpose. What better way to document parts of your life but in song… DM: Any other plans for 2017? J: I want to succeed. That is the plan I have…oh and maybe going to my cousin’s wedding in Mauritius…the invitation is on the top of my fridge. DM: For anyone just starting to discover you, where would be a good starting point? J: Hmm?…I’d say follow me on all my social media …My Instagram,
YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat, so you can get a grip of what’s going on in my world. DM: Would it be fair to say the music you create is where you are at your most happiest, alive and free? J: It’s what I love - it makes me happy to know that I have these powers to make other people happy. DM: What makes 2017 an ideal year for people to invest in the world of Jodie Abacus? J: I have an album coming out this year which I hope to be proud of ;) I hope that the world will love it too. Links: www.jodieabacus.co.uk Facebook: jodieabacus Twitter: @JodieAbacus Instagram: @ jodieabacus Article By Thushara
John Hassall & The April Rainers: Intercity 125 John Hassall’s 60s revival project The April Rainers has inevitably made headway in partial thanks to his name. However, as a marked step away from The Libertines, the band seems to have cultivated its following by tapping into a demand for summery nostalgia that has grown slowly in various forms over the last decade. John Hassall’s 60s revival project The April Rainers has inevitably made headway in partial thanks to his name. However, as a marked step away from The Libertines, the band seems to have cultivated its following by tapping into a demand for summery nostalgia that has grown slowly in various forms over the last decade. ‘Intercity 125’ is not a massive leap from last year’s single ‘Given Time’, continuing the cherry-picking of things that shaped Yeti. The Beatles vibe of last Autumn is toned down a little bit, but the spacey, psychedelic bridge halfway through shows that the mind-set is still fixated on a particular sound or era. Somewhere along the line, the
Give Em Enough Rope direction of Yeti fell off with the latest venture, and the resulting creation pays far more attention to harmonising, melody and structure. The lilting rhythms of ‘Intercity 125’ pull attention, but distract a little from the content of the lyrics. A certain progression, however, the track suggests good things for upcoming album Wheels To Idyll, fixing the gap between the cherished groups of
yesteryear and the contemporary indie bands that grew up listening to Dad’s CDs. One to watch. Article By James Reynolds
Johnossi
announce new album ‘Blood Jungle’ & more!
Johnossi have announced the release of their latest album Blood Jungle, which will be released February 17th through Polydor. Blood Jungle is the album that sees them step into the international spotlight and the band are set for a takeover with an album that is bigger, bolder and brighter than their previous rock fuelled sound. One listen to the album and it’s clear that Johnossi’s time has come – you can feel the hunger for new adventures and the drive to make a great musical leap forward. Don’t get me wrong, existing fans will be more than satisfied, however, the new album is an open invitation to newcomers and its stretching out a very inviting hand. With the fresh sounds of Blood Jungle, Johnossi are effectively making a second debut, coursing with new electricity in their veins and that is evident in the sound and the video for Air Is Free. Air Is Free boasts a triumphant horn arrangement,
Blood jungle is a shining beacon of nerve and ambition, and so it should be, because for the first time, Sweden’s best-kept secret is going global as Blood Jungle is being released worldwide. underpinned with both acoustic and electric strummed guitar, crossing effortlessly between rock and pop, with huge riffs and bold choruses. Once you make it to the chorus, the song simply soars. With biting twang and a middle section that contrasts the rest of the track, the ringing of piano chords draws the song effortlessly to a close. The music video for Air Is Free is an artistic journey as we follow a beautiful young woman in white, and always end up back in the woods as Johnassi perform in a quirky set up, sporting white also, and knocking out epic hair flips. It’s a new twist on an old cliché - and it works.
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The Swedish duo have also released a video for Weak Spots, a song with a more distinct rock influence and anchored with massive lead guitar. The video uses another tried and tested approach live shows. Using a live show as a video is always the perfect way to show new listeners what your band is really about - and remind fans why you are so awesome. The video for was filmed during their recent headline show in front of 10,000 fans at Gröna Lund, Stockholm. Weak Spots is a booming, stadium-sized rock anthem, which features electrifying performances from commanding frontman John Engelbert and hardhitting drummer Oskar “Ossi” Bonde. The video proves what an amazing duo the lifelong friends are and it will come in handy as the band steps out onto the cut-throat world stage to issue a rallying call to new fans far and wide. After playing shows with the likes of Green Day,
Dates and tickets can be found here www.johnossi.com/tour-dates/ success has pushed themselves further and further into the future. With their upcoming EP being released tomorrow, will this help keep the old fans attached whilst drawing new ones in? Find out and witness history in the making as the band embark on their first international tour. Article By Lauren Boden
Jonas Blue: Ministry Of Sound 28th January 2017 The day Jonas Blue announced his headline show at Ministry of Sound was a huge surprise for me. “I need to go” I told my editor. If you’re wondering, yes! I am a huge fan and been following his steps ever since he started doing music. So I am here now standing in the middle of the crowd, trying to make my way to the front. I want to be as close as possible. I want to experience is entrance and go crazy when he touches his mixer. Tonight is going to be special. Jonas Blue has been nominated for two BRIT’s and the vibe is high. The crowd, well, we are pumped up already. We’ve been dancing for a couple of hours already to the sound of People from Ibiza’s DJs Tom Zanetti with K.O. Kane as well as Alex Adair and Wankelmut. It’s almost 1.30 in the morning when the lights go down and to the notes of his newest single By
Your Side, Jonas Blue appears on stage. Two shots and the Box is full of white confetti mixed with
laser lights. The crowd goes wild and so do we. By Your Side is definitely a sing along. The en-
MUSIC ergy is high, the vibe is relaxing but people are dancing to the remix of different tracks originally mastered by the DJ. It’s time for another smash-hit, probably unexpected. Jonas Blue delights the crowd with his own version of Closer, originally performed by The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey. It’s time for more confetti in the air, more sing-along, more crazy atmosphere. “London, thank you for being here tonight” Jonas Blue introduces himself to the sold-out venue. The crowd goes wild again. Red and neon green lights are coming out the stage shooting towards the ceiling. What a year has been for Jonas Blue, in less than a year he managed to reach over 1 million-streams on Spotify with just three tracks, as well as two nominations at the BRIT’s, a performance at Capital FM’s Jingle Bell Ball in London and we’re sure there’s more to come.
“Playing Ministry of Sound is a dream for me, I used to go when I was younger to see my favourite DJ’s playing and now I am here playing that venue. It’s crazy.” It is and he’s not disappointing. It’s time for another smash-hit single. The one everyone’s been waiting for all night. His re-imagination of Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car, the single who made him famous. Fast Car spent 11 weeks in the UK Top 10, and sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Of course he’s not stopping there. To entertain the crowd right after Fast Car is Perfect Strangers. The crowd goes even crazier. The energy is even higher. The song, which has been certified Platinum and Gold across the world has now surpassed 1 billion streaming across the globe. There’s more confetti in the room, and cannon of steamed water. The temperature is going up and so is the set itself.
“I hope you’re having fun London” the DJ continues. “Let’s have some fun together”. If there’s one thing we’re sure is, Jonas Blue knows how to hold a crowd and make it go wild. Which is why he plays music. “People come to my shows to have fun, to enjoy the music. That’s why I make music” he recently told Smoke Mag. “It’s still surreal to know people listen to what I make in the studio, I never stop because I like it and I want to make my fans happy”. We don’t know what the future holds for Jonas Blue, we’re sure though, tonight was just a little taste of an artist who’s destined to become bigger and bigger and we’re here to wait and dance to his tracks as well as to another unforgettable night like this. Article By Sal Fasone
A . L
i m a l Sa
Probably one of the most inspirational rising musicians around, Lookman Adekunle Salami, better known as L.A Salami is one of those guys who truly shows us what it means to create music with depth and meaning. Having heard some of his material online, I found myself being instantly captivated so knew it was only right therefore to find out more and see what his plans were to embrace 2017!
Darkus Magazine: Tell us a little bit about the world of L.A Salami at present? L.A Salami: Weeell, my my, my god... an obligatory row of poison fangs the length of the galaxy and the height of a man have surrounded the intellect and sovereignty of the atom since the 1920s... the at Ooom... a tom... the mover’s appetite was pulling a tom... um... um... In the meantime, I, merely a man, lost in sleep deprivation, self doubt and godlike narcissism, stutters leakily on. Oooomm... Excuse me, this man has the wrong accent! On where? On how? On tour and on to the next – recording, and painting and sowing and such; Life is better than it was not so long ago. DM: Congratulations on your first album, Dancing With Bad Grammar, which was released back in June 2016 – how happy are you with the response it gained? L.A Salami: On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being depressed and 10 being Kanye West: Dyscalculia. DM: As debut albums go, what
do you think the record says about you as an artist? L.A Salami: It says he has something to say... But that’s just what I’d say personally, but maybe the less said about it from me the better... You know what I’m saying? DM: Are you excited for not just 2017, but what exists beyond? L.A Salami: Yes! SXSW, Great Escape and many more are on the menu! YUM – Numm – Eat the scene... Recording 2nd Album, also known as album TWO, AS SOON AS POS – April’s the plan – Out later that year: It’s called BACK TO THE CITY. Recording album length EP that’ll be out before that – Might be in one part, might be in three – I might get lucky: It’s called LOOKMAN & the BOOTMAKERS (...part1, part2, part3... Hopefully maybe...) Hip Hop group? Yeah – The Unscene Supper Klub aka T.U.S.K – Made up primarily of me and members of band Francobollo, who also happen to currently make up my backing band, who
I call The Bootmakers. See the connect? Papa Stokely’s Revival will also be hitting screens near you soon. DM: Would it be fair to say that there is more to L.A Salami than just the music? i.e. the beautiful artwork L.A Salami: Mother, She. I rarely ever skim the surface When I try to explain, Or even try to mention, that a lot can be said For barely speaking. And lord knows I chip away, With my hammer and nail. But anything written is hardly worth the ice it breaks. a lot of the time you miss the nail and
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Strike the thumb. And you don’t think anyone knows pain (...)like you do. We’d be just as well Nameless She and I. I wish I could say They were growing pains
But growing pains are grown out of, And the growing I’ve done Could be called Oscar worthy: “I’d like to thank my mum, And dad, And my Mum and Dad. Anyone who’s helped along the way. And of course, God. You’ve played a big part in all this, And I hate you for it.” Blame love. You’re only kept together by households And blood. But water seems just as fine to live by. DM: From the songs you have out at the moment, are there any in particular which would be the perfect introduction to anyone just starting to enter your world? L.A Salami: Day to Day (for 6 days a week) The Scene
& Bird I Wear This Because Life is War! DM: As a creative person, when do you feel you are strongest? L.A Salami: Alone. DM: Was it always easy to have the confidence to share your indepth lyrics to the fans? L.A Salami: It’s less about whether you have the confidence and more about whether you have to in order to feel fulfilled. To find out more about L. A Salami be sure to check out: LA SalamiVEVO LA Salami @LA Salami Article by Thushara
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LIVE AT LEEDS - 29th APRIL 2017 THE NORTH’S LEADING METROPOLITAN FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSIC http://www.liveatleeds.com/ https://www.facebook.com/liveatleedsofficial @liveatleedsfest Instagram - LIVEATLEEDSFEST #LAL2017 TICKETS ON SALE NOW - http://liveatleeds.com
The award-winning Live at Leeds festival has announced the first names for their 2017 festival, officially kicking off Summer’s huge festival season. After previously hosting the very best in new talent which saw Ed Sheeran play in front of a 100-person crowd at Leeds’ Cockpit 5 years ago and Sam Smith play in the Holy Trinity Church just three years ago, the festival was the first place to see Mumford & Sons, Clean Bandit, Bastille, The 1975 and Rudimental in Leeds before they all went on to top the charts.
Leading the announcement is raucous Punk duo Slaves who will be returning to Live at Leeds after their now infamous Brudenell Social Club headline show in 2015 with their newly released, Mike D of Beastie Boys fame produced, record ‘Take Control’. Joining them will be returning Leeds’ adopted sons Wild Beasts who will be performing at Live at Leeds hot on the heels of their acclaimed new record ‘Boy King’ and sold out two-night residency at Leeds’ famous Brudenell Social Club. Also appearing at the ground breaking metropolitan festival is Australian Psych-indie/dance band Jag-
war Ma, London gloom-rockers White Lies, and indie-poppers Teleman. Also playing are LeedsIndie Legends The Pigeon Detectives, who will release their eagerly anticipated new album, Broken Glances through resurgent Leeds record label Dance To The Radio early next year. Having long established itself as the best place to see the next big new band, Live at Leeds lives up to this reputation yet again with the addition of bands on the verge of making it big, like Norwich based teenagers Let’s Eat Grandma who recently appeared on Later... With Jools Holland alongside KT Tunstall to critical acclaim and Brighton’s Black Honey, who’s Guardian championed dark, slick and shoegaze guitar pop has been earning them an ever growing legion of fans. Also on the line-up is Birmingham’s Jaws, who’s fuzzy, blissed out Indie has seen them make waves this year, London four piece The Big Moon, fast rising Reading based rock band The Amazons and prolific Brighton pop quartet The Magic Gang. Live at Leeds is best known to audiences as a place to discover the next big thing and this year is no exception with an array of emerging talent and artists that reside in Yorkshire announced for the festival. Live at Leeds have an-
MUSIC nounced some of Yorkshire’s most exciting new bands to join The Pigeon Detectives on the bill. These include the hotly tipped psychrock of Team Picture, the subtle jazz tinged electronica of Lamia and Clay, the fast rising indie rock band that have filled some of the city’s best venues again and again Andy Smith, Head Booker Live at Leeds says: “‘We’re really excited to reveal the first bands for Live at Leeds 2017. It’s great to welcome back local heroes the Pigeon Detectives and Wild Beasts, its been 7 years since Wild Beasts last joined us. Alongside them is a plethora of exciting established and new breaking artists. Slaves re-join us after totally smashing the Brudenell Social Club in 2015. White Lies and Superfood return after lengthy stints away and keep an eye out for the Amazons, Blackwaters, Fangclub and Freak, all pressing forward with the new wave of guitar and punk music that encompasses what Live at Leeds is all about.” Matt Bowman, The Pigeon Detectives says: “Live at Leeds is a glorious inner-city celebration of live music (from the smallest fledgling bands in the dirtiest grungiest venues right up to the headlining super stars at Millennium Square)! It’s something for everyone, that belongs to all of us and we should be proud to be a part of it (both bands and punters). We should treat Live at Leeds as an institution and we must continue to hold it dear to our hearts.” Live at Leeds will take place on Saturday April 29th with hundreds more artists to be announced. Tickets on sale now from Lunatickets.co.uk, See Tickets, Crash and Jumbo Records.
Lewis Watson
Oxfordshire based singer-songwriter Lewis Watson is one of those emerging British musicians who is bringing a refreshing vibe to the UK music scene. With his new album, ‘Midnight’ and a string of live shows scheduled in coming weeks, it is safe to say that Lewis starts 2017 in an incredibly strong position. We took the opportunity to speak to Lewis to discover more about this remarkable and talented guy. Darkus Magazine: Hi Lewis, tell us a little bit about how these recent months have been for you? Lewis: Hello ! They’ve been busy, there’s a lot of work that goes into getting an album ready for release. mixing, mastering, artwork, lyrics, vinyl designs, thank you’s, booklets, pre-order bundles, etc. so it’s quite different to what I’m used to but it’s certainly got me excited !
honestly been quite smitten for a while now so the experience-tank has been low. Finding all of the above has really helped me discover how I feel about certain things, not only lyrically but sonically too. really pushes me out of my comfort zone but David Bowie always said that’s exactly where one wants to be, so I’ve taken the big guy’s advice !
DM: Are you ready and excited for your 2017? L: These last few months have been extremely exciting for me. It’s been 2 and a half years since I released my first record and so I’m itching to get this one out. We’ve spent a lot of time making sure that all of our ducks in a row and it’s getting close to release now. Can’t wait for people to hear what we’ve created and to be traveling and playing music all year!
DM: The next album, ‘Midnight’ is due for release in March, what was it like to working on the album? L: It was different but absolutely wonderful. My first record was released under a major label and things just didn’t really go as I’d hoped. I didn’t really have as much input as I felt I deserved as the artist and I feel like the campaign struggled a bit because of that. this record was done completely on my terms though, I found the producer I wanted to work with, the space in which we’d record, the mixing engineer, the band, the artwork, the production, etc. it all stems from me and who I surrounded myself with in the process. That is so exciting to me. I really feel like it’s enhanced - not
DM: What are some of the things which have and continue to help you evolve as an artist? L: Constantly finding new music, poetry, stories, artwork, etc. is really helping me at the moment. I tend to write music from my own personal experiences but I’ve
only the whole experience for me but the finished product. DM: You have already given the fans a few teasers of what to expect such as single ‘Little Light’. As it gets closer and closer to the official release what is going through your mind? L: I’m just so enthralled by it all! I was very anxious at first, these songs are a real evolution from my last album and I was scared that people wouldn’t enjoy them as much but love them! I’m itching to get the rest of the project out now! DM: As a singer-songwriter when do you feel most creative and inspired? L: Mostly at night, under lamplight and in the warm (a bottle of wine is optional but it helps!). I’ve always been a bit of a night owl and I find that I can really surround myself in a song when it’s dark and warm. It doesn’t always work but that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? DM: With this being the second album was there anything you wanted to do differently? L: I wanted to have a completely
MUSIC I TEND TO different WRITE MUSIC experiFROM MY OWN PER- ence SON and I EXPERIENCES did. The I FIND THAT I CAN REAL- first LY SURROUND MYSELF album IN A SONG WHEN was IT’S DARK AND recorded WARM over 2ish years, with 6/7 producers, in 7/8 different rooms and I just felt a bit of a disconnection to it. Now I’ll always love the album, I’ll never have another first album. However, it was a real Frankenstein of a record. This album is much more coherent, it’s more of a journey. It was done in 3 weeks, with one
producer and we were in a bubble the whole time. I loved it. DM: Looking back to the 16 year old Lewis Watson, how important were those early years for helping to shape your journey? L: Yeah, they were massive. I would not be here, doing this, if I hadn’t made that YouTube account and started doing those awful covers of my favourite songs! I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved and, although this is only the beginning, i feel like a lot of it stems from those early years. Definitely. DM: With a music scene which is always changing, was getting your music acknowledged always
an easy process? L: Not at all but I loved that, I loved that it was a challenge to grow my following. with that being said, I certainly got lucky with the timing of everything, singer/ songwriters were the trend when I started out so people were actively searching for new artists in that cloth. If I was a year either side, I think everything would be so different. DM: As well as the album being released in March, it will also be a month where you go back on tour. Would it be fair to say that playing live music is where you feel most at home? L: Definitely. I absolutely love playing my music live, going to bed on that high, waking up early and driving 4 hours to the next venue, being surrounded by some of my touring family, and seeing people sing back lyrics I wrote in my room when I was drunk that one time. It’s so special to me and I really love it. I’m itching to get back out on the road and we’ve booked a load of things all over the world so I’m going to be a busy man! DM: What is the best way to fully embrace the music, journey and world of Lewis Watson? L: That’s a tough one! I think there are three ways to really absorb my music in the best way. Number one is to come to a gig, I get so into these songs and I really feel like people enjoy that (for some reason!). Number two is at night, with a fire, your favourite drink and a dimly lit room. The other is a road trip. All hopefully as effective as each other! Just let it wash over you and hopefully enjoy it! Links: lewiswatsonmusic.com Article By Thushara
by Lauren Boden
Have you noticed anything lately? No were not talking about the cold weather or the Christmas decorations, were talking about the fact that you cannot listen to the radio without the familiar sound of a certain rock band that is currently shooting for the stars! Lower Than Atlantis’s track ‘Had Enough’, was named as Annie Macs ‘Hottest Record In The World’ on Radio 1 and now it is hard to escape the catchy rock fuelled tune - not that we want to! “Had Enough was the first song written for Safe In Sound and felt like it perfectly picked up from where we left off with the self-titled but also took things some place new” said Mike Duce - and the band certainly achieved that! The track has a feisty pop punk vibe and manages to be rock without being aggressive whilst belting out nasty lyrics like “I hate everyone, but I’m getting better.” The catchy chorus gets stuck in your head all day and it’s hard to forget about this delicious track, but we still haven’t Had Enough… geddit? Seriously, 5 out of 5 stars and we can’t wait for the bands upcoming album ‘Safe In Sound’ which us due to be released on 3rd February 2017 via Easy Life Records / Red Essential. The band recently played in Europe with You Me At Six and will start their headline UK tour in March 2017. This will be their biggest tour to date and sees them play London’s iconic Brixton Academy whilst bringing out Young Guns, Hands Like Houses and Roam for the ride.
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M . O . Taking some time out from their busy schedule, we had a quick chat with Frankee from the incredible trio known as M.O. With their latest single, ‘Not In Love’ gaining a lot of positive love and vibes, this is just a sign of the amazing journey will have in 2017!
We have a lot of shows, which we can’t announce just yet, but its all very exciting i would not just describe Annie and Nadine as my best friends, but my sisters too
MUSIC Darkus Magazine: How having you been enjoying the first few weeks of the New Year? Frankee: It has been amazing. The response we have gained especially on social media has been fantastic. DM: What are your plans for 2017? Frankee: We have a lot of shows, which we can’t announce just yet, but its all very exciting. All I can say is that its going to be a summer of fantastic shows. We are also this year working on the album, so yeah it is definitely going to be a good year for sure. DM: What does a typical day look like for you? Frankee: It can differ. Last week for example we were on the road going all over the country. This
week were busy preparing for a special acoustic performance for the BBC. Each week brings new and different experiences which we actually like. DM: What is it you like about your music? Frankee: It is music which is true to us. We are big R n B fans so bands like TLC are just one of our faves. Our music influences mainly come for the mid to late 90s. Its hard to describe but it was an era where we were all buzzing about the music we heard. Also we have been together for just over 3 years now, and it has been a journey where we took an independent approach. We built our own fan base, and last summer we were signed so feels like everything is falling into place.
DM: What was it like being signed? Frankee: A lot of people tend to see being signed as being quite a scary thing; however for us it felt good to have a support us and allow us that freedom to do our own thing. DM: As a trio how would you describe your bond? Frankee: We pick each other up and are always there for one another. I would not just describe Annie and Nadine as my best friends, but my sisters too. Answers by Frankee
The Maccabees
Tour Preview by Kayley Cowey
After a 12 month high in the music industry, English indie rock band The Maccabees called it a day last August after over a decade as a band. But to make sure they give it back to their fans who have travelled the journey with them since 2004, the lads are doing one last tour – Live for The Last Time: The Farewell Shows. Rewinding back to 2004, five lads came together – Hugo White on guitar, his brother Felix White also on guitar, Rupert Jarvis on bass, Same Doyle on drums and frontman Orlando Weeks providing the vocals. It was from here they came together and we know them as The Maccabees. The lads wrote, recorded and played gigs around the country releasing their first single ‘X-Ray’ in 2005, followed by ‘Latchmere’ and then ‘First Love’ in 2006 which made it into the UK Singles Chart. 2007 came around and they released their first studio album Colour It In which slotted in nicely at number 24 in the UK Albums Chart. Not a bad first few years in music there lads! Fast forward two more years and the band released their second album Walls of Arms which climbed further up the charts with a high of number 13, before their third album was released in 2012 which went to number 4. With every album, the band kept getting more and more success. Three years of writing, recording and perfecting album number four, Marks to Prove It, and it gets us to 2015. Now, the lads headlined Latitude Festival – headlining a festival is what every artist/band dreams of right? But imagine headlining a festival AND getting your first number one album in the same 12 month period. Pretty awesome if you ask me! However, a year later the band released a statement in August 2016 announcing they wouldn’t be continuing on as a band – “After 14 years as a band we have decided to call it a day”. Much to fans disappointment and sadness, the band also announced that they would be doing a final tour in following year.
Dates were announced as one Manchester gig and two London gigs with Felix White saying “We’re planning on these final shows being a huge celebration, thank you and goodbye to 14 years of writing, recording, playing and touring together”. This meant that Manchester’s O2 Apollo would see Weeks and co on the June 28TH and London’s Alexandra Palace would see them June 20TH and July 1ST. What the band probably didn’t expect was the high demand for tickets when the dates were sold out within 24 hours! Only one way around it, add more dates! In addition to the original dates Manchester were given another date for June 27TH and London were given a third date on for June 29TH. Set to be the highlight of 2017 and the highlight of the band’s time together, you’d be crazy to miss the farewell shows from such a successful group of lads to bid them farewell and thank them for providing such great music over their 14 year run. Here’s those dates again…
JUNE 27 | Manchester, O2 Apollo JUNE 28 | Manchester, O2 Apollo JUNE 29 | London, Alexandra Palace JUNE 30 | London, Alexandra Palace JULY 01 | London, Alexandra Palace
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OLLY MURS / tour review by Kayley Cowey Photos by Simon Emmet
In Case You Didn’t Know, Olly Murs is set to tour across the UK this spring and summer! The announcement follows on from the success of his new number 1 album ’24 HRS’, making him the most successful solo artist to have originated from the X Factor. So there’s no better way to celebrate than to do a summer tour across the UK, with 20 outdoor dates confirmed. Olly Murs rose to fame in 2009 when Simon Cowell took him through to the live shows on the X Factor, however fell short to winning the competition and took the runner up spot, but that didn’t stall Murs at all. Since then he has recorded four multi-platinum albums with four UK number 1 singles and collaborated with some of music’s finest talents including Demi Lovato, Travie McCoy and Flo Rida. He has also had presenting roles on various programmes, but most recognisably is The Xtra Factor on ITV2 and most recently on the X Factor 2015. Now he gives us his new album that slotted straight in at number 1, ’24 HRS’ and a tour to accompany it. Before Murs kicks off his summer open air tour, the Troublemaker has 21 arena dates to play for his spring tour including Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester and London. The demand for tickets was so high that extra dates were added once confirmed between artist and venues. The fun doesn’t stop there one of Britain’s most in demand and best live artists, he has spared and dedicated his time to perform on the opening night of the Teenage Cancer Trust’s charity shows on March 27TH at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The summer tour kicks off on June 2ND at Market Rasen racecourse before heading around other open air venues up and down the country including Wrexham, York, Edinburgh and Bournemouth. Olly Murs is a fan favourite and loves his fans back in return. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to see him live then you’ll agree that he loves performing vocally and his dance moves are quite impressive too. Between the vocals and the dance moves, if you’re a die-hard Olly Murs fan then you’ll know that it hasn’t been a normal tour unless Olly falls over on stage or falls down the stairs included in his staging – it happens to the best of them… The new album brings the singles ‘You Don’t Know Love’, ‘Grow Up’ and most recently released ‘Years and Years’ which Murs said was the ‘centre piece’ of the album. He may have a new album but we know the ‘Thinking Of Me’ singer will definitely be singing some top tracks from his previous three albums too. With all this said, get yourself some tickets to either of the tours and be in the Right Place, Right Time and see the talented star perform before your very own eyes! Here’s the information you’ll need for the summer tour!
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SUMMER TOUR 2017 JUNE 2 | Market Rasen, Market Rasen Racecourse JUNE 3 | Carlisle, Brunton Park JUNE 10 | Colchester, Weston Homes Community Stadium JUNE 16 | Westonbirt, Arboretum JUNE 24 | Wrexham, Racecourse Ground JUNE 30 | Brandon, Thetford Forest
JULY 1 | York, York Racecourse JULY 7 | Kent, The Spitfire Ground JULY 9 | Scarborough, Open Air JULY 14 | Northampton, The County Ground JULY 15 | Jersey, Big Gig in the Park JULY 16 | Sussex, 1ST Central County Ground JULY 18 | Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle JULY 21 | Aberdeen, Exhibition & Conference Centre JULY 22 | Inverness, Bught Park JULY 29 | Exeter, Powderham Castle
AUGUST 5 | Bournemouth, Kings Park AUGUST 10 | Esher, Sandown Park Racecourse AUGUST 12 | Swansea, Singleton Park AUGUST 19 | Newbury, Newbury Racecourse
Palisades Article by Thushara
Electronicore, Palisades from New Jersey are set for amazing things this year, and are definitely worth checking out. Part of the Rise Records family these 5 passionate, talented and exceptional guys bring a refreshing twist
to the music scene. With a new record due to for official release 20th January 2017 we spoke to the band to see what we could expect not just from the new record but 2017 as a whole.
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www.wearepalisades.com @WeArePalisades @wearepalisades /WeArePalisades
Interview with Palisades Darkus Magazine: Happy 2017 guys! What are your first impressions and thoughts for the start of the year? Palisades: Thank You! Well our first impression on the New Year so far is that of excitement We are releasing our new album in the first month and getting back to work on the road. DM: So your new album is a couple of weeks from being officially released, how excited does that make you feel? P: Since the day we finished the record, we haven’t been able to stop listening to it, so we hope that the rest of the world has the same reaction. We love this record deeply and we can’t wait for it to be out in the world! DM: Did everything you want make it onto the record, or were there one or two you had to fight for? P: When you’re making an album, or even just an individual song with six people with six opinions it can be difficult. Sometimes we fought for certain “moods”, tempos, riffs, that did not make it through it at first but we saved those parts and used them later on. A big change to what didn’t get used on the record were themes. We consistently changed and fiddled with lyrics to make them work to a song, but ultimately we had to step back sometimes and think about what we truly wanted to say and if that song called for it. Ultimately, this is the exact record the we ALL wanted to make. DM: You have already given the UK crowd a brief taste of some of the songs from the record when you were last in the UK. How happy were you with the response you gained? P: The UK has always been such a great country for us to visit and play. It’s been interesting to see our budding fan base start to grow in England because every time we have come over, it’s been with a headliner with a much different audience. It’s been a real joy to know that we have been coming back and playing to familiar faces as well as playing to whole new crowds for the majority of the time. It’s very exciting. The fans in the UK especially are wonderful, and the crowds are some of the most fun to play to. DM: Working on an album can sometimes demanding process, especially when you have lyrics with such depth and meaning. How important is to take time out now and again just to reenergise yourself? P: It really takes a lot to realize that going into the writing and recording process you have to be essentially, mentally naked. You cannot be defensive, or contra-
dicting to what you are trying to say, at least for us, we always want to be honest and sincere. On this album, this is the most vulnerable and emotional that we have ever been. We talk about things that have rarely been talked about, even amongst each other. You get a true sense of what we are thinking and what goes on in our world. It is extremely important to take a breath and a step back from what you are writing and then again question yourself. Doubt and being uncomfortable is the greatest way to expose your art. DM: When working on the record was there such a thing as a typical day? P: For the most part, yes. We would arrive at a certain time; work on writing intstumenal parts or lyrics. Bash our brains in for a good while. Go for a lunch break and then track until about 2 am every day. Typical recording day. DM: I know there will be many excited fans out there. Any other plans you can share with us about what else is in store for Palisades? P: As for right now, we are going on tour with Lacey Sturm (Formerly of Flyleaf) in the U.S and we are so excited. She is a real talent and we cannot wait to watch her every night. But for the future, we can’t say what’s happening, were just going to have to surprise you. DM: Releasing the album via Rise Records, how easy is it to create something which stays true to who you are as a band? P: I’m not so sure we are much different than any other band with this, but we are always open to input from those around us. Rise has been, and continues to be, an amazing partner. It can be hard. You get pulled in many different directions. However, if you can’t allow yourself to grow as an artist, as a band, then you are not really staying true in our opinion. Self-exploration and experimentation of the music showed us the way, and ultimately we made the record we all wanted to make and share with the world. DM: What do you think this album is going to show music fans about the world of Palisades? P: Exactly what Palisades is. With no filters.
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Post War Glamour Girls If you haven’t checked them out already, then stop what you are doing and let us introduce you to Post War Glamour Girls from Leeds. 4 talented people who love music, and have such a close bond as friends. Having already achieved so much in the 6 years they have been together, this year sees them release their 3rd album as well a tour. We caught up with front man, James Smith to find out a little bit more about their journey so far.
Darkus Magazine: Welcome James, happy with your start to the New Year? James: Not much has happened to be honest, but at the same time I have no reason to complain. I would give it a 8 out of 10 so far haha. DM: You will be releasing your third album in April, how is preparation going? J: Yea its going ok, its due for release on 21st April so at the moment its about getting the vinyl pressed in time for the launch. Also with us going on tour soon at some point we will need to do some practise. DM: Compared with previous two records, what do you think album number 3 says about Post War Glamour Girls? J: It is definitely an evolution. I feel this is more of a confident record where we tried to preserve the live element so it was barely edited and had minimum overdubs. A lot of the tracks we had already worked on before but were half finished, so with a lot of determination and patience we revisited them with a fresher approach. It felt good that some of the songs we weren’t sure about in the past now finally had a clear identity. As for the album overall though,
there is definitely a lot more excitement I feel and in some respect a greatest sense of musical dynacism as we now we know eachother really well. DM: When you are on that stage what goes through your head? J: Make sure I don’t fall over haha! Seriously though we are a band that live in the moment so we take each night as it comes. One thing for certain though it that for me personally I always feel more immersed in the music whenever we play together. DM: With the album then which songs are you most proud of, even though they may have been a tough going at first? J: Golden Time was one of those half-finished songs I mentioned before. When we first wrote it, we felt a bit lost with it, but then we had another go and almost instantly we successfully managed to write it on the spot. Devine Decline was also a very challenging song, as it lasts about 8 or 9 mins so it was about sustaining the energy throughout the track. At the end of the day if it feels good, then the tracks do not always have to have a vision. However as many of the tracks on this album are connected in some way,
the tracks you decide to include also have to be relative. DM: Other than the practise
MUSIC what else are you doing to prepare for your tour? J: I am planning on running, and eating healthy. It might sound like nothing, but from previous times when we toured eating so much junk and not looking after yourself especially when travelling in the back of a van can be quite draining on the body. Like with previous times as well we trying to keep true to tradition and visit at least one record shop in every city we visit. DM: What are some of the favourite Record Shops we have visited in the past? J: I always love going to Jumbo
Records and this other place in Wakefield called Wa Wa. Outside of our own region then I guess MONO Record Store in Glasgow. DM: What do you love about your fans? J: It is just the fact that they are so supportive and excited about the music as much as we are. The best thing about the internet is that it helps to spread the word, so whenever someone Retweets and likes one of our songs or some thing we have done recently then it makes us smile. DM: What have you learned about yourselves since being part
of Post War Glamour Girls? J: It has been a long road and hasn’t always been easy. However we have always been a close unit and have really grown together. Music is such a personal thing I guess. We have all made sacrifices somewhere along the way, but what works for us is just to be open and comfortable in front of each other. Sure we may have our small arguments, but at the end of the day we are all friends so we always share and work things out. What people may not always be aware of as well is that being in a band can also be testing, but it occupies a space nothing else can which I wouldn’t have any other way. DM: What makes now a good time to invest in Post War Glamour Girls? J: I think we have proved our worth for the past 6 years. At the end of the day we will always make and create music regardless of what people think. However I guess I would say that Post War Glamour Girl are a good example of a band who really are invested in music for life.
Links: http://postwarglamourgirls.com/
Article By Thushara Answers By James Smith
Let me introduce you to one of my most recommended bands of 2017, RedFaces. The 4 loveable guys from Sheffield are having such a great time right now. Not only have they been releasing new music and in the middle of an exclusive UK tour, but these exceptional young yet hard working guys are the latest to join the RCA family. Having caught up with them on their recent visit to Newcastle, as well as seen what can only be described as a show with nothing but positive memories, their music, energy and down to earth and charismatic personalities will certainly leave you to be part of their world. Darkus Magazine: You have just started your run of live shows, which goes on until the end of February. Has it been a good start so far? RedFaces: It’s been great fun. We sold out our hometown Sheffield show which was ace. We’ve done a load of other dates in Newcastle, Stoke, Liverpool etcetera. It’s been nice to see people coming out to shows because they’ve heard the our single “Kerosene”.
DM: What do you want to get out of the tour the most? RF: Gain fans really. It’s our first proper tour with a proper debut single out. We just hope to get our name out there and get people involved. We having a good time along the way though, that’s the main reason we doing all this. DM: Having been recently signed to RCA what do you think Red Faces bring to the table?
RF: Ryan makes a mean cheesecake. DM: What does it feel knowing that South Yorkshire bands such as yourselves are starting to be recognised for their hard work? RF: We don’t feel like geography dictates which bands get signed. Any band that work hard and write good tunes will get somewhere eventually. It’s always good to see Yorkshire bands breaking
MUSIC through though. DM: How valuable was your time spent with Alan Smyth back in the studio? RF: It was very valuable, he’s great at helping you create a sound that translates both live and recorded. We are very grateful for his help. DM: When you first formed Red Faces what was the original vision? Has it remained the same, or has it evolved over time? RF: We started the band for fun and we intend for it to stay that way as long as possible. The day that it’s no longer enjoyable we will change what we are doing. However after having songs out and getting signed and getting radio play, you set yourself goals to reach. We are always striving to be better at what we do. DM:As four guys how do you think you work well together? RF:Yes we are friends before anything else. We’ve been through all of this together and at the end of the day we are here to have a good time. DM: Your debut single with RCA, Kerosene, is out now. What do you think it says to your fans, especially new fans about where you hope to take Red Faces in 2017? RF: It’s to let old fans know we are still here. We’ve only had our demo called “Katie Come Home” out before, so our debut single “Kerosene” is the first real release. I hope it just gives people something that they connect with. I hope new fans can listen to it and want to come and see us live! DM: As a relatively new band how do you find the UK music scene when trying to make your initial mark? RF: I find that’s it’s just different
than what you think it is. Social media is a huge part of being in a band. The way you present yourself is very important. The best thing you can do is make the way you present yourself different to other artist in any way you can.
DM: For anyone coming out to the shows over these coming weeks, what is the best way to embrace RedFaces in a live setting? RF: Enjoy yourself, we don’t take ourselves too seriously so just dance about and have a laugh. Embrace the fact that Isaac’s gonna do some BMX tricks.
DM: Any other plans for this year? RF: Get some more singles out and keep on touring. We love playing Links: gigs and we can’t wait for festival www.redfacesmusic.com season. Making a bit of money Article By Thushara would be a nice change.
ROD STEWART From Gasoline Alley to Another Country: Hits 2016 Tour Leeds, First Direct Arena Sir Rod Stewart, you would assume he would take a helicopter or the UK’s finest transportation to his own tour? Wrong. The massive music talent drove himself in his own car for four long hours in the fog to his From Gasoline Alley to Another Country Hits 2016 tour in December and what a real treat the entire evening was!
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Keeping it in the family, the supBringing songs from the last five port act for the night’s event was decades – including ‘Baby Jane’, The Sisterhood. The duo is made ‘Forever Young’ and ‘Rhythm of up of Alyssa Bonagura and Ruby my Heart’, Stewart still has Stewart – correct, Rod Stewthe voice and talent art’s daughter. Warming he did from the the crowd up perfectly beginning of for the rock legend The night wasn’t des- his career. himself, talent Let’s not ignated to any specific seems to be genetforget the ic with these two. album, but more towards talent from his the legend’s career Welcomed to the band and stage by a voice backing entirely over introducing the singers man himself, Sir Rod aswell – a full Stewart walked onto the stage of brass, black and white checked stage string and percussion to a standing ovation and kicked instruments to play behind the the night off with covers of Sam voice of the main event himself. Cooke’s ‘Having a Party’ and The Persuaders’ ‘Some Guys Have All If all of this hasn’t impressed the Luck’ before singing his own you enough already, right now is ‘Love Is’ and ‘Tonight’s the Night’. probably the place to mention that the legend sang famous ChristThe night wasn’t designated to mas track “Have Yourself a Merry any specific album, but more toLittle Christmas” whilst a member wards the legend’s career entirely. of his production team stood on a
ladder behind him and sprinkled fake snow over his head. Do I really need to say much more? With a short and sweet appreciation for the crowd’s time, but no actual goodbye, Stewart rounds off the night. Balloons fall from the ceiling, footballs on stage of which Sir Rod was kicking into the crowd for fans to take home as memorabilia. The curtain falls and the band leave the stage for the night to be rounded off. He came on to a standing ovation and left with a standing ovation and a soar of cheers and applause – I don’t think he could have received a better reaction. For his age and his time in the music industry, Sir Rod Stewart most definitely still has it and can definitely put on an entertaining and talented performance. Top marks Sir! Article by Rhiannon Brown
Article by Thushara Answers by Ken Taylor (Drums) They have visited the UK numerous times, however 2017 is a very important year for the guys in Seaway as they return with their first ever UK headline tour. As a band that were first introduced to me a couple of years ago, I have always enjoyed checking out the guys whenever they came to the UK, so I can only imagine for any international band to get their first exclusive British headliner, must be a truly proud moment. We caught up with drummer Ken Taylor for a quick chat. Darkus Magazine: Hello guys welcome back to Darkus. How did you enjoy the festive season? Ken: It was great. Lots of relaxing with friends and family. Hosted the Seaway Holiday Shaker which ended up being our biggest headliner to date. Went to Chicago for New Years to see friends. Overall, a very fun time. DM: Looking at the year ahead, but also what you achieved last year, how happy are you feeling right now? K: Feeling very happy and grateful for all the opportunities we’ve had/continue to have in the new year. Lots of unannounced stuff to look forward to, for both us and the fans. To be able to continue writing and playing music for all the lovely people out there is a real pleasure.
DM: The end of January sees you returning to the UK, not just to play any shows, but your own headline shows. What is going through your head? K: It’s always scary to do your first headline run in a foreign country. At first we were intimidated, because the pressure truly is on us. But we feel confident, and now some shows are getting close to selling out and we are feeling great about coming over. We’ve always played great shows in the UK, and this tour is shaping up to be pretty awesome, so we are feeling relieved/excited. DM: Having been to the UK a few times now, what is it about the music scene here you enjoy the most? K: The fans, and the friends we’ve made along the way. The kids in the UK go nuts at shows and are super grateful for the bands that make the trek over, and we try to return that attitude, and try to match that excitement in our live set. The U.K. music scene is POPPING right now and it has always been one of our favourite places to play. DM: When you are preparing for your own tour what are some of the things people can underestimate? K: The amount of time the band and their team put into
WWW.SEAWAYBAND.COM
MUSIC every aspect of every show. We are grateful to have a solid team working behind us. This is our first tour with our UK/Euro agent Bex and she is great and a pleasure to work with. Also, stress of putting together the perfect set. We are used to playing short, support slot sets. Now that we have more freedom to do what we want, we need to pick a set list (not too short, not too long, what songs, any unique live elements, etc). Travelling to the UK, one of us, if not all of us, usually gets sick. That adds pressure, especially with longer sets. We hope to have no problems this time around, but who am I kidding? We are Seaway after all. DM: After the release of your record, Colour Blind a year ago, do you think that it helped to change the world of Seaway? K: Absolutely. They are the best songs we have out there right now and I think our fans agree. It was also our first LP released on Pure Noise and I think that brought a lot of people around, since the label has such a great roster and has released so many solid records. It also made our live show more refreshing. We really love playing songs off of Colour Blind, and I think it shows. DM: Having been support on many tours, how valuable have those experiences been to deciding what you want from these upcoming UK shows? K: Every support tour we do, we learn so much. How to engage with our fans better, how to sound better, how to play better, how to make our live show better as a whole experience. Learning from bands who have been doing this for 10-15 years is invaluable. We don’t have to make the same mistakes they did. We will also probably make worse mistakes because, again, we are Seaway... DM: Is there any city in particular you are looking forward to the most? K: I can’t speak for the rest of the band, but Leeds and London are always favourites of mine. Have you ever considered what a typical Seaway fan would be like? We have met so many different types of Seaway fans that I couldn’t fit them into one type. For example, the last time we toured the UK, at one show we had a 4 year old who came with his parents (very cool). At the same show, we had a 60+ year old fan come with his daughter (if you’re reading this, you know who you are. Also, very cool). DM: Canada has created many exceptional musicians, how does it feel to know that Seaway are now part of that revolution?
K: It feels great. We still want to continue to make a bigger impact on the Canadian music scene. But growing as a band, having some of the people we looked up to most as kids become friends of ours, tour mates of ours, etc. It’s incredible. We want to keep going with that, and we want future generations to do the same. DM: Be it performing or stage, or watching in the crowd, what is the best way to appreciate the magic of live music? K: Go to shows. Go to shows. Go to shows. Go to shows. Don’t just wait for the big festivals. Support bands on their tours, make friends in the crowd, be a positive force in your local scene. Tons of music fans don’t even know there is a thriving underground music scene right outside their door. That is insane to me. Bring a friend who doesn’t go to shows and change their life. It has to start somewhere for everyone. DM: Being part of the Pure Noise Records family which includes the likes of The State Champs, Boston Manor, and The Story So Far what do you think Seaway bring to the party? K: None of those bands have 10+ different Tim Hortons locations within walking distance from their house. DM: Why should people make sure they become part of your journey this year? K: We are writing the best songs we’ve written so far. Don’t you wanna get in before that???
ANNOUNCES HUGE UK SPRING TOUR ACROSS SIXTEEN DATES DEBUT ALBUM, “GANG SIGNS & PRAYER” OUT FEBRUARY 24TH, AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER ON ALL DSP’s NEW SINGLE, “BIG FOR YOUR BOOTS” AVAILABLE ON ALL DSP’S OVER 1 MILLION SINGLES SOLD, WORLDWIDE OVER 112 MILLION HITS ON HIS OFFICIAL YOUTUBE Set to be one of the most highly-anticipated tours of 2017, grime sensation Stormzy, has today announced an array of headline tour dates across the UK this coming Spring. The sixteen-date run will see him play the UK’s major cities, kicking things off in Dublin, concluding in London, totalling a number of 40,000 ticket sales! Stormzy’s shows will see him return to London for two nights on May 2nd and 3rd, marking his first headline shows in the capital since 2015! Pre-sale is available now with general sale will commencing on Thursday 16th February at 9am GMT in the UK & Ireland. The touring news comes straight of the back of a phenomenal few days for 23-year-old Stormzy.
His debut album “Gang Signs & Prayer”, which he announced last week, arrives everywhere on February 24th 2017 through #MERKY Records and marks a hugely exciting return for the multi award-winning grime artist. His brand new single, “Big For Your Boots” is taking over the charts and currently sits at Number 9 on the iTunes chart having also accumulated over 2 million video
views in 3 days. “This is the moment that I have been waiting for my whole life. I am now ready to certify my position as a credible artist and someone who is here for the long run.” – Stormzy. At just 23-years-old, nothing could have prepared Stormzy for his meteoric rise. The Lon-
MUSIC don-born artist has continuously pushed the boundaries of grime throughout his self-built journey from his ‘WickedSkengMan’ freestyles to now being nominated for ‘British Breakthrough’ at this year’s BRIT Awards, not to mention his hugely inspirational talk at Oxford University in March last year after being personally invited by the Union. First emerging on the scene in 2012, the lyricist made chart history in September 2015 when his freestyle “WickedSkengMan 4” charted at no. 18 in the UK Official Singles Chart, becoming the first-ever freestyle to chart in the UK Top 40! He then proceeded to break his own record in December “Shut Up” debuted at no. 8 in the UK charts following an epic social media campaign to in the run up to the end of year charts. “Shut Up” is now certified Gold in the UK, having sold over 560,000 copies to date; it’s also the mostwatched UK freestyle on YouTube, ever, with over 46 million views! Building momentum with impassioned support from his devoted fan base, to date, the MC has also won 3 MOBO Awards (Best Grime Act 2014 & 2015), 1 BET Award, The Times’ Breakthrough Award and the hugely prestigious Innovator Award at last year’s AIM Independent Music Awards. Moreover, Stormzy became the first unsigned rapper to appear on “Later... With Jools Holland” in 2015 and previously landed his own weekly radio show on Beats 1 - ‘#MERKY’. Stayed tuned to watch Stormzy pave the way with his genre-defining record, “Gang Signs & Prayer”.
“Gang Signs And Prayer” – Tracklist First Things First Cold Bad Boys ft Ghetts and J Hus Blinded By Your Grace Part 1 Big For Your Boots Velvet Mr Skeng Cigarettes & Cush ft Kehlani 21 Gun Salute ft Wretch 32 Interlude Blinded By Your Grace Part 2 ft MNEK Return Of The Rucksack 100 Bags Don’t Cry For Me ft Raleigh Ritchie Crazy Titch Interlude Shut Up Lay Me Bare
#GSAP
The Big Moon
‘Formidable’ Video Review
The Big Moon, the London all female quartet who have been throwing out the tracks since forming a few year back and they just released their new single ‘Formidable’ accompanied by their video for the track. To start with we see lead singer, Jules Jackson, sitting behind the wheel of a white van on location before driving off and singing the lyrics like we all do when we’re driving along. For the first minute or so the song tempo stays fairly low and balanced until Jules pulls over into a layby on the side of the road, gets out of the van and heads to the back doors. Climbing inside the van, Jules joins her band mates, Fern, Soph and Celia, and then they start belting out the rest of the song in the back of the van. That’s right, the back of a van was kitted out with a lot of lights, four humans, three guitars and a full drum kit – pretty epic if you ask me! If the video wasn’t exciting
enough, The Big Moon have announced the release of their album ‘Love in the 4th Dimension’ due out this coming April, planned for the 7th. Obviously, with every album comes a tour, of which they have also announced their tour dates and venues for the UK too!
Their album ‘Love in the 4th Dimension’ due out this coming April
So if you haven’t seen or heard it already, head over to the band’s VEVO channel and check it out the new track ‘Formidable’ right now! Links: thebigmoon.co.uk
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Having only been together since the start of 2016, Berkshire band The Final Clause Of Tacitus have been working incredibly hard to create music which both excites and blows your mind. With a new EP set for release in February and having recently signed to Rage PR, 2017 will certainly be the year where The Final Clause Of Tacitus will leave you smiling. It such a pleasure to speak to Andy Silva (bassist) to discover more about this bands incredible journey in the UK music scene. Darkus Magazine: Hi guys tell us a little bit about how life is treating you these days. Has the start of 2017 been your friend? Andy: Life is good thanks, cant complain! Well Luke (drummer) can, he always complains. So far so good, we played one show which was a little BOTB which we won, and we play the final Saturday 14th. Also we record our music video for our single ‘Give them blood’ the same weekend so very
DM: When working on the EP was there anything you wanted DM: Brilliant news about your to put across to fans especially new EP which comes out 24th new ones, about who The Final February. What are you most Clause Of Tacitus are? excited about? A: We really wanted this EP, being A: Excited for people to finally our debut, to make an impact hear it, we recorded this back in and stamp our sound as a unique December so have been sitting on sound that will stand out from this and promoting it for months the crowd. We have a lot of fun now, so just really excited to finally playing our music and we really get it out there and be heard! wanted that to come across. excited about that.
MUSIC DM: Described by a blend of rap, funk and metal by many would you agree, or would it be fair to say there is so much more about this band than meets the eye? A: Well yes, we do blend all three of those genres but we obviously have our twist on this as well. We all have different influences and different styles individually so when we bring that altogether on paper, it would read something like that, but to listen and watch live is definitely more than meets eye. DM What was quite lovely to hear was that to tease the fans a little you released a trailer for the EP, what gave you the idea? A: Oh cos I’m a straight up genius? Or closer to the truth I saw on Facebook a sponsored ad from a local(ish) band, and every time I went on Facebook there it was, staring me in the face. I saw this thing so damn much that eventually I had to click it and hear what it was all about. Which gave me an idea, of doing the same but with a cool teaser movie trailer style clips so people could hear what the EP would be like in one swift listen. DM: Recently you were also involved with the United We Stand fundraising campaign. Tell us a little bit about how that? A: RAGE PR came up with the concept of a compilation CD with one track from several bands that would sell for £1 and all proceeds would help all the people who had lost their jobs. They played such a big part in helping build up new bands and to keep people connected to their favourite bands. Whether to be a part of the fundraiser or not wasn’t even a question to us. It was a huge loss to the industry and we were so happy when we heard the news they were saved in the end, I mean
obviously, our track being on the compilation is what reeeally kept them in business! DM: Although having been together for a year or so know, how do you think you have progressed as a band? A: The year honestly has flown by, i still remember our first gig and think how far we have come as a band in such a short space of time and also how we have grown as friends as well. Which i think really helps with our live shows and also our writing sessions, we are just in tune with each other on a musical and also a buddy level.
to celebrate your 1 year anniversary together? A: We went out for Thai food drank too much wine, Myself and Luke had an argument and I stormed out. Which strangely enough happens every time we eat noodles? DM: With the record a few weeks away from being released, amongst other amazing events this year, what makes 2017 the year why people should invest in The Final Clause Of Tacitus? A: We believe this is our year, we are going to push this as hard as possible and are feeling confident about the music we are producing. In the year we have been together doing this we have not come anything like us. We are fresh and exciting and just come down to any of our shows and we guarantee you a fun time! Jump aboard the Tacitus train!
DM: Where do you see The Final Clause Of Tacitus evolving to next? A: Umm probably a Charizard or Dragnoite? Just kidding. We would like to experiment with new sounds and some cool ideas in the pipeline but I think our concentration would be on making your live Article By Thushara shows more epic! Links: www.tfcot.band DM: Did you do anything special
Article by Thushara Answers by Steven Dobb
We had a quick Q&A with Steven Dobb, from the duo The Hyena Kill. Darkus Magazine: These past 6-9 months have been really eventful. What have been your highlights? Steven: They sure have! We brought out our debut album, Atomised back in September and the response has been so good. We also had our tour in October which seems such a long time ago now, but it was really good. We had the chance to visit some new cities, meet new people and play shows where people turn up specifically for us. DM: What was it like working on the album? S: We worked really hard on it, but at the same time with it being our debut we were really nervous as we wanted to make sure it was 100% before releasing it. As a song writer its about writing material you feel most confident in and recognising what works and what doesn’t. We had to chop out a couple of tracks that didn’t seem to gel with the rest of the album, but that doesn’t mean we can go back an revisit them at a later date. DM: How are you hoping to take on 2017 then? S: A lot of gigging for a start. Also we hope to go back into the studio just to explore new sounds and ideas. When you are living music each day yes its good to have plans in place for the months ahead, but you should equally not forget about living in the moment. DM: What do you enjoy most about being in The Hyena Kill? S: The fact that me and Lorna just feed off each other which just adds to the energy.
To find out more about this amazing duo and their new album head over to: thehyenakill.com
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the pretty reckless Article and Photos by Rhiannon Brown
The Pretty Reckless, style, attitude and some serious rock music headed just 5 dates in the UK and we caught them for a wild night in Glasgow and what a show they sold! Having recently released their third album Who You Selling For? and a handful of top ten hits to their name, it was always known that the band would be singing their newer hits – however, who doesn’t like listening to the old stuff? Starting the night off with ‘Follow Me Down’, ‘Since You’re Gone’ and ‘Oh My God’, the band gave a taste of what to expect for the next couple of hours and it was definitely a night to look forward to! From singing ‘Where Are You Christmas’ in hit film The Grinch back in her youth, Taylor Momsen has completely turned the opposite direction for her genre of music choice, but it suits her and she doesn’t fail a single bit. Her husky voice and incredible range of vocals were enough to blow anyone away, never mind her rock star image. Lassoing her mic cable and constantly throwing her head around, Momsen still performed her heart out and received screams of ‘we love you Taylor’ from the crowd in any moment of silence. A few more songs into the gig and they smash out their debut single from 2010 ‘Make Me Wanna Die’, obviously sending the crowd crazy. Momsen is then equipped with her own guitar to mix things up a little bit before smashing out ‘My Medicine’, a song from their first studio album Light Me Up, again sending the crowd insane as they scream back the lyrics with the constant fist pump in the air. Their most recent album has been such a success so far, just like their previous two albums – Light Me Up and Going To Hell, all of which are title tracks on the album. Momsen made it known that a ‘theme’ of the night would be to sing the album tracks starting with ‘Light Me Up’ and followed by ‘Who You Selling For?’ but no sign of ‘Going To Hell’ – or not just yet anyway…
If the crowd weren’t already crazy enough, Momsen wanting them to take up to the next level – “we’re gonna take things up a notch Glasgow, we need you to do the same, this is a new one and it’s called Living In A Storm”. That request was accepted and the crowd were just as crazy. Surely the fans have their favourite songs for every band, but one song that every TPR fan loves is ‘Heaven Knows’ and luckily that was next. Taking the fans by storm and vice versa, both band and crowd pretty much shared the credit for this one. Speaking out on behalf of the band Momsen explained how fans give them energy – “You bring us life Glasgow … we feed off your energy and I’m f*cking starving, we’re all f*cking starving and I think it’s time since we’re starving to go to hell…”. One song that the crowd had clearly been waiting for was ‘Going To Hell’ and here it was, followed by ‘Take Me Down’ before leaving the stage. However drummer of the band, Jamie Perkins, stayed on stage to do a crazy drum solo that was worth turning up for alone – what a talented man! The band reassembled on stage before singing one last song for their sell out crowd – ‘F*cked Up World’ then left the stage for the final time to signal show end. The Pretty Reckless | The Final World Tour Article & Now after such an epic performance and the fact that the Glaswegian air was blowing cold temperatures at lows of -1°C, that the band would just want to grab a shower and get straight on the tour bus in the warm. Wrong. The band hung around outside the venue after the show to meet their fans and spend time with them, so laidback guys. With that said, the gig was insane, the guys are genuine – the rest of their tour is obviously going to be just as amazing as this one night in Glasgow!
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SETLIST 1. Follow Me Down 2. Since You’re Gone 3. Oh My God 4. Hangman 5. Make Me Wanna Die 6. My Medicine 7. Prisoner 8. Sweet Things 9. Light Me Up 10. Who You Selling For 11. Just Tonight 12. Living in the Storm 13. Heaven Knows 14. Going to Hell 15. Take Me Down 16. Fucked Up World Notes: Jamie Perkins – Drums Mark Damon – Bassist Ben Phillips – Guitar & vocals
r e m m i h S Th e d n a B Darkus Magazine: Hi guys – are you enjoying the start of the year? The Shimmer Band: We kicked the year off with a gig for ‘This Feeling’ at ‘Nambucca’ in London, which was a proper special night. Great bands on the bill, great atmosphere from the crowd. We’ve got our new single ‘Jacknife & The Death Call’ entering the world. Then we’re off on tour with ‘Cabbage’. So couldn’t ask for a better start to 2017. DM: Its not too long till your tour with Cabbage. How is prep going? TSB: We’re ready! Although touring with ‘Cabbage’ is sure to be an unpredictable and debauched affair. Expect some pretty far out stories come the end of the tour. Broken bodies, broken minds. DM: When supporting on a tour, bearing in mind the shorter stage time, how do you go about deciding which songs to perform, or is it a case of going with the flow? TSB: There’ll be a lot of ‘flow’ going on. But we’ll definitely be banging out the singles. Then we’ll throw in a few album tracks plus some musical interludes to keep things fresh for us. Expect a massive euphoric psych rock storm.
To those who are new to their music, The Shimmer Band are one of the most exciting, fresh and sensational bands in the UK music scene at the moment. With a tour coming up soon with their friends, Cabbage this is a year where The Shimmer Band are set to bring their ‘A’ and achieve remarkable things in the process.
DM: With there being five of you, how do you think you compliment and strengthen each other – not just on stage but in general too? TSB: We’ve known each other for a long time, since school. And we all grew up in the same area. So we’ve all got pretty similar attributes. Although ‘Babsy’ (guitarist) is definitely one of the greatest humans to walk planet earth. DM: Great news to hear that the new single ‘Jacknife And The Death Call’ was premiered Steve Lamacq’s BBC6 radio show. Whenever you have opportunities like that, what goes through your head? TSB: It’s great. Lammo’s a much
loved and renowned radio DJ who we deeply respect. He’s champi-
MUSIC oned some of our favourite bands and artists in the past, so for him to play our music is a joy that we truly appreciate. DM: In your own view what makes this exciting times for new music as both a band and music fans? TSB: I think there’s a lot of great new bands coming through currently. ‘Cabbage’ and ‘April’ to
name a couple. I just think more people are starting to enjoy bands and live music again. And as a band there’s so many great festivals to play now big and small, you can discover so much new music and meet so many like minded people. Its feels like new music is starting to bloom again. It’s feels good. DM: What are your major dreams for the year ahead and
how you really want to embrace the year? TSB: We really wanna smash through the glass ceiling this year. Create as much noise and euphoria as we can, release as much new music as possible and to play as many shows as our stamina will allow. It should be a pretty exciting year for us. The futures bright. Article by Thushara
The Stranglers Darkus Magazine: Have you been enjoying the start of the year? Baz: Definitely, it is still early doors by I have a positive mental outlook about the year ahead. DM: With another amazing tour taking place in March, what do you enjoy most about being back on the road? B: The last tour, ‘Black And White’ was a bit of a hard tour for us. Yes it was still good, and we manage to preserve that enthusiasm which our fans know us for. However when it was over, we did have a sigh of relief. With this new tour however we are busy creating ideas and deciding what we think will work. I always find when doing any kind of big tour it takes about 3 or 4 shows to get smooth. DM: When it comes to deciding on a set list, considering you have many amazing years together since you joined, how do you decide which songs you play not just for the fans but for yourselves as well? B: That’s a very good question! We have such a huge back catalogue for sure, however I always have 2 mental folders in my min. The first folder is songs we must play, so the classics people expect us to play live like ‘Golden Brown’ & ‘No More Heroes’. Then the second folder is the one where we just please ourselves. At the end of the day when you are in a band its about how the
If there is one band I always love featuring in Darkus, it has to be the legendary live band, The Stranglers. True to tradition the gents will be returning to the towns and cities of the UK this March for their Classic Collection Tour, doing what they do best, many nights of incredible music, memories and live music. We caught up with our good friend Baz Warne which was a pleasure to speak to as ever.
music makes you feel. Also it’s a question of keeping things fresh. So I guess when it comes to the actual set list it’s a bit of a balancing act so everyone gets the best of both worlds. DM: What made you decide to re-release the entire Stranglers studio album catalogue from the period 1977-82? B: It is really a celebration of a time. We decided to take a opposite approach in terms of the sound quality and give things a new twist. DM: I know you always enjoy your shows at Newcastle, but
where else do you enjoy touring? B: Glasgow is like home. The crowd is always great. Newcastle like you said is also an incredible place to play especially as it’s a chance to be reunited with friends and family. DM: As The Stranglers have grown over the years, what have been the major highlights? B: It is so great to see different generations coming to our shows. A lot of our old footage from our past shows is online on the likes of YouTube. People who have discovered us online, then coming out to see us in the flesh is such a good
MUSIC feeling. Also my fondest memories (and still is) is that there is a Father who always without fail brings himself and his kids to the shows. His son has been coming with his dad since he was about 10, and I always shake his hand and give him a plectrum at each show. That is just one example, but its humbling in a way to know that The Stranglers have grown up together with families. DM: What would you like to see in 2017 then? B: The most important thing for me is continued help, love and happiness. Last year I sadly lost a family member, so it is about getting through the next year. However this year The Stranglers hope to bring new ideas and create some new, fresh and exciting music. DM: How do you feel that the industry has changed since you first came onto the scene? B: It has changed massively. CD and Vinyl sales are so difficult especially with a lot more digital downloads. We have however always been a live band, so even though the world may change, we adapt yet still stay true to our roots. DM: What would you like to say to all the fans who have always been part of your journey? B: We would just like to thank them all. From a personal point of view I have always regarded our fans to be sweet and supportive. The thing about our shows, which I am really proud about, is that there is always a nice, easy and positive atmosphere. So yes I am totally grateful for the loyalty and for the fans for sticking by us through the years.
Article By Thushara Answers By Baz Warne
LINKS: www.thestranglers.net www.facebook.com/thestranglers @StranglersSite
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Tom Walker Article by Thushara
What I love about this time of year is that it is the perfect opportunity to discover new music. Having created such an amazing vibe with his latest song, ‘Just You And I’ 2017 is certainly looking like a year that will show music fans just what makes singer-songwriter Tom Walker that extra bit special. Read on to find out more, as we took this opportunity to speak to the man himself. Darkus Magazine: What are your first impressions of 2017? Tom: Its been an amazing start to the year for me, my new song “Just You And I” has hit over 2 million streams in 30 days so I’m super chuffed with that. I’m also writing out these questions on a train on route to Eurosonic festival in Groningen, Netherlands for my first ever European gig! I’ve got a good feeling about this year. DM: I must congratulate you on your latest single, ‘Just You And I’. Having heard it for the first time I was totally captivated at how beautiful the song was on every level. When creating music, what factors help to keep you inspired? T: So many different things. I think life is the main inspiration for everything. I try to write my songs about things that have actually happened to me, the more real the better. Traveling and seeing new places and meeting new people is always a big help when you need a little inspiration. DM: You’re currently working on your debut album, how has the process been so far?
DM: A lot of people place a lot of emphasis and significance on a debut album. How do you know when you are ready to take that next step? T: I think albums are super important, but with the industry changing and streaming becoming so important, I think single releases are also really vital. I’m not more worried about one than the other. Its always nerve racking sending your work into the world for all to judge. DM: Be it the upcoming album or any of the singles you release, what do you want the world to remember as they get ready to fully embrace Tom Walker in 2017? T: I want people to connect with the music on a personal level and the songs to stand the test of time. DM: What other plans have you got for the year ahead? T: I’ve got my first european tour and my first proper UK headline tour. The basic plan is to make some awesome music, play some awesome gigs, meet some awesome people and have a good time. DM: You will be playing a number of shows in January and February, including Camden Assembly on 25th January. What are you looking forward to the most about those shows? T: I’m playing with my full live band for this tour! I love playing with them, its cool doing it on my own but you can’t beat a real proper full fat sound. Plus its so much fun being on tour with the lads in the band.
T: Really good, we’ve got some fantastic songs in the bag for the album, I don’t want to give to much away at the moment but i’ve been recording with a producer who has made at least 5 of my favourite albums of all time so I’m super excited about the album.
@iamtomwalker
@iamtomwalker
/IamTomWalker
/iamtomwalker
Having first released their debut self-titled album back in 2007, the incredible American rock band from Bradenton, Florida, better known as We The Kings are set for big things this year as they prepare for their biggest tour to date – WTK10. Having amazed music fans over the past 10 years, We The Kings are one of those bands who for many, myself included have brought nothing but good memories, and in fact were a big influence when I was just discovering new music. If news of this WTK10 tour was not enough, it made me happy to discover that the band will be paying a visit to the UK this May as part of one of the most incredible UK festivals around, Slam Dunk. To say I am excited, would be an understatement and a half! To discover more about what the guys have got planned for fans for the year ahead we caught up with bassist, Chris Trippy. Darkus Magazine:: Welcome to Darkus Chris, tell us a little bit about how life has been treating you lately. Has 2017 been your friend so far? Chris: It’s been an amazing past year so far! getting ready for the 10 year anniversary tour has been exciting to look forward to! DM: From February you will be touring non-stop across Amer-
ica. What are you looking forward to the most about getting back on the road? C: I think it’s just that, getting back on the road! DM: To you, what does it truly mean to fully embrace being a live band? C: I think it’s the brotherhood. You can mess with one another like a real brother. For most of us,
we don’t have brothers so it’s nice to have that bond! DM: It was brilliant to hear that you will be included as part of the main line up at this year’s Slam Dunk festival in May over here in the UK. How did it feel being invited to be part of the celebrations? C: It’s amazing news! We did this festival a couple years ago and it
MUSIC was one of the most fun we had in a long time so we are hoping to top that! DM: It has been just over 10 years since the world was introduced to you via your self-titled debut album. Does it seem real? C: Honestly it’s one of those surreal moments I don’t think we’ll truly get “grips” with... DM: For anyone that comes along to any of the WTK 10 Tour shows, what is it that you want them to take away with them? C: We want them leaving with ears ringing, jaws on the floor, out of breath and the memory of a damn good (hopefully) show! DM: How much of an impact has music had in your own life? Has it always been a smooth journey? C: It’s the only reason we’re here! Without that inspiration we wouldn’t have been able to find our own sound!
DM: As you have developed and grown together over the years, what is that makes you really happy to be part of We The Kings? C: Seeing happy faces, singing a long to songs we wrote in a small town in florida really makes the long plane rides and bus hours worth it! It’s one of the greatest memories of my life and we are planning for another 10/20/40? years, even though we may be in wheel chairs haha Remember if you want to be part of We The Kings 10 Year Celebrations then get yourselves along to Slam Dunk 2017 whereby they will be playing along the likes
of Enter Shikari, Tonight Alive, Trophy Eyes and Beartooth to name but a few. For more information head over to www.slamdunkmusic.com right now! Interview By Thushara Answers by Chris Trippy (Bass)
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yellowcard Article & Photos by Rhiannon Brown
Yellowcard. The band that brought us the well-known Ocean Avenue from the pop punk scene of the 90s. The band that brought us a self-titled album in 2016. The band that broke hearts in 2016 when they announced the band would be disassembling at the end of their tour in 2017. Insert sad face here... But it’s not all bad, they gave us a farewell gig to remember! You may or may not have caught a glimpse of Yellowcard at Slam Dunk festival over the summer where they promised to return to the UK later in the year - promise kept. Starting the night off to warm the crowd up were Normandie and The Kenneths. Goes without saying that they didn’t disappoint and did the job perfectly. With much anticipation the time finally came for the main event to take to the stage, but not before a pre-recorded introduction that welcomed everyone to the gig and jokingly warned the crowd of no mobile phones and to enjoy the show. Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to document and save the moments of a farewell gig though? Walking onto the stage seconds apart, the band members were greeted with a bellow of cheers and cries and broke straight into their setlist and not wasting any time at all. Yellowcard played an array of songs from their early days, including ‘Gifts and Curses’, ‘Transmission Home’ and their debut single ‘Way Away’, and some new songs from the self-titled album released in 2016, including ‘Rest In Peace’ and ‘Leave A Light On’. Although the majority of the fans in the room were lifetime Yellowcard fans, not everyone will have heard all the tracks from the new album, so to make everyone feel better about the evening Key told fans “if you don’t know the words, just dig deep into your soul, dig deep, and just make up the words as long as you’re singing to me” – can’t be any fairer than that. The band also sang a track close to their hearts, ‘Sing for Me’, a song that lead singer Ryan Key wrote for a relative who was fighting cancer and dedicated it to all family and friends who have passed over the years – “…just because they’re not here tonight doesn’t mean we can’t sing it loud enough for them to hear, sing it with us”.
Each member of Yellowcard played their hearts out and you could see just how much fun they were having on stage. Ryan Key, lead vocalist, was having the time of his life on stage while doing what he loves and entertaining his fans. Sean Mackin, backing vocals and violinist of the band was enjoying performing whilst being pushed around on tour production boxes by the stage manager and even threw in a cheeky back flip off production boxes right on the first beat of ‘Paper Walls’. Guitarist and bassist, Ryan Mendez and Josh Portman were up on stage jumping around and working the audience and getting the reaction they were aiming for. It goes to show that the guys still have it and still enjoy it, so why dissemble you ask? Key explained… “We made this decision a year and a half or so ago, and it was a long and hard decision to make but it was mutual, so from all of us we are so incredibly happy to see you guys one more time tonight here in Glasgow. On behalf of the band, we thank you so much for everything over the last 20 years, it’s been pretty amazing to travel the world and play rock shows so far from where we started”. The band left the stage right after singing ‘Hollywood Died’ to cries, cheering, clapping and chanting for more music. Encore requested, encore received; Yellowcard returned to the stage to thank fans one last time and give two more songs to end the night and their final gig in Glasgow on a high. What better way to end a farewell tour than to play your band’s best known song? Yellowcard played out their gig with Ocean Avenue. Do I really need to explain how the crowd reacted to this one? From start to finish, the crowd were going crazy – jumping up and down, air punching, pushing each other, shouting, screaming and singing back the lyrics. I don’t think the lads could have wanted or received anything bigger or better than that reaction if I’m honest. Taking their final centre stage position in Glasgow, the band assembled to take their final bow and end the show together, accompanied by claps and cheers. The band succeeded in giving fans the gig to remember. Nice one lads, if you ever want to come back, we promise we won’t say no!
YOU ME AT SIX
You Me At Six, the five piece from Surrey are back with their brand new album ‘Night People’ and believe me, you don’t want to miss out on hearing it. Following the band’s fourth album Cavalier Youth and its success in the UK charts, fans have waited three years for the band’s next album to be released, but it’s finally here and was definitely worth the wait. While the band’s previous albums may come across as a little ‘emo’ for some listeners, they’ve changed things up with their new album. If you managed to grab yourself some tickets to see the lads on their tour this past October you’ll have heard them chatting about the album that was released January 13TH. Lead man Josh Franceschi deemed the album
as their best yet – “…many bands will tell you ‘our next album is going to be the best yet’, but I promise you all, our new album is going to be our best yet”. Fans were then lucky to hear YMAS play their new single ‘Night People’ and it didn’t disappoint. With album titled track ‘Night People’ being first in the track listing it sets the pace of the album well and with the catchy chorus repeating throughout, its without a doubt that the song is going to sound and come off well with crowds during tour time. ‘Heavy Soul’, ‘Plus One’ and ‘Swear’ also copy the similar beat and rhythm of the first track, with energetic vibes and aggression in Franceschi’s vocals – these are definitely others that you should take a listen to.
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NIGHT PEOPLE ALBUM REVIEW by Kayley Cowey
Next up, ‘Take On The World’ is low beat, but displays range of vocals from the band and picks up a little over three minutes in, before levelling out again to round the song off nicely before ‘Brand New’ – which also duplicates the tempo and style of song. Whereas ‘Make Your Move’ and ‘Can’t Hold Back’ follow in the same path of the title track in sense of pace, catchiness and energy from the band. On first listen of ‘Spell It Out’, it’s difficult to distinguish which direction the track is going to go in – slow and steady, or pick up the pace and tempo at any point? Up until the two minute thirty mark, it stays steady and plays with you, then the bass and drums come in and it’s instrumental with Franceschi singing the chorus over till the
end – epic song, definitely a favourite. ‘Give’ then ends the album well, bringing the tempo back down to an acoustic ballad and – like previous – displays Franceschi’s vocal range in a great way. Overall, the entire album is written, tracked and performed spot on. Where appropriate, the aggression in the lyrics is shown well in Franceschi’s voice with the base and tempo of backing track to match the mood. All in all, top class album and the lads should be definitely be proud of this one!
night people hmv in-store tour by Kayley Cowey Photos by Rhiannon Brown It’s not everyday that you get to see a band that you like do an album signing in a store near you, so when we found out that the lads were doing a HMV signing we couldn’t resist popping along to Eldon Square in Newcastle to see them. Before taking their time to sign albums and merch and grab a few selfies and a chat with their fans, the lads squeezed in a cheeky little live session for fans to hear the new music up close and personal. Not every venue was getting this live session, the lads had only chosen three venues and Newcastle were one of the lucky three. Nice choice lads! Now if you’ve ever been to a HMV signing before you know that they queue you around the aisles of their stock on sale – it’s the same for when the band do a live session and you’re amongst a crowd of people, big problem if you’re of the small human population. But don’t stress too much because good old Josh Franceschi came to the rescue with the idea that if everybody sat on the floor for the session, then that would enable everyone else to see, not just a pretty face that man. The band started off the set with ‘Night People’ and continued on to perform ‘Swear’, ‘Give’ and ‘Heavy Soul’ for
the fans who had managed to grab themselves a wristband for the signing, who were now eager to meet and chat with the guys before they had to head off for the next day’s signings. So there we have it. The album is awesome, the guys are awesome and those two mixed surely looks more than hopeful for the tour in April to be just as awesome, right? Go grab yourself a listen to the album and get your tickets for the tour now!
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BLOOD BROTHER Darkus Magazine: Tell us about how the recent months have been for Blood Brother? Nick: We have been working really hard on our Debut LFW presentation so there will be a small rest for Christmas and then we shall be heading right into 2017 with a large amount of excitement.
2017 is certainly looking like the year that will see, Blood Brother take men’s fashion to a whole new exciting level. Based in London, the brand led by friends Nick Biela and James Waller have been working hard over the past few years to give a fresh and unique twist to the beautiful work they create. We caught up with Nick Biela - Co Founder and Creative Director to find out a little bit more about the world of Blood Brother and the vision for the year ahead.
DM: When it comes to male fashion, what are some of the things people underestimate? Nick: Men care about their appearance, however functionality is equally as important, so having the right size pockets or a hood that has great fabrication but also protects you from the rain allows us guys
the luxury of having a garment that might replace a bag and a brolly at the same time while looking great. DM: Your work is sensational and stunning; in your own mind what do you think in the current fashion industry gives Blood Brother the edge? Nick: We are independent company and have a really dedicated team but we also care about what everything we put out. Every range has a unique story so there is a sense of invigoration that comes with being together with a tight knit team working on something. Over, an intense period and then the buzz that comes with showcasing that.
fashion DM: Over the years we have seen Blood Brother collaborate with a number of companies and artists across the creative industry. What are the key qualities you look for when considering collaboration? Nick: We love collaborating with people who are willing to take risks, and see things for what they are at the same time. We are still working every day to make our dreams reality and we thrive off other creative in many different fields, making those same leaps of faith. DM: To have Blood Brother stocked in the likes of Harvey Nichols and Harrods, as designers how does that make you feel? Nick: We are immensely proud to have the support from some of the UKs leading stores, but the target is never met we always want to keep working together with the type of stores listed above to consistently improve and grow as a brand. DM: Having met back in the days of your time at London College of Fashion, what do you enjoy about working with each other? What do you think you both bring to the brand and vision of Blood Brother? Nick: We both have immense hunger for what we do, and although the fashion industry can be tough at times, we are still passionate about clothing and offering a different angle to other brands out there, Blood Brother exists only with people who buy into it, without friends and people buying the brand it would not exist, that will never stop inspiring the both of us and driving our ambition to create the brands universe. DM: Back in AW15 you debuted your male footwear collection, were you happy with the response it gained? Nick: The footwear has had a really great reaction and we are really excited with the new selection on offer for SS17 coming into stores as we speak, we did have a big learning curve however when we started as it works quite differently from ready to wear so everything
from sourcing to photo-shoots was a different skill set and a new beginning. DM: We are seeing a rise of designers specialising in men’s fashion, especially here in the UK. How does it feel knowing that Blood Brother is part of that revolution? Nick: Its great that menswear is growing and that there is a new wave of designers, Blood Brother deserves its place within that rise because its genuine, we are guys who are passionate about menswear making clothes for people just like us. DM: It is so inspiring to know that you make regular visits to some of your family-run factories not just the ones based in London, but Portugal. For designers such as yourself how valuable is it to be involved in every part of the process? Nick: It is vital to see things all the way through from initial sketch then to sample and from sale to production. Nothing is more important to us than the quality of what we put out. Keeping our customers happy is vital to grow. DM: Would be fair to say that there is more than Blood Brother than meets the eye? Nick: Yes! Although I feel like I’m repeating myself, we are an independent brand which we started at a young age learning on the job, so we feel like we are just coming to a boiling point now after a lot of hard work, we are so galvanised for the next phase roll on 2017. DM: You will be showcasing the FW17 collection at London Fashion Week, with it being your first on schedule presentation how excited are you? Is preparation for the presentation going well? Nick: Prep has been really good we are in
fashion the last phase now with castings and set design being finalised so it’s a mixture of excitement and nerves. DM: In regards to the FW17 what were the main inspirations? What do you think the collection will reflect about the evolution of Blood Brother in 2017? Nick: The River Thames has been our inspiration for AW17, while vast in both size and relevance its potential for inspiration was also overwhelming. We have enjoyed looking into some of the more abstract quirks the River has offered and the reason why it seems to reflect London so excellently. We have enjoyed working with print this season, particularly our glitched maps, researching old survey maps mixed with newer digital maps most notable Google maps. Our take on London locations relative to the river are further brought to life with plentiful embroidery embellishment added to key shapes. Tailoring with jumbo cord and waxed cotton combine with strapping and pockets distinctly utilitarian giving the collection its classic Blood Brother character.
Photography: Mattias Bjorklund Styling: Danielle Emerson Model: Logan @ Ford Models
links @bloodbrother @Bloodbrother_o @BloodBrotherMenswear
Have you ever been scrolling through Instagram and wished you could buy all the silk twopiece sets and diamond chokers you see? Well introduce Depop. This app is essentially the love child of Instagram and eBay, whereby you have the opportunity to make a purchase with every photo posted. If you are familiar with the online store Etsy, you can think of ‘Pop as its younger, trendier cousin. However, just because Depop is a newer marketplace, after launching in 2012 out of Shoreditch, London’s so-called edgiest borough, this does not mean that you cannot discover the most vintage of treasures. Depop is home to a range of users, offering a plethora of sartorial investments from brand-new sample items, to classic finds. A personal favourite, is Canada-based seller ‘Internet Girl’, who acquires and passes on (referred to as ‘repop’ by those in the know) a
This app is essentially the love child of instagram and ebay THEY STILL EXTEND THRIFTY LITTLE SALES AND DISCOUNTS
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variety of clothing and accessories as her 9 to 5 job. Setting up Depop shop when she was only 17, Internet Girl now sells around 25 to 30 pieces on the daily, and has developed quite a presence as a vintage and antique advocate. Following in these footsteps (albeit chunky platform ones), is simple due to the fact that any item of your choice can be listed on Depop free of charge. Expect to receive many electronic likes and follows from those who love your style, and after selling pieces at your own set price, Depop will incur 10%. And the cherry red stiletto on top of the cake, is that despite Depop not being a singular brand store, they still extend
thrifty little sales and discounts. These offers occur regularly, so you are always within a chance of clutching (see what I did there?) yourself a bargain. If alas this is not the case, many sellers allow for you to present them with alternative prices or perhaps bundles of different items, so you had best get your negotiating skills at the ready. If you are intrigued by this growing community, and you want to buy or swap, the greatest place to get your initiation is with Depop’s celebrity shops: @lottiemoss - Younger sister of one of the original ‘supermodels’, Kate Moss, Lottie’s store features
clothing directly from her wardrobe @chiaraferragni- Face of world-famous Italian blog The Blonde Salad, Ferragni’s store has more sunglasses than you’ve ever seen in one go @katieeary- This LFW designer, who has dressed the likes of singer Dua Lipa, sells her original collection, as well as her own personal items. With ready-towear garments for pleasing prices, Eary’s store is definitely worth a virtual visit. If you decide to set up shop, be sure to download the Depop app, follow my store @pippaluisetti and browse away! By Pippa Luisetti Gardelio
Kimothy Joy
What I love most about Instagram is that it is full of so much inspiration. I felt so moved when I discovered the work of illustrator Kimonthy Joy at the start of the year. We live in a world which is always throwing different situations our way, but its people such as Kimothy through her work, who remind us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in, having the courage to have our voices heard and our rights respected.
Darkus Magazine: Hi Kimothy a pleasure to meet you. For the benefit of our readers tell us a little bit about yourself? Kimothy: Sure! I’m an illustrator (very recently, actually) based in Denver, Colorado. I’ve been living here for almost 8 years now but am originally from northeast Ohio and before that, Arizona. I’m an avid traveller, photographer, graphic designer (basically creative dabbler) and am into sup-
porting and empowering women/ girls whether that be working with NGOs, volunteering as a mentor, or recently starting a local ladies support group. DM: As an illustrator where does the main inspiration for your work come from? K: I’ve always been consistently fulfilled and inspired by a few things: being on a plane (if I could move my office onto a plane, I
would), getting lost in new bustling cities with starkly different cultures, and by reading the words of other women who have come before me, including my mom’s journals. Post-election, my work has been pretty reactionary based on what messages I feel are missing in current popular dialogue. In general, I would say my best work is inspired from a source of pain or frustration, when I’m feeling most lost or unheard or restless.
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DM: What I respect and love about your work is that it is far more than just illustration in many cases it’s a message to the world in a time where we have experienced so much change. Was that always the vision? K: Thank you for saying that. I would say that my illustrations are mostly an extension of the type of art therapy I personally have needed. I started painting and drawing daily about 2 years ago, mostly as a way to cope with a break up. I often hear that same story from other artists. It seems natural for creatives to use artmaking to heal and it’s beautiful to watch how what was once personal to them can in turn heal others. My early drawings were almost always quotes, or the practice of meditating on someone else’s words, that brought me peace and a greater understanding of my own situations. From 2011-2015, I was working in a more corporate
environment as DM: Some of your projects have a creative included work with NGOs as consultant well as the recent ‘Make America for national Kind Again’ campaign. What is healthcare it about those projects you have campaigns. I loved being a part of? was lit up by the impact I K: One of the first projects I did could make that involved mostly illustrative in relaying work, was for the wonderful orpowerful ganization Soul Day Foundation messages for whose mission is to supplement healthcare other NGO’s by providing “days improveof delight.” Soul Day Foundation ment to was started by the brilliant Carrie the general Dorr, founder of Pure Barre. Its public be message is to spread kindness and it through we worked with people of all ages, infographethnicities, etc. who could use an ics, videos, extra boost of support and care. or podWorking with Carrie and Soul casts. But I Day Foundation helped me realize wanted to how kindness, thoughtfulness, do more of and empathy can make a huge that specifc work – to just focus impact on communities. After on spreading messages for social observing the vulgarity, sexism, change. So I decided to leave my discrimination, and misogyny of full time job (and my stable pay/ our presidential election, I felt sick healthcare benefits…eek) and ven- and insulted. I could barely get ture out on my own as a freelance out of bed for days. When I finally creative. I named my business Sto- did, I sat down to paint what I felt rypunch and describe it as “creawas missing from every conversative, storytelling services for social tion – basic respect and kindness change.” I had no idea this choice for other people. So I painted to change career directions would “Make America Kind Again” and eventually lead me to becoming shared it online. Apparently, I an illustrator. wasn’t the only one who felt This past year, as our this way and needed to political climate hear this message. I would say my best has heightened The response was in tension, I be- work is inspired from a overwhelmingly came reignited source of pain or frustration positive and I in creating received requests artwork daily My illustrations are mostly for shirts, prints, and sharing in etc. My favorite an extension of the type of part of the MAKA a habitual way art therapy I personally project and sharing that I’ve never have needed done before. I had my artwork online (and still have) so in general, has been the much to say and so many genuine, beautiful connections people I want to commemorate I’ve made with people from all through my illustrations. over the world. I decided to share
“Make America Kind Again” and other designs like “The Future is Female” as free poster downloads before the women’s march. I was in awe of images that poured in from women, men and children carrying my signs at marches worldwide, including Paris and Kosovo, on CNN, Aljazeera, and others. It brought tears to my eyes and made me recognize the power of art. Art heals! And I realized how so many of us worldwide want the same fundamental things. It also encouraged me to continue being generous with my time and art. People were gracious and appreciative. DM: A lot of your work focuses on strong independent women in the world. For you personally was there any one you came across that you felt a true sisterly connection too? K: Oh, that’s a great question. There have been many women who I’ve drawn for my “That’s What She Said” series that I feel closely connected to. I started illustrating the series post-election, as well, after wondering what my mother (deceased) would
say about all of this. She was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. That led me to wonder what women in the past would say, those who were up against tyrants, unjust systems and impossible odds, hence, “That’s What She Said” became my next project. For each woman I painted, I had a ritual that would take about 3-4 hours of fully immersing myself in their story and the context of their life. I’d absorb everything I could to learn more about them in that mini power session: podcasts, books, quotes, old photographs online. Then I’d sit down to paint their portrait with watercolour and hand letter their words. I really got to know each of them in a way I’ve never done in school. That was a really rewarding, uplift-
ing process for me. I connected with Maya Angelou after learning of her many careers throughout her life (including nightclub dancer and performer). I’ve never done either of those but love the thought of her having all these unexpected chapters in her life that informed her writing and shaped her resilient personality. She was a renaissance woman who adapted and survived, more than survived, excelled no matter her circumstances, and she did so with a fearless grace and humour. Learning more about her was like hearing over and over again from a maternal spirit, “You’re going to be okay. Speak up. Speak your truth. Anything is possible.” DM: As an illustrator and Kimothy Joy in general, what does a typical day look like for you? K: My typical day starts with our 60 pound, 11-month old German Shepherd puppy, Charlie, running into the bedroom and jumping on us. This usually occurs around 6 am. Then I try to get my partner,
LIFESTYLE Gregory, to wake up or I end up groggily taking Charlie out on a short walk around my Denver neighbourhood. Next, I attempt to get on the rowing machine for 15-20 minutes to get the blood moving then I make a pour over coffee - a necessity before sitting down to work. I read the news, listen to podcasts, and start to paint whatever is next up on my ongoing list (quotes or portraits). Like I said, a lot of it has been reacting to what is happening day by day and what messages I believe need to be shared at the moment, usually inspired by historical figures.
en, especially creative types, helps spark ideas and new thoughts. I like collaborating and brainstorming with friends over coffee or drinks. I always want to know “What if….? What if….?” so I like to be with people who will be in that space with me. Creativity and innovative solutions can come
DM: At what point do you feel the most creative? Is there anything in particular that sparks your creative vibe the most? K: Creativity is such a strange, elusive thing. When it’s on, it’s completely on but there are so many times when I just have to force myself to sit and get started on something. For me, travelling internationally and just being on an airplane, stuck in one seat without any distractions, that’s when the genius strikes and I’m ready to take full advantage. Also, getting together with other wom-
through constant wonder and inquiry instead of looking at how things have always been done. DM: In your opinion what are the obstacles as a society we need to address and overcome?
K: I think we have this prolific sense of “otherness”. Maybe technology has disconnected us physically and lent to this. Or suburban sprawl. Maybe it’s that we’re all so isolated and divided in our own homogenous bubbles so our opinions of each other have become more misled and fear-based. Simultaneously, there’s another crowd (my crowd) who has embraced our global connection through new trends in shared economy, like AirBnB, where there is less “otherness” and more openness to meeting your national and international neighbours who were once strangers. These platforms encourage curiosity, trust, and mutual respect versus fear and isolation. We seem to be divided by two starkly different mentalities: those who believe the world is a dangerous, scary place or the other half who believe that the world is beautiful, connected and waiting to be explored. In short, I guess I think we need to overcome our bubbles and get out there and try to understand people from different backgrounds and differing perspectives. A lot of the barriers that stunt our progress as a society seem to be rooted in misunderstandings and assumptions. And the obvious one, we need to
strong women, how does it feel that Kimothy Joy is also part of that inspirational revolution? K It’s been an incredible, communal experience. Probably the largest “team” I’ve ever been a part of and it’s fulfilling to know that I have a newfound global sisterhood. I’m also realizing the power of social media in creating authentic connections and friendships. I’ve made a lot of new, in-real-life friends from interacting online, and I’m really grateful! The more women feel connected with one another, the more we feel emboldened to speak up and use our voices to achieve more together. I’m excited to see what change this revolution will bring about. DM: As a women how important others embrace what it truly means to have their voice and rights respected and heard?
be kind to each other and listen more. Less assumptions and the belief that we already know everything. More curiosity, listening, creativity and wonder. That’s the society I want to help build. DM: When people look at your work, what is it you want them to take away? K: I want people to see the forest for the trees. I want my artwork to provide them with a spark of hope. I want it to convey a quiet, steadfast strength yet lightness and whimsy. We’re all dealing with our own small battles each day and we’re inundated with sarcasm and satire. I want to bring about a light-heartedness as well as celebration for the beautiful virtues in
life and beautiful people who have come before our generation. DM: As we discussed earlier you have worked alongside many
K: It is so important that we look to our advocates throughout history and continue to celebrate them in current pop culture through art, literature, music, etc. We cannot forget we stand on the shoulders of giants and there are too many unsung female heroes whose stories have been quieted. I want to
LIFESTYLE resurrect those stories and make skills and strengths to an org that them ubiquitous, is creating positive social common knowlchange. Another It is so important edge. big thing that I that we look to our advohave learned cates throughout history and DM: late in life, What is to speak continue to celebrate them... I love up when even you hear more someone about say someI think on a daily basis, we could all strive thing your work is to be more thoughtful, considerate, and that is that its inappropriinformed, myself included. It is a all about ate and/or mind-set and a practice. embracing discriminatoand encouragry. Growing up, ing positive social I didn’t realize the change. In your view significance of speaking up what can others do to make that for myself or others and being change even more possible? an upstasnder. We need to teach children this right from the start. K: Thank you! I think on a daily basis, we could all strive to be more thoughtful, considerate, and informed, myself included. It is a mind-set and a practice. For instance, as a white 32-year old woman from the Midwest now living in Denver, I recognize I have a lot of privilege that others do not. Recognizing the imbalance of fairness there, I need to consider what I can do to help bring about change that levels out the playing field as well as advances the rights of those who are underrepresented in our society. That is the abstract thought. When you break it down to daily action, action that involves your money, time, and attention, I suggest a few things. I recommend funding an organization like the ACLU, Emily’s List, Planned Parenthood, or Southern Poverty Law Center (all products in my online shop support one of these organizations). Incorporate volunteering into each calendar year, like mentoring a disadvantaged youth (my personal favourite activity), fundraising, event planning, or offering your unique
This lesson is as vital on the playground as it is in settings such as Congress. I believe that we can all create great change by keeping it top of mind and influencing those around us. That is how you affect change among the broader society – through small, daily, grassroots efforts that begin in your home, work, school, and community. You can find out more about Kimothy Joy by heading over to www. kimothyjoy.com Article By Thushara Answers & Illustrations By Kimothy Joy
KOTA Having had a successful journey as one of the most innovative stylists and designers in the North East, Krista Puranen Wilson has been keeping herself busy with her latest achievement – her own official KOTA store based in Grainger Market in the heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne.
spend a considerable amount of time with a structural changes. As an Interior designer it is highly rewarding to see the end result after long period of time. I also produce fashion shows and run style workshops, there being two for February for local charity.
We caught up with Krista to discover a little bit more about the next chapter which takes KOTA to new heights.
DM: Take us through a typical day in your life?
Darkus Magazine: Congratulations for your new store. What does it feel like having a showroom just for yourself? Krista: Thank you! I must say I am very excited to be able to showcase Scandinavian design talent here in NorthEast and having a physical shop rather than just online presence, really is a dream come true! DM: Tell us how these past few months have been for you? Krista: The past two months have been super hectic as opening a new business as well as creating a shop as a sole trader , really is that, working by yourself! Luckily I have had a good network of help, business advisers, professional builders, graphic designers plus friends and family of course who have all contributed wonderfully. DM: What do you think gives your products that extra edge? Krista: KOTA products are carefully edited range from different labels which all have very distinctive design flair. Clean lines, bold colours and prints, top quality materials (often eco-friendly) combined with a high functionality are all characteristics that we can associate with Scandinavian design ethos. DM: Are there anyone projects you have been working on other than KOTA? Krista: Alongside running a KOTA store, I also offer style consultancy and interior design cervices as KPWDesigns. Most recently I have been working for a private client with a beautiful Victorian house renovation project in Jesmond. We are anticipating this to be ready by summer 2017 and cannot wait to get it all furnished as we have
Krista: A typical day in my life now really all revolves around KOTA store as it is still in its infancy. As a sole owner I really do look after everything from mopping the shop floor and doing endless promotion to attending design fairs as a quest speaker. There is no typical day besides some of the daily routine that keeps the engine running. But I love it all. There is also always something to learn as running a business is never ‘ready’. DM: When KOTA’s shop launched in December 2016, were you happy with the initial response you had gained? Krista: After KOTA’s launch in December 2016 it has been fantastic. I could not have expected better response from the customers and also the support from Newcastle city council who were equally exited to get a bit of Scandinavian flair into this beautiful Grainger Market. There has been several customers who have wanted to buy ‘the whole shop’ as they love it so much!
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DM: What do you enjoy about being based here in the North East? Krista: Being a designer, stylist and now a design shop owner here in North-East has been great. There is a sense of a creative community and Newcastle with its surrounding areas is a buzzing hub for all things creative. NorthEast also has people from all over the world so you can pick several different influences which for any designer are a good source pool.
this style direction. Then we have crazy Finns who cannot get enough of bright bold colors and patters like see here at our JATULI clothing collection. At KOTA we will try to find the right balance between these two as being ‘Hygge’ (cozy) of ‘Lagom’ (having just enough) is all about following your own instincts and creating the combinations that work for you. We don’t sell trends but a lifestyle with timeless designs that will bring you joy for years to come. DM: What are your other plans for 2017?
DM: For the past few years KOTA has always been involved in Grainger Market’s Birthday Celebrations. When seeing your work up on that catwalk what goes through your head?
Krista: Plans for 2017 include more interior design work and hopefully more catwalk shows as I love creating them. Also for KOTA there are plans to start our own product lines but more about that later ...
Krista: KOTA KPW designs has produced several catwalk shows for Grainger Market’s annual birthday week in October and every time we have pulled together yet another show, I feel really proud that we have such a lovely designers and businesses here and Grainger Market is continuing to keep surprising customers with fantastic events and new shops. Hopefully in the future we could also showcase local student’s designs too as this building really is a great shopping destination for all ages.
DM: What is the best way for people to start investing in KOTA?
DM: Having been in this industry for a few years now, what have been some of the fondest memories? Krista: My fondest memories as a designer/stylist must have been a job as a stylist for a fashion catalog shoot done in Thailand some years ago. It is not everyday that I get to spend 10 days in 5 five star hotel in one of the most amazing holiday destinations in the world. It was the same hotel where Leonardo Di Caprio stayed whilst filming classic film Beach and I must say was worth every penny that my client spent on us ha ha. We did work there 13 hour days tho but it was still amazing with shoot locations being desert islands where we got only by renting a motor boat for the day. On the other end of the spectrum, I have run several style and body confidence workshops for local charities here in the North-East and there has been more than one occasion when beaming smiles from participants have nearly brought me into tears. I feel very honored that I have been able to bring some joy for people’s lives by showing how beautiful they all are and not just from inside. DM: Can you tell us a bit more about the designs we see here, what do you think it shows us about the evolution of KOTA? Krista: At KOTA we constantly look for the latest new design labels. Scandinavian design has many faces and can be calm with natural materials like linen creating serene surroundings. Danish companies are in the forefront of
Krista: At KOTA you can start with just one item, let’s say a linen tea towel with a beautiful print or our bestselling Costo accessories hats with detachable bobbles. As every order we place brings in more variations of each collection, you can gradually build a beautiful home and a wardrobe consisting of products you really love, you know are made of the best materials and are eco friendly and unique. Our philosophy is to buy less but buy better.
To discover KOTA experience yourself head over to; Unit 103 Grainger Market Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5QW, United Kingdom
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WWW.KOTASTORE.UK @KOTASTORENCL
Photos: Kit Haig Styling: KPWDesigns
real people, real inspiration
newcastle upon tyne article by Thushara
A lot of the time here at Darkus we focus a lot of musicians, models, photographers and anyone with a creative flare. To mix things up a little for this year’s collection however Ithought it would be a good idea, thanks to the inspiration of Instagram to tell about some of those incredible everyday people out there that have just as much enthusiasm, positivity and passion as anyone else.
With Darkus being predominantly based here in Newcastle Upon Tyne, there was no better place to start than here at home. Having reached out to a number of people, we finally came across two wonderful friendly, fun and awesome people from our own region and asked them a few quick questions about who they are and what motivates and inspires them the most.
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Katie-Jo @domesticatedyouth Tell us a little about yourself?
When do you feel most confident?
I’m Katie-Jo, a 19 year old music and fashion enthusiast from Newcastle.
When I’m not worried about what people think of me, which is 95% of the time. Also, being around friends is always a confidence booster as friends as they care less about the little things than I do.
What are the kinds of things which inspire you? It’s really inspiring to see the talented creative people get recognition for their work whether it’s music, art or fashion. I’ve always been inspired by music, I love discovering new bands and seeing them grow into mainstream artists. There’s nothing better than seeing a band in a small grungy venue, then watching them headline a festival four years later.
When it comes to exploring new styles and ideas for fashion, what are the key things you look for?
How would you describe your style?
What do you love most about social media sites such as Instagram? Would you agree that it is a good platform for giving people a voice to both address and celebrate life?
My style is like the front window of a charity shop... with a hint of Urban Outfitters. If you could choose a song to represent your life so far what would you choose? Tame Impala - The Less I Know The Better (The clue is in the title). As a young strong lady living in the north east, what are some of the things that are most important to you? The North East is full of small creative businesses and people, as a young creative individual it is important to me to meet other creative individuals that have the same aspirations as I do, and collaborate together.
I look for funky patterns. I love to shop in vintage shops where everything is one-of-kind, second hand clothes are much cooler and it’s better for the environment. It’s also better to support local smaller businesses rather than large chains.
The thing I love most about social media sites is that they are an amazing way to display some of the best times in your life through photographs, and provide a place where you can always look back over your best memories. Instagram is an amazing platform the share a little part of your life with the world, where you can gain inspiration from other people and they can gain inspiration from you.
Billie thomas @billiethomasox
LIFESTYLE
Tell us a little about yourself? I’m Billie, I’m 20 years old and live in Newcastle. I currently study makeup for film and TV at York university and I work as a performer doing stilt Walking, dancing and as a fire artist. A freelance makeup artist and a nightclub table hostess. What are the kinds of things which inspire/important to you? There are many things that inspire me, my biggest inspiration would probably be music. I love indie music and I’m really into seeing bands and going to festivals with my friends, I think it’s really important to experience stuff like that, there’s just good vibes everywhere and everyone is in one place together for the same reason like a giant family. My friends are also very important to me, I keep my circle small but they are all I need. I’m inspired by everything around me really, art, fashion, makeup, the weather. I can get an idea for a project from almost anything. How would you describe your style? My style is kind of all over the shop, I dress for however I’m feeling at the time. I love the colour black, I also love floral clothing and vintage/retro clothes tend to be my go-to. I absolutely love the 90’s as it was my childhood I find the fashion so fun and also comforting. I couldn’t leave the house without my Dr Martens, I own seven pairs now and it’s kind of becoming an obsession! I also love to take casual clothes and dress them up and take dressy clothes and dress them down that way you can get more wear out of them. When do you feel most confident? I feel at my most confident when I’m on a stage! It might be a strange answer but I love to perform and when I’m on stage with all of my team I’m at my happiest and most confident, when I have all of my makeup on and a costume I have made it makes me feel proud and I feel really good about myself. When it comes to exploring new styles and ideas for fashion, what are the key things you look for? When I look for a new fashion idea I tend to look at things like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration, I follow people who’s style I like as they do with me and we trade tips. I also do a lot of online shopping so I can keep up to date with trends.
What do you love most about social media sites such as Instagram? Would you agree that it is a good platform for giving people a voice to both address and celebrate life? I am absolutely OBSESSED with Instagram! As a makeup artist I think it is a great way to get your work out in the public and show people what you can do! It’s also fantastic for finding inspiration and meeting people that can help you. I have a lot of very close friends that I met through Instagram because of the love for similar things, that is what is so great about the platform it connects you with people that have things in common with you and I think that is absolutely amazing. If you could choose a song to represent your life so far what would you choose? This is a tough one! It would probably be You - The 1975. The lyrics don’t really represent my life but the vibe of the song does, very easy going yet fun and it’s makes you want to dance! As a young strong lady living in the north east, what is the thing that is most important to you? Being brought up in Newcastle I have learnt to absolutely adore this city, I think it’s an absolutely wonderful place with some of the most friendliest, kindest humans you could ever meet. If there’s one thing that I would always say to remember is that you can become as successful and rich and famous as you like but it’s always crucial to remember where you came from. Always stay grounded and humble, be kind on the way up, love everyone, inspire, motivate people. Kindness costs nothing but the rewards are priceless.
LIFESTYLE
Chambers touring presents
russel brand / re:birth new live tour 2017/2018
“Arena-level stand-up that asks us to think as well as laugh” - The Guardian
“One of the most impressive sights of the comedy year” - The Telegraph
Following a series of sold-out preview shows in November and December 2016, Russell Brand announces a new stand-up tour of UK and Ireland. What is real? Who are we? Where did this baby come from? In RE:BIRTH, Russell Brand wrestles with these questions while unravelling the matrix of modern media, politics, sex, fatherhood and death. Join one of comedy’s fiercest talents as he tries to make sense of life having just made a new one. Russell, re the show: “How do we make sense of the madness of our lives once we become parents? What am I going to tell my daughter about conformity and responsibility? What happens if she grows up to be like me or, worse, date someone like me?”
Since rising to fame in 2003, Russell Brand has established himself as one of one of the world’s most celebrated stand-up comedians. His acclaimed tours include 2006’s SHAME, 2007’s ONLY JOKING, 2009’s SCANDALOUS (which marked his US live debut) and 2013’s critically acclaimed and hugely successful MESSIAH COMPLEX, which was also a best-selling DVD. Aside from stand-up, Russell is also a phenomenally successful broadcaster, actor, author, podcaster, columnist, political commentator as well as a mental health and drug rehabilitation activist. RE:BIRTH will begin in April 2017 and visit every corner of the UK and Ireland, finishing in November 2018. Tickets for RE:BIRTH go on sale 10am, Friday 3rd February 2017. For a full list of tour dates, more information and to book tickets visit www.russellbrand.com
lifestyle
Tried and Tested Article by Thushara Answers by Lisa Guthrie (Founder of Tried and Tested)
Meet Lisa Guthrie – a person who always enjoys pursuing her passions and dreams for making a difference, and a true inspiration for others based here in the North East. With so many exciting parts to her life such as her appearance on Made In Tyne & Wear’s Chatty Lasses, Confessions of A Beauty Addict as well as her exceptional work on her blog, Tried & Tested, we wanted to catch up with Lisa to find out more about this amazing, strong and independent lady. Darkus Magazine: Has 2017 so far been your best friend? Lisa: Yes its been great as of today. We are still early days into the year but I have just had a meeting with the lovely Tony from Made In Tyne & Wear and we have been talking about a new show we are going to do this year which is great. I already have a few other shows I am involved with such as Confessions of A Beauty Addict and Chatty Lasses amongst multiudes of other things I do. So for this year we came up with another part of the ‘Confessions’ series being, ‘Confessions of A Wedding Planner’. DM; How did you first get into Blogging? L: Oh it was an accident, it wasn’t meant to be. However I wouldn’t turn the clock back though because it has been fantastic. Basically I am a manager of a dental practise and I still am – that’s my day job. In October 2014 I came up with the bright idea of creating a Facebook group purposely just for me and my girl friends. The reason being I have always been into beauty. I always knew which tools worked for your hair, which lipstick was the best to use etc. I was just obsessed with beauty products, so with that in mind my friends would come to me asking ‘Lisa what is the best…’ . By creating the group it was a way to tell all my friends about my investments and discoveries at the same time rather than go round them one by one. It was supposed to be a closed group so I didn’t think it would mean people adding friends into the group and it snowballing into more and more people being added. By December 2014 I had 7,000 members. At first I was
stunned, but then I said to myself, ‘hang on I am on to something’, and realising there was a niche I just carried on. Currently as we stand in January 2017 we have just over 20,000 members. People call me a Blogger, and to be honest I never thought of myself as one. Instead I regarded myself as the typical girl next door. The reason why I think I am different is because my Facebook Group platforms allows women to converse with one another and express their own views about beauty and products, thus creating a community vibe to it. On the other hand as much as I di have my blog its very difficult. You can voice what you like, but its limited as to how responsive your readers can be. Therefore by having a community just for women to converse and discuss issues which matter to them then takes blogging to a different dimension. DM: Is Facebook your favourite platform? L: Yes 100%. I have my blog. Do I keep it up to date? Not so much. With the FB group though as it all local women it an opportunity for businesses in the region to advertise their services, special deals etc. DM: Give us an example of a business that has given you a good first impression? L: I don’t give any negative reviews and that one thing I stand by. If I don’t think somewhere is good I just won’t entertain it. I give constructive feedback where its due. I won’t mention a name but there was a salon that I visited which wasn’t up to scratch. It wasn’t the service I was quite expecting, so to avoid the backlash from members I gave the salon constructive criticism. I highlighted things such as where I felt they were going wrong and how they could improve. Something I am proud to say that I went back to that salon not so long ago and they have improved incredibly. DM: Do you feel a kind of Gordon Ramsay feel to it? L: You know what, it is! At the time you feel terrible but what can I do. Your damned if you do and your damned if you don’t. At the end of the day you have to be honest and the fact that they turned it around makes me proud actually.
DM: We generally as a population tend not to say anything if asked we are happy with a service. Do you therefore agree the work you do inspires and encourages others to speak up?
we are into the 4th or 5th series now. We get guests to speak about many different issues, much like FB to discuss things which women in the region feel most passionate about.
L: Yes! At the end of the day I am just a normal person so when I go to a salon I have a certain expectation of what I would like to see like any other normal person. So if you feel I think there is nothing wrong with saying something just as long as you are constructive, The delivery of how you say it is important too. For example being a manager that looks after a team I have the skills to be quite neutral and ensure any feedback I provide has a positive twist.
DM: With Confession Of A Wedding Planner, what angle are you going to take?
DM: Do you have a typical day? L: Well I have to get up quite early to make sure I look good before leaving the house otherwise I get slated haha! Jokes! No my routine is quite simple. I am married with 2 children and a husband. What a lot of people don’t realise is that I have my day job which is a highly demanding role, but I love and would never ever think of leaving. However I am lucky in the sense that I only work school hours – 9 till 2 and off on a Monday.If my husband is able to get the kids from school what tends to happen on a good day after I work my hours is that I get invited by a salon to experience a massage, gets my nails done etc. If I am not doing salon reviews I would do some work on my blog and if I am not doing that doing something on Facebook group. In a nutshell I am always working, I cannot switch off. DM: Even if its just five minutes out of your day, what does Lisa Guthrie like to do just for herself? L: Family time! If I do have time especially at the weekend I try to dedicate my time to my boys and my husband. I am lucky that the way the FB group has evolved it now tends to run itself. The members have made it their own, so other than my input now and again it doesn’t really need me which is great. DM: Lets talk TV shows then. Starting with Chatty Lasses – how did you become involved? L: What happened was Katie Bulmer-Cook came up with the idea which is basically like a budget Loose Women – obviously better though haha. So she came up with the idea of this show and also happened to be part of the Tried & Tested community. I had never met her before but her being one of my T&T sisters, she had seen how I was like on the group with the other members. Anyhow she asked if I would like to co-present so I said yes. I think
L: We are going along the lines of creating a brand with the ‘Confessions’ themes, so with regards to this one we are going down the route of looking at every aspect of your wedding as a planner. We are going to look at the most extravagant to something that is just as lovely but on a budget. Talk to brides about what they expect from a wedding these days too. Gone are the days when you hired a DJ and held your celebrations in the local Civic Hall. Now you turn up to a wedding and I don’t know you could see Gary Barlow singing. Its gone from being really traditional to being quite out there which is what I want to show how since 10 years ago when I got married, how the wedding industry has changed. DM: Your work comes at a time in the north east where strong women are being acknowledged. Your part of that revolution right? L: It feels fantastic. I am all for strong, independent women. I love my husband dearly and don’t ever want to be without him, but I am telling you now I could manage without him. I think its great, I love to empower women. DM: You have so much going on, are you thinking of the next level or are you happy to go with the flow? L: I like going with the flow to be honest. I don’t really tend to look into the future. I have been lucky that new opportunities do keep coming my way. DM: When deciding when and when not to collaborate – what factors help you? L: It used to be where I would go to everything and anything. I could travel all the way to the other side of the north east for a manicure. That doesn’t work so much now. I have to consider especially due to my other commitments if its worth my time. DM: What do you enjoy most about living in the north east? L: I am actually originally an Essex girl although my accent doesn’t really give it away. I do love the North East. Consett where I live everyone is so lovely and friendly.
LIFESTYLE DM: Are you at a happy place? L: I am really happy! Things are going well with Tried & Tested, my careers is going strong too and long may it continue. I am telling you now though its not without a lot of hard work. A lot of people are easy to assume I have had it handed on a plate, but I have had to work my arse off to get to where I am. You have to put in the graft to get out what you want. Tried & Tested for me is a hobby I enjoy. If I can help local businesses I will. It is a good platform for creating a network in a safe and honest environment. DM: Taking into the consideration your vision and dream – why should even more people start to invest in Tried & Tested?
L: It is my hope to eventually to create T&T Dollies – little mini me’s all over the UK who would go to Salon and do reviews in their region and feedback to the rest of the group. I would also urge beauty and fashion business to sign up to the group, as it is the most amazing advertising tool you would ever experience. To be part of Lisa’s amazing Tried & Tested empire head over to..
www.facebook.com/groups/triedandtestedbylisa & www.triedandtesteduk.co.uk Alternatively for businesses especially you can contact her by emailing: triedandtestedbylisa@hotmail.com
Hello again dear readers, as you may have guessed from the title of this article I’m going to be talking about T2, the Trainspotting sequel, directed by the exceptionally talented Danny Boyle. This without doubt a film I have been waiting a long time for. With that
said it’s going to be a challenge for me to try review this film without being massively biased it’s also going to be difficult to review the movie without spoiling it. The film begins when Mark Renton returns to Edinburgh twenty years after the original movie
finishes, He meets up with his old friends Spud and Simon aka Sick Boy trying to fix the problems that arise thanks to everyone’s actions in the previous film but things soon begin to turn ugly when Frank Begbie gets out of prison. What follows is a roller coaster of
FILM
The Train was Delayed by 20 Years… But It’s Here Now!
humour, dark intensity and criminality. I find myself thinking that this instillation in the Trainspotting saga is more subtle in its story telling but also a lot darker, proving that things don’t always necessarily get better with time. Now don’t
get me wrong, this film sometimes throws you a curve ball straight out of some deep, dark emotional hell that leaves you reeling. The film excellently blends together all the things that made the previous movie great and delivers them in spades, making the overall effect confusing while what you’ve just watched sinks in. I don’t know if my experience of
the movie is effected by my own history of drunks and lowlife-ness but either way I was massively impressed by this cleverly told, thought provoking tale. Really I have to finish there so as not to spoil the movie for anyone who has yet to see it. If you are one of those people I have to say this, GO SEE THIS MOVIE RIGHT NOW! No, seriously… become what you always knew you could be… a Trainspotter! Article By Jack Alexander
Often the punchline of a variety of cynical jokes, veganism is not a topic that comes without controversy. Mocked for being nothing for than ‘rabbit food’ or ‘the supermodel diet’, telling people about your choice to go vegan can often be faced with a lot of laughs. This was certainly the case for myself, when my health-consciousness decided that the best route to achieving total healthiness, was to adopt a vegan lifestyle. And a lifestyle it certainly is, as changes had to be made in areas that exceed just diet alone- although this is something I was perhaps not expecting.
For example, when dining out with a group of friends recently, as we regularly do, we visited a pizzeria, as, again, we regularly do. However, after we had ordered drinks and I proceeded to pick up the menu, it suddenly hit me that I was unable to eat a single item on offer. Pizza? Not when it’s covered in mozzarella. Pasta? Only without its lashings of parmesan. And I certainly could not even attempt to consider a dessert. Sure, once I had a conversation with the server and managed to have all non-vegan items removed from my order,
my friends and I had a rather enjoyable meal- although I did have to send back a plate of bread as it was unthoughtfully smothered in dairy butter. So, I personally prefer to dine at home whereby I can avoid the stress of my vegan choices being overlooked. With friends and family, it’s actually not that much easier. They forget that, no I cannot drink the coffee that has been made without a milk substitute, until it’s unfortunately too late and I have to go without my caffeine fix. However, do not take this as some penned complaint about living as a vegan; the benefits of doing so far outweigh the inconveniences it sometimes causes. A typical view stands that vegetarianism is accepted as an ethical preference, due to the fact that it eradicates the deliberate killing of animals. Whereas, in the collection of their milk and eggs, cows and chickens, do not necessarily come into real harm. Whilst this may be true, for me, the physiological advantages of eliminating meat and dairy make veganism a worthwhile
FOOD
challenge. Did you know that vegans are much less susceptible to problems such as cardiovascular disease and many types of cancer? Plus, the additional vitamins and antioxidants that are found in vegan substitutes make for strong nails, healthy hair and glowing skin- imagine waking up in the morning looking as if you just stepped off a catwalk (see, there is a reason they call it ‘supermodel diet’). Yet,
despite knowing that I am treating my body as I should, it can be difficult to resist the temptation
of a piece of chocolate or bacon sandwich. Although of course it can be
troublesome for people having to accommodate for others’ vegan habit, that is nothing compared to the self-determination we must have to put the packet of cheese biscuits back on the shelf. In fairness, stores and restaurants are beginning to make veganism more available and acceptable in Newcastle, with the opening of The Naked Deli in both Heaton and Gosforth. Additionally, quirky café Pulp Fiction, in Whitley Bay, is home to a vast selection of vegan-friendly juices and snacks. Such eateries are ideal for indulging your vegan self, however, I would like to see all coffeehouses making veganism more accessible. Therefore, this is a call for Newcastle restaurateurs to include tofu and soy on their daily specials blackboard. By Pippa Luisetti Gardelio
Adam Barnsley Article by Thushara Answers & Photos by Adam Barnsley
DM: With so much competition around, what do you think gives you that extra edge? A: The experience that I have with working within studio’s for big name clients such as End and Jaeger is the most valuable thing that I have had on my own. I’ve worked as an assistant photographer on sets for big campaigns for companies like Gala Bingo, CBBC, National Railway Museum, UniBet and more which gives me insight into how to conduct myself with new clients and also what its like in the industry. A lot of photographers in the region haven’t got that. DM: From the work we see here, what do you think it teaches the outside world about where Adam Barnsley is right now? A: I think I’m just starting to get my work noticed this last year, so i think I’m now at the point where I’m starting to produce a variety of different work for my portfolio. I think the outside world would see me as a versatile photographer if they looked at my portfolio. DM: Do you find that sometimes we can often underestimate the power of photography? I.e. it’s more than just a picture?
A: Yes, definitely. Photographs can tell stories, and capture brilliant moments. I think that a lot of people underestimate the work that sometime goes into a photograph and that it’s a lot more than just pressing the button. DM: What have you found have been the most beneficial platforms for showcasing your work? A: Social Media has been by far the best for my work. Instagram is the main one that has helped me reach people and has also given me work opportunities through it. It was how the editor of Soccer-bible saw my work before emailing me.
photography What I love most about the past few years is the amount of emerging talent from the creative world around us. We recently caught up with photographer Adam Barnsley to find out his experiences of being a young photographer within the North East. Darkus Magazine: Welcome Adam, tell us how you first got into photography? Adam: I first got into photography thanks to my dad, he always had camera’s when I was growing up and when we used to go on holiday I used to love using his camera to document my holidays abroad. This is what gave me my first passion for photography. DM: What memories do you have of the first picture you took and the first camera you owned? A: I first picture I can remember taking was at Beamish museum when I was a lot younger, and it was of a bird on one of the tramlines, I’m not too sure how close it was to my first photograph taken but it’s definitely the first one I can remember! The first camera that I owned myself was a Canon EOS 5000 film camera. I still have it now, it’s the camera I take in my bag if I’m going anywhere just in case I want to snap away. It’s such a good camera, and it helps that I’ve got all of my dad’s canon lenses which fit it as well. DM: Last Year (were writing as this is 2017) saw you undertake a number of projects including time spent with END Clothing, Jaeger as well as Kendal Calling. What did you enjoy most about those assignments?
A: Yeah, 2016 has been fantastic for me as I’ve got to work with some pretty cool clients. I enjoyed the different shoots for different reasons. I loved the Jaeger cookbook shoot as I had the chance to work with some brilliant models and some great stylists. The Kendal Calling was probably my favourite with NARC just because I was able to photograph some of my favourite bands such as Catfish & The Bottlemen and Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds. DM: What goals have you set to try and push and develop yourself this year? A: My goal is to just keep improving and to hopefully get more of my work published in different magazines within different genres, as 2016 saw my work published in Issue 7 of Soccerbible. DM: You have covered a number of genres when it comes to photography, have you got a particular favourite? A: I do love shooting music, I think that is my favourite at the minute. But it changes all of the time, I just love photography in general so it would be hard to say one that is a constant favourite. DM: For young up and coming people such as yourself how easy is it to get your work acknowledged? A: It can be quite hard at first. I think it just depends on what platforms you are using to showcase your work to people. If you’re doing enough work and showing it off enough it will get acknowledged eventually.
photography DM: With so much competition around, what do you think gives you that extra edge?
think the outside world would see me as a versatile photographer if they looked at my portfolio.
A: The experience that I have with working within studio’s for big name clients such as End and Jaeger is the most valuable thing that I have had on my own. I’ve worked as an assistant photographer on sets for big campaigns for companies like Gala Bingo, CBBC, National Railway Museum, UniBet and more which gives me insight into how to conduct myself with new clients and also what its like in the industry. A lot of photographers in the region haven’t got that.
DM: Do you find that sometimes we can often underestimate the power of photography? I.e. it’s more than just a picture?
DM: From the work we see here, what do you think it teaches the outside world about where Adam Barnsley is right now? A: I think I’m just starting to get my work noticed this last year, so i think I’m now at the point where I’m starting to produce a variety of different work for my portfolio. I
A: Yes, definitely. Photographs can tell stories, and capture brilliant moments. I think that a lot of people underestimate the work that sometime goes into a photograph and that it’s a lot more than just pressing the button. DM: What have you found have been the most beneficial platforms for showcasing your work? A: Social Media has been by far the best for my work. Instagram is the main one that has helped me reach people and has also given me work opportunities through it. It was how the editor of Soccer-bible saw my work before emailing me.
Lost In The Gardens Commentary by Thushara Photos By Greta Tuckute The key to being truly inspire I think for me personally is keeping up to date with the work of those fellow creatives who you cant help feel excited about each and every time we see their work. To keep this positive vibe going for this year’s 2017 collection, I felt therefore it was right to include some more work from my favourite Los Angeles based photographer, Greta Tuckute. Taken from her Lost In The Gardens project, the images you see here as you will agree are absolutely beautiful and stunning just like any of Greta’s work. I firmly believe that this will be a year that truly sees this inspirational and fantastic fellow creative and lovely friend achieve many amazing incred-
ible things. On behalf of Darkus, I wish you nothing but the very best!
“The idea behind the editorial is that our model Sanny, is wandering the gardens, with an ethereal vibe to the images, almost like a flower child or wood nymph. Very light and dreamy.” – Greta Tuckute
Credit Details: Model: Sanny Ry Make-up Artist: Inara Lopetaite Haistylist: Hair by Steven Buitrago Wardrobe Stylist: Horacio Aguilar
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dress - Miss June @missjuneparis Jewelry - Halo and Co. @haloandco
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tutu- Amanda McIntosh Bathing Suit- Shan @sanswimwear Ring and Earrings - Sambac @sambac_jewelry Pearls – Q Pot @qpotjapan_official
Dress – Marcell Von Berlin @marcellvonberlin Head Piece – Eva Design House @evandesignhouse Shoulder Piece – Amalia Mattaor Amaliamattaor.com @amalia_mattaor
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dress - Shefali @shefali_couture Hair Clip – Matsura Www.Matsuurausa.com Shoes - Femmes sans peur @fspworld Jewelry- Sambac @sambac_jewelry
VOXICAL
PHOTOGRAPHY
Having first featured her work a few years ago, I have always enjoyed seeing how photographer, Heather White a.k.a Voxical has continued to grow stronger in confidence. Fast forward to 2017 and it is safe to say she has taken her photography to new heights, whereby the work simply speaks for itself. Recently collaborating with a young and up and coming designer by the name of Nabz Ahmed and an equally amazing model, Teri Pereira having seen some of the results on social media, it felt only right that we invited Heather back to Darkus. The concept of the shoot as described by the designer was to photograph a garment that combined hand and digital print together and reflected some of the latest ideas within the fashion industry. Without a doubt, Voxical has beautifully captured this with results with are elegant yet still quite powerful.
PHOTOGRAPHY Photography: Heather White | Voxical Model: Teri May Pereira Designer: Nabz Ahmed