M MAY/JUNE ISSUE 1 MATTER MAGAZINE
Matter Magazine
THE
MATTER The newspaper\indie Hybrid Issue
THE THINGS THAT MATTER
May/June 2019
“A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN A&E NURSE.”
Matter Magazine
The newspaper\indie Hybrid Issue
May/June 2019
THE THINGS THAT MATTER
THE
MATTER Dear reader, welcome to the first ever issue of Matter magazine, at Matter we do our best to provide our readers with content that matters, not only to us but to you. You will find a range of, art culture and real stories about things that we believe matter in today’s society. Issue one has been named the hybrid issue, the magazine is intended to be a hybrid of an indie magazine and a newspaper. Therefore, throughout you may notice certain aspects of the magazine are inspired by both of these genres. So, keep an eye out for our layouts. This theme carry’s the idea that yes, indie magazines are amazing, and we all love to read creative material. However, some indie mags can get lost on the shelves as they look very similar. Creating a hybrid with style as classic as a newspaper layout, while keeping the creative flair of an independent magazine was our goal. Inside the pages are a range of interviews from real people on important subjects and work from young creatives. Thank you for taking the time to read our publication, now put your feet up, relax and happy reading. Jess, editor and creator.
may/june 2019
Matter Magazine
The newspaper\indie Hybrid Issue
May/June 2019
THE THINGS THAT MATTER
c
(3)
The importance of the NHS and an inspirational glimpse into a day in the life of an A&E nurse.
ontents
NHS
PARADISO RECORDS (9) With Mental Health Awareness Week beginning on the 13th of May, Eva, a 21-yearold student opens up about her own mental health.
MENTAL HEALTH (15) Young musical talent, Adam Rees (REES) speaks about the difficulty of starting a record label in a small town.
GRAPHIC DESIGN (21) Q&A with young creative and aspiring graphic designer Mia Angioy.
CRIME SERIES (27) Top ten crime series picks. Ranked in chronological order and all must-sees in our opinion!
Matter Magazine
The newspaper\indie Hybrid Issue
May/June 2019
THE THINGS THAT MATTER It is an averagely normal day, the alarm rings. You reach over to shut the damn thing up. You know you booked yourself a spin class this morning and your starting to regret. But you pull yourself up out of bed, shrug off the excuses not to go and get dressed. Even though spin is gruelling and let’s be honest you must be insane to actually enjoy it, finally its over. As you exhaustedly step down from the bike your foot gets caught on the pedal and you fall to the floor. After the initial shock of the fall, you cry out and grab your ankle in pain. You are quickly taken to the hospital. As you wait in the waiting room, anticipating a call from a doctor, nurse, anyone. Finally, after a half hour wait your name is called out. Sandra from spin class, wheels you in to the
we have an incredible National Health Service, that looks after our need’s day and night, no matter how major or minor the injury. Thanks to our beloved NHS, what actually happens when we have a fall in the gym, broken leg from playing football or an injured wrist from moving heavy boxes at work. We are rushed to the hospital, we do not have to pay for the ambulance, we do not have to pay for the check-up, and we do not have to pay for the treatment and care we receive. We are seen as quickly as possible by highly skilled doctors and nurses. We do not need to worry about where our purse or credit card may be hiding. All we have to worry about is ourselves and our health. If it wasn’t for the NHS, the outcome of how we are cared
consultation room but along the way, you are stopped by the receptionist. The receptionist insists you must pay for your check-up before you join the doctor in the consultation room and informs you that any treatment will have to be paid for before it is carried out. As much as an inconvenience it is, health care in this country is not free and never has been. You reach down into your jacket pocket to get your purse; you have a little rummage around. Then a big rummage around, frantically searching every inch of your pockets to find your desired purse, as it is vital you find it to pay for your treatment. Then the realisation sets in the sinking feeling hit you in the stomach and your mouth goes dry, your palms become sweaty. Your purse must have fallen out during the fall and you have no money or credit card to pay for your treatment. Can you imagine if that were the case? Slips and falls are one of the most common accidents to occur, at home, work or pretty much anywhere. Thankfully here in England,
for could be a completely different story. The NHS was launched in 1948 the same year that London hosted its second Olympic Games. Ever since it has been hailed one of the greatest things to happen to England… well, ever. Danny Boyle celebrates the greatness of the NHS in his breath-taking production at the 2012 London Olympic Games opening ceremony. The ceremony celebrated national pride and paid homage to the glory of Britain. The 27-million-pound ceremony tells the story of British history with the opening sequence showcasing our green land, through to the industrial revolution, the war and of course the National Health Service. The Great Ormand Street Hospital was at the centre of the ceremony. The NHS sequence featured nurses and doctors and children in hospital beds. There were special guests which included staff and patients of Great Ormond Street Hospital, the whole thing was mesmerising to behold. Thinking of the NHS, you think of major
A DAY IN
Matter Magazine
The newspaper\indie Hybrid Issue
May/June 2019
THE THINGS THAT MATTER triumphs, from the first-ever transplant in 1960, the contraceptive pill being introduced in 1961 and more recently the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2008. Thinking of these accomplishments, you may question, what would life be if it wasn’t for the NHS? Today, our National Health Service is under constant and endless pressures. Continuously featured in the news is the obstacles our fantastic health care professionals have to contend with. The NHS is understaffed, overused and underfunded. The NHS deals with over 1 million patients every 36 hours in England alone. Attendees are only increasing, and it is becoming a huge strain on NHS resources. Estimates from the NHS suggest that between 1.5 and 3 million people who come
line of our beloved and beleaguered NHS.” This is Going to Hurt was awarded ‘Book of The Year’ at The National Book Awards. Many medical professionals are speaking out about their experiences working for the NHS. As many speak out on just life is like on the NHS frontline, I got a first-hand insight into a day in the life of an NHS staff member, as I spoke to *Olivia, who is a full-time A&E nurse. Olivia’ finds the most interesting thing about working for the NHS is the variety of patients and clinical presentations. “It can range from major traumas such as road traffic collisions and stabbings to minor accidents at work and acute medical conditions, such as meningitis.” “It’s never nice to see anyone unwell or hurt, but it provides a
to A&E each year could have been seen in other parts of the urgent care system. It is not only in hospitals that this is an occurrence. Hoax calls to 999 are just as costly, frequent non-emergency callers are costing the NHS millions of pounds and possibly taking the place of someone who is in need of lifesaving treatment. NHS staff members are among the hardest working, professionals. This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor is a book by author Adam Kay who trained as a junior doctor from 20042010. The book is a non-fiction, collection of diary entries from his time working for the NHS. Adam doesn’t hold back when describing what life is like working on a hospital ward, in a wildly funny manner. Jonathan Ross reviewed the book and said, “I’d prescribe this book to anyone and everyone.” Jonathan described it as “Laughout-loud funny, heartbreakingly sad and gives you the lowdown on what it’s like to be holding it together while serving on the front
huge learning opportunity for me to learn about the different medical specialities. I just hope patients can seek comfort in the care provided for them at A&E.” Christine Watson was a nurse for twenty years has recently published a book, The Language of Kindness: A Nurses Story in May 2018. The book is an astounding description of acts of kindness and care that characterises the nursing profession. Olivia also talks about the little acts of kindness she wishes she could provide to more patients, as she says “I wish I had extra time to offer simpler acts of kindness. For example, patients can get very frustrated with us if we don’t make them a cup of tea. It isn’t always suitable to explain that we are trying to care for someone who is dying in the next cubicle.” Olivia jokes she isn’t a morning person and says aside from waking up at the crack of dawn, the most challenging part of the job, especially on A&E is that the attendances are generally increasing. “We are constantly
THE LIFE
of a nurse
“
" “I wish I had extra time to offer simpler acts of kindness. For example, patients can get very frustrated with us if we don’t make them a cup of tea.”
KINDNESS LONG HOURS WORK LIFE BALANCE
“ "It isn't always suitable to explain that we are trying to care for someone who is dying in the next cubicle.”
It is an averagely normal day, the alarm rings. You reach over to shut the damn thing up. You know you booked yourself a spin class this morning and your starting to regret. But you pull yourself up out of bed, shrug off the excuses not to go and get dressed. Even though spin is gruelling and let’s be honest you must be insane to actually enjoy it, finally its over. As you exhaustedly step down from the bike your foot gets caught on the pedal and you fall to the floor. After the initial shock of the fall, you cry out and grab your ankle in pain. You are quickly taken to the hospital. As you wait in the waiting room, anticipating a call from a doctor, nurse, anyone. Finally, after a half hour wait your name is called out. Sandra from spin class, wheels you in to the consultation room but along the way, you are stopped by the receptionist. The receptionist insists you must pay for your check-up before you join the doctor in the consultation room and informs you that any treatment will have to be paid for before it is carried out. As much as an inconvenience it is, health care in this country is not free and never has been. You reach down into your jacket pocket to get your purse; you have a little rummage around. Then a big rummage around, frantically searching every inch of your pockets to find your desired purse, as it is vital you find it to pay for your treatment. Then the realisation sets in the sinking feeling hit you in the stomach and your mouth goes dry, your palms become sweaty. Your purse must have fallen out during the fall and you have no money or credit card to pay for your treatment. Can you imagine if that were the case? Slips and falls are one of the most common accidents to occur, at home, work or pretty much anywhere. Thankfully here in England, we have an incredible National Health Service, that looks after our need’s day and night, no matter how major or minor the injury. Thanks to our
*The Nurses name has been changed to protect the nurse’s anonymity.
beloved NHS, what actually happens when we have a fall in the gym, broken leg from playing football or an injured wrist from moving heavy boxes at work. We are rushed to the hospital, we do not have to pay for the ambulance, we do not have to pay for the checkup, and we do not have to pay for the treatment and care we receive. We are seen as quickly as possible by highly skilled doctors and nurses. We do not need to worry about where our purse or credit card may be hiding. All we have to worry about is ourselves and our health. If it wasn’t for the NHS, the outcome of how we are cared for could be a completely different story. The NHS was launched in 1948 the same year that London hosted its second Olympic Games. Ever since it has been hailed one of the greatest things to happen to England…well, ever. Danny Boyle celebrates the greatness of the NHS in his breath-taking production at the 2012 London Olympic Games opening ceremony. The ceremony celebrated national pride and paid homage to the glory of Britain. The 27-million-pound ceremony tells the story of British history with the opening sequence showcasing our green land, through to the industrial revolution, the war and of course the National Health Service. The Great Ormand Street Hospital was at the centre of the ceremony. The NHS sequence featured nurses and doctors and children in hospital beds. There were special guests which included staff and patients of Great Ormond Street Hospital, the whole thing was mesmerising to behold. Thinking of the NHS, you think of major triumphs, from the first-ever transplant in 1960, the contraceptive pill being introduced in 1961 and more recently the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2008. Thinking of these accomplishments, you may question, what would life be if it wasn’t for the NHS? Today, our National Health Service is under constant and endless pressures.
P Matter Magazine
The newspaper\indie Hybrid Issue
May/June 2019
THE THINGS THAT MATTER
ARADISO
Growing up in a small town, it can be difficult to make a name for yourself. You’ve certainly got to have the passion and drive to make enough noise to get yourself noticed in such a big world. It’s not what you know it’s who you know, is a saying that is often used in reference to the music industry. But when all you have is sheer talent and ambition you have to find a way to make waves in an industry that’s extremely difficult to break. The North East seems to be brimming with musical talent. The local music scene has a special buzz for house and techno, with many big names playing gigs at some amazing venues in the northeast. Middlesbrough is home to one of the longest running house and techno nights Riffraff, which often plays host to many establis hed DJ’s from the likes of George Fitzgerald and Peggy Gou. One of Middlesbrough’s own up and coming DJ’s Adam Rees, otherwise known as REES has had an extremely impressive couple of months. Adam says he first developed a strong passion for music when he turned 18, four years ago. “I started going to a local event called Riffraff which was the first time I was exposed to proper underground music and it blew me away. This was enhanced even further with another local event called Shake, both these nights brought some of the biggest and best DJ’s in the world to our small local club. I’m now resident and play regularly at both these events so it’s really fulfilling to be able to play where it all started for me.” Not happy stopping there Adam plays many events across the northeast, has headlined his own show, played a gig on a boat in the middle of Lake Geneva and started his own record label Paradiso Records. Inspired by ‘proper selectors’ from the likes of Motor City Drum and Mall Grab, REES and Paradiso Records are marking their territory and only just getting started. Adam admits that it’s a much bigger task starting a business in a small town. “It’s an ongoing project always having something to do. It’s been a huge learning experience so far especially with having no business background or experience. REES describes his label as diverse and not limited to one genre. He says, “I regularly find myself writing up licensing contracts for my artists and managing online distribution, which as you can imagine is daunting at first, but I relish the opportunity. I have a very supportive group of friends and a strong online community who really helped push the label forward.” Paradiso is becoming increasingly popular as a band, generating some pretty impressive online content at paradisorecords.com, as well as producing some big tracks. With REES on the way to perfecting his craft, he explains what is next for himself and Paradiso records. “I’m so happy with how far myself and the label have progressed in this space of time. Label-wise I want the Paradiso brand to be recognised across the country, we’re hoping to do label shows across the UK
rees
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" I love finding undiscovered talent for my label, I think the first few releases have showcased people like that perfectly. I really wouldn’t be surprised if in the next 12 months one of them became a big name.”
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THE THINGS THAT MATTER
"HAVING MY OWN HEAD-LINE SHOW IS SOMeTHING I STILL FIND CRAZY.”
“
with the first one planned for March 23rd in Newcastle. By next year we hope to have a couple of vinyl records released too. I love finding undiscovered talent for my label, I think the first few releases have showcased people like that perfectly. I really wouldn’t be surprised if in the next 12 months one of them became a big name. But I, of course, want to feature my favourite artists too like DJ Boring or Folamour but I need to build toward that. I’ve spoken with a few big names who I’m hoping to receive demos off this year which will give us great credibility going forward. For my own music, an increase in size and frequency of headline shows is what I’m hoping for. Also, one of my targets is a place on a big festival, even a warmup slot.” So, the question on everyone’s mind, what’s in the pipeline for us to look forward to from REES and Paradiso? Adam says, “I have a track releasing in early April with a Berlin record label called ‘Ltd W/Lbl’, it’s part of a VA and will be released onto vinyl so I’m super excited for that. I’m also travelling over to Amsterdam in
March playing at Club Villa on Friday then I have a slot on Red Light Radio on Saturday, I’ve had several requests for international gigs this year so keep an eye out for those. But you can expect a lot of track released this year, I have about 3 full EP’s finished and countless other tracks all ranging from disco to breakbeat to rave waiting to go. I’m holding onto them until I find the right label, one could possibly be my own debut on Paradiso, but we’ll have to wait and see on that.”
Matter Magazine
E
*Eva is a 21-year-old student, who loves to listen to pop punk and socialise with friends. On her darker days, however, Eva suffers from depression and anxiety. Eva opens up about her intimidating relationship with her mental health. She talks about how her mental health controls her. “I have a very intimidating relationship with my mental health. When there is no active presence of an illness, I am a very happy individual. But my mental health controls me majorly. Despite my best attempts to stay in control.” Eva describes how often her friends are the ones who help her through the harder times in her life. “I have anxiety and depression and the way I deal with it is joking about it with good friends that understand what I’m going through.” If you have an accident
The newspaper\indie Hybrid Issue
May/June 2019
THE THINGS THAT MATTER and you break an arm, there would be no question that you need to be seen to by a doctor. You would be taken straight to the hospital for an x-ray. If you have a physical illness and you don’t feel well, a visit to your GP is essential in making sure you receive the right treatment. Mental health is equally as important as physical health. people suffering from mental illness is constantly increasing and it can feel very daunting to open up about your mental wellbeing. Eva says, although it can be scary, viewing mental health as a part of yourself doesn’t have to be a bad thing. “I think mental health takes up a lot of what people are, although It can be helpful to speak about them separately, so your mental health isn’t you. I think it’d be more helpful for me personally if people took my mental health as a part of me.” Often, statistics are thrown our way about mental health and the numbers online seem to be rising. The Mental Health Foundation, states that 50% of mental health problems are established by the age of 14 and 75% by the age of 24. Mental illness is affecting more and more people, especially from an early age. Although mental health is often established from an early age the Children’s Commissioner states that on average only 6% of the mental health budget is spent on children. If more of the mental health budget was spent on children, to identify illnesses and treat them from an early age this could help with prevention and teach people how to deal with mental illnesses in their adult years. Many people are campaigning to add mental health education to the mandatory school curriculum. Bobby Temps the creator of the Mental Podcast is running a petition on bringing mental health education to schools. There are
Eva opens up about her intimidating relationship with her mental health. Mental health awareness weekSecond monday of May, every year. 2019- 13th till the 19th of May. similar petitions that can be accessed on change.org from the likes of, Natasha Devon, MBE, Author and Activist, along with many others. The Mental Health Foundation shows that 70% of children and adolescents who experience mental health problems have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age. This is a huge number of children who are not getting the help they need. There is a need for identifying and treating mental health from a young age, but whether this needs to be mandatory in schools is unclear. Eva doesn’t think that bringing in mandatory mental health education will help
PHOTO CREDIT: JAY WATSON
MENTAL
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"I think it'd be more helpful for me personally if people took my mentalhealth as a part of me.”
HEALTH
*Name has been changed to protect the autonomy of the student.
ANXIETY DEPR ESSION I’M FINE
I’M OK
young people. Eva says, “personally, I don’t think that would help because the majority of adolescents today are presented with too much choice, they tell you in therapy classes not to read up on all the different types of mental health, especially if you have anxiety. So, teaching mental health as compulsory in schools could potentially create illnesses in students that would never have been there otherwise. A lot more students will selfdiagnose and that can be a slippery slope. Teaching it in colleges and sixth forms as an after school drop-in class may be something to look at, but what is taught and how it is taught should be highly considered. Young minds are very easy to persuade, and this can sometimes lead to people overthinking and misdiagnose. This can cause a fear around mental health.” The fact of the matter is, although there is more awareness of mental health than there ever has been. There is still a stigma attached to speaking about mental health. In my own personal experience, I feel that not enough of the mental health budget goes towards helping young people who are struggling. I know myself, visiting the GP does not always mean you are going to receive the help you need. Although this is not the case for everyone, I can only go off my own experience. I have been turned away from my doctors twice and I am given a leaflet and some website addresses and then, sent on my way. Let’s be honest, no one actually
"A lot more students will self-diagnose and that can be a slippery slope.”
"I am a very happy individual but my mental health controls me majorly.�
reads the leaflet or visits the websites. Doctors do an amazing job, but there needs to be more funding into mental health, especially for young people, as it is almost like help for mental health isn’t readily available until it’s too late. Therapy and counselling need to be made, more accessible. The stigma attached to mental health can make it hard for someone to open up about how they are feeling, there for more should be more done to guarantee doctors and health care professionals can facilitate a person opening up about their mental health. As many people do not feel confident enough to open up about mental health. A less conventional, easily accessible and kind of brilliant podcast to try for mental wellbeing is the Mental Podcast. Mental Podcast, which was created by Bobby Temps, had dedicated itself to combat the stigma around mental health. Each episode has a different theme based on mental health and also features interviews with mental health professionals or people who have suffered from mental illness. It is a great tool to get people talking about mental health. I found what makes it so credible is the hosts and creators, Bobby and Annie, have suffered for mental illness themselves so they truly understand what listeners might be going through and also that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it may not feel like it right now. If you would like to access the Mental Podcast visit www. mentalpodcast.co.uk. If you would like to take part in the petitions mentioned earlier visit, www.change.org.
MIA ANGIOY
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Other things I’m inspired by that influence mywork include music, social issues, people’s stories, the mind, and nature
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAPHIC MIA ANGIOY
MIA ANGIOY
DESIGN NGISED CIHPARG NGISED CIHPARG NGISED CIHPARG NGISED CIHPARG NGISED CIHPARG NGISED CIHPARG CIHPARG NGISED INSTAGRAM: @ANGIOYMIA
Q&A
Matter Magazine
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THE THINGS THAT MATTER JL: What do you love about graphic design? MA: I love how diverse it can be, it’s exciting how you can combine multiple forms to communicate one clear idea or emotion. My favourite part of graphic design is experimentation. Typography, photography, collage, and layout are some of my favourite elements of graphic design. JL: Can you tell me a bit about the graphic design work you have produced ? Your briefs and concepts? MA: For one brief I had to create a magazine cover which communicated the theme ‘body’. I took a less literal approach here. I wanted to create a piece of work that had depth, using a range of materials and layers to create a ‘body’ of imagery. Other things I’m inspired by that influence my work include music, social issues, people’s stories, the mind, and nature. I like to use abstract imagery and bright colours. I’m very interested in poster design too, and I love music, so I tend to gravitate towards that area of design a lot of the time. JL: Do you have a favourite piece of work or favourite collection you have produced? MA: Probably the ‘body’ work. It was for a module called ‘experimental processes for graphic design’, we had to design a cover and jacket for typographic magazine Baseline, so there was a lot of freedom to experiment on that brief.
“ I wanted to create a piece of work that had a sense of feeling, using a range of materials and layers to create a body of imagery. “
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“MUSIC”
“SOCIAL ISSUES”
“NATURE”
TOP TE CRI SER
N ME IES
1. 2.
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True Detective series one still remains one of my favourite crime series to date. Set in Louisiana in the year 2012, two detectives, Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson) are interviewed by state police as they revisit a murder case, they previously worked on in 1995. Many questions are raised as the Detectives narrate and unravel the story of the case. It is clear to see as the series goes on, life has taken its toll on Rust and been a little bit kinder to Martin as the two join forces for a second time to unveil what really happened with the solved, ritualistic murder of 95’. If you love twists and turns, then True Detective is the one for you. Matthew McConaughey plays arguably one of his best roles as troubled Rust Cohle. The relationship between the two detectives is tense as the differences between the two characters begin to surface. But their relationship can also be comedic at times. The 17-year gap, as the two are forced to reconcile hopefully to close the case once and for all. Shows that Detective partners have loyalty to one another especially over that one horrific case they just can’t shake. The two of them together is a match made in heaven along with the gripping and fascinatingly triumphant storyline. As the story unfolds between the multiple timelines it will have you hooked from the very first episode. The final episode is so intense it will have you shouting at your tv screen or hidden behind a pillow. It is beautifully thrilling and can be quite scary at times so maybe not one to watch alone.
2.FARGO SERIES 1
1.TRUE DETECTIVE SERIES 1
Fargo series one takes place mainly in 2006 and pursues a hitman, Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton), with his violent deceitful manner is out to manipulate a car sales man Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman). Lester takes a more sinister role than first appears and a series of murders take place throughout the city. Deputy Molly Solverson (Allison Tolman) raises suspicion that Lester is hiding a secret. Molly along with her leading officer Gus Grimly (Colin Hanks), tries to solve the horrific crimes committed. Every series of Fargo has rave reviews, each one is just as gripping as the last and all are linked as all signs lead back to Fargo. Fargo is one of many triumphant, trademark creations from the Coen Brothers and it is hard to generate any critic from this spectacular series. In particular series one is marvellous not only for the leading female role played by Allison Tolman, but its storyline will cater to your every crime series needs. All of you, crime-obsessed viewers out there will find yourself gripped, shaking and shocked but also laughing along to a crime series which may sound quite peculiar. The dark humour contrasts the chilling murder scenes charmingly, which makes Fargo a truly authentic, original true crime series.
3. 4.
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The Peaky blinders series looks into the dangerous life of the crime family, The Shelby’s, who sew razor blades into their flat caps and basically own the streets of Birmingham due to their brutal attitude. If you get in the way of a Shelby let’s just say you don’t stand a chance. The family go on to commit multiple crimes throughout the city as they go through many family ups and downs. Fortunately, razor blades in the 19th century were considered a luxury item and much too expensive to easily get hold of. This means thankfully unlike what the series, there were no gangsters walking around Birmingham in the 19th century with razor blades in their flat caps. There is much debate to whether the peaky blinders were a real-life gang. However, the Shelby family represents a lot of Birmingham’s real gangsters’ way back in the 19th century. Peaky Blinders is long running with five series and talks of a sixth and seventh. The show has been greeted with amazing response and it is clear to see why. It is a mix of action, love, crime and family affairs, what more could you want from a crime series? Series three was my least favourite of the five, there wasn’t as much action as the previous two. However, it picks back up in series four when Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) the head of the Shelby Family and the gangster that everyone answers to, realises his whole family could be in danger. Every series of peaky blinders is definitely worth a duvet day and a binge watch, the new series of peaky blinders will be released this year in 2019.
4.THE SINNER
3.PEAKY BLINDERS
The Sinner series one is the series explores why normal people, commit horrific crimes. Out of character for Cora Tannetti (Jessica Biel) she stabs a fellow beachgoer on a sunny day out with her husband and son, which starts the ongoing investigation throughout the series as to why this brutal event occurred. It is a unique take on a mystery series with the question “who done it?” being replaced with “why did they do it?” As it is not your traditional murder mystery the storyline is original, like no other crime series I have seen. Throughout not much is given away about what happened to drive Cora to murder but it all builds up to boiling point as you watch the mystery unfold in the final few episodes. It is probably one of the most intense and uncomfortably brilliant final scenes I’ve ever watched. All intensified by the disturbing, tragic and bittersweet mystery reveal. It is truly mind-blowing and will leave you wondering what you could possibly binge on next that will top what you have just watched. Although another series of the sinner was made, I personally feel that it did not live up to the first. Unsurprisingly as the first was so fantastic.
5. 6.
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Alice Webster was abducted as a child, now a young woman she returns to the town she was born and to her family. The family is torn by the return of Alice who is unsurprisingly not the same person as when she was taken. Two years later Detective Julien Baptiste reopens the search for another missing girl. Not to give too much away as this is one of the biggest and best twists, I’ve ever watched in a crime series, but all is not as it seems with Detective Baptise’ investigation. This is a phycological mystery that will have you guessing and questioning throughout. The acting is admirable, the actors portray natural emotion that rings true to a family in such a dreadful situation. Tcheky Karyo (Julien Baptise) plays a magnificent role as a detective torn between providing a family with their happiness or their truth. This series will have you rooting for the families happy ending, and in utter shock at the jaw-dropping twists and turns along the way.
6.BROAD ChURCH (SERIES 2)
5.the missing (SERIES 2)
Broadchurch is a superb British crime drama series. Series one is my favourite of the three series, however series one and two are linked as the fallout from series one runs over to two along with a re-opened case. Therefore, it is definitely worth giving series two a chance. The storyline is well-written, a young boy is murdered in a small, usually quiet coastal town. The mystery slowly unfolds as the town goes into a frenzy over the high-profile case, completely under the nation’s spotlight. David Tennant (Alec Hardy) and Olivia Colman (Ellie Miller), both incredible actors in my eyes play their roles as police perfectly, although Alec seems questionable in the first instance, Ellie soon warms to him. Series one is brilliant and thrilling, series two definitely has some interesting themes and is decidedly enjoyable, undeniably a true to a British investigation series.
7. 8.
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May/June 2019
THE THINGS THAT MATTER
Series one starts when a crime is reported at the station when pragmatic police sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) is the on-duty police officer. The series takes a dramatic twist as a staged kidnap goes horribly wrong, Sarah and her police force find themselves deep into a series of callous crimes in their rural, drug-troubled Yorkshire Valley. Sarah Lancashire gives an outstanding performance in these British police drama, as a strong lead role. Series two begins with Catherine finding the body of a prostitute, who has been killed and sexually assaulted, it doesn’t end there however, with many edgy discoveries along the way. It is clear to see that Catherine is the glue that holds everyone together, but series two turns everything on its head as it is closer to home than she ever could have imagined. The story picks up pace with a dramatic, tense climax. This series will have you praying for a happy ending for Catherine and her family.
9.THE FALL
7.happy valley
Based in Belfast and directed by Tarsem Singh, the fall is an intensely sinister crime thriller. This series sees the hunt for a serial killer who keeps his dark secret in concealment from everyone close to him. The storyline is gripping as you get to see Paul Spector’s double life. During the day a doting father and during the night, an evil, coldblooded killer. From the very start, the criminal is unveiled as Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan). Even though we know who the murderer is from the beginning the thrill comes from seeing if he can outrival Detective Gibson, while continuing with his creepy murderous, after dark pursuits. Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson), who takes the female lead role as a seemingly focused, cold and direct detective, takes on the case of hunting the brutal serialist. It is well-written, the murder scenes make it seem very realistic, it is well directed and acted out well by the cast. There are three series to sink your teeth into, but it will have you hooked from the very first episode.
9. Matter Magazine
The newspaper\indie Hybrid Issue
May/June 2019
THE THINGS THAT MATTER
Sherlock, a modern spin on a classic and for those of you that don’t know, some of the greatest murder mysteries ever wrote. Based on the duo Sherlock Homes, a private detective and wounded Afghan veteran Dr. John Watson. Watson moves into the same building of flats as Homes on Baker Street, the pair put aside their opposing personalities and form an unlikely friendship. They don’t always see eye to eye, as it is clear from the very first episode. Homes is an eccentric, curious character but together they make the perfect crime fighting due, as they go on to solve a series of cryptic crimes and murders, all the while being lured into a series of ambushes by the aloof villain and nemesis, Moriarty. Seeing the detectives using clever and complex strategies to solve and unravel each case, is fascinating to watch. You don’t have to be familiar with the original novels or the old series’ adaptations of Sherlock Homes, this is one for anyone and everyone to enjoy. As a murder mystery this modernised adaptation of the Conan Doyle novels, is a brilliant classic drama, while the modern twist keeps the series current.
8.SHERLOCK
Matter Magazine
The newspaper\indie Hybrid Issue
May/June 2019
THE THINGS THAT MATTER
10.RILLINGTON PLACE
10. Rillington place (2016) is a three-part drama based on serial killer John Christie and the murders of Rillington Place in west London during the 1940s and 50s. The sole fact this series is based on true, horrific crimes, makes for a more frightful watch. The details of Rillington place are truly grizzly and distressing, the makers illustrate this throughout. The interiors and lighting are as dark and oppressive as Christie’s crimes. The series though is captivating and gives an insight into what were beyond doubt horrible, evil crimes. Christie (Tim Roth) is portrayed just how you would expect a creepy, sadistic man. Christie manipulates and practically strangles his petrified wife who questions him over a blood stain on their mattress and when a young couple moves in upstairs you start to question what hope there is for any of them. A strong stomach is definitely needed to watch this series knowing that the events actually took place.
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PHOTO CREDIT: MIA ANGIOY